The collaboration marks a key step towards enhancing Alba’s supply chain resilience and operational efficiency, while advancing Epsilon Carbon’s plans to set up a coal tar pitch melting facility in Bahrain.
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the world’s largest aluminium smelter on a single site, has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with India-based Epsilon Carbon to explore a long-term supply arrangement for liquid coal tar pitch. The agreement was formalised during the investment summit, Gateway Gulf Forum 2025, held in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.
The collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening Alba’s supply chain resilience and operational efficiency, while supporting Epsilon Carbon’s plans to establish a coal tar pitch melting facility in Bahrain. The proposed facility will serve as a regional hub for carbon material processing, aligned with Bahrain’s industrial diversification goals.
Ali Al Baqali, CEO of Alba, said, “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 input for our operations but also supports the growth of Bahrain’s industrial sector.”
Vikram Handa, Managing Director of Epsilon Carbon, added, “With our coal tar distillation capacity set to reach 750,000 tonnes by 2027 and a $20 million investment in the Kingdom of Bahrain, we aim to strengthen regional collaboration and supply chain resilience. This will not only reinforce the India-Bahrain industrial corridor but also help reduce the carbon footprint and realise our vision for a more sustainable and efficient aluminium industry.”
The MoU sets the groundwork for a comprehensive long-term supply agreement and outlines key steps, including trial shipments, quality control protocols, and mutually agreed commercial terms. The partnership is expected to enhance raw material availability for Alba’s smelting operations while enabling Epsilon Carbon to expand its footprint in the Gulf region.