THE HUNGARIAN ALUMINUM INDUSTRY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80T00246A036500130001-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 10
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 1, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: August 1, 1957
• Content Type: REPORT

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li441 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
This material ooa ormation affecting the National Defense of the 'United states within the meaning of the Espionage laws, Title
1$, U.B.C. seas. TW 94, the transmission or revelation of which in any manner to an unauthorised person Is prohibited by law.
COUNTRY Hungary
SUBJECT The Hungarian Aluminum Industry
DATE OF
INFO.
PLACE i
5
RD
PROCESSING COPY
the industryo specificilvlly envisq$ing the construction of an alumina plant
During the seine period, however, plans were drawn up for the expansion of'
Development of the Industry
1. Prior to World War IT, exploitation of Hungary's rich bauxite deposits
was neglig.bles its only alumina plat, in Magyarovsr, for example,
produced 2,600 tons annually, while the Manfred Weiss smelting pl n
Csepel, which was destroyed during the war, produced 1,000 tons : edL
ro,pidly expaunded, and large quentities of bauxite, particularly from the /
Gant miu.es, were shipped. to 09=any. I ti r
Gant
After the v sr, all bauxite mines, the A,Jka complex, and the Szekesfehervar
rolling mill were placed under Sairiet control. In 1949 - 1950 the Soviet-
Hungarian cox lig;cy Maszobsil was established to control the following:
9,000 tons 'began operating in 19110. During the war, mining operations we
and fonuldry in A,jka. The installation was financed by the Hitelbank
the Altalanos Takerek, while the Egyesvllt Izzo built the power plant
Subsequent rcnatruL-}ion of an, aluxdna plant at AlmasfUzit8 was not
completed because of the war. A new foundry with an annual producti
as Bauxite mines in Cant, Iszkaszentgy8rgy, Nyirad, and Halimba.
b. Alumina plants in Ajka, Magyarovar~ and Almasffizit8.
(The latter was completed by the Soviets in 1950-1951.)
c. Foundries in A.jka, Tatabarya, and Inata.
d. The rolling mills in Szekesfehervar and KBbanya. (The latter had
been reconstructed by the Hungarians, since the Soviets had
dismantled the plant.)
e. The Scientific Research Institute in Balatonalmadi. The
Hungarians retained independent control only of Allpdniumgyar,
formerly Magyar Fen .emeezipar R0To, and the rolling mill in Csepel.
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Bauxite Mines
3. Nyirad: Annual output is approximately 200,000 tons. High-grade bauxite
'(rating M 13-18) is mined both below and above ground, the latter especially
at the recently discovered deposits near Darvasto. From Nyirad the material
is transported to Zalahalap by truck, since there is no railroad line, and
from Darvasto bauxite is transported to Zalahalap by cable cars, and from
there to Ajka and, to a lesser extent, to Almasf{Izitb.
4. Gant: Some 500,000 tons per annum are mined in over-ground quarrying, which
is the highest output of any Hungarian mine. Because of over-exploitation of
the deposits by the Germans and the Soviets, the bauxite produced is of a very
low quality (rating M-6), but is, however, principally destined for export.
5. Iszkaszentgy5rgy: 200,000-300,000 tons per annum (rating M 9-10) are mined
below ground, most of which is shipped to Almasfdzit8. A small amount is export,
6. Haliniba: Bauxite (rating M 9-10)-is mined above and below ground, and either
exported or destined for the plants in.Magyarovar and Almasf{izit5.
7. In 1956 the output of the mines totalled 1,200,000 tons, half of which was
exported. However, on the babis of existing reserves, the 1956 plan called
for the exportation of 800,000 tons. This target was not attained because
the Soviets demanded quality at a low price (the highest offer was 16 rubles
per ton). East Germany imports about 230,000 tons and Czechoslovakia
100,000 tons (rating M 6-7) of bauxite annually. The Czechs have been stock-
piling large quantities for an aluminum plant which is under construction.
8. AlmasfUzit8: The plant, which was built from German blueprints and is
based on the Bayer method, has a potential annual output of 120,000
tons. It supplies the requirements of the foundries in Inota and
Tatabanya, and also exports alumina to Czechoslovakia and, to a lesser extent,
to Poland. The staff numbers some 1,700 workers.
9. ka: Most of the output is destined for the local foundry, while the
remainder is shipped to Inota and exported to neighboring countries. In
1956 enlargement of the plant, which now employs about 1,1+00 workers, was
completed at a cost of 80 million forints. Its potential annual output is
1+0,000 tons.
10. Magyarovar: Expansion of the plant continues. The quality of alumina produced
there is so inferior that the local industry will not process it, and the entire
output, 1+0,000 tons annually, is exported. The staff numbers 800 workers. The
combined output of the above plants amounts to 200,000 tons per annum, about
half of which is exported, almost exclusively to Soviet satellite countries.
Foundries
11. Ajka: Annual output reaches 12,000 tons of 9905 percent pure aluminum for
the rolling mill in Szekesfehervar. As described in Hungarian, the
composition of the metal is Egalizalt Fern Otvozott is Otvozetlen Prestuskok.
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12. Imo: Owing to difficulties in the power supply, the works only began
operating in 1951. Their present annual output amounts to 25,000 tons
of the same type of material as at Ajke,, which is destined for the rolling
mills in Szekesfehervar, RBbanya, and Csepel. Since 1955 the plant has
also produced aluminum with a high degree of conductivity, which reportedly
is equal to the standard.of the West German DIN and Canadian products.
The foundry employs approximately 1,200 workers.
13. Tatab a: The average aluminum produced is 99.6 percent pure and of high
conduc vity, but the plant also refines some aluminum of 99.90-99099 percent
purity, which is greatly in demand by chemical and electric industries in
Western countries. Recently the annual output has not exceeded.5,000 tons,
although the plant reportedly has a potential of 9,000 tons. The staff
numbers 400 workers. According to the 1956 plan, aluminum production was
to have reached 41,000 togas, but the actual output fell short of this
figure owing to the rebellion. The 1957 plan, drawn up in 1956, envisaged a
production of 43,000 tons; meanwhile, however, foundries have been idle
because of the existing, shortage of power, and the 1957 output is not
expected to exceed .9,000 'tons.
Rolling Mills
14. Szekesfehervar: Built under German supervision in World War II, this plant
has an annual output of 122,000 tons. Of these, 8,000 tons are rolled aluminum
and the remainder is what is deignated in Hungarian as Preselt Ls Huzott.
The mechanical equipment includes Skoda.and Aschenbach machines.. and a French
Morane press developing up to 1,800 tons. The plant supplies 'about 70
percent of the 9,000 tons of rolled aluminum which are exported annually to the
USSR,' as well. as various types of aluminum alloys. In 1952 the Soviet military
authorities placed an order for about 'O0 tons of spark-lug components.) For
this purpose the plant set up an additional shop with special machinery
(Frikcios Presek), and finished products were sent to an enterprise in Magyarove
15. b ? Following the dismantling of the plant's machinery by the Soviets,
outdated. machinery was installed, of which two Martos and Herz presses turn out
300-400 tons out of a total annual production of 6,000 tons. The quality of the
product corresponds to that of Szekesfebervar, and is both exported to the
USSR afld absorbed by the local industry. Machinery for the production of"
aluminum foil was transferred to the mill from Csepel, but owing to various
difficulties this branch was not opened until August 1955? Moreover, a British
expert was summoned in triad-1956 to supervise the re-installation of the
machinery. About 100 million forint have been invested in this project, but
operations had not yet begun as of late 1956. The plant employs about 450 works
160 The Aluminum Research Institute (Aluminium Tervezd Intezet): at No. 18,
Kosauth Le4os Ter, Budapest, is also concerned with planning and
development of the industry. Its director, Ferenc Nagyobb, 4045,
formerly served as deputy head of the Maszobal company and has no
professional knowledge, owing his appointment to purely political reasons.
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The chief engineer2 Istvan Gebeffgi4
p u The term G tbfe was used.
Comment: It would appear unlikely that the plant produces spark
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V
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
5
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Development of the Indus trJr 25X1
1. Prior to World War II, exploitation of Hungary's rich bauxite deposits
lej its only alumina plants in Magyarovar, for exanple,
p while the Manfred Weisz smelting plant in
prooduuceed 9p000 c tons annu.all
produced
Csepel, which was destroyed during the war, produced 19000 tons annually.
During the se period s however, plans were drawn up for the expansion of
the industry, specificelly envissging the construction of an alumina plant
and foundry in Ajka. The installation was financed by the Hitelbank and
the Altalenos T'akerek, While the Egyesat Izzo built the power plant.
Subsequent constru&:?'-li01 of an alumina plant at l a s dual production nottion of
completed becanee of the war. A new foundry raction of
9,000 tons began operating in 1940. During the war, mining ope
rapidly expanded, and large quennities of bauxite, particularly from the
Gant mines, were shipped to Germany.
2. After the war, all bauxite mines, the Ajka complex, and the Szekesfehervar
rolling mill were placed under Soviet control. In 19+9 - 1950 the Soviet-
Hungari+ m ro igay Maszobal was established to control the following:
a.. B to mines in G-ant, I,szkaszentg '8rgy, Nyirad, and Halimbas
b. Alumina Plants in Atka, Magyarovar, and Almasfiizit5.
(The latter was completed by the Soviets in 1950-1951-)
c. Foundries in Ajke, Tatebanya, and Inotao
d. The rolling mills in SSzekesfehervar atter had
been reconstructed by the
dismantled the plant.)
e. The Scientific Research Institute in Balatonalmadi. The
Hungarians retained independent, control only of Alupztniumgyar,
formerly Magyar Fe4.emeszipar R0T0, and the rolling mill in Csepel.
the Espionage Laws, Title
the meaning of
withi
le U.S.C. is terial Seoe. contains ? S and 794. the transmiss on orNrevelation of Which hln any manners to annunauthorized person is probited by law.
q-E-C.-R-E-T
COUNTRY Hungary
SUBJECT The Hungarian Aluminum Industry
REPORT
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INFO.
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INFORMATION REPORT INFORMATION REPO RT
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S-E-C-B_E-T
3?
Bauxite Mines
Nyirad: Annual output is approximately 200,000 tons. High-grade bauxite
(rating M 13-18) is mined both below and above ground, the latter especially
at the recently discovered deposits near Darvasto. From Nyirad the material
is transported to Zalahalap by truck, since there is no railroad line, and
from Darvasto bauxite is transported.to Zalahalap by cable cars, and from
there to Ajka and, to a lesser extent, to Almasftlzit8.
low quality (rating M-6), but is, however, principally destined for export.
Iszkaszentgyr8rgy: 200,000-300,000 tons per annum (rating M 9-10) are mined
below ground, most of which is shipped to Almasf'dzitB. A.small amount is exports
Gant: Some 500,000 tons per annum are mined in over-ground quarrying., which
is the highest output of any Hungarian. mine. Because of over-exploitation of
the deposits by the Germans and the Soviets, the bauxite produced is of a very
6. Halms a: Bauxite (rating M 9-10) is mined above and below ground, and either
exported or destined for the plants in Magyarovar and Almasf{tzit8.
7. In 1956 the output of the mines totalled 1,200,000 tons, half of which was
exported. However, on the basis of existing reserves, the 1956 plan called
for the exportation of 800,000 tons. This target was not attained because
the Soviets demanded quality at a low price (the highest offer was 16 rubles
per ton). East Germany imports about 230,000 tons and Czechoslovakia
100,000 tons (rating M 6-7) of bauxite annually. The Czechs have been stock-
piling large quantities for an aluminum plant which is under construction.
Alumina Plants
8. Almasfdzit8: The plant, which was built from German blueprints and is
based the Bayer method, has a potential annual output of 120,000
tons. It supplies the requirements of the foundries in Inota and
Tatabanya, and also exports alumina to Czechoslovakia and, to a lesser extent,
to Poland. The staff numbers some 1,700 workers.
9. ka: Most of the output is destined for the local foundry, while the
remainder is shipped to Inota and exported to neighboring countries. In
1956 enlargement of the plant, which now employs about 1,x+00 workers, was
completed at a cost of 80 million forints. Its potential annual output is
40, 000 tons.
10. Magyaroyar: Expansion of the plant continues. The quality of alumina produced
there is so inferior that the local industry will not process it, and the entire
output, 40,000 tons annually, is exported. The staff numbers 800 workers. The
combined output of the above plants amounts to 200,000 tons per annum, about
half of which is exported, almost exclusively to Soviet satellite countries.
Foundries
11. Ajka: Annual output reaches 12,000 tons of 99.5 percent pure aluminum for
the rolling mill in Szekesfehervar. As described in Hungarian, the
composition of the metal is Egalizalt Fem Otvozott 9s Otvozetlen Frestuskok.
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~t .. r
SAE~;;~RdE~2':
12. Inots.: Owing to difficulties in the power supply, the works only began
operating in 1951. Their present annual output amounts to 25,000 tons
of the same type of, material as at AJkh, which is destined for the rolling
mills in Szekesfehervar, K banya, and Csepel. Since 1955 the plant has
also produced aluminum with a high degree of conductivity, which reportedly
is equal to the standard.of the West German DIN and Canadian products.
The foundry employs approximately 1,200 workers.
13. Tatabanya: The average aluminum produced is 99.6 percent pure and of high
condu- tivity, but the plant also refines some aluminum of 99.90-99099 percent
purity, which is greatly in demand by chemical and electric industries in
Western countries. Recently the annual output has not exceeded .5,000 tons,
although the. plant reportedly has a potential of 9,000 tons. The staff
numbers 400 workers. According to the 1956 plan, aluminum production was
to have reached 1+1,000 tons, but the actual output fell short of this
figure owing to the rebellion. The 1957 plan, drawn up in 1956, envisaged a
production of 1.3,000 tons; meanwhile, however, foundries have been idle
because of the existing shortage of power, and the 1957 output is not
expected to exceed.9,000 'tons.
Rolling Mills
14. Szekeefehervar: Built under German supervision in World War II, this plant
has an annual output of 12,000 tons. Of these, 8,000 tons are rolled aluminum
and the.remainder is what is deignated in Hungarian as Preselt Its Huzott0
The mechanical equipment includes Skoda and Aschenbs,ch machines., and a French
Morane press develrJping up to 1,800 tons. The plant supplies about 70
percent of the 9,000 tons of rolled aluminum which are exported annually to the
USSR, as well as various types of aluminum alloys. In 1952 the Soviet military
authorities placed an order for about V00 tons of spark-plug components01 For
this purpose the plant set up an additional shop with special machinery
(Frikcios Presek), and finished products were sent to an enterprise in MagyarovE
15. I baxiya,< Following the dismantling of the punt's machinery by the Soviets,
outdated machinery was installed, of which two Marcos and Herz presses turn out
300-100 tons out of a total annual production of 6,000 tons. The quality of the
product corresponds to that of Szekesfehervar, and is both exported to the
USSR and absorbed by the local industry. Machinery for the production of
aluminum foil was transferred to the mill from Csepel, but owing to various
difficulties this branch was not opened until August 1955. Moreover, a British
expert was summoned in bid-1956 to supervise the re-installation of the
macbinerjo About 100 million forint have been invested in this project, but
operations had not yet begun as of late 1956. The plant employs about 1+50 worke
160 The Aluminum Research Thstitute (Aluminium Terveze Intezet) : at No. 18,
Kosauth.Lajos Ter, Budapest, is also concerned with planning and
development of the industry. Its director, Ferenc Nagyobb, 1+0..1+5,
formerly served as deputy head of the Maszobal company and has no
professional knowledge, owing his appointment to purely political reasons.
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The chief engineer, Istvan Gebefff;d
t was said in late 195 that the entire
staff of, the Institute was opposed to the r4gime.
Comment: It would appear unlikely that the plant produces spark
plugs. The term G tbfe was used.
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