PITTSBURGH – Alcoa announced Wednesday it has begun to restart one line at its Tennessee Operations aluminum smelter. The line had been idled following a direct lightning strike in mid-April.
The potline, which produces 107,000 metric tons per year (mtpy), is expected to be fully operational by June 30, 2007.
Following the lightning strike, each of the 164 pots had to be dug out and repaired. The restart was expected to take several months, but was finished in seven weeks.
Alcoa has also reduced output at its Rockdale, Texas, aluminum smelter while refurbishing the anode of baking facilities. A line was temporarily cut due to lower production of quality anodes. A refurbished bake furnace was started, anode quality restored, and pots are being restarted. This restart is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter 2007.