Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) said from procurement to energising the pots its female Emirati workforce has been integral to the company as its expands into one of the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelters.

The role of Emirati females in the expansion of Emal will be a central feature of a ceremony to celebrate the latest landmark of the UAE industrial flagship, said a statement from the company.

The prominence of local women during the event is a reflection of their contribution to economic progress and highlights how EMAL is empowering women in the workforce – a key objective of the 2030 Vision.

Emal’s female engineers and managers have been integral to the company reaching the milestone of First Hot Metal and an example of Emirati excellence, said the statement.

President and CEO Saeed Fadhel Al Mazrooei said: "Female Emirati engineers and managers have been leading the way at Emal as we expand into one of the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelters. It is only right that they are recognised for the vital contribution they are making to our success and helping to shape the economic development of the UAE."

Al Mazrooei said the company wanted to maximise the participation of women in its workforce and was empowering them through exciting employment opportunities and career development. "We are proud that the start-up of Phase II is being led by a female engineer, a first in the Gulf region," he added.

Senior manager (Engineering and asset management) Najeeba Al Jabri will energize what will be the longest single potline in the world, said the proud CEO.

Al Jabri is responsible for testing the technological parameters on all pots so that they operate efficiently with a high production rate of 3.2 tonnes per pot, a current efficiency above 95 per cent and a metal purity of over 99.9 per cent aluminium without compromising safety or environment.

Commenting on her role in the upcoming event, Al Jabri said: “I am grateful for the trust that Emal’s senior management has bestowed on me to lead the start-up of the world’s longest potline. I hope that the opportunity I have earned to leave a female finger print on this plant that will inspire and encourage women to strive for excellence.”

Ensuring the first pot is ready for start-up, Emal’s senior engineer process control - Shaikha Al Shehhi has been responsible for checking and monitoring the preparation of the pot as per the technological standards of the Dubal developed DX+ reduction cell technology.

Monitoring temperature and electrical connectivity during testing, Al Shehhi’s work provides sustainability of the pot to extend its productivity, as well as security to prevent leakage or cracks.

Working in technology development and transfer, Dubal development engineer, Nadia Ahmad has worked with Emal to monitor, assess and align pot performance with the procedures and technological requirements of the DX+ Reduction Cell technology.

She will ensure that the pot performs at high efficiency and effectiveness until normalisation reaches stable production 35 days after start-up, said the company statement.
     
Emal project procurement manager Nadera Abdulla Al-Marzouqi acquired only the highest quality materials from suppliers to meet the pot standards to safeguard reliability, quality and time to reach the cut in pot.

With all materials delivered to the project’s technical team, Al-Marzouqi’s efforts helped the project start up three months ahead of schedule establishing Emal’s Phase II as the fastest potline ever built.

Commenting on the process, Al-Marzouqi said: “It has been a challenge to develop a procurement strategy that benefits the firm whilst ensuring safety, but here at Emal we overcome all challenges in order to deliver the best we can.“

Senior project engineer Inaam Al Marzouqi manages the project’s EPCM contractors to meet the high standards of completion as per the requirements for operations project work, said the statement from Emal.

Daily monitoring and supervision of all contractors on-site ensures the schedule is met safely, procurement material is being delivered on time and the quality is up to standard, it added.-TradeArabia News Service