Manama: Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the world’s largest aluminium smelter on one site, has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Epsilon Carbon Private Limited, an integrated carbon company based in India, aiming to explore a long-term supply arrangement for liquid coal tar pitch. The MoU was signed during the Gateway Gulf 2025 Forum in Bahrain, marking a significant step towards enhancing Alba’s supply security and operational efficiency, while simultaneously supporting Epsilon Carbon’s plans to establish a coal tar pitch melting facility in the Kingdom.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the MoU lays the groundwork for productive negotiations and discussions between Alba and Epsilon Carbon, setting the stage for a comprehensive long-term supply partnership. It outlines the necessary procedures and steps concerning trial shipments, quality monitoring, and finalizing commercial terms.
Ali Al Baqali, CEO of Alba, emphasized the significance of the collaboration with Epsilon Carbon, highlighting its role in reinforcing supply chain reliability and maintaining quality standards. He noted that the partnership secures a key raw material for Alba’s operations and supports initiatives aimed at developing Bahrain’s industrial sector, projecting that it would deliver lasting value for both parties involved.
Vikram Handa, Managing Director of Epsilon Carbon, remarked on the partnership as a pivotal move towards achieving sustainable industrial growth. He outlined Epsilon Carbon’s plans to enhance regional partnerships with a coal tar distillation capacity expected to reach 750,000 tonnes by 2027 and investments worth US$20 million in Bahrain. Handa also noted that the collaboration not only strengthens industrial ties between India and Bahrain but also contributes to reducing the carbon footprint and advancing a more sustainable and efficient aluminium industry.