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Dubai: A pre-feasibility study on a major aluminium smelter in Algeria initiated by Emirates Aluminium, the joint venture between Dubai Aluminium and Mubadala, is progressing well as the company has showcased the project's proposed model of the project to industry officials.
The smelter will be built in partnership with Algerian state-owned oil and gas company Sonatrach, on a 400-hectare site in the new industrial and port zone of Béni-Saf in north-western Algeria.
The proposed Béni-Saf Aluminium smelter will initially have the capacity to produce 700,000 metric tonnes of hot metal per year (with the option of doubling to 1.4 million metric tonnes in time).
"Designed to leverage Algeria’s abundant supply of energy and excellent regional location, the implementation of the proposed project will benefit the country throughout its construction and operating phases – largely through direct and indirect job-creation for the local market, complemented by extensive training and development opportunities," an Emal statement said.
Typical of an aluminium smelter, the design specifications for the Béni-Saf Aluminium smelter complex comprise two potlines; a carbon plant; a dedicated sea port for major raw material imports and finished product exports; bulk raw material unloading, storage and handling facilities; a storage yard for finished aluminium products; a dedicated power plant of around 2,000 megawatts (combined cycle, gas-fired) linked to a water desalination plant; and auxiliary infrastructure. The planned complex will, however differ from competitor facilities in two ways.
Abdulla Kalban, CEO of Dubal, explained: “Firstly, the Béni-Saf Aluminium smelter would be built using highly-efficient, environment-friendly technologies so as to ensure that the environmental laws and regulations laid down by the Government of Algeria are respected; and that the project meets the latest IFC, World Bank and World Health Organisation guidelines.
"Secondly, the Béni-Saf Aluminium smelter would be only the third aluminium smelter in the world to employ the advanced DX reduction cell technology developed in-house by DUBAL. This technology has already demonstrated enhanced operational efficiency, higher performance capabilities, lower operating costs, and reduced environmental emissions compared to older generation technologies.”
The increased level of employment in the area, coupled with the high calibre of jobs created, would also have spin-off benefits for society and the economy. In addition, the production of primary aluminium has the potential to initiate a downstream transformation industry with the capacity for many small- and medium-sized businesses in Algeria to evolve into sustainable operations.
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