EMAL produces its first aluminium

Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) energised the first of 756 pots today in time for the United Arab Emirate’s 38th National Day – well ahead of any date that had been earlier predicted. The energising of the first pot means that EMAL smelter has now officially started producing aluminium.

“This is a memorable day in the history of EMAL. For those of us who have been able to see this project through the construction phase, this is the culmination of years of work,” said CEO of EMAL, Duncan Hedditch. “We have 755 pots left to energise, so our work is far from over, but today we began producing metal for the first time, and that’s something we can all be very proud of. I would like to especially thank our project team, and also the SNC Lavalin and Worley Parsons teams for their very professional contribution, and everyone involved for their huge personal efforts.”

EMAL plans to start delivering its first production to customers in the first quarter of 2010.

EMAL (Emirates Aluminium Company Ltd) is a strategic joint venture between aluminium producer DUBAL (Dubai Aluminium) and Abu Dhabi investment vehicle MUBADALA established in 2007.