Alcoa says production suspended at part of Ma'aden smelter

Aluminum producer Alcoa Inc said on Wednesday that the smelter at Ma'aden, Saudi Arabia, which is in its start-up phase, has temporarily stopped production on one of two potlines.

The company said the potline was shut down "after a period of pot instability." It does not expect any impact on customers.

Ma'aden, a massive new facility, is run by a joint venture between Alcoa and Saudi Arabian Mining Co.