RUSAL may be Russian for aluminum. Along with Rio Tinto Alcan and Alcoa, it is among the world's top aluminum producers. Formed in 2000 from various parts of the old Soviet state apparatus, RUSAL is able to produce more than 4 million tons of aluminum, 12 million tons of alumina, and 80,000 tons of foil. Its aluminum business include packaging and foil operations in addition to a network of smelters. It also owns nearly 30% of Norilsk Nickel, one of the world's top producers of nickel, palladium, platinum, and copper. It operates primarily in Europe and Asia.