Work on Shadeed Iron and Steel Company’s $750 million integrated steel plant in Sohar is ahead of schedule and is expected to begin production in August 2008.

With a combined production of 1.5 million tonnes per annum of iron and steel, Shadeed – a fully owned subsidiary of UAE-based Al Ghaith Holdings – will be the first in the world to use Hotlink technology.
The technology is expected to give the steel manufacturer a clear edge in terms of production costs and efficiency compared to other steel producers in the region.
With demand for steel far outstripping supply in the region, the new company is expected to significantly help the booming regional construction sector.
“Our target is to commission the DRI (direct reduced iron) unit in August 2008 and the steel melt shop in the second quarter of 2009,” said Al Ghaith Holdings chairman Ali Hamel Al Ghaith.
The technology selection and major site work is being done by leading international companies and the major packages are being awarded on a turnkey basis to ensure the timely completion of the project, he added.