MONTREAL, Canada, June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Anglesey Aluminium Metal Ltd. (AAM), U.K., 51 percent owned by Rio Tinto Alcan, suffered a significant failure in the rectifier yard on the evening of June 12 that resulted in a localised fire in one of the power transformers. The fire was extinguished by the local fire brigade.
"Safety of our employees is our first priority and we are grateful that there were no injuries or environmental impacts to the surrounding community as a result of the incident," said David Bloor, Managing Director of Anglesey Aluminium Metal Ltd.
The incident resulted in a loss of power across the smelter and employees are working to restore operational stability.
Due to safety and operational reasons, some capacity has been taken off line. The smelter is currently operating at one third of its total capacity of 148,000 tonnes.
The incident and overall impact is under investigation. Once the situation has stabilized operational alternatives will be evaluated.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.
For further information: Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations: Stefano Bertolli, +1-(514)-848-8151, stefano.bertolli@riotinto.com; Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations, Primary Metal, Europe: Martin Charron, +33-06-19-62-47-49, martin.charron@riotinto.com; http://www.riotinto.com/riotintoalcan
