Mozal Mulls to Expand Smelting Capacity to annual 800,000 tonnes
BHP Billiton leading joint aluminium smelter, Mozal of Mozambique is considering expansion of annual output capacity to around 800,000 tonnes per year by building a new smelting line for around $500 million.

Mozal started operation with 250,000 tonnes of annual capacity in October 2000. The smelter finished expansion to around 540,000 tonnes in April 2003. The firm operates at full capacity after it started additional capacity in August 2003.

BHP Billiton has 47% of the joint venture. Mitsubishi Corporation has 25% of the interests, Industrial Development Crop of South Africa has 24% and Mozambique government has 4%.

The new expansion needs another silo and other facilities though the smelter finished basic infrastructure working at former expansion. Nonferrous metals division of Mitsubishi Corp. said the firm would consider investment for the new expansion depending on situation including world demand for primary aluminium.