Major five Gulf smelters produced 3.6 mn tonnes in 2011 

(MENAFN - Emirates News Agency (WAM)) World aluminium demand is increasing by six percent per annum from 40 million tonnes to over 70 million tonnes by the year 2020.

The 'big five' Gulf smelters - Alba, Dubal, EMAL, Sohar and Qatalum " recorded significant developments and achievements last year, with 3.6 million tonnes of aluminium produced in 2011. Gulf Production is expected to increase to five million tonnes by the end of 2014, when the EMAL Phase II expansion and other smelter projects are completed.

Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) will host the exclusive second annual Gulf Aluminium Dinner 2012 on April 29th at the Emirates Palace hotel. The Gulf Aluminium Council (GAC) dinner event will provide an unparalleled networking platform for the world's top aluminium industry leaders, and help to continue the momentum of the Gulf's establishment as a major metals hub in the global market.

Dr. Abdul Lateef Al Zayani, Secretary General for Gulf Corporation Council, will be the keynote speaker for the event, alongside Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alcoa, and Mr. Saeed Fadhel Al Mazrooei, President and Chief Executive Officer of EMAL.

Commenting on growing demand, Saeed Fadhel Al Mazrooei, President and Chief Executive Officer of EMAL, said: "Almost 80 per cent of the Aluminium produced in the Gulf is exported to different parts of the world, firmly placing the Gulf in a prominent position to meet both local and world demand. With production expected to increase from the current 750,000 tonnes to 1.3 million tonnes in less than three years, EMAL is well placed to meet the growing demand."