The Soviet aluminium industry

Abstract

The Soviet Union, usually regarded as virtually self-sufficient in most industrial raw materials, has a poor resource base for the production of aluminium, but possesses a large hydro-electric power potential needed for aluminium smelting. After some experimentation with domestic resources of nonbauxitic raw materials, Soviet economic planners have shown increasing preference for imports of high-grade bauxite and alumina.

In 1980, as much as 50 per cent of Soviet aluminium production may have been derived from imported raw materials, and this level is expected to be maintained. In view of the world energy shortage, the Soviet hydro-electric potential might be utilized increasingly in the future, the world political situation permitting, to convert imported raw materials into aluminium for re-export to the rest of the world.