Icelandic aluminium plant expansion vetoed

Plans to expand an Alcan aluminium plant at Straumsvik, Iceland, were dashed on Saturday when residents narrowly voted against the project in a binding referendum.  The development, which has been very controversial, would have increased the smelter’s capacity from 178,000 tonnes to 460,000 tonnes per year.  Its rejection means that three hydroelectric plants, which were going to provide power for the expansion, have now been put on hold until a buyer for the energy can be found.  See Alcan, tel: +354 560 7000.

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