WAC 296-17A-1802
Classification 1802.
1802-00 Aluminum smelting
Applies to establishments engaged in the primary smelting
of aluminum from alumina using an electrolytic reduction
process. This classification includes the alloying and
casting of sheet ingots, T-ingots, rolling ingots, notched
ingots, sows, pigs, extrusion logs, extrusion billets and
other primary production shapes when performed by a primary
producer subject to this classification. Aluminum is produced
from alumina. Alumina is extracted from bauxite which is an
ore found in the earth's crust. Bauxite contains
approximately 50% aluminum oxide (alumina) together with iron
oxide, silica, and titanium oxide. The aluminum smelting
process is two-fold; first, pure aluminum oxide is produced,
then the aluminum is decomposed from the oxygen by an
electrolytic treatment. The process is complex, labor
intensive and power intensive. The use of an electric current
causes pure aluminum to go to the cathode (part of the
smelting structure) and accumulates as a layer floating on the
molten salt in a large vat. This aluminum has a purity of
99.99% and is removed from time to time and cast into suitable
shapes from molds.
This classification excludes secondary processors who do
not reduce aluminum from alumina, but whose principle business
is casting, rolling, extruding, foiling or recycling aluminum
alloys from molten aluminum, primary production shapes or used
scrap and dross which are to be reported separately in the
applicable classification; ore reduction which is to be
reported separately in classification 1701; and open pit or
underground mining operations which are to be reported
separately in the classification applicable to the mining
being performed.
[07-01-014, recodified as § 296-17A-1802, filed 12/8/06,
effective 12/8/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 51.16.035. 98-18-042, § 296-17-55201, filed 8/28/98, effective 10/1/98;
96-12-039, § 296-17-55201, filed 5/31/96, effective 7/1/96;
88-06-047 (Order 87-33), § 296-17-55201, filed 3/1/88.]