EGA Brings Quarter of Al Taweelah Smelter Back Online After March Attack
EGA restarts 315 cells at Al Taweelah smelter post-Iran attack; full production expected Q1 2027.
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has resumed operations at a quarter of its Al Taweelah smelter in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant step in its recovery from an Iranian attack in March. The company confirmed on Wednesday that 315 of the smelter's 1,262 reduction cells are now back online.
The attack on the Khalifa Economic Zone had forced an emergency shutdown of all EGA facilities at the site. Since then, the company has been working to gradually restart the smelter, which has an annual capacity of roughly 1.5 million metric tons.
EGA has re-energised all three production lines between May and August, and is now carrying out repairs while ramping up output. Around 1,000 people are involved in the restoration effort at Al Taweelah.
Chief Executive Abdulnasser Bin Kalban reiterated that the company remains on track to achieve full production by the first quarter of 2027. In the meantime, the refinery continues to operate at about 50% capacity, while the new recycling plant is scaling up output as planned, with full capacity expected by the final quarter of this year.
EGA noted that the pace of further alumina production ramp-up will depend on supply chain considerations and the optimisation of its alumina sourcing strategy.