OREANDA-NEWS.  UC RUSAL, a leading global aluminium producer, has commenced the modernization of the Boksitogorsk Alumina Refinery. The goal of the modernization programme is to increase the production of corundum, which is used in the manufacturing of abrasive and fire-resistant products. The project investment will total about USD 2 million.

Completion of the modernization project will allow for product range expansion on account of new fractions’ production, as well as allowing for an increase in annual corundum production volume by 10 thousand tonnes – up to 73 thousand tonnes per annum. The products will be supplied to Europe, Japan, the USA, Russia and the CIS.

The modernization program is scheduled to complete in 2017 and will take place in several stages. Currently, project documentation is being developed, along with the procurement of magnetic separators, mixers and other equipment. When this stage is complete, the construction and assembly of the new complex which will contain crushing and processing equipment and material transportation systems will commence.

‘Today, China account for over 50% of the global output of corundum. This project will enable RUSAL to strengthen its exports and to take a strong competitive position in the global market of raw materials for abrasives and refractories’ production,’ commented Yakov Itskov, RUSAL’s Director of Alumina Division.