Aluminium’s Future Goes Green

Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

I have nearly 39 years of experience in the Mining and Metal industry. My professional experience includes 27 years in operations management of the Aluminium Smelter plant, including 5 years in a top management position at the Production units. I have nearly 12 years of experience in Business Development and Projects, which includes almost 3 years of Board directorship.

Q2. How is the global push for decarbonization impacting project planning and operations in the aluminium sector?

Primary aluminium production is highly energy intensive. It is also considered to be one of the 'hard to abate' sectors as far as the green energy transition is concerned. Energy consumption in the three stages of aluminium production, i.e., Bauxite Mining, Alumina Refinery, and Aluminium production, is the key concern in the path to decarbonisation.

As per International Aluminium Institute (IAI) data, average emission intensity from aluminium smelters globally in 2024 was 14.8t CO2 equivalent per tonne of metal. In aluminium production, emissions primarily come from process emissions (Scope-1 emissions) and the use of electricity (Scope-2 emissions). The source of electricity contributes…