Ali Al Baqali, the Chief Executive Officer of Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) stressed on sustainability as he gave insights on Alba’s approach to sustainability and its societal impact at two key industry sessions at the Virtual International Aluminium Conference 2020, last month.

Al Baqali was a key speaker at the Virtual International Aluminium Conference 2020 organised by Fastmarkets. He featured alongside the CEOs of leading global aluminium producers in the Executive Panel on the first day of the conference, Alba said in a statement.

This session focussed on current issues faced by the aluminium industry including Covid-19 – impact, actions, expectations; aluminium fundamentals – macro backdrop, end-use industries; and China and aluminium supply.

As one of the panellists, Al Baqali highlighted Alba’s response strategy to Covid-19 and lessons learnt, as well as emphasised on the company’s focus in respect to safety, efficient operations and lean cost structure.

During the CEO Fireside Chat, Al Baqali gave insights on Alba’s approach to sustainability and societal impact and said: “Sustainability is not only about being a green smelter, it is also about going above and beyond to give back to our community in terms of Environment Protection, Social Responsibility and Governance.

“To accelerate our sustainable transformation, we have carried-out many initiatives to include building the Spent Pot Lining (SPL) Treatment Plant – the first of its kind in GCC, which upon completion in 2021, will transform SPL into value-products for industries while ensuring zero waste; investing in the Fish Farm Project at Alba’s Calciner and Marine operations; and conducting feasibility studies to install solar panels in Alba parking area to generate power and there will be more to come.”

Alba is one of the major aluminium smelters participating in the Virtual International Aluminium Conference 2020.