UC RUSAL suspends output at Zaporozhye alumina complex

LONDON, Nov 3 (Reuters) - United Company RUSAL said on Monday it has begun the suspension of production at the Zaporozhye Alumina and Aluminium Complex in Ukraine because current metal prices make the plant unprofitable. The complex produces 113,000 tonnes of primary aluminium and 265,000 tonnes of alumina per annum. The world's largest aluminium and alumina producer said the cost of electricity at the complex has jumped in the past two years and now accounts for about 48 percent of output costs. "The unwillingness of the government to solve the issue of energy tariffs, leading to rapidly increasing electricity costs on the local market, as well as the slowing growth of global demand for aluminium, are the main motives for the move," RUSAL said in a statement. The company said it plans to suspend production at the complex until the tariffs issue is solved and the situation on global markets improves. The first stage of the suspension will result in about 130 wokers being laid off.