RusAl fires up new smelter

Russian producer RusAl Friday announced the start-up of the first phase of its new 300,000tpy Khakas smelter at Sayansk in the republic of Khakasia.

It's the first smelter to be built in Russia in 20 years and total investments have been $750m. The plant operates using modern dry-anode technology and is fitted with the company's proprietary RA-300 reduction cells.

The first phase of the project comprises capacity of 71,000t with more potlines to be brought on progressively next year. Full capacity production is expected towards the end of 2007.