ALCAN

Alcan to re-start 60,000 tonnes of aluminium production

Alcan to re-start 60,000 tonnes of aluminium production in British Columbia

Montreal, Canada - Alcan Inc. (NYSE, TSE: AL) today announced that it will re-start 60,000 tonnes of idled aluminium production capacity at its Kitimat smelter in northern British Columbia, Canada bringing the production to 240,000 tonnes. The Company cited aluminium market conditions and an improved outlook for water levels in the Nechako Reservoir as reasons for restoring production.

Alcan had reduced its Kitimat smelter production in December 2000 and again in June 2001, from an annual production rate of 277,000 tonnes to 180,000 tonnes, in response to a critical water shortage in the Nechako Reservoir, which supplies water to Alcan's power generating station at nearby Kemano, B.C.

The re-start is scheduled to begin in August 2002.

Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in aluminium and specialty packaging with 2001 revenues of US$12.6 billion. With world-class operations in primary aluminium, fabricated aluminium as well as flexible and specialty packaging, Alcan is well positioned to meet and exceed its customers' needs for innovative solutions and service. Alcan employs 48,000 people and has operating facilities in 38 countries.

Media Contact: Marc Osborne +1-514-848-1342

Investor Contact: Jo-Ann Longworth +1-514-848-8368

14 jun 02 08:40