Aug 1 2006
RUSAL, the world's third largest aluminium producer, announces the start-up of the fifth boiler of the thermoelectric station at the Friguia bauxite and alumina complex in Guinea. Investment into the project to date totals over $20 million.
The construction and start-up of the fifth boiler are part of a modernization programme aimed at the expansion of the capacity of the ACG/Friguia bauxite and alumina complex that was acquired by RUSAL in April 2006.
The three-year expansion programme includes modernization of the existing production systems, installation of new equipment and expansion of the bauxite mine. In addition, RUSAL is investing heavily in the regeneration of local infrastructure including red mud disposals, waste disposal plants, highways and railways and the reconstruction of objects of social importance. The cost of the project will total over $300 million and once completed, the programme is expected to almost double the refinery's output volume.
The launch of the new boiler will ensure greater reliability of all the production processes of the alumina refinery in the areas of steam supply and electrical energy generation. Moreover, the project is of significant local importance — the thermoelectric station operating at the plant is the only one in Guinea that generates electricity and water and provides for the whole city of Friguia as well as for the plant.