EMAL International sponsors major event in Algeria

The company, which was established by DUBAL and Mubadala Development Company ('Mubadala'), constructed the largest exhibition booth at the event and also sponsored the gala dinner, held on the first evening. The latter was attended by H E Chakib Khelil (Minister of Energy, Algeria), H.E Ahmed Gaith Al Hosani (UAE Ambassador to Algeria) and many other high profile dignitaries.

H E Khelil, who inaugurated the main conference, was received by Abdulla Kalban, CEO: DUBAL, who presented the minister with a memento on behalf of EMAL International. Mr Kalban also hosted H E Khelil at the EMAL International exhibition booth. H E Khelil was pleased with the display and that EMAL International took part in this exhibition.

EMAL International's participation at CIRMA1 gave the company the opportunity to showcase a model of the world-class aluminium smelter complex that it proposes to develop in partnership with Algerian state-owned oil and gas company Sonatrach, on a 400-hectare site in the new industrial and port zone of Béni-Saf in north-western Algeria. The proposed Béni-Saf Aluminium smelter will initially have the capacity to produce 700,000 metric tonnes of hot metal per year (with the option of doubling to 1.4 million metric tonnes in time).

Designed to leverage Algeria's abundant supply of energy and excellent regional location, the implementation of the proposed project will benefit the country throughout its construction and operating phases - largely through direct and indirect job-creation for the local market, complemented by extensive training and development opportunities. The increased level of employment in the area, coupled with the high calibre of jobs created, would also have spin-off benefits for society and the economy. In addition, the production of primary aluminium has the potential to initiate a downstream transformation industry with the capacity for many small- and medium-sized businesses in Algeria to evolve into sustainable operations.

Typical of an aluminium smelter, the design specifications for the Béni-Saf Aluminium smelter complex comprise two potlines; a carbon plant; a dedicated sea port for major raw material imports and finished product exports; bulk raw material unloading, storage and handling facilities; a storage yard for finished aluminium products; a dedicated power plant of around 2,000 megawatts (combined cycle, gas-fired) linked to a water desalination plant; and auxiliary infrastructure.

The planned complex will, however differ from competitor facilities in two ways. Mr Kalban explained: 'Firstly, the Béni-Saf Aluminium smelter would be built using highly-efficient, environment-friendly technologies so as to ensure that the environmental laws and regulations laid down by the Government of Algeria are respected; and that the project meets the latest IFC, World Bank and World Health Organisation guidelines,' he said.

'Secondly, the Béni-Saf Aluminium smelter would be only the third aluminium smelter in the world to employ the advanced DX reduction cell technology developed in-house by DUBAL. This technology has already demonstrated enhanced operational efficiency, higher performance capabilities, lower operating costs, and reduced environmental emissions compared to older generation technologies.'

While expressing his gratitude to EMAL International, H E Khelil said, 'I thank EMAL International for taking so large a stand at CIRMA1 and for choosing to become a co-sponsor of the event. Your participation has contributed in large measure to its success.'

Mr Kalban advised that the pre-feasibility studies for the project have already been completed. A bankable feasibility study is underway, the latter including an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Study that is designed to ensure the adoption of industry best practices during the design, build and operating phases.

'From our perspective, CIRMA1 was extremely successful,' added Mr Kalban. 'Not only was the event very well organised, but we were also able to achieve our participation objectives. We look forward to playing a key role in the Algerian market through the development of the Béni-Saf Aluminium smelter.'