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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AL Circle x Irina BAKHTINA: Path to low-carbon aluminium leadership through innovation, sustainability and circularity
Irina Bakhtina, Chief Sustainability Officer and Member of the Executive Board at RUSAL, brings over 30 years of leadership experience spanning public and private sectors, from mass media and banking to FMCG, metallurgy and power. A recognised advocate for responsible business and sustainability, she has been instrumental in founding initiatives such as the Sustainable Business Lab at SKOLKOVO Moscow School of Management, the Green Brands League under the Russian Quality System (Roskachestvo) and the Commission on Business Ethics of the Russian Managers Association. She also chairs the Supervisory Board of the National ESG Alliance and serves on the Advisory Board of the UN Global Compact Network Russia, reinforcing her commitment to advancing sustainable development and ethical business...
AL Circle x Tim Ebner: Driving higher US aluminium can recycling through community engagement, policy & innovative initiatives
Tim Ebner, Vice President of Communications & Marketing at the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), leads strategic communications to position aluminium beverage cans as the world’s most sustainable drink package. With prior experience at the American Forest & Paper Association and as senior editor of Associations Now, Ebner brings deep expertise in association leadership, marketing and advocacy. At CMI, he oversees campaigns like Every Can Counts US, combining grassroots initiatives, stakeholder collaboration and creative activations to drive recycling awareness and circularity across the United States. In an interview for “ Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment ” e-Magazine, Tim explored Every Can Counts US, a program aimed at boosting aluminium beverage can recycling...
AL Circle x Mark Annandale: Fair access to land and equitable share of benefits are key achieve sustainability
Mark Annandale, Director of Research and IPAF Adviser at the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), brings extensive experience in environmental science and community forestry. Based in Australia, he leads ASI’s research efforts and Indigenous Peoples Advisory Forum, fostering collaboration between Indigenous communities, mining companies, and governments to promote responsible bauxite mining and sustainable practices across the aluminium value chain. In an interview for “ Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment ” e-Magazine, Mark Annandale discusses ASI’s key sustainability goals for 2025, focusing on expanding certifications, promoting circularity, and strengthening engagement with local communities. He emphasizes the importance of both recycling and automation in...
AL Circle x CETIZION Verifica: Driving sustainability and ESG excellence across the global aluminium industry
During an exclusive interview at the IBAAS Conference, Gangaa C. Sharma, Managing Director & CEO of CETIZION Verifica Pvt. Ltd., offered deep insights into the evolving landscape of the global aluminium industry, the growing momentum toward sustainability, and the critical role of ESG excellence in shaping the sector’s future. Read the full interview to explore his valuable insights and outlook on the industry. AL Circle: what is the core mission or value of CETIZION Verifica? Gangaa C Sharma: CETIZION Verifica, as a global company, our core mission is to work in the area of sustainability. And when we say sustainability, we are talking about governance issues like ethical conduct, metal stewardship, environmental issues, waste, water, energy, and human rights and labour issues. So, this...
AL Circle x Takuo Harato: Advancing sustainability and innovation in the global aluminium industry
In an interview during the IBAAS conference, Takuo Harato, Alumina Production Technology Consultant at AlTech Consultant, shared his views on the global aluminium industry, the pursuit of sustainability, and India’s growing role in this transition. AL Circle: What are the key sustainability challenges the global aluminium industry is grappling with today? Takuo Harato: The global aluminium industry’s main sustainability challenge lies in achieving carbon neutrality. While renewable energy is best to tackle the situation, sustainability goes beyond emissions — as resource use inevitably leads to depletion over time. And recycling of aluminium is, of course, very important. But even if we recycle aluminium, we need new aluminium. And the aluminium should be green. Also, how we use low-grade...
AL Circle x CitiUS: Insights on energy-efficient furnaces, automation and global aluminium foundry trends
CitiUS delivers end-to-end aluminium foundry and heat treatment solutions, from custom furnace design to supply, construction and in-house commissioning. With decades of expertise, the firm has combined high-efficiency, low-energy systems with European-quality components, serving diverse industries including aerospace, automotive, defence and hard-alloy production. In an interview for “ ALUEXPO 2025 & Beyond ”, CitiUS shared its approach to energy-efficient, automated and sustainable furnace solutions, sourcing strategies, bespoke applications and their ability to accelerate project timelines. It also highlights emerging market trends, client demands for electrification and how CitiUS positions itself to meet growing aluminium foundry and heat treatment needs globally. AL Circle: Furnaces...
AL Circle x SIMVIC: Driving aluminium recycling innovation through AI, automation and smart factory solutions
SIMVIC Group is a global leader in advanced metal recycling technologies, specialising in customised aluminium recycling solutions. Through AI, LIBS and smart factory automation, the company enhances recovery efficiency, purity and traceability across diverse aluminium scrap streams. In an interview for “ ALUEXPO 2025 & Beyond ” SIMVIC highlights its commitment to circular aluminium recycling, showcasing its AI-driven sorting, digital twin systems and modular upgrades that deliver up to 99.5% purity and over 95% recovery rates. The discussion also explores SIMVIC’s strategic focus on global partnerships and zero-carbon recycling plants to shape a sustainable aluminium future. AL Circle: The recycled aluminium supply chain is often constrained by feedstock variability. How do SIMVIC’s...
AL Circle x Yiğit Kasapoğlu: Transforming industries with RUSAL’s sustainable aluminium solutions
RUSAL, a global aluminium leader, delivers low-carbon, high-quality products across key industries, including automotive, packaging and electrical applications. With advanced technologies, circular economy initiatives and a strong presence in Türkiye, RUSAL ensures stability, sustainability and reliable supply for partners worldwide. In an interview for “ ALUEXPO 2025 & Beyond ”, Yiğit Kasapoğlu emphasised RUSAL’s commitment to sustainability, innovation and customer collaboration. He highlighted breakthroughs like inert anode technology, energy-efficient upgrades and low-carbon PEFA alloys, demonstrating how RUSAL helps partners meet decarbonisation goals while maintaining performance and quality in a volatile global market. AL Circle: Can you please brief us some of your latest...
AL Circle x Rodabell: Driving innovative and sustainable aluminium casting solutions with global reach and advanced engineering
Rodabell is a global leader in aluminium casting solutions, operating from Spain and Bahrain with over 140 employees. The company specialises in designing and supplying advanced systems, consumables and tools for aluminium casting, combining innovation, flexibility and end-to-end service. Rodabell’s strategic focus on R&D, sustainability and international market expansion enables it to deliver cutting-edge, low-carbon solutions while growing its global footprint. In an interview for “ ALUEXPO 2025 & Beyond ”, Rodabell details its engineering capabilities in designing and managing casting lines, offering onsite optimisation, training and multipurpose mechanical solutions. It focuses on automation, energy efficiency, eco-friendly materials and Industry 4.0 trends reinforces its commitment...
AL Circle x Aydınlar Refrakter: Insights on engineering-led refractory innovation and sustainability
Founded in the 1950s, Aydınlar Refrakter has evolved from a firebrick installation and furnace repair business into a leading Turkish refractory manufacturer operating in a modern 8,000 m² facility with a 60-ton daily capacity. Serving key sectors such as iron and steel, aluminium, cement, ceramics, and petrochemicals, the company offers a comprehensive range of castables, ramming masses, gunning mixes, precast shapes, and insulation materials. Beyond products, Aydınlar Refrakter distinguishes itself through end-to-end engineering, design, and technical services, all underpinned by a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and energy efficiency. In an interview for “ ALUEXPO 2025 & Beyond ” e-Magazine, Aydınlar Refrakter has shared its evolution from a traditional refractory...
AL Circle x Metallicco: Europe’s aluminium producers brace for CBAM & rising energy costs
AL Circle: European aluminium producers are facing a convergence of rising energy costs and CBAM enforcement. From your recent projects, what percentage of production cost do energy-intensive processes like smelting and refining represent? Can MetAllic's process redesign realistically tip the cost balance in favour of EU-based production? Erman Car: In the past, we only considered raw material, energy and labour costs when calculating the cost of production. Now, carbon and health & safety costs must be considered. In this context, MetAllic offers three important services: Our main expertise is recycling, in which we both design customer-specific (tailor-made) processes and offer state-of-the-art technological solutions also to produce low grade scrap with our partners. We design the...
AL Circle x Kirsty Davies-Chinnock: Women entering aluminium sector, develop your network and make yourself visible
In conversation with, Kirsty Davies-Chinnock, a visionary leader, award-winning manufacturer, and trailblazer for gender inclusion in the metals and industrial sectors. After a serendipitous start in metal finishing in 1989, she rose through the ranks to lead a company through economic storms, and now channels her experience into Women With Metal, a movement and annual conference amplifying women’s voices in manufacturing. As host of the Women in Industry podcast and founder of The Confidence Collective, Kirsty empowers professionals through storytelling, mentorship, and community. From boardrooms to workshops, she leverages her expertise and conviction to redefine leadership—one bold step at a time. AL Circle: Can you tell us about your journey in the metals, manufacturing & engineering...
AL Circle x Göksal GÜNGÖR: Driving aluminium sustainability through recycling, renewables and adaptive production strategies
In an interview for " ALUEXPO 2025 & Beyond ", Göksal GÜNGÖR outlines how Assan Alüminyum decarbonisation roadmap is steering the company toward carbon neutrality by 2050. With Europe’s largest continuous casting capacity, strong renewable energy investments and innovative recycling-friendly alloys, the company demonstrates agility in balancing market volatility while advancing sustainability. By leveraging integrated recycling operations, Scope 2 neutrality and ASI certification, Assan enhances customer trust and market access. Beyond operations, its ESG initiatives, ranging from biodiversity preservation to community empowerment, further strengthen stakeholder relations, reinforcing its leadership in delivering sustainable, high-quality flat-rolled aluminium globally. AL Circle: Assan...
AL Circle x FIMI Machinery: Innovation, digital solutions, and sustainable aluminium processing excellence
FIMI Machinery shares how its customer-centric, innovative approach drives tailored plant engineering and long-term partnerships. The company emphasizes cutting-edge solutions like the “FIMI Digital” platform for remote monitoring, advanced aluminium strip degreasing, and turnkey lines for sectors such as automotive, packaging, and aerospace. Showcasing flexibility, high efficiency, and sustainability, FIMI demonstrates its commitment to optimised operations, environmental responsibility, and ongoing customer support across the aluminium industry. In an interview for “ ALUEXPO: 2025 & BEYOND” e-Magazine, FIMI Machinery stated its focus on delivering high-tech aluminium processing solutions and long-term customer value AL Circle: How do your core values—innovation, customer-centricity, and...
AL Circle x Norsk Hydro: Scrap, technology, and renewable energy drive our decarbonisation operations
In an exclusive conversation, Bjørn Kjetil Mauritzen, Senior Vice President and Head of Sustainability at Hydro, underscored the company’s unwavering commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. He outlined clear interim goals of cutting emissions by 10 per cent by 2025 and 30 per cent by 2030, based on 2018 levels. According to Mauritzen, Hydro is driving this transition through three main strategies - expanding post-consumer scrap recycling, advancing breakthrough technologies like carbon capture and zero-emission smelting, and accelerating the use of renewable energy while boosting efficiency. Dive into the full interview to explore his insights in detail. AL Circle: Hydro has long positioned itself as a sustainability leader in the aluminium industry. Could you share your...
Al Circle x Window Magic: How aluminium is redefining India’s fenestration future
In conversation with Mr Manish Bansal, the Director and CEO of Window Magic highlights aluminium’s pivotal role in reshaping India’s architectural and fenestration industry, offering strength, design flexibility, and sustainability compared to traditional materials. He notes its recyclability, energy-efficient technologies, and alignment with global trends like minimalistic frames, unitised curtain walls, and dynamic façades. With European technology raising performance standards and digital tools like BIM and smart glass driving precision and efficiency, aluminium is positioned as the material of choice for future-ready buildings. Backed by Window Magic’s sustainability initiatives, diversification, and innovation-driven culture, Bansal sees aluminium as central to India’s construction...
AL Circle x Rafael Aun Ming: Driving global aluminium packaging standards through sustainability, certification and consumer trust
Rafael Aun Ming, Founder and Chairman of Açaí Motion Group, has scaled his authentic Brazilian beverage brand to over 60 countries. A visionary entrepreneur and advocate for sustainability, he pioneered the use of ASI-certified aluminum cans in Brazil with Ball Corporation. His mission is to share the vibrant energy of the Amazon through high-quality products while championing ethical sourcing and the circular economy. In an interview for “ American Aluminium Industry: The Path Forward ”, Ming highlights the company’s landmark partnership with Ball Corporation to launch Brazil’s first ASI-certified aluminium cans. He discusses how aluminium packaging strengthens consumer trust, ensures product quality, and enables global scalability while aligning with sustainability values. Rafael also...
AL Circle x ALEMAI: More than 250 aluminium extrusion plants are at risk due to cheap imports in India, points out Jitendra Chopra
At an exclusive interview with Mr Jitendra Chopra, President of ALEMAI, he has pointed out that enhancing domestic consumption is the way forward for the Indian aluminium extrusion industry to grow and offset the pressures created by external tariffs. He believes that India Government should reiterate and take strong measures agaisnt the tariffs and cheap imports to safeguard its 250 aluminium extrusion manufacturers. Mr Chopra has also highlighted that India's aluminium extrusion industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8%, revealing the key drivers. Read the full interview here: AL Circle: What is your outlook on the growth of aluminium extrusion demand in India? Which key industries do you expect will drive this growth in the coming years? Jitendra Chopra : India is fast emerging as...
