Balco Plans To Expand Capacity By 40%

Balco reported, the company plans to expand capacity by 40% to benefit from increasing demand. Balco produces 860,000 tonnes primary aluminum one year, with the potential capacity of 350,000 tonnes per year. 46% of the total output are sold to local market, the remaining is used to export. Barry Marshall, the Business Manager said, Balco hopes to expand in Middle East and North Africa through joint venture. Global aluminum demand is increasing due to the growth of industry, the aluminum producers in Gulf Area take advantage of low energy costs to expand their capacity. Dubal produces 900,000 tonnes metals one year. It is carrying on large mount of green-smelter projects. Once the first phase of the project is finished in December 2010, Emirates Aluminium Company can realize 700,000 tonnes metals; the capacity will double to 140,000 tonnes per year in the second phase. EMAL also plans new project in Algeria. Sohar Aluminum is to put into operation in June with capacity of 350,000 tonnes per year. Qater Aluminum is hoped to come on stream in Q4, 2009.