RUSAL modernizes alumina production

RUSAL, the world's leading primary aluminum producer, announces the launch of a program to increase alumina production at the Ural Aluminum Smelter (UAZ) with the goal of reaching an annual capacity of 900 thousand tons. Investment in the project is expected to amount to more than $ 23 million.

The investment project program is aimed at increasing the annual capacity of aluminum oxide at UAZ from 770 thousand tons to 900 thousand tons by the end of 2016. The project includes the construction of a new autoclave battery, two new filters and other industrial equipment associated with the increase in production.

Currently, design work is already underway, including the development of filters, disc filters, heat exchangers. The first stage of design work is expected to be completed by the end of April. The design of the new battery autoclave should be completed by the end of July, and construction is planned to begin immediately after the end of the design work.

"Expansion of production at UAZ will be implemented using the most modern technologies. This will not only increase production volumes, but also contribute to improving energy efficiency and reducing production costs," commented Yakov Itskov, Director of the Alumina Division of UC RUSAL.

In addition, RUSAL is implementing a transformed electrolysis plant at its Irkutsk Aluminum Smelter (IrkAZ). The main goal of the project, which is planned to be implemented in stages until 2020, is aimed at reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere by 30 percent and improving the overall environmental performance of the plant.