UC RUSAL eyes inert anode technology in 3–4 years

Russian aluminum giant United Company RUSAL plans to start intoroduction of inert anode technology at its plants within three to four years, Viktor Mann, the director of the company’s engineering division, said in an interview with Prime-Tass Tuesday.

Inert anode technology lowers greenhouse gas emissions in aluminum production.

The company is currently researching and developing the technology, Mann said.

UC RUSAL invests around U.S. $100 million annually in the research and development, he said.

UC RUSAL was established in March following a merger of Russian aluminum majors RUSAL and SUAL and the alumina assets of Swiss commodities trader Glencore. It controls four bauxite mines, 10 alumina refineries, 14 aluminum smelters, and 3 foil mills, mostly in Russia and around the world.