UC RUSAL to switch Achinsk production to increase supply of alumina to KrAZ

UC RUSAL, a leading global aluminium producer, announces its plans to fully switch production at its Achinsk alumina refinery (AAR) to support the consumption requirements of the Krasnoyarsk aluminium smelter (KrAZ).

This decision will allow RUSAL to reduce its logistics costs and also to ensure that 45% of KrAZ’s annual consumption of alumina, which amounts to 2mn tonnes per year, will be supplied by AAR.

In 2015, AAR is planning to supply 745kt of alumina to KrAZ, which amounts to 32% of the smelter’s alumina consumption. In 2016, the supplies will increase to 752kt, and further growth is expected.

In order to increase KrAZ’s consumption of alumina from AAR, the refinery has started works to alter the physical properties of alumina produced. At present, alumina from AAR is only used at certain pot types at KrAZ.

‘The smelter and the refinery were built in the 1960-70’s as a single complex. Considering the geographical proximity of these two sites, we want to increase the consumption of alumina from Achinsk at KrAZ as we realize the economic and strategic benefits of this project, as it’s about a short transport leg and good price. However, before KrAZ can consume all alumina produced at AAR, we need to modify the physical properties of crystals and to improve their quality,’ commented Evgeny Nikitin, director of aluminium business at RUSAL.

AAR is the largest producer of alumina in Russia. In 2014, the refinery produced 891kt of alumina. Its key consumers are the Krasnoyarsk, Bratsk and Irkutsk aluminum smelters. KrAZ currently sources alumina from AAR as well as from the Nikolaev alumina refinery and other suppliers.