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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“Industry 4.0 has been a revolution in terms of modernizing the aluminium industry from the smallest up to the biggest players”- Adriana Torres, International Business Development Manager of GHI Smart Furnaces
GHI Smart Furnaces, S.L., is a family owned company with 80 years of history that designs and supplies industrial furnaces, auxiliary equipment and associated services for technical assistance and digitalization. The company is involved in the design and manufacture of industrial furnaces, turnkey plants, SAT and 4.0 digitization. The company has supplied more than 8,000 facilities, 1,400 exported to the international market. The sectors GHI Smart Furnaces addresses are, among others, the iron and steel industry, the aluminium and copper industry, foundries, metal workshops, shipyards, aeronautical industry, heat treatment and hot stamping companies. Adriana Torres and Pablo Fuentetaja Business Development Managers of GHI Smart Furnaces, give an insight into the GHI’s latest strategies...
“The unfortunate pandemic that we are facing is a catalyst for the Industry 4.0,” Éloïse Harvey, B.Eng. & Mgmt, President of Mecfor
Éloïse Harvey is president of Mecfor, a Quebec-based company that supplies and manufactures specialized equipment for heavy industry, primary aluminium smelters and secondary plants, mining, rail and nuclear. Éloïse Harvey has been working for the heavy industry (with a strong focus on the aluminium sector) since 1999 holding various positions related to sales, marketing and business development for MECFOR and today she is president for Mecfor. We are glad to get an opportunity to interview Ms Harvey to know her individual insights into the Industry 4.0, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. She thinks implementation of new technologies in the aluminium industry does change the dynamic that exists between equipment manufacturers and aluminium producers. She says COVID-19 has...
“Industry 4.0 now directly impacts all the process and manufacturing sectors.” - Miles Prosser, Secretary-General of the International Aluminium Institute
Miles Prosser is the Secretary-General of the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), the only body that represents the aluminium industry at the global level. With more than twenty years’ experience working on various industrial policy issues, Miles brings in-depth knowledge on resource allocation, sustainability and climate change. Miles joined the IAI from the Australian Aluminium Council where he served as Executive Director for more than 10 years. He leads the IAI to promote the unique and valuable properties of aluminium in sustainable development. He holds an honours degree from the Australian National University. Miles Prosser, Secretary-General of the International Aluminium Institute speaks to AlCircle: AlCircle: Currently, IAI membership represents over 60% of global bauxite,...
“The impact of Covid-19 has mainly accelerated the innovative solutions, based mainly on the diffusion of new connecting technology that was already defined by Continuus-Properzi for the future.” - Alberto Ghisetti, Sales Director, Continuus-Properzi
Alberto Ghisetti is graduated in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in industrial automation & robotics and has completed an executive master in Project Management. In the last fifteen years, he has matured experience in the international sale of complete plants in the non-ferrous, mine and steel industry. He is working at Continuus-Properzi for ten years, actually, as Sales Director, focused in both aluminium and copper plants for rod and ingots production. Alberto Ghisetti, Sales Director of Continuus-Properzi shares his insights in an interview with AlCircle concerning COVID-19 impact to the industry: AlCircle: Can you briefly introduce your Company? Mr Alberto: Continuus-Properzi, the leading expert in the aluminium and copper wire rod continuous casting industry, invented...
“Before the pandemic, we saw the need for connectivity and moved into Industry 4.0,” Peter Unwin, AMETEK Land and AMETEK Surface Vision’s Global Industry Manager – Metals
Peter is a chartered mechanical engineer and long serving member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). He has worked in the metals industry for over 30 years during which time he has gained a broad knowledge of the production of steel and aluminium from smelting through to finished products. He has spent the majority of his time leading technical sales teams and developing close customer relationships globally in the flat metals sector specialising in equipment for casting and rolling steel and aluminium strip products. Here, we have Mr Unwin with us sharing some of his views on the importance on Industry 4.0 during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. In his view, Industry 4.0 facilitates you to access accurate data at any point in time and from anywhere, which is exactly a need...
“The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the relevance of Industry 4.0 as an essential strategic component of manufacturing” - Dr Alexeis Garcia-Perez, Associate Professor in Cyber Security Management, Coventry University
Dr Alexeis Garcia-Perez is an Associate Professor in Cyber Security Management at Coventry University (UK) and a Visiting Research Scholar at Georgetown University (USA). His original background in Computer Science was complemented by a PhD in Information Systems from Cranfield University, enabling an interdisciplinary perspective of Business Information Systems practice and research. Alexeis leads the ‘ Data, Organisations and Society’ research team at Coventry University’s Research Centre for Business in Society. He works with a range of organisations from the public and private sectors, helping them shape the policy and practices that support the digital transformation of businesses and society. Here, we have him with us sharing his insights into how the Industry 4.0 is gradually...
‘‘We see no change in the importance of the sustainability issue or the necessity to move towards a Circular Economy because of the pandemic”- Guido Aufdemkamp, Executive Director, The European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA)
The European Aluminium Foil Association is the international body representing companies engaged in the rolling and rewinding of alufoil and in the manufacture of aluminium closures, alufoil semi-rigid containers and of all kind of flexible packaging. With its more than 40 members, the organisation represents the total aluminium foil rolling market in Europe. Guido Aufdemkamp, Executive Director of the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA), gives an insight into EAFA’s outlook for 2020 and business strategies post COVID- 19 in the below interview: AlCircle: What are your initial thoughts about the impact of Covid-19 on the global aluminium value chain? Guido Aufdemkamp: The overall economic shock particularly impacts the automotive and aerospace sectors and will have huge negative...
“As a group focused on design, production, and maintenance of equipment, we see innovation as a way to make our solutions more efficient and competitive” - Cédric Schmuck, Director of the Aluminium Division within REEL
REEL is an industrial group specializing in complex lifting and handling systems as well as integrated systems solutions. It is using the present sanitary crisis to reinforce an Industry 4.0 approach in its different markets: Nuclear, Aluminium, Aeronautics, Offshore, etc. Many technological opportunities appear in the field of equipment, maintenance, or even design methods. Cédric Schmuck, Director of the Aluminium Division within REEL , in an interview with AlCircle said, as a group focused on design, production, and maintenance of equipment, we see innovation as a way to make our solutions more efficient and competitive. He also said that although the corona crisis has weighed on the aluminium production, but that should not impact the companies so much, owing to the lower input costs...
“The COVID will impact by continuing to reduce demand for aluminium which might still put more pressure on AL price,” Eloise Harvey, President of Mecfor
Mecfor supplies and manufactures specialized equipment for heavy industry for primary aluminium smelters and secondary plants, mining, rail and nuclear. Its customer-centric approach as well as its production capacity allow for a great flexibility of adaptation. They operate from Quebec Canada and supplies to many plants in North America and other parts of the world. Eloise Harvey, President of Mecfor, has shared how COVID-19 pandemic has impacted its business and the global aluminium value chain. Here is an excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: What are your initial thoughts about the impact of Covid-19 on the global aluminium value chain? Eloise Harvey : Due to the pandemic, some smelters have curtailed their production, some others have shutdown facilities (e.g.: Alcoa Intalco Works)....
An AlCircle exclusive interview with Dr Mario Conserva, President of the International Aluminium Exhibition METEF
AlCircle is honoured to have had an opportunity to interract with Dr Mario Conserva, who is associated with the aluminium sector since 1963. He is currently the President of the International Aluminium Exhibition METEF, General Director of the International Magazine A&L Aluminium & Alloys, and General Secretary of FACE, Federation of Aluminium Consumers Europe. Dr Conserva has shared with us about how the metal markets are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and what prospects we can expect for the aluminium sector this year. He has also shared his insightful thoughts on how to overcome this delicate moment. So, here is an excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: How have the metal markets been affected by Covid -19? Dr Conserva : Covid - 19 is an epochal tragedy that has fallen...
“It is now important to continuously improve productivity to keep costs of production as low as possible for combatting COVID19 impact” - Antti Koulumies, Vice President, Aluminium Business Line, Outotec
Outotec provides industry benchmark technologies and life-cycle services for their customers in metals and mining, industrial water treatment, alternative energy, and chemical sector. Here, we have with us the company’s aluminium business Vice President Antti Koulumies to share how Outotec is coping up the COVID19 pandemic. Mr Koulumies says ensuring the wellbeing of the employees and stakeholders and innovating and improving operations to serve customers better are their key strategies now to sustain the business. Here is an excerpt from the brief interview: AlCircle : What are your initial thoughts about the impact of Covid-19 on the global aluminium value chain? Antti Koulumies: From what we’ve seen, only one aluminium smelter and one alumina refinery have curtailed production during...
“Despite the impact of COVID-19, we plan to continue to progress ASI's mission with all the tools we have available to us”- Fiona Solomon, CEO, Aluminium Stewardship Initiative
The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) is a global, multi-stakeholder, non-profit standards setting and certification organisation. It aims to recognise and foster the responsible production, sourcing and stewardship of aluminium. ASI is the result of producers, users and stakeholders in the aluminium value chain coming together with a commitment to maximising the contribution of aluminium to a sustainable society. Fiona Solomon, CEO of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative gives an insight into the ASI's plans and strategies post COVID- 19 in the below interview: AlCircle: What are your initial thoughts about the impact of Covid-19 on the global aluminium value chain? Fiona Solomon: As ASI runs a global Certification program; one of our key areas of focus has been on the impact of...
“A3 Surfaces has designed a process that incorporates and seals an antimicrobial agent in aluminium. We were topical before COVID-19, we are even more today.” - Dr. Guy Leblanc, Vice-President and Medical Advisor - A3 Surfaces
A3 Surfaces, a start-up based in Saguenay, Quebec, developed a ground-breaking technology that can transform aluminium products into antimicrobial surfaces capable of eliminating the risks of bacterial and viral disease transmission in a matter of seconds to a few minutes. Applying this technology in hospitals, public transports and other public areas could help prevent the next pandemic. Alcircle: What’s your initial thought about the impact of COVID-19 on the global aluminium value chain? Dr Guy Leblanc : We believe the impact, in the long run, will be negligible in regard of the COVID-19. The impact on aluminium business will mainly be related to the change of paradigm in transportation (Autonomous EV) and in a more durable building with more efficient HVAC and insulation. The...
In conversation with Mr José María Gerbolés, CEO of Salico
AlCircle is pleased to interview Mr José María Gerbolés, CEO of Salico, a dedicated Italian-Spanish company to the conception, engineering, manufacturing, putting into operation, training, and servicing of equipment for processing, finishing, and cutting for both ferrous and non-ferrous metal strip. In the interview, Mr Gerbolés has shared the journey of the company, its innovations and inventions, product range, key markets, and his own exclusive outlook for the short, mid, and long-term outlook. That’s not all, Mr Gerbolés has also shared its take on COVID19 and what measure he has taken for the company to combat the crisis and to be able to continue to offer sustainable solutions ahead. Here is an excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: Please take us through Salico’s 40 years journey as...
“We have seen a drop in demand of around 18% in Europe for aluminium on Matmatch as a direct impact of COVID-19”- Ben Smye, Head of Growth, Matmatch
Matmatch is a materials search platform that connects engineers and material suppliers through the most comprehensive materials database in the world. For material suppliers, the company offers a new way to reach customers online. As a go-to source of information for engineers, Matmatch is the perfect platform for suppliers to raise awareness of their products and brand. Ben Smye, Head of Growth at Matmatch, has shared his thoughts on COVID-19 impact on the global aluminium value chain and post-Covid19 business strategies in the below interview: AlCircle: What are your initial thoughts about the impact of Covid-19 on the global aluminium value chain? Ben Smye: I think one issue we could see is that projects are delayed, leading to a drop in demand, at least in the short time. Hopefully...
“We believe that innovation could not be limited to products and processes, but should rather include services as well” -Goksal Gungor, General Manager, Assan Alüminyum
Assan Alüminyum, a subsidiary of Kibar Holding, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers in the flat-rolled aluminium industry. The company produces coil & sheet, foil and pre-painted aluminium products for a variety of sectors such as packaging, distribution, construction, consumer durables, automotive and HVAC with 1500 dedicated employees. With 300 thousand tonnes of production capacity, Assan Alüminyum is the leading flat-rolled aluminium producer in Turkey. Goksal Gungor, General Manager of Assan Alüminyum, has shared his views on the company’s new R&D strategy and investment plans for 2020 with AlCircle in a brief interview. AlCircle: The use of aluminium FRPs in packaging and automotive saw a rise in 2019 with the shift from alternative packaging materials to aluminium-based...
“I believe China will continue to invest but not necessarily increase its overall production”- Antti Koulumies, Vice President, Aluminium Business Line, Outotec
Outotec provides industry benchmark technologies and life-cycle services for their customers in metals and mining, industrial water treatment, alternative energy, and chemical sector, helping them improve their profitability in a sustainable way. Outotec possesses over a century of experience in developing technologies at its in-house R&D centers. Antti Koulumies, Vice President, Aluminium Business Line, Outotec gives an insight into the company's upcoming projects and new technologies in the aluminium sector for 2020 in the below interview: AlCircle: As a technology provider for the metal and mining sector how has been the year 2019 for you and what are you expecting in 2020? Antti Koulumies: The aluminium market saw a lot of turmoil during 2019 and due to the uncertainty, we saw...
“2020 will be a year of transition during which producers are likely to behave prudently, looking for productivity gains and decisions based on long term investment strategies” - Louis Bouchard, P. Eng. Executive President, STAS Inc
STAS Inc. is a Canadian company specialised in the development, fabrication and commercialisation of process equipment for the global aluminium industry. Aluminium producers that can benefit from STAS technologies range from primary smelters to secondary foundries to aluminium mills and extruders. In the past 30 years, STAS has achieved the world leadership in supplying equipment and improving aluminium productivity and quality. Let us now hear out from the company’s P.Eng. Executive President, Louis Bouchard, who has shared his projection for the aluminium industry of 2020. He believes this year will be an important year for aluminium equipment supplier. He also thinks leadership and innovation-driven production in the Gulf (GCC) is likely to continue this year as energy resources are...
