Hillside Aluminium
South Africa’s Hillside aluminium smelter eyes renewable power under Eskom-South32 plan
Eskom and South32 have moved forward with a long-term renewable energy plan for the Hillside Aluminium smelter in KwaZulu-Natal, to keep it running past 2031. The proposed solution, currently under discussion, is expected to begin when the smelter’s existing electricity contract expires in 2031, subject to regulatory approvals. Both companies have formed a joint working group to explore ways to integrate competitively priced renewable energy into the national grid, supported by firming capacity within existing frameworks. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The initiative is intended to enhance the competitiveness of the Hillside operation, support regional economic stability, and align with South Africa’s...
Hillside Aluminium maintains steady output at 181,000 tonnes in Q3
South Africa’s Hillside Aluminium smelter continues to hold a key role in developing and running the country’s manufacturing base. Operating since 1996, the smelter at Richards Bay has become one of the largest aluminium producers in the southern hemisphere. It is processing imported alumina into premium-grade metal, which so far has a huge demand across global markets. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The smelter, at present, operates 864 electrolysis cells that leverage the proven Pechiney AP30 version of the Hall-Héroult process. The equipment allows the facility to deliver stable output and effective usage of power, which is indeed a profitable advantage in a country where energy resources are pretty unpredictable. Output...
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ALUMINIUM 2026
15th International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Conference & Exhibition - IBAAS–VFMSTA 2026
ICSOBA 2026 - 44th International Conference and Exhibition
ALUMINIUM 2026
15th International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Conference & Exhibition - IBAAS–VFMSTA 2026
ICSOBA 2026 - 44th International Conference and Exhibition
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A report that reveals where the aluminium casting industry is heading and how businesses can act.
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A report that reveals where the aluminium casting industry is heading and how businesses can act.
LEARN MOREEurope holds 10% of global aluminium extrusion demand, supported by Germany’s Constellium, France’s Hydro Extrusions & Italy’s Metra
H1 2026 sees more renewable energy than ever: Here’s a region-by-region guide to renewable energy supply in the recent past
H1’26 LME aluminium stocks dip 31.82%: Russian sanctions & Gulf crisis pack a double blow
AL Circle Analysis: Import rise meets demand growth on aluminium extrusion chessboard
News
South Africa’s largest aluminium smelter targets greener future with decarbonisation drive
Although aluminium from South Africa’s Hillside Aluminium in KwaZulu-Natal carries the value-dampening label of ‘high-carbon,’ South32, a globally diversified mining and metals company, gains a value boost from the ‘low-carbon’ premium status of its other two operations, Brazil Aluminium and Mozal Aluminium. Hillside Aluminium & its decarbonisation efforts Hillside Aluminium is labelled carbon-intensive due to its reliance on coal-fired electricity. However, there’s promising news that intensive efforts are underway to explore competitive decarbonisation solutions for Hillside, the largest aluminium smelter in the southern hemisphere and a key supplier of primary aluminium to South Africa’s value-adding secondary producers. In the six months to December, South32’s operational greenhouse...
South32 reports resilient H1 production performance despite robust challenges
South32, a globally diversified mining and metals company, reported strong aluminium production figures for the half-year ended December 2024. The report strongly highlights the company’s focus on operational excellence and resilience amidst external disruptions. According to the company’s December 2024 Quarterly Report, total aluminium production increased by 5 per cent to 604 kilotonnes, compared to 575 kilotonnes in the corresponding period of the previous year. Image Source: https://www.south32.net/ Aluminium’s operational performance The increase in aluminium output was primarily driven by the improved performance of South32’s operations at Hillside Aluminium, Mozal Aluminium, and Brazil Aluminium. Hillside Aluminium in South Africa delivered robust results as the smelter operated...
South Africa's largest aluminium smelter signs 15-year lease agreement with TNPA
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has entered into a 15-year lease agreement with South32 Hillside Aluminium, ensuring the continued operations of South Africa's sole primary aluminium producer at the Port of Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. Hillside, the largest aluminium smelter in the southern hemisphere, produces high-quality primary aluminium for both domestic and international markets. "The Hillside Aluminium 15-year lease agreement is facilitated through a process stipulated in Section 79 (1) of the National Ports Act No 12 of 2005, which empowers TNPA to control land use within the port in alignment with the Port Development Framework Plan (PDFP)," said the company. TNPA stated that the premises are designated for commercial and industrial use, aligning with strategic...
South32's aluminium production and asset sale highlight a strong start to FY25
South32 has reported increased production across its operations in the first quarter of the 2024–25 financial year (Q1 FY25), maintaining its production guidance for the period. South32 Limited is a mining and metals company headquartered in Perth, Western Australia and follows the Australian financial year, which starts on July 1, with the last day occurring the following year on June 30. In addition to these operational gains, the company successfully completed the sale of its Illawarra Metallurgical Coal business. The asset was sold to a joint venture between Golden Energy and Resources and M Resources for $US964 million (approximately A$1.4 billion), marking a significant milestone for the mining giant. This quarter’s performance highlights South32’s focus on operational efficiency...
South32 boosts aluminium & manganese production in South Africa despite market challenges
South32 increased its manganese and aluminium production in South Africa for the fiscal year ending June 2024 despite facing lower prices and higher truck-related costs. The company is actively exploring low-carbon energy solutions. South32 anticipates a 12 per cent increase in unit operating costs for its South African manganese operations, driven by higher price-linked royalties and inland logistics expenses. Meanwhile, the company's Hillside operation in South Africa boosted its saleable aluminium production by 1,000 tonnes to 720,000 tonnes during the year under review, despite challenges from load shedding, particularly earlier in the year. South32 expects to maintain production levels at Hillside, the largest aluminium smelter in the Southern Hemisphere, throughout 2025 and 2026. "I...
Africa’s primary aluminium production shows a bearish trend in April 2024, marking a Y-o-Y fall of 5.4%
Africa’s primary aluminium production in April 2024 reflected a bearish trend compared to the previous month as well as year, found the International Aluminium Institute (IAI). The month-on-month decline in April 2024 brought Africa’s primary aluminium output close to the production volume in February at 121,000 tonnes. As per the data revealed by IAI, primary aluminium production in Africa during April 2024 was 122,000 tonnes, which reflected a monthly fall of 4,000 tonnes or 3.17 per cent from 126,000 tonnes. On a year-on-year basis, Africa’s aluminium output in April was even lower from 129,000 tonnes, marking a downfall of 7,000 tonnes or 5.43 per cent. The cumulative output of primary aluminium in Africa from January to April 2024 also stood lower than during the corresponding period...
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