Smelting Hot

As a primary aluminum smelter, how do you assess Qatalum’s key role in supporting Qatar’s industrial base?

Qatalum has a significant role to play in the development of Qatar’s industrial base. At present, 65% of Qatalum production goes to the quality-demanding automotive industry. Qatar’s industrial base can benefit greatly from having high quality domestic aluminium available. I can envisage Qatar manufacturing specialized, niche products that rely on the use of the highest-quality aluminium. One of the areas currently being considered is the manufacturing of aluminium cable. Qatalum is also encouraging the use of more aluminum in the construction sector. In our R&D program with Qatar University, we are trying to establish further uses for aluminum in this sector.

Qatalum has emerged as a key regional player in the aluminum sector. What markets are you currently targeting?

Our core business markets continue to be international, with 95% of Qatalum production currently being exported. Qatalum aluminum is ISO/TS 16949 (quality) certified, which is a prerequisite for any aluminum supplied to the automotive industry. Therefore, a particular focus for Qatalum is to achieve an increased share of the automotive industry. As of today, we have exported our products to over 450 customers in more than 50 countries around the world. Almost 50% of our production goes to Asia, 15% to Turkey, and around 12% to the US.

How do you assess Qatar’s potential to become a manufacturing hub with the expansion of its logistic capacities?

Qatar definitely has the potential and desire to become a manufacturing hub. This potential is greatly assisted by the expansion of the logistics capacity in the country. In particular, the new state-of-the-art Hamad Port will play a key role in realizing Qatar’s potential. However, better logistics is just one of the vital ingredients required toward establishing a successful and sustainable manufacturing hub.

GCC aluminum production constitutes 10% of the total world production. Do you consider your sector one of the key economic drivers for the Gulf region?

Whilst aluminum production is an important contributor to the economies of the Gulf, it would be accurate to say that the industry has more of an economic impact in some GCC countries then others. Nevertheless, 10% of global production is significant, and I expect this figure to grow in the next two to three years. The CEOs of the six Gulf smelters meet quarterly through the Gulf Aluminum Council, which is an excellent forum to discuss important issues such as health and safety, the environment, and corporate social responsibility.

What are your expectations for the year ahead?

I expect to see the current growth in the domestic economy to continue at over 4%. Gradual growth in domestic consumption of Qatalum products is taking place alongside further steps by local businessmen to establish a viable and competitive downstream industry. Qatalum is willing to assist and guide any new downstream aluminum initiatives.