RUSAL has announced that it will infuse RUB 4.5 billion this year towards modernizing the Sayanogorsk and Khakas Aluminium smelters.
The bulk of the funds will be used to enhance the production of electrodes, installation of new equipment in the foundry division and revamp the energy efficiency of enterprises. RUSAL will pursue its large-scale modernization of anode baking furnaces at the electrode production facility, as a part of the modernization of the Sayanogorsk smelter. The new state-of-the-art equipment will reduce the smelter’s impact on the environment, increase the energy efficiency of the enterprise and improve the quality of products. However, the accomplishment of construction and installation work on this project is scheduled for the end of 2023.
In the foundry, plans comprise an upgrade to the cooling systems on two lines of homogenization. By increasing the cooling rate of ingots, the new equipment will improve the internal structure of the metal, as well as improve the quality of the finished product during the subsequent processing of alloys by consumers. A casting table with new size crystallizers will also be purchased. This equipment will allow both plants to produce a new size of billets, 215 mm in diameter, which is in high demand from consumers, resulting in higher sales.
To improve the reliability of the power supply to enterprises, work continues on the construction of a substation with 220 kW. It is also planned to replace two transformers. RUSAL will allocate more than 600 million rubles for these purposes. The equipment of other support units will also be upgraded.
Evgenii Nikitin, CEO, RUSAL, said: "The Sayanogorsk and Khakas aluminium smelters consistently continue to implement programs to modernize their capacities, which are aimed at improving the quality of finished products, ensuring safety, improving the ergonomics of workplaces, and improving the skills of employees. Thanks to such a comprehensive approach, these production capacities will retain their reputation as flagship aluminium production sites consisting of high-quality sustainable production and competitive products. Further expansion of the product range and increase in the production of alloys in demand among consumers will allow us to maintain our leadership position in the long term.”
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