Wednesday 01 October 2008
Ausmelt suspends zinc smelter operations
AUSMELT is suspending operations at its Whyalla smelter, and putting it into care and maintenance.
According to the company, the Whyalla operation was no longer economically viable, because zinc prices had fallen, while the coal fuelling the facility had become more expensive.
The continuing maintenance problems with the equipment did not help matters, even though the smelter owner claims to have resolved most of them.
The company says it may be able to reopen the plant in the future. In the meanwhile, it is exploring alternative uses for the plant.
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