Saudi Arabia’s Ma'aden Agrees to Acquire SABIC Stake in Aluminium Bahrain

The Ma'aden headquarters in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Ma'aden headquarters in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia’s Ma'aden Agrees to Acquire SABIC Stake in Aluminium Bahrain

The Ma'aden headquarters in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Ma'aden headquarters in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma'aden), the region's largest multi-commodity metals and mining company, has agreed to acquire SABIC's 20.62% share in Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA), the company said in a statement.

This move is part of Ma'aden's broader strategy to pursue regional growth opportunities across its business, it said.

According to the statement, the acquisition is a key element of Ma'aden's expansion plans, which aim to increase the company's aluminium business tenfold by 2040. This ambitious growth strategy highlights the pivotal role of aluminium in Ma'aden's future development.

The announcement follows recent news that Ma'aden and Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA) have signed non-binding Heads of Terms to explore the potential creation of a major global aluminium entity in the region.

Ma'aden has also revealed its plans to consolidate its aluminium operations through a Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement with its long-term partner, Alcoa. Under this agreement, Alcoa's shares in Ma'aden Aluminium Company (MAC) and Ma'aden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC) will be exchanged for shares in Ma'aden.

"As we continue to grow, acquiring shares in a well-established regional and global aluminium player strongly supports our ambitions,” said Ma'aden CEO Bob Wilt.

“This week, we have announced several transactions that align with our strategic intent to strengthen and expand our business regionally and internationally, further developing mining as the third pillar of the Saudi economy,” he added.



Italy, Albania, UAE Sign Deal for Energy Subsea Interconnection

People visit the World Future Energy Summit 2025 (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 14 January 2025.  EPA/ALI HAIDER
People visit the World Future Energy Summit 2025 (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 14 January 2025. EPA/ALI HAIDER
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Italy, Albania, UAE Sign Deal for Energy Subsea Interconnection

People visit the World Future Energy Summit 2025 (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 14 January 2025.  EPA/ALI HAIDER
People visit the World Future Energy Summit 2025 (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 14 January 2025. EPA/ALI HAIDER

Italy, Albania and the United Arab Emirates signed on Wednesday a deal worth at least 1 billion euros ($1 billion) to build a subsea interconnection for renewable energy across the Adriatic Sea.

"We strongly believe in this project involving our three governments, as well as our private sector and grid operators," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said as she announced the deal at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi.

The three-way partnership, which aims to produce green power in Albania and export it to Italy through underwater cables, will involve Italian grid operator Terna and UAE's National Energy Company (Taqa), Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said.

The Albanian premier added that the infrastructure would connect the Albanian port of Vlore to the southern Italian region of Puglia, the narrowest point between the two countries, and was expected to be operational within a maximum of three years.