In mid November, Dubal announced that it will carry out a 155,000-tonne-a-year (t/y) expansion. The expansion is being driven by Dubal's efforts to maximise space available at its Jebel Ali smelter and upgrade existing technology.

Called Kestral, the project will be carried out in two main packages - infrastructure development and power plant and related facilities. The proposed new facilities are targeted to be installed by mid 2003. The project is estimated to cost at least $300 million.

The three other elements on the infrastructure development package are:

Element 2,covering the modernisation of kilns 1, 2 and 3. Tender documents are expected to be issued by early June;

Element 3,including modernisation and expansion of kilns 4 and 5. Bids are under evaluation for the contract;

Element 4,for the expansion and upgrade of the rectifier transformer for potlines 1, 2, and 3. Bids are due to be returned by early June.

The power plant and related facilities package will comprise three main elements. They are:

Element 1,covering the supply and installation of a 132-kV gas-insulated switchgear substation and related cable works. Bids are due to be returned by mid June;

Element 2,for the supply and installation of two gas turbines, each with capacity of 100-150 MW, at Dubal's complex. A tender is expected to be issued by early June;

Element 3,for the supply and installation of a steam turbine and two heat recovery boilers. Bids are due to be returned by mid June.

The consultant for the power plant and related facilities package is the UK's Mott MacDonald.

The new expansion is separate from the company's Heron project, which calls for the addition of 350,000-400,000 t/y of new capacity. At present, Dubal produces about 536,000 t/y of primary aluminium (MEED 11:2:00).