Rusal plans to create high-tech production

The project envisages the creation of advanced alloys for the manufacture of electrical conductors, using aluminium with high thermal stress resistance as a basis.  Consequently this alloy will have the ability to transfer more power per unit length of the conductor. Further testing of the conductor will be arranged at the nano-elements level in order to increase its strength and electrical conductivity. These developments will contribute to the widespread displacement of expensive copper wires and increase the use of aluminum.

The project will be implemented by Rusal’s Engineering and Technology Centre in close cooperation with the Siberian Federal University (SFU), where all scientific research and technological work will be carried out, and production models will be developed. The R&D of the project will be conducted from 2010 to 2012.

As part of the agreement with the Ministry of Education and Science, Rusal will invest at least 114.75 million roubles of its own funds in the project. In order to commission production, Rusal will launch a wire rod production line with a capacity of 10 thousand tonnes per annum, as well as an automated process control system at the Irkutsk Aluminium Smelter before 2013.

Oleg Deripaska, the CEO of Rusal, said: «The creation of high-tech production in Russia is of a great importance.  Most of the research will be carried out jointly by the leading universities of Siberia. We are confident that this cooperation between business and higher education institutes will contribute to the development of national science and education, and strengthen the competitiveness of Russia’s high-tech industries.»

Aluminium alloys with rare earth and transition metals, according to their characteristics, have a high demand both in the domestic and international markets as they serve as material for the production of cables and wires. Launch of production of these alloys in Russia will enhance the competitiveness of the Russian cable industry.

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