UC RUSAL announces plans to increase efficiency

RUSAL, the world’s largest aluminium and alumina producer, has announced that it has implemented a comprehensive programme designed to reduce costs, optimise the production process and strengthen the company’s position as the world’s most effective aluminium producer, cost-wise. The programme will further enhance RUSAL’s competitiveness and support the sustainability of the group’s operations during the global economic downturn. RUSAL, which took over the management of Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) in 2008 said the programme includes the reduction of aluminium output by 500,000 tons annually or about 11percent of the total production volume by April 1, 2009 by closing unprofitable and environmentally challenging facilities. Others include alumina production cut by 3.45 mln tons annually or about 30 percent of the total production volume by mid 2009 by closing and reducing volumes at high cost alumina refineries. It added that by the end of January 2009, the production cost was reduced by 27 percent compared to Q3 2008. Reduction by another 34 percent is planned through more effective management of raw materials and energy supplies, optimised transport and logistics services, reduced prices for all types of raw materials by the end of Q2 of 2009. source：www.businessdayonline.com