Latest news with #AluminiumRecyclingForum
Observer
22-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Regulation key to protect recycling sector in Oman
MUSCAT, APRIL 22 Amid growing concerns over resource constraints and market distortions in Oman's aluminium recycling sector, Mohammad Azam, CEO of Silver Star Copper & Aluminum Smelting LLC, has called for urgent regulatory reforms to safeguard the future of the industry and encourage long-term investment. Speaking on the sidelines of the Aluminium Recycling Forum, Azam highlighted the strategic importance of feedstock security and a fair competitive environment, warning that unregulated market activity could jeopardize the viability of serious industrial players. 'We currently operate one of the most advanced facilities in the sector, but we are facing a serious material shortage,' Azam said. 'This isn't just a logistical issue—it's a strategic threat. Without access to raw materials, we cannot fully utilize our production capacity or justify further investment, even though we are ready and committed.' Silver Star, one of Oman's leading recyclers, has invested heavily in advanced technology and skilled labor to deliver high-value aluminium products. However, inconsistent access to recyclable material remains a key obstacle. Azam also expressed concern over the rise of small-scale operators entering the market without proper licensing or regulatory oversight. 'Some are setting up unregulated furnaces, and if this continues unchecked, it will be difficult for serious players like us to survive, let alone scale,' he warned. 'We are not against competition—on the contrary, we welcome it. But it must be under clear and fair regulatory frameworks.' He emphasized that informal operators often fail to create jobs or contribute meaningfully to the national economy, while potentially undermining pricing structures and operational standards in the market. 'Large industrial recyclers like us are creating real value, driving innovation, and contributing to Oman's economy,' Azam noted. 'We cannot allow the aluminium sector to go the same way as the global steel industry, where unregulated recyclers have distorted the market with little accountability.' In addition to material shortages, Silver Star is also contending with volatile scrap pricing—exacerbated by under-declared exports and inconsistent enforcement of customs regulations. 'We're not just collecting scrap—we're manufacturing high-value aluminium products. That requires pricing stability and reliable access to input materials,' he said. 'Exporters who send scrap abroad without proper declarations enjoy an unfair advantage, which undermines domestic recyclers like us.' Azam noted growing interest from international clients, particularly in Japan, who are seeking high-quality aluminium products from Oman. However, inconsistent supply and market unpredictability remain barriers to long-term commercial contracts. 'Oman's local market is not yet aligned with international pricing dynamics,' he added. 'We must address these discrepancies if we want to position ourselves as a reliable global supplier.' In closing, Azam issued a clear appeal to government authorities to take decisive steps in protecting and enabling the future of Oman's aluminium recycling sector. 'We urge the government to take firm action. If we want to attract large-scale, job-creating investment, we must ensure proper regulation, protect serious investors, and align our market with global standards,' he said. 'The future of Oman's aluminium recycling sector depends on it.'
Observer
22-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
15,000 tpa of aluminium recycled as Oman advances in circular economy
MUSCAT, APRIL 22 The second edition of the Aluminium Recycling Forum, hosted by Sohar Aluminium in collaboration with the Environment Authority, convened senior policymakers, industrial leaders, and sustainability experts in Muscat to chart the future of aluminium recycling in the Sultanate of Oman. Held under the auspices of Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, the forum sought to strengthen national efforts toward circular economy adoption, enhance domestic recycling capacity, and unlock new investment opportunities across Oman's growing aluminium sector. Featuring a robust line-up of national and international experts, the forum tackled key themes including scrap collection challenges, regulatory frameworks, and innovations in recycling technology. Discussions also addressed how Oman's industrial strategies align with global sustainability frameworks, particularly in the context of climate goals and green industrial transformation. Speaking at the opening session, Eng Said al Masoudi, CEO of Sohar Aluminium, emphasized the strategic opportunity Oman holds in becoming a regional leader in aluminium recycling. 'We firmly believe that Oman has the potential to become a major aluminium recycling hub servicing the entire GCC,' said Al Masoudi. 'At Sohar Aluminium, we recycled 3,500 tonnes of aluminium scrap in 2024, and we are committed to exceeding that in 2025. With the Environment Authority's March 2025 decision to suspend export permits for non-hazardous waste—including aluminium and copper scrap—we now have a unique opportunity to scale up local recycling, reduce reliance on imports, and create jobs.' He noted that aluminium is an inherently circular material, requiring 95 per cent less energy to recycle than primary production, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 97 per cent. 'This is not just an environmental obligation—it's a national economic opportunity,' Al Masoudi concluded. Delivering a keynote address, Mahmood Dailami, Secretary General of the Gulf Aluminium Council, placed Oman's efforts in a broader regional context. 'The aluminium industry accounts for nearly 2 per cent of global industrial CO₂ emissions—largely driven by energy-intensive processes. In the Gulf, we have a unique opportunity to change that through recycling,' said Dailami. He stressed that while renewable energy and next-generation smelting offer promise, recycling remains the most immediate and realistic path to reduce the industry's carbon footprint. 'Despite producing nearly half a million tonnes of recyclable aluminium annually, the region recycles less than 30 per cent. To unlock this untapped value, we must address regulatory gaps, expand remelting infrastructure, and build a transparent, well-regulated secondary market. Forums like this are not merely local events—they are global imperatives to build a circular, low-carbon future.' Dr Mohammed al-Kalbani, Director General of Environmental Affairs at the Environment Authority, echoed these sentiments, citing Oman's rapid progress: 'Oman is charting a bold path toward a circular economy, with over 83 recycling facilities now operational and national recycling rates rising from 25 per cent in 2022 to more than 40 per cent in 2024. Our aluminium scrap recycling sector alone now processes over 15,000 tonnes annually, positioning the Sultanate of Oman as a future leader in sustainable metals recovery across the GCC.' Eng Abdullah al Rawahi, Head of the Industrial Strategy Implementation Section at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, outlined key policy measures currently being developed to support and regulate Oman's recycling sector. 'We've already begun implementing several policies aimed at controlling the export of key recyclable materials such as aluminium, iron, used tyres, and other industrial waste. One of the recent decisions specifically focuses on restricting the export of these materials to prioritize domestic processing,' he said. Al Rawahi also referenced the launch of a new digital transformation platform, developed in collaboration with be'ah and the Ministry of Commerce, as a key step toward improving efficiency and oversight across the recycling value chain. 'We've worked closely with be'ah to develop a digital platform that will enhance traceability and transparency across the recycling process. This platform is designed to ensure material availability for local recycling plants and to offer deeper insights for both investors and regulators.' He further highlighted the importance of improving access to financing, a persistent challenge facing recycling centers in Oman. 'We recognize that funding remains a key challenge for recycling centers. We are currently exploring innovative solutions, including the development of alternative fuel products from waste materials. These policy tools are still under development, but we welcome suggestions and amendments from industry stakeholders.' The forum featured two focused panel discussions. The first examined the technical and regulatory barriers hindering scrap collection and recycling operations. Experts explored how smarter logistics, improved enforcement, and clearer policy guidelines could enhance sector efficiency. The second panel addressed the investment potential of the aluminium recycling industry. Topics included policy tools to incentivize private sector engagement, SME inclusion, and the growing relevance of green finance and public-private partnerships in building a robust, low-carbon industrial base.
Muscat Daily
22-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Sohar Aluminium pushes recycling agenda at industry forum
Muscat – Sohar Aluminium hosted the second Aluminium Recycling Forum on Tuesday. It aimed to advance aluminium recycling and support sustainable industrial development in Oman. Held in collaboration with Environment Authority under the patronage of its chairman Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, the forum brought together industry leaders, policymakers and sustainability experts to discuss global trends and the future of aluminium recycling in the sultanate. Said al Masoudi, CEO of Sohar Aluminium, said the forum was part of a broader effort to align the aluminium industry with national sustainability goals. 'At Sohar Aluminium, we believe recycling is more than just an environmental obligation; it is a strategic driver of economic resilience, resource efficiency and innovation,' he said. 'This forum brings a unique opportunity to align cross-sector efforts, foster new partnerships, and spark policy dialogue that supports the emergence of a strong recycling ecosystem in Oman and the wider region.' Recycling of aluminium scrap by Sohar Aluminium surpassed 2,400 tonnes in early 2024, with the company targeting 3,500 tonnes by the end of the year. Speakers included Dr Fiona Solomon, CEO, and Dr Gabriel Carmona Aparicio, Circularity Research Manager of Aluminium Stewardship Initiative; and Mahmood Dailami, Secretary General of Gulf Aluminium Council. The forum featured two panel discussions. The first focused on operational and strategic challenges faced by recycling operators and industry stakeholders, while the second examined the economic potential of aluminium recycling, and the policy and investment measures needed to support its growth. Panellists explored how trade regulations, regional collaboration, and financial tools such as ESG-focused investments and green financing could drive the sector forward. Public-private partnerships were also discussed as a means to strengthen Oman's recycling economy and promote long-term sustainability.
Observer
22-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Aluminium recycling forum spotlights investment potential and sustainability goals
Muscat: Industry leaders, environmental experts, and policymakers gathered in Muscat on Tuesday for the second edition of the Aluminium Recycling Forum, hosted by Sohar Aluminium in collaboration with the Environment Authority. Held under the patronage of H.E. Dr Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, the event took place at the Intercity Hotel and focused on strengthening Oman's aluminium recycling industry and exploring its economic and investment prospects. Building on the success of its inaugural edition, this year's forum brought together national and international figures in the aluminium and sustainability sectors to discuss global trends, policy frameworks, and the role of recycling in advancing a circular economy. Among the keynote speakers were Marlen Bertram, Director of Scenarios and Forecasts at the International Aluminium Institute; Dr Fiona Solomon, CEO of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative; and Dr Gabriel Carmona Aparicio, Circularity Research Manager at the same initiative. Contributions also came from Gulf Aluminium Council Secretary General Mahmood Dailami, and Dr Mohammed bin Saif Al Kalbani, Director General of Environmental Affairs at the Environment Authority. The forum featured two high-level panel discussions that tackled key challenges and emerging opportunities in aluminium scrap recycling. The first session addressed operational and regulatory hurdles faced by recyclers, collectors, and industry stakeholders, while highlighting how regional industries are incorporating recycling into their broader sustainability strategies. It also explored how evolving regulations in Oman can better support recycling logistics and compliance. The second panel turned the spotlight on the economic potential of aluminium recycling and the investment mechanisms needed to support its growth. Panelists discussed the role of SMEs, green financing, ESG-focused investments, and public-private partnerships in unlocking value across the recycling ecosystem. They also examined how trade policies and regional collaboration could drive momentum for the sector. Eng. Said Al Masoudi, CEO of Sohar Aluminium, stressed the strategic importance of recycling as a catalyst for economic and environmental resilience.'Recycling is more than an environmental necessity; it is a pathway to resource efficiency, innovation, and economic diversification,' Al Masoudi said. 'This forum enables stakeholders to share ideas, form partnerships, and support policy development that can transform the recycling industry into a key pillar of sustainable growth in Oman and beyond.' The forum reinforced Oman's commitment to sustainability and positioned the aluminium recycling industry as a vital contributor to the country's long-term development vision.
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Aluminium recycling forum spotlights investment potential and sustainability goals
Muscat: Industry leaders, environmental experts, and policymakers gathered in Muscat on Tuesday for the second edition of the Aluminium Recycling Forum, hosted by Sohar Aluminium in collaboration with the Environment Authority. Held under the patronage of H.E. Dr Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, the event took place at the Intercity Hotel and focused on strengthening Oman's aluminium recycling industry and exploring its economic and investment prospects. Building on the success of its inaugural edition, this year's forum brought together national and international figures in the aluminium and sustainability sectors to discuss global trends, policy frameworks, and the role of recycling in advancing a circular economy. Among the keynote speakers were Marlen Bertram, Director of Scenarios and Forecasts at the International Aluminium Institute; Dr Fiona Solomon, CEO of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative; and Dr Gabriel Carmona Aparicio, Circularity Research Manager at the same initiative. Contributions also came from Gulf Aluminium Council Secretary General Mahmood Dailami, and Dr Mohammed bin Saif Al Kalbani, Director General of Environmental Affairs at the Environment Authority. The forum featured two high-level panel discussions that tackled key challenges and emerging opportunities in aluminium scrap recycling. The first session addressed operational and regulatory hurdles faced by recyclers, collectors, and industry stakeholders, while highlighting how regional industries are incorporating recycling into their broader sustainability strategies. It also explored how evolving regulations in Oman can better support recycling logistics and compliance. The second panel turned the spotlight on the economic potential of aluminium recycling and the investment mechanisms needed to support its growth. Panelists discussed the role of SMEs, green financing, ESG-focused investments, and public-private partnerships in unlocking value across the recycling ecosystem. They also examined how trade policies and regional collaboration could drive momentum for the sector. Eng. Said Al Masoudi, CEO of Sohar Aluminium, stressed the strategic importance of recycling as a catalyst for economic and environmental resilience.'Recycling is more than an environmental necessity; it is a pathway to resource efficiency, innovation, and economic diversification,' Al Masoudi said. 'This forum enables stakeholders to share ideas, form partnerships, and support policy development that can transform the recycling industry into a key pillar of sustainable growth in Oman and beyond.' The forum reinforced Oman's commitment to sustainability and positioned the aluminium recycling industry as a vital contributor to the country's long-term development vision.
