Damage estimate still underway at Noranda

MARSTON, Missouri -- Officials are continuing to assess the damage from the Aug. 4 molten metal explosion that caused heavy damage to Noranda Aluminum Co.'s cast house.

Company spokesman Mark Christian said the explosion did not damage the smelter or the new redraw rod mill under construction at the plant, which employs about 900 people.

"Excluding our production of extrusion billet, all other production has returned to normal," Christian said.

The plant produces about 91,000 metric tons of billet annually.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has reported 33 employees were injured by the explosion. One was treated for smoke inhalation, 32 for eye and throat irritation and some for ringing of the ears.

Christian said all employees treated for injuries earlier this month have returned to work.

The Noranda New Madrid smelter is one of only eight aluminum smelters in the United States.

The plant, in the St. Jude Industrial Park between New Madrid, Missouri, and Marston along the Mississippi River, produces about 263,000 metric tons of primary aluminum annually, roughly 15 percent of all U.S. aluminum production.