EGA's Jebel Ali aluminium smelter running near normal levels, DBX says

Norsk Hydro ASA

28/04/2026 11:13

April 28 (Reuters) - Emirates Global Aluminium's Jebel Ali smelter in the United Arab Emirates is operating at "closer to normal" levels as it recovers from "stress" amid the conflict in the Middle East, according to monitoring firm DBX Commodities.

Satellite analytics put utilisation rates at the 1 million metric ton per year aluminium smelter at 85% to 100%, DBX said in a report on Monday, for a median reading of 92.5%. That is up from 82.5% a week earlier, with DBX seeing an "uptick in thermal activity".

EGA has not reported any operational issues at Jebel Ali since the start of war; its other smelter at Al Taweelah was shut down after an Iranian attack in late March and could take up to a year to resume full production.

The other Gulf smelter targeted by Iran, 1.6 million ton per year Aluminium Bahrain ALBH.BH, is operating at 50% to 70%, DBX estimated, in line with readings earlier this month.  Alba said on March 15 it had shut 19% of capacity.

Output at the 648,000 ton per year Qatalum smelter in Qatar is estimated to be 55% to 65% of capacity, consistent with shareholder Norsk Hydro's NHY.OL March 12 statement that the plant would operate at 60%, DBX said.

DBX's aggregate utilisation rate for the four smelters is 45% to 55%. The Gulf accounts for 9% of global aluminium supply but producers have struggled to import raw materials and export metal as the war closed the Strait of Hormuz.

EGA, Alba and Qatalum did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

 (Reporting by Tom Daly. Editing by Mark Potter)

 ((Tom.Daly@thomsonreuters.com;))