RUSAL Not Buying Tajik Aluminum Plant

Officials in Tajikistan are disputing a rumour that RUSAL will be buying an aluminum plant in the former Soviet Republic. State Property Committee Director, Sherali Gulov commented, “Rusal has not invested anything in retrofitting the Tajik Aluminum Plant.

The plant produces about 380,000 tons of aluminum annually, about 2/3 of Tajikistan’s exports. RUSAL had reportedly promised to invest about ˆ120 million to upgrade the facility and another ˆ480 million to build a new facility in southern Tajikistan. According to RUSAL officials the delays in construction are due to energy shortages and the delay in completion of the Rogun hydro-power plant. Western support to upgrade infrastructure, instead of pouring money into small business incubators, in all of the former Soviet Republics would have been a prudent act after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Many facilities are now in such a state of disrepair that it will take an enormous amount of financing and time to upgrade. Tajikistan is one of the many republics still recovering from civil was and separation pains. The republic has great potential with vast deposits of alumina, and an able workforce.