The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology

Rusal invests over $1bn on environment in a decade

(Posted on 01/04/21)

Rusal, a leading global aluminium producer, invested over USD1bn in environmental projects between 2011 and 2020.

Thanks to the environmental measures and initiatives implemented by RUSAL over the last decade, the volume of emissions from the Company's enterprises has decreased by almost 20%, industrial wastewater discharges have decreased by more than twice, and the consumption of fresh water has decreased by a third.

Such results were achieved thanks to the introduction of modern production and environmental technologies as part of the modernization and development of existing production. In 2020, the Company prioritised its work towards achieving its strategic environmental goals. Thus, last year the EcoSoderberg technology was introduced across the Krasnoyarsk aluminium plant and work continues to implement this at the enterprises in Bratsk (BrAZ), Shelekhov (IrkAZ) and Novokuznetsk (NkAZ). The implementation of electrolyzers operating at baked anodes at the experimental section of the Novokuznetsk aluminium plant has started. In addition, NkAZ, BrAZ and IrkAZ are modernizing their existing gas cleaning units with the introduction of modern and more efficient dry gas cleaning units developed by RUSAL's engineers. The Company continues to pivot towards more environmentally friendly raw materials together with partners for the production of pitches, which not only allowed to partially replace imports, but also to reduce emissions of harmful polyaromatic substances.

“The results that RUSAL has achieved in improving the environmental profile of its enterprises over the past 10 years are noteworthy and I am pleased with the progress we have made. Such results are thanks to the comprehensive program that the Company is implementing to reduce the environmental impact of its production facilities, including developing and implementing its own initiatives. This approach is an integral part of the Company's strategy, and, naturally, we will continue to develop in the chosen direction,” said Ivan Rebrik, Director of the Department for Environment, Labor Protection and Industrial Safety of RUSAL.

In 2020, RUSAL accounted for about 5.8% of global production of aluminium, 6.5% of alumina production and 44% of RUSAL’s production accounts for value added products. RUSAL's offices are operating in 20 countries all over the world and across 5 continents.