DUSHANBE , July 12, Asia-Plus -- In January-June this year, Tajik Aluminum Plant (TadAZ) has produced more than 201,000 tons of aluminum, which is 9.6 percent or 17,600 tons more compared to the same period of 2005, press release issued by TadAZ says.

A number of electrolysisers over the same six-month period has increased by 29 and been brought up to 909 pieces.  

Compared to the first half-year of 2005 profitability of the plant from sale of its output has increased 1.2 times and made 16.4 percent. 

Over the first six months of this year, the revenue part of the plant’s budget has stood at 36.2 million Somonis against 20.5 million Somonis reported in January-June 2005.  The expenditure part of the plant’s budget over the same six-month period has stood at 24.5 million Somonis against 27.5 million Somonis reported in the first half-year of 2005.  

Compared to January-June 2005 an external trade turnover of Tajik Aluminum Plant in the first six months of this year, including electric power, has increased by US$335.1 million and amounted to US$866.8 million.  The trade balance was positive and amounted to US$144.5 million.  

A share of power expenses in the aluminum cost price makes more than 20 percent.  Compared to January-June 2005 domestic electric power supplies to TadAZ have reduced by 14.8 percent and the plant was obliged to import electricity from other countries.  A share of the imported electricity in the overall amount of electricity consumed by the plant over the first six months of this year has made 24.2 percent.  

TadAZ has concluded contracts on direct supply of 640 million kWh of electricity from Uzbekistan (at the rate of $0.026 per one kWh) and 1 billion kWh of electricity from Kyrgyzstan (at the rate of $0.01 per one KWh) in the autumn-winter season. 

A total amount of payments for the electricity consumed over the first sis months of this year has been 119.2 million Somonis, which is 47.8 million Somonis more compared to the same period of 2005.

             To increase its production potentials TadAZ has adopted an investment program for 2006.  “The estimated budget for the implementation of this investment project is US$19.6 million,” the press release says, noting that the program is aimed at maintaining competitiveness of Tajikistan ’s aluminum sector.    

TadAZ heeds environmental impact and takes measures to minimize influence on the environment.  In January-June 2006, the plant has provided 9.2 million Somonis for organizing environmental protection activities, which is 3 million Somonis more compared to the same period of the last year.   events.  

This year, Tajik Aluminum Plant intends to produce 404,500 tons of aluminum.  We will recall that TadAZ last year produced 381,700 tons of primary aluminum.