EMAL celebrates phase II first hot metal record

On 15th September, Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) celebrated a milestone achievement in its Phase II expansion: First Hot Metal (FHM). Completed three months earlier than scheduled, the milestone FHM marks the start of production for EMAL's Phase II, as it heads towards total production of 1.3 million metric tonnes of aluminium a year. EMAL's Al Taweelah-based Phase I was completed ahead of time and within budget. Phase I currently supplies the world with high quality metal, contributing 0.4% of the UAE's total GDP in 2012 and 2013 to help meet the Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision for industrial diversification. This was achieved safely garnering global recognition, including a Best Health and Safety Achievement in Construction, "High Commendation", at the 5th annual SHP Institution of Occupational Safety and Health Awards. Phase II has achieved FHM a full four months faster than Phase I, delivering 20% more value in Dollar per tonne investment, whilst maintaining an incredible zero LTI (lost time injury) record, representing 40 million man-hours of work done. Taking just two years, it is also the fastest that any aluminium smelter has reached FHM. Speaking at the FHM event, EMAL's President and CEO, Saeed Fadhel Al Mazrooei, said, "Reaching first hot metal safer, faster and better not only exceeds the successes achieved in Phase I, but highlights the ability of Emirati excellence to set new industry standards on a global scale." Yousuf Bastaki, EMAL Vice President, Projects, said, "The successes achieved in the completion of Phase I gave us the knowledge, experience and expertise to not only repeat our accomplishments in Phase II, but with the inspiration from our board, guidance from our President and CEO, support from the executives and commitment of the team, we have managed to deliver unbelievable results. At EMAL we never stand still, and with the accomplishments we are celebrating today, can be confident in our abilities to consistently achieve higher levels of excellence and set new global standards." Speaking on the successful FHM, Mr. Bastaki said, "The expansion of Al Taweelah into one of the largest single-site smelters in the world is a project to be welcomed by all Emiratis. To exceed our previous accomplishments by reaching first hot metal ahead of schedule and without a single LTI is testament to the skill and commitment of everyone involved in delivering this major industrial project, which will help provide a sustainable economy well into the future."