VAW-technologie puts Aluminij Mostar on top: state-of-the-art reduction plant will result from...

The aluminium smelter, Aluminij d.d. Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina, whose production facilities were destroyed and brought to a standstill during the war in the former Yugoslavia, put 10 fully upgraded electrolytic cells into operation at the beginning of

October. This signalled the start of a modernisation project which, when completed, will see all 256 cells at the smelter fully equipped with the very latest technology. It is a decisive step for the company in its thrust towards competitiveness in the world market and gives important impetus to industry in this Adriatic country where unemployment is extraordinarily high.

This modernisation project, under the management of VAW Aluminium Technologie GmbH, the main contractor, will raise the plant's nominal capacity of 92,0001/yr of aluminium by around 6,000t/yr exclusively from the modernisation measures. The potential of the cells. operating at a higher amperage of 165 kA, will be increased by a further 16,000t/yr. Current efficiency will rise, the consumption of energy and raw materials will be reduced and the life of the pots extended. Working conditions in the potrooms and environmental protection will also be markedly improved. This modernisation will also benefit the inhabitants of Mostar, VAW claims.

The upgrading of the reduction plant, equipped with Pechiney technology in 1981, is based on a concept formulated by VAW ATG. The company's specialists are undertaking the project, secured by an export credit guarantee, in conjunction with such partners as DaimlerChrysler Services (debis) from Berlin, the general underwriter, and sub-suppliers, such as Moiler Fuller Bulk Handling GmbH from Hamburg, Procedair Air Pollution Control from France as well as domestic companies. The main Items in the scope of supply were developed by VAW ATG and consist of a pot control system as well as a crust-breaking and alumina dosing system.

The technological challenge is to convert the side-worked Pechiney cells to centre-worked point-feeder cells of VAW design. The conversion of the pots will be carried out while the plant is in continuous operation with no production stoppages.

The end result will be a state-of-the-art aluminium reduction plant, complete with an alumina conveying system and a dry gas scrubber. The modernisation project is scheduled for completion in the 3rd quarter 2002.

The Mostar aluminium smelter was extensively damaged during the Bosnian war. Beginning in 1996, the employees gradually rebuilt the plant using in-house resources and, by 1999, had the smelter's production back to its pre-war level. Already at this stage. debis provided interim financing as the supplier of petroleum coke and electricity as well as through the offtake of aluminium.

VAW ATG is now supplying leading-edge technology which will result in a far more cost-effective plant and safeguard 1,000 jobs at the Mostar site. According to Mijo Brajkovic, chief executive of Aluminil d.d. Mostar, the smelter--with investment of around DM 140 million--will rank as one of the world's leading aluminium producers and, at the same time, create 150 new jobs.

VAW aluminium AG ranks as one of the foremost aluminium companies in Europe. In 2000. the Group--comprising the Primary Materials, Rolled Products, Automotive Products and Flexible Packaging Business Segments--generated revenues of nearly 3.7 billion [euro]. VAW employs a workforce of 16,000 worldwide.