With over 11,500 jobs generated, decades of Albras and Alunorte history drive sustainable development in Barcarena

In October, the companies celebrate their anniversaries and the legacy of economic, social, and environmental transformation for the municipality and the region.

The history of Barcarena and the aluminum industry in Pará celebrates a double milestone in October 2025: the 30th anniversary of Alunorte, the world’s largest single-site alumina refinery, and the 40th anniversary of Albras, Brazil’s largest primary aluminum producer. Over the decades, the companies — which celebrate their anniversaries on October 20 and 24, respectively — have established themselves as leaders in their sectors and as pillars of sustainable development in the municipality, driving a cycle of economic growth, social progress, and environmental commitment.

Together, the companies generate more than 11,500 direct and indirect jobs and foster the local production chain, representing about 9% of Barcarena’s population. This dynamism is reflected in the growth of the city’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which increased from R$ 1.1 billion in 2002 to more than R$ 9.2 billion in 2021, according to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Barcarena remains the fifth-largest GDP in the state, with a per capita GDP of R$ 71,474.

Thanks to the opportunities created by industry, the city has become a hub of attraction, with its population growing from around 17,000 inhabitants in 1970 to an estimated 139,000 in 2025, according to the IBGE.

“The 40 years of Albras represent a legacy of pioneering spirit and commitment to Pará. We are part of the history of thousands of families and a driving force for the local economy, with 31% of our employees having been with us for over a decade,” says Luiz Roberto Silva Júnior, CEO of Albras.

“Celebrating 30 years of Alunorte is celebrating a journey built in partnership with Barcarena. We are immensely proud to see how our growth has contributed to the transformation of the municipality, and we strive to contribute even more by promoting various innovations for a more sustainable and low-carbon future,” says Michel Lisboa, CEO of Alunorte.

Socioenvironmental Responsibility – At both companies, industrial growth goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility. For this reason, Hydro aims to reduce its emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The company has invested in transforming Alunorte’s energy matrix and diversifying the sources that power Albras. Renewable energy from the Mendubim solar plant (RN), the Boa Sorte solar plant (MG), and the Ventos de São Zacarias wind complex (on the border between Piauí and Pernambuco) has been introduced, along with other initiatives such as the implementation of natural gas and electric boilers at the refinery.

Through initiatives like these, Hydro already maintains one of the lowest CO₂ emission rates in aluminum production worldwide. The aluminum produced by Albras for domestic and international markets emits approximately five times less CO₂ per ton of aluminum than the benchmark value established by the International Aluminium Institute. These emissions are verified by third-party audits under the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program, promoted by Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV). All Hydro operations in Pará hold the program’s Gold Seal — with Albras achieving this recognition for the 8th consecutive year.

Furthermore, the Barcarena Industrial District, where the plants are located, has recorded a 180% increase in vegetated areas since the land was acquired in 1984, now totaling 3,266 hectares of green area. This growth results from ongoing conservation and monitoring efforts.

The companies also invest — based on continuous dialogue with local communities — in projects that improve the quality of life for Barcarena residents. Alunorte and Albras are the founders and maintainers of the Hydro Fund, which, since its creation in 2019, has invested R$ 60 million in more than 50 projects aimed at reducing inequality, generating income and employment, supporting community-based culture, and preserving the environment.

Alunorte and Albras also maintain a strong institutional volunteer program, Voluntários em Ação (Volunteers in Action), established in 2016, which engages employees in initiatives that make a positive impact across various community sectors.

About Hydro
Hydro is a leading company in aluminum and renewable energy, committed to a sustainable future. With the goal of creating viable societies, it develops industries that matter to people and communities. Since 1905, Hydro has been transforming natural resources into valuable solutions and businesses through innovation, providing a safe workplace for 33,000 employees across more than 140 sites in 40 countries. In Brazil, Hydro operates throughout the entire aluminum value chain, with about 7,000 direct employees. From bauxite mining to renewable energy generation, alumina refining, aluminum production, and extrusion, Hydro brings unique knowledge and expertise to industries such as construction, automotive, and packaging.

About Albras
Albras is the largest primary aluminum producer in Brazil and, since 1985, has supplied both domestic and international markets. The company’s business strategy is grounded in sustainable practices for producing low-carbon aluminum, making it a benchmark for sustainability in the industry. Hydro is the company’s main shareholder, holding 51% of this joint venture. The other shareholder is NAAC – Nippon Amazon Aluminium Co., Ltd., a Japanese consortium composed of a government agency, trading companies, consumers, and aluminum product manufacturers.

Press information: hydro@ideal-axicom.com