IBAAS Symposium opens at Suzhou with a focus on the current global aluminium industry status

The 4th symposium of International Bauxite, Alumina and Aluminium Society (IBAAS) that is being organised in cooperation with CHALIECO and Suzhou Non-Ferrous Research Institute (SINR) at Suzhou, China, was inaugurated on 25th November 2015 in a grand manner. Several leading dignitaries of China from Non-Ferrous Metal Industry Association, CHALIECO, CNPT, GAMI, SAMI and scores of companies and institutes were present in the inaugural function. About 180 delegates are participating in this mega event, including 40 participants from outside China.

The opening ceremony was kicked off by the welcome speech by Mr. Ma Ning-Vice President CHALIECO. He was of the opinion that even though the industry is going through a difficult time with LME aluminium hitting a six-year low, by the way of innovation and with help from the government, it will definitely come out from the present situation successfully. This was followed by welcome note by Dr Ashok Nandi, General Secretary, IBAAS, who outlined activities and conferences that have been conducted by IBAAS till now.

The first key note address was presented by Mr Wen Xianjun-Vice President of CNMIC, in which he elaborated the growth of the industry in China, challenges being faced, and future prospects.

This was followed by key note addresses by Mr Xu Weiping, CHINALCO, Mr He Zhihui- President CHALIECO, Dr Mukesh Kumar, Vedanta, Mr. Zhou Baiquan, CNPT, Mr Yanchen Wang CRU, Mr Michael Shenton, Prima Resources, Mr H. Mahadevan, IBAAS, Mr Tony McCabe, Mr Luo Xianqing GAMI and Zhon Fenglu, SAMI. Most of these presentations were centred on the status and reality of global bauxite, alumina and aluminium industry with special focus on China and India.

The speakers brought out the capabilities of the Chinese Research Institutes, R&D work being pursued to bring down the cost, growth prospects and way forward. CHINALCO has recorded 12.1 KWh/T of electricity consumption in their 600 kA pots and also 8.8 GJ/tonne of alumina, with industry players further committing themselves to lower the consumptions.

All the sponsors including RUSAL, CYTEC, HATCH and exhibitors also presented the details of their capabilities and their involvement in the industry. There were 18 Key Note presentations on the first day and 8 companies have put up the exhibition stalls at the venue of conference.