RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden), which owns the largest and most efficient vertically integrated aluminum complex in the world, will host the International Arab Aluminium Conference (ARABAL) in Dhahran on Nov. 15. This high-profile conference will discuss the current and the future challenges for the aluminum industry.

"The three-day event will provide opportunities to discuss industrial integration of aluminum in the Gulf region," said Khaled bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer, Maaden CEO, here Thursday. He said Maaden will also present the experience of an integrated supply chain through a tour of its aluminum complex in Ras Al-Khair, demonstrating the application of the manufacturing vision from the mine to the end product."

He added: “The conference will also be an opportunity to review opportunities within Maaden projects, while presenting the Kingdom as an investment hub for the aluminum companies, which contribute to attracting foreign capital and the localization of global technologies," Al-Mudaifer added. He noted that this global industrial gathering will reflect positively on the aluminum industry, he said.

Featuring international participation, the conference is scheduled to take place from Nov. 15 to Nov. 17 at the Dhahran International Exhibitions Center in the Eastern Province. While the conference will focus on the integration of the upstream and downstream aluminum industry across the GCC, it will also discuss topics related to the future of the global aluminum industry.

Giving highlights, a Maaden statement said that the event will promote cooperation between producers and consumers. "Hosting ARABAL consolidates the position of Maaden and its successful journey toward building a reputation as one of the largest mining companies in the world,” it added.

The tour of the participants on the sidelines of the conference will include all the key components of the supply chain starting with the stockpiled bauxite, delivered by rail from the mine, passing to the refinery and the smelter and finishing with the rolling mill and aluminum can reclamation facility.

Referring to the participation of delegates from around the world, Mohamed Al-Naki, ARABAL chairman said that the conference will witness participation from a lot of international companies, which will enrich the debates between the speakers and specialists through panel discussions, highlighting the latest developments in the aluminum industry and aluminum production.

Alongside the conference there will be an exhibition that will allow participating companies to showcase a wide range of their latest services and technologies in the aluminum industry. ARABAL is a major event of aluminum industry. Over the past 29 years, it has become an event of international repute, bringing together leaders from the aluminum industry across the world to network and conduct business.