Refinery At Ma'aden-Alcoa JV Produces First Alumina From Saudi Bauxite

(RTTNews) - Ma'aden and Alcoa (AA) announced that the alumina refinery at their joint venture aluminum complex in Saudi Arabia produced its first alumina from Saudi Arabian bauxite. The alumina refinery at Ras Al Khair is the first ever refinery to be constructed and operated in the region.

The company noted that the milestone marks the commencement of the final link in the supply chain of this fully integrated aluminum facility. The alumina refinery will refine Saudi Arabian bauxite, supplied from Ma'aden Aluminium's mine at Al Ba'itha and transported by 600 km rail to Ras Al Khair. The alumina from this refinery will feed into the Ma'aden Aluminium Smelter which produces the aluminum needed for the Ma'aden Aluminium Rolling Mill. This fully integrated chain delivers operational efficiency and creates the most competitive aluminum complex in the world.

Once fully operational the refinery will produce 1.8 million mtpy of alumina. The alumina will be transported by conveyor to the adjacent smelter to produce 740,000 mtpy of high quality aluminum products for customers in the Gulf region and in international markets, the aluminum producer major added.

"We are building a minerals and metals industry in Saudi Arabia that maximizes the value of the nation's mineral resources; contributes to sustainable economic diversification and shareholder value; provides high value job opportunities for Saudis and a reliable supply of quality products to our global customers. This milestone marks a significant moment for our industry in Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC region," said Khalid Mudaifer, President and CEO of Ma'aden.