WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

  

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE GOLDEN
NORTHWEST ALUMINUM, INC. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-2000
<CASH>                                           3,343
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   51,316
<ALLOWANCES>                                       100
<INVENTORY>                                     77,597
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               146,692
<PP&E>                                         135,016
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 377,193
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           98,603
<BONDS>                                        170,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                     29,663
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                      65,504
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   377,193
<SALES>                                        126,010
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               126,010
<CGS>                                          117,405
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  117,405
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 3,835
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               6,033
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  (947)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,352
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (2,299)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (2,299)
<EPS-BASIC>                                  (2,299)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  (2,299)