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Forward delivery contracts and financial instruments | 3 Months Ended
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Mar. 31, 2012
Forward Delivery Contracts and Financial Instruments [Abstract] |
Forward delivery contracts and financial instruments | Forward delivery contracts and financial instruments As a producer of primary aluminum, we are exposed to fluctuating raw material and primary aluminum prices. We enter into fixed and market priced contracts for the sale of primary aluminum and the purchase of raw materials in future periods. Forward Physical Delivery Agreements Primary Aluminum Sales Contracts
Contract | Customer | Volume | Term | Pricing
Glencore Metal Agreement (1) | Glencore | 20,400 mtpy | Through December 31, 2013 | Variable, based on U.S. Midwest market
Glencore Sweep Agreement (2) | Glencore | Surplus primary aluminum produced in the United States | Through December 31, 2012 | Variable, based on U.S. Midwest market
Glencore Nordural Metal Agreement | Glencore | Approximately 16,000 metric tons | Through December 31, 2012 | Variable, based on LME
Southwire Metal Agreement (3) | Southwire | 240 million pounds per year (high conductivity molten aluminum) | Through December 31, 2013 | Variable, based on U.S. Midwest market
(1) | We account for the Glencore Metal Agreement as a derivative instrument under ASC 815. Under the Glencore Metal Agreement, pricing is based on then-current Midwest market prices, adjusted by a negotiated U.S. Midwest premium with a cap and a floor as applied to the current U.S. Midwest premium.
(2) | The Glencore Sweep Agreement is for all metal produced in the U.S. in 2012, less existing sales agreements and high-purity metal sales. The term of the contract may be extended for one year upon mutual agreement.
(3) | The Southwire Metal Agreement contains termination rights in the event of a partial or full curtailment of the Hawesville facility.
Long-term Tolling Contracts
Contract | Customer | Volume | Term | Pricing
Billiton Tolling Agreement (1) | BHP Billiton | 130,000 mtpy | Through December 31, 2013 | LME-based
Glencore Toll Agreement (1) | Glencore | 90,000 mtpy | Through July 31, 2016 | LME-based
Glencore Toll Agreement (1) | Glencore | 40,000 mtpy | Through December 31, 2014 | LME-based
(1) | Grundartangi’s tolling revenues include a premium based on the European Union (“EU”) import duty for primary aluminum.
Apart from the Glencore Metal Agreement, the Glencore Sweep Agreement, the Glencore Nordural Metal Agreement and the Southwire Metal Agreement, we had the following forward delivery contractual commitments: Other forward delivery contracts
| March 31, 2012 | December 31, 2011
| (in metric tons)
Other forward delivery contracts – total | 63,898 |  | 41,504 |
Other forward delivery contracts – Glencore | 5,219 |  | 3,423 |
Other forward delivery contracts – fixed price | 1,361 |  | 41 |
Forward Financial Instruments We are party to various forward financial and physical delivery contracts, including primary aluminum put option contracts, which are accounted for as derivative instruments. See Note 3 Derivative and hedging instruments for additional information about these instruments.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for significant arrangements with third parties, which includes operating lease arrangements and arrangements in which the entity has agreed to expend funds to procure goods or services, or has agreed to commit resources to supply goods or services, and operating lease arrangements. Descriptions may include identification of the specific goods and services, period of time covered, minimum quantities and amounts, and cancellation rights. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.17) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 25 -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.(a)(19)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 17 -Article 9 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Article 7 -Section 03 -Paragraph 19 + Details
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