Emirates Aluminium (Emal), a state of the art aluminium smelter complex, has awarded contracts worth more than $700 million for the Phase Two expansion of its Al Taweelah smelter.

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 km and make Emal one of the world’s largest single-site aluminium producers.

“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,” said Saaed Fadhel Al Mazrooei, president and CEO of Emal.

“We have secured world-leading suppliers to ensure that Emal moves forward in line with our ambitious business plan,” he added.

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 (SNC Lavalin) which provided the same support and services during Phase One of the smelter’s development.

The award of the contracts for long lead items packages is vital for Emal to meet the challenging timetable for Phase Two it recently announced.

Al Mazrooei added: “Our target to achieve full production by 2014 depends on the successful execution of these contracts. We are confident that we have engaged the best partners with the best technology and will get the best outcome.” – TradeArabia News Service