Alba, Epsilon Carbon sign non-binding MoU to secure long-term supply of liquid coal tar pitch
Manama, Nov. 2 (BNA): Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the world’s largest aluminium smelter on one site, has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Epsilon Carbon Private Limited, a leading integrated carbon company based in India, to explore a long-term supply arrangement for liquid coal tar pitch. The agreement was formalised during the Gateway Gulf 2025 Forum in the Kingdom of Bahrain as a key step towards enhancing Alba’s supply security and operational efficiency, while supporting Epsilon Carbon’s plans to establish a coal tar pitch melting facility in the Kingdom.
The MoU forms the foundation for constructive negotiations and discussions between both parties and paves the way for the establishment of a comprehensive long-term supply partnership. It outlines the necessary procedures and steps related to trial shipments, quality monitoring, and reaching agreement on commercial terms.
Ali Al Baqali, Alba’s CEO, commented on this collaboration, saying: "Our collaboration with Epsilon Carbon marks an important milestone in Alba’s journey to reinforce supply chain reliability and maintain the highest standards of quality. This partnership not only secures a key raw material for our operations but also supports initiatives to develop the industrial sector in the Kingdom. We are confident that this partnership will deliver lasting value for both parties".
On his part, Vikram Handa, Managing Director of Epsilon Carbon, stated: "Our partnership with Alba is an important step towards achieving sustainable industrial growth. With our coal tar distillation capacity expected to reach 750,000 tonnes by 2027 and investments worth US$20 million in the Kingdom of Bahrain, we seek to strengthen regional partnerships and enhance supply chain resilience. This step will not only reinforce industrial cooperation between India and the Kingdom of Bahrain but also contribute to reducing the carbon footprint and achieving our vision of a more sustainable and efficient aluminium industry".
