Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Aluminium (Emal) recently erected the first structural steel for its Phase II expansion, bring it a step closer to becoming one of the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelters.

Once completed in 2014, the potline at the Al Taweelah site will be the longest in the world at 1.7 km, a statement said.

Saeed Al Mazrooei, Emal president and CEO, said: “I am pleased to see Phase II progressing on schedule. This milestone which was achieved as per plan is very critical to our first hot metal date.”

Yousuf Bastaki, Emal vice president, said: “The special steel structures are the first visible signs of our Phase II expansion and bring us yet another step closer to meeting the ambitious targets we have set ourselves. Emal is also pleased to cooperate with Emirates Steel who supplied the steel required for its expansion work.”

In total it will take 120 of the specially designed structures to facilitate the additional 444 reductions pots required to expand production to 1.3 million metric tonnes per year. It will take around one year to complete the installation of all 120 structures, according to the statement. – TradeArabia News Service