free stats
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What will be the environmental impacts of the SALCO smelter?
SALCO is undertaking a public Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) to ensure that all impacts, social, economic and environmental, associated with the proposed development are fully examined and evaluated. The DEIA will also include a draft environmental management plan, integrating legal requirements and SALCO’s environmental management commitments. The draft DEIA report will be available on the SALCO website, and we will advertise in Sarawak newspapers during the public comment period so all interested parties can have their say on the project. Environmental protection will be an integral part of the management of the SALCO smelter during construction and operation.

Q. What hazardous emissions will be discharged by the SALCO smelter into the air and how can these be managed, especially if output is expanded to 1.5 million tones per annum?
The smelting processes produce small amounts of fluorides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Modern gas collection and treatment technology will be installed to capture and treat these gases before release to the atmosphere. Sulphur dioxide is also generated in parts of the smelter and is controlled by limiting the sulphur levels in raw materials used to make carbon anodes. The SALCO smelter will be constructed and operated to meet national and international ambient air quality standards.

Q. What is the solid waste from the production of aluminium?
The reaction that produces aluminium metal from aluminium oxide during the smelting process does not produce any solid waste. However, the lining of the cell within which the reaction takes place has to be replaced every five to seven years. The “spent cell lining” (SCL) will be temporarily stored in a dry enclosed building. The SCL can be used as a feedstock in cement kilns. The kiln processes the material and renders it benign, incorporating it as a component of cement which is safe to use. . This is SALCO’s proposed method of disposal of SCL.

 

Q. How do you manage greenhouse gas emissions?
Carbon dioxide is produced when carbon in the anode combines with the oxygen in aluminium oxide during smelting. Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are greenhouse gases that are produced in the smelting process during brief upset conditions known as “anode effects”. Anode effects are prevented and minimized by use of technological and operational controls such as sophisticated computer controls, changes to alumina feeding techniques and employee training.

Q. Is there any wastewater or other liquids that will be discharged in the smelting process? How are they treated or managed?
Smelting is a dry process and it does not use water or produce wastewater. Fresh water from Bintulu will be used for cooling the metal casting machines. This cooling water will be recycled but a small amount of salty water will be removed from the recycling system and either reused on site, or released into the ocean. There are no other liquid discharges.

Q. What is the cost of energy as a percentage of total production cost?
This depends on the plant, but it could be around 20 per cent to 25 per cent of the total production cost.

Q. Where is the most likely location for a new township?
The location of a new township to support the Samalajau Industrial Park will be decided by the Sarawak State Planning Unit together with the Bintulu Development Authority.

Q. Will there be opportunities for local contractors to work on the construction of the SALCO smelter?
Ensuring local communities and local contractors benefit from SALCO activities will be strong focus during the feasibility study. This is an essential part of making sure the SALCO smelter makes a sustainable, long term contribution to the local community and the economy.
  1 2