Alba soars to top 1% globally with EcoVadis platinum sustainability rating

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Alba, one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters, is proud to announce that it has achieved the pinnacle of sustainability recognition – the EcoVadis Platinum Rating. This prestigious distinction from EcoVadis, a world-renowned provider of business sustainability assessments, places Alba among the elite 1% of companies evaluated worldwide.

This remarkable accomplishment marks the culmination of Alba's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. Just three years ago, Alba embarked on this journey with a Bronze Rating, followed by a Silver Rating in 2023. This continuous improvement demonstrates a deep-rooted sustainability strategy driving positive change.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive the EcoVadis Platinum Rating,” said Alba's Chief Executive Officer, Ali Al Baqali. “This recognition serves as a powerful validation of our relentless pursuit of sustainable practices.

Environmental and social impact are paramount to our growth strategy, and we remain firm in our mission to be an eco-friendly smelter, contributing to a greener Bahrain and a more sustainable world."

Further, to celebrate Alba’s achievement, EcoVadis will plant a tree through their partnership with One Tree Planted – an environmental non-profit tree planting charity that plant trees in countries around the world.

The EcoVadis sustainability rating is one of the world’s largest and most trusted global corporate social responsibility performance assessment platforms, providing ratings for companies based on their sustainable practices across four pillars: environment, social and human rights, ethics, and responsible purchasing.

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About Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba)

A Global Aluminium Leader: At plus-1.62 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) (2023), Alba is a world-leading aluminium smelter with a proud 50-year legacy in operational excellence, safety, environmental responsibility, and community development.

Trusted Partner: A cornerstone of the Bahrain’s economy, Alba produces high-quality aluminium, including standard and value-added products, which are exported to over 270 customers globally. With sales’ offices in Europe (Zurich), Asia (Singapore), and a subsidiary in the U.S., Alba is a reliable partner on the world stage. Alba is dually listed on Bahrain Bourse and London Stock Exchange and its shareholders are Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company B.S.C. © (69.38%), SABIC Industrial Investments Company (SIIC) (20.62%) and General Public (10%). Alba adheres to the highest international standards, holding certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 45001, ISO 18788, IATF 16949:2016, ISO 22301:2012 Business Continuity Management System (BCMS), ASI Performance Standard Certification, ASI Chain of Custody Standard Certification and Ecovadis Certification.

Pioneering Sustainability: As the first aluminium smelter in the Middle East, Alba is central to Bahrain's thriving downstream aluminium sector, contributing significantly to the Kingdom's GDP. Committed to social responsibility, Alba employs a workforce that is 86% Bahrainis (2023) and invests heavily in employee training and development. Alba also plays a crucial role in the Aluminium Downstream Park, therefore increasing the contribution of non-oil sectors to the GDP of Bahrain. Alba has been recognised for its initiatives to produce Aluminium responsibly through awards such as Top ESG performer in Bahrain by ESG Invest, Safeguard Label from Bureau Veritas and Best Corporate Governance Award by Ethical Boardroom.

Recognised for its environmental practices, social contributions, and corporate governance, Alba launched a comprehensive ESG Roadmap in 2022 focusing on 6 priority areas: (1) Decarbonisation, (2) Green Energy & Aluminium, (3) Circular Economy & Secondary Aluminium, (4) Employee Welfare, (5) Collaboration & Partnership and (6) Transparency, Communications & Due Diligence. Since its inception, Alba has invested into numerous environment, sustainable and socio-economic development projects that have had a positive impact on the society. Alba’s first-of-its-kind US$37.5 million zero-waste Spent Pot Lining Treatment Plant, the upcoming +6 MW Solar Farm Project and the Power Station 5 Block 4 Project are tangible initiatives aligned with Bahrain’s Net Zero Carbon Targets by 2060 led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain.

Safety First, Always: Guided by the motto "Safety First, Safety Always," Alba prioritises the well-being of its employees and contractors. The Company achieved a record-breaking 30 million safe working hours without a lost-time injury in September 2022. The Company has been recognised internationally for its excellent Safety and Health track record with awards such as the RoSPA President’s Award for winning RoSPA Gold Medal Award 10 years in a row, the British Safety Council’s International Safety Award with Merit along with 4-Star Audit Rating, as well as numerous awards from the National Safety Council (NSC).

Alba Power Station 5 (PS5) Block 4 Expansion Project

Alba's PS5 Block 4 is a new 680.9-megawatt (MW) combined-cycle power plant that expands the existing PS5 facility. This state-of-the-art J-class gas turbine addition boasts superior efficiency compared to Power Stations 3 & 4. Scheduled for completion in Q4 2024, Block 4 will boost PS5's total capacity to 2,481 MW, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 0.5 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of aluminium produced.

A consortium of Mitsubishi Power and SEPCOIII is responsible for the entire project lifecycle, from design and engineering to construction and commissioning.

Alba Stakeholder Engagement Plan

Alba prioritises open communication with all its stakeholders, including the community, environmental and social groups. Through its Stakeholder Engagement Plan, the Company proactively addresses environmental and social impacts of its operations, outlining clear mitigation controls. Alba also maintains an external Grievance Mechanism accessible through the Code of Conduct, allowing stakeholders and the public to voice concerns and raise issues.

Alba’s External Grievance Mechanism

Alba prioritises ethical conduct and environmental responsibility. Stakeholders, employees, contractors, and the community can confidentially report any potential breaches of Alba's Code of Conduct or raise concerns about environmental and social impacts through the Alba Integrity Line. This independent, multilingual hotline operates 24/7 and is accessible via a toll-free phone number, the company intranet, or the website at www.albasmelter.com.

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