Development of the Kurubuka-22 project began in 2013 and included construction of the mine, infrastructure development, building of access roads, and construction of barge loading facilities at the Berbice river and a production facility that handles the full production cycle from mining to dry bauxite barge loading.

The operating company for Rusal’s Guyana bauxite production is Bauxite Co. of Guyana, owned 90% by Rusal and 10% by the Guyana government. Annual bauxite production capacity totals about 1.7 million mt, which is shipped to Rusal alumina refineries at Nikolaev, Ukraine, and Aughinish, Ireland.

Donald Ramotar, president of Guyana, and Vladislav Soloviev, CEO of Rusal, spoke at an opening ceremony for the mine.

“With the launch of the Kurubuka-22 mine, Rusal has confirmed its reputation as a reliable partner and a committed investor,” Ramotar said. “The company’s business expansion and its direct investment in Guyana’s bauxite industry help contribute to the solution of important social issues, including the creation of new jobs.

“Bauxite Co. of Guyana is a strategically important asset for Rusal,” Soloviev said. “The development of the Kurubuka- 22 mine is in line with Rusal’s strategy to strengthen vertical integration and secure aluminum production through in-house raw materials supply. The start of operations at the new mine will allow Rusal to supply its refineries with high-quality bauxite over the long-run.”