12.03.2015
UC RUSAL starts bauxite mining at Kurubuka-22 in Guyana
Moscow, 12 March 2015 – UC RUSAL (SEHK: 486, Euronext: RUSAL/RUAL, Moscow Exchange: RUALR), a leading global aluminium producer, announces the start of industrial mining operations at the Kurubuka-22 deposit following the completion of the project. Kurubuka-22 is located in Kurubuka area, Region 10, Guyana, South America.
Kurubuka-22’s bauxite deposit is estimated at 30 million tonnes. RUSAL’s total investment in the project is over USD 25 million.
RUSAL began the development of the Kurubuka-22 mine in 2013 where preliminary works lasted throughout 2013 and 2014. These included the construction of the mine, infrastructure development, building of access roads, barge loading facilities at the Berbice River and a factory that allows the maintenance of a full production cycle from mining to dry bauxite barge loading. Thus, optimization of logistics costs has been reached thanks to a reduction of transportation distance from the mine to a sea reloading point.
Donald Ramotar, President of Guyana, and Vladislav Soloviev, CEO of RUSAL, attended the opening ceremony.
“With the launch of the Kurubuka-22 mine, RUSAL has confirmed its reputation as a reliable partner and a committed investor. The Company’s business expansion and its direct investment in Guyana’s bauxite industry help contribute to the solution of important social issues, including the creation of new jobs,” commented Donald Ramotar, President of Guyana, at the opening ceremony.
“BCGI is a strategically important asset for the Company. The development of the Kurubuka-22 mine is in line with RUSAL’s strategy to strengthen vertical integration and secure aluminium production through in-house raw materials supply. The start of operations at the new mine will allow RUSAL to supply its refineries with high quality bauxite in the long-run,” said Vladislav Soloviev, CEO of RUSAL.
RUSAL has been operating in Guyana since 2004 and owns a 90% stake in the Bauxite Company of Guyana (“BCGI”). RUSAL owns licenses to develop the Kwakwani and Bissaruni deposit groups in Guyana. Annual bauxite production capacity of BCGI is 1.7 million tonnes. BCGI bauxite is used for alumina production at the Nikolaev refinery, Ukraine, and is studied at the Aughinish refinery, Ireland.
Kurubuka-22’s bauxite deposit is estimated at 30 million tonnes. RUSAL’s total investment in the project is over USD 25 million.
RUSAL began the development of the Kurubuka-22 mine in 2013 where preliminary works lasted throughout 2013 and 2014. These included the construction of the mine, infrastructure development, building of access roads, barge loading facilities at the Berbice River and a factory that allows the maintenance of a full production cycle from mining to dry bauxite barge loading. Thus, optimization of logistics costs has been reached thanks to a reduction of transportation distance from the mine to a sea reloading point.
Donald Ramotar, President of Guyana, and Vladislav Soloviev, CEO of RUSAL, attended the opening ceremony.
“With the launch of the Kurubuka-22 mine, RUSAL has confirmed its reputation as a reliable partner and a committed investor. The Company’s business expansion and its direct investment in Guyana’s bauxite industry help contribute to the solution of important social issues, including the creation of new jobs,” commented Donald Ramotar, President of Guyana, at the opening ceremony.
“BCGI is a strategically important asset for the Company. The development of the Kurubuka-22 mine is in line with RUSAL’s strategy to strengthen vertical integration and secure aluminium production through in-house raw materials supply. The start of operations at the new mine will allow RUSAL to supply its refineries with high quality bauxite in the long-run,” said Vladislav Soloviev, CEO of RUSAL.
RUSAL has been operating in Guyana since 2004 and owns a 90% stake in the Bauxite Company of Guyana (“BCGI”). RUSAL owns licenses to develop the Kwakwani and Bissaruni deposit groups in Guyana. Annual bauxite production capacity of BCGI is 1.7 million tonnes. BCGI bauxite is used for alumina production at the Nikolaev refinery, Ukraine, and is studied at the Aughinish refinery, Ireland.
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