Aughanish plant extension opens

A CONTENTIOUS development spanning 195 acres that is to receive over 18 million tonnes of red bauxite residue at the Aughinish Alumina plant on the Shannon estuary is due to commence operating later this month.

Rusal Aughinish confirmed the start up of the project yesterday at Europe’s largest alumina refinery — four years after the plant secured planning permission for the proposal from An Bord Pleanála in the face of strong local opposition.

The major extension to the Bauxite Residue Disposal Area (BRDA) enables the $1.2 billion (€820 million) refinery to continue operating to 2026 where it is licensed to dispose of 1.2 million tonnes of the red bauxite residue per annum at the site.