Alcoa in Iceland

Alcoa Will Work with Iceland to Protect the Eastern Highlands

Alcoa is pleased that the government of Iceland has moved forward on work to examine how to best protect the highlands of eastern Iceland while supporting development in that region.

Alcoa project leader Mike Baltzell repeated Alcoa’s willingness to participate in this process in whatever way the government decides is appropriate.

'As a prospective member of the Icelandic community we are ready to work with the national government, local communities, land owners, farmers, hunters, recreationalists business organisations, and environmental groups to help ensure that conservation values of the highlands are protected for future generations while accommodating the needs of other land users and owners,' he said.

What Icelanders are Saying About Alcoa

Confederation of Icelandic Employers:
'This trend emphatically indicates that the timing of the start of planned energy-intensive industry construction would be particularly fortunate next year and would tend to cause less disturbance than during times of greater tension in the economic system.'

Mr. Tryggvi Hardarsson, mayor of Seydisfjordur in East Iceland:
'I think large-industry projects in East Iceland are extremely important for the employment situation and a precursor for making the area habitable. I’ve lived next to an aluminium smelter for decades and I’ve got no complaints because of that, whatsoever.'

Mr. Gudmundur Hallvaresson, member of parliament from Reykjavik and chairman of a parliamentary committee on transportation:
'All news coverage of Alcoa’s planned involvement in building an aluminium smelter in Iceland has been interesting. The responsibility and stability that the company has shown reflects a trustworthy and a good image. The roads being planned will give both Icelanders and foreign tourists better access to the Icelandic wilderness.'

Mr. Sturla Böethvarsson, minister of communication and member of parliament for West-Iceland:
'I applaud the great interest Alcoa has in building an aluminium smelter in Reydarfjordur. It's obvious that the project will have a significant impact on Iceland's economy, and for the people in East Iceland. A project such as this will have a great and positive effect on people in the region and, furthermore, it will inspire reconstruction of the regions’ transportation system.'

Mr. Halldor Asgrimsson, Minister of Foreign Affairs and chairman of the Progressive Party, member of parliament for East Iceland:
'Alcoa's plan is important not just for people in East Iceland, but for all Icelanders. Without a plan of this magnitude we would be facing stagnation.'

Mrs. Valgerdur Sverrisdottir, Minister of Industry and member of parliament for East Iceland for the Progressive Party:
'Alcoa wants to work fast, and that is fully in accord with the wishes of Icelandic authorities.'

Mr. Ossur Skarphedinsson, member of parliament for Reykjavik and the leader of the Social Democratic Alliance (opposition party):
'We feel that besides opening up the area, which is largely closed now, this will also boost tourism.'

Mr. Bjorn Bjarnason, member of parliament for Reykjavik for the Independence Party, a city councilman and the former Minister of Education, Culture and Science:
'This will mark a historical watershed in Iceland's economic life. For the first time, a secure base is being established for major energy development and large-scale industry outside the capital city area.'

Mr. Einar M. Sigurdsson, MP for East Iceland for the Social Democratic Alliance (opposition party):
'This project will help us increase national income and add to exports, which is extremely important. The economic boost will give us more options for solving the complex problems of our rural population ... I believe it will benefit residents outside of East Iceland as well.'

Mr. Smari Geirsson, president of the municipal council of Fjardabyggd and chairman of the Regional Association of Local Authorities in East Iceland:
'Alcoa is an expert in environmental affairs. They consider the whole picture: both the natural and social environments.'

Mr. Tryggvi Jonsson, president of the Federation of Trade and Services and CEO of Baugur Group:
'Foreign investment of this magnitude will have a long-lasting and positive effect on the Icelandic economy. There will be increased economic growth, and this will have a positive effect on the Icelandic krona (ISK). This will have an especially positive effect on East Iceland, and one can anticipate an increase in all parts of the region's economic life, especially trade and services. Going ahead with the project will be a significant step forward -- great news for the Icelandic economy.'How Icelanders feel about the Reydarfjordur project

The most recent Gallup poll, conducted July 3 - 10, 2002, in Iceland, shows the majority (53%) of Icelanders support the project, and that support is growing.

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