RAK signs MoU for a JV with Government of Andhra Pradesh to set up one million tonne Alumina plant

The MoU in this regard was signed by H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in AP on Wednesday.

Ras Al Khaimah, represented by the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA), will set up a registered company in India to set up the plant which would have a provision to double its capacity in the future, using the bauxite resources available in Andhra Pradesh.

Commenting on the project, Sheikh Saud said that Ras Al Khaimah was honoured to partner with Andhra Pradesh for setting up the landmark venture that would enable the Emirate to share its considerable expertise in the industrial sector for the development of Andhra Pradesh.

"The venture marks the further strengthening of the close relations between Ras Al Khaimah and Andhra Pradesh, which has seen the creation of successful partnerships like the RAK Ceramics factory located at Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh,"

he said.

Sheikh Saud added that the venture provides a platform for the RAKIA to take its expertise to a global level and boost its efforts to create successful international ventures.

The agreement would also mark a milestone in the development of the industrial sector of Andhra Pradesh, which has reserves of about 550 million tonnes of metallurgical grade bauxite in the Vishakapatanam and East Godavari districts.

The Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) will supply the bauxite needed for the new plant. The plant will have a captive power generation facility to meet its energy needs.

Dr. Khater Massaad, CEO of the RAKIA, said that the construction of the plant would start in six months and expect the production to commence in less than three year's time. "The state- of- the- art Alumina plant in Andhra Pradesh would incorporate the most modern and energy efficient technology available in the world", he said.

Ras Al Khaimah has proven expertise in the industrial and manufacturing sector with the Emirate home to global majors like RAK Ceramics and Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar). RAK Is also the leading producer of cement in the UAE with a total capacity of around eight million tonnes of cement per annum.