Sohar Aluminium Smelter (SAS) of Oman crossed a significant milestone with the production of its first hot metal last month.

Bechtel was responsible for the engineering, procurement, construction, and construction management services for the $1.4 billion project.
The project, which features the world’s largest, most technologically-advanced potline, is located in Sohar, Oman, approximately 235 km northwest of the capital Muscat. The greenfield project also includes a carbon plant, an ingot metal casting facility, and a port facility for storage and ship loading and unloading.
Bechtel was responsible for approximately 50 per cent of the construction, and managed construction of the remainder.
Sohar Aluminium expects full production by December 2008.