The modernisation programme will be funded by the Vnesheconombank at 7% interest and the reason behind the move to produce wire rods is simple: the Sverdlovsk region is experiencing a shortage, according to the regional government's chairman, Alexander Petrov.
Plans are also afoot to produce aluminium lithium alloys for the aerospace industry in collaboration with the Kamensk-Uralsky Metallurgical Plant and using aluminium from the Bogoslovsk smelter.
Using aluminium lithium alloys can reduce the weight of aircraft structurres by 30%, claims Petrov.
UC Rusal has signed a two-year power agreement with Rosenergoatom at a price of $0.03/kWh. The Bogoslovsk smelter is the power provider's biggest customer and is a fully integrated producer of aluminium, alumina, aluminium silicon and aluminium-magnesium alloys.
Source: Cogeneration & On-Site Power Production