RUSAL’s Engineering and Technology Centre developed the nepheline powder production technology from nepheline mud through tossing, regrinding, pressing and drying. Nepheline powder is in high demand in the concrete, mining and road construction industries. The technical specification of the nepheline powder provides the company with lower railway tariffs. This technology forms a part of the overall “Zero-Waste Alumina Production” project.

The project group at Achinsk alumina refinery (AAR) is now studying the possible markets and negotiating with potential customers. The initial supply of the first production is planned for the third quarter of 2012.

The growth of nepheline mud production will enable AAR to reduce the amount of waste stored by at least two-fold. AAR plans to sell more than 50% from 6.34 million tonnes of nepheline mud stored, which will cut storage costs by RUR111.9 million.

“It is a new production for us, but our feasibility study proved that the demand for such a product is strong. We already have a series of contracts with our future consumers and a lot of confidence in the project. This powder is quite competitive in terms of price in several industries. Nepheline powder is a major step to the zero-waste alumina production we are aiming for and we are going to keep working on it,” said RUSAL’s Head of R&D Viktor Mann.