Qatalum, the aluminum smelter built as JV between Qatar Petroleum and Hydro in line with Qatar's long term economic diversification strategy has wrapped up its participation in the second biennial Aluminum Dubai exhibition which took place from May 9th to 11th 2011 at the Dubai International Convention Centre.
Aluminum Dubai 2011 is the leading exhibition for aluminum products, technologies and investments in the Middle East and as a proud sponsor of the event Qatalum took advantage of the platform it offered to launch its first Arabic language analytical report on the Aluminum sector which will soon be appearing in various GCC media publications.
Aluminum Dubai is an important regional industry event that brings together international industry leaders, aluminum components and suppliers of technologies and accessories for aluminum production, processing and refinement. It gives those involved in the regional industry a chance to meet other industry players and discuss opportunities and challenges with them as well as to exchange information and receive updates on what is happening within the industry and to explore new technologies which made it the perfect platform for Qatalum to launch our quarterly industry report.
Qatalum was constructed as part of the Qatar National Vision 2030, and the smelter has an important role to play in the country's economic development. The GCC currently produces around seven percent of the world's global supply, a figure that is expected to rise to ten percent once the region's new smelter facilities have been completed. With a first phase production capacity of 585,000 tonnes per year Qatalum will make Qatar responsible for a significant portion of this production.
Aluminum's excellent recyclability, combined with Hydro's leading edge, low environmental impact technology, make Qatalum one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly smelters ever constructed, an important consideration in today's world where awareness of the importance of preserving and conserving the environment is constantly growing.
Its mission is to create a future of opportunities through environmental integrity and by setting the standard in operational excellence, in line with Qatar's plan for long term economic development. Through the effective use of leading technology and expertise such as Hydro's low environmental impact technology Qatalum is becoming a sustainable economic catalyst at the heart of turning Qatar's gas energy into a valuable commodity solid aluminum.
Qatalum is also committed to gathering and sharing knowledge relating to the aluminum industry and is already well on the way to creating a strong, knowledge based industry within Qatar and the region. The Qatalum Aluminum Quarterly Report is the smelter's latest step in expanding the knowledge base within the industry and the region.
Aluminum Dubai 2011 brought together decision makers from companies operating in aluminum related industries in the GCC and MENA region, focusing on the region's fast-growing role in the global aluminum industry and highlighting the investment plans of new smelters and the expansions of existing regional market players from GCC countries.
