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 Hydeb: Custom aluminium solutions engineered to solve site-specific operational challenges efficiently
Jinan Hydeb Thermal Tech Co., Ltd. has spent over two decades revolutionising aluminium equipment manufacturing with a strong focus on solving onsite challenges faced by casthouses, foundries and recycling plants. Backed by a technically experienced founder with over 30 years in the aluminium industry, Hydeb prioritises customised, high-performance solutions over one-size-fits-all equipment. Their R&D-driven approach ensures machines are tailored to specific layouts and operations, resulting in enhanced efficiency, reduced maintenance and improved output quality. In an interview for “ ALuminium China 2025 & Beyond ” e-Magazine, Hydeb discussed this customer-centric innovation journey and the technologies driving the next phase of aluminium manufacturing. AL Circle: Is your entire range of...
AL Circle x Chu da Machinery: CNC evolution, automation upgrades, export strategies and service innovation
Founded in 2017 in Foshan, Chu da Machinery has evolved from traditional aluminium processing equipment to advanced CNC systems tailored for rail transit and automotive sectors. With a strong R&D focus, the company now offers smart, high-precision CNC machines and comprehensive service solutions across China and beyond. In an interview for ALuminium China 2025 & Beyond , Chuda discussed its CNC transformation journey and future growth plans. AL Circle: What are the standout features of your machinery and how do they help aluminium producers enhance operational efficiency and productivity? Chuda: The key advantage of Chuda’s CNC equipment lies in its minimal tail stock precision cutting technology. By utilising a three-axis structure, our system intelligently bypasses the end plate,...
AL Circle x Nanping Aluminium: Driving sustainable growth through innovation in aluminium manufacturing and applications
Nanping Aluminium Co., Ltd., a state-owned enterprise under Fujian Industrial Holding Group, is a leading manufacturer with over 60 years of expertise in green, low-carbon aluminium solutions. With a fully integrated industrial chain and an annual capacity of 450,000 metric tons, it serves key sectors like consumer electronics, automotive and architectural engineering. Recognised among China’s Top 10 Architectural Aluminium Profile Manufacturers, the company champions innovation and sustainability. In an interview for ALuminium China 2025 & Beyond e-Magazine, Nanping Aluminium shared insights into its advanced manufacturing and industry vision. AL Circle: How is your company integrating intelligent manufacturing, automation, or Industry 4.0 into operations? Nanping Aluminium: Nanping...
AL Circle x Luoyang Longding Aluminum Industries Co., Ltd.: Driving aluminium innovation through R&D, patents and process optimisation
Zhang Anle, a Metallic Materials Engineering graduate from Wuhan University of Science and Technology, has been instrumental in advancing aluminium processing since 2007. Currently, at Luoyang Longding Aluminum Co., Ltd., he has led innovations in product R&D, quality management and industrial upgrades, earning multiple national patents and industry accolades. In an interview for the “ ALuminium China 2025 & Beyond ” e-Magazine, Zhang stated how high-value-added product development and process optimisation significantly enhanced output and market competitiveness. AL Circle: Could you walk us through your journey to achieving an annual production capacity of 400,000 tonnes with a total investment of $3.4 billion? What key challenges did you face, and what lessons have you learned along the...
AL Circle x Wanji Group: Driving sustainable growth through innovation in China's aluminium value chain
Wanji Holding Group Co., Ltd., founded in 1987, is a leading integrated enterprise with operations spanning coal mining, power generation, alumina, electrolytic aluminium and aluminium deep processing. With 14 subsidiaries and stakes in 7 joint ventures, Wanji has built a complete “coal–power–aluminium” value chain. Ranked among China’s Top 500 Enterprises for 16 consecutive years, it also holds the “AAA Credit Enterprise” rating. In an interview for ALuminium China 2025 & Beyond , Wanji shares its vision for high-quality growth, innovation-driven development, and a more sustainable aluminium industry. AL Circle: What is your current footprint in domestic and international markets? Wanji Group: Domestic Market Leadership: Leading market share in: Premium aluminium foil stock; CTP plate...
AL Circle x Lizhong Sitong Light Alloys Group Co., Ltd: Driving aluminium sustainability through innovation and global collaboration.
Founded in 1984, Lizhong Group is a global enterprise specialising in recycled aluminium alloys and lightweight automotive products. The company operates through three major enterprise groups, recycled aluminium alloy, aluminium alloy wheel and functional master alloy new materials. In an interview for ALuminium China 2025 & Beyond e-Magazine , Lizhong Group shared its vision for the future of sustainable aluminium. The discussion highlighted the company’s strategic focus on advancing low-carbon and high-performance aluminium materials, supporting China’s dual carbon goals and promoting intelligent manufacturing. They also emphasised the importance of industry collaboration, green supply chains, and the expansion of overseas markets to enhance global competitiveness. AL Circle: What...
Volker Hoffmann from CeraNovis and AL Circle converse on the aluminium market’s shift from cost and quality to sustainability
Volker Hofmann is the Head of Sales and Product Management at CeraNovis GmbH, a Saarbrücken-based specialist in high-performance coatings for foundries and casthouses. A qualified engineer in Foundry and Materials Technology (Dipl.-Ing. FH), Hofmann brings over three decades of experience across Europe’s metallurgical and casting sectors. His career spans leadership roles in the vonRoll Foundry Group, P&S Foundry, and the European Foundry Group, with a particular focus on Tier 1 automotive supply. Before co-founding CeraNovis in 2012 as a spin-off from ItN Nanovation AG, he led the development of nanotechnology-based coating solutions for metal processing industries. Fluent in German, English, and French, Hofmann is recognised for his deep technical expertise and strategic insight into...
AL Circle x ANYbotics: AI robotics transforming aluminium inspections and maintenance automation
Belin Güngör, Head of Metals & Minerals for North America at ANYbotics, leads AI-driven robotic inspection solutions for heavy industries. ANYmal robots are transforming routine inspections and predictive maintenance in metals and mining through autonomy, agility, and real-time data insights, boosting safety and efficiency while addressing labour gaps. In an interview for Advanced Industrial Technologies in the Aluminium Industry (Part II) e-Magazine, Belin Güngör emphasised the growing demand for robotics in hazardous aluminium environments and how ANYmal enables proactive maintenance and operational continuity. AL Circle: Can you outline ANYmal robots, four-legged autonomy, and the sensor suite (visual, thermal, gas, and acoustic) and address the operational challenges in aluminium...
AL Circle in conversation with Tulip 3P’s CEO Priyank Jain on India’s Leading Wire & Cable Expo
Since its inception in 2015, the Cable & Wire Fair (CWF), organised by Tulip 3P Media Private Limited, has grown from a modest 3,000 sq. m. launch to a 35,000 sq. m. mega-expo. Featuring 500+ exhibitors from 20 countries and 15,000+ visitors from around 50 countries, the 6th edition (Nov 4–6, 2025), to be held with Tube & Pipe Fair (TPF) and Bharat Metal Expo (BME), includes two-day conference. Because of its deep industry understanding, the event is now a key gathering for India’s industrial development. Priyank Jain, CEO of Tulip 3P Media, recounts the development, goals, and influence of India’s premier wire and cable exhibition in this interview. AL Circle: How would you assess the wire & cable industry’s growth in connection with the fair? Priyank Jain: The Cable & Wire Fair is a...
AL Circle x Meadow: Sustainable aluminium packaging & approach to circular design and waste reduction
Ross Murdoch, Chief Sustainability Officer at Meadow, is a dedicated sustainability leader with over a decade of experience addressing social and environmental challenges. Renowned for his commitment to reducing single-use waste, Ross brings deep expertise in circular economy principles and sustainable consumption practices. In the e-Magazine “ Advanced Industrial Technologies in the Aluminium Industry ”, Ross Murdoch shares valuable insights into how Meadow is leveraging sustainable innovation to reduce aluminium packaging waste. He discusses the company’s approach to circular design, the elimination of unnecessary materials, and how consumer behaviour change is central to advancing a more responsible aluminium packaging ecosystem. AL Circle: How does Meadow’s technology redefine the...
AL Circle x Atoco: Advanced porous materials reshaping gas separation & environmental control in aluminium smelters
Prof. Grant Glover, a seasoned researcher with over 20 years of expertise in gas separation and porous materials, currently leads a university research group delving into mixed gas adsorption and ionic liquid absorption. With a rich background in both academia and defence R&D, his contributions span journal articles, patents, and the acclaimed book Gas Adsorption in Metal-Organic Frameworks. In an interview for " Advanced Industrial Technologies in the ALuminium Industry (Part II) " e-Magazine, Prof. Glover shares key insights into the potential of porous materials and adsorbents in aluminium industry applications, particularly in energy-efficient gas separation processes. AL Circle: Traditional CCS technologies struggle with aluminium smelting due to low CO2 concentration and high...
AL Circle x TOMRA Recycling: Advancing aluminium recycling through intelligent, sensor-based sorting technology
Frank van de Winkel is Business Development Manager at TOMRA Recycling’s Metals sorting division. With a career starting in 2005 at CommoDaS, where he progressed from applications development engineer to test-centre manager, he transitioned into technical sales support after TOMRA acquired the company. He later took charge of sales in North America and Australia and now applies his extensive expertise in metals recycling to drive new markets, segments and applications globally. In the e‑Magazine “ Advanced Industrial Technologies in the Aluminium Industry (Part II) ”, Frank van de Winkel highlights TOMRA’s pivotal role in enhancing metals sorting efficiency and sustainability, a key focus as the aluminium sector seeks greener, more digitised processing solutions. AL Circle: How have...
AL Circle x Industrial Physics: Safeguarding aluminium packaging quality in a circular economy
Stefan Welker brings over 18 years of dedicated experience in the packaging industry, with a strong focus on inspection systems. His expertise spans the entire process from designing and specifying systems to developing advanced measurement and image processing solutions. This conversation offers a deep dive into how Industrial Physics is driving quality assurance and innovation in the aluminium packaging value chain, particularly as the world pivots toward sustainability and circularity. As sustainability gains momentum and recycled aluminium becomes more prevalent (and often more variable in quality), precise testing becomes essential. He further provided overview about how Industrial Physics helps detect faults early, reduce waste, and prevent costly recalls all while supporting...
“This new 4.0 version introduces advanced communication capabilities, real-time monitoring, and comprehensive data reporting, including sensor health and process-specific information for each ingot.” Loic Fracheboud, Gap. Engineering SA.
Loic Fracheboud is an Artificial Intelligence and Embedded Systems Engineer with deep expertise in the aluminium production sector. With hands-on experience working alongside operators and process managers, he understands the industrial environment from the ground up. Leveraging his dual academic background, Loic develops cutting-edge solutions that merge AI with embedded systems to drive automation, enhance reliability and support smart manufacturing across the value chain. In the e-Magazine " Advanced Industrial Technologies in the ALuminium Industry (Part II) ", Loic Fracheboud discusses how integrated systems like the GLA and GLS are advancing aluminium casting through Industry 4.0 technologies, supporting real-time monitoring, process optimisation and rapid maintenance in...
“FIMI’s patented multiroll degreasing system, especially for ultra-thin materials, ensures the mechanical properties of the strip remain intact.” - Timothy Fiumana, FIMIGroup
Timothy Fiumana, Marketing Manager at FIMIGroup since 2011, plays a vital role in steering the company’s global communication and brand strategy. Born in Como, Italy, the seasoned professional brings a strong background in marketing to promote FIMIGroup’s innovation-driven identity across international markets. His leadership has significantly contributed to expanding the company’s presence through sustainable solutions and digital transformation. In the e-Magazine “ Advanced Industrial Technologies in the ALuminium Industry (Part II) ”, Timothy Fiumana discusses how FIMIGroup addresses the aluminium industry’s demand for eco-friendly surface treatments, digitalised plant performance and energy-efficient technologies. AL Circle: The aluminium industry increasingly demands eco-friendly and...
Part 3 – “For supersonic aircraft operating at speeds similar to the X-59 (Mach 1.4-1.8), aluminium alloys will likely remain the primary material for large sections of the airframe,” Kalea Texeira, National Training Program Manager at Federal Aviation Administration
Step into the final leg of our enlightening journey with Kalea Texeira, where the spotlight turns once more to aluminium but not as the old guard of aerospace materials. Instead, as Texeira compellingly reveals, aluminium re-emerges from the X-59 program as a vital force shaping the future of flight. Far from being left behind in the age of advanced composites and high-temperature alloys, aluminium proves it still has plenty of lift. Read the full interview below for her complete insights. Missed the first two parts? Catch up on Part 1 & Part 2 by clicking the link here! AL Circle: Do the technologies developed for the X-59 have commercial or military crossover potential, particularly in future green aviation platforms? Kalea Texeira: The technologies developed and validated through...
“We have diversified into biomass pellets and green fuel to make our aluminium recycling process more sustainable. Our goal is to go completely green by the end of this year.” – Sudarshan Bagaria, CEO, Bagaria Aluminium Alloys Pvt. Ltd.
AL Circle: Could you please brief us about your journey in producing 1,100 tonnes of secondary aluminium per month at your facility? Sudarshan Bagaria: We started this journey in 2016, when we installed an aluminium plant and it started functioning in June 2017. At that time, we had never imagined that we would reach 1,100 tonnes per month. Starting from a small facility with only one furnace, we produced 100 tonnes in our first month. And thereafter, the journey continued because the automotive sector as well as the electrical sector were expanding. It reaches eight to 10 per cent minimum every year. Some companies are going by 20 per cent, 25 per cent also. This helped us create avenues with only one thing in mind: our quality. We achieved 1100 tonnes solely due to our quality, which we...
Part 2 - “The X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft is specifically designed to address the most significant environmental noise pollution challenge associated with supersonic flight: the sonic boom,” Kalea Texeira, National Training Program Manager at Federal Aviation Administration
Welcome to Part 2 of our conversation with Kalea Texeira, National Training Program Manager at the Federal Aviation Administration. In this segment, Kalea dives deeper into NASA’s groundbreaking X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft, offering an inside look at how its innovative design and material choices help minimize the disruptive sonic booms that plagued earlier supersonic jets like the Concorde and F-18. She also underscores the essential role of aluminium in modern aircraft construction highlighting how this lightweight, high-performance material remains key to pushing the boundaries of aerospace innovation. AL Circle: What critical insights were gained from the integration tests using the real aircraft, and how did they shape further refinements? Kalea Texeira : The...
