Saudi JV starts work on world's largest aluminium project

The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) and US firm Alcoa said on Wednesday they have moved into construction phase of a joint venture to build the world's largest aluminium project.

In its initial phases, the $10bn joint venture will develop a fully integrated industrial complex, consisting of a bauxite mine and an alumina refinery, aluminum smelter and rolling mill on the Arabian Gulf coast at Ras Az Zawr.

Ground breaking has now officially begun to pave the way for construction of the smelter and rolling mill, the official Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.