Noranda: No timeline on restoring full production after circuit failure

NEW MADRID, Mo. ­-- Production at Noranda's aluminum smelter remains reduced as officials assess the cause of an electrical circuit failure.

Shortly after 1 p.m. Thursday, the electrical supply circuit failed, Noranda officials said.

Although no serious injuries were reported, the failure reportedly idled two of the plant's three pot lines.

"Noranda is assessing the incident to determine its root cause. The third pot line was not directly affected, and production in that line has continued," a news release from the company said.

Company officials said its flat-rolled products business sources metal from a portfolio of suppliers that should provide enough aluminum to meet customer commitments for flat-rolled products.

The company is evaluating its ability to meet customer commitments for its primary aluminum value-added products, officials said.

The company has not reported a timeline for resuming production in the two idled pot lines and is taking steps to move to a one-pot-line operation and adjust staffing and other activities to match the lower level of production, the release stated.

Noranda also is reviewing the effect on alumina production at its refinery in Gramercy, Louisiana, and its bauxite mining operation in St. Ann, Jamaica.

No estimates are

available about the financial effect of the circuit failure.

Company officials said they anticipate a substantial portion of costs and damages resulting from the incident will be covered by property and business-interruption insurance.