Irkutsk Aluminium Smelter (IrkAZ)

The Irkutsk smelter produced its first primary aluminium in 1962. Electric power is provided to the smelter from Irkutsk HPP.

The smelter became a part of RUSAL in 2007 and has been majorly upgraded: the new fifth potline using baked anodes was launched and a new casthouse was commissioned. The smelter mastered the production of hi-tech wire rods and new generation alloys for the transportation and construction industries.

The Irkutsk smelter’s product range includes more than 100 varieties of aluminium alloy and more than 30 types of wire rod. High value-added products account for 80% of the smelter’s total output.

In 2015, the Irkutsk smelter commenced an Eco-Søderberg project in order to transition the plant’s first, third, and fourth potlines to this technology, thereby reducing its pollutant emissions by 30%. The project is scheduled for completion by 2020.

Development plans

Further implementation of the Eco-Søderberg technology; modernisation of the gas treatment facilities; expanding the high value-added product share in the overall output.