Alunorte has appealed the decision rendered by the 9th Federal Court of Justice in Pará, Brazil, on alleged contamination of the Pará River after heavy rains in Barcarena in April 2009. In its ruling, the court ordered Alunorte to pay a R$100 million fine.

Alunorte strongly denies that the 2009 rainfall event resulted in pollution of the Pará River. During the proceedings, Alunorte provided technical evidence to the court demonstrating that there was no damage caused to the Pará river by the rainfall event. Alunorte’s activities in the Barcarena region are duly licensed, and operations at the plant is monitored and audited by relevant authorities. 

Hydro and Alunorte continually invest in technology and operational improvements throughout the production process, complying with strict environmental controls and current and applicable legislations. Among these improvements, Alunorte is the first refinery in Brazil to implement the most modern filter press technology, which results in bauxite waste with around 78 percent solid content, in addition to the expansion of the effluent treatment system.

Hydro and Alunorte are committed to being good neighbours, continually investing in social initiatives, aiming at the sustainable development of communities in Barcarena and in other cities in Pará where Hydro has activities.