Smelter begins production

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32589, 24 April 1971, Page 2

Smelter begins production

(New Zealand Press Association) ' . WELLINGTON, April 23. Production of aluminium has begun at the smelter of New Zealand Aluminium Smelters, Ltd, at Bluff. The first furnace was fed alumina (aluminium oxide) this morning and was now converting it into aluminium at about a ton a day, said a statement from the company today.

During the next fev days, five more furnace will be started, and it it expected that anothei six will begin productoi in May. The general-managei (operations) of the company (Mr J. L. Merrett) said that the commissioning of the first furnace had gone smoothly. Before July 1, workers would be trained in all aspects of the reduction process, with particular emphasis on safety practices, Mr Merrett said. The metal produced would be of commercial quality and would be cast in ingot form for sale by the participants, Comalco, Ltd, Showa Denko KJC. and Sumitomo Chemical Company, Ltd. Comalco will market its share of production in New Zealand and in export markets. MORE SOON From July, the remaining furnaces will be commissioned progressively so that within a few months, the smelter will be producing aluminium at an annual rate of 73,000 tons. At that stage, more than 200 furnaces will be in use 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An expansion programme, to lift capacity to 110,000 tons a year by the second quarter of 1972, is already well under way. The production of first aluminium at the Bluff smelter had occurred less than two years after construction of the smelter began, in July, 1969, said Mr Merrett More than 1000 men are now employed in building the plant which will have cost s9sm by the time its capacity reaches 110,000 tons a year. By September of this year more than 600 people will be on the smelter’s permanent payroll, and more that 100 others will be recruited before the middle of 1972. “LANDMARK" The beginning of aluminium production from the Bluff smelter .was a notable landmark inNew Zealand’s industrial development, said the Acting Prime Minister (Mr Marshall) today. “The industry has got away to a good start with the first production on schedule,” Mr Marshall said. “The production of aluminium in New Zealand will not only earn substantial overseas funds but will be the basis for considerable industrial development within New Zealand. “I congratulate New Zealand Aluminium Smelters and wish the company continuing success in the interest Of New Zealand.”