NLIS 2
October 23, 2001
(Industry, Trade and Rural Development)
(Mines and Energy)

 

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Alcoa extend completion date 
for feasibility study on the Lower Churchill Hydro Project

Deputy Premier Beaton Tulk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, and Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Mines and Energy, and Alan C. Renken, Vice-President of Alcoa and President Primary Metals announced today that they have agreed to extended the completion date to November 30 for the joint feasibility review study to develop the Lower Churchill Hydro Project and possibly establish an aluminum production facility or facilities in the province.

Alcoa requested an extension to ensure a thorough assessment and understanding of issues related to this initiative. Mr. Renken said that Alcoa has launched an intensive review and "so far we are very encouraged by our findings, however, we need to refine our analysis further before taking a decision to request the government to enter into substantive negotiations."

The feasibility review is being undertaken in accordance with the terms announced on July 26.  Alcoa, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro are undertaking a joint review of the feasibility of developing the Lower Churchill Hydro Project to provide hydroelectricity to a potential aluminum smelter or smelters on the island or in Labrador.

Media contact: 

          Industry Trade and Rural Development
          Josephine Cheeseman
          (709) 729-4570

          Mines and Energy
          Tara Laing
          (709) 729-4890

          Alcoa North East Region � Canada
          Sylvie Gendreau
          (514) 287-9407

          Alcoa
          Joyce A. Saltzman
          (412) 553-4467

2001 10 23                       2:25 p.m.


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