Exame, Brazil´s Most Prestigious Business Magazine, Honors Leading Companies for Their Sustainability Initiatives

NEW YORK--Alcoa (NYSE:AA) has been named one of Brazil’s Most Sustainable Companies by Exame magazine as part of the publication’s Sustainability Guide 2009.

The twenty organizations included in the list – all considered “model companies” – were announced on November 11, during a recognition ceremony held in São Paulo, Brazil. Now in its 10th edition, the Guide is regarded as Brazil’s most respected corporate responsibility publication.

“We’re honored to be included in this select group of companies, particularly given our broad-reaching growth program in this country over recent years. This is an important recognition that our continuing efforts toward the triple bottom-line are on the right track,” said Franklin L. Feder, president of Alcoa Latin America and Caribbean.

Exame, in conjunction with the Center for Sustainability Studies of the Getulio Vargas Foundation, evaluates companies´ strategies, commitments and practices, based on the three dimensions of sustainability: environmental responsibility, economic success and promotion of social development. The evaluation also covers issues such as transparency and corporate governance. Companies’ initiatives are then reviewed by a panel comprised of academics, prominent non-governmental organizations and Exame editors.

In Brazil, Alcoa recently inaugurated a bauxite mine in Juruti, in the West of the State of Pará. The ramp-up of the expansion of the São Luis (Alumar) refinery is currently under way, and the construction, in partnerships, of two hydropower dams – Estreito and Serra do Facão – is on-going.

“This prestigious recognition obviously brings with it new challenges as it further raises the bar,” said Feder, “but it also intensifies Alcoa’s commitment to sustainability in Brazil and elsewhere around the globe.”

About Alcoa

Alcoa is the world leader in the production and management of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina combined, through its active and growing participation in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems. The Company has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for eight consecutive years. Alcoa employs approximately 63,000 people in 31 countries across the world. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com