Aluminium producer UC Rusal has launched its Alscon aluminium smelter in Nigeria.

Following the acquisition of a majority stake in the smelter, UC Rusal now plans to completely modernise the smelter so it can reach its full capacity of 197,000 tonnes per year in 2010.

The investment in the smelter's modernisation, including the dredging of the Imo River, will amount to approximately US$300mn.

The modernisation programme includes the construction of the smelter, as well as the upgrading of the existing production technology. The smelter includes two potlines, an anode rodding shop, a cast house area and various infrastructure facilities, including a port on the Imo River and a power-generating gas station.

By 2010 the total production capacity of the plant is expected to reach 197,000 tonnes per year.

"The launch of the Alscon smelter in Nigeria demonstrates that UC Rusal is successfully implementing its strategic goal of creating a full production cycle in Western Africa as well as once again proving the company's ability to develop business on all five continents,” said Alexander Bulygin, CEO at UC Rusal.

“We are pleased to be able to export our production technologies and management practices to create a highly efficient and technologically advanced aluminium production in Nigeria. It will contribute significantly to the economic development of the region, create new jobs and add to the general growth of social well-being in the country by delivering necessary infrastructure, helping to developing small and medium-scale business and through social programmes.”