Salco smelter to boost Sarawak corridor of renewable energy

International aluminium producer Rio Tinto Alcan and publicly-listed Cahya Mata Sarawak's proposed $2bn aluminium smelter project at Similajau, near Bintulu, is intended to be a catalyst for regional development of the Sarawak corridor of renewable energy (SCORE).

The aluminium smelter project, owned by SALCO – a joint venture between the two companies. The proposed smelter will have an initial production capacity of 550kt/y, with the capability for expansion to a total of 1.5Mt/y. Commissioning is expected Q4 of 2010.