EGA Expands Spectro Alloys Recycling Plant In US To Increase Aluminium Production

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has initiated the first phase of expanding its EGA Spectro Alloys aluminium recycling facility in Minnesota, USA, marking a significant move in increasing its production capabilities.

This expansion is set to boost its secondary billet production capacity by 55 thousand tonnes. The project aims for full operational capacity by the first quarter of 2026, eventually raising the plant’s total output to 165 thousand tonnes annually of recycled aluminium ingots and billets.

The newly expanded facility is part of EGA's broader strategy to enhance its global aluminium recycling capacity, which now stands at 195 thousand tonnes per year, spanning across facilities in the United States and Germany. This move underscores EGA's commitment to advancing its recycling capabilities worldwide, particularly in the United States, which is a key market for the company.

EGA also has plans underway to construct the largest aluminium recycling plant in the UAE at Al Taweelah, with an expected capacity of 170 thousand tonnes of aluminium billets per year, projecting to start production in the first half of 2026.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, highlighted the significance of this expansion, stating, "Reaching first hot metal at the expansion of EGA Spectro Alloys is another milestone in our drive to build a global aluminium recycling business to meet growing demand for this low carbon metal. It is also a milestone in EGA's growth in the United States, already one of our most important markets and where we are progressing our plans to build a primary aluminium production plant in Oklahoma."

Products from the expansion will be sold under EGA's RevivAL brand, which specializes in recycled aluminium, aligning with the rising demand for sustainable metal solutions. This is particularly relevant as the demand for recycled aluminium in the United States is anticipated to hit 7.6 million tonnes annually by 2033, making it the second-largest recycled aluminium market globally.

This is according to CRU, a leading independent business intelligence organization. The emphasis on recycling comes at a critical time, as it uses 95% less electricity than producing new metal and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to boosting its recycling capacity, EGA is making strides in primary aluminium production. The company plans to establish the first new primary aluminium production facility in the United States since 1980, located in Oklahoma. This plant is poised to drastically increase the country's aluminium output, with a projected capacity of 600 thousand tonnes of primary aluminium annually. This increase is crucial, considering that 85% of the aluminium required by American industries, ranging from automotive to aviation and construction, is currently met through imports.

EGA's aggressive expansion in the recycling and primary production segments of the aluminium industry reflects its strategic approach to meet the burgeoning demand for this metal, particularly in the United States. The company's recent acquisition of an 80% stake in EGA Spectro Alloys in 2024 further solidifies its commitment to enhancing its operational footprint and sustainability efforts on a global scale.

By focusing on both recycling initiatives and new production capabilities, EGA positions itself as a leader in the aluminium industry, ready to address the dual challenges of meeting the demand for high-quality metal while ensuring environmental sustainability. This balanced approach not only supports the global shift towards greener manufacturing practices but also strengthens EGA’s market position, especially in critical regions like the United States.