Century Aluminum Co. announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Century Anodes B.V., entered into a definitive agreement to purchase substantially all of the assets of the anode production facility of the former Zeeland Aluminum Company (Zalco). Located in Vlissingen, The Netherlands, the former Zalco facility, which is currently curtailed, will provide an additional secure source of captive anode production for Century’s Grundartangi, Iceland, smelter. The approximately 150,000-metric-ton anode facility could also supply anodes to Century’s smelter project in Helguvik, Iceland, upon the project’s completion.            

In anticipation of a restart of anode production in the third quarter of 2013, Century intends to undertake an approximately $45 million investment program, including capital expenditures, restart expenses and working capital, to modernize the anode facility and optimize production for its existing Grundartangi smelter and the planned Helguvik smelter.  According to Century, the acquisition of this facility, along with its 40% stake in Baise Haohai Carbon Co. Ltd., will allow the company to ultimately supply all of its Icelandic anode requirements with captive production.