EGA collaborates with HILT CRC to decarbonise alumina refining at Al Taweelah

Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest aluminium producer in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, has reportedly collaborated with HILT CRC (Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre) to conduct advanced research on decarbonising alumina refining.

HILT CRC is an Australian cooperative research centre that brings together the industries like steel, iron, alumina and cement, researchers, and the government to develop new technologies for decarbonisation.

In alumina refining, HILT focuses on decarbonising digestion and calcination - the two processes that account for maximum gas emissions from refineries. For EGA as well, these two processes are the biggest decarbonisation challenge at the Al Taweelah refinery.

EGA is HILT’s first industry partner outside Australia. EGA’s Al Taweelah alumina refinery is the only refinery in the United Arab Emirates, in operation since 2019.

Collaboration with HILT is one of the EGA’s steps towards reaching net zero by 2050. Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, said: “Joining HILT CRC enables EGA to participate with the Australian alumina refining industry in finding technological solutions to the toughest decarbonisation challenges in alumina refining. EGA has a long history of partnering with others on research and development, and we are continuing this approach as we strive towards net zero by 2050. I look forward to some ground-breaking results from this collaboration.”

HILT’s CEO, Felicity Lloyd, said: “EGA’s aspirations to be measured amongst the world’s most responsible metals and mining companies and their roadmap to reach net zero emissions by 2050, shows strong alignment with HILT CRC’s mission and strategy. EGA’s alumina refinery is one of the most modern in the world and is integrated with one of EGA’s world-scale aluminium smelters. EGA can make an important contribution to decarbonisation research including to the benefit of the Australian alumina industry. We look forward to collaborating on new technology developments and solutions to help the alumina industry to fully decarbonise.”