Oman’s Sohar Aluminium (SA) plans to expand smelter capacity to one million tonnes by 2020 from the current 375,000 tonnes, it was revealed at the Aluminium Middle East 2015 exhibition, now under way in Dubai, UAE.

SA will also enhance its process efficiencies by optimising operations of the smelter.

Aluminium Middle East 2015 exhibition, which opened in Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre yesterday, will run till tomorrow (April 16).

Mike Otero, supply chain manager, Sohar Aluminium, said the company makes primary aluminium and supplies 50% of its products to downstream projects in Oman and the remaining 50% is exported to Asian countries.

“Our operations department, supported by the environment, health and safety department, has made modifications to our technology, engineering controls and work practices, which will yield outstanding results,” he said.

Mike said extreme price volatility is the challenge faced by the industry as of now. “At present, prices are low, hovering at around $1,750 per tonne,” he remarked.

Sohar Aluminium, formed in September 2004, is jointly owned by Oman Oil Company, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) and Rio Tinto Alcan.

Source: Trade Arabia