Qatalum has decided to maintain aluminium production at 60% capacity.
The decision comes after 3 March, when Hydro announced a controlled shutdown of aluminium production at its joint venture Qatalum in Qatar.
Following confirmation from Qatalum’s gas supplier that it will maintain supply at reduced levels, Qatalum has decided to halt further curtailment and maintain aluminium production at around 60% capacity.
The controlled shutdown of aluminium production at Qatalum was initiated after gas supplier QatarEnergy informed the company of a forthcoming suspension of gas supply due to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The curtailment has been carried out in a safe and controlled manner. With continuing operation at around 60%, this improves conditions for a future restart.
It is not known when a full restart will commence.
On 2 March, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that the Strait of Hormuz was closed and shipping remains disrupted.
Hydro is working to mitigate the consequences of the curtailment and shipping disruptions. The safety of Qatalum employees remains the highest priority.
Qatalum is a 50/50 joint venture owned by Hydro and Qatar Aluminium Manufacturing Company Q.P.S.C. (QAMCO).
