EMAL has awarded contracts totalling more than US $700 for phase two of an expansion project that will see the manufacturer become the world’s largest single-site producer.

The contracts have been awarded to SLII (SNC Lavalin), Sojitz/Fuji, Sojitz/Hyundai, ABB Switzerland, Alstom Norway, Outotec and Rio Tinto Alcan Pechiney.

They mark the start of phase two of the ambitious Al Taweelah smelter expansions.

“The range of global suppliers applying to work with us shows that EMAL is a major player in the industry,” said EMAL president and CEO Saaed Fadhel Al Mazrooei, who said the awards were an important step forward.

“We have secured world-leading suppliers to ensure that EMAL moves forward in line with our ambitious business plan,” he continued.

Phase two will almost double production capacity to 1.3 million metric tonnes and will involve building a 1.7 kilometre smelting line; the world’s longest. It will make the aluminium manufacturer one of the world’s largest
single-site producers.

Commenting on the contracts, EMAL said the deal with SLII (SNC Lavalin), which will see the technical services firm carry out engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) at the plant is “essential” to meeting the Q1 2014 deadline for first hot metal.

The company provided the same services during phase one.