IBAAS 2026 conference & exhibition: Advancing sustainable and smart aluminium

The 14th International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Conference & Exhibition (IBAAS-2026) was successfully held from September 9–11, 2026 at MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts, Jharsuguda, Odisha, India. The three-day event brought together 325 delegates from more than 100 companies and organisations, representing bauxite, alumina and aluminium producers, technology and equipment suppliers, R&D institutions, academia and service providers.

International participation included delegates from India, China, Turkey, Spain, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, the UAE, the UK and the USA.
The central theme, “Global Aluminium Outlook 2030: Secure Resources, Efficient Energy and Value from Wastes,” reflected the industry’s priorities for sustainable resource utilisation, energy efficiency, waste valorisation and circularity. The conference also highlighted the growing importance of digitalisation, artificial intelligence, green aluminium, recycling, resource efficiency and technological innovation in shaping the aluminium industry towards 2030.

Key technical focus areas

The technical programme addressed several critical areas across the aluminium value chain, including:

• Digitalisation, Artificial Intelligence and Green Aluminium, with emphasis on process optimisation, predictive maintenance, data analytics, intelligent quality control and data-driven decision-making.
• Bauxite Beneficiation and Non-Metallurgical Bauxite–Alumina, focusing on beneficiation, efficient resource utilisation and value addition.
• Bauxite Residue (Red Mud), covering sustainable management, utilisation and recovery of valuable resources.
• Cathodes, Energy Management and Pot-Life Extension, addressing improved cathode technologies, energy efficiency and cell performance.
• Value Recovery from Aluminium and Power Plant Wastes, promoting sustainable utilisation and resource recovery.
• Aluminium Alloys and Smart Engineering Solutions, focusing on advanced alloys and sustainable applications.
• Aluminium Recycling, highlighting scrap utilisation, circular economy practices and the transition towards green metal.

Inauguration and keynote addresses

The inaugural function was graced by Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium, as Chief Guest, along with distinguished industry experts including Mr. Bibhu Mishra, Advisor, Hindalco; Mr. Takuo Harato, Leading Alumina Expert, Japan; and Mr Senthil Nath, President–MCOE, Hindalco Industries Ltd. Dr Arun Nandi, Secretary, IBAAS, welcomed the delegates, followed by the Conference Convener’s address. The IBAAS souvenir and IBAAS BINDER Volume XIV, containing technical papers, were released during the ceremony, followed by the opening of the exhibition.

Seven keynote addresses covered major industry challenges and opportunities, including structural transformation in aluminium, sustainability of the alumina industry, global cooperation, resource depletion and geopolitical volatility, aluminium applications and ESG, critical mineral recovery from bauxite residue, and the status of the bauxite, alumina and aluminium industry in Vietnam.

Technical programme

The second day featured three parallel technical sessions. The Auditorium focused on Digitalisation and AI Applications in the Aluminium Industry, covering AI, machine learning, data analytics, automation, predictive maintenance and process optimisation. Hall-1 addressed Special Bauxite–Alumina, including beneficiation, processing, applications and value addition, while Hall-2 focused on Aluminium Smelting, including reduction technology, energy efficiency, cell performance, anode technology, process control and operational optimisation.

The technical programme continued on the third day with sessions on Green Aluminium, Aluminium Downstream and Alloys, and Aluminium Recycling, highlighting sustainable production, downstream processing, alloy development, recycling, resource recovery and circularity.

Among the technical presentations recognised through the IBAAS Best Paper Presenter Awards were contributions on AI-guided optimisation of precipitation processes, integrated data analytics for fume treatment plants, bauxite residue utilisation, aluminium trihydrate applications, anode quality improvement, pre-baked anode quality, AA6201 alloy age-hardening, and compressor-house reliability through online vibration monitoring.

Exhibition and industry participation

The exhibition was a major attraction of IBAAS 2026, featuring 10 domestic and international companies displaying technologies, equipment, products, services and innovative solutions for the aluminium industry. It provided delegates with opportunities to explore emerging technologies, exchange technical knowledge and establish business connections. IBAAS also acknowledged the valuable support of its sponsors, exhibitors, partners and media partners.

ESG Awards 2026

The IBAAS-CETIZION ESG Awards 2026 recognised companies demonstrating strong Environmental, Social and Governance performance and responsible business practices. The award recipients included:

• Hindalco Industries Ltd., Hirakud Power – Gold
• Midal Cables – Platinum
• Hindalco Industries Ltd., Kuppam – Gold
• Cevher Jant Sanayii A.Ş. – Platinum
• Hindalco Industries Ltd., Mahan – Gold
• Hindalco Industries Ltd., Hirakud FRP – Silver
• GZ Industries Ltd. – Gold

The ESG panel discussion further highlighted industry initiatives and best practices aimed at improving environmental performance and sustainable development across the aluminium value chain.

Post-conference visit and conclusion

A post-conference industrial visit was organised on 12th September 2026 to Aditya Aluminium, Hindalco Industries Limited, Lapanga. Selected delegates had the opportunity to observe large-scale aluminium smelting operations, plant processes and industrial practices, providing practical exposure to technologies and operational approaches while strengthening industry–academia interaction and professional networking.

The IBAAS 2026 Conference & Exhibition successfully provided a platform for technical dialogue, knowledge sharing, innovation and collaboration across the global bauxite, alumina and aluminium industry. With strong emphasis on digitalisation, artificial intelligence, green aluminium, resource efficiency, waste valorisation and sustainable practices, the event brought together industry leaders, researchers, technology providers and academia to discuss emerging technologies, operational challenges and future opportunities. The conference reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation in building a smarter, more efficient, sustainable and competitive aluminium industry.

Note: This article has been shared by IBAAS and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.