Having pioneered a new industry in Qatar, Qatalum is already benefiting the long-term development of the country, HE the Deputy Premier Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah has said.

The historic launch of Qatalum’s aluminium smelter at Mesaieed will be celebrated at an inauguration on April 12.

Al-Attiyah said: “The opening of this plant is in line with the vision of HH the Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani for the optimal utilisation of the country’s natural resources and achieving economic diversification. We applaud Qatalum for making a long-term investment in the people of Qatar.”

Qatalum was established in 2006 as a 50-50 joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and Norwegian company Norsk Hydro, and is expected to be fully operational this year. Upon completion, Qatalum will have the ability to produce 585,000 tons of premium-quality aluminium per annum.

The fully-integrated aluminium plant in Mesaieed Industrial City occupies an area of approximately 2.7sq km and consists of a smelter, casthouse and carbon plant as well as a captive power plant and port and storage facilities.

Through a combination of the most advanced ‘pot tending machines’ in the world and the plant’s four ‘fume treatment’ plants, where process gasses go through dry and wet scrubbing, Qatalum’s emissions are very well controlled.

Qatalum has also incorporated a port and storage areas into its facility in order to increase efficiency and streamline the production process. The use of this specialised technology and site integration has made Qatalum one of the world’s most efficient and environmentally-friendly aluminium producers.

“Our company’s dedication to sustainability and environmental integrity, along with our operational performance and technological-edge, is putting Qatar at the forefront of the region’s aluminium industry,” said Jan Arve Haugan, Qatalum CEO.

Qatar’s vast gas reserves, industrial infrastructure and market flexibility between Europe and Asia have made the start-up of Qatalum a strategic investment for the country. [Read More]