NEWS RELEASE TRANSMITTED BY CCNMatthews
FOR: METHANEX CORPORATION
TSX SYMBOL: MX
NASDAQ SYMBOL: MEOH
JULY 1, 2003 - 08:52 ET
Methanex Gains Future Operating Flexibility at Kitimat
Methanol Plant
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--Methanex Corporation has acquired
the Kitimat, British Columbia ammonia production assets of
Pacific Ammonia Inc. (PAI) for US$20 million, to be paid in
installments through to the end of 2005. Under the previous
ownership structure, Methanex had an obligation to supply
by-product hydrogen from the methanol production process to its
site partner PAI for the manufacture of ammonia. This obligation
expired in 2011. As part of the new transaction, Methanex has
entered into an off-take agreement to supply Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
with 100% of the ammonia produced through to the end of 2005.
During the period of the off-take agreement, Methanex will not be
taking any cost or market risk.
Mr. Pierre Choquette, Methanex's President and CEO commented,
"This transaction gives us the future operating flexibility we
have been looking for at the Kitimat plant." Mr. Choquette
continued, "Under current market conditions, Kitimat represents a
valuable source of methanol supply for our customers,
particularly in light of recently reduced production capability
at our New Zealand facilities."
Methanex is the world's largest producer and marketer of
methanol. Methanex shares are listed for trading on the Toronto
Stock Exchange in Canada under the trading symbol "MX" and on the
Nasdaq National Market in the United States under the trading
symbol "MEOH." Methanex can be visited online at
www.methanex.com.
Information in this news release may contain forward-looking
statements. By their nature, such forward-looking statements
involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results
to differ materially from those contemplated by the
forward-looking statements. They include risks attendant with
methanol and ammonia production including operational disruption
and conditions in the methanol industry including the supply and
demand balance for methanol and its derivatives. Please also
refer to page 40 in our 2002 Annual Report for more information
on forward-looking statements.
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For further information please contact:
Methanex Corporation
Chris Cook
Director, Investor Relations
(604) 661-2600
Website: www.methanex.com