MUSCAT: As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the communities of Sohar and Liwa, Sohar Aluminium donated RO 10,000 to support the initiative of the Ministry of education to eliminate illiteracy.

During a small ceremony held at the Sohar Aluminium Information Centre in Sohar on 18 April 2007, Tony Kinsman, CEO of the company, presented the donation to support the educational village of Harmoul and the literacy program in Falaj Al Qabail. In 2006, the programs implemented by the Directorate General of North Batinah have benefited more than a hundred women from the nearby villages. These women are taught to read and write, and learn different skills that aim to help them in everyday life.

Mr. Abdul Rahman Al Qasimi, Deputy Director General of Al Batinah North, was extremely pleased that the private sector is supporting such community projects.

Commenting on the occasion, Tony Kinsman, CEO of Sohar Aluminium said, “We are extremely pleased to support initiatives that will benefit the community and we appreciate the effort and dedication that has been put in place by the Ministry of Education, individual volunteers and the overall community to raise the level of literacy in the region.

Sohar Aluminium’s shareholders are Oman Oil Company, Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority, and Alcan. The company was established in September 2004 to construct and operate a single AP35 potline aluminium smelter with an associated power plant.

The smelter is targeted to start its first production of hot metal in 2008.