Smelting Success Sohar Aluminium
O
man’s largest non-hydrocarbon industrial investment continues to do the country proud in more ways than creating economic wealth through aluminium smelting.
Sohar Aluminium remains a formidable symbol of the country’s successful foray into heavy industry – a key goal of the government’s economic diversification strategy. Equally, it also serves as a role model for sustainable development, as reflected in its commitment to maximise the health and safety of its people, reduce the impact of its operations on the environment, and invest in the social and economic development of the community. Its role is best summed up by the CEO of one of the world’s biggest aluminium companies, Jacynthe Côté of Rio Tinto Alcan, which is a shareholder in the Oman smelter: “Sohar Aluminium is an excellent example of an Omani-controlled enterprise harnessing Omani resources to power the establishment of a more diversified, value-added industrial base and create quality jobs for Omani citizens.” Indeed, the $2.4 billion project is acclaimed not only for its superior, environmentally friendly and energy efficient technology, but also for the strength and depth of its commitment to its corporate social responsibilities. And through a proactive policy of engagement with all stakeholders, the company continues to break new ground in its strategy to operate a world-class smelter safely and sustainably.
56 Port of Sohar 2013
Sohar Aluminium is a joint venture of Oman Oil Company (40 per cent), a wholly Omani government owned investment vehicle; Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC – TAQA (40 per cent), a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA); and Rio Tinto Alcan (20 per cent), a global leader in aluminium smelting. Commencing production in June 2008, it was the first greenfield aluminium smelter to be launched in the Gulf region for 25 years. The project, comprising a 375,000-tonne-capacity smelter was also the first globally to be based on advanced AP36 smelting technology “Sohar Aluminium is the most modern smelter in the world with a state-of-the art 1,000 MW power plant. It is one of the most efficient and cost effective aluminium plants in the world. The company is an important driver for a long term and sustainable value contribution to Oman’s economy. We are an employer of choice, providing quality and long term career development opportunities for Omani citizens,” Sohar Aluminium’s CEO, Mr. Henk Pauw, commented.
Production milestone Sohar Aluminium reached full capacity on 19th February 2009 and a mere 30 months later celebrated the production of its 1 millionth tonne on 20th August 2011. In that time, capacity was quickly upgraded from 360,000 tonnes per year to 375,000 tonnes per year. The company attributes this milestone to