The tour was attended by Engineer Tarek El Hadidi, Chairman
of the Metallurgical Industries Holding Company, Engineer Mohamed El Saadawy,
Executive Managing Director of the Holding Company, and Engineer Ahmed Allam,
Chairman of the Egyptian Carbon Anode Blocks Company.
The visit aimed to follow up on the progress of the
factory’s rehabilitation and restart, and to assess the implementation status
of the five-year agreement with BP, which includes maintenance and efficiency
enhancements at an estimated cost of 20 million US dollars.
Minister Shimi stated that resuming operations at the
factory is a key step in the state's strategy to optimize the use of industrial
assets, leverage available resources and capabilities, and strengthen value
chains in national industries. The factory plays a critical role in supporting
the aluminum industry and is expected to contribute to reducing imports,
generating foreign currency revenue, and supplying high-quality products for
major heavy industry firms in Egypt.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to the scheduled
timeline for rehabilitation and operation, maintaining the highest standards of
occupational safety and environmental protection. He confirmed that the
ministry is closely monitoring project milestones and providing all necessary
support to ensure successful and sustainable operations. The partnership with
BP reflects the state’s approach to fostering cooperation with leading
international companies in strategic sectors.
El Shazly highlighted the importance of the project in
supporting industrial development within the governorate and creating job
opportunities. He praised the Ministry of Public Enterprises for its efforts in
reviving inactive factories and restoring their productive capacity.
He noted that restarting the factory demonstrates the
state’s commitment to maximizing the use of industrial assets and promoting
effective strategic partnerships. He described the facility as a significant
step forward in enhancing national industry, meeting market needs, and
increasing added value by using high-quality, locally produced coke. The
governor reiterated support for all serious projects that contribute to
industrial growth and confirmed the commitment to working with relevant
stakeholders to overcome challenges and accelerate production.
During the tour, the minister met with a number of factory
workers and expressed appreciation for their efforts. He affirmed that Egyptian
workers are the foundation of the production and development process and
stressed the need to improve the work environment. He encouraged employees to
maintain a spirit of teamwork and adhere to technical and environmental
standards to ensure optimal outcomes.
The factory is expected to achieve an annual production
capacity of approximately 250,000 tons following the completion of technical
works and the rehabilitation of the second coke cooler. Projected revenues are
estimated at 97 US dollars per metric ton, which will contribute to boosting
income and ensuring the project's operational sustainability.
This project aligns with the Ministry of Public Enterprises’ strategy to revitalize industrial assets, enhance their utilization, attract international investment partnerships, and support the competitiveness of Egyptian industry on both regional and global levels.