Alcan's assessment of the Coega IDZ as a viable location for its aluminium smelter business is still continuing, and a decision is to be due to made in the second quarter of the current year, says the Canadian group’s spokesman Joseph Singerman.

The remarks come as Alcan announced the launch of a feasibility study into the possible establishment of an alumina refinery in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa.

Alcan is to undertake the venture jointly with Alcoa World Alumina LLC, the world’s leading producer of primary aluminium, and active in all major aspects of the industry.

The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to assess the feasibility of developing jointly a 1,5 million metric tonne per year alumina refinery in Guinea.

Singerman says that the West African venture is one of a number being considered both on the African continent and in Asia.

In Africa, this includes the proposed aluminium smelter at Coega.

He says that Alcan is still evaluating the project for its viability within the context of the group’s operations elsewhere in the world and in terms of its future business needs.

“As far as South Africa is concerned, we have had teams meet various people to discuss the project, because we have to make a very good business case to invest at Coega, as we do everywhere else.