Noranda Aluminum halts billet output at Missouri plant after blast

Noranda Aluminum has suspended output of aluminium billet extrusion at its New Madrid plant, in Missouri, after an explosion at the site, a spokesperson said on Tuesday, a move that could relieve downward pressure on prices in the glutted market for the metal. The blast took place at about 12:30 local time at the cast house, which produces about 91 000 tonnes a year of billet, used in construction and automobiles, Noranda spokesperson John Parker said. There was no indication as to when production would resume.