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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“The expansion of primary aluminium production in the Gulf indeed leads to increased customer demand towards Fives for machinery and equipment with advanced automation and control systems,” Frédéric Pereira, Services Development Manager, Aluminium Division, Fives.
Frédéric Pereira is a seasoned professional with over 13 years of dedicated service at Fives ECL, where he currently holds the esteemed position of Services Development Manager for the Aluminium division. With a robust background in production engineering complemented by a Master of Business Administration, Frédéric brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. Throughout his career, Frédéric has demonstrated a strong aptitude for project management, particularly within the machine design industry. His tenure as a Project Manager equipped him with invaluable skills in overseeing complex projects from conception to execution, ensuring efficiency and excellence at every step. AL Circle: How do you foresee the growth of the aluminium industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)...
“The potential increase in the primary aluminium production in the Middle East and the slowing of European output can be offset by the additional capacity from the Middle East,” Bruce Wilson, Director – Aluminium Division at REEL
Bruce Wilson is a successful engineering professional with over 25 years of experience in the primary aluminium industry. A graduate in mechanical engineering and business administration with certification in project management. His experience working for world-class companies has given him strong business acumen. He has excellent leadership qualities and can mentor and motivate individuals and create high-performance teams. A strong track record in the successful execution of multi-disciplined projects with high standards in technical, contractual, and managerial roles in green-field and brown-field primary aluminium smelter projects. Bruce currently leads an energetic, innovative, and dynamic team as the Director of the Aluminium Division for REEL INTERNATIONAL. AL Circle: What is REEL...
“It is not difficult to follow the arguments and the goals for decarbonisation and sustainability. There are big questions about how to get there, ” Dr Thomas Niehoff, founder of combustion POTENTIAL GmbH in Germany
Dr Thomas Niehoff studied mechanical engineering at the technical university RWTH Aachen (Germany) and later made his PhD thesis at the IEHK in Aachen. Dr. Thomas Niehoff has worked for over 30 years in the industrial gas industry. He managed an R&D department in an executive position an R&D department and projects for metallurgical gas applications there. EH&S has always been the highest priority in his work area. He combines decades of experience with expertise in R&D management and melting and combustion technology. Dr. Thomas Niehoff is an inventor or co-inventor of 14 patents. He is the founder and owner of combustion POTENTIAL GmbH in Germany. AL Circle: What is you background in this industry? Dr. Thomas Niehoff : I have worked my entire professional career as a combustion...
“The aluminium industry in the Gulf is constantly evolving, and it will remain a prominent centre for aluminium production outside of China,” Mahmood Daylami, Secretary General, Gulf Aluminium Council.
Mahmood Daylami is the Secretary General of the Gulf Aluminium Council (GAC) and former Deputy Chief Executive at ALBA. He has been associated with the aluminium business for over forty years. Additionally, he is the author of the book 'Understanding Cultural Diversity in the Gulf: A Management Perspective. AL Circle: As we are nearing the end of 2023 - we would like to know how the aluminium industry did in the GCC this year - some key trends emerging? Mahmood Daylami: Despite market uncertainty due to the war in Europe, GCC smelters maintained full-capacity production in 2023, with a collective output expected to exceed 2022. The key focus area is developing carbon emission reduction strategies; some have moved to implementation, refarming GCC producers' commitment to long-term carbon...
“KAN-NAK will continue supporting smelters in decreasing energy consumption by reducing the cell voltage and improving the cell magnetohydrodynamic status,” René von Kaenel, CEO and President, KAN-NAK
René von Kaenel received his diploma as a physicist from The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) before working for International Computer Limited in London and specialising in computer science. In 1981, he joined Alusuisse and became the head of the modelling activities for smelting technology. In 2000, he received the title of Electrolysis director in the ALCAN organisation and supervised ALCAN’s R&D activities for the Hall-Héroult process. Since 1981, he has participated in many smelter modernisation projects worldwide, leading to large productivity increases and significant energy savings. He has published many articles on electrolysis cells, casting processes and inert anode technology. In 2004, he created KAN-NAK Ltd., a specialised company for the optimisation of...
“The integration of digital and physical systems will keep advancing, bringing them closer together. Heavy industries, mining, and minerals are already experiencing benefits from exponential technologies like AI,” Dr Saptarshi Das
Dr Saptarshi Das is a firm believer that sustainability and profitability can be achieved simultaneously. To this end, he has focused his activities and investments on clean technology and affordable education. He heads the global Decision Science division of the energy major Shell. He has extensive knowledge of the technology and economics of energy systems, ranging from the molecular to the geopolitical level. Earlier in his career, he worked with Morgan Stanley and Siemens. Saptarshi has a strong technical background. He holds a Master's degree in Applied Statistics and Informatics from IIT Bombay and earned his PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Vienna. He has numerous patents and publications in top journals to his credit. AL Circle: We are witnessing the increasingly...
“The vision of RODABELL is to be a leader in manufacturing and maintaining casting equipment for the aluminium industry in the Middle East,” Alejandro Rellan, Managing Partner of RODABELL
Alejandro Rellan is the second generation in the family business. He joined Rodabell in 2011 to focus on foreign sales and business relations. Alex holds a University degree in electrical engineering along with an MBA in Business Administration. He started his professional career working in several engineering positions in the renewable energy sector both in Spain and the USA. After several years of boosting the organization’s international sales strategy, he is currently acting as CEO. AL Circle: Can you briefly overview RODABELL's history, mission, and core values? Alejandro Rellan: Rodabell was established in 1980 on the northwest coast of Spain when primary aluminium production was at a high level. Spain used to be one of the leading primary producers in the EU, with over 550,000...
“In the context of safety training, for instance, gamification can simulate hazardous scenarios, allowing employees to make decisions and respond to emergencies in a risk-free virtual environment,” Arijit Bhattacharyya, an entrepreneur, consultant, speaker, and mentor
Arijit Bhattacharyya is an accomplished entrepreneur, consultant, speaker, and mentor who has made a significant impact in the Global startup ecosystem related to finance and digital banking. Being an international record holder in technology and finance, he writes books on entrepreneurship and VC funding and mentors budding entrepreneurs to start their ventures. He has mentored around 6,000 startups across 90+ countries. He is a founder of several initiatives and organisations, such as Virtualinfocom, India’s one of the first game development, VR AR, Hologram, Blockchain, AI ML, Fintech & Blockchain solution Deeptech solution company. He is also a founder of World Leader Summit, Entrepreneursface, and CoInnovateVentures. World Leader Summit is the world’s largest leadership summit and...
“We understand that each country within the MENA region has its unique characteristics, challenges, and opportunities. Therefore, we will tailor our offerings to meet the specific needs of each market we operate in,” EPIQ Machinery
We are honoured to have the participation of three stalwarts from EPIQ Machinery in our e-Magazine - "Aluminium Middle East: Focus 2024". Vivek Kumar, Regional Director, Middle East and North Africa Region; Yannick Beaulé, Chief Revenue Officer; and Naji Elabiad, Chief Operation Officer. Mr. Kumar manages EPIQ Machinery activities in the MENA region and will be in charge of the new office in Bahrain. Mr. Beaulé, as a Chief Revenue Officer, works to define EPIQ Machinery growth plan and oversees its implementation. He will participate in mergers and acquisitions as well as partnerships. Mr. Elabiad, as a CEO, manages overall operations at EPIQ's locations. He makes sure that EPIQ delivers advanced technology on time, every time. AL Circle: How has your equipment helped aluminium companies...
“We already have an MOU with MA’ADEN to deploy this technology at their alumina refinery and expect to attract more aluminium producers as we build capacity,” Rod MacGregor, CEO and Founder of GlassPoint
Rod is the founder and CEO of GlassPoint. Under his leadership, GlassPoint has created the only solution proven at scale to reduce carbon emissions from industrial process heat and has built more than half of global industrial solar steam capacity. He is committed to helping industrial leaders across the mining and the aluminium industries—as well as many other industries—cost-effectively decarbonize to meet pressing net-zero commitments. For more than three decades, Rod has led global companies across the United States, Europe, China, and the Middle East. Rod’s companies have partnered with various multinational corporations in the energy and technology industries, including Royal Dutch Shell, AT&T, Intel, and Volkswagen. His first company received the Queen of England’s Award for...
“ALUPCO's reputation for quality has made it the sole aluminium supplier for numerous iconic projects, both locally and internationally, further stamping authority as a leader in the sector,” Abdulaziz AlGhamdi, General Manager, ALUPCO
Abdulaziz AlGhamdi is a seasoned leadership expert in the field of industrial management and manufacturing with 25+ years of experience leading local and international businesses in the Middle East. He graduated from the University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, with a degree in Electrical Engineering and obtained a postgraduate degree in Business Administration at the University of Wales. Worked with international companies such as P&G and was the operation manager of PepsiCo in Saudi Arabia. Joined ALUPCO in 2003, as the plant manager of its Dammam Plant and was later the supply chain director of the company. Took a leadership role in other Saudi companies between 2015-2023 where he rejoined ALUPCO as the General Manager of its aluminium extrusion industry and an executive board...
The All.Co Group, a new extrusion line in Pisa, looks to the future and promotes innovation
All.Co Group is a new extrusion line in Pisa, with great attention to the technological level and eco-sustainability of production chains, human resources and corporate social responsibility. A&L had the opportunity to engage with Milva and Alessia Vecoli , who now lead the All.Co Group. During the discussion, they highlighted their focus on sustainability, emphasising that the group prioritises eco-sustainability by using recycled materials for over half of its extrusion production. The All.Co Group is currently one of the most important players in the aluminium extrusion sector in Italy and Europe. Created by the brilliant intuition of Luigi Vecoli, a great personality of the Italian aluminium world who passed away in December 2022, the Group has grown continuously. It all began in the...
"The aluminium companies must undertake supply chain due diligence irrespective of its position in the value chain", Gangaa C. Sharma, Managing Director & CEO, CETIZION Verifica.
Gangaa C. Sharma serves as the Managing Director and CEO of CETIZION Verifica, a prominent global advisory and audit company. With an extensive career spanning over 27 years, he brings a wealth of experience across diverse sectors and geographies, including India, Asia Pacific, China, the Gulf, and the EU. Sharma's expertise encompasses manufacturing, environmental health and safety, CSR, biodiversity, climate change, social and labour issues, as well as ethics and governance. Notably, he is a distinguished member of the Global Sustainability Standard Board under the auspices of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), a leading global sustainability and climate change initiative, and an advocate for ESG reporting frameworks. Recognised as a worldwide expert in Aluminium Sustainability,...
“The thermochromic aluminium cans project for Fanta brought a twist to the Halloween holiday promotion by The Coca-Cola Company in Latin America in 2023,” Daniel Wachter, CEO of CTI Chromatic Technologies
Daniel Wachter is the dynamic CEO of CTI Chromatic Technologies, where he serves as a visionary leader with a passion for shaping strategy and mobilising global teams to achieve optimal business success. With a remarkable track record, Daniel excels in turning around commercial environments, consistently driving P&L growth through his entrepreneurial and data-driven approach. Known for his participative C-Suite leadership style, Daniel is a driving force behind developing business models, strategies, and partnerships. His strategic decision-making prowess is evident in his ability to embrace disruptive technologies within the context of global competition, digitalisation, Industry 4.0, and the Internet of Things (IoT), propelling transformational business initiatives forward. Daniel's...
“Carbon leakage occurs when industries transfer polluting production to other countries with less stringent climate policies or when more carbon-intensive imports replace EU products”, Gangaa C. Sharma, Managing Director & CEO, CETIZION Verifica.
Gangaa C. Sharma serves as the Managing Director and CEO of CETIZION Verifica, a prominent global advisory and audit company. With an extensive career spanning over 27 years, he brings a wealth of experience across diverse sectors and geographies, including India, Asia Pacific, China, the Gulf, and the EU. Sharma's expertise encompasses manufacturing, environmental health and safety, CSR, biodiversity, climate change, social and labour issues, as well as ethics and governance. Notably, he is a distinguished member of the Global Sustainability Standard Board under the auspices of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), a leading global sustainability and climate change initiative, and an advocate for ESG reporting frameworks. Recognised as a worldwide expert in Aluminium Sustainability,...
“In envisioning the role of digital transformation in shaping the future of the aluminium industry, Sohar Aluminium sees these initiatives as transformative forces,” Abdullah Al Maamary, IT Manager, Sohar Aluminium
Abdullah Al Maamary, Information Technology Manager for Sohar Aluminium, is at the forefront of implementing innovative changes in technology. He has twenty-two years of experience in the industrial sector, extending across a broad cross-section of functions in the oil and gas and the metal and mining industries. In his current capacity as Information Technology Manager at Sohar Aluminium LLC., Abdullah integrated strategic IT solutions to support business needs in a rapidly and constantly changing digital age. These solutions aim to increase productivity while creating value, reducing costs and improving the efficiency of the operations. Abdullah holds a bachelor’s degree in science in electrical power engineering from the Glasgow Caledonian College. AL Circle: Can you provide an...
“The aluminium industry can harness Industry 4.0's IoT, AI, and advanced analytics to revolutionise production,” Chandra Sekhar Mishra, Founder & Director of Thermwin Technologies Pvt Ltd
Chandra Sekhar Mishra is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of expertise in the dynamic realm of metal industries. His distinguished career has been marked by impactful contributions to primary aluminium industries, with significant achievements in areas such as cast house, potline, carbon, and refractories. Throughout his career, Chandra Sekhar has been a catalyst for innovation, spearheading numerous initiatives that have driven process improvements and substantial energy savings. He is not only an industry stalwart but also an active member of prestigious professional bodies. As the Treasurer of the American Ceramic Society, North East India Chapter, and a Life Member of the Indian Ceramic Society and Material Research Society of India, he embodies a commitment to advancing...
“CarbonChain builds necessary infrastructure for major carbon regulations that support the global net-zero transition like the EU CBAM, by enabling importers and producers to measure and report emissions for CBAM compliance,” Adam Hearne, CEO and Co-Founder, CarbonChain.
Adam Hearne is an expert on the commodity and manufacturing sectors’ transition to a net-zero economy. He is the CEO and co-founder of CarbonChain, providing automated, asset-level carbon accounting for most carbon-intensive supply chains. His career spans nearly two decades across supply chain management, extractive commodities, and technology start-ups. He was the senior program manager for 8 countries in Amazon’s European supply chain from 2016 to 2019, and he worked at Rio Tinto for 12 years, increasing the productivity of several other supply chains. Adam holds an MBA from London Business School and an honours degree from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia. At CarbonChain, he helps some of the world’s biggest and most impact-minded commodity companies, traders,...
