The company reported a profit of US$44M compared to a profit of US$4M from the same period a year ago.Alumina production was up to 7.4Mt from 6.4Mt from the same period last year and 7.1Mt in H2 2009.
The Australian refineries operated at full capacity. Production at its Point Comfort and Suralco refineries was increased to meet customer demand and to cover ramp up issues at its Brazilian operations.Its Alumar refinery in Brazil experienced two power outages and equipment commissioning issues.
The refinery averaged production of 6kt/day for the first half. Production is expected to ramp up to 9.2kt/day by year end.
Overall full year production is expected to be between 15.3 and 15.6Mt of alumina.
Alumina Limited CEO, John Bevan said: “We expect the financial performance of the operations in Brazil to improve progressively over the coming periods.
“Global alumina demand is forecast to grow at 12% for 2010 and pricing has improved. The industry trend toward shorter and spot contracts for alumina has continued and the third party market for alumina sales to non-integrated aluminium producers continues to grow.
"We see this providing continued momentum for index based pricing of alumina.”