OREANDA-NEWS. RUSAL Krasnoyarsk will achieve its environmental targets by 2008 and become one of the cleanest Soderberg smelters in the world, according to experts from the International Aluminium Institute (IAI).

According to the press service of RUSAL, their verdict follows a visit to the smelter after last month's International Conference for Environmental Issues in the Aluminium Industry and a joint meeting of the IAI's Environmental Committee.

Since early 2004, RUSAL Krasnoyarsk's environmental programme has included among its targets the reduction of the facility's greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. During the past nine months alone, technical improvements at the smelter have achieved a 50% reduction in the frequency of anode effects, known as a major source of these gases.

Representatives from IAI, Alcan and Hydro Aluminium reviewed the results of the production facility's ongoing environmental improvement programme during their visit. They were also shown projects designed to enhance the health and safety of personnel at the Krasnoyarsk smelter. By 2007, the four-year, USD300 million modernisation programme will have reduced emissions of hydrogen fluoride by 1.5 times compared to today's figure, tars by 2.7 times, and benzopyrene by 2.5 times. Commenting on the forecast emission reductions, the IAI's climate change and greenhouse gases consultant Mr Jerry Marks said: "In 2007, when RUSAL Krasnoyarsk intends to reach its target environmental figures, this smelter will have the right to position itself among the world's leading Soderberg aluminium plants."

The IAI is currently developing international standards for allowable pollutants and greenhouse emission levels for the aluminium sector. RUSAL plans to conform fully with international standards for industrial safety, health and environment and will soon launch similar modernisation programmes at its smelters in Bratsk and Novokuznetsk.