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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“We look at outputs that are considered waste by an industry and take a holistic approach which takes into consideration all the elements in the waste… Mr. Michael Shenton, CEO, Prima Resources, WA
AlCircle is a platform that strives to promote the advancement of use of aluminium as a sustainable material of choice. In that direction, we would like to highlight not only the established players of the industry who are contributing successfully towards the growth of the industry but also those individuals, companies and associations that are working positively towards sustainability for aluminium industry and making worthwhile contribution towards recycling, waste management and energy management in the R&D and industrial sector. So, we spoke to Mr. Michael Shenton, CEO, Prima Resources, Mineral & Energy Ltd. in West Australia. Prima Resources is a Minerals, and Energy Company with a number of Mining Projects around WA. The company has also been involved with the project management,...
“The deliveries of the European foil rolling industry are very stable at present or even showing slight growth.” Stefan Glimm, Executive Director, EAFA - European Aluminium Foil Association e.V.
Being an Information and business portal for the aluminium value chain, AlCircle has long been associated with European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) as news associate. The European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) is the international body representing the aluminium foil, closure and packaging industry. Very recently, just before the Aluminium 2014 Exhibition, AlCircle has conducted an interview with Stefan Glimm, Executive Director, EAFA. Mr. Glimm is an economist with more than 30 years of experience working in national, European and global organizations in the field of sustainability, energy policy and downstream aluminium. He shared with AlCircle some significant insight into the aluminium foil industry, sustainability concerns and the future outlook for aluminium applications....
“We expect the bullish trend in aluminium to continue in 2015 and probably beyond” Dr. Frank R. Feret – President, ICSOBA
Just a month before the upcoming ICSOBA Conference in Zhengzhou, China, AlCircle had the opportunity to speak to Dr. Frank R. Feret – President, ICSOBA; who is also an Independent Consultant for Feret Analytical Consulting, Quebec, Canada. He is an expert in providing insight into the characterization of materials for metallurgical process control from bauxite exploration to metal recycling and published some 50 scientific papers and contributed in three books in his field. He shared his view on the current trends in the bauxite, aluminium industry and also on the objectives and activities of ICSOBA. AlCircle: Please tell us in brief about the main objectives and the functional areas of The International Committee for Study of Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium (ICSOBA) Dr. Feret: The...
“There is no dearth of knowledge and expertise in our country to develop the indigenous technologies for aluminium, alumina and downstream sector.” Mr. Anupam Agnihotri, Director, JNARDDC
AlCircle had the opportunity to visit Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre, Nagpur, India and interact with its Director Mr. Anupam Agnihotri during the 18th International Conference on Non-Ferrous Minerals and Metals’14 organized by Corporate Monitor and JNARDDC. JNARDDC is a "Centre of Excellence" set up in 1989 to make contributions to the technological growth of the Indian Aluminium Industry. The center has well-established facilities for the study of Bauxite, Alumina and Aluminium. Mr.Agnihotri was working as Head Aluminium Electrolysis & Downstream Division, Scientist-V in JNARDDC before undertaking his responsibilities as the Director. He is a Metallurgical Engineer from IIT Kanpur with PG Degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the Visvesvaraya...
“Delivering lightweight technologies to our customers at a good value is the main challenge faced by the automakers” … Craig Renneker, Chief Engineer – Component & Pre-Program, Transmission & Driveline Engineering, Ford
This year’s Global Automotive Lightweight Materials Initiative: Detroit 2014 will feature 20+ brand new case studies focusing on technical solutions for incorporating the materials & manufacturing techniques that are having the biggest impact on reducing the cost of mass produced lightweight vehicles. In 2 days of brand new content from leading OEMs, the agenda this year will focus on: MASS PRODUCTION, MATERIAL SELECTION & OPTIMIZATION AND ALUMINUM & MIXED MATERIAL JOINING TECHNIQUES. With an OEM-led agenda and a number of significant OEM speakers from GM, Ford, Volvo, Chrysler & Toyota, the GALM series is globally renowned for being the key lightweighting conference for automotive manufacturers. Here are some excerpts from an interview with Craig Renneker, Chief Engineer – Component &...
“As an industry we really need to communicate the environmental benefits of aluminium to our policymakers…” Simon MacVicker, President, Aluminium Federation (ALFED)
Standing at the helm of one of Shropshire’s leading manufacturing businesses, Simon MacVicker is a man who enjoys a challenge. He has been serving as the managing director of Bridgnorth Aluminium limited for more than 10 years running this thriving business successfully. Starting in January 2014, he is now helping to further the interests of the aluminium sector as President of the Aluminium Federation (ALFED). After completing a language degree in Spanish and Portuguese, he secured a sales and marketing job with British Steel in South Wales. Ten years later, a sales director opportunity came up with Bridgnorth Aluminium. The Aluminium Federation is a Trade Association which represents the interests of the UK aluminium industry. Based in West Bromwich, the Aluminium Federation acts as the...
“The objective of AAC is to develop an aluminium culture where the material will be put to use by potential end users in the transportation, building and infrastructure sectors”: Mr. Jean Simard, President, Aluminium Association of Canada
AlCircle had the pleasure of communicating with Mr. Jean Simard, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Aluminium Association of Canada (AAC). AAC is the voice of the Canadian aluminium industry and its mission is to be the last word on anything to do with aluminium. The non-profit organization represents the industry in its dealings with citizens, public authorities, current and potential users of aluminium. As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Aluminium Association of Canada (AAC), Jean Simard is the industry’s official representative and spokesperson with governments, business associations and the media as well as with international organisations. Mr. Simard holds a degree in Civil Law from the University of Ottawa, and is a member of the Quebec Bar Association. He...
“At present, the Gulf region is considered as the Aluminium hub of the world”: Tim Murray, CEO, Alba.
AlCircle recently had an opportunity to interview Mr. Murray, the CEO of Alba. Aluminium Bahrain has been consistently ranked as one of the largest aluminium smelters in the world and is known for its technological strength and high quality aluminium along with its strict safety & environmental benchmarks. Mr. Murray joined Alba in 2007 as General Manager Finance & Legal and in July 2009, he was promoted to Chief Finance Officer. Since, October 2012, Mr. Murray has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Alba. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of AICPA and has completed various Executive Management Programs at the University Of Chicago Graduate School Of Business. He has completed various Executive Management Programs at the University Of Chicago Graduate School Of...
“Not only is recycling environment-friendly; it’s also smart for business”: John Gardner, VP and Chief Sustainability Officer for Novelis
Recently, Novelis was recognized as a Climate Leadership Award winner by the EPA for Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management. The company was acknowledged for demonstrating leadership in managing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in internal operations and throughout the supply chain, as well as integrating climate resilience into its operating strategies. This achievement comes in line with Novelis’ overall disruptive sustainability strategy and goal to achieve 80% recycled inputs across its product lines. On this occasion, AlCircle spoke to Mr. John Gardner, the Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer for Novelis Inc. With more than 25 years of experience at Novelis, Mr. Gardner currently leads the development of a globally integrated sustainability program that reflects the...
Constellium is committed to developing, producing and selling sustainable products: Nicolas Brun, VP Communication, Constellium
AlCircle had the opportunity to interact with Mr. Nicolas Brun, Vice President; Communication for Constellium, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of innovative specialty downstream aluminum rolled and extruded products, serving primarily the aerospace, packaging and automotive end-markets. Mr. Brun updated AlCircle about Constellium’s current and future projects, its commitment towards sustainable development and shared his view on the aluminium industry. Excerpts from the interview: AlCircle: Could you tell us in brief about the products and services of Constellium and its new projects and expansions? Mr. Brun: Constellium has a strategic footprint of manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Europe and China. Our business model is to add value by converting...
“Aluminium industry has already established itself to be a major growth driver for the Gulf Economy.” Mahmood Daylami, Secretary General, Gulf Aluminium Council
Gulf Aluminium Council (GAC) is a coordinating body that represents promotes and protects the interests of the aluminium industry within the Gulf. In a conversation with AlCircle, Mahmood Daylami, Secretary General, Gulf Aluminium Council throws light on the objectives and functions of GAC, shares his outlook for the Gulf Aluminium Industry and offers an insight into the current aluminium market. With thirty three years of experience in the Aluminium industry and as the Secretary General of GAC, Mr. Daylami has been playing an important role in improving the international competitiveness of the Gulf Aluminium Industry. Prior to joining Gulf Aluminium Council, he held the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA). Excerpts from the interview: AlCircle: What are...
“Hydro's goal is to be climate-neutral by 2020, and is working along three axes in order to achieve this…” Halvor Molland, Vice President, Communication, Norsk Hydro ASA
AlCircle had the opportunity to have a conversation with Mr. Halvor Molland,Vice President, Communication and a spokesperson for Norsk Hydro ASA, a global supplier of aluminium and aluminium products based in Norway. An experienced journalist and a process engineer in Oil and gas business, Mr. Molland has several years of hands on experience in the field of International Corporate communication. He also represented Hydro in the International Aluminium Institute and European Aluminium Association (EAA). He shared with AlCircle the climate neutrality goals for Hydro and his outlook for the aluminium industry in general and Hydro in particular. AlCircle: Could you tell us in brief about the products and services of Hydro? Mr. Molland: Hydro is a global aluminium company with production,...
“Indian market offers a lot of potential for aluminium extrusions.The real challenge is to convert these potential into real business.” Mr.Kshemendra Nath, MD, Sapa Profiles India.
AlCircle team had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Kshemendra Nath, Managing Director, Sapa Profiles India Ltd during Zak Aluminium Extrusion Expo in Mumbai in December 2013. The Sapa Group, a joint venture owned equally by Orkla ASA and Hydro AS is the world’s largest manufacturer of aluminum extrusions and value-added profiles. Sapa Profiles India Ltd, a 100% subsidiary of Sapa Group offers aluminum solutions to its discerning customers from itsfully integrated facility at Kuppam with Extrusion, powder coating, anodizing and fabrication services. A Civil Engineer by profession, Mr. Nath has been with the building and construction field for last 25 years. He joined Sapa Profiles India as Managing Director in April 2011 and since then he had been playing a pioneering role in Sapa’s business...
“Sustainability is the key to production in every industry…” ANDY DORAN, Senior Manager, Sustainability and Recycling Development, Novelis Europe
“Sustainability is the key to production in every industry…As we are putting the scraps back to production; we are not only reducing our own carbon footprint but also helping the OEMs to do the same.” Andy Doran, Senior Manager, Sustainability and Recycling Development, Novelis Europe, talks with AlCircle about aluminium recycling & sustainability, Novelis’ growth outlook towards their sustainability goal and the prospects of aluminium industry in the downstream sector during the current recessionary scenario. A trained geologist, Andy has worked in the field of waste management for the last twenty years originally with Alcan Aluminium Can Recycling and later in local and central government. He leads the recycling development and sustainability activities in the Novelis Europe group. Andy...
“In the aluminium industry, the key event of the last ten years is the arrival of China as a world powerhouse ” Mr. Serge Roy, VP Marketing, Aluminium Valley Society
Mr. Serge Roy is an industrial expert with 30 years of experience in the aluminum industry in marketing and strategic planning with particular expertise in the carbon, casting centers, aluminum recycling area and R&D projects. At present the VP Marketing for Aluminium Valley Society, he interacted with AlCircle team during ARABAL Conference from 5th to 7th Nov 2013 at Abu Dhabi regarding the aluminium industry in general, the role of e-commerce and online media in the industry and about his new project. Aluminium Valley Society is a network of nearly 100 companies located in the Saguenay area of Quebec, all dedicated to the aluminium industry, both upstream and downstream of the smelters. In particular, there is, in this region a very strong base of equipment suppliers who have built...
“The turnaround in the market will happen…only if the industry manages to reduce the stock level in the warehouse” Mr Helge Jansen – MD, HYCAST AS
HYCAST AS is a well-recognized Casthouse Solution provider from Norway with extensive experience and know-how gained from numerous projects world-wide, both within Hydro Aluminium and with other aluminium companies. AlCircle Team interacted with Mr Helge Jansen – Managing Director and Einar Smarason--Marketing & Sales Manager of HYCAST during ARABAL Conference from 5th to 7th Nov 2013 at Abu Dhabi and discussed about the aluminium industry in general, the role of e-commerce and online media in the industry and about the products & services of Hycast. Excerpts from the interview: AlCircle: Could you please tell us in brief about your company and its products and services? Mr. Jansen: Hycast AS was established in 1990 and it is a 100% subsidiary of Norsk Hydro . The Norwegian company has...
“An online platform for the aluminium industry can help to get in touch with new customers”: Louis Bouchard, General Manager, STAS Inc.
STAS, a world leader in design and fabrication of equipment for the aluminium industry participated in Aluminium India 2013 Exhibition from September 12 to 14 in Mumbai, India. As a media partner and exhibitor, Team AlCircle had an opportunity to interact with Mr. Louis Bouchard, General Manager, STAS Inc. Louis Bouchard is an “Ex” Network, Security, Servers and Software Architect and Engineer, with a number of IT certifications. At present, he is the owner and General Manager of STAS Inc. STAS Inc. Quebec, Canada is an established leader in its innovative abilities to develop, fabricate and commercialize new technologies and advanced industrial equipment for the global Aluminium industry. Excerpts from the interview: AlCircle: Could you please tell us about STAS Inc., its back ground and...
"Low cost production areas will be the growth areas in the near term: The Simonsen Brothers"
“We do not think there will be any dramatic change in the LME situation in the near term…But I must say that the low cost production areas will be the growth areas…” Mr. Morten Simonsen, Managing Director, Mr. Klaus Simonsen, Technical Director, Simonsen, Denmark. AlCircle Team had the opportunity to meet and interview Mr. Morten Simonsen & Mr. Klaus Simonsen, the Managing Director and the Technical Director of Simonsen, Denmark; during their recent visit to India. They are a globally recognized supplier of Refractory linings and Carbon Materials for the primary aluminium industry. Since 1984, the Simonsen family has been active in the industry on a worldwide scale and is one of the largest suppliers of insulation, barrier bricks and silicon carbide blocks for electrolytic furnaces....
