UAE primary aluminium sector placed firmly on global stage during International Industry Conference in Moscow

The growing importance of the UAE’s primary aluminium industry in the global market has once again been highlighted, thanks to the joint presence of Dubai Aluminium, DUBAL, and Emirates Aluminium, EMAL, at 27^th International Aluminium Conference, organised and hosted by Metal Bulletin in Moscow, Russia, from 12 to 14 September 2012, MBI 2012. The combined production volume of the two companies in 2011, at 1.8 million metric tonnes, represented almost 4 per cent of the 45.5 million metric tonnes of annual global production; and 50 per cent of the 3.6 million metric tonnes produced in the greater Gulf region itself equivalent to 7.9 per cent of global production in 2011. 

The two companies raised the profile of the UAE’s primary aluminium industry by leveraging several platforms. These included a combined stand in the exhibition component alongside the conference, where the premier quality and diverse range of products manufactured by DUBAL and EMAL were highlighted; as was the two companies’ huge export capacity and convenient location for most markets. DUBAL and EMAL were also the joint Platinum Sponsors of the overall event, as well as the MBI 2011 Registration Desk. In addition, Yousuf Bastaki (Vice President: Projects at EMAL) was among the line-up of speakers. 

As anticipated, the annual MBI event attracted more than 500 key industry decision-makers from around the world. This gave the DUBAL and EMAL representatives who attended MBI 2012 excellent networking and deal-making opportunities — all of which were maximized. 

An entirely state-owned enterprise, DUBAL owns and operates a one million metric tonne per annum primary aluminium smelter at Jebel Ali, Dubai — one of the largest single-site operations of its kind in the world — and in 2011 produced 1,014,795 metric tonnes of hot metal. The company is renowned internationally for its premium purity, high quality products and services; as well as its commitment to sustainable development through conscious efforts to maximise the health and safety people, reduce the impact of its operations on the environment, and invest in the social and economic development of the community. Dedicated programmes support the Emiratization goals of the UAE, including targeted recruitment, skills development, management training and strategic career planning. Approximately 92 per cent of DUBAL’s annual production is exported to more than 50 countries in over 300 countries across the globe, the company’s key markets being Asia, Europe, the Middle East North Africa (“MENA”) region and The Americas. 

EMAL is being built in two phases at Al Taweelah, Abu Dhabi, and is owned in equal shareholding by DUBAL and Mubadala Development Company.  Energizing of the 756 reduction cells in EMAL Phase I, with a total capacity of 750,000 metric tonnes per annum, took place between 1 December 2009 and 31 December 2010 — with full production being reached four months ahead of schedule, yet within budget. EMAL’s high quality products are currently supplied to more than 200 customers in 36 countries around the world. EMAL Phase II was announced in July 2011. A new 444-cell potline is being built which, together with a technology upgrade of the existing cells, will increase EMAL’s annual production capacity to 1.3 million metric tonnes by 2014. 

EMAL enjoys a strong reputation for sound safety management, wellbeing programmes for its employees and adopting global best practices to minimize its environmental footprint — the latter entrenched through the implementation of DUBAL’s in-house developed DX Reduction Technology, which offers enhanced energy efficiency and productivity levels yet lower environmental emissions than comparative technologies. These attributes are complemented by initiatives to harness Emirati talent through job-creation, engaging the community in corporate activities and celebrating the national and cultural heritage of the UAE.