Los Pijiguaos

Production increased 42% in comparison with the same period in 2005, this caused by operative improvements in the productive process. In 2005, the company stabilized equipment and parts supplies to both its plants and the mines, avoiding production shutdowns.

1.92 million tonnes of Alumina were produced above the 1.90 million tonnes in 2004. This volume was accomplished despite a shutdown of almost two months at the bauxite conveyor belt. During the third quarter 2005, 1,500,190 tonnes of Bauxite were produced, reaching 67% of planned production; the main cause for this difference were operative problems, specifically in the crushing area, as a result of the derailment of the slope-down belt. Respect to Alumina production, 484,313 tonnes were produced, reaching 98% of planned production.

580,838 tonnes of bauxite were produced; reaching 55% of the planned production, this significant difference was due to derailment of the slope-down belt. Alumina production was 480,375 tonnes, 97% of the planned production for this period, affected mainly by low productivity in the precipitation circuit and failures on mills. During the first quarter 2005, 781,421 tonnes of bauxite were produced, reaching 89% of the planned production for this period, due to failures and changes in ore operation equipment. Alumina production reached 477,431 tonnes, representing 96% of the planned production, affected mainly by stops on roasters 1, 2 and 101 for completing pending works as part of the extension project.