The Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) announced a positive Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation of US$1.3 million for the nine months ending September 2026, reversing a US$13.08 million loss recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
Chief Executive Officer Dr Robert Makila Sambian revealed the figures during the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ Progress Series, outlining the company’s operational performance and future expansion plans.
Revenue rose 13 percent to US$103.85 million, up from US$91.78 million in the same period last year, even though aluminium production fell 13.6 percent to 29,596 metric tonnes.
Dr Sambian said the shortfall was partly due to a power system collapse and transformer failure on 29 June 2026, which disrupted several electrolytic cells. He added that management is working to restore capacity, with a goal of reactivating all 200 cells by 2027 and achieving an annual production capacity of 80,000 metric tonnes.
Looking ahead, VALCO plans a long‑term expansion to reach 1.5 million metric tonnes of primary aluminium annually by 2035. The Cabinet has approved the engagement of a strategic investor to support the smelter’s recovery and expansion, with negotiations underway.
As part of its value‑addition strategy, VALCO has installed an Electrical Grade Rod Mill to produce aluminium rods for domestic and European markets.
Stakeholders will watch how the company’s recovery strategy unfolds and whether the planned investment will lift production back to pre‑outage levels.
