DUBAL leads by hosting 1st Middle East Carbon Course

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Built on excellence-based partnerships and currently ranked as the world's largest modern smelter with a captive power station, Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (DUBAL”)Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (DUBAL”) is not only the largest producer of primary aluminium in the Gulf, but also the leading aluminium player in the region. Moreover, DUBALDUBAL is widely regarded as the UAE's industrial flagship -- the company being rated by many as a role model in every aspect of its business.

Confirming this status, DUBALDUBAL will host the 1st Middle East Carbon Course (MECC 2010”) -- an industry networking and expertise development initiative for communicating cutting-edge technical information -- in Dubai from 27 to 29 April 2010. Organised by Switzerland-based R&D Carbon Ltd, the two-and-a-half day programme will focus on the critical role that the raw material and anode quality plays in the operating costs of primary aluminium smelters. In addition to a line-up of expert speakers drawn from the industry (including at least four sessions led by highly experienced, senior people from DUBALDUBAL), R&D Carbon and invited guests, the agenda for MECC 2010 also includes ample question-and-answer and discussion opportunities for delegates so as to maximize the sharing of information, knowledge and best practices.

The Carbon course is the first of its kind to be held in the Middle East and has drawn keen interest -- at least 40 delegates have signed-up -- reflecting the growing stature of the aluminium industry in the region. From just two smelters, in Bahrain and Dubai respectively, the sector has mushroomed in recent years through the addition of new smelter complexes in Oman (Sohar Aluminium), Abu Dhabi (Emirates Aluminium) and Qatar (Qatalum).

Contextualising the value of MECC 2010, in particular, Saleh Rabba Al Shehhi (General Manager: Reduction Materials) advises that the carbon-based anodes used in aluminium smelters account for 25 to 30 per cent of production cost (per tonne). "This means that the anode quality can impact measurably on the profitability of an organization,” he says. “Accordingly, we believe that, as an industrial sector, it is vital that the Gulf aluminium smelters use carbon efficiently in their pots. This will also have positive impact on environment. This requires dedicated focus on the quality of the carbon used (especially in terms of impurities and sulphur content), the anode production process and the performance of the anodes in the pots.”

These factors are reflected in the MECC 2010 agenda, which is structured into four sessions:

· Anode Raw Materials

· Anode Production Technology

· Anode Performance and Process Optimization

· Pot Performance

The MECC agenda also includes a tour of DUBALDUBAL's smelter complex at Jebel Ali, which is home to one of the largest carbon plant in the world. “We process 450,000 metric tonnes of Carbon paste per year and cater for three different types of reduction technology,” says Saleh. “Moreover, our four baking kilns produce a total of 380,000 anodes per year; while our rodding room has the capacity to process 1,260 anodes per day.” He adds that, through networking with consultants and attending international carbon conferences over the years, DUBALDUBAL has developed solid expertise in the reduction materials component of aluminium smelting.

"By hosting MECC 2010, DUBALDUBAL will demonstrate the professionalism, innovation and versatility that underscore our company ethos; as well as our commitment to benchmarking and adopting best practices,” continues Saleh. “As an industry leader, it is important for DUBALDUBAL to set the pace for other players and to facilitate the development of the regional sector as a whole. MECC 2010 will provide a forum for professionals to discuss the difficulties being faced and the way in which challenges are being resolved. This exchange of information and experience, beyond the limits of our respective corporations, will enable the delegates to learn from one another.”

He concludes by saying that MECC 2010 is a product of the long-standing, successful, collaborative partnership nurtured between DUBALDUBAL and R&D Carbon over many years