Qatalum, the state-of-the-art aluminium smelter that is being constructed as a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and Hydro in line with Qatar’s long-term economic diversification strategy, is participating in the 14th biennial Arab International Aluminium Conference (Arabal 2010), which is taking place at the Sonesta St George hotel in Luxor, Egypt from 1 to 3 November 2010.
Launched in 1983 as aluminium industry conference, Arabal is held by rotation among the major aluminium producers in the Arab world. The three-day Arabal 2010 conference will bring together over 450 executives and experts from around the world to exchange experience and highlight new developments, discuss the future of the aluminium industry in light of the latest technological advances, and address the current challenges faced by aluminium industry at the local, regional and international levels.
Speaking of the importance of participating in such events, Qatalum Group Casthouse Manager, Pal Vigeland said, "Qatalum is well on its way to regaining its prominent position as a leader in the Gulf for operational excellence, high-quality aluminium products and environmental performance. Now that Qatalum has started with primary aluminium production, we are looking to the future of the industry in the region. The smelter will reach full production by the end of the first quarter of 2011, and we are looking to be a strong catalyst for the development of aluminium-related industries in Qatar and the region. As one of the main events on the industry calendar, Arabal provides an important platform for Qatalum representatives to meet and network with other key industry players."
Qatalum's presence was highlighted by its sponsorship of a corporate lunch on 2 November at the venue, further illustrating Qatalum's commitment to add value to professional trade based events and the aluminium community of the region.
Arabal 2010 will bring together key decision-makers and influencers from the global and Middle East aluminium industries, and provide an ideal platform for leading companies, suppliers and service providers to promote their brands, meet potential customers and entertain existing clients. The conference aims to strengthen the links between aluminium producers, suppliers, consumers and research workers, with special attention being paid to cooperation between those interested in the aluminium industry in the Arab world.
With Qatalum's first phase production capacity of 585,000 tonnes per annum of primary aluminium, Qatar will be responsible for a significant portion of GCC aluminium production. The green-field smelter is one of the most efficient and environmentally-friendly smelters in the world, due to the improved regeneration of aluminium as well as the company's implementation of Hydro's leading-edge, low environmental impact technology.
