Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the world’s largest aluminium smelter ex-China, set a new production record by exceeding the 1.36 million metric tonnes (mt) mark in 2019.

Alba’s production stood at 1,365,005 metric tonnes, versus 1,011,101 metric tonnes in 2018, up by 35 per cent year-over-year, the company said.

In addition, 2019 was an exceptional year in terms of safety as the company achieved zero fatality and zero lost time injuries (LTIs).

Commenting on the new production record, Alba’s chairman Shaikh Daij bin Salman bin Daij Al Khalifa said: “I am proud to say that Alba has finished 2019 strong by setting benchmarks in the aluminium industry -- from exceeding the 1.36-million mt mark to successfully inaugurating and delivering Line 6 into commercial operations as well as achieving an outstanding Safety record. We look forward to a successful 2020 with the transformation that Line 6 will bring to the Kingdom’s economy as well as to Alba’s bottom-line.”

Alba’s acting chief executive officer Ali Al Baqali said: “2019, no doubt, has been a difficult year for the aluminium market; however, Alba has had an unparalleled performance with a never-before production and safety records.

This is a testimony to our unwavering commitment to excellence and going above and beyond on Safety.  I thank the Management, our employees and contractors for their contribution and efforts for all our successes in 2019.”

Meanwhile, the Bahrain-based aluminium smelter also announced that it has successfully achieved Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Certification for its commitment to environmental, social and governance performance.

Alba is the second Gulf-based aluminium smelter to have achieved this certification, which covers both the smelter site as well as the calciner plant, said a statement from the company

Following an independent and rigorous audit process, Alba was successfully certified against ASI’s Performance Standard for responsible production, sourcing and stewardship of aluminium, it said.