Beyond aluminium smelting capacity, we propose to incentivise emissions cuts to support wider decarbonisation: Ed Boyd, Mission Possible Partnership
As the European Council seeks political alignment on the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), the debate over how to accelerate aluminium decarbonisation in bringing emissions accounting and demand for low-carbon metal into focus. Against the backdrop of Mission Possible Partnership’s (MPP) open letter, AL Circle speaks with Ed Boyd, MPP’s Global Policy Lead, about the policies needed to support the European aluminium industry’s transition. Boyd argues that effective decarbonisation must account for emissions from alumina refining and track Scope 2 emissions associated with purchased electricity. On mandatory green procurement and lead-market thresholds of at least 50 per cent for aluminium, he says producers are ready to supply low-carbon metal at scale and considers the proposed threshold...
EU-India FTA, CBAM and carbon costs: Can Indian aluminium crack the European market?
A former Deputy Secretary General of the European Parliament and Director of the EPP Group, Paolo Licandro, has extensive experience in European policymaking, international relations, industry, energy and EU affairs. He is currently the Founder and CEO of eEuropa Belgium and Editor of eEuropa.Blog. He has worked with European prime ministers, ministers and EU commissioners and has held senior roles covering EU enlargement, Mediterranean and Middle East relations, and industry, research and energy. A nuclear engineer, he holds a master’s degree from Politecnico di Milano and has worked with ENI, ARS-Pragma and the EU Joint Research Centre. In this interview, Paolo Licandro shares his perspective on EU–India aluminium trade, CBAM and the opportunities for Indian producers in Europe. AL...
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In conversation with Quebec Consul and Director Dominic Marcotte and AluQuébec Working Groups Director Marie-Élaine Jacome
AlCircle had a pleasant opportunity to speak to Mr. Dominic Marcotte, Consul & Director of Québec Government Office in Mumbai, and to Marie-Élaine Jacome, Working Groups Director of AluQuébec at the 7th International Conference on Aluminium and Exhibition (INCAL-2019), Bhubaneswar. Mr. Dominic became the Director of the Québec Government Office in Mumbai in late summer 2016. Previously, he served as the Director of Economic Affairs at the Québec Government Office in Tokyo. Ms. Marie-Élaine Jacome, with more than ten years of manufacturing sector experience, is associated with the working groups of AluQuébec since October 2015. Both Mr. Dominic and Ms. Marie delightfully shared with us the business goal of Quebec’s aluminium industry, and their viewpoint on the US metal tariffs and how...
An interview with Fiona Solomon, CEO of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI)
The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) is a global, multi-stakeholder, non-profit standards setting and certification organisation that 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 (ASI) gives an insight into the company's current projects and plans for 2019 in the below interview: AlCircle: Congratulations on launching the certification programme for aluminium value chain in 2018! Please brief us on the ASI certification programme. Fiona Solomon: Yes it’s an exciting time for ASI! 2018 was...
An Interview with Jan Guthmann, Managing Director, Herrmann + Hieber, equipment supplier for aluminium extrusion plants
AlCircle had an opportunity to speak to Jan Guthmann, Managing Director, Herrmann + Hieber , a leading supplier of advanced automated equipment solutions to the steel and aluminium extrusion sector in Europe during ALUMINIUM 2018 fair in Dusseldorf. Here is an excerpt from the brief interview: AlCircle: Tell us in brief about Herrmann + Hieber and its products and service Jan Guthmann: We supply intralogistics solutions for the aluminium industry. Our core product is the highly specialized automated crane which figures as a core element of a modern aluminium extrusion plant. The Automated Crane or Process Crane as it is called can also be used to transport Coils automatically. AlCircle: What are the key sectors for the products and services of Herrmann + Hieber? Jan Guthmann: We offer...
A brief Interview with Bani Baran, International Sales & Marketing Director, Com-S, Istanbul, Turkey
Com-S is an Istanbul based company dealing in aluminium extrusion dies and tools and supplying to the extruders in Europe and MENA region. AlCircle had a brief discussion with Bani Baran, International Sales & Marketing Director for Com-S on their business strategies and industry outlook. Here is an excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: Tell us in brief about Com-S and its products and service Bani Baran: Com-S is a manufacturer of Aluminium Extrusion Dies and Tools for extrusion sector, enhancing their works and helping them accomplish better quality in production. We are located in Istanbul, Turkey. By means of our fast in time delivery, after sale service & production method we have been cooperating with our customers from 25 countries. Most of our customers are located in Europe,...
An AlCircle exclusive interview with Hugues Vincent, CEO of the Aluminium Division of Fives
Fives is a business conglomerate from France having diversified business interest. The company specialises in designing and supplying machines, process equipment, and production lines for the world’s largest industrial groups including the aluminium, steel, glass, automotive, aerospace, logistics, cement, and energy sectors. AlCircle had the opportunity to meet Mr. Hugues Vincent, CEO of the Aluminium Division of Fives and discuss about its business and current projects catering to the aluminium sector on the sideline of the Arab International Aluminium Conference (ARABAL), the premium platform for the aluminium industry that took place in Kuwait city from 11-13 November, 2018. AlCircle could get an insight into the latest innovations and developments in the industry, directly from a key...
An interview with Abdelzaher Abdelsattar Hassan Abdou, Chairman & CEO, Egyptalum; the oldest aluminium producer in the MENA region
Egyptalum (Egyptian Aluminium Company) is the largest aluminium producer in Egypt and the oldest in the MENA region. It is also one of the largest in North Africa having a total annual production of around 320,000 tonnes. It produces primary aluminium and rolling and extrusion products. Abdelzaher Abdelsattar Hassan Abdou is the Chairman and CEO of Egyptalum who brings more than 37 years of experience to the aluminium production process in Egyptalum. The company has significantly transformed under his leadership to reach an annual production capacity of 320,000 tonnes by the end of 2010. AlCircle had the opportunity to meet Abdelzaher Abdelsattar Hassan Abdou and discuss about his company’s current projects and future plans on the third day of the Arab International Aluminium Conference...
P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis on DROSRITE™, the salt-free, cost-effective system for aluminium recovery from dross
PyroGenesis Canada Inc. is a Company that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes plasma waste-to-energy systems and plasma torch products. PyroGenesis' DROSRITE™ system is a salt-free, cost-effective process for maximizing aluminium recovery from dross, a waste generated in the smelting, processing and recycling process. Mr. P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis, provides a general update on its DROSRITE™ business line in the below interview: AlCircle: Please describe to us in brief what DROSRITE™ is, and some of its benefits? Mr. Pascali: Let’s take an aluminium smelter as an example. As the hot aluminium is formed, it comes in contact with oxygen, and a dross is formed on the surface. This dross acts like a sponge and it effectively absorbs valuable metal. The...
Italy-India co-operation on eco-metallurgy: an interview with Mario Bodini, CEO of Sideridraulic
Finding a balance between markets and the aluminium and steel production sectors, this is the main statement that Mario Bodini, CEO of Sideridraulic, has made to Al Circle. Since the post-war period, this Italian company has been a pioneer in metal development, with its innovative products in the hydraulic automation and water purification sectors. It takes its place alongside Danieli, which accompanied the company’s growth in steel, as well as other groups like Lucchini, Techint, Dalmine, Thissen Group and many others around the world. AlCircle: What do you think of the cooperation between Italy and India in the field of air and water purification in the metallurgy sector? Mario Bodini: It will be a crucial sector for the development of both countries, the first in the role of integrator...
Mecfor AGV & MMTP vehicle: In an interview with Eloise Harvey, President, Mecfor and Dario Tremblay, Product Advisor
Mecfor recently unveiled the first automated guided prototype vehicle for aluminium smelters on August 16 in Quebec. The AGV designed and manufactured in North America, will serve the global primary aluminium industry. Based in Saguenay, Quebec, Mecfor specializes in equipment design and manufacture for the global aluminium, mining and metals, and rail industries. AlCircle spoke to Ms Eloise Harvey, President, Mecfor and Mr Dario Tremblay, Eng., Product Advisor about the AGV, MMTP and Mecfor’s other specialized mobile and stationary equipment for aluminium smelters. Here is an excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: How has Mecfor revolutionized the specialized mobile and stationary equipment for aluminium smelters? Eloïse Harvey: “Revolutionized” is a big word but let say that we thrive to...
In conversation with Dr. Hans O Bohner, an aluminium industry legend since 1950
Born in Salzburg (Austria) in 1923, Dr Hans O Bohner is a name to reckon with in the global aluminium industry. A chemical engineer and a Ph. D. in Chemistry, his career spans from 1948 to 2014. Starting with Aluminiumwerk, Rorschach, Switzerland, his work with the aluminium sector took him to Canada, Germany, Norway, Iceland, UK, Russia, China, India and many more countries. He worked with some of the biggest names in the aluminium sector like Alcan, ALUSUISSE, Hindalco, Hydro Aluminium, Vedanta, Chinalco, Giulini, etc. He also offered his expertise in aluminium to top aluminium market research organizations like Metal Bulletin / CRU and with metal traders like Trafigura, Alaska Metals and Transworld. AlCircle feels privileged to publish the interview of an industry expert like Dr....
In Conversation - With Mr. Dominic Marcotte, Consul and Director, Bureau du Quebec in Mumbai
AlCircle has been in a cordial relationship with Bureau du Quebec in Mumbai, mostly attributed to our long time association with Aluminium Association of Canada as well as the Quebec Aluminium Industry, as a portal catering to the global aluminium sector. We had an opportunity to interact with Mr. Dominic Marcotte, Consul and Director, Bureau du Quebec in Mumbai, during the Quebec National Day event in Mumbai. The extremely cordial and well versed diplomat talked about the positively growing relationship between Canada and India and about the common bond that holds together both the countries, i.e. aluminium. We asked a few questions on the trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada and on how Quebec, the aluminium hub of Canada is exploring the Indian market. Here is an excerpt from the...
An Interview with Mr Alessandro Cesana, Director, Metalbeaters Limited
The Metalbeaters Limited is a private and international, metal commodities trading company, engaged in the physical merchanting, development and support, over the metallurgical sector's demand for alloyed elements. Metalbeaters is a team of experts, providing the market with the most sound and reliable support towards the metallurgical elements supply and application's advisory. Here is an excerpt from a brief interview with Mr Alessandro Cesana, Director, Metalbeaters Limited. AlCircle: Please tell us in brief about the scope of operations for Metalbeaters Limited. Mr Cesana: Metalbeaters’ scope of operation is to deliver the best pricing, for the finest master alloys and alloying elements quality to our customers, in the least amount of time. AlCircle: Which metallurgical sectors does...
Tariff Issues, New Markets, Manufacturing Development, Sustainable Growth; a conversation on aluminium with Maurizio Sala, President of Amafond
The Gala Dinner of the Gulf Aluminium Council, held in Oman on March 21st, provided the opportunity for a long conversation with Maurizio Sala, President of Amafond and of Foundry Ecocer, an excellent connoisseur of the aluminium industry and of the Middle East area. The metal foundry segment which Maurizio Sala represents is a significant part of Italy’s manufacturing industry which is successful in the metallurgical value chain. Amafond brand can compete on international markets with excellent results in the advance sectors of metal machining and of light alloys for the automotive industry, mechanics, electronics, building and construction. Q: Let us begin with one of the hottest topics these days, US tariffs on aluminium and steel enforced by Trump. Even before the announcement by the...
“The role of AluQuebec is to encourage the development of the culture of aluminium in Quebec,” MARIE LAPOINTE, CEO AluQuébec
AlCircle had an opportunity to talk to Ms MARIE LAPOINTE, the Chief Executive Officer of AluQuébec; the Quebec Aluminium cluster . She obtained more than 25 years of senior executive experience at Rio Tinto before joining AluQuébec . She is a marketing and strategic analysis specialist and leads the implementation of plans and projects decided by the organization and the cluster’s working groups. She builds on support services provided to all the participants in the Quebec aluminium sector. Team AlCircle had an opportunity to meet her personally in Quebec and get a first-hand understanding of how AluQuébec is playing its part in bringing together the entire aluminium value chain present in Quebec. Here is an excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: Tell us in brief about the association of...
An Interview with Dr. Anthony Tropeano, an industry consultant and Senior Advisor, Foundry Ecocer
A well-known and respected Aluminium Industry figure Dr. Anthony Tropeano , in this interview, talks about his latest venture into consultancy with Milan-based Foundry Ecocer. Q: Thank you for agreeing to speak with us. Firstly, can you refresh our memories regarding your background in the Aluminium Industry? Dr. Tropeano: After 38 successful years in the ferrous and non-ferrous industries, I decided to retire from FATA SpA. I joined FATA in 1994, and since then have held a number of executive positions within the company. For many years I successfully led FATA's two operating divisions, FATA Hunter (world leader in engineering and equipment manufacturing for the aluminium flat rolled product industries) and FATAEPC (supplier of complete plants on a LSTK-EPC basis), as Chief Executive...
“At STAS, we sustain our company in a fiercely competitive industry by believing in our people, who in turn ensure our performance exceeds all competitors’,” Louis Bouchard, P. Eng. and Executive President at STAS
AlCircle team visited Québec Aluminium Cluster on invitation of Quebec’s Ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation in the last part of 2017. AlCircle Content Head Beethika Biswas visited the office and plant of STAS at Chicoutimi, Québec, Canada, one of the world leading equipment manufacturers and suppliers for the aluminium industry and a trusted associate of AlCircle as well as Jiwanram Group. She spoke to Louis Bouchard, P. Eng. and Executive President at STAS , and discussed about STAS’ current domestic and international operations and future strategies in the aluminium sector. An excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: Tell us in brief about your company history and present structure. Mr Bouchard: STAS Inc. is a Canada based; family-owned company specialized in the development,...
“Mecfor has been able to position itself as a solution provider for the aluminium industry for the past 20 years,” Ms Eloise Harvey, President of Mecfor
Very recently, AlCircle team visited Québec Aluminium Cluster on invitation of Quebec’s Ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation. AlCircle Content Head Beethika Biswas visited the office of Mecfor and spoke to Ms Eloise Harvey, President of the company, on Mecfor’s present domestic and international business and future strategies. Ms Harvey had done a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering followed by a degree in Business Management and joined the family run firm in 1999. Mecfor is a supplier of both fixed and mobile equipment to the aluminium value chain. They operate from Quebec Canada and supplies to many brownfield plants in North America and other parts of the world. Mecfor molten metal transfer by pressurization Here is a brief excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: Mecfor is an...
“In future aluminium will become predominant in the windows/doors fabrication.” Andrea Trevisan, Sales Manager, SAT (surface aluminium technologies) S.p.A
SAT (SURFACE ALUMINIUM TECHNOLOGIES) S.p.A is an Italian engineering company dedicated to design, produce and install aluminium extrusions surface finishing equipment and packaging systems. SAT has earned the reputation of a market leader in finishing equipment market after 35 years of offering innovative solutions, which are now recognized as worldwide standards. AlCircle spoke to Andrea Trevisan, Sales Manager, SAT and discussed about the company, its business and the current and potential market for SAT. CUBE Trevisan, the first Vertical Powder Coating Line in the world Here is a brief excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: Please, tell us in brief about the history and current business profile of SAT. Andrea Trevisan : SAT (Surface Aluminium Technology) S.p.A is an Italian engineering...
