Beginning in August, Alcan will boost annual production at its Kitimat aluminum smelter in northern British Columbia by 60,000 tonnes, to 240,000 tonnes.
The move is possible because of higher water levels in the nearby Nechako Reservoir, which will allow more electricity to be fed to the smelter.
In 2000 and 2001, a critical water shortage forced Alcan to slash output at Kitimat.
Last year, the company earned only US$5 million on sales of $12.6 billion — a reflection both of the slumping economy and a worldwide glut of aluminum, which drove down prices. Profits rebounded to $135 million in the first quarter of 2002, aided by the recovery of the U.S. economy.
Demand for aluminum (largely from Asia) is expected to grow by 4% this year.
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