SNC-Lavalin achieves first hot metal on EMAL II project nearly three months ahead of schedule

MONTREAL, Sept. 19, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - SNC-Lavalin (TSX: SNC) is pleased to announce that Phase II of the Emirates Aluminium Smelter Complex (EMAL II) project in Abu Dhabi achieved first hot metal nearly three months ahead of schedule. SNC-Lavalin has been contracted to provide engineering, procurement and construction management services for EMAL II.

Once completed, the Emirates Aluminum Smelter Complex will be one of the largest single-site aluminium smelters in the world with an annual production of 1.35 million tonnes per year. With the longest potline and largest gas treatment centre in the aluminum sector, a 2,000-volt rectifier/transformer and the biggest captive gas-fired power plant in the world, the Emirates Aluminium Smelter Complex has set many records in the industry.

"Achieving first hot metal nearly three months ahead of an ambitious target was only possible because the EMAL and SNC-Lavalin teams were unified in their commitment, determination and dedication to deliver a world-class project," said Brian Murphy, Project Director, EMAL II, SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.

The early production of hot metal on EMAL II is the latest in a series of achievements on the project, including over 40 million hours worked without a lost time incident. The project has also demonstrated industry-leading environmental performance with innovative recycling and water conservation initiatives.

"We attained a record-setting performance on EMAL II in spite of having tougher schedule requirements than we did on EMAL Phase I," said Pierre Ranger, Senior Vice-President, Aluminum and Bauxite, and SNC-Lavalin's Corporate Sponsor of the project. "We are very proud of these achievements, the fruit of 10 years of collaboration between DUBAL, EMAL and other SNC-Lavalin teams."

"This accomplishment is the most recent capstone in a decade of leadership in the Emirates metals industry," said Robert G. Card, President and CEO, SNC-Lavalin Group Inc., who attended the first hot metal ceremony in Abu Dhabi. "The EMAL smelter is a flagship project in the United Arab Emirates economy, and we are very proud of the high level of performance attained and maintained throughout the project."

SNC-Lavalin is one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world, and is a major player in the ownership of infrastructure and in the provision of operations and maintenance services. Founded in 1911, SNC-Lavalin has offices across Canada and in over 40 other countries around the world, and is currently active in some 100 countries.  www.snclavalin.com

SOURCE: SNC-Lavalin