BHP Billiton plans $1.9 bn expansion
BHP Billiton Ltd. has approved a US$1.9 billion (euro1.2 billion) expansion project for an alumina refinery in Western Australia, the company said on Thursday.
By Agencies |
SYDNEY: BHP Billiton Ltd. has approved a US$1.9 billion (euro1.2 billion) expansion project for an alumina refinery in Western Australia, the company said on Thursday.
The expansion will raise annual capacity at the Worsley Alumina refinery to 4.6 million metric tons from 3.5 million metric tons, by expanding mining operations, adding refinery capacity and upgrading port facilities.
Construction will start immediately. First production from the expansion is expected in the first half of 2011.
BHP Billiton shares rose 1.5 per cent Thursday to close at A$42.90.
``Worsley is one of the largest, lowest cost and most efficient alumina refineries in the world. This decision to invest in further production capacity underlines our confidence in the future of the alumina market,'' said BHP Billiton Aluminium President Jon Dudas.
BHP holds 86 percent in the Worsley joint venture, with Japan Alumina Associates Pty. Ltd. holding another 10 per cent and Sojitz Alumina Pty. Ltd. the remaining 4 per cent.
BHP Billiton, which is listed on the Australian and British stock exchanges, employs some 35,000 people in 20 countries around the world. The company was formed by the 2001 merger of Australia's BHP and British-based Billiton.
The expansion will raise annual capacity at the Worsley Alumina refinery to 4.6 million metric tons from 3.5 million metric tons, by expanding mining operations, adding refinery capacity and upgrading port facilities.
Construction will start immediately. First production from the expansion is expected in the first half of 2011.
BHP Billiton shares rose 1.5 per cent Thursday to close at A$42.90.
``Worsley is one of the largest, lowest cost and most efficient alumina refineries in the world. This decision to invest in further production capacity underlines our confidence in the future of the alumina market,'' said BHP Billiton Aluminium President Jon Dudas.
BHP holds 86 percent in the Worsley joint venture, with Japan Alumina Associates Pty. Ltd. holding another 10 per cent and Sojitz Alumina Pty. Ltd. the remaining 4 per cent.
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BHP Billiton, which is listed on the Australian and British stock exchanges, employs some 35,000 people in 20 countries around the world. The company was formed by the 2001 merger of Australia's BHP and British-based Billiton.
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