Alba
Alba runs at 1.3 mtpa as Bahrain smelter navigates Middle East disruptions
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) is currently producing aluminium at an annualised rate of around 1.3 million tonnes, with the smelter operating at roughly 80 per cent of its pre-Iran war capacity, according to CEO Ali Al Baqali. Alba had a pre-war capacity of around 1.6 million tonnes per year, but production was disrupted after the outbreak of the war and restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz affected exports. The smelter was also hit by an Iranian attack in late March. The Bahrain-based producer is now operating Lines 4, 5 and 6, together representing annualised aluminium production of approximately 1.3 million tonnes, Al Baqali told Reuters on the sidelines of the Fastmarkets Aluminium Conference in Budapest on September 16. Al Baqali described the damage from the Iranian strike as minor...
H1’26 LME aluminium stocks dip 31.82%: Russian sanctions & Gulf crisis pack a double blow
As we reflect on the Middle East crisis that commenced on February 28, 2026, and stretched into the second half of the year, it brings to mind the dramatic rise and fall of the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price that reached four-year highs before cooling down. The skyrocketing prices result from the declining inventory levels of the LME aluminium stocks, thereby reporting a month-on-month decline from 498,670 tonnes in January to 320,314 tonnes in June. LME H1 inventory trend: 2026 vs 2025 vs 2024 How has the LME aluminium inventory scenario fared across the January-June period? Here is the six-month cumulative year-on-year comparison among 2026, 2025 and 2024: H1 2026 – 2.48 million tonnes, down 12.88 per cent Y-o-Y H1 2025 – 2.85 million tonnes, down 31.82 per cent Y-o-Y H1...
Grow with
AL Circle
Price
→Events
15th International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Conference & Exhibition - IBAAS–VFMSTA 2026
ALUMINIUM Arabia 2026
ICSOBA 2026 - 44th International Conference and Exhibition
15th International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Conference & Exhibition - IBAAS–VFMSTA 2026
ALUMINIUM Arabia 2026
ICSOBA 2026 - 44th International Conference and Exhibition
Business Cards
A report that reveals where the aluminium casting industry is heading and how businesses can act.
LEARN MORE
A report that reveals where the aluminium casting industry is heading and how businesses can act.
LEARN MOREGermany’s aluminium FRP consumption reaches 1.68 Mt as 2025 trade surplus tops $3.1 billion
AL Circle Analysis: Europe’s aluminium scrap curbs, India’s risk and US’s supply opportunity
German downstream aluminium exports fall 13% in H1 2026 but US enters top 5 with 228.1% import surge
Caustic soda plant setup in India: How aluminium growth is reshaping demand, costs and opportunities
News
Alba Voronezh launches 4k cans-per-minute plant, targets 25% of Russia’s aluminium can demand
Alba Voronezh has launched a new aluminium beverage can manufacturing plant in the Voronezh region of Russia, with a production capacity of up to 4,000 cans per minute. The facility, located at the “Center” Special Economic Zone (SEZ), represents an investment of RUB 12 billion (USD 143 million). Construction was completed in 11 months, according to Voronezh Governor Alexander Gusev. The plant has created more than 200 jobs and is expected to produce around 1 billion aluminium cans a year. Its warehouses can hold up to 150 million cans. The facility is expected to meet at least 25 per cent of Russia’s demand for aluminium beverage packaging. Over the next 10 years, the plant is projected to contribute around RUB 3 billion (USD 36 million) in taxes to the regional budget, along with more...
Alba reaches 50m hours without LTI, strengthening aluminium safety record
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has reached 50 million safe working hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) . The milestone was achieved on September 7, 2026, marking a record in the company’s history. The achievement reflects Alba’s continued focus on workplace safety across its aluminium operations. The company said the milestone was made possible through the combined efforts of its employees, management and contractor workforce, with safety built into day-to-day activities and operations. Alba CEO Ali Al Baqali said reaching 50 million safe working hours was a significant achievement for the company and “a proud moment in Alba’s history.” In his words, “It reflects Alba’s unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace where safety is embedded in every activity, decision and behaviour.”...
Alba strengthens corporate leadership with new finance, legal and HR talent
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has appointed three executives across finance, legal and organisational development, strengthening its leadership capabilities as the company prepares for its next phase of growth. Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest aluminium smelter on one site, has strengthened its leadership team with three strategic appointments spanning finance, legal affairs and organisation development. The company has appointed Layla Al Qassab as Director of Finance, effective September 1, 2026; Taimur Tufail as Manager Legal, effective August 23, 2026; and Aysha Salem as Manager Organisation Development & HR Analytics, effective September 6, 2026. Alba said the appointments will further strengthen its leadership capabilities, enhance organisational effectiveness...
Alba reinforces Bahrainisation with key managerial appointments
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest aluminium smelter on one site, is pleased to announce the recent promotions of S. Abbas S. Baqer to Manager Calciner & Marine and Ali Aseeri to Manager Engineering & Projects. Since joining Alba in 1989 as a Vocational Trainee, S. Abbas S. Baqer has built an accomplished career across engineering, maintenance and marine operations. He has held a number of senior leadership positions and was instrumental in the successful delivery of Alba’s Port Upgrade Project, a key enabler of the Line 6 Expansion Project and the Company’s long-term growth ambitions. Ali brings over two decades of engineering expertise to this role. He started his career in Alba’s Engineering Department in 2005, following which he held several key positions, including...
AL Circle Analysis: From bauxite to trade, how supply risks are reshaping aluminium competitiveness
The aluminium industry is entering a phase where supply security is being tested across the entire value chain. The latest developments show the pressure beginning with bauxite, moving through logistics and alumina, feeding into aluminium prices and producer earnings, and eventually reshaping international trade. What makes these developments significant is the way they connect. Competition for bauxite is intensifying just as alumina supply is becoming more vulnerable to production and energy disruptions. Producers are benefiting from stronger aluminium prices, but tariffs and changing geopolitical risks are altering where metal flows. Meanwhile, the market is already looking beyond the current tightness towards a potentially more balanced 2027. Bauxite moves from raw material to...
Derasat maps Alba’s energy transition and decarbonisation pathways to 2050
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) is assessing how its energy strategy could evolve through 2050 as energy markets, fuel dynamics and decarbonisation requirements continue to change. A new strategic study by the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) examines the pathways available to the aluminium producer, focusing on the balance between costs, emissions and energy security. Titled “Alba’s Energy Transition and Decarbonisation Pathways,” the study provides an integrated framework for Alba’s long-term energy transformation. It assesses the implications of evolving energy sources, contractual structures, and emerging technologies for operational costs, carbon footprint, and energy security amid shifting global liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets and...
Blog
LATEST POSTS
Turn marketplace visibility into more relevant buyer enquiries.
View Priority Plans
Turn marketplace visibility into more relevant buyer enquiries.
View Priority Plans
