EGA And Sunstone Collaborate On Anode Manufacturing Project In Abu Dhabi To Boost Local Production

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Sunstone, a Chinese independent pre-baked anode producer, have signed a Joint Development Agreement. This agreement, made at the Make it in the Emirates event, aims to establish an anode manufacturing plant in Abu Dhabi. Abdulnasser Bin Kalban of EGA and Lang Guanghui of Sunstone signed the agreement.

The proposed facility in Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi will produce 300 thousand tonnes of anodes annually. This will significantly reduce EGA's reliance on imports and position the UAE as a potential global exporter of anodes, second only to China.

Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has been instrumental in facilitating Sunstone's entry into the Abu Dhabi market. ADIO supports Sunstone through energy and land programs, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s industrial strategy to attract impactful investments.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban stated, "This project will enable EGA to further increase our contribution to Make it in the Emirates, by localising the manufacture of a key raw material for our process here in the UAE as well as potentially supplying other aluminium smelters in the region and beyond."

EGA currently produces 1.35 million tonnes of anodes annually at its Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah plants. The new facility will help meet additional demand locally and internationally. EGA already spends over AED 8 billion annually on local goods and services, about 40% of its total global expenditure.

Lang Guanghui expressed confidence in this collaboration: "The UAE's 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative, combined with the support from Abu Dhabi government partners, has created an ideal environment for industrial growth. Establishing Sunstone's first plant outside China in partnership with EGA marks a pivotal milestone in our global expansion."

Future Prospects

The feasibility study for this project is complete. The joint venture will see Sunstone owning 55% and EGA holding 45%. Construction is set to begin in 2026, with production expected by 2028.

Mohammad Ali Al Kamali from ADIO remarked on the significance of this development: "Sunstone’s new Abu Dhabi facility... reflects the strength of our industrial ecosystem and the Emirate’s ability to attract global leaders across critical supply chains."

This collaboration between EGA and Sunstone not only strengthens local industry but also enhances Abu Dhabi's reputation as a hub for industrial excellence on a global scale.

With inputs from WAM