Bloomberg reported that Aluminum giant Emal has awarded contracts worth more than USD 700 million as part of plans to expand its Al Taweelah smelter.

Phase II of the project will almost double production capacity to 1.3 million tonnes and will involve building the world's longest ever smelting line covering 1.7 kilometers.

Mr Saaed Fadhel Al Mazrooei president and CEO of Emal said that "The award of these contracts is an important step forward. The range of global suppliers applying to work with us shows that Emal is a major player in the industry. We have secured world-leading suppliers to ensure that Emal moves forward in line with our ambitious business plan."

The most significant contract has been signed with SLII to carry out engineering, procurement and construction management at the plant which is essential if Emal is to meet its target of achieving production in the first quarter of 2014.

Mr Al Mazrooei said that "Our target to achieve full production by 2014 depends on the successful execution of these contracts. We are confident that we have engaged the best partners with the best technology and will get the best outcome."

(Sourced from Bloomberg)