Forum calls for focused approach and maximising in-country aluminium recycling

Muscat: Sohar Aluminium (SA) held Oman’s first ‘Aluminium Recycling Forum 2024: Forging the future,’ under the patronage of Dr Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, Chairman of Environment Authority, at JW Mariott Hotel, Muscat.

The forum, which was supported by the Environment Authority, marked a platform bringing together key players in the Oman aluminium industry, metal recyclers, and academia to understand the current situation in the Sultanate of Oman for aluminium scrap and source opportunities for in-country recycling.

This first-of-its-kind forum featured several insightful presentations, discussions, and keynote speeches from industry pioneers such as Marlen Bertram, Director – Scenarios and Forecasts, International Aluminium Institute and presentations by Dr Majid Al Maharbi, Associate Professor at Sultan Qaboos University, and others, who explored the latest trends, challenges, and business opportunities in aluminium recycling, including for SMEs, sustainability practices, and the impact of technological advancements in the industry.

Other presenters included Eng. Abdullah Al Mufarji, Environment Specialist, from the Environment Authority, Karima Al Raaisi, from Be’ah, Hamad Al Jabri, Power Plant and Maintenance Director at Sohar Aluminium, Hammad Ali, Commercial Director at Oman Aluminium Processing Industries Limited, Bharath Natesan, Operations Manager at Oman Aluminium Rolling Company, Aiman Al Kharusi, Head HSSE and Omanisation at Synergies Castings.

Speaking on the occasion, Eng. Said bin Mohammed Al Masoudi, CEO of Sohar Aluminium Company said, “Oman’s Vision 2040 aims to promote upstream and downstream integration to enhance the contribution of non-oil sectors to the GDP. Aluminium recycling can play a part here too, as one company’s scrap can be another’s feedstock. To further this Vision, we need to collaborate on maximising aluminium recycling within our industry.”

“At Sohar Aluminium, we are firm believers in innovation, sustainability, and a circular economy. While these initiatives are separate, they are also interdependent. Similarly, while we chart our individual paths, it is important that we join hands for the larger cause of serving Oman’s economy and the communities in which we operate,” the CEO commented.

Commenting on the national endeavours towards the effective use of resources, Nizar bin Salem Al Araimi, Director of the Environment Department in North Al Batinah Governorate, pointed out, “Paying attention to the principles of the circular economy to protect the environment and develop the national economy and include it in the national vision and economic strategy will ensure proper management of the waste management sector. It will not only contribute to complying with the national commitments of the Sultanate of Oman but also enhance the country’s global classification in environmental performance.”

Globally, studies disclose that more than 30 million tonnes of aluminium scrap are recycled every year, ensuring its status as one of the most recycled materials on the planet. Among the key outcomes of the Forum include collaboration between manufacturers, processors, and suppliers in addition to implementing digitalisation and technologies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

By embracing sustainable practices, the Sultanate of Oman can show its dedication to a greener future. Additionally, the forum underscored the need to streamline technologies and provide sustainable solutions across the supply chain.