Press Releases April 23, 2026 04:05 PM

Century Aluminum resumes production at Grundartangi ahead of schedule

Century Aluminum restarts production early at Grundartangi smelter, boosting capacity

By Priya Menon CENX
Century Aluminum resumes production at Grundartangi ahead of schedule
CENX

Century Aluminum Company resumed production on the second potline of its Grundartangi smelter in Iceland several months ahead of schedule. This potline comprises about two-thirds of the plant's capacity. Repairs to transformers were successfully completed, enabling the accelerated restart, with near full production expected by the end of July. Permanent replacement transformers are on order for installation this fall. This restart bolsters Century Aluminum's production capacity and commitment to customer demand fulfillment.

Key Points

  • Century Aluminum restarted production early at its Grundartangi smelter's second potline, which accounts for roughly two-thirds of plant capacity.
  • Transformer repairs completed successfully after an unanticipated failure, enabling accelerated resumption of operations.
  • The firm expects to reach near full production by end of July, enhancing supply capabilities and supporting market demand.
  • Impacted sectors include the aluminum industry, broader metals and mining sector, and related manufacturing and construction markets reliant on aluminum supply.

CHICAGO, April 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Century Aluminum Company (NASDAQ: CENX) restarted production this week in the second potline at its Norðurál smelter in Grundartangi, Iceland, several months earlier than planned.

Employees energized the first pots in Grundartangi’s second potline and will continue restarting the remaining pots on an accelerated schedule to reach close to full production by the end of July. Potline two represents about two-thirds of the plant’s total capacity. The restart comes after specialists, collaborating with the designers and the manufacturer of the equipment, made repairs to the transformers following an unanticipated failure. Permanent replacement transformers have been ordered and will be installed upon expected delivery this fall.

“We’re proud of our Grundartangi team, who worked tirelessly to resume production under difficult circumstances,” said Jesse Gary, President and CEO of Century Aluminum. “The team demonstrated resolve and resilience in undertaking repairs to resume production faster. Coupled with our recent production expansion at Mt. Holly, Grundartangi’s restart reinforces Century’s commitment to meeting our customers’ needs with the urgency the marketplace demands.”

About Century Aluminum Company

With its corporate headquarters located in Chicago, IL, Century Aluminum owns and operates primary aluminum smelting facilities in the United States and Iceland and is the majority owner and managing partner of the Jamalco alumina refinery in Jamaica. Visit www.centuryaluminum.com for more information.

Investors: Chad Rigg, 312.696.3132, [email protected]
Media: Tawn Earnest, 614.698.6351, [email protected]


Risks

  • Potential delays or complications in delivery and installation of permanent replacement transformers expected in fall.
  • Market risks related to aluminum price volatility which can affect profitability despite production increases.
  • Operational risks remain if further equipment failures or unforeseen maintenance issues arise, potentially impacting production continuity.

More from Press Releases

Fiverr Announces First Quarter 2026 Results Apr 29, 2026 Nayax to Report 2026 Q1 Earnings on May 12, 2026 Apr 28, 2026 Xunlei Filed Its Annual Report on Form 20-F for Fiscal Year 2025 Apr 28, 2026 Mesoblast Achieves Patient Recruitment Target in Pivotal Phase 3 Trial for Chronic Low Back Pain Apr 28, 2026 Syntec Optics (Nasdaq: OPTX) Announces Pricing of $20 Million Underwritten Public Offering of Common Stock Apr 28, 2026