Washington magnesium smelter restart comes closer to reality with better market conditions

What has been cited as the due diligence process, Alcoa Incorporated (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is visiting the possibility of reopening its Addy, Washington, magnesium smelter.

The smelter was idled in 2001 because of raw material costs, the cost of primary magnesium and the high cost of power, as well as a weak market.

The plant produced approximately 30,000 tons per year of magnesium, with the capacity of 45,000 tons per year.

That total is expected to be reached when -- and if -- the plant is restarted.