Emal invests US$700M for phase 2 expansion

Emal has awarded contracts worth more than $700 million as the work begins on making the expansion of the Al Taweelah smelter a reality. Phase Two will almost double production capacity to 1.3 million metric tonnes. It will involve building the world's longest ever smelting line covering 1.7 kilometres and make Emal one of the world's largest single-site aluminium producers.
Saaed Fadhel Al Mazrooei, president, CEO of Emal, said, "The award of these contracts is an important step forward. The range of global suppliers applying to work with us shows that Emal is a major player in the industry. We have secured world-leading suppliers to ensure that Emal moves forward in line with our ambitious business plan."
The most significant contract has been signed with SLII (SNC Lavalin) to carry out Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) at the plant, which is essential if Emal is to meet its target of achieving First Hot Metal in the first quarter of 2014. The contract extends Emal's relationship with SLII, which provided the same support and services during phase one of the smelter's development.