Frank Mueller, the general manager of Vimetco group, the ownerof Alro Slatina (ALR), says the return of the domestic aluminiumcomplex to the production level posted ahead of the crisis at thismoment depends only on its finding a new cheap energy source suchas the one recently contracted from Hidroelectrica.
Alro has since late 2008 worked at 75% of capacity, after havingclosed part of aluminium primary production and so far around 1,400people who worked at the complex have lost their jobs.
While international aluminium prices climbed by 48% in the firsthalf, to an average level of 2,160 dollars and aluminium demand hasalso increased, Alro is still working at 75% of capacity, as itcannot find cheap energy on the market.
"Our working at full capacity depends on Hidroelectrica. We'realready agreed for them to deliver 3 TWh to us allowing us toproduce 206,000 tonnes of aluminium a year. We've also agreed onthe possibility of expanding deliveries to 4 TWh in the sameconditions, provided Hidroelectrica should have the energyavailable," says Frank Mueller.
According to him, should Hidroelectrica decide to supply theadditional energy, the complex would reach the ahead-of-the-crisisproduction level, namely 265,000 tonnes, and rehire part oflaid-off employees.
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