Coils at Alcoas plant in Danville, Illinois. (Photo: Alcoa)

NEW YORK Alcoa said Wednesday it may curtail an additional 460,000 tonnes of aluminum capacity around the world as it continues to adjust to lower metal prices.

The U.S.-based company, which has large operations in Quebec, wont say what countries or regions of the world are being considered as part of its 15-month review.

Alcoa has already idled 568,000 tonnes or production capacity, or 13 per cent of its global network.

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The company said the latest review affecting another 11 per cent of capacity is designed to maintain its competitiveness following a more than 33 per cent price dro since 2011.

It will focus on higher-cost plants and those that have long-term risks due to energy costs and regulatory uncertainty.

The Quebec assets benefit from low-cost energy, but company officials declined to say how their costs compare with other facilities in the world. Alcoa said it will also consider a number of alternatives, from discontinuing pot relining to full plant curtailments and permanent shutdowns.

Its alumina refining system will also be reviewed resulting from any curtailments in smelting. Decisions on curtailments and closures will be announced as reviews are completed.

Alcoa employs about 61,000 people in 30 countries across the world.