EGA’s Al Taweelah smelter restoration works reach 25% after Iran strike damage

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has made significant progress in restoring its Al Taweelah smelter following an Iranian strike in March. Approximately 25% of the restoration work has been completed, with 315 out of 1,262 reduction cells restarted. EGA aims to achieve full production capacity in the first quarter of the following year.

Currently, around 1,000 workers are involved in the restoration, and the company is investing $400 million into the project. The Al Taweelah alumina refinery is operating at approximately 50% capacity. EGA's CEO, Abdulnasser bin Kalban, acknowledged this as the company's greatest challenge to date, but expressed confidence in their ability to achieve full production in Q1 2027.

The attack on the plant occurred on March 28, during Iran's escalation of hostilities following the regional conflict on February 28. Basic utilities have been restored, and natural gas and electricity availability are expected to increase in line with the restart program. The company reported a 34% increase in its first-half adjusted net profit to Dh2.46 billion ($670 million) for the June period, excluding the $197 million loss from the Iranian attack.