Alba yesterday celebrated the achievements of its Lean Six Sigma and Kaizen course participants during an award ceremony held at the Oasis Hall. A total of 105 individuals participated in these courses conducted in 2024 including 10 participants from external entities like the Interior Ministry Nasser Vocational Training Centre (NVTC) Bapco Refining and the Arab Open University (AOU). Alba s chief executive Ali Al Baqali awarded the participants in the presence of Bapco Refining chief executive Dr Abdulrahman Jawahery NVTC chief executive Dr Abdulla Al Noami AOU president Dr Najma Taqi Interior Ministry Officers Affairs director Colonel Waleed Khalid Sayyar along with several high-level officials from these organisations as well as Alba. Emphasising Alba s commitment to cost-competitiveness and operational efficiency Mr Al Baqali stated: Alba s commitment to operational excellence is driven by Lean Six Sigma and Kaizen methodologies. By enhancing our people s capabilities in process optimisation we ve created a competitive advantage that has helped us navigate challenging market conditions. By sharing this knowledge with other Bahraini organisations we are contributing to the development of our society. The courses offered by Alba covered Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Green Belt and Yellow Belt as well as the Kaizen philosophy. The projects delivered by the courses participants focused on improving equipment availability reducing downtime optimising industrial and administrative processes through automation eliminating or minimising various types of waste and shortening lead time for material and service delivery. As of today Alba s in-house training has empowered 26 per cent of its employees with Six Sigma knowledge. The company has also shared this expertise with 211 individuals from various entities across Bahrain. Following the ceremony a special tour was organised for the visiting dignitaries to see first-hand the newly inaugurated Alba Data Command Centre a centralised hub for overseeing the company s operations where they received a briefing on the centre s role in enhancing Alba s overall operational efficiency and responsiveness.

Alba the world s largest single site smelter held its third quarterly board of directors meeting yesterday. Alba chairman Khalid Al Rumaihi inaugurated the new Data Command Centre by welcoming members of the board. The Data Command Centre a state-of-the-art facility will serve as a centralised hub for overseeing and managing Alba s operations. Presiding over the meeting Mr Al Rumaihi welcomed the recently announced partnership with Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) marking the initiation of due diligence for a potential business combination involving segments of Maaden s aluminium strategic business unit. He also emphasised the company s dedication to operational excellence and cost efficiency amid the volatile economic landscape and expressed confidence for a strong finish to the year. Additionally Mr Al Rumaihi emphasised the importance of Alba s Data Command Centre in enhancing operational efficiency and responsiveness and stated: Our Data Command Centre will empower us to monitor control and co-ordinate our activities with unprecedented precision enabling us to navigate challenges with agility. As we enter the final quarter of 2024 we look forward to celebrating the successful commercial operation of Power Station 5 Block 4 Project. I also take the opportunity to welcome Hisham Al Kooheji as the chief marketing officer (CMO) to the C-Suite of Alba and wish him the very best in his new role. Adding further Alba s chief executive Ali Al Baqali stated: As we continue to position Alba at the forefront of the global aluminium industry I am delighted to welcome Mr Al Kooheji to our executive team as chief marketing officer. His expertise and strategic vision will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in driving our growth and market leadership. During the meeting the board reviewed and approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on August 13 2024 and received comprehensive updates from the executive and ESG committee board audit committee and nomination remuneration and corporate governance committee on strategic matters to include progress of Power Station 5 (PS5) Block 4 Project the company s operational financial and sales performance to-date the ongoing feasibility study for the New Replacement Line (Class 3) Pillar Two and Bahrain domestic minimum top-up tax amongst others. Additionally the board unanimously approved the Lines 4-5 Creep Up Project which upon completion will enhance Alba s metal production by an additional 8 000 metric tonnes per year at a capital expenditure of 30 million. In addition the board approved the promotion of Hisham Al Kooheji to the position of chief marketing officer effective yesterday. Individual directors complete declaration and an update on the independence of each Alba board director were also given during the meeting.

Size does matter at least in the world of aluminium smelting and according to Khalid Al Rumaihi the chairman of Alba one of the world s largest smelters the potential business combination it is exploring with Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) could reshape the global aluminium industry. Addressing a media roundtable at Alba s massive 1.62 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) smelter a day after it was announced that the two sides had signed a non-binding agreement to commence due diligence towards the combination Mr Al Rumaihi expressed enthusiasm for the potential deal. We see tremendous potential Mr Al Rumaihi said. It will create economies of scale positioning the combined entity among the top six or seven aluminium producers globally. Highlighting some of the strategic advantages it would bring the chairman said the merger would offer Alba significant benefits including secure access to bauxite and alumina key raw materials and the potential to produce green aluminium using Saudi Arabia s vast solar resources. One of the most significant benefits of the merger lies in Maaden s ownership of the Al Ba itha Mine which produces five million tonnes of bauxite annually. This would provide Alba with a secure and cost-effective supply of the essential raw material. Additionally the Maaden Refinery the Middle East s first alumina refinery would further strengthen Alba s vertical integration. Mr Al Rumaihi emphasised the potential to produce green aluminium a growing demand in Western markets. Having access to clean energy such as solar power gives us significant benefits in terms of pricing and market access he stated. Saudi Arabia s vast solar potential offers a promising avenue for the combined entity to produce environmentally friendly aluminium. Beyond the economic advantages the merger would also strengthen the relationship between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Mr Al Rumaihi noted that the combined company would benefit from the growing markets in both countries particularly in sectors like aerospace automotive and in particular electric vehicle manufacture. Aluminium s high resistance to corrosion and good weight to strength to cost ratio makes it the perfect material. But the one property that makes aluminum the ideal metal for aircraft construction is its resistance to UV damage. While the due diligence process is expected to take several months Mr Al Rumaihi expressed optimism about the potential for a successful merger. The combination of Alba and Maaden could not only reshape the global aluminium industry but also contribute to the economic growth and development of both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The deal if it successfully passes all due diligence could pave the way for further business consolidation and partnerships between Gulf states offering them a more competitive advantage when it comes to global challenges from powerhouses such as Europe the US and China. It could also give added impetus to proceed with the rail and bridge building projects aimed as connecting the friendly countries in the region. Alba chief executive Ali Al Baqali was also present.

Alba one of the world s largest smelters and Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) are exploring a potential business combination that would reshape the global aluminium industry. The two companies said yesterday they have signed a non-binding agreement to commence due diligence towards the combination. The potential partnership would create a larger vertically integrated global champion with significant synergies offering advantages such as expanded production capacity enhanced global presence improved ESG performance greater energy security and significant shareholder value creation. The potential partnership accelerates Alba s growth strategy creating a global champion and cementing our position as the largest regional aluminium producer said Alba chairman Khalid Al Rumaihi. This combination will allow both companies to scale-up production extend our global presence and explore new opportunities in clean energy. Our partnership will not only deepen the strong ties between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia but also contribute to Bahrain s economic diversification and job creation. Mr Al Rumaihi added: This is a compelling proposition and an exciting moment for Alba Maaden and our respective stakeholders and we look forward to sharing further updates in due course. Bob Wilt chief executive of Maaden said the partnership would elevate our competitive edge on a global scale . By bringing together two of the region s most experienced players in the sector we are setting the stage for stronger economic growth enhanced job creation and increased aluminium production capacity. Our continued commitment to our customers underpins this venture ensuring that together Maaden and Alba will provide access to a more expansive and reliable supply of aluminium he said. During the due diligence period both companies will exchange information and evaluate the strategic and financial benefits of a business combination. There is no assurance that these discussions will lead to a definitive agreement or a completed transaction. As part of the discussions on the non-binding agreement Alba and Maaden discussed among other things the potential transaction structure for implementing their proposed business combination and the potential cross-listing of Alba on the Saudi Exchange. Subject to regulatory approvals corporate approvals confirmatory due diligence and valuation assessments the proposed structure would involve Maaden making an in-kind contribution. This would include Maaden contributing the entire share capital of two of its subsidiaries Maaden Aluminium Company (MAC) and Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC) along with contractual rights concerning the marketing and sale of products produced by MAC to Alba. In exchange Alba would issue new shares to be allotted to Maaden. Alba and Maaden have also agreed to discuss the cross-listing of Alba on the Saudi Exchange during the next phase of the proposed business combination. Alba emphasised that the transaction is subject to without limitation confirmatory due diligence receipt of all corporate (board and shareholder) and regulatory approvals and signing of definitive agreements. Alba will provide further information to the market and regulators as appropriate. With a production capacity of more than 1.62 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) Alba is a world-leading aluminium smelter with a 50-year legacy. As of 2023 the Bahraini giant employed approximately 3 150 people. avinash@gdnmedia.bh

Critical issues facing the aluminium industry including rising smelter costs were addressed by Alba chief executive Ali Al Baqali during the Fastmarkets International Aluminium Conference 2024 in Athens Greece. Mr Al Baqali was a featured speaker at the CEO Panel Industry insights from Aluminium Primary Producers during the three-day conference that ends today. Joining top executives from Hongqiao Group and Century Aluminium Mr Al Baqali also discussed the growing demand for value-added products the impact of EU s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) carbon emissions reduction and supply chain sustainability as well as industry challenges and future prospects. He also highlighted market dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa Alba s EternAlTM its low carbon aluminium product-line and Bahrain government s efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. While in Athens the Alba chief executive took the opportunity to visit Elval one of Alba s customers to gain insights into their production processes and sustainability initiatives as well as to discuss market dynamics and future collaboration opportunities.

Alba yesterday celebrated the achievements of its Lean Six Sigma and Kaizen course participants during an award ceremony held at the Oasis Hall. A total of 105 individuals participated in these courses conducted in 2024 including 10 participants from external entities like the Interior Ministry Nasser Vocational Training Centre (NVTC) Bapco Refining and the Arab Open University (AOU). Alba s chief executive Ali Al Baqali awarded the participants in the presence of Bapco Refining chief executive Dr Abdulrahman Jawahery NVTC chief executive Dr Abdulla Al Noami AOU president Dr Najma Taqi Interior Ministry Officers Affairs director Colonel Waleed Khalid Sayyar along with several high-level officials from these organisations as well as Alba. Emphasising Alba s commitment to cost-competitiveness and operational efficiency Mr Al Baqali stated: Alba s commitment to operational excellence is driven by Lean Six Sigma and Kaizen methodologies. By enhancing our people s capabilities in process optimisation we ve created a competitive advantage that has helped us navigate challenging market conditions. By sharing this knowledge with other Bahraini organisations we are contributing to the development of our society. The courses offered by Alba covered Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Green Belt and Yellow Belt as well as the Kaizen philosophy. The projects delivered by the courses participants focused on improving equipment availability reducing downtime optimising industrial and administrative processes through automation eliminating or minimising various types of waste and shortening lead time for material and service delivery. As of today Alba s in-house training has empowered 26 per cent of its employees with Six Sigma knowledge. The company has also shared this expertise with 211 individuals from various entities across Bahrain. Following the ceremony a special tour was organised for the visiting dignitaries to see first-hand the newly inaugurated Alba Data Command Centre a centralised hub for overseeing the company s operations where they received a briefing on the centre s role in enhancing Alba s overall operational efficiency and responsiveness.

Alba the world s largest single site smelter held its third quarterly board of directors meeting yesterday. Alba chairman Khalid Al Rumaihi inaugurated the new Data Command Centre by welcoming members of the board. The Data Command Centre a state-of-the-art facility will serve as a centralised hub for overseeing and managing Alba s operations. Presiding over the meeting Mr Al Rumaihi welcomed the recently announced partnership with Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) marking the initiation of due diligence for a potential business combination involving segments of Maaden s aluminium strategic business unit. He also emphasised the company s dedication to operational excellence and cost efficiency amid the volatile economic landscape and expressed confidence for a strong finish to the year. Additionally Mr Al Rumaihi emphasised the importance of Alba s Data Command Centre in enhancing operational efficiency and responsiveness and stated: Our Data Command Centre will empower us to monitor control and co-ordinate our activities with unprecedented precision enabling us to navigate challenges with agility. As we enter the final quarter of 2024 we look forward to celebrating the successful commercial operation of Power Station 5 Block 4 Project. I also take the opportunity to welcome Hisham Al Kooheji as the chief marketing officer (CMO) to the C-Suite of Alba and wish him the very best in his new role. Adding further Alba s chief executive Ali Al Baqali stated: As we continue to position Alba at the forefront of the global aluminium industry I am delighted to welcome Mr Al Kooheji to our executive team as chief marketing officer. His expertise and strategic vision will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in driving our growth and market leadership. During the meeting the board reviewed and approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on August 13 2024 and received comprehensive updates from the executive and ESG committee board audit committee and nomination remuneration and corporate governance committee on strategic matters to include progress of Power Station 5 (PS5) Block 4 Project the company s operational financial and sales performance to-date the ongoing feasibility study for the New Replacement Line (Class 3) Pillar Two and Bahrain domestic minimum top-up tax amongst others. Additionally the board unanimously approved the Lines 4-5 Creep Up Project which upon completion will enhance Alba s metal production by an additional 8 000 metric tonnes per year at a capital expenditure of 30 million. In addition the board approved the promotion of Hisham Al Kooheji to the position of chief marketing officer effective yesterday. Individual directors complete declaration and an update on the independence of each Alba board director were also given during the meeting.

Size does matter at least in the world of aluminium smelting and according to Khalid Al Rumaihi the chairman of Alba one of the world s largest smelters the potential business combination it is exploring with Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) could reshape the global aluminium industry. Addressing a media roundtable at Alba s massive 1.62 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) smelter a day after it was announced that the two sides had signed a non-binding agreement to commence due diligence towards the combination Mr Al Rumaihi expressed enthusiasm for the potential deal. We see tremendous potential Mr Al Rumaihi said. It will create economies of scale positioning the combined entity among the top six or seven aluminium producers globally. Highlighting some of the strategic advantages it would bring the chairman said the merger would offer Alba significant benefits including secure access to bauxite and alumina key raw materials and the potential to produce green aluminium using Saudi Arabia s vast solar resources. One of the most significant benefits of the merger lies in Maaden s ownership of the Al Ba itha Mine which produces five million tonnes of bauxite annually. This would provide Alba with a secure and cost-effective supply of the essential raw material. Additionally the Maaden Refinery the Middle East s first alumina refinery would further strengthen Alba s vertical integration. Mr Al Rumaihi emphasised the potential to produce green aluminium a growing demand in Western markets. Having access to clean energy such as solar power gives us significant benefits in terms of pricing and market access he stated. Saudi Arabia s vast solar potential offers a promising avenue for the combined entity to produce environmentally friendly aluminium. Beyond the economic advantages the merger would also strengthen the relationship between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Mr Al Rumaihi noted that the combined company would benefit from the growing markets in both countries particularly in sectors like aerospace automotive and in particular electric vehicle manufacture. Aluminium s high resistance to corrosion and good weight to strength to cost ratio makes it the perfect material. But the one property that makes aluminum the ideal metal for aircraft construction is its resistance to UV damage. While the due diligence process is expected to take several months Mr Al Rumaihi expressed optimism about the potential for a successful merger. The combination of Alba and Maaden could not only reshape the global aluminium industry but also contribute to the economic growth and development of both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The deal if it successfully passes all due diligence could pave the way for further business consolidation and partnerships between Gulf states offering them a more competitive advantage when it comes to global challenges from powerhouses such as Europe the US and China. It could also give added impetus to proceed with the rail and bridge building projects aimed as connecting the friendly countries in the region. Alba chief executive Ali Al Baqali was also present.

Alba one of the world s largest smelters and Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) are exploring a potential business combination that would reshape the global aluminium industry. The two companies said yesterday they have signed a non-binding agreement to commence due diligence towards the combination. The potential partnership would create a larger vertically integrated global champion with significant synergies offering advantages such as expanded production capacity enhanced global presence improved ESG performance greater energy security and significant shareholder value creation. The potential partnership accelerates Alba s growth strategy creating a global champion and cementing our position as the largest regional aluminium producer said Alba chairman Khalid Al Rumaihi. This combination will allow both companies to scale-up production extend our global presence and explore new opportunities in clean energy. Our partnership will not only deepen the strong ties between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia but also contribute to Bahrain s economic diversification and job creation. Mr Al Rumaihi added: This is a compelling proposition and an exciting moment for Alba Maaden and our respective stakeholders and we look forward to sharing further updates in due course. Bob Wilt chief executive of Maaden said the partnership would elevate our competitive edge on a global scale . By bringing together two of the region s most experienced players in the sector we are setting the stage for stronger economic growth enhanced job creation and increased aluminium production capacity. Our continued commitment to our customers underpins this venture ensuring that together Maaden and Alba will provide access to a more expansive and reliable supply of aluminium he said. During the due diligence period both companies will exchange information and evaluate the strategic and financial benefits of a business combination. There is no assurance that these discussions will lead to a definitive agreement or a completed transaction. As part of the discussions on the non-binding agreement Alba and Maaden discussed among other things the potential transaction structure for implementing their proposed business combination and the potential cross-listing of Alba on the Saudi Exchange. Subject to regulatory approvals corporate approvals confirmatory due diligence and valuation assessments the proposed structure would involve Maaden making an in-kind contribution. This would include Maaden contributing the entire share capital of two of its subsidiaries Maaden Aluminium Company (MAC) and Maaden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC) along with contractual rights concerning the marketing and sale of products produced by MAC to Alba. In exchange Alba would issue new shares to be allotted to Maaden. Alba and Maaden have also agreed to discuss the cross-listing of Alba on the Saudi Exchange during the next phase of the proposed business combination. Alba emphasised that the transaction is subject to without limitation confirmatory due diligence receipt of all corporate (board and shareholder) and regulatory approvals and signing of definitive agreements. Alba will provide further information to the market and regulators as appropriate. With a production capacity of more than 1.62 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) Alba is a world-leading aluminium smelter with a 50-year legacy. As of 2023 the Bahraini giant employed approximately 3 150 people. avinash@gdnmedia.bh

Critical issues facing the aluminium industry including rising smelter costs were addressed by Alba chief executive Ali Al Baqali during the Fastmarkets International Aluminium Conference 2024 in Athens Greece. Mr Al Baqali was a featured speaker at the CEO Panel Industry insights from Aluminium Primary Producers during the three-day conference that ends today. Joining top executives from Hongqiao Group and Century Aluminium Mr Al Baqali also discussed the growing demand for value-added products the impact of EU s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) carbon emissions reduction and supply chain sustainability as well as industry challenges and future prospects. He also highlighted market dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa Alba s EternAlTM its low carbon aluminium product-line and Bahrain government s efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. While in Athens the Alba chief executive took the opportunity to visit Elval one of Alba s customers to gain insights into their production processes and sustainability initiatives as well as to discuss market dynamics and future collaboration opportunities.