Exhibit 17

Contacts:     Bonita A. Cersosimo
              Alcoa
              (412) 553-4462

              R. Daniel Loh
              Alumax Inc.
              (404) 846-4752  Fax:  (404) 846-4691

ALCOA AND ALUMAX RESPOND TO DOJ REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION; ALCOA
EXTENDS TENDER OFFER

     ATLANTA AND PITTSBURGH, May 22, 1998 -- Alcoa (NYSE: AA) announced today
that it has provided the Department of Justice (DOJ) with additional information
requested under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act in connection with Alcoa's acquisition
of Alumax (NYSE: AMX) and believes that it is now in substantial compliance with
that request.

     Alumax also announced today that it has sent to the DOJ the final
submission of additional information requested by the previously announced civil
investigative demand, as modified, under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act in connection
with the acquisition. Upon receipt by the DOJ of this submission, Alumax
believes that it will have fully responded to the DOJ's request.

     Alcoa also said that it has agreed with the DOJ that it will not close its
currently pending acquisition of Alumax prior to June 15, 1998 in order for the
DOJ to complete its review.

     In light of its agreement with the DOJ, Alcoa has extended the expiration
date of its cash tender offer for up to 27 million shares of Alumax common stock
at a price of $50 per share to midnight, EDT, on Monday, June 15, 1998. The
offer had previously been scheduled to expire on Friday, June 5, 1998. As of the
close of business on May 21, the number of shares of Alumax common stock that
had been validly tendered and not withdrawn was 19,642,503.