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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“Nowadays, not only does the equipment have to do its tasks, but it also needs to communicate with the plant and eventually make decisions with more AI.” Éloïse Harvey, CEO at EPIQ Machinery
AlCircle: Please share EPIQ Machinery's innovative equipment solutions, which are on trend to improve an aluminium smelter's handling and process flow. Éloïse Harvey: Under the MECFOR brand, we have the Molten Metal Transfer by Pressurization (MMTP) that gains in popularity every year. Our customers see a true benefit in their output and the quality of metal produced. Also, the brand will soon deliver new casthouse dedicated equipment: Mecfor Furnace Vehicle (MFV10). With its unique design, the SmartConnect feature and MECFORLink, this equipment is an excellent addition to our Smart Casthouse Solutions. The vehicle will show great manoeuvrability with a high-loading capacity. The operator cab can be lifted to ensure good vision for the operator. As for AD, the brand is increasing the...
“The fluctuation in European aluminium prices resulted in a spike of 40% in our import cost”, Mohammad Abdullatif Ismail General Manager Napco National
Mohammad Abdullatif Ismail, a detail-oriented General Manager with a proven history of workforce optimization through morale-boosting and process automation. He is passionate and results-oriented carrying more than 18 years of experience boosting the performance of sales, supply chain, procurement and manufacturing operations. Furthermore, he is strategic and innovative with an eagerness for driving flexible packing products development, realization and commercialization with an emphasis on aluminium, paper and plastic-based products. AlCircle: How the fluctuation in European aluminium price has impacted your import cost of aluminium foil from the region? Md Abdullatif Ismail: Basically, the fluctuation in European aluminium prices resulted in a spike of 40% in our import cost....
''In 2022 we are focusing more on increasing the competence of employees, marketing, optimizing production and operating costs''. Kamran Gulamov, CEO at AKFA Group Holding
Kamran Gulamov is the CEO of AKFA Group Holding, the largest aluminium extrusion manufacturer in Uzbekistan. The top executive began his career in 2012 with a job in the company's warehouse and then engaged in procurement. Since 2015, he led the construction of the BENKAM plant for the production of aluminium profiles. Following the launch of the site, he started managing the enterprise. In 2020, Kamran Gulamov was appointed as Chief Executive of AKFA Group Holding and is responsible for the company's development strategy. AlCircle: As the largest aluminium extrusion company in Uzbekistan, how would you rate your performance for 2021? Kamran Gulamov: 2021 was a record year for AKFA Group in terms of production and sales. The reasons for such indicators are related to COVID-19 and the...
“In supporting sustainability, digitalization not only supports efficiency and growth but also helps our sustainability agenda. It also assists us with systems and tools to monitor our progress with increased accuracy through primary data and improved calculations”, Saint Francis Tohlang, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Director at Nestle East and Southern Africa (ESAR)
Saint-Francis Tohlang is the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Director for Nestlé East & Southern Africa Region, which comprises 23 countries. At 33, Tohlang is the youngest member of the Executive Committee of Nestlé East & Southern Africa Region. He holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours degree from Rhodes University and a Master of Arts from the University of Cape Town. His career spans different fields such as communications, innovation management, trend analysis and professional services, specialising in go-to-market strategy. AlCircle: Can you tell us what more Nestle is going to do in the coming days when it comes to digital transformation? Saint Francis Tohlang: Our industry is transforming into one that is driven and shaped by data and technology. We are focusing...
“Our FSW welding head for CNC and FSW spindle for robot technology is fully integrated with the digital transformation of the aluminium industry”, Laurent Dubourg, Co-founder & CEO of Stirweld
Laurent Dubourg the co-founder and the CEO of Stirweld, a deep-tech created in 2017 with the aim to democratize Friction Stir Welding all around the world. He worked as an R&D engineer at IREPA Laser for five years in developing laser cladding and additive manufacturing processes for automotive applications. Then Laurent did a PhD thesis on 'Laser cladding of aluminium substrate and the development of the associated metallurgical coatings' at the National Research Council of Canada. At the CNRC, he was responsible for Friction Stir Welding – FSW Program development and laser welding applications. AlCircle: Stirweld was founded in 2017 based on Friction Stir Welding (FSW). What has been your journey to success in the world of technology? Laurent Dubourg: Indeed, Stirweld was created in...
“The shift is happening in India, but globally aluminium is the standard for high-speed, semi-high speed and metro coaches”, Prithish Chowdhary, CMO, Titagarh Group
AlCircle had the opportunity to interview Mr Prithish Chowdhary, Chief Marketing Officer of Titagarh Group, and the discussion centered on manufacturing aluminium train coaches. AlCircle: Can you tell us about Titagarh's journey with its state-of-the-art manufacturing of aluminium coaches, which are used globally? Prithish Chowdhary: In order to properly answer the question, we need to tell a bit about the background, of where Titagarh actually started. So, when we started as a wagon manufacturer in 1997, our capacity was very minor, something about half a wagon per day at then and since then we managed to establish ourselves as the largest wagon manufacturer in the country. Because of these changes in the wagon industry in about 2007-2008 we acquired a factory in Hind Motor Complex,...
“A digital transformation and partnership with aluminium end-users is the only way the aluminium industry can be fully transparent along the entire value chain. To help meet this imperative, we created START—the first digital sustainability label for the aluminium industry”, Paramita Das, Head of Metals and Minerals, Marketing and ESG at Rio Tinto
Paramita Das is a global executive with extensive experience in the commodities sector (metal, oil, and gas). She leads market development for aluminium globally and the establishment of a more customer-centric approach in the Americas. Before her work in the aluminium marketing and development space, Paramita was the Chief of Staff to the CEO of Rio Tinto and Chief Transformation Officer for the Atlantic Operations for the Aluminium segment with Rio Tinto. Paramita joined Rio Tinto in 2015, before which she worked with companies including Sumitomo Corporation and BP. She is a passionate advocate for ESG and inclusion. AlCircle: Why digital transformation is the key to sustainability? What is Rio Tinto's aluminium business doing to make progress towards this? Paramita Das: Aluminium...
“We offer holistic digitalisation solutions, enhancing safety, productivity, availability and efficiency not only for a particular equipment or system but for the overall plants,” Alexis Fredrich, Digital Business Leader of REEL International
AlCircle: How is Digital Transformation taking place at REEL International? Alexis Fredrich : At REEL, we always try to integrate the latest innovations in order to improve our equipment and enhance our customer’s satisfaction with evolving systems and services. We work every day to preserve our leadership on the markets, and the 4th industrial revolution is a challenge we are considering seriously and proactively. For a few years already, we have been delivering digital solutions: Connected equipment, Remote monitoring systems, Assisted reality helmet for instantaneous remote support, Tracking Solutions, Video analysis, virtual reality, Digital commissioning system, etc. are part of our portfolio. As example, the REEL AMS (Anode Management System) provided by REEL NKM Noell is a solution...
“Digitalisation is vital in increasing the efficiency of aluminium extrusion production,” Christian Ferman, Senior Electrical Engineer and project manager of Granco Clark
Christian Ferman is a Senior Electrical Engineer and project manager with 12 years’ experience in the design of 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. Let us here from him his opinion on digital transformation in the aluminium industry. AlCircle: How do you incorporate digitalisation in every stage of developing aluminium extrusions equipment? Christian Ferman : Digitalisation is a vital part of Graco Clark’s software development process. Our company has spent thousands of hours of intensive testing and data collection, to produce the most cutting-edge software in the industry...
“Digitization is an essential tool for utilizing data streams which make the process more efficient, reduce energy consumption and contribute to our sustainability objectives”, Geir Sandnes, Head of Digital Production Support, Technology & Operational Support at Hydro Aluminium Metal
Geir Sandnes heads Hydro Aluminium Metal's Digital Production Support, Technology, and Operational Support department. Before starting this role, he was part of the management team in Hydro Corporate IT with responsibility for the Digital Center of Excellence and Digital Plant Products across the business areas in Hydro. Digital Production Support is responsible and guarantor for several digital products in the production area at Hydro Aluminium Metal. The products range from control systems and sensors on the factory floor via production follow-up systems to data analysis platforms and information portals in the cloud. Products are mainly developed in-house at Hydro. The department has expertise in cybernetics, robotics, automation and software engineering. AlCircle: Could you tell us...
“We have seamlessly integrated several smart automations in our plant operations to improve efficiency, increase safety and reduce manual intervention. Our digital dashboards make use of smart analytics for real-time data and trend monitoring of various business operations using thermal image processing”, Abhijit Pati, CEO & Director at BALCO
Abhijit Pati is the Chief Executive Officer & Whole Time Director of Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (Balco). Abhijit Pati has been a name to reckon with the Aluminium industry for the past three decades. He joins Balco after an appreciable stint as Chief Executive Officer of Vedanta Limited, Jharsuguda. He comes with a rich experience and an illustrious career spanning over 30 years in the Aluminium Industry. An Alumni of Calcutta University, Abhijit Pati started his career as an engineer with Indian Aluminium Company (a subsidiary of ALCAN, a major Canadian aluminium Producer) in 1989. Later joined INDAL/HINDALCO, Hirakud, under the flagship of Aditya Birla Group of Industries and established himself as a frontline leader. As a young and budding professional in his early career, he was...
“Deployment of the Alcore technology will consume excess bath, and reduce the need for fluorspar as a feedstock for aluminium fluoride production.” Dr Mark Cooksey, Managing Director and CEO at ABx Group
As the Managing Director and CEO of the organization, Dr Mark Cooksey joined in early 2020. He previously held process improvement and process development leadership positions with Rio Tinto, GE and CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency. Dr Cooksey has focused on process innovation throughout his 25-year career. He has extensive experience developing and commercializing new mineral industry processes, particularly in the aluminium value chain. AlCircle: Could you share Alcore’s innovative journey of building the fluorine recovery reactor? What inspired the creation of this cutting-edge technology? Dr Mark Cooksey: The inspiration came from recognising that fluorine is the most expensive component of aluminium fluoride, fluorine is typically high-cost in Australia because it has no...
“The Russian invasion of Ukraine immediately led to uncertainty in the market, with corresponding price hike on energy and increasing raw material prices”, Halvor Molland, SVP of Communication & Public Affairs at Norsk Hydro ASA
Halvor Molland is Senior Vice President of Communication & Public Affairs at Norsk Hydro ASA, a global energy and aluminium company headquartered in Norway. An experienced journalist, he holds a Master of Science with experience in offshore oil and gas development projects. Molland has extensive experience in the field of international corporate communication. Previously, Molland served as Press and Information Officer at the Stabilization Force (SFOR) headquarters in Sarajevo, the NATO-led multinational peacekeeping force. AlCircle: What has been Hydro's journey to produce the first near-zero carbon aluminium at their recycling facility in Clervaux, Luxembourg? Halvor Molland: Hydro has developed our low-carbon aluminium offerings over the last few years. This includes Hydro CIRCAL, a...
“The Brazilian aluminium industry is closely monitoring developments in Europe, as the tensions in the geopolitical scenario have direct effects on global supply chains, especially on the availability and price of the metal”, Janaina Donas, Executive President of the Brazilian Aluminum Association (ABAL)
As a corporate affairs executive, Janaina Donas acquired a broad experience in government relations, communications, sustainability, community relations and business development. She graduated in International Relations, with an MBA in Business Administration. Before taking on the role as Executive President of the Brazilian Aluminum Association (ABAL), she served as Regional Director of External Relations and New Business for Latin America at Newmont Corporation, in Peru and Miami. She also worked as Government Relations and Communication Director for Alcoa, 3M and as an associated partner at Patri, a Government Relations and Public Policy Consulting Company in Brazil. AlCircle: The European aluminium industry is facing critical challenges since the previous year. How has this impacted...
“To a large extent, the European Union is dependent on China for the primary aluminium supply because of the continuous decline in primary metal production in Europe,” President of the International Aluminium Exhibition METEF
AlCircle is honoured to have Dr Mario Conserva giving his views and opinions of the European aluminium market. Dr Conserva is associated with the aluminium industry since 1963 and now the President of the International Aluminium Exhibition METEF, Cofounder and General Secretary of Federation of Aluminium Consumers in Europe (FACE) and General Director of the International Magazine A&L Aluminium and Alloys. He also serves EAC Edimet Aluminium Consulting Srl as a Chief Executive Officer. Let’s hear from him. AlCircle: Could you please share your views on the overall market trend in the European aluminium industry this year? Dr Conserva: The Italian aluminium market had a substantial and significant recovery last year, with an overall record of metal use of approximately 2.3 million tonnes...
“We plan to offer more secondary aluminium to OEMs and traders in the European market in a bid to increase the total recycled content in machinery, products, and manufacturing,” Raymond Onovwigun, CEO & founder of Romco Group
Raymond Onovwigun is the CEO & founder of Romco Group. As a serial entrepreneur, Raymond has successfully built Romco as the fastest-growing green aluminium producer in West Africa. Romco is now a big part of a recycling effort to help build Africa into a powerhouse of sustainability. Starting with just one small can baler 5 years ago, Raymond’s vision has seen Romco now operate over three continents, producing from over four countries and having an annual turn over of US$29.4 million in 2021. Romco has over 350 employees and projects to have 500 more within a year. It plans to ship recycled metals from all coasts of the African continent — greatly reducing the need for mining and burning coal to produce aluminium everywhere. To know his views and opinions on the European aluminium...
“A great uncertainty remains in Europe. We must stay watchful and alert to envision all possible outcomes”, Éloïse Harvey, CEO at EPIQ MACHINERY
Born in Montreal, Éloïse Harvey obtained her Bachelor of Engineering & Management from McMaster University (Hamilton, ON). In 1999, Éloïse joined Mecfor (equipment manufacturer), the youngest of the four companies in the family group (Ceger) as a Technical Sales Representative. Over the years, her dynamism and her vision for business development led her to work her way up within the growing organization. Indeed, from 12 employees and 2 million in turnover when started, Mecfor saw its number of employees and its volume multiply by 10 during the first twenty years of Éloïse's career. In 2018, Éloïse and a group of a few operator partners bought Mecfor from Ceger. The arrival of a patient financial partner who invests in the long term represents the first step towards an aggressive program...
“The market tightened further as European aluminium producers tried to replace Russian aluminium with alternative suppliers”, Moritz Hansen, Head of Marketing & Communication at Speira
In his role as Head of Communication & Marketing at Speira (formerly Hydro Rolling), Moritz Hansen is responsible for communicating with a 360° approach towards internal and external stakeholders including the disciplines of the employee, marketing and crisis communications, as well as media relations. In addition, he is also acting as spokesperson for Speira. AlCircle: What was the major reason Speira entered into an agreement with Alcoa for the supply of low-carbon EcoLum™ aluminium? Moritz Hansen: In Speira, we share the passion for reducing the carbon footprint of our products and driving the decarbonisation of our business. We think sustainability is end-to-end, from sourcing through efficient operations to products. The partnership with Alcoa and the decision to purchase EcoLumTM is...
