Australian updates on aluminum operations

Alreco Private Limited, MHM Metals’ wholly owned operating subsidiary for the Australian aluminum operations has been granted planning approval to commence construction of salt evaporation ponds in Moolap of Victoria. Construction of the ponds is expected to commence by March 11th 2011 and take up to four weeks to complete. Commissioning of the closed loop salt slag facility will commence immediately after completion of the ponds.

MHM requires the use of evaporation ponds to enable closed loop salt cake recycling. The ponds will be used for an initial period to be followed by installation of an instant salt crystallization system. This system will recover over 120 million liters of water each year from the Geelong operations. Instant salt crystallization systems also enable MHM to establish salt slag processing facilities at sites where solar evaporation is not viable.

MHM’s operations at Moolap are proceeding to high levels of satisfaction but will be improved further when salt ponds are constructed. Large sections of the upgraded processing plant in Geelong have been commissioned and these operations have exceeded expectations.