Saudi-Alcoa Joint Venture Starts Work on Aluminum Plant
2010-06-21
Alcoa and state-controlled Saudi Arabian Mining Co recently announced they have started work on a plant that would be the world's largest fully integrated aluminium complex.
The $10-billion Maaden-Alcoa joint venture will start by developing a fully integrated industrial complex, consisting of a bauxite mine at Ba'aitha and an alumina refinery, aluminum smelter and rolling mill at Ras Al-Zour.
The plant aims to become the world's lowest-cost supplier of primary aluminum, alumina and aluminum products. "It will also be the Middle East's first food-grade can sheet rolling mill," Ken Wisnoski, a senior Alcoa executive said.
The smelter and rolling mill is to begin operations in 2013 with the mine and refinery expected to come onstream in 2014.
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