- Alba among world’s largest single-site smelter (outside China)
- IRGC claims attack over alleged U.S. defense links
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) confirmed that its facility was struck in an Iranian attack on Saturday, 28 March 2026, leaving two employees with minor injuries. The company stated that it is currently assessing the extent of the damage while prioritising employee safety and operational stability.
While the broader wave of strikes also impacted Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the incident at Alba highlights the vulnerability of one of the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelters.
Strategic infrastructure comes under pressure
The attack on Alba forms part of a broader escalation targeting critical Gulf infrastructure, including ports, refineries, and shipping routes. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps stated that the strikes were carried out in response to attacks on Iranian steel facilities, citing links to U.S. defence-related industries.
Alba is a key supplier to the global aluminium market, producing high-grade metal used across industries, including aerospace, where manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus rely on consistent supply.
Operational and market implications
Even before the attack, Alba had initiated a partial shutdown of its smelting lines, representing about 19% of its capacity, to maintain business continuity amid rising geopolitical tensions. In 2025, the company’s total production capacity stood at approximately 1.62 million tonnes.
As damage assessments continue, the focus remains on how quickly Alba can stabilise operations and resume normal output. Meanwhile, Bahrain-based industrial group Foulath Holding has declared force majeure on its operations, underscoring the broader industrial impact of the ongoing crisis.
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