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.



Saudi Minister of Industry Visits Columbia University, Engages with Saudi and International Students

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef visits Columbia University on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef visits Columbia University on Wednesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister of Industry Visits Columbia University, Engages with Saudi and International Students

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef visits Columbia University on Wednesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef visits Columbia University on Wednesday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef visited on Wednesday Columbia University in the United State, the oldest university in New York State.

He was briefed on the latest academic programs supporting the industrial and mining sectors and met with faculty members, as well as Saudi, American, and international students from around the world.

During an interactive discussion with academics and students, Alkhorayef discussed Saudi Arabia’s industrial and mining transformation journey, focusing on promising industrial sectors being developed and localized as part of the national industrial strategy.

He emphasized the goals of Vision 2030 to transform the Kingdom into a leading global industrial power by maximizing the economic contribution of the industrial and mining sectors, diversifying income sources, and increasing their contribution to the GDP.

Alkhorayef highlighted the importance of the scholarship program as a vital cultural bridge for fostering civilizational communication among nations.

He stressed that the Kingdom relies on and invests in its citizens to shape the future, citing the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Scholarship Program and the Human Capacity Development Program, both aimed at developing national talents and equipping them with the skills needed to compete globally across various fields.

He noted that the industrial and mineral resources ecosystem is keen on engaging with scholarship students abroad, helping them explore future opportunities in the industrial and mining sectors through various programs and initiatives.

The visit to Columbia University is part of Alkhorayef's ongoing tour of the United States, which runs until September 28 and includes stops in New York, California, and Nevada. The tour aims to boost industrial and mining cooperation, attract quality investments to the Kingdom, and explore mutual opportunities in advanced industrial sectors.