RusAl 9 Mo Aluminum Output +2.1% On Yr At 2.068M Tons

Russian Aluminium produced 2.068 million metric tons of primary aluminum in the first nine months of 2006, up 2% on the year, the company said Monday.

Alumina output, a key raw material in aluminum production, grew to 2.952 million tons in January-September, up 2.1% on the year.

Standing alone, RusAl is the world's third largest producer of the lightweight metal, but even before its recent three-way merger with Russia's SuAl and commodity trading house Glencore which created the world's largest producer, RusAl had its eyes on the top spot.

To achieve this, RusAl has pursued a strategy of organic growth and acquisition of bauxite mines, alumina refineries and smelters, which is reflected in the current output growth.

Bauxite output increased 28.6% on year to 5.389 million tons due to the acquisition of Aroaima Mining Company in Guyana, RusAl's part in the Komi aluminum project in Russia and production growth at Compagnie des Bauxites de Kindia in Guinea.

"The 2.1% increase in alumina output was driven by the acquisition of 20% of the Queensland Alumina Refinery in Australia in April 2005, as well as modernization programs undertaken at the Nikolayev Alumina Refinery," RusAl said in a statement.