EGA Starts Production At Expanded Spectro Alloys Aluminium Recycling Plant In Minnesota

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has commenced production at its expanded Spectro Alloys aluminium recycling facility in Minnesota, USA. This expansion introduces an additional 55,000 tonnes of secondary billet production capacity in its initial phase. Full production is anticipated by the first quarter of 2026. The expansion elevates EGA Spectro Alloys’ total output to 165,000 tonnes annually of recycled aluminium ingots and billets.

The metal produced from this expansion will be marketed under EGA’s recycled aluminium brand, RevivAL. With this development, EGA’s global recycling capacity now reaches 195,000 tonnes per year, including facilities in the U.S. and Germany. Additionally, EGA is constructing the UAE’s largest aluminium recycling plant in Al Taweelah, which will have a capacity of 170,000 tonnes per year and is expected to start operations in the first half of 2026.

Recycling aluminium is significantly more energy-efficient than producing new metal. It uses 95% less electricity and results in considerably lower greenhouse gas emissions. This makes it a crucial component in reducing environmental impact while meeting industrial demands.

EGA's CEO, Abdulnasser bin Kalban, stated, "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."

The demand for recycled aluminium in the United States is projected to reach approximately 7.6 million tonnes annually by 2033, according to CRU, an independent business intelligence organisation. Currently, the U.S. ranks as the second-largest market globally for recycled aluminium.

EGA plans to establish a new primary aluminium production facility in Oklahoma. This would be the first such plant built in the United States since 1980 and aims to produce 600,000 tonnes of primary aluminium annually. This project could nearly double current U.S. production levels.

Currently, about 85% of American industries' aluminium needs are met through imports. These industries span sectors such as automotive, aviation, and construction.

In 2024, EGA acquired an 80% stake in EGA Spectro Alloys. This acquisition aligns with their strategy to expand their footprint and capabilities within the U.S., enhancing their ability to supply recycled aluminium efficiently.

This strategic expansion not only strengthens EGA's position but also contributes significantly towards sustainable practices within the global aluminium industry.

With inputs from WAM