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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“I believe electric vehicles will drive the aluminium market. The other important point is about the recycling of aluminium. Aluminium recycling will increase in 2024 and continue to grow in the following years,” Dr.Emrah Fahri Ozdogru, Co-owner and General Manager of TRI Metalurji A.Ş
Dr. Emrah Fahri Ozdogru is Co-owner and General Manager of TRI METALURJI. He is a metallurgist with a PhD degree. He has 25 years of experience in the aluminium industry as a researcher, engineer, and manager at casthouses, extrusion factories, and rolling companies. He established TRI Metalurji A.Ş in 2016, and now has seven engineers and one technician working for the firm. He is also co-owner of LIME Billet Cast house with 8 team members. TRI is an engineering company and works based on the project with the following frames: training, technical consultancy, alloy development, material characterisation lab-scale and pilot-scale aluminium casting. TRI is working with 5%0 domestic market needs and 50% with the other countries, mainly from Europe. AL Circle: Can you provide an overview of...
"Rolled aluminium remains a highly dynamic material with potential for expansion across various markets," Peter De Bruyne, Global Business Director, Non-Ferrous at Quaker Houghton.
Peter De Bruyne, Global Business Director, Non-Ferrous at Quaker Houghton, has a wealth of knowledge and expertise from his career spanning three decades in the aluminium industry. Having started as a laboratory manager in a rolling mill, he applied this hands-on experience as a technical support manager before transitioning to commercial roles. Today, Peter helps shape the future of aluminium hot rolling, determining the strategic direction of Quaker Houghton, a global leader in industrial process fluids. AL Circle: As a Global Business Director for one of the world's largest industrial process fluid companies, how do you perceive the current global landscape for aluminium rolling? Peter De Bruyne: Rolled aluminium remains a highly dynamic material with potential for expansion across...
“Otto Junker outperforms other companies in the field of furnaces for aluminium by two significant technologies: High-convection heating technology and induction heating technology,” Klaus Schmitz, Dipl.-Ing, Vice President Sales, Thermoprocessing Plants for Aluminium- and Copper at Otto Junker
Klaus Schmitz started working with Otto Junker in 1996 as a Project engineer for the Thermoprocessing of Plants. Subsequently, he was promoted to Project Manager, Leader of Product Group, and Division Manager of Thermoprocessing plants for Copper alloys. Since 2017, he is serving the German company as Vice President Sales, Thermoprocessing Plants for Aluminium and Copper. Born in 1968, Klaus Schmitz completed his master's degree in mechanical engineering from RWTH Aachen University. AL Circle: Can you briefly overview Otto Junker's history and contributions to heat treatment in the aluminium industry? Mr Klaus Schmitz, Dipl.-Ing: Mr Otto Junker founded our company exactly 100 years ago, in 1924. The foundation was mainly based on a patented casting mould for brass, which was invented by...
“The aluminium industry, and indeed the global economy, has had a turbulent few years, which have continued to this present day”, Michael Rockstroh, Managing Director at RiA Cast House Engineering GmbH and Fioscope GmbH
Michael Rockstroh is a seasoned professional with a diverse skill set spanning project management, equipment design, engineering services, and business development. Specialising in cast house machinery for the aluminium industry, Michael excels in designing and implementing innovative solutions, particularly in furnace charging and skimming machines. His expertise extends to cast house processes and furnace operations, and he is proficient in furnace design, manufacturing, and installation/commissioning. With a proven track record of success, Michael brings knowledge and experience to every project he undertakes. AL Circle: Before we discuss RiA in more detail, how do you envision the global aluminium industry in 2024? Could you offer insights into its long-term outlook beyond 2024?...
“Driving forward grain refinement with efficiency at the heart,” John Courtenay, chairman of MQP
Studying metallurgy at the University of Aston, BSc (Hons), John started at Foseco International, working his way through ONC, HNC and LIM, before being seconded to Foseco Canada for three years to work on an exciting new product for steel continuous casting plants, going onto hold a number of international marketing and technical positions before joining Foseco Japan as general manager of their steel mills division, returning to Foseco International in 1983. In 1986, he switched from steel to aluminium, starting a long association with aluminium casthouse technology as Director of Technology and Marketing of Foseco Aluminium. After selling this business to Pyrotek, he used his experience to form MQP Limited, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2020. AL Circle: How do you foresee the...
“There will be no green transition without aluminium and aluminium solutions. But for this development to be sustainable, we need to produce with as low a carbon footprint as possible,” Paul Warton, EVP Hydro Extrusions.
Paul Warton (born in 1961, a British citizen) is Executive Vice President and Head of Hydro Extrusions, a position he has held since 2021. Prior to that, Warton was President of Extrusions & Automotive Structures, Constellium (2010-2020). He has 30 years of experience in the global aluminium and extrusion industry, with leadership positions at Sapa, Alcoa, and Luxfer Group, as well as 10 years of experience in production and commercial management at Federal-Mogul and GKN. Paul Warton is a member (Treasurer) of the Executive Committee of European Aluminium. Warton has an MBA from London Business School and a BSc degree in Production Engineering from the University of Birmingham. AL Circle: Please provide your valuable insights into the current trends shaping the global aluminium extrusion...
“The aluminium industry in 2024 is expected to be shaped by decarbonisation efforts, with China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region being significant players in the global market”, Dr Matthias Irle, Executive Vice President - Business Unit Metals at EMG Automation GmbH.
Dr Matthias Irle is a highly accomplished Electrical Engineer specialising in Automation Engineering. He holds a Dipl. Ing. Elektrotechnik from Universität-Gesamthochschule Siegen, Germany, and a Doctorate in Engineering. With over two decades at EMG Automation GmbH, he has held key positions including Head of Quality Assurance Systems and Technical Director. Since January 2021, he has served as Executive Vice President, leading the Business Unit Metals, showcasing his dedication, expertise, and leadership in the field. ALCircle: How do you envision the global aluminium industry in 2024? Which manufacturing industry will be the key demand driver for aluminium? Dr Matthias Irle: In general, the aluminium industry in 2024 is expected to be shaped by decarbonisation efforts, with China and...
“Aluminium is a critical material for the transition to a green economy,” Ulf Nahrath, Vice President of Energy Transition & Infrastructure at Shell UK
Ulf Nahrath assumed his position at Shell UK in 2022, spearheading the company's dynamic energy transition initiative. His responsibilities encompass integrating low-carbon assets into the energy landscape, including wind and solar power generation, hydrogen technology, and carbon capture and storage solutions. Ulf's leadership extends to advancing sustainable aviation fuel initiatives and facilitating the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. AL Circle: Future decarbonisation solutions for high-energy users like aluminium production and manufacturing have been a major topic of discussion over the past few years. How have technologies evolved during this time? Ulf Nahrath: As companies face increasing pressure to demonstrate their progress towards reaching net-zero goals,...
“Over the past years, primary metal smelters in Canada have incrementally moved towards digitalisation, focusing on automation and robotisation,” Jean Simard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aluminium Association of Canada
As President and CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canada since 2009, Jean Simard is the industry’s official representative and spokesperson with governments, business associations and the media, as well as with international organisations linked to the industry. He holds a degree in Civil Law from the University of Ottawa and is a member of the Barreau du Québec. He possesses extensive professional experience in public and government relations, mainly in sustainable development, energy, and environmental affairs. Prior to joining the AAC, he was Vice-President of Sustainable Development, Public and Governmental Affairs at Gaz Métro, a Quebec-based energy company. AL Circle: How do you foresee the growth of the aluminium industry in Canada? Which end-user sector do you think will drive...
The announcement of Mytilineos as GIADEC’s strategic partner for Project 3A will be the turning point for the country’s aluminium industry - Mr. Michael Ansah CEO, Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC)
In 2018, Michael Ansah was appointed by the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to lead the development of an Integrated Aluminium Industry in Ghana. GIADEC is harnessing Ghana’s 900 million tonnes bauxite reserves, its ownership of Valco, as well as its minority stake in Ghana Bauxite Company Ltd., to build and establish a fully Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI), leveraging the full value chain of bauxite mining, alumina refining, and aluminium smelting, and giving credence to the President’s vision of a “Ghana Beyond Aid”. He holds an MBA from Cranfield School of Management, UK. Prior to his appointment as CEO of GIADEC, Michael was Senior Vice President (SVP) at Dell Technologies, with responsibilities for Global operations across over 180 countries. In a...
Sustainable packaging is here to stay! An interview with Victoria Marletta of Aerosol Packaging at Ball Corporation
As we turn the page to a new year, sustainability remains a key trend that will dominate the metal packaging industry. The Metal Packager’s Iris Arsic asked Victoria Marletta, commercial vice president, Aerosol Packaging at Ball Corporation, about key developments in the company’s eco-friendly aerosol packaging solutions. Here, she talks about Eyeris, Ball’s proprietary enhanced printing technology, previously used in its beverage business and now widely available to aerosol customers to provide standout shelf appeal and attract consumers with premium packaging design. Marletta also gives insights into the challenges to making sustainable packaging and shortlists trends that will shape the aluminium aerosol can industry. The Metal Packager: In January 2023, Ball Aerosol Packaging became...
With the new circular economy trend, we trust there is room to increase recycling within a primary and secondary aluminium producer ecosystem - EPIQ Machinery
AL Circle : What kind of solutions do you provide for aluminium casthouse handling systems and casting lines? Can you please share a case study where your solution has significantly benefited a casthouse in material handling? EPIQ Machinery : Under the BROCHOT brand, EPIQ has produced fully automated aluminium Foundry Ingot Stack Handling Systems. These systems considerably reduce the route of mobile equipment and, proportionally, the co-activity in this often-congested sector. It also avoids stopping the production line if there is a delay or failure in removing the ingots’ piles from the conveyor. The Foundry Ingot Stack Handling Systems are designed to handle foundry ingots from the casting to the discharge conveyor and onto the packaging area. The bundles are then handled by forklifts...
“Inductotherm's induction melting systems for aluminium casting boast IIoT readiness, facilitating real-time data access for process control,” Ed Chmielecki, Sales Manager Light Metal Applications – Inductotherm Corp.
Ed has 21 years in the metalcasting industry, primarily in non-ferrous metal. He has been with Inductotherm Corp. since September 2019 as Sales Manager for Light Metal Applications and District Manager covering the South-Central US. Before joining Inductotherm, Ed was a Regional Sales Manager for a Crucible Company, and prior to that was a Furnace Services Engineer covering North America, installing and servicing Electric Resistance and Gas Fired Crucible furnaces. At Inductotherm, he now uses his years of experience to show customers the benefits of using induction melting to reduce their carbon footprint while producing cleaner molten aluminium more efficiently. Inductotherm is the leading manufacturer of induction metal melting systems for metal producers today. We design and...
“Visiometa’s goal is nothing less than to drive the evolution of the foundry industry through innovation and rethinking,” Dr Ralf Gerke-Cantow, Managing Director of Visiometa
A seasoned management professional, Dr Ralf Gerke-Cantow, the Managing Director of Visiometa GmbH, has a rich background in foundry engineering, specialising in investment casting of aluminium and titanium. With 19 years of hands-on experience in the industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role at Visiometa GmbH. Ralf began his journey by studying foundry technology at the Gießen-Friedberg University of Applied Sciences, laying a solid foundation for his career. Throughout his professional life, he has excelled in various capacities, including customer advisory and calculation, research and development, and management of titanium production involving several hundred employees. His dedication to continuous improvement is evident through his pursuit of a PhD at TU...
“Our commitment is to serve our customers by delivering optimal technological solutions tailored to their specific needs within our areas of expertise,” Associated Industrial Furnaces (P) Ltd. (AIFL)
Headquartered in Kolkata, Associated Industrial Furnaces (P) Ltd. (AIFL) operates from its central project office, strategically extending its presence nationwide through a robust network of regional and branch offices. Complemented by dedicated representatives strategically positioned in major metropolitan areas and key locations across India, AIFL ensures comprehensive coverage and accessibility throughout the country. AL Circle: Can you provide an overview of your company's history and role in the aluminium casthouse equipment sector? AIFL: Since its inception in 1988, Associated Industrial Furnaces (P) Ltd. (AIFL) has emerged as India's foremost furnace and ancillary equipment manufacturer, catering to both ferrous and non-ferrous industries. Bolstered by the technological expertise...
"Atomic13 is focused on commercialising its ShAPE technology that manufactures high-quality aluminium extrusions from 100% post-consumer scrap, thereby reducing embodied carbon by 80-90%," Eric Donsky, Innovator, Chairman & CEO of Atomic13
Eric Donsky is a serial deep tech entrepreneur, having founded the first industrial synthetic biology and bio-based chemical company, which was spun out of 4 national labs funded by the U.S. DoE, including PNNL. This company went public on the NYSE at a $1B+ valuation. His latest venture, Atomic13, focuses on upcycling aluminium scrap into high-value aluminium extruded parts for the building and construction industry. The DoE has developed a highly novel solid-phase process technology that converts 100% post-consumer aluminium scrap into extruded parts that meet or exceed the ASTM standards on structural specifications for various aluminium alloys, including 6061 and 6063. AL Circle: Give our readers a brief introduction about yourself and your startup, Atomic13. Eric Donsky : I am a...
“Many foundries are ‘Hidden Champions,’ which are not visible to potential customers but perform well. SUpplyDU.com want to give these companies a stage and the possibility of being easily recognized by relevant buyers,” SUpplyDU.com
With over two decades of dedicated experience in the casting and automotive sectors, Kai Maier has assumed various management positions, leveraging his expertise in casting and market dynamics. Currently serving as the Co-Founder and General Manager for Europe at SupplyDu.com, he is pivotal in steering the company's strategic direction and operational excellence within the region. Maier's profound industry knowledge and leadership have driven growth and innovation in the automotive and casting domains. Matthias Bressau brings extensive leadership experience in materials management and operations across various European and Asian industries. With a proven track record, he assumes the role of Co-Founder and General Manager for the Asia Pacific region. As an industry expert and a specialist...
“The role of aluminium-ion battery technology in the design of the transparent battery lies in addressing the challenges associated with colour indicator energy storage, particularly in applications such as energy-efficient buildings and wearable devices,” Dr Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Scientist, Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Science (CeNS)
Dr Ashutosh Kumar Singh is a materials scientist specialising in synthesising and designing nanomaterials for applications like energy conversion, storage, sensors, and optoelectronics. He excels in translating research into practical prototypes and large-scale devices, with a strong track record in collaborating with industries and government sectors. With a B.Sc. from Hindu College, Delhi University, and an Integrated MSc-PhD from S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata, he has extensive experience, including postdoctoral research and roles in academia and industry. Dr Singh's research focuses on functional nanomaterials, smart coatings, transparent electrodes, and energy-related technologies. He prioritises affordability and enhanced energy efficiency in his projects and...
