Manama: The expansion under way at Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), which will make it the biggest aluminium smelter in the world, was one of several topics explored by Tim Murray, the Company’s CEO, in a video interview he gave to Oxford Business Group’s online broadcasting channel, Global Platform.

The video interview, which marks the second that Murray has given to OBG, is now available to view in full at https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/video/alba-ceo-tim-murray-increased-aluminium-production 

Murray told OBG that once complete, the $3bn capex, state-of-the-art Line 6 Expansion Project will boost capacity at the smelter by 540,000 metric tonnes, producing a positive knock-on effect on the national economy. “Today Alba and the whole industry is about 12% of GDP. With Line 6, the forecast is that it will go up to maybe 15% or 16%,” he said.

This expansion will also produce new jobs, he added, both direct and indirect between 2,000 and 3,000 in downstream segments.

In the broadcast, Murray acknowledged that the global operating climate had been a difficult one for aluminium, with the industry feeling the weight of a volatile market, which produced a “perfect storm” of lower LME prices and higher alumina costs. However, he remained bullish about the outlook.

“If you look at the world growth, aluminium is growing 4%-5% in terms of consumption,” he told viewers. “There's not a lot of new production. We are the first smelter outside of China since 2014 and we are one of the lowest-cost producers.”

Murray voiced his confidence that the market prices would eventually correct themselves to reflect supply and demand, supported by aluminium’s increased usage across several industries. “If you look at aluminium, it's pretty much in everything,” he noted.

Marc-André de Blois, OBG’s Director of PR and Video Content, said the interview with Murray had given viewers interesting insights into the significance of Alba’s expansion plans especially as it is one of the biggest brownfield development in the Middle East region.

“The outlook for the sector remains bright, despite the challenging operating environment, with demand from the construction industry set to remain strong, and both the automotive and aerospace segments increasingly turning to aluminium as a lightweight substitute for steel,” he said. “I’m delighted that our subscribers have had an opportunity to learn more about the recent developments within the aluminium industry, including both the challenges encountered and the new opportunities emerging for manufacturers of this important metal.”

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About Global Platform 

Global Platform is Oxford Business Group’s on-demand digital broadcasting channel. One of several research tools in OBG’s portfolio, the online platform has carved a niche as a leading business intelligence provider in its own right, with data verified independently by Deloitte putting its current circulation at 150,000. Global Platform provides cutting edge video interviews with top-level decision-makers giving key analysis and the latest updates from across all sectors of the global business community.

OBG’s digital content is available both on Global Platform and via major international business news outlets. OBG also has distribution agreements with Bloomberg and Eikon’s terminals, giving it access to the Bloomberg Professional Services subscribers and to Thomson Reuter’s Eikon terminal subscribers.

About Oxford Business Group 

Oxford Business Group (OBG) is a global research and advisory company with a presence in over 30 countries, from the Middle East, Africa and Asia to the Americas. A distinctive and respected provider of on-the-ground intelligence on the world’s fastest growing markets for sound investment opportunities and business decisions. 

Through its range of products - Economic News and Views, OBG Business Barometer - CEO Survey, OBG Events and Conferences, Global Platform - exclusive video interviews, The Report publications - and its Consultancy division, OBG offers comprehensive and accurate analysis of macroeconomic and sectoral developments. 

OBG provides business intelligence to its subscribers through multiple platforms, including its direct 6 million verified subscribers, Dow Jones Factiva subscribers, the Bloomberg Professional Services’ subscribers, Refinitiv’s (previously Thomson Reuters) Eikon subscribers, and more.

For more information, please contact:
Marc-André de Blois
Director of PR and Video Content, Oxford Business Group
E-mail: mdeblois@oxfordbusinessgroup.com
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T +971 4 426 4642
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London SW1E 6DT
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