Hydro confirms no leakage from Alunorte alumina refinery

Norwegian aluminium company Norsk Hydro has confirmed that there has been no leakage or rupture of the bauxite residue deposits from its alumina refinery following reports of leakage and water contamination affecting communities in Barcarena.

The plant, the world’s largest alumina refinery, is operating as normal, despite rainfall in the region last week. Alunorte alumina refinery produces 5.8 million tonnes of alumina per year.

“The alumina production at the refinery has not been impacted, and internal and external inspections have not found proof of overflow and leakage from the bauxite residue deposits at Hydro Alunorte, Hydro said. “The water has been collected, channeled and treated in the industrial effluent treatment station as normal.”

The technical studies were performed by the Secretary of State for Environment and Sustainability (Semas), Municipal Secretary of Environment and Economic Development of Barcarena (Semade), Municipal Secretary of Environment of Abaetetuba (Semea), Civil Defense, the local fire brigade of Barcarena, Ibama, Evandro Chagas Institute and Renato Chaves Science Center.