Al Tamman Indsil FerroChrome signs expansion deal
MUSCAT, January 2, 2019
Sohar Freezone has signed an agreement with Al Tamman Indsil FerroChrome (ATIFC) for the expansion of the project.
The project will see the construction of additional ferrochrome furnaces by ATIFC that will increase production capacity, said an Oman Daily Observer report.
The agreement was signed between Dr Mohammed Nasser Ali Al Zaabi, chairman of the board at Sohar Port and Freezone, and Anindya Das, ATIFC's CFO.
Dr Al Zaabi noted: “Together with the creation of the calcined coke petroleum plant, this agreement enhances the commitment of Sohar towards encouraging new projects and expansions. This will not only boost developments at the Port and Freezone, but also help create new job opportunities and encourage the growth of local SMEs.”
The Al Tamman Indsil expansion will see the creation of four submerged arc furnaces, which will have a capacity of 24 MVA for the production of ferrochrome, with an additional production capacity of approximately 37,500 tonnes per year.
The total capacity of the plant, post expansion, is expected to be around 112,500 tonnes per year.
Vinod Narsiman, a partner in ATIFC, noted: “The expansion will showcase state-of-the-art technology being utilised in the metal and alloy industry in Oman, in line with global best practices."
ATIFC is Oman’s first ferrochrome smelter. Oman is a major exporter of chromite ore, accounting for 10 per cent of the total world production of this mineral.