OREANDA-NEWS. UC RUSAL (SEHK: 486; Euronext: RUSAL/RUAL; Moscow Exchange: RUALR), a leading global aluminium producer, announces plans to invest over USD10 million in the modernization of silicon production in 2015.

The investment program will enable RUSAL to increase production of high quality grades of silicon needed for production of aluminum alloys to 23,820 tonnes per year. Modernization of production sites will also reduce the Company's dependence on silicon imports. The Company will deliver a major overhaul and equipment upgrade at SUAL-Kremniy-Ural LLC and Kremniy CJSC, which will reduce the plants' emissions.

The comprehensive investment programme includes an optimization of production processes; a phased introduction of a refining process at SUAL-Kremniy-Ural and a change in technology of silicon's casting in moulds. In addition, pilot works to start production of Silicon 2002 have begun with SUAL-Kremniy-Ural already producing 50 tonnes of Silicon 2002 which have undergone successful trials. Also in cooperation with RUSAL's Engineering and Construction Division and RUSAL's Research and Development Center new moulds are being tested while a newly designed silicon production machine is being developed.

'Our ability to guarantee low impurities content puts our silicon business on a par with the world's leading silicon producers. The investments announced today will not only allow us to strengthen our market position, but also reduce dependence on imports, resulting in significant economic benefits for the Company,' commented Alexey Arnautov, RUSAL's deputy director for new projects.

RUSAL is self-sufficient in silicon for alloy production at 85%. The remaining amount of silicon is imported. RUSAL's annual silicon output is 60,000 tonnes, including high-quality brands of silicon (39.7%), clean (25%), and other brands (35.3%).