Global industry
Qatalum is being launched in the right place and at the right time, when the global primary aluminium market is growing at a rate of 4 to 5 percent annually.
The location of Qatalum is strategically important, as it enables customers in Asia and Europe – as well as in the United States – to be supplied expediently.
Developing Qatar’s energy resources
Qatalum meets the needs of its two owners and promoters. It forms part of the Qatari government’s strategy to further develop the country’s natural gas reserves by establishing a portfolio of diversified projects by means of joint-ventures with world class partners.
The Qatalum aluminium project also demonstrates that Qatar offers the best conditions for energy-based industrial development. The policy of the government is to build a knowledge-based economy, and Qatalum will help broaden the nation’s industrial base.
Industrial leadership
For Hydro, Qatalum represents an important step in repositioning its primary aluminium activities, with a focus on developing its alumina and primary metal business in parts of the world with access to natural resources on competitive terms.
Hydro also sees the project as a global benchmark in the aluminium industry – a demonstration of world-class project execution and an example of true industrial leadership. The site layout caters for the future expansion up to 1.2 million tonnes annual capacity.
Qatalum’s operating costs will be among the lowest in the industry, positioning it as a highly competitive global supplier.
The product casthouse will have the capacity to convert all of the potroom metal into value-added products, such as extrusion ingot and primary foundry alloys. The entire production of Qatalum will be marketed through Hydro’s global marketing network.
Qatalum has entered into long-term alumina contracts with Hydro and third-party suppliers.