Norsk Hydro’s 51 pct owned Albras to cut aluminum output by 50 pct due to Alunorte issue

April 10 (Reuters) – Norsk Hydro ASA: * NORSK HYDRO: ALBRAS INITIATES 50 PERCENT CURTAILMENT OF ALUMINIUM PRODUCTION * ALBRAS’ BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS DECIDED TO CURTAIL 50 PERCENT OF ALUMINIUM PRODUCTION AT ALBRAS ALUMINIUM PLANT  * CURTAILMENT REPRESENTS 230,000 TONNES ON AN ANNUALIZED BASIS AND IS A RESULT OF ALUNORTE ALUMINA REFINERY NOT BEING ABLE TO SUPPLY MORE THAN 50 PERCENT OF ALBRAS’ ALUMINA NEEDS FOLLOWING ALUNORTE’S FORCED PRODUCTION CUT * ALBRAS AIMS TO RESTART PRODUCTION WHEN ALUNORTE RESUMES FULL PRODUCTION * HYDRO OWNS 51 PERCENT OF ALBRAS, REMAINING 49 PERCENT IS OWNED BY NIPPON AMAZON ALUMINIUM CO. LTD