RUSAL announces completion of extensive modernisation programme at Krasnoyarsk smelter

RUSAL, the world’s largest aluminium and alumina producer, announces the completion of its five-year environmental modernisation programme of the Krasnoyarsk aluminium smelter (KrAZ). The сompany invested over USD 300 mln in the programme.

Earlier today, KrAZ commissioned a new gas treatment plant, the 23rd in succession, which marked the completion of the environmental modernisation programme launched in 2004. The aims of ‘Clean Soederberg’ – a modernisation programme developed by RUSAL’s Engineering and Technology Centre - were to reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency of the smelting facility. As part of the programme, KrAZ equipped its potrooms with automatic alumina feeding systems, installed new gas treatment equipment, converted to dry anodes, and raised amperage in its potrooms.

The programme, a RUSAL proprietary solution, helps Soederberg smelting facilities, built several decades ago, to improve their environmental performance to an acceptable level and stay environmentally competitive with pre-baked anode smelters. For example, the modernisation programme resulted in a reduction of KrAZ’s emissions per tonne of aluminium output, including a 1.5-fold reduction in HF, a 2.7-fold reduction in tar, and a 2.5-fold reduction in benz(alpha)pyrene.

‘We believe in the great potential of Soederberg pots, which represent over 60% of global aluminium production.’ said Victor Mann, Technology Development Director at RUSAL. ‘This Clean Soederberg project of unprecedented size and results has given a second life to KrAZ. Certain emissions are now almost three times lower than before the project was commenced. We see our biggest challenge as being to apply this experience at RUSAL’s other Soederberg plants and to secure global leadership in the highest international environmental standards.’