Press Metal Aluminium Holdings has formed a joint venture with three Indonesian firms to build a $750 million alumina refinery in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, where it will hold an 80% stake. The facility is expected to produce between 1 and 1.2 million tonnes of alumina annually, with plans to potentially double this capacity in the future. This venture aligns with Press Metal's strategy to strengthen its position as Southeast Asia's largest aluminum smelter and reduce its reliance on third-party suppliers. The total investment for the first phase amounts to RM1.04 billion, which will be financed through internally generated funds. CEO Tan Sri Paul Koon highlighted that the project will enhance operational efficiency and provide a stable supply of alumina critical for smelting operations. This joint venture comes shortly after Press Metal divested from another alumina producer, reflecting its strategic focus on expanding its upstream capabilities.