FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is the production capacity being considered and what are the options for growth?
The aluminium smelter at Similajau, Sarawak, would have an initial production capacity of 550,000 tonnes per year. Feasibility studies will examine options for growth, but the smelter could be expanded up to 1.5 million tonnes per year.
Q: Where would the smelter be located?
The State government of Sarawak is seeking to develop an industrial precinct at Simalajau, 60 kilometers from Bintulu in Sarawak, as part of the 9th Malaysia Plan. It is planned the smelter and some associated industries will be located within the industrial precinct.
Q: What is the timing of this smelter project? How long will it take to build? When would construction begin?
These details will be finalized in the feasibility studies to be undertaken in 2007 and 2008. If the decision is made to develop the smelter then first production could begin late in 2010.
Q: When will production of aluminium start?
First production could be expected in the fourth quarter of 2010. |
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Q: What elements are you looking at in the feasibility study?
Under the signing of the Heads of Agreement, feasibility studies on the design, engineering, construction, commissioning and operation of an aluminium smelter will commence. The feasibility studies will take between 12 to 18 months to complete. They will examine the technical, environmental, operational, social and economic aspects of a smelter development.
Q: What does the smelter mean for Sarawak?
The smelter project supports the Sarawak State Government’s vision for economic diversification. It will be a significant investment in the future of Sarawak, particularly in the state’s plans to develop an energy-intensive industrial corridor in Sarawak’s central region to capitalize on the vast resources of hydro power, coal, and oil & gas in the state.
Q: How would you address the need for skilled manpower?
Well before the smelter starts, a pro-active programme will take place involving training of Malaysian human resources at Rio Tinto’s Australian facilities. There will be significant increase in training and skills development in Sarawak in order to prepare a world class workforce required to operate a smelter.
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