Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has passed a unique milestone for the UAE and Petrofac as its Al Taweelah alumina refinery has started-up.

This is the first alumina refinery in the UAE and only the second in the Middle East. It processes bauxite ore imported from West Africa into alumina, which is the feedstock for aluminium smelters.

“We are proud of the role we have played in this landmark project as part of an integrated joint venture with Bechtel (BPJV), involving the engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) for this important strategic growth project for EGA, which is a significant driver of UAE economic diversification,” Petrofac said in a statement.

Located at Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), approximately halfway between the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, this is Petrofac’s first minerals processing sector project. Our involvement began in 2013 and the journey has taken us from early feasibility study stage through to the construction and pre-commissioning completion of the huge new plant. BPJV continues to support EGA during commissioning, start up and ramp up of the refinery.

This was a massive project; the area is equivalent to 200 football fields. The total workforce on site peaked at just over 11,500 with around 170 Petrofac staff embedded in all functions of BPJV. Although a small team, our strong contribution has been recognised by EGA and Bechtel.

Having deep experience in the UAE, Petrofac provided significant local knowledge, particularly across the supply chain, construction contracting, permitting and in meeting local requirements. We also successfully contributed several of our embedded safety programmes and initiatives to the project.

The Al Taweelah alumina refinery was named Bechtel Construction Project of the Year in 2017. EGA also received the Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Award for Innovation in Project Management for Al Taweelah alumina refinery.

For more information visit www.petrofac.com

11th April 2019