[SMM Flash News] Bahrain Titanium Industries (BTI), a subsidiary of Switzerland-based Interlink Metals and Chemicals, has commenced construction of its Bahrain facility, with production expected to commence in early 2026, initially scheduled for mid-2025. The first phase will produce 4,000 mt of commercially pure (CP) titanium plate and 1,500 mt of 6Al 4V (Grade 5) casting ingots to supply the chemical, desalination, marine, and power generation industries. The second phase, currently undergoing advanced planning, will expand the company's downstream capabilities to include billets and forgings, with an annual capacity of up to 10,000 mt. This will enable the company to serve aerospace, medical, and defense applications.

The company has received letters of intent (LOIs) from former Interlink melting plant customers in Ukraine for the offtake of ingots and slabs. The LOI between BTI and AMIC Toho's titanium sponge plant in Saudi Arabia remains valid, but it is also exploring the use of Chinese titanium sponge for non-critical industrial applications. BTI is starting trial melts on its ferrotitanium furnace and is constructing processing and crushing equipment. Production of ferrotitanium is expected to commence later this year. Interlink highlighted the importance of the Bahrain-US Free Trade Agreement amid ongoing uncertainties in trade relations.