Bauxite
Aluminium production starts with the raw material bauxite, a clay-like sedimentary rock found in a belt around the equator. The bauxite is mined a few metres below ground.
Our resources & inputs
The composition of the Group’s assets and operations, both in terms of the industries and geographies, enables it to achieve strategic synergies. En+ scale allows it to actively manage the flow of aluminium products, alumina and other raw materials within the company and proactively plan electricity production and consumption targets. This allows the Group to optimise capacity utilization and maximise efficiency at smelters, refineries and generating assets.
20.6 mtpa
bauxite production capacity
10.7 mtpa
alumina production capacity
c.96,000
employees
4.2 mtpa
aluminium production capacity
19.4 GW
installed electricity capacity
15.1 GW
installed hydro capacity
Raw materials
The Group is approximately more than 85%[1] self-sufficient in bauxites and nephelines
Nepheline
Nepheline, a hexagonal mineral that usually presents as a glassy crystalline silicate of sodium, and aluminium, can also be used as raw material for alumina.
Water
Prior
to creating the Angara hydropower cascade, meticulous calculations were made to
ensure the hydropower operations could supply cheap electricity to the region
while having a minimal impact on the water levels of Lake Baikal and the
Yenisey River.
Coal
The Group is fully self-sufficient in coal resources. Coal is the main material powering En+ CHPs.
Refining
En+ long position in alumina capacity helps secure ample supply for the prospective expansion of our aluminium production capacity and allows us to take advantage of favourable market conditions through third-party alumina sales.
Alumina
Alumina, or aluminium oxide, is extracted from the bauxite through refining where alumina is separated from the bauxite by using a hot solution of caustic soda and lime Alumina can also be extracted via the Nepheline Process.
Hydropower generation
Hydropower generation is a key area of the Group’s power business. It allows the Group to use massive amounts of low-carbon power to feed alumina processing.
Thermal power generation
The
Group’s HPP portfolio is balanced with thermal power generation, which
contributes to the local power markets in regions where the Group operates.
Processing
Primary aluminium and value added products
Aluminium is produced through the process of electrolysis, where electricity is run between a negative cathode and a positive anode (both made of carbon), which reacts with the oxygen in alumina and forms CO2. Liquid aluminium is cast into extrusion ingots, sheet ingots, or foundry alloys, depending on the intended final product.
Electricity transmission and distribution
Our transmission and distribution infrastructure ensures secure delivery of electricity, and enables efficient management of investment resources.
Sales & Marketing
Aluminium sales to key customers in the major growth regions
En+ Group’s aluminium smelting assets make it the largest aluminium producer outside of China, opening up ample marketing opportunities. We are aiming to further develop sales to key customers in major growth regions, focusing on value added products and direct business with end-users.
Electricity trading and retail
En+ Group is working towards providing direct access to consumers, which will provide a better understanding of their energy needs and inform our development plans. In doing so The Group will have the ability to capture additional margin.
Creating global values
Strategic investment in Nornickel (26.39%)
Nornickel is the world’s largest palladium producer, the second-largest
nickel producer and one of the leading producers of platinum and copper. The Group’s holding enables
it to significantly diversify its earnings as well as broaden the Group’s
strategic opportunities.