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{{short description|American materials company}}
{{About|the company|the city|Alcoa, Tennessee|the river|Alcoa River|other uses|Alcoa (disambiguation)}}
{{Advert|the last sentence of the first paragraph (which is clearly promotional, unless someone finds a good reference for the stated facts) is one of several examples in the article, which contains|date=September 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Alcoa Corporation
| logo = Alcoa logo (2016).svg
| logo_size = 150px
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{ubl|{{NYSE|AA}}|[[S&P 400]] component}}

[[DJIA]] component (until 2013)
| ISIN = {{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|US0138721065}}
| founded = {{Start date and age|1888}}
| founder = [[Charles Martin Hall]]
| location = {{nowrap|[[Pittsburgh]], Pennsylvania, U.S.}}
| key_people = {{unbulleted list|William F. Oplinger {{nowrap|([[President (corporate title)|president]] & [[Chief executive officer|CEO]])}}|[[Steve Williams (businessman)|Steven W. Williams]] ([[chairman]])}}
| area_served = Worldwide
| industry = [[Non-ferrous metal|Metals]]
| products = {{flatlist|
* [[Bauxite]]
* [[Aluminum oxide|Alumina]]
* [[Aluminum]]}}
| revenue = {{decrease}} {{US$|10.55 billion}} (2023)
| operating_income = {{decrease}} −{{US$|584 million}} (2023)
| net_income = {{decrease}} −{{US$|651 million}} (2023)
| assets = {{decrease}} {{US$|14.16 billion}} (2023)
| equity = {{decrease}} {{US$|4.251 billion}} (2023)
| num_employees = 13,600 (2023)
| website = {{URL|alcoa.com}}
| footnotes = Financials {{as of|2023|12|31|df=US|lc=y}}.<br />References: <ref name="10-K">{{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001675149/000095017024018069/aa-20231231.htm |title=Alcoa Corporation 2023 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |date=February 21, 2022 |website=sec.gov|publisher=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]] }}</ref>
}}

'''Alcoa Corporation''' (an [[acronym]] for "'''Aluminum Company of America'''") is an American industrial corporation that produces [[aluminum]]. According to industry rankings, it is among the largest producers globally.<ref>{{cite news |year=2022 |title=The world's leading primary aluminum producing companies in 2020 |publisher=Statista |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/280920/largest-aluminum-companies-worldwide/#:~:text=Leading%20aluminum%20producers%20worldwide%20by%20production%20output%202020&text=With%20around%206.6%20million%20metric,the%20largest%20aluminum%20producers%20globally. |url-status=live |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523205718/https://www.statista.com/statistics/280920/largest-aluminum-companies-worldwide/ |archive-date=May 23, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://fortune.com/fortune500/alcoa/|title=Alcoa|website=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]|language=en-US|access-date=2018-11-25}}</ref> The company operates in 10 countries and is involved in mining, refining, smelting, fabricating, and recycling aluminum products.<ref name="Alcoa Inc-2011-10-K">{{cite web |title=Almy mom coa Inc 2011 Annual Report, Form 10-K, Filing Date Feb 16, 2012 |url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1214/0001193125-12-065493.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516114005/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1214/0001193125-12-065493.pdf |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |publisher=secdatabase.com}}</ref>

Alcoa was founded in 1888 by [[Charles Martin Hall]] with the funding of [[Alfred E. Hunt]] and [[Arthur Vining Davis]]. Before Alcoa's formation, aluminum was difficult to refine and, as a result, was more expensive than silver or gold.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kean |first=Sam |date=2010-07-30 |title=Aluminum: It Used To Be More Precious Than Gold |url=http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/elements/features/2010/blogging_the_periodic_table/aluminum_it_used_to_be_more_precious_than_gold.html |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=Slate Magazine}}</ref> In 1886, Hall discovered the [[Hall–Héroult process]], a refining technique that reduced aluminum production costs. Hall approached Hunt and Davis to form a company to bring his process to market; the three founded Alcoa as the '''Pittsburgh Reduction Company''', which expanded. Hunt died in 1898 after fighting in the [[Spanish–American War]]. The company changed its name to the Aluminum Company of America in 1907. Alcoa increased production by 40% during World War I and supplied aluminum during World War II.

In the 2000s, Alcoa purchased numerous competitors, including [[Reynolds Group Holdings]] (makers of Reynolds Wrap). On November 1, 2016, Alcoa Inc. split into two entities: a new one called Alcoa Corporation, which is engaged in the mining and manufacture of raw aluminum, and the renaming of Alcoa Inc. to [[Arconic|Arconic Inc.]], which processes aluminum and other metals.<ref name="split"/> Alcoa has been criticized for its lax environmental record, but it no longer ranks highly as one of the worst polluters in the United States.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}

== History ==
===Hall's patent===
In 1886, [[Charles Martin Hall]], a graduate of [[Oberlin College]], discovered the process of [[smelting]] aluminum, almost simultaneously with [[Paul Héroult]] in France.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flavell-While |first=Claudia |title=Paul Héroult and Charles Hall – Turning a Rarity into a Commodity |date=June 1, 2013 |url=https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/features/cewctw-paul-h%C3%A9roult-and-charles-hall-turning-a-rarity-into-a-commodity/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=www.thechemicalengineer.com |publisher=Institution of Chemical Engineers}}</ref> He realized that by passing an electric current through a bath of [[cryolite]] and [[aluminum oxide]], the then semi-rare metal aluminum remained as a byproduct.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hall Process Production and Commercialization of Aluminum - National Historic Chemical Landmark |url=https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/aluminumprocess.html |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=American Chemical Society |language=en}}</ref> This discovery, now called the [[Hall–Héroult process]], reduced production costs.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mench |first=Matthew M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hir1uBEXenoC&dq=Hall%E2%80%93H%C3%A9roult+process+reduce+cost&pg=PA30 |title=Fuel Cell Engines |date=2008-03-07 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-0-471-68958-4 |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Birthplace of the Aluminum Industry (Pittsburgh, PA) (6038538949).jpg|thumb|250px|A tablet marking where, in November 1888, the Pittsburgh Reduction Company, now Aluminum Company of America, produced the first commercial run of aluminum by the Hall Electrolytic Process. Tablet installed by [[Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania]] in 1938.]]
Fewer than ten sites in the United States and Europe produced aluminum at the time.{{citation needed|date=September 2012}} In 1887, Hall agreed to try his process at the [[Electric Smelting and Aluminum Company]] plant in [[Lockport (city), New York|Lockport, New York]].{{citation needed|date=September 2023}} Still, it was not used, and Hall left after one year, teaming up with [[Alfred E. Hunt]] to form a new company.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 27, 2015 |title=Boston couple gives $15M to Pittsburgh Foundation |url=https://www.tribliveoffers.com/welcome |access-date=2024-06-27 |newspaper=Tribune Review |publisher=Trib Total Media |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

After graduating from [[Amherst College]] in 1888, [[Arthur Vining Davis]] joined the new venture because Arthur's father knew Alfred Hunt. At the time, aluminum sold at almost $5 per pound, making it too expensive to be used commercially. They worked to lower the cost of production using Charles Hall's ideas; Hall, Davis, and others worked 12-hour days together for months on the experiments. Their first commercial aluminum pour was on Thanksgiving Day in 1888.<ref name="BRA">{{cite news |last1=Thurwachter |first1=Mary |title=The Visionaries |url=https://bocaratonobserver.com/culture/features/the-visionaries/ |newspaper=The Boca Raton Observer |date=August 22, 2019 |publisher=A&A Publishing Corp. |access-date=2023-03-25}}</ref>

===Pittsburgh Reduction Company===
The ''Pittsburgh Reduction Company'' began with an experimental smelting plant on Smallman Street in [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]] with Hunt as president and Hall as vice president. In 1891, the company began production in [[New Kensington, Pennsylvania]]. Davis was named general manager and appointed to the board of directors in 1892. In 1895, a third site opened at [[Niagara Falls]].{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

===Hunt's departure===
Hunt left the company in 1898 to fight in the [[Spanish–American War]]. While in Puerto Rico, he contracted [[Malaria]]. Less than a year after his return to the states, he died from complications of the disease at age 44.<ref>{{cite web |title=Alfred E. Hunt |url=https://rahuntfdn.org/alfred-e-hunt/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331190506/https://rahuntfdn.org/alfred-e-hunt/ |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |access-date=31 March 2023 |website=RoyAHuntFoundation |publisher=Roy A Hunt Foundation}}</ref>

By about 1903, after a settlement with Hall's former employer, and while its patents were in force, the company was the only legal supplier of [[aluminum in the United States]].<ref>{{cite journal |last=Hachez-Leroy |first=Florence |year=2006 |title=Aluminum industry: a Heritage for Europe |url=http://www.ticcihcongress2006.net/paper/Paper%2010/Hachez%20Leroy.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=The International Committee for the Conservation of Industrial Heritage |publisher=Proceedings, TICCIH Congress |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071127050205/http://www.ticcihcongress2006.net/paper/Paper%2010/Hachez%20Leroy.pdf |archive-date=November 27, 2007 |access-date=2007-11-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Rosenbaum, David Ira|title=Market Dominance: How Firms Gain, Hold, or Lose It and the Impact on Economic Performance|url=http://www.greenwood.com/catalog/C5604.aspx|page=56|publisher=Praeger Publishers via Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=0-275-95604-0|year=1998|access-date=2007-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071114230850/http://www.greenwood.com/catalog/C5604.aspx |archive-date=November 14, 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref>

By 1902, New Kensington consisted of 173,000 sq. feet on 15 acres with 276 employees. The company operated hydropower and reduction plants in Niagara Falls, NY (1895), [[Shawinigan|Shawinigan Falls, Quebec]] (Northern Aluminum Company), mining operations in [[Bauxite, AR]] (1901), and reduction facilities in [[East St. Louis, IL]] (1902). "The Aluminum Company of America" became the firm's new name on January 1, 1907.<ref name="phmc.state.pa.us">{{cite web |date=March 27, 1988 |title=National Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Documentation Form |url=http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/Portal/Communities/BHP/MPDFs/Historic_Aluminum_Resources_of_Southwestern_PA.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416033607/http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/Portal/Communities/BHP/MPDFs/Historic_Aluminum_Resources_of_Southwestern_PA.pdf |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |publisher=PA Historical and Museum Commission}}</ref> Davis was named company president in 1910 when the [[acronym]] "Alcoa" was coined. Hall remained a vice president until he died in 1914. It was given as a name to two of the locales where major corporate facilities were located (although one of these has since been changed), and in 1999, was adopted as the official corporate name.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

From 1902 until 1915, additional plants in [[Massena, New York]] (1903), [[Alcoa, Tennessee]] (1911), [[Edgewater, New Jersey]] (1915), [[Badin, North Carolina]] (1915) came online while New Kensington had 31 buildings in the complex housing six departments (tubes, sheets, rods, bar and wire, extrusion, jobbing, foil) and two subsidiaries (Aluminum Cooking Utensil Company and Aluminum Seal Company). In 1907, it created the "company town" of [[Pine Grove (St. Lawrence County), New York|Pine Grove, New York]], for workers outside Massena.<ref name="phmc.state.pa.us" />

=== The World Wars ===
[[File:Alcoa Building, 2024-05-16.jpg|thumb|The [[Regional Enterprise Tower|Alcoa Building]] opened in 1953 and was designed by [[Harrison & Abramovitz]]. It remained the company's headquarters until 2001.]]
Historian George David Smith notes that "war was good to Alcoa."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Reader |first=The MIT Press |date=2019-08-19 |title=The Uneasy Alliance Between Aluminum and Warfare |url=https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/the-uneasy-alliance-between-aluminum-and-warfare/ |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=The MIT Press Reader |language=en}}</ref> The FTC would bring an antitrust case after WWI.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Prechel |first=Harland |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V5Vw8z1wdrQC&dq=Alcoa+Clayton&pg=PA69 |title=Big Business and the State: Historical Transitions and Corporate Transformations, 1880s-1990s |date=2000-05-04 |publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn=978-0-7914-9249-9 |language=en}}</ref> By the end of [[World War I]] Alcoa's New Kensington facility accounted for 3,292 workers—a fifth of the local population—and covered over 1 million square feet of manufacturing space on 75 acres.<ref name="phmc.state.pa.us" /> The war enabled Alcoa to increase production by 40% and to export some ninety million pounds to the Western Allies.<ref name=":0" />

After WWI, Alcoa obtained the rights to [[Alfred Wilm]]'s [[duralumin]] patent, which led to additional research into other aluminum alloys. By 1923, Alcoa's [[New Kensington, Pennsylvania]] plant was using horizontal [[extrusion]] presses, with preheated billets, for [[aerospace]] and construction applications.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sanders |first1=Robert |year=2001 |title=Technology Innovation in Aluminum Products |url=https://www.tms.org/pubs/journals/jom/0102/sanders-0102.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010217014627/https://www.tms.org/pubs/journals/jom/0102/sanders-0102.html |archive-date=February 17, 2001 |access-date=23 October 2020 |website=JOM |publisher=The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society}}</ref> One of the first industrial uses was for the Navy's [[USS Shenandoah (ZR-1)|''Shenandoah'']], followed ten years later with [[N3N|airplane applications]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Smith |first1=Richard |title=The Airships Akron & Macon, The Flying Aircraft Carriers of the United States Navy |date=1965 |publisher=Naval Institute Press |location=Annapolis, Maryland |isbn=0870210653 |page=178}}</ref> The ''Northern Aluminum Company'' in Quebec was renamed the [[Alcan|Aluminum Company of Canada (ALCAN)]] in 1925. They were responsible for the development of Arvida, Quebec, a remote area 250&nbsp;km north of [[Quebec City]], including infrastructure to support the plant workforce.<ref name="phmc.state.pa.us" />

Davis was named chairman of Alcoa's board of directors in 1928 and remained in that role for thirty years until his retirement.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

In 1938, the [[United States Department of Justice|Justice Department]] charged Alcoa with illegal [[monopolization]] and demanded that the company be dissolved. The case of ''[[United States v. Alcoa]]'' was settled six years later.

During both World Wars, about 90% of U.S. aluminum production went to military uses.<ref name=":0" /> A German U-Boat sank the [[SS Alcoa Puritan (1941)|''SS Alcoa Puritan'']] in 1942, as it carried a load of bauxite ore.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alcoa Puritan (American Steam merchant) - Ships hit by German U-boats during WWII - uboat.net |url=https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/ship/1611.html |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=uboat.net}}</ref>

===Alumax===
In 1998, Alcoa acquired [[Alumax]] in a cash and share deal for $2.8 billion. Alcoa paid $50 a share in cash for half of the shares and 0.6975 Alcoa share for each of the remaining Alumax shares. Alcoa also assumed $1 billion in debt.<ref name="NYT Alumax Acquisition">{{cite news |last1=Wayne |first1=Leslie |date=March 10, 1998 |title=A $2.8 Billion Deal by Alcoa For Alumax |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/10/business/a-2.8-billion-deal-by-alcoa-for-alumax.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704061515/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/10/business/a-2.8-billion-deal-by-alcoa-for-alumax.html |archive-date=July 4, 2012}}</ref> Alumax's assets included the Eastalco aluminum smelter in [[Adamstown, Maryland]], the Intalco aluminum smelter in [[Ferndale, Washington]], and the [[Kawneer]] brand of building construction products.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

===Reynolds===
In 2000, Alcoa acquired [[Reynolds Group Holdings|Reynolds Metals Co.]] in an all-share deal for $4.5 billion. To clear anti-competition regulatory hurdles, Alcoa was required to sell Reynolds's 25% interest in a Washington smelter and all of Reynolds's alumina refineries. Reynolds owned a 56% interest in the Worsley alumina refinery in Australia, a 50% interest in a refinery in Germany, and a 100% interest in a Texas refinery. Alcoa also planned to sell Reynolds's construction and distribution business and the company's $400 million transportation business.<ref name="WSJ Reynolds Acquisition">{{cite news |last=Matthews |first=Robert Guy |date=May 4, 2000 |title=Alcoa Acquires Reynolds Metals in a Deal Worth $4.5 Billion |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB957379236792150870 |url-status=live |access-date=May 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170728202011/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB957379236792150870 |archive-date=July 28, 2017}}</ref> Alcoa sold its packaging and consumer business, formerly called Reynolds Metals, to the [[Rank Group Ltd|Rank Group]] for $2.7 billion in 2008.<ref name="WSJ Reynolds IPO">{{cite news |last1=Terlep |first1=Sharon |date=January 31, 2020 |title=Aluminum-Foil Maker Reynolds Goes Public |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/aluminum-foil-maker-reynolds-goes-public-banking-on-home-cooking-11580509848 |url-status=live |access-date=May 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211025034832/https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/aluminum-foil-maker-reynolds-goes-public-banking-on-home-cooking-11580509848 |archive-date=October 25, 2021}}</ref>

===Cordant===
In 2000, Alcoa also purchased Cordant Technologies Inc. for $57 a share in cash, or $2.3 billion, and assumed $685 million of Cordant's debt for a total transaction value of $2.9 billion. Cordant's divisions included Huck Fasteners, Jacobson Mfg. Co., Continental/Midland Group, its 85% interest in [[Howmet Aerospace|Howmet International Inc.]], and [[Thiokol|Thiokol Corporation]].<ref name="WSJ Cordant">{{cite news |last=Matthews |first=Robert Guy |date=March 15, 2000 |title=Alcoa Agrees to Buy Aerospace Supplier Cordant Technologies |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB953042554993356306 |url-status=live |access-date=May 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230911022800/https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/SB953042554993356306 |archive-date=September 11, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=ACQUISITION: Alcoa to Acquire Cordant/Huck | website=Global Fastener News | date=2000 | url=https://www.globalfastenernews.com/acquisition-alcoa-to-acquire-cordanthuck-global-fastener-news-usa/ | access-date=2025-05-18}}</ref><ref name="GlobeandMail Cordant">{{cite news |last1=Morgan |first1=David |date=March 15, 2000 |title=Alcoa Acquires Cordant Technologies |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/alcoa-acquires-cordant-technologies/article4161566/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308215000/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/alcoa-acquires-cordant-technologies/article4161566/ |archive-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> In 2001, Alcoa sold Thiokol for $2.9 billion to [[Alliant Techsystems|Alliant Techsystems (ATK)]].

===Chalco===
Alcoa purchased an 8% stake of [[Aluminum Corporation of China]] (Chalco) in 2001.<ref name="Alcoa-Mar-2002-10-K">{{cite web |title=Alcoa, Form 10-K, Annual Report, Filing Date Mar 5, 2002 |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/796/102140802003033/filing-main.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516112747/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/796/102140802003033/filing-main.htm |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |publisher=secdatabase.com}}</ref> It tried to form a [[strategic alliance]] with China's largest aluminum producer, at its [[Pingguo]] facility; however, it was unsuccessful. Alcoa sold their stake in Chalco on September 12, 2007, for around $2&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 12, 2007 |title=News: News Releases: Alcoa Sells Its Stake in Chalco; Will Continue Its Commitment to Chinese Aluminum Industry |url=http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/news/news_detail.asp?pageID=20070912005913en&newsYear=2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080206200828/http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/news/news_detail.asp?pageID=20070912005913en&newsYear=2007 |archive-date=February 6, 2008 |access-date=2010-07-13 |publisher=Alcoa}}</ref><ref name="Alcoa-Sep-2007-8-K">{{cite web |title=Alcoa, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Sep 12, 2007 |url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/26/0001193125-07-199927.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516114549/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/26/0001193125-07-199927.pdf |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |publisher=secdatabase.com}}</ref>

===Chemicals===
In 2004, Alcoa's [[specialty chemicals]] business was sold to two private equity firms led by [[Rhône Group]] for an enterprise value of $342&nbsp;million, which included the assumption of debt and other unfunded obligations.<ref name="Alcoa-Apr-2004-10-Q">{{cite web |title=Alcoa, Form 10-Q, Quarterly Report, Filing Date Apr 23, 2004 |url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2426/0001193125-04-068372.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516120247/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2426/0001193125-04-068372.pdf |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |publisher=secdatabase.com}}</ref> [[Rhône Group]] then changed the name to [[Almatis, Inc.]]

===Corporate relocation===
[[File:Alcoa Corporate Center, North Shore, 2024-06-02-2.jpg|thumb|The Alcoa Corporate Center at 201 Isabella has been the company's headquarters since 2001.]]
In 2006, Alcoa relocated its top executives from Pittsburgh to [[New York City]] while its operational headquarters was still at its Corporate Center in Pittsburgh. Alcoa employed approximately 2,000 people at its Corporate Center in Pittsburgh and 60 at its New York office.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boselovic |first=Len |date=February 27, 2006 |title=Alcoa's HQ relocation to NYC no big surprise |publisher=Post-gazette.com |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06058/661831-28.stm |access-date=2010-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070706155104/https://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06058/661831-28.stm |archive-date=July 6, 2007}}</ref> Alcoa moved its headquarters back to Pittsburgh effective September 1, 2017, as part of a general consolidation of administrative facilities around the world.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tweh |first=Bowdeya |date=April 19, 2017 |title=Alcoa to Close New York Headquarters and Seven Other Offices |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/alcoa-to-close-nyc-headquarters-and-seven-global-offices-1492636016 |url-status=live |access-date=April 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230911023440/https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/alcoa-to-close-nyc-headquarters-and-seven-global-offices-1492636016 |archive-date=September 11, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Press">{{Cite news |date=April 20, 2017 |title=Alcoa moving headquarters back to Pittsburgh |language=en |publisher=WTAE |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=http://www.wtae.com/article/alcoa-corporation-to-move-global-headquarters-to-pittsburgh/9530666 |url-status=live |access-date=2017-04-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420041457/https://www.wtae.com/article/alcoa-corporation-to-move-global-headquarters-to-pittsburgh/9530666 |archive-date=April 20, 2017}}</ref> In October 2018, Alcoa announced plans to move from Pittsburgh's [[North Shore (Pittsburgh)|North Shore]] to a downtown Pittsburgh location.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Belko |first1=Mark |date=31 October 2018 |title=Alcoa considering a move from its North Shore home |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2018/10/31/Alcoa-considering-a-move-from-its-North-Shore-home/stories/201810310084 |url-status=live |access-date=4 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105043003/https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2018/10/31/Alcoa-considering-a-move-from-its-North-Shore-home/stories/201810310084 |archive-date=January 5, 2019}}</ref>

===Alcan bid===
In May 2007, Alcoa Inc. made a US$27&nbsp;billion [[hostile takeover]] bid for [[Alcan]].<ref name="Alcoa-May-2007-8-K">{{cite web |title=Alcoa, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date May 7, 2007 |url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2827/0001193125-07-103761.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516121718/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2827/0001193125-07-103761.pdf |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |publisher=secdatabase.com}}</ref> The bid was withdrawn when Alcan announced a [[White knight (business)|friendly takeover]] by [[Rio Tinto Group|Rio Tinto]] in July 2007.<ref name="Alcoa-Jul-2007-SC-TO-T/A">{{cite web |title=Alcoa, Form SC TO-T/A, Filing Date Jul 12, 2007 |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2301/119312507154218/filing-main.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516113554/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2301/119312507154218/filing-main.htm |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |publisher=secdatabase.com}}</ref>

On May 8, 2008, Klaus Kleinfeld was appointed CEO of Alcoa, succeeding [[Alain Belda]].<ref name="Alcoa-May-2008-8-K">{{cite web |title=Alcoa, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date May 13, 2008 |url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1444/0001193125-08-113041.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516120920/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1444/0001193125-08-113041.pdf |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |publisher=secdatabase.com}}</ref> On April 23, 2010, Alcoa's board of directors selected Kleinfeld to the office of chairman, following Belda's planned retirement.<ref name="Alcoa-Apr-2010-8-K">{{cite web |title=Alcoa, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Apr 27, 2010 |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1082/119312510095018/filing-main.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516115632/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1082/119312510095018/filing-main.htm |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |publisher=secdatabase.com}}</ref>

===Recycling===
On July 16, 2012, Alcoa announced that it would take over full ownership and operation of Evermore Recycling and make it part of Alcoa's Global Packaging group. Evermore Recycling recycles used beverage cans.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alcoa Takes Full Ownership of Evermore Recycling|url=http://www.brightwire.com/news/230212-alcoa-takes-full-ownership-of-evermore-recycling|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130118124833/http://www.brightwire.com/news/230212-alcoa-takes-full-ownership-of-evermore-recycling|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-01-18|publisher=BrightWire}}</ref>

In June 2013, Alcoa announced it would permanently close its Fusina primary aluminum smelter in [[Venice]], Italy, where production had been curtailed since June 2010.<ref>{{Citation
| url = http://www.miningweekly.com/article/alcoa-permanently-closes-italian-aluminum-smelter-2013-06-28
| title= Alcoa permanently closes Italian aluminum smelter
| date = June 28, 2013
| work = [[Mining Weekly]]

| location = South Africa
}}</ref>

On January 9, 2014, Alcoa settled with the U.S. [[Securities and Exchange Commission]] and the [[U.S. Department of Justice]] over charges of bribing Bahraini officials. Under the settlement terms, they will pay the SEC $175&nbsp;million to settle the charges. To resolve the criminal claims with the DoJ, Alcoa World Alumina (AWA, a company within Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals) is pleading guilty to one count of violating the anti-bribery provisions of the [[Foreign Corrupt Practices Act]] (FCPA). AWA will pay the DoJ $223&nbsp;million in five equal installments over the next four years, bringing the company's total bill for the scandal to $384&nbsp;million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGrath |first=Maggie |title=Alcoa Reaches Settlement With SEC And DOJ Over Bahraini Bribery Scandal |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/2014/01/09/alcoa-reaches-settlement-with-sec-and-doj-over-bahraini-bribery-scandal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140110101508/http://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/2014/01/09/alcoa-reaches-settlement-with-sec-and-doj-over-bahraini-bribery-scandal/ |archive-date=January 10, 2014 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=[[Forbes]] |language=en}}</ref>

===Company split===
In June 2016, Alcoa Inc. announced plans to split itself into two companies: Alcoa Inc would be renamed as [[Arconic]] and would take over the business of designing and building processed metal parts, primarily for the automotive and aerospace industries; a new company, Alcoa Corporation, would be set up and spun out of the remainder of Alcoa Inc. and retain the Alcoa name. Alcoa Corp. would continue the mining, smelting, and refining of raw aluminum.<ref>{{cite news |last=Miller |first=John W. |date=June 29, 2016 |title=Alcoa Details Plans to Split into Two Companies |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/alcoa-details-plans-to-split-into-two-companies-1467201833 |url-status=live |access-date=April 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180507180711/https://www.wsj.com/articles/alcoa-details-plans-to-split-into-two-companies-1467201833 |archive-date=May 7, 2018}}</ref> The split was completed on November 1, 2016.<ref name="split">{{cite web | url=http://aluminuminsider.com/alcoa-completes-corporate-split/ | title=Alcoa Completes Corporate Split | publisher=Aluminum Insider | date=November 2, 2016 | access-date=April 19, 2017}}</ref>

== Environmental record ==

In February 1999, Alcoa cleaned soils and sediment contaminated with [[polychlorinated biphenyls]] (PCB) and lead at the York Oil federal Superfund site in [[Moira, New York]], in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency. The site, a former [[waste oil]] recycling storage facility, accepted waste oil from several companies, including Alcoa. The facility was improperly managed and operated, and as a result, soils on the York Oil Property and nearby wetlands sediments and groundwater were contaminated. The [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) issued a Superfund Unilateral Order on December 31, 1998, requiring Alcoa to excavate, treat and dispose of the contaminated wetlands sediments.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 25, 1999 |title=Alcoa To Carry Out EPA's Order and Expand Cleanup at Superfund Site in Moira, New York To Contaminated Wetlands Sediments &#124; US EPA |url=http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/b1ab9f485b098972852562e7004dc686/0a8e77c5774a23a585257245005d39a1!OpenDocument |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210091552/http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/b1ab9f485b098972852562e7004dc686/0a8e77c5774a23a585257245005d39a1!OpenDocument |archive-date=December 10, 2008 |access-date=2010-07-13 |publisher=Yosemite.epa.gov}}</ref>

In April 2003, Alcoa Inc. agreed to spend an estimated $330&nbsp;million to install a new [[coal-fired power plant]] with pollution controls to eliminate the vast majority of [[sulfur dioxide]] and [[nitrogen dioxide]] emissions from the power plant at Alcoa's aluminum production facility in [[Rockdale, Texas|Rockdale]], Texas. The settlement was the ninth case the [[Presidency of George W. Bush|Bush administration]] pursued to bring the coal-fired power plant industry into full compliance with the [[Clean Air Act (United States)|Clean Air Act]]. Alcoa was unlawfully operating at the Rockdale facility since it overhauled the Rockdale power plant without installing necessary pollution controls and without first obtaining proper permits required by "[[New Source Review]]" program of the Clean Air Act.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 9, 2003 |title=U. S. Announces Clean Air Act Coal-fired Power Plant Settlement with Alcoa – Settlement Will Reduce Nitrogen Oxide and Sulfur Dioxide Emissions from Facility by More than 90 P |url=http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/a883dc3da7094f97852572a00065d7d8/b427413dc6cc9c2285256d0300674514!OpenDocument |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210091547/http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/a883dc3da7094f97852572a00065d7d8/b427413dc6cc9c2285256d0300674514!OpenDocument |archive-date=December 10, 2008 |access-date=2010-07-13 |publisher=Yosemite.epa.gov}}</ref>

In 2008, the [[Political Economy Research Institute]] ranked Alcoa 15th among corporations emitting airborne pollutants in the United States. The ranking is based on the quantity (13&nbsp;million pounds in 2005) and toxicity of the emissions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.peri.umass.edu/toxic100_2008/ |title=PERI: Toxic 100 Index (2008) |publisher=University of Massachusetts |access-date=Jun 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507120709/http://www.peri.umass.edu/toxic100_2008/ |archive-date=May 7, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> More recently Alcoa ranked first in the United States even though they had reduced their emissions to less than 5&nbsp;million pounds in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.peri.umass.edu/toxic-100-air-polluters-index-2016-report-based-on-2014-data |title=PERI - Toxic 100 Air Polluters Index: 2016 Report, Based on 2014 Data) |publisher=University of Massachusetts |access-date=Jun 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730035315/https://www.peri.umass.edu/toxic-100-air-polluters-index-2016-report-based-on-2014-data |archive-date=July 30, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Alcoa's most recently published ranking has dropped to 72nd based on 2020 data.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://grconnect.com/tox100/ry2020/index.php?company2=&company1=&parent=alcoa&chemfac=fac&advbasic=bas&search=yes&database=t1&detail=1&datype=T&reptype=a |title=PERI: Toxic 100 Index |publisher=University of Massachusetts |access-date=Jun 19, 2024 }}</ref>

== Operations by country ==
=== Jamaica ===
Alcoa formed the Alcoa Minerals of [[Jamaica]] subsidiary on the island in 1959, shipping their first load of bauxite in 1963 from [[Rocky Point, Jamaica|Rocky Point]]. Later in 1972, Alcoa established a 500,000 [[tonne]] per year refinery that processes bauxite into alumina. They have continued to upgrade the plant through the years, and it is now capable of 1,425,000 tonnes per year.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}} In 1988, the Jamaican government gained a 50% share in the subsidiary and renamed the operation to Jamalco, Alcoa being the managing partner. Expansion of the operation in 2007 resulted in Alcoa owning 55% of the operation. Alcoa continues to mine bauxite in the Jamaican parishes of Clarendon and Manchester, while competitors' operations occur in nearby parishes.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

=== Dominican Republic ===
{{AI-generated|section=Dominican|date=August 2025}}
In the 1970s, Alcoa negotiated with the [[Dominican Republic/Government|Dominican Republic government]] concerning its bauxite mining operations. The U.S. Department of State expressed concerns that the Dominican Republic might follow Jamaica's lead in imposing higher taxes on Alcoa's operations. This period was marked by intense discussions and negotiations regarding the taxation and revenue from bauxite mining, highlighting the complexities of international business operations and the impact of global commodity markets on local economies.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jones |first=Halbert |title=Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–11, Part 1, Documents on Mexico; Central America; and the Caribbean, 1973–1976 |publisher=United States Government Printing Office |year=2015 |location=Washington |language=en}}</ref>

Alcoa Road, also known as El Aceitillar, is a part of Alcoa's legacy in the [[Dominican Republic]]. Originally constructed for a bauxite mine, it now leads to [[Sierra de Bahoruco National Park]]. This area offers an opportunity to observe [[Endemism|endemic species]] and serves as a reminder of the environmental dimensions of industrial operations. Alcoa Road transitioned from an access route for mining to a gateway for environmental observation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-12 |title=Alcoa Road, Dominican Republic – birdfinding.info |url=https://birdfinding.info/dominican-republic-alcoa-road/ |access-date=2024-04-01 |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Ghana ===
Alcoa's affiliate in [[Ghana]], the [[Volta Aluminum Company]], was completely closed between May 2003 and early 2006 due to problems with its electricity supply.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 2006 |title=Gold Coast Securities Limited: ALUWORKS LIMITED (ALW) – HALF YEAR BEST PERFORMING STOCK |url=http://www.gcsinvestments.com/downloads/companyreports/ALW%20REPORT%202006.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070705150051/http://www.gcsinvestments.com/downloads/companyreports/ALW%20REPORT%202006.pdf |archive-date=July 5, 2007 |access-date=2023-09-11 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=August 4, 2005 |title=Alcoa in Ghana: News: News From Ghana: Alcoa, Government of the Republic of Ghana Agree to Re-Start Valco Smelter |url=http://www.alcoa.com/ghana/en/news/releases/ghana_valcosmelter.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060313163509/http://www.alcoa.com/ghana/en/news/releases/ghana_valcosmelter.asp |archive-date=March 13, 2006 |access-date=2010-07-13 |publisher=Alcoa.com}}</ref>

=== Guinea ===
Alcoa is an owner of the [[Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée]] through [[Halco Mining]], together with [[Rio Tinto Alcan]] and the Guinean government.<ref>{{cite web |title=Alcoa -- Guinea |url=http://www.alcoa.com/guinea/fr/default.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822115136/http://www.alcoa.com/guinea/fr/default.asp |archive-date=August 22, 2018 |access-date=May 2, 2018 |website=alcoa.com}}</ref> [[Guinea]] produces [[bauxite]] and according to Winrock International has a third of the world's proven reserves.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Tiess |first1=Günter |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9I7LEAAAQBAJ&dq=Guinea+bauxite+reserve&pg=PA313 |title=Encyclopedia of Mineral and Energy Policy |last2=Majumder |first2=Tapan |last3=Cameron |first3=Peter |date=2023-07-14 |publisher=Springer Nature |isbn=978-3-662-47493-8 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Iceland ===
{{main|Alcoa Fjarðaál}}
In 2005, Alcoa began construction in Iceland on [[Alcoa Fjarðaál]], a new aluminum smelter,<ref name="Alcoa-Oct-2004-8-K">{{cite web |title=Alcoa, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Oct 8, 2004 |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1030/119312504168942/filing-main.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516120035/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1030/119312504168942/filing-main.htm |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |publisher=secdatabase.com}}</ref> albeit under heavy criticism by local and international NGOs related to a controversial dam project exclusively dedicated to supplying electricity to this smelter.
The Fjarðaál smelter in eastern Iceland was completed in June 2007 and brought into full operation the following April. The plant processes 940 tons of aluminum a day, with a capacity of 346,000 metric tons a year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Alcoa -- Iceland |url=http://www.alcoa.com/locations/iceland_reydarfjordur/en/home.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713103710/http://www.alcoa.com/iceland/ic/default.asp |archive-date=July 13, 2018 |access-date=May 2, 2018 |website=alcoa.com}}</ref> For power, the plant relies on the [[Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant]], constructed and operated by the state-owned [[Landsvirkjun]] specifically for the smelting operation. That project was subject to controversy due to its impact on the environment.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

In 2006, Alcoa and the government of Iceland signed an agreement on instigating a thorough feasibility study for a new 250,000 tpy (Tons Per Year) smelter in Bakki by [[Húsavík]] in Northern Iceland. In October 2011, the proposed project was dropped because "the power availability and proposed pricing would not support an aluminum smelter".<ref name="Alcoa Inc-2011-10-K" />{{Third-party inline|date=September 2023|reason=This source is the subject company, itself -- a violation of [[WP:RS]] and [[WP:NPOV]]}}

Alcoa announced plans to close the office in Reykjavik.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

===Russia===
In 2005 Alcoa acquired two production facilities in Russia, at [[Samara, Russia|Samara]] and [[Belaya Kalitva]].<ref name="Alcoa-Feb-2005-10-K">{{cite web |title=Alcoa, Form 10-K, Annual Report, Filing Date Feb 18, 2005 |url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1519/0001193125-05-033143.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516121510/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1519/0001193125-05-033143.pdf |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |publisher=secdatabase.com}}</ref>

=== Wales ===
On November 21, 2006, Alcoa announced that it planned to close the [[Waunarlwydd]] works in [[Swansea]], with the loss of 298 jobs. Production ceased at the Swansea plant on January 27, 2007. A small site closure team worked until December 31, 2008. Alcoa still owns the site, but it is now managed locally and renamed Westfield Industrial Park.{{citation needed|date=January 2011}} Several of the large buildings are leased out to local businesses.<ref>{{cite web |last=Eade |first=Christine |date=April 18, 2008 |title=Alcoa sells vacant factory for £13m &#124; Markets – print |url=http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=39&storycode=3111470 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907181302/http://www.propertyweek.com/news/alcoa-sells-vacant-factory-for-%C2%A313m/3111470.article |archive-date=September 7, 2012 |access-date=2010-07-13 |work=Property Week}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Knight Frank Commercial Search UK: Logistics & Industrial |url=http://commercialsearch.knightfrank.co.uk/property/display/51717/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813213514/http://commercialsearch.knightfrank.co.uk/property/display/51717/ |archive-date=August 13, 2011}}</ref>

=== Australia ===
Alcoa operates bauxite mines, alumina refineries, and aluminum smelters through [[Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals]] (AWAC), a joint venture between [[Alumina Limited]] and Alcoa. Alcoa operates two bauxite mines in Western Australia—the Huntly and Willowdale mines. Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals owns and operates three alumina refineries in [[Western Australia]]: Kwinana, [[Pinjarra]], and [[Wagerup]]. The Wagerup expansion plans were delayed due to the [[2008 financial crisis]]. In January 2024, Alcoa announced it would cease alumina production at its Kwinana refinery that year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milne |first=Peter |date=2024-01-09 |title=Alcoa to shut down Kwinana refinery that employs 1100 workers |url=https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/alcoa-to-shut-down-kwinana-refinery-that-employs-1100-workers-20240108-p5evt0.html |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=WAtoday |language=en}}</ref> Two aluminum smelters are also operated in the state of [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] at [[Portland, Victoria|Portland]] and [[Point Henry smelter|Point Henry]]; the Point Henry smelter was scheduled to be closed in August 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robins |first1=Brian |last2=Gough |first2=Debra |last3=Willingham |first3=Richard |last4=Donelly |first4=Beau |date=February 18, 2014 |title=Alcoa announces closure of Port Henry aluminum smelter |newspaper=[[The Age]] |url=http://www.theage.com.au/business/alcoa-announces-closure-of-port-henry-aluminum-smelter-20140218-32wzq.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301184719/https://www.theage.com.au/business/alcoa-announces-closure-of-point-henry-aluminium-smelter-20140218-32wzq.html |archive-date=March 1, 2014}}</ref> Alcoa Australia Rolled Products, a 100% Alcoa Inc. venture, operates two rolling mills. The Point Henry Rolling Mill in Victoria and the Yennora Rolling Mill in N.S.W. have a combined rolling capacity of approx. 200,000 tonnes. Alcoa uses 12,600 GWh, or 15% of Victoria's electricity annually.<ref>{{cite news |last=FitzGerald |first=Barry |date=March 2, 2010 |title=Smelter power deals |newspaper=[[The Age]] |url=http://www.theage.com.au/business/smelter-power-deals-20100301-pdit.html |url-status=live |access-date=2013-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503173209/https://www.theage.com.au/business/smelter-power-deals-20100301-pdit.html |archive-date=May 3, 2014}}</ref>

Around 2009–10 there were claims that pollution from Alcoa's [[Western Australia]]n [[Wagerup, Western Australia|Wagerup]] plant had harmed the health of members of the adjacent local community, which Alcoa said were unfounded.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 6, 2009 |title=Alcoa says health complaints 'unfounded'. |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |website= [[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/12/2597075.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=2009-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111042021/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-06-12/alcoa-says-health-complaints-unfounded/1712372 |archive-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref>

In February 2024 Alcoa announced that it would acquire Alumina for $2.2 billion in an all-stock deal. As part of the deal Alcoa would gain full ownership of AWAC.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Burton |first1=Melanie |last2=Jain |first2=Eccha |date=26 February 2024 |title=US aluminium maker Alcoa makes $2.2 billion offer for Australia's Alumina |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/us-aluminium-maker-alcoa-makes-22-bln-offer-australias-alumina-2024-02-25/ |publisher=Reuters}}</ref> The acquisition was completed in August 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.australianmining.com.au/alcoa-officially-acquires-alumina/ |title=Alcoa officially acquires Alumina |date=1 August 2024 |last=Tibben |first=Kelsie |website=Australian Mining}}</ref>

On October 21, 2025, the Australian and U.S. governments signed a deal on [[rare-earth elements|rare-earth]] and [[critical minerals]], by which the U.S. would provide investment for development of a processing plant for [[gallium]] at one of the Alcoa refineries in Wagerup, in association with the Japanese corporation [[Sojitz]].<ref name=aa1>{{cite web |first =Anthony|last= Albanese | title=Historic critical minerals framework signed by President Trump and Prime Minister Albanese | website=[[Prime Minister of Australia]] | date=20 October 2025 | url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/historic-critical-minerals-framework-signed-president-trump-and-prime-minister-albanese | access-date=22 October 2025| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20251022071028/https://www.pm.gov.au/media/historic-critical-minerals-framework-signed-president-trump-and-prime-minister-albanese| archive-date= 22 Oct 2025| url-status=live}} Website published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence.</ref><ref name=li2025>{{cite web | last1=Li | first1=Yiying | last2=Stewart | first2=Emily | title=Critical minerals industry cheers deal that will 'encourage greater investment' as stock prices swing | website=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] | date=21 October 2025 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-22/critical-minerals-industry-us-china-deal-rare-earths-stocks/105915274 | access-date=22 October 2025}}</ref> Gallium is an essential component in the manufacture of [[microchip]]s.<ref>{{cite web | last=Marsh | first=Nick| first2=Annabelle |last2=Liang  | title=Gallium and germanium: What China's new move in microchip war means for world | website=BBC Home | date=31 July 2023 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-66118831 | access-date=22 October 2025}}</ref> Once the project is up and running, the plant would provide up to 10 per cent of total global gallium supply, and will be a major player in the [[Australian rare-earths industry]].<ref name=aa1/>

=== United States ===
On January 3, 2003, Alcoa opened its new operations headquarters on the [[North Shore (Pittsburgh)|North Shore of Pittsburgh]]. This move came about after it donated its 50-year-old [[Regional Enterprise Tower|skyscraper headquarters]] in [[Downtown Pittsburgh]] to the Regional Development Authority.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

Alcoa created a plant just outside [[Maryville, Tennessee|Maryville]] in [[Blount County, Tennessee|Blount County]], Tennessee. To support the factory, Alcoa built a small city and named it Alcoa. The [[Alcoa Tenn Federal Credit Union]] was the first employee-created credit union in the state. The plant is no longer an Alcoa business.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Erickson |first1=Melissa |title=ALCOA unveils new company's name: Arconic |url=https://www.thedailytimes.com/business/alcoa-unveils-new-company-s-name-arconic/article_70a30f14-99d7-5ced-8814-0d06285c3674.html |access-date=March 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120114811/https://www.thedailytimes.com/business/alcoa-unveils-new-company-s-name-arconic/article_70a30f14-99d7-5ced-8814-0d06285c3674.html |archive-date=November 20, 2020}}</ref>

Alcoa's Massena West plant has continuously operated since 1902. The Reynolds Aluminum Plant became Massena East when the companies merged in 2000.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

Alcoa had a smelting plant in [[Badin, North Carolina]] from 1917 to 2007 and continued a [[Alcoa Power Generating Inc.|hydroelectric power]] operation there until February 1, 2017, when the Yadkin Hydroelectric Project was sold to Cube Hydro.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alcoa.com/yadkin/en/info_page/about_badin.asp|title=About Badin Works|access-date=2010-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315010602/http://www.alcoa.com/yadkin/en/info_page/about_badin.asp|archive-date=March 15, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Alcoa also operates an aluminum smelting plant of similar size to the one in Tennessee in [[Warrick County, Indiana]], just east of [[Newburgh, Indiana|Newburgh]]. [[Vectren|Vectren Energy]] operates a coal power plant on the site to provide electricity. In 2021, Alcoa retained the aluminum smelter and generating station while selling the rest of the facility to Kaiser Aluminum. This sale included the cast house, ingot facilities, hot mill, cold mills, and finishing mills.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

Alcoa maintains several Research and Development Centers in the United States. The largest one, Alcoa Technical Center, is located East of its Pittsburgh Headquarters at [[Upper Burrell Township, Pennsylvania|Alcoa Center, Pennsylvania]].

Alcoa plans to close offices in Richmond, Virginia; Nashville, Tennessee; and Chicago.<ref name="Press"/>

===Alcoa Steamship Company===
[[File:House flag of the Alcoa Steamship Company.svg|thumb|right|[[House flag]] used by Alcoa Steamship Company]]
[[File:House flag of the Alcoa Steamship Company 1963-1990s.svg|thumb|right|Old [[house flag]] used by Alcoa Steamship Company (1963-1990s)]]
[[File:House flag of the Alcoa Steamship Company 1917-1963.svg|thumb|right|Old [[house flag]] used by Alcoa Steamship Company (1917-1963)]]

The ''Alcoa Steamship Company'' was a subsidiary of ALCOA since the company was formed in 1917.<ref>{{cite web |title=List of ships |url=http://www.timetableimages.com/maritime/images/shiplist.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809052954/http://www.timetableimages.com/maritime/images/shiplist.htm |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |access-date=2019-07-25 |publisher=Maritime Timetable Images}}</ref>
*List of ships:
**SS ''Alcoa Banner'' (''SS Sundance'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trailend.org/a-tale-of-two-ships.html|title=A Tale of Two Ships|access-date=2019-07-26|publisher=Trail End Guilds, Inc|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726142443/http://www.trailend.org/a-tale-of-two-ships.html|archive-date=July 26, 2019}}</ref>
**SS ''Alcoa Cavalier''
**SS ''Alcoa Clipper''
**SS ''Alcoa Corsair''
**SS ''Alcoa Guide''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/ship/1546.html|title=Ships hit by U-boats: Alcoa Guide|access-date=2019-07-26 |website=uboat.net}}</ref>
**SS ''Alcoa Partner''
**SS ''Alcoa Patriot''
**SS ''Alcoa Pegasus''
**SS ''Alcoa Pennant''
**SS ''Alcoa Pilgrim''
**SS ''Alcoa Pioneer''<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6JUZDgAAQBAJ&q=ALCOA+PIONEER&pg=PA342|title=United States Merchant Marine Casualties of World War II, rev ed.|last=Browning, Jr.|first=Robert M.|date=2011-06-13|access-date=2019-07-25|page=342|publisher=McFarland |isbn=9780786446001}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=SS Alcoa Pioneer |url=http://www.armed-guard.com/jsild2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010506212829/https://www.armed-guard.com/jsild2.html |archive-date=May 6, 2001 |access-date=2019-07-25 |publisher=Armedguard.com}}</ref>
**SS ''Alcoa Planter''
**SS ''Alcoa Pointer''
**SS ''Alcoa Polaris''
**SS {{SS|Alcoa Puritan|1941|2}}
**SS ''Alcoa Ranger''
**SS ''Alcoa Roamer''
**SS ''Alcoa Runner''
**SS ''Bushranger''<ref>{{cite web |title=SS Bushranger |url=https://www.armed-guard.com/bushranger.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304151717/https://www.armed-guard.com/bushranger.html |archive-date=March 4, 2017 |access-date=2019-07-26 |website=armed-guard.com}}</ref>

==Lobbying==
After the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] in 2022, Alcoa spent over $1 million to lobby the U.S. government for sanctions against Russian aluminum companies.<ref name="WaPo">{{cite news|url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/interactive/2024/us-sanctions-lobbying-money-washington-lebanon-venezuela/ |title=A New Washington Influence Industry is Making Millions From Sanctions |date=October 24, 2024 |last1=Stein |first1=Jeff |last2=Cocco |first2=Federica |last3=Whoriskey |first3=Peter |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=November 2, 2024}}</ref>

== In popular culture ==
From 1955 to 1957, Alcoa sponsored ''[[The Alcoa Hour]]'', an [[anthology television series]] on [[NBC]]. The series ran for 48 episodes across two seasons and would feature an advertisement for Alcoa products before the credits of each program. The series featured some of the early work of director [[Sidney Lumet]], the five-time [[Academy Awards|Oscar]] nominee known for the 1957 version of ''[[12 Angry Men (1957 film)|12 Angry Men]]''. 

Between 1957 and 1960, the Alcoa-sponsored [[Alcoa Theatre]], an NBC anthology television series that went on to win three [[Emmy Awards|Emmys]]. From 1961 to 1963, Alcoa sponsored a third anthology television series on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]. [[Alcoa Premiere]] was hosted by Fred Astaire and received 14 Emmy nominations during its two-year run.

Alcoa is portrayed as the main sponsor of the 1953 [[CBS]] program ''[[See It Now]]'' in [[George Clooney]]'s [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]]–nominated 2005 film ''[[Good Night, and Good Luck]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/news/alcoa_video.asp?videoid=63|title=Alcoa Online Newsroom -|website=alcoa.com|access-date=May 2, 2018}}</ref>

== Leadership ==

=== President ===

# [[Alfred E. Hunt|Alfred Ephraim Hunt]], 1888–1899
# [[Richard B. Mellon|Richard Beatty Mellon]], 1899–1910
# [[Arthur Vining Davis]], 1910–1928
# Roy Arthur Hunt, 1928–1951
# Irving White Wilson, 1951–1957
# Frank Lewis Magee, 1957–1960
# Lawrence Litchfield Jr., 1960–1963
# John Dixon Harper, 1963–1970
# William Henry Krome George, 1970–1975
# William Beach Renner, 1975–1981
# Charles William Parry, 1981–1983
# Charles Frederick Fetterolf, 1983–1991
# [[Alain J. P. Belda|Alain Juan Pablo Belda]], 1997–2000
# [[Klaus Kleinfeld|Klaus-Christian Kleinfeld]], 2007–2010
# Roy Christopher Harvey, 2017–2023
# William Francis Oplinger, 2023–present

=== Chairman of the Board ===

# [[Arthur Vining Davis]], 1928–1957
# Irving White Wilson, 1957–1960
# Frank Lewis Magee, 1960–1963
# Lawrence Litchfield Jr., 1963–1966
# Frederick Jacob Close, 1966–1970
# John Dixon Harper, 1970–1975
# William Henry Krome George, 1975–1983
# Charles William Parry, 1983–1987
# [[Paul H. O'Neill|Paul Henry O'Neill]], 1987–2000
# [[Alain J. P. Belda|Alain Juan Pablo Belda]], 2001–2010
# [[Klaus Kleinfeld|Klaus-Christian Kleinfeld]], 2010–2016
# [[Michael G. Morris]], 2016–2021
# [[Steve Williams (businessman)|Steven Walter Williams]], 2021–2025
# Thomas Joseph Gorman, 2025–present

== See also ==
{{Portal|Companies}}
* [[Aluminum oxide|Alumina]]
* [[Aluminum can]]
* [[List of alumina refineries]]
* [[Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals]]
* [[Alcoa, Tennessee]]
* [[Alcoa Power Generating Inc.]]
* [[Cutco]], a company that sells knives, founded in 1949 by Alcoa and Case Cutlery
* [[List of aluminum smelters]]
* [[1953 Alcoa Aluminum advertisement]]
* [[History of aluminum]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{Official website|https://www.alcoa.com}}
{{Finance links
| name = Alcoa Corporation
| symbol = AA
| sec_cik = AA
| yahoo = AA
| google = AA
}}

{{Pittsburgh Corporations}}
{{S&P 400 companies}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Alcoa| ]]
[[Category:1886 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Aluminum companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Companies based in Pittsburgh]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange]]
[[Category:Former components of the Dow Jones Industrial Average]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1886]]
[[Category:Metals monopolies]]
[[Category:Companies in the S&P 400]]