Norsk Hydro's Qatalum JV Begins Controlled Shutdown of Aluminum Production

12:02 AM EST, 03/04/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Norsk Hydro's (NHY.OL) equally-owned Qatalum joint venture with Qatar Aluminum Manufacturing Co. started a controlled shutdown of its aluminum smelter on Tuesday, according to a same-day release. The Norwegian aluminum and renewable energy group attributed the move to a natural gas shortage in Qatar. The process is expected to be completed by the end of March. The shutdown prompted an issuance of a force majeure notice to Qatalum customers. Hydro said the shutdown will prepare the plant for a full restart, which could take six to 12 months. The company added that a full closure of the plant will increase uncertainty about the restart timeline.