Times of Oman reported that Gulf Cooperation Council aluminium growth story is just getting unfolded as significant developments and achievements marked the industry in the Gulf in 2011.
During the year, Abu Dhabi based Emirates Aluminium announced Phase II expansion while Saudi Arabian Mining Company began construction of the bauxite mine and the Alumina refinery. Qatalum, an equal joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and Hydro Aluminium of Norway, completed its rump up program while Dubai Aluminium Company production exceeded 1 million tonnes for the second year running.
The growth continued with Aluminium Bahrain having reached its highest level of production and the newest addition to the Middle East’s metals circuit and Oman’s first foray into the Aluminium industry, Sohar Aluminium reached the benchmark of producing one million tonnes of Aluminium since commencement in June 2008.
Together, the five Alba, Dubal, Emal, Sohar and Qatalum Gulf smelters produced more than 3.6 million tonnes of aluminium to reach around 5 million tonnes by year 2014 when both Maaden and Emal Phase II will be completed.
In 2011, a number of aluminium downstreams were established in Oman, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi. Above all, the Gulf region has truly become a major hub for the world aluminium business and a significant contributor to the regional economy. This is evident by its continuous growth and the increasing number of organizations with aluminium related business establishing their facilities in the Gulf, a trend that is being encouraged by the Gulf Aluminium Council.
With an increase in world demand for aluminium at an average of six per cent annually, the demand from the Gulf is expected to grow and will drive the Gulf producers to expand their production capacity even further.
The world demand for aluminium is estimated to reach over 70 million tonnes by the year 2020 from 40 million tonnes a year currently which would require an additional 30 million tonnes of aluminium compared to current annual production.
Almost 80% of the Aluminium produced in the Gulf is exported to different parts of the world firmly placing the Gulf in a prominent position to meet both local and world demand.
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