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Seize the opportunity to network with stakeholders from every segment of the bauxite and alumina industry, including miners, refiners, traders and logistics providers. Powered by Fastmarkets’ trusted expertise, this event connects you with decision-makers and industry leaders who are shaping the sector’s future. Don’t miss this chance to foster meaningful collaborations and gain insights to drive your business forward.
Prepare for the challenges with actionable strategies for addressing supply disruptions. Learn from experts about innovative approaches to diversifying resources and building resilience. Hear how leading regions are positioning themselves competitively for the future and tackling uncertainties in the global landscape.
Dive into the key market trends that will shape 2025 and beyond. Explore how Indonesia’s expansion plans are influencing global trade and gain insights into the evolving balance of supply, demand and pricing. Discuss the critical questions surrounding China’s alumina export policies and their ripple effects across global supply chains. Discover where the next wave of capacity will emerge to meet growing demand.
Speakers
Jesse Gary
Chief Executive Officer
Century Aluminium
Jesse is Chief Executive Officer of Century Aluminum Company. Prior to taking the helm as CEO, Jesse served in a variety of senior leadership roles over his 14-year career at Century, including as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel. Previously, Jesse practiced law at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz in New York. Mr. Gary received his B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley and his J.D. from Cornell Law School.
Ron Knapp
Advisor
China Hongqiao Group
Ron joined China Hongqiao Group in January 2020, following 11 years as Secretary General of the International Aluminium Institute (London). Previous roles include Executive Director of the Australian Aluminium Council (2002 to 2008), Chief Executive of the World Coal Institute London (1997 to 2001) and senior positions with the Minerals Council of Australia (1987 to 1996). Prior to these appointments, Ron was an economist with the Australian Government (1976 to 1987). Ron is an Australian with a small beef cattle farm in Australia. China Hongqiao Group is one of the largest fully integrated aluminum company in the world with extensive activities along the whole production chain, based on major direct investments and long-term strategic partnerships. Production is dominated by operations in China, combined with key resource developments in Indonesia and Guinea.
Johannes Heckmann
Nabaltec AG
After a year of study abroad in the USA, Johannes Heckmann completed his industrial engineering studies at the Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences and began his professional career in 1993 as a project manager at Schindler Aufzüge AG in Lucerne, Switzerland. At the end of 1993, he moved to AKW Amberger Kaolinwerke GmbH, where he also worked as a project manager and, among other things, had project responsibility for constructing a kaolin plant in Brazil. In April 1995, Johannes Heckmann began his career as a managing director at Nabaltec. With the founding of Nabaltec AG and the IPO in 2006, he was appointed to the Executive Board and was responsible for the areas of production, research and development. With effect from 01/01/2017 he was appointed as Chairman of the Executive Board of Nabaltec.
Anton Posner
Mercury Resources
Mercury Resources provides full supply chain services to the global metals, steel, and industrial commodity markets. Founded in 2016, Mercury Resources has diverse experience providing total solutions to producers, consumers, trading companies and banks involved in the commodity trade space. Prior to joining Mercury Resources, Anton was Chief Executive Officer of CWT Commodities USA, the North American unit of the Singapore based global logistics and financial services company CWT Limited. Over his career Anton held positions at supply chain management companies and steamship lines including sales and marine operations. In addition, Anton is a member of the Board of the Americas Regional Committee of The International Trade & Forfaiting Association (ITFA). Anton is a frequent contributor in business media including appearances on Bloomberg Television to discuss global supply chain issues. Anton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Transportation / Business Administration from The State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler where he also obtained his United States Merchant Marine License as a Third Mate. After his academic career at SUNY Maritime, Anton served as an officer in the United States Navy Reserve. Anton has lectured at several colleges and universities on the business of logistics including The State University of New York Maritime College, The United States Merchant Marine Academy, and Baruch College of the City University of New York.
Christian Ammermann
Chief Supply Chain Officer
Almatis GmbH
Nick Kovics
Vice President, Inorganic Chemicals
Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS, A Dow Jones Company
Nick Kovics serves as the Vice President of Global Inorganic Chemicals at Chemical Market Analytics, which includes Chlor-alkali chemicals, Vinyls, Bleaching Chemicals, and Soda Ash. Nick brings over 25 years of chemical industry experience to the Chemical Market Analytics Inorganic chemicals insights team. He was promoted to his current role in 2024 where he currently leads twenty analysts that research, forecast, and report on chlor-alkali chemicals, vinyls, bleaching chemicals, and soda ash from five global locations. Previously, Nick has held a variety of roles in the Inorganics value chain at Chemical Market Analytics including leading the Chlor-alkali, Bleaching Chemicals, and Battery Materials advisory services. Nick held various functional roles in several companies before joining Chemical Market Analytics. He began his career in the chlor-alkali sector at Canadian Occidental as a process engineer. Nick next moved into the energy sector with Schlumberger Canada cementing and hydraulic fracturing services as a field engineer. He then transitioned from oil and gas to new energy and spent a decade in the hydrogen fuel cell sector in technical, commercial and financial roles. Nick continued in the electrochemical sector by joining Canexus (now Chemtrade) and held commercial leadership roles in chlor-alkali and sodium chlorate marketing. Originally from Canada, Nick holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of British Columbia, and an MBA from Simon Fraser University. He is a registered Canadian Professional Engineer and a Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant. He has resided in Houston, TX since joining Chemical Market Analytics in 2017
Manny Xidias
President
IFCHOR NA
Manny Xidias is a seasoned logistics and supply chain professional with extensive expertise in ocean freight, warehousing, and trucking. As the Managing Director of a leading logistics company, he oversees global operations, ensuring seamless transportation and warehousing solutions for clients around the world. With a Master of Science degree from SUNY Maritime, Manny has a strong foundation in maritime and logistics management. He has a proven track record of successfully expanding business operations, having opened offices in key international markets, including Beijing, Dubai, and New York. This global presence has enabled him to build a robust network and deepen his understanding of the unique logistics challenges in different regions. Manny is committed to innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. His leadership philosophy revolves around fostering a collaborative environment while driving growth and efficiency. In addition to his technical expertise, he holds an ASBA certification, further enhancing his qualifications in the logistics field. With a passion for advancing the logistics industry, Manny continues to lead teams and businesses toward greater success, focusing on sustainable practices and strategic growth.
Andy Farida
Senior Analyst
Fastmarkets
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Gold Sponsors
Alcoa (NYSE: AA, ASX: AAI) is a global industry leader in bauxite, alumina and aluminum products with a vision to reinvent the aluminum industry for a sustainable future. With a values-based approach that encompasses integrity, operating excellence, care for people and courageous leadership, our purpose is to Turn Raw Potential into Real Progress. Since developing the process that made aluminum an affordable and vital part of modern life, our talented Alcoans have developed breakthrough innovations and best practices that have led to greater efficiency, safety, sustainability and stronger communities wherever we operate.
Silver Sponsors
Overview:Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) is Ghana’s premier and sole bauxite mining company, significantly contributing to the country’s mining industry and economic development. Established in the 1940s, GBC operates the Awaso bauxite mine in the Western North Region. The company is committed to excellence, sustainability, and innovation in bauxite mining and processing. GBC produces high-grade trihydrate bauxite with an alumina content of 52% and low silica of 1.5%.
Ownership:GBC is jointly owned by Ofori-Poku Company Limited (80%) and the Government of Ghana (20%), with the latter’s interest managed by the Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation (GIADEC).
Operations:(GBC) has a strong track record of safe and sustainable mining practices. Currently, GBC exports approximately 2 million tonnes of bauxite annually from Takoradi Port. The company is committed to expansion projects, as demonstrated by introducing state-of-the-art surface miners. This new technology facilitates environmentally sustainable ore extraction, allowing for mineral extraction without drilling and blasting. With this significant investment in mining technology, production is expected to increase to 6 million tonnes in 2025.
Commitment to Sustainability:GBC strongly emphasises sustainable practices, adhering to international environmental standards and prioritising the well-being of local communities. Through employment generation, community development projects, and environmental conservation initiatives, GBC ensures its operations have a positive and lasting impact. The company is dedicated to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and the health and safety of its employees. Additionally, GBC continuously invests in resource exploration and development to meet global demands while adhering to internationally accepted mining standards.
Vision:Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) aims to be a world-class enterprise that meets the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders while contributing significantly to Ghana’s export drive and economic development. GBC’s vision is to be a global leader in bauxite mining, driving innovation and sustainability while supporting Ghana’s industrial growth. By focusing on operational excellence and strategic partnerships, GBC continues to strengthen its position as a trusted supplier in the global bauxite and alumina industry.Furthermore, GBC aims to add significant value to the bauxite produced in Ghana, a resource that has historically been exported in its raw form for the past century without any value addition. By investing in advanced processing technologies and infrastructure, GBC seeks to transform raw bauxite into alumina and other value-added products. This strategic shift enhances Ghana’s economic benefits and aligns with the government’s vision of creating a fully integrated aluminium industry. Through these efforts, GBC is committed to maximising the potential of Ghana’s bauxite resources, fostering industrial growth, and contributing to sustainable economic development.
Partners
The International Committee for Study of Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium (ICSOBA) is an independent non-profit association that unites industry professionals representing major bauxite, alumina and aluminium producing companies, technology suppliers, researchers and consultants from around the world. Since 1963, ICSOBA has become a well-recognized and truly international organization with the vision of organizing every year the “Technology Conference of the Aluminium Industry, for the Aluminium Industry”.
With its high standard of proceedings, ICSOBA contributes to knowledge dissemination by offering a platform for Industry-University Collaboration for Innovation and by providing general access to the several thousand technical papers which have been published in the TRAVAUX volumes over more than half a century.
Aluminium International Today (AIT) is the leading bi-monthly English language journal dedicated to all sectors and regions of the international aluminium manufacturing and processing industry.
With more than 35 years’ experience, AIT is committed to delivering up-to-date global news, events, and statistics, as well as more detailed technical articles, company and country profiles, conference reports andregular regional economic briefings.
The journal has changed dramatically since its formation and now publishes news regularly on its website:www.aluminiumtoday.com. As well on our website, AIT has also extended its online presence with a free weekly newsletter, which is sent to the inbox of more than 16,000 industry professionals, a monthlynewsletter and exclusive editor’s Blog focusing on global industry trends.In addition, AIT can be found discussing the latest industry news and views on social media sites such as X and LinkedIn to more than 20,000 followers.
We are always on the lookout for new contributors to both the print and digital editions. Many authors from the industry have commented on the interest their articles have generated and the AIT team isalways happy to interview industry professionals for company profile features and make site visits to see technology first-hand.
AL Circle is a global virtual ecosystem for the aluminium industry, providing news, business, and event platforms. With a mission to be a one-stop information hub, it offers daily updates on industry news, interviews, blogs, price updates, and more. Through its B2B platform, AlCircleBiz, it connects global industry players and facilitates business leads. With over a decade of experience, 1000+ partners worldwide, and 196 countries global presence, AL Circle serves as a key resource for aluminium companies, offering advertising opportunities to boost brand visibility and helping buyers and sellers find global business opportunities.
The GAC is a coordinating body that represents, promotes and protects the interests of the aluminium industry within the Gulf. The council’s main objectives are to provide a forum to develop strategies for common issues and concerns facing the aluminium industry in the region and to share best practices to improve the industry’s efficiency.