American investment bank Jefferies will be the international financial adviser for the region’s first silicon metal smelter facility that will be built at Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD). The facility will be operational by 2015.

The UAE-based Al-Braik Investments LLC is behind this $ 200 million project, which will supply high grade silicon, commonly used in the aluminum industry to strengthen alloying agent. Silicon metal is presently imported to the region from a number of international producers. The proximity of Khalifa Port, alongside the intricate rail and road transport network, will enable Al-Braik Investments to maximize its market presence.

Al-Braik had received approval to reserve a 3.4 million square foot plot of land within KIZAD. In May 2012, during a regional aluminum conference, Al-Braik had signed a long lease agreement in the presence of KIZAD and EMAL senior management.

“We are pleased to be able to make an announcement about the further developments and plans for our silicon metal smelter. Our agreement with Jefferies is a clear demonstration of the confidence invested in the success of this project, facilities and infrastructure available to us at KIZAD,” said Shukri Al-Braik, chairman of Al-Braik Investments.

“This agreement underlines the fact that KIZAD is providing world-class infrastructure and necessary assurances to international investor,” said Khaled Salmeen, CEO and MD of KIZAD.