EGA Launches Hot Metal Production Using Next-Generation Smart Smelting Technology For Aluminium

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has commenced hot metal production at its pilot reduction cells for the EX aluminium smelting technology. This pilot project at Al Taweelah is crucial for preparing the technology for large-scale use. It aims to support future low-carbon aluminium production growth and enhance EGA's role as a preferred provider of smelting technology globally.

The EX technology represents EGA's 10th generation of smelting advancements. Construction of the pilot pots began in late 2024. The new technology is designed to produce more aluminium with less energy and fewer emissions per tonne. Compared to the DX+ Ultra technology, EX offers higher productivity per square meter.

The pilot will also demonstrate advanced Industry 4.0 capabilities within the aluminium industry. EGA plans to integrate all existing Industry 4.0 applications into this new technology while developing cutting-edge digital features focused on artificial intelligence and data analytics.

EGA has been developing its own aluminium smelting technology in the UAE for over 35 years. Since the 1990s, EGA has used its proprietary technology in every smelter expansion and retrofitted older production lines with it.

In a significant move, EGA became the first industrial company in the UAE to license its core process technology internationally. This occurred through a deal with Aluminium Bahrain in 2016, which involved using EGA's technology for Bahrain's Potline 6 expansion project.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, stated, "First hot metal from these EX Technology reduction cells is a key milestone for both our technology leadership and future growth at EGA. Our goal is to expand our primary aluminium production with the most advanced and smart aluminium smelting technology, to build the smelter of the future and to create further value for EGA through smelting technology partnerships around the world."

Environmental Impact and Efficiency

The next-generation EX technology is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of aluminium produced. The more productive variant aims for a reduction of about five percent, while the lower energy variant targets around a 12 percent decrease.

This initiative not only strengthens EGA's technological leadership but also aligns with global efforts towards sustainable industrial practices by reducing carbon footprints in aluminium production.

With inputs from WAM