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Workers at Anaconda Aluminum Company's primary aluminum smelter at Sebree, Ky., were back on the job December 1, after agreeing to a new 3-year contract. The old contract had expired November 15. On December 20, the Aluminum Company of America reportedly shut down a 42,000-ton-per-year potline at its Wenatchee, Wash., primary aluminum smelter and half of a 23,000-ton-per-year potline at its Vancouver, Wash., smelter as a result of a power cutback by the Bonneville Power Administration. A1 so in December, Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp. reduced overall power at its Mead and Tacoma, Mash,, smelters and shut down one of eight 27,500-ton-per-year potlines at Mead. Reported shutdowns for the firms since September have amounted to 76,000 tons for Alcoa and 50,000 tons for Kaiser. Alcan Aluminum Ltd. announced plans to double the generating capacity at its Kemano hydroelectric power plant in British Columbia to 1,916 megawatts. The additional power would be equal to that required of a primary aluminum smelter with an annual capacity of 567,000 tons.

Jan 1, 1980

Martin Marietta Aluminum, Inc. followed Howmet Aluminum Corp., Revere Copper and Brass, Inc. and Anaconda Co. in lifting August prices of 99.5 percent unalloyed aluminum ingot by 3 cents to 56 cents per pound. Prior to these moves, Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp. raised its June ingot listings by 4 cents to 57 cents and Consolidated Aluminum Corp., 4.5 cents to 57.5 cents. Domestic merchants increased July quotes by slightly more than 1 cent to 51.3-51.8 cents per pound. ARSENIC The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued new standards, effective August 1, for worker exposure to inorganic arsenic, a toxic substance linked by OSHA to lung and lymphatic cancer. The new standard will limit worker exposure to 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air over an 8-hour period, a drastic reduction from the previous standard of 500 micrograms for a like period. Implementation of the new standards may be the most difficult and costly for copper smelters where arsenic is associated with the copper feed material but problems will also be encountered by producers of arsenic containing products such as for pesticides and herbicides. The new standards allow use of personal protective gear for workers as an interim measure until plant engineering controls can be put into effect.

Jan 1, 1978

Several primary ingot producers have introduced price changes for July. Howmet Aluminum Corp., Revere Copper and Brass, Inc. and the Anaconda Co, will increase late-July prices of 99.5 percent unalloyed aluminum ingot by 3 cents to 56 cents per pound, Prior to this, Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp. had advanced June ingot values by 4 cents to 57 cents and Consolidated Aluminum Corp., 4.5 cents to 57.5 cents. Domestic merchants held June quotes at a range nearing 50-50.8 cents per pound. ANTIMONY Although NL Industries, since April of this year, stopped publishing prices for RMM and Lone Star antimony grade, values of domestically-refined antimony in alloy are being made available to industry, The current price of this material is $1.75 per pound of antimony contained in alloy, New York dealer-marketed metal was available in June at $1 -13-$1 .20 per pound. Important industrial uses of antimony are for flame retardants, storage batteries, chemicals, pigments, rubber, plastics, glass, ceramics and machinery.

Jan 1, 1978

The Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp. announced plans to raise June ingot prices by 4 cents to 57 cents per pound. Producers? April value for 99.5 percent unalloyed aluminum ingot was at 53 cents per pound. Domestic merchants last month were quoting the metal at 48-49 cents per pound. Primary aluminum producers began restarting production facilities following the settlement of the coal strike. Noranda Aluminum Inc. recalled workers to prepare potlines for production at its plant at New Madrid, Mo., which had closed February 14, 1978 due to the shortage of coal. Eastalco Aluminum Co. resumed full capacity production at its Frederick, Md. smelter where production had been cut by 30 percent. Anaconda Aluminum Co. resumed full capacity production at its Sebree, Ky. smelter.

Jan 1, 1978

Mitsui Aluminium Co. of Japan announced that it would finance 25 percent of the construction costs for the 217,000 ton-per-year primary aluminum smelter being built by Alumax, Inc. at Holly, SC. Mitsui would receive 25 percent of the plant's production in return. Construction on the smelter began early in 1978, and is scheduled to be completed in 1981. The Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) announced plans to restart a third potline at its Point Comfort, TX primary aluminum smelter in July. The company previously announced plans to restart two potlines at the facility in May. Reynolds Metals Co. began preparations to restart primary aluminum production in May in one of two 57,000 ton-per-year potlines at its Corpus Christi, TX smelter. The plant has been closed since 1975.

Jan 1, 1979

The Aluminum Company of America announced a temporary reduction of the operating rate at its primary aluminum plant at Palestine, TX where it is developing a new process to produce aluminum metal by electrolysis of aluminum chloride, Output will be reduced by half to about 7,500 tons per year while some improvements are being made on the chemical segment of the plant. The modifications were expected to take 3 to 4 years to complete. Alcan Alumininum Ltd., a major U.S. supplier of aluminum, reported declaration of force majeure on aluminum ingot shipment commitments following the shutdown of its primary aluminum plants at Arvida, Isle Maligne, and Beauharnois, Que. The shutdowns, which began early in June, resulted from management and labor differences.

Jan 1, 1979

On November 9, the Reynolds Metals Company cut production by 12 at its primary aluminum smelters at Troutdale, Oreg., and Longview, Wash., as a result of an earlier 25% power cutback by the Bonneville Power Administration due to lower than normal stream flow in September, the Aluminum Company of America had closed one potline at its Vancouver smelter because of the power cutback. Nearly 700 union workers at Anaconda Aluminum Company's primary aluminum smelter at Sebree, Ky., walked off the job when their contract expired or, November 15, after rejecting a proposed 3-year contract. The smelter has an annual capacity of 180,000 tons mid accounts for 50% of Anaconda's aluminum production. No talks are scheduled.

Jan 1, 1979

The Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) announced that the second unit at its experimental facility at Palestine, Tex. would begin production -in 1979, increasing the capacity of the facility to 30,000 tons per year. The plant uses an experimental process based on the electrolysis of aluminum chloride and reportedly uses 4 to 5 kilowatt hours per pound of aluminum produced, compared to an industry average of about 7 to 8 kilowatt hours per pound. Alcoa has reportedly signed a letter of intent with the Chinese government under which Alcoa will conduct feasibility studies on two new integrated aluminum projects and modernization of an existing aluminum plant. If the study results are favorable, Alcoa Engineers Inc. and the Import and Export Company of the Chinese Ministry of Metallurgical Industry could negotiate agreements to provide Alcoa technology and services for the projects.

Jan 1, 1979

Anaconda Aluminum Co. began production from a new 60,000-ton-per-year potline at Sebree, KY, which brings the total capacity of the plant to 180,000 tons per year. A strike by workers at Alcan Aluminium Corp. primary aluminum smelters at Arvida, Que., Isle Maligne, Que., and Beauharnois, Que. shut down the plants and the company announced force majeure on part of its ingot supply commitments. Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp. announced plans to increase its price for primary aluminum from 60.0 cents per pound to 63.0 cents per pound effective July 1.

Jan 1, 1979

According to industry representatives, U.S. producers were listing unalloyed 95.5 percent aluminum ingot in October at 53-57.5 cents per pound, but reportedly much is being priced at 53 cents. New York dealers raised their October positions by about 3 cents to 56-56.5 cents, mainly to cover spot supply shortages. London Metal Exchange 3-month forward contracts traded up in October from 52.3 to 57.3 cents per pound and closed at 56.4 cents. ASBESTOS The Jaquays Asbestos Corp. has announced the imminent closure of its mine and mill in Globe, Arizona. This is the last asbestos producer in the State having operated continuously, except during the early thirties, since 1914. Cost of compliance with environmental regulations was given as the reason for closure.

Jan 1, 1978

Entering June, U. S. producer pricing of 99.5 percent unalloyed aluminum ingot was divided at 53-57 cents per pound. The Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp. took the initiative and raised its June 1 ingot values by 4 cents to 57 cents. Consolidated Aluminum Corp. announced plans to increase ingot prices by 4.5 cents per pound to 57.5 cents per pound effective May 15. Dealers increased their May ingot quotes by 1.5-2 cents to 50-50.5 cents. CADMIUM While producers in the United States kept May cadmium at $2.25-$2.50, dealers increased their quotes by 15-30 cents to as high as $2.15.

Jan 1, 1978

On July 1, the Bonneville Power Administration announced a 25% power cutback because of lower than normal stream flow. In September, the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) announced plans to shut down one 23,000-ton-per-year potline at its Vancouver, Wash., primary aluminum smelter. Alcoa also announced that the last of four potlines at its Point Comfort, Tex., primary aluminum smelter would be restarted in October. A new 3-year contract was signed and workers at three Alcan Aluminum Ltd. primary aluminum smelters in Canada returned to work. It was estimated that it would take about 3 months before the smelters were operating at full capacity.

Jan 1, 1979

The London Metal Exchange began its first official session of aluminum trading on Monday, October 2, LME prices based on 3-month forward contracts opened Monday at 52.4 cents per pound, fell midway through the week to 52.3 cents and ended Friday at a high of 52.7 cents. For the week, LME metal averaged 52.5 cents. Although Reynolds Metals Co. and Aluminum Co. of American continued in September to value unalloyed 99.5 percent aluminum ingot at 53 cents per pound, other producers were at higher positions of 55-57 cents. Alcan Aluminum Corp. of Alcan Aluminum, Ltd., a Canadian producer, increased prices for its U.S.-marketed ingot by 2 cents to 55 cents per pound, effective September 21. New York merchants increased ingot quotes by approximately 0.5 cents to 52.8-53.5 cents per pound.

Jan 1, 1978

Since mid-July, most domestic producers have been marketing 99.5 percent unalloyed aluminum ingot at 53-57 cents per pound. Dealers in the United States have recently quoted ingot at 52.3-52.8 cents. On October 2, London Metal Exchange will trade aluminum, selling contracts on a cash and a 3-month basis. New York dealers were quoting August ingot at 52.3 52.8 cents. The Bonneville Power Administration announced that, effective December 20. 1978, electric power rates charged primary aluminum producers in the Pacific Northwest would be increased The increase (equivalent to about 4 cents per pound of aluminum produced) will raise the average rate to about 8.7 mills per kw-hr compared to 3.2 mills per kw-hr.

Jan 1, 1978

Dry weather since the third week in January has set back any prospects for an early increase in hydroelectric power in the Pacific Northwest, according to The Bonneville Power Administration. The 25% cutback made in July probably will not be restored in March or April. Noranda Aluminum, Inc., increased its price for 99.5% aluminum ingot from 66 cents to 70 cents per pound effective March 1, 1980. Revere Copper & Brass, Inc., also -increased its price for primary aluminum from 66.0 cents to 70.0 cents per pound effective February 1. Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp. raised its international price for 99.5% primary aluminum from 72.6 cents to 82.6 cents per pound, c. i. f., effective February 26 on new orders and on shipments from March 15.

Jan 1, 1980

On April 5, the potlines at Consolidated Aluminum Corp.'s 35,000 ton-per-year primary aluminum smelter at Lake Charles, La., were frozen when natural gas lines were accidently cut by a dredge. Full production is expected to resume in 3 to 4 months. Three primary aluminum producers announced plans to restore much of the idled capacity in the Pacific Northwest as a result of a special power allocation by the Bonneville Power Administration. Reynolds Metals Co. planned to bring a total of 40,800 tons per year of capacity back onstream at Troutdale, Oreg., and Longview, Wash. The Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) will restart half of a 23,500 ton-per-year potline at Vancouver, Wash. Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp. planned to restart a 27,500 ton-per-year potline at Mead, Wash., and to bring an additional 10,000 to 20,000 tons per year back onstream at Mead and Tacoma, Wash.

Jan 1, 1980

Since March 28, domestic producer prices on 99.5 percent aluminum ingot have been at 5l¢ per pound. Dealers in this same time frame have held ingot quotes at 49¢-50.5¢ per pound. COBALT: Imports from southern Africa in 1976 constituted 73 percent of total cobalt imports. Moreover, the United States is 98 percent dependent on imports of cobalt. For this reason, the Bureau of Mines is closely monitoring developments abroad to ensure an advance notice of any possibility of a shortfall in supply. Included in these imports were those from Zaire (41 percent directly from Zaire and 15 percent via Belgium-Luxembourg), Zambia (11 percent), and Botswana (6 percent). Also being closely watched are industry stocks.

Jan 1, 1977

During the period January 1, 1977 through July 31, 1977, 5 percent (264,000 tons) of U.S. capacity was closed due to power curtailments in the Pacific Northwest because of the shortage of water. During July, one plant in Tennessee cut production by 50,000 tons annually due to a power reduction by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Full capacity production was resumed at a West Virginia smelter during September. If demand for aluminum is strong it seems likely that aluminum supply during the remainder of 1977 and in 1978 will be tight. The price was increased 3¢ per pound to 51¢ per pound effective March 28, 1977, and by an additional 2¢ per pound to 53¢ per pound, effective July 5, 1977. New projects and expansion of existing facilities are planned by Australian aluminum companies over the next 2 to 3 years. The companies listed have committed themselves to spending approximately A$801 million: Alcoa of Australia Ltd. -New alumina plant at Wagerup, south of Perth. Darling Ranges bauxite is located near the proposed project. A$650 million. Coma 1 co Industries Pty. Ltd. -Increase bauxite mining capacity and upgrade or replace other facilities at its Weipa mines on Cape York Peninsula region of Northern Queensland. A$81 million. Alcan Australia Ltd. -Expansion program that will increase capacity of the Kurri Kurri aluminum smelter north of Sydney about 50 percent, and improvement of other facilities at the plant. A$70 million.

Jan 1, 1977

U.S. producers for more than 5 months have priced 99.5 percent primary aluminum ingot at 486 per pound. Sales by independent dealers in this same period reportedly declined by 0.5$-2.5$ to 43.50- 44.56 per pound. CADMIUM: U.S. producer-published cadmium prices for the last 5 months have been at $3 per pound. Dealer quotes in the same period fell by almost 504 and ranged from $2.45 to $2.55 per pound.

Jan 1, 1977

The Aluminum Co. of America raised its 99.5 percent unalloyed aluminum ingot selling price in March by 34 to 514 per pound. Other producers, including Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp. , Anaconda Aluminum Co. , and Reynolds Metals Co., followed Alcoa's lead, raising their quotes to 51$. In late March, domestic merchants quoted ingot at levels ranging between 49.56 and 50.50 per pound. BISMUTH: Several domes tic dealers lowered their bismuth prices in recent weeks by 50t-606 to within a range of $5.60-$5.75 per pound; producers continue to hold published prices at $7.50.

Jan 1, 1977