Mozal
| Company type | Joint venture |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aluminium smelting |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Maputo , Mozambique |
Area served | Mozambique, export markets |
| Products | Aluminium |
| Owner | South32 (63.7%), Mitsubishi Corporation, Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa, Government of Mozambique |
Mozal is a collaborative aluminium smelting enterprise situated within the Beluluane Industrial Park near Maputo, Mozambique. Established to serve the aluminium export market, the plant commenced its operations in 2000 and is positioned roughly 20 kilometers to the west of Maputo.
The venture began in 1998 as a consortium involving BHP Billiton (47.1%), Mitsubishi Corporation (25%), South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (24%), and the Mozambican Government (3.9%). Mozal was launched as a key component of Mozambique’s economic revitalization following the civil war, aimed at attracting foreign capital for national reconstruction. It represents the country’s inaugural significant foreign investment and continues to be its largest private-sector initiative.
Initially designed with an annual production capacity of 250,000 tonnes, Mozal underwent expansion through Mozal II during 2003–2004. Presently, it produces around 580,000 tonnes each year, ranking as Mozambique’s top aluminium producer and the second largest on the African continent. The facility contributes to 30% of Mozambique’s official export volume and utilizes 45% of the nation’s electricity supply.
In 2013, Mozal entered into a contract to supply 50,000 tonnes of aluminium to Midal Cables, a prominent global aluminium cable manufacturer. Midal’s local manufacturing site in Mozambique started operations in 2014 with production capabilities of 50,000 tonnes per annum for aluminium rods and 24,000 tonnes per annum for aluminium wire.
After BHP Billiton’s corporate restructuring, South32 acquired a majority ownership of 63.7% in Mozal. The remaining equity is held by Mitsubishi Corporation (through MCA Metals Holding GmbH), the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa, and the Government of Mozambique.