Alcoa in Profile: Suriname
With its 2.2 million metric-tons-per-year (mtpy) alumina refinery and 100 megawatt hydroelectric facility, Suriname Aluminum Company (Suralco) is the largest private employer and taxpayer in Suriname and a key supplier of alumina to Alcoa facilities and markets throughout the United States and Europe.
Alcoa's presence in Suriname-a South American country north of Brazil-extends back to 1916 with the formation of Surinaamsche Bauxite Maatschappij N.V. This early company that later would be renamed Suralco was solely engaged in the development, mining, and export of the country's bauxite resources until the late 1950s. Then, in 1958, the Brokopondo Agreement created a joint venture with the Suriname government to develop hydroelectric power on the Suriname River and a fully integrated aluminum industry in the country.
Today, Alcoa holds a 60% share of Suralco and manages the Afobaka hydroelectric facility and the Paranam refinery operations in Suriname. The refinery completed a 250,000 mtpy expansion in early 2005, six months ahead of schedule.
| By the Numbers: Alcoa in Suriname |
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One alumina refinery and one hydroelectric facility
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860 direct jobs and 1,117 contractor jobs
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2.2 million metric tons of alumina produced annually
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US$400 million in annual revenues
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37% of Suriname's exports
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15% of Suriname's gross domestic product
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US$177 million in annual expenditures
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US$400,000 in 2004 community investments
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| "Suralco is a low-cost operation in the western hemisphere that is strategically important to Alcoa in reaching the U.S. and European aluminum markets," said Warren Pedersen, managing director of Suralco. "For decades, we have carved out a reputation as a reliable supplier of raw material, and our country's immense bauxite reserves will ensure our work continues."
Community Extensions
Alcoa's involvement in Suriname extends into the community through grants and initiatives to help enhance the self-development of the country's citizens. Examples include developing markets outside Suriname for nuts harvested from the forests by the Trio Indians and woodcraft by the semi-indigenous Maroons. Through Alcoa Foundation and in partnership with EDUCONS (a local computer-based education and distance-learning foundation), Suralco has installed computer/internet centers in remote parts of Suriname. These centers, several of which are solar powered and connected via satellite technology, have brought new life to these communities and hope for the local children to have an education comparable to their peers living in cities.
For more information on Alcoa's presence in Suriname, visit the Suriname country page on www.alcoa.com.
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Suralco Sustainability Report
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