The Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) has recorded a positive Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) of US$1.3 million for the nine months ending September 2026, reversing a US$13.08 million loss recorded during the same period in 2025.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Robert Makila Sambian, disclosed this during the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ Progress Series, where he presented an update on VALCO’s operational performance and expansion plans.
VALCO’s revenue increased by 13 per cent to US$103.85 million, up from US$91.78 million in the corresponding period last year, despite a 13.6 per cent decline in aluminium production to 29,596 metric tonnes.
Dr Sambian attributed the production shortfall partly to a power system collapse and transformer failure on June 29, 2026, which disrupted operations and affected several electrolytic cells.
He said management was implementing measures to restore production capacity, with plans to reactivate all 200 cells by 2027 and achieve an annual production capacity of 80,000 metric tonnes.
The company is also pursuing a longer-term expansion programme targeting the production of 1.5 million metric tonnes of primary aluminium annually by 2035. Dr Sambian disclosed that Cabinet had approved the engagement of a strategic investor to support the smelter’s recovery and expansion, with negotiations underway.
As part of its value-addition drive, VALCO has also installed an Electrical Grade Rod Mill to produce aluminium rods for domestic and European markets.
