"This marks an important milestone in the Qatalum history. From being in a ramp-up phase, the plant will now transfer into an operational phase. Qatalum will be counted in the top league of the aluminium industry," says Hilde Merete Aasheim, head of Hydro's Primary Metal business area.

Qatalum, which reached full production capacity on September 21, can produce 585,000 metric tons of high-quality primary metal per year from its 704 cells.

In addition to Qatalum's twin 1.2-kilometer-long potlines, the plant complex in the Mesaieed Industrial City outside Doha includes a carbon plant, port and storage facilities, as well as a captive power plant.

The casthouse produces extrusion ingots and foundry alloys that meet the stringent quality standards of a global customer base.

For more information, see link to the Qatalum website in the right-hand column.