Can Oklahoma reshape US aluminium supply? EGA’s Ziad Fares explains the project
As the US seeks to rebuild its domestic aluminium production capacity, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Century Aluminum are advancing plans for a new primary aluminium smelter in Inola, Oklahoma, targeting more than 750,000 tonnes of annual production. In this exclusive conversation with AL Circle, Ziad Fares, Project Director for Oklahoma Primary Aluminum , discusses the project’s strategic rationale, progress towards a targeted construction start in early 2027, planned smelting technology, power and infrastructure requirements, investment considerations, and its potential impact on US aluminium supply chains. He also addresses environmental safeguards and stakeholder concerns. Fares brings more than 20 years of experience across engineering, strategy, finance, metals and mining, and...
The lower the aluminium content of the dross, the greater the aluminium recovery benefit RAME can achieve
In a recent conversation with AL Circle, Eric Lefebvre, Vice President of Business Development at Lefebvre Industri-AL, discussed the company’s approach to recovering and recycling aluminium residues and its role in advancing the circular economy. Based in Quebec, Lefebvre Industri-AL develops solutions, including RAME technology, that transform aluminium residues into reusable resources while helping producers reduce their environmental footprint and improve operational efficiency. With extensive experience in the industrial sector, Lefebvre works with aluminium producers, technology partners and other industry stakeholders to develop strategic partnerships and expand markets. His approach focuses on turning the industry’s environmental challenges into economically viable opportunities...
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“Deploying processing facilities near cast houses minimises the carbon footprint by reducing the need for transportation and reheating of dross,” Frank Pollmann, TAHA International
Frank Pollmann, Founder, Taha International, is a German entrepreneur whose business roots are more than 30 years deep in the Gulf region. He founded TAHA International Corporation and led its transformation from a small trading company in Bahrain to a leading-edge provider of award-winning proprietary dross management services to cast house operators worldwide. Through this descriptive interview for AL Circle's 'Aluminium Industry: Focus Europe' e-magazine, Pollmann reflects on the challenges that the business has overcome as well as industry collaborations that have steered the business’ overall growth. AL Circle: From your perspective, what are the most significant challenges the European aluminium industry faces today regarding waste management, and how can TAHA contribute to...
“The aluminium industry operates in a high-risk environment where safety, productivity, and sustainability are critical. TRAKR leverages the power of IIoT and AI to address these challenges comprehensively,” Vikram Rastogi, Hacklab CEO
Vikram Rastogi has emphasised how TRAKR, a brand of HACKLAB Solutions, is transforming the aluminium industry by addressing its key challenges like safety, productivity, and sustainability, through Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). He also highlighted that data is the driving force behind TRAKR’s transformative impact on the aluminium industry. According to him, TRAKR harnesses data from cameras, sensors, and IoT devices, turning it into real-time, actionable insights that empower manufacturers to make smarter, faster decisions on the shop floor. He shared his views through an interview for AL Circle’s, ‘Digital Transformation in the Aluminium Industry,’ e-Magazine. Here is an excerpt of his interview with us. How does TRAKR's integration of IIoT and...
“In Europe, a key trend for rolling mills is portfolio diversification,” Rene Liedtke, Quaker Houghton
Rene Liedtke, Segment Leader Non-Ferrous Europe at Quaker Houghton, has a PhD in organic chemistry with a background in synthesis and instrumental analysis. He is also a subject matter expert for lubrication of aluminium processing with broad experience in project management from R&D and production. He shares his views through an interview for AL Circle ‘ Aluminium Industry: Focus Europe ’ e-magazine on the European aluminium market and how team Quaker Houghton is supporting the unique demands of the aluminium rolling industry. AL Circle: How do you see the outlook for the aluminium industry in Europe? René Liedtke: The outlook for the aluminium industry in Europe is very positive. It’s an unprecedented time of investment, fuelled primarily by the global macrotrend of sustainability....
“The patented ‘Vedanta Lining Design’ for our aluminium smelting pots reduces energy consumption by 200-250 kWh per tonne and extends pot lifespan, which can cut 386,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually at our Jharsuguda smelter”, Rajiv Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium
AL Circle is honoured to present an exclusive interview with Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium—India's largest aluminium producer and a key player in driving the nation's industrial growth and sustainability ambitions. In this conversation, Rajiv Kumar discusses Vedanta's transformation journey, its pioneering digital and green initiatives, and how the company is shaping the future of the aluminium industry both in India and globally. AL Circle: Vedanta Aluminium is shifting focus from traditional commodity aluminium to value-added products, aiming to increase VAP share from 60% to over 90%. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you foresee in accelerating this transformation? Rajiv Kumar: As Vedanta Aluminium accelerates its journey towards becoming a global leader in...
“It is tough to predict the future, especially referring to the president-elect of the USA, who has a reputation for acting quite unpredictably; I prefer not to make too many assumptions,” said Peter Vanvuchelen, Director Sales & Business Development, Hencon
Peter Vanvuchelen, who plays a key role at Hencon, has emphasised the company’s pioneering role in the development of electric and autonomous vehicles tailored for the aluminium industry. Reflecting on Hencon’s over 10 years of experience in this domain, he noted that this decade-long journey has allowed the company to deeply understand the operational challenges and requirements of heavy-duty industrial environments. Predicting the future is challenging, especially with the unpredictability surrounding the incoming U.S. president, known for his often unorthodox policy shifts. However, one relatively safe assumption is Donald Trump’s consistent “America First” stance, which emphasizes bolstering domestic industry. AL Circle: What key strategies and technologies does Hencon implement to...
“Overcoming a very challenging initial phase, solid pillars and core values were naturally built within the company that combined a desire for survival with a constant drive for improvement, innovation and competitiveness to,” Sergio Martínez, CEO, ALEASTUR Group
Sergio Martínez reflected on the company’s origins and evolution, highlighting how it started in 1974 with a modest facility producing refractories and auxiliary materials for the Spanish steel industry. He also elaborated on how the company’s early struggles laid the foundation for its enduring values and strengths. He explained that facing and overcoming significant initial challenges naturally instilled within the organisation a set of solid core values—chief among them a strong will to survive, paired with a relentless drive for improvement, innovation, and competitiveness. These traits became essential as the company moved into an increasingly open and globalised marketplace. Here is an excerpt of his interview with us. AL Circle: Aleastur Group has been producing grain refiners and...
“Predictions are always difficult, and in the case of Mr. Trump, it is perhaps even more difficult,” Klaus Schmitz, Otto Junker
In this exclusive AL Circle interview for the ‘ Aluminium Industry: Focus Europe ’ e-magazine, Klaus Schmitz, Vice President Sales – Thermoprocessing Plants for Aluminium and Copper at Otto Junker, reflects on Europe’s aluminium evolution—where green imperatives meet geopolitical uncertainty. From electrification and recycling innovation to client-specific furnace engineering, Schmitz delves into the technologies, challenges, and policy shifts reshaping the continent’s aluminium future. AL Circle: Energy consumption is a critical concern in the aluminium industry. How is Otto Junker addressing the challenges of energy efficiency and sustainability in its product offerings, and what specific solutions have proven most effective in reducing the environmental footprint? Mr Klaus Schmitz,...
“For fertiliser, a 2014 field trial conducted in Southland and Otago, New Zealand, evaluated the effectiveness of Clover 1 and B10 fertilisers, produced by Taha Fertiliser Industries, on pasture and crop production,” said Mr Frank Pollmann, Founder, TAHA International
In conversation with Mr. Frank Pollmann, Founder, TAHA International explained how TAHA has revolutionised aluminium dross processing by eliminating the use of salts and chemicals, which are traditionally used but harmful to the environment. He acknowledges that achieving high metal recovery without these additives was challenging. To overcome this, TAHA adopted an innovative approach: locating their processing units close to their clients' furnaces. This smart positioning allows them to use the residual heat already present in the dross, removing the need for additional reheating. The result is a fast, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly process that can recover up to 90 per cent of the aluminium in the first step. Any remaining metal is then recovered using a second-stage...
“The role of aluminium in supporting a more circular economy is, of course, key. Secondary aluminium production has up to a 25-times lower carbon footprint,” René Liedtke, Segment Leader Non-Ferrous Europe, Quaker Houghton
René Liedtke, the Segment Leader for Non-Ferrous Europe at Quaker Houghton, shares his insights into the current and future state of the aluminium industry in Europe. He attributes the current boom in investments to the global drive for sustainability. While growth in electric vehicles has been slower than expected, demand remains strong for battery-related aluminium products and lightweight vehicle components. One key trend René highlighted is portfolio diversification in European rolling mills. Unlike new, specialised mills being built in North America and China, European manufacturers tend to upgrade existing mills to cover a wider range of products. This strategy spreads market risk but introduces operational complexity. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Quaker Houghton’s European...
“The UK aluminium industry is a vital component of the national economy,” Nadine Bloxsome, ALFED
At the helm of the Aluminium Federation (ALFED), Nadine Bloxsome offers a candid snapshot through an insightful interview for AL Circle’s 'Aluminium Industry: Focus Europe' e-magazine of the UK and European aluminium sectors, touching on demand dynamics, trade headwinds, and the critical push toward circularity. In this exclusive, she unpacks the challenges, opportunities, and ALFED’s vision for a resilient, low-carbon aluminium future. Here’s a sneak peek into the persona’s insights and beyond into his firm belief in the industry’s future. AL Circle: How would you describe the current state of the European and UK aluminium industries in terms of demand, production capacity, and market stability? Are there any significant shifts in the market that you foresee in the near future? Nadine...
"The need to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere and use recyclable materials will increasingly push the use of aluminium in many industrial sectors," Antonio Perego, Sales Manager Aluminium Division at FIMI Machinery
Antonio Perego, Sales Manager Aluminium Division at FIMI Machinery, has shared with AL Circle the aluminium market is growing, and will continue to grow in countries like Turkey, India, Mexico. According to him, the main sectors to drive the aluminium market will be food and all industries related to the world of transport, such as batteries, ships, car bodies, etc. He says the need to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere and use recyclable materials will increasingly push the use of aluminium in many industrial sectors due to its high mechanical properties and low weight. AL Circle: How would you describe the current state of the European aluminium market? What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you foresee in the coming years? Antonio Perego: As a machine manufacturer, we...
“In addition to new smelters, the United States should find ways to capture and recycle more aluminium scrap – something that can be done at a fraction of the cost of building new smelters,” Matt Meenan, vice president of external affairs at the Aluminum Association
In conversation with Matt Meenan, vice president of external affairs at the Aluminum Association, regarding US tariffs challenges, impacts, and solutions. Mr Meenan has candidly shared his opinion that the United States should find ways to capture and recycle more aluminium scrap - something that can be done at a fraction of the cost of building new smelters. He said this in the context of growing demand for aluminium in the US domestic market. According to him, domestic US aluminium demand remains 3.5 per cent higher than the last year and 10 per cent more than a decade ago. He also pointed out that the long-term demand for aluminium is expected to grow by 80 per cent globally by 2050. To know more about Matt Meenan's valuable insights, read the full interview below. AL Circle: How will...
“Granco Clark is constantly evolving its equipment technology to take advantage of the ongoing digital transformation. Most recently, our entirely electric ePuller systems have been installed at customer locations with great success,” Christian Ferman, Senior Electrical Engineer and Project Manager
Christian Ferman is a Senior Electrical Engineer and Project Manager with 14 years of experience in designing control systems, embedded systems and safety systems for Granco Clark. He is also a certified Safety Engineer with a CMSE accreditation. He graduated from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a degree in Electrical Engineering. In this edition of Digital Transformation in the Aluminium Industry: Drivers & Changemakers of 2024 e-Magazine, Ferman sheds light upon the evolving cutting-edge technologies, especially for the aluminium extrusion industry. The discussion further escalates to the firm's recent technological development and the advancement received by implementing them within their operations. This insightful discussion with Ferman not only enhances...
“Hamilton’s systems leverage AI and machine learning to revolutionise energy efficiency and emission control," Vikas Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Hamilton Research & Technology Private Limited
In the 29th edition of the e-Magazine, themed “Digital Transformation in the Aluminium Industry: Drivers & Changemakers of 2024,” Vikas Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Hamilton Research & Technology Private Limited, shares his insights on driving innovation in aluminium plant operations through retrofit solutions. He highlights how the company’s deep industry expertise and strong in-house design capabilities are helping aluminium facilities become more self-reliant, profitable, and sustainable in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape. With over two decades of leadership in technology and engineering, Vikas combines technical acumen with strategic business insight, rooted in his MBA in Operations from Indian Management Technology CDL, Ghaziabad and a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics....
"China’s 2025-2027 action plan aims to boost clean energy adoption to over 30 per cent, increase recycled aluminium production beyond 15 million tonnes, and improve energy efficiency across at least 30 per cent of capacity by 2027,” Michelle Leung, Head of Asia Metals & Mining, Sustainability, at Bloomberg
Michelle Leung is the Head of Asia Metals and Mining, Sustainability at Bloomberg Intelligence, where she conducts comprehensive research on key metals in Asia, with a particular focus on China and an active speaker at global conferences. Prior to her current role, Michelle served as an ESG Analyst who specialized in climate-related ESG strategies and analysis, as well as ESG integration research and data, including ESG Scores. she took the lead in the ESG committee at Women in Finance Asia. Before working for Bloomberg, Michelle worked for various international and Chinese Investment banks. Her areas of expertise extend across sectors such as metals and mining and utilities in Asia. Notably, she has been recognized as one of the top-ranked analysts for institutional investor and...
“Our process fluids, lubricants and coatings are relied on by customers throughout the full value chain of aluminium production — from mine to mill and on to manufacturing,” Nozi Hamidi, Global Strategy Director at Quaker Houghton
In a recent conversation with Nozi Hamidi (Global Strategy Director), Peter De Bruyne (Global Business Director), and Peter Weissman (Senior Global Coatings Director), the trio shed light on how QH FLUID INTELLIGENCE™ is redefining fluid management in aluminium production. Peter Weissman addressed a long-standing challenge in the industry called manual fluid monitoring. Traditional methods rely heavily on time-consuming lab tests to measure key parameters like pH, temperature, and conductivity, particularly in conversion coating processes. Nozi Hamidi emphasised a critical gap in data utilisation. While aluminium plants are rich in operational data, they are concentrated around core production processes. Ancillary systems like fluid management often remain overlooked. Here is an excerpt...
"Our platform now helps businesses digitise their supply chains, streamline procurement, and access finance more easily. In FY24, Bizongo saw..," Prahlad Krishnamurthi, CEO of Bizongo
In a conversation with Prahlad Krishnamurthi, a dynamic business leader with over 19 years of hands-on experience in corporate transformation and high-impact coaching. Currently, as the CEO of Bizongo, Prahlad is at the forefront of reinventing B2B commerce, leveraging digital platforms and data-driven raw-material sourcing to streamline supply chains and empower industrial buyers and suppliers alike. Here is an excerpt of his interview with us. AL Circle: Can you walk us through Bizongo’s journey from its inception in 2014 to its expansion into the B2B vendor digitisation space? What challenges has the company faced along the way, and how have those experiences shaped its evolution? How has Bizongo’s vision transformed as it continues to revolutionise vendor digitisation? Prahlad...
"We aim to help producers stay focused, responsive, and aligned with their strategic objectives," Dror Shaked, STAS
Dror Shaked, Vice President of Strategy at STAS, has opened up in an interview with AL Circle for its LeaderSpeak 2025 e-magazine, highlighting his perspective on the company’s unique position as a fully integrated OEM rooted in Canada’s Aluminium Valley, with over 35 years of hands-on innovation. STAS’s multidisciplinary expertise and strong partnerships- such as with Rio Tinto and FOUNDRY ECOCER- enable it to deliver advanced, field-driven technologies and collaborative solutions, helping aluminium producers navigate global volatility with resilience and long-term vision. Here’s an intriguing part of the conversation: AL Circle: In a landscape where many strong players contribute to the advancement of aluminium production, what sets STAS apart in terms of its approach to innovation? How...
