19th Dec 2005 11:03
BHP Billiton PLC19 December 2005 NEWS RELEASERelease Time IMMEDIATEDate 19 December 2005Number 51/05 BHP BILLITON APPROVES ALUMAR REFINERY EXPANSION BHP Billiton today announced approval of the Alumar Alumina Refinery expansionproject in Brazil. The project will increase annual alumina production capacityby 2 million tonnes to 3.5 million tonnes per annum (100% basis), at a cost ofUS$518 million (BHP Billiton share). Commissioning is expected to be completedin mid calendar year 2008, and ramp up to steady state production will takeplace in subsequent months. BHP Billiton's President Aluminium, Alex Vanselow, said: "This expansion isconsistent with our strategy of focused investment in high quality and low costalumina capacity. The expansion enhances BHP Billiton's long alumina position,enabling us to meet increasing market demand for alumina." The expansion project will include upgrades to the existing production unit andduplication of the upgraded line. BHP Billiton has a 36% interest in the Alumar Refinery, the remaining interestis held by Alcoa affiliates 54% (operator) and Alcan 10%. Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site: http://www.bhpbilliton.com Australia United KingdomJane Belcher, Investor Relations Mark Lidiard, Investor & Media RelationsTel: +61 3 9609 3952 Mobile: +61 417 031 653 Tel: +44 20 7802 4156 Mobile: +44 7769 934 942email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Samantha Evans, Media Relations Ariane Gentil, Media RelationsTel: +61 3 9609 2898 Mobile: +61 400 693 915 Tel: +44 20 7802 4177 Mobile: +44 78 81 51 8715email: [email protected] email: [email protected] United States South AfricaTracey Whitehead, Investor & Media Relations Alison Gilbert, Investor Relations Tel: US +1 713 599 6100 or UK +44 20 7802 4031 Tel: SA +27 11 376 2121 or UK +44 20 7802 4183Mobile: +44 7917 648 093 email: [email protected]: [email protected] This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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