South32 Ltd. published a transcript of remarks by Chief Operating Officer Noel Pillay delivered at the Aluminium Federation of South Africa (AFSA) Conference. Pillay noted the event drew “industry leaders” and “many visitors from the USA, UK, Australia and many other countries who represent the global aluminium community,” alongside customers including Hulamin, Bingelela, Wispeco, Surtec, Autocast, Borbet and Zimaco. In the speech, management focused on aluminium’s role in the low-carbon transition and South32’s plans to keep its Hillside smelter internationally competitive while reducing emissions. Pillay reiterated the company’s climate targets, saying, “South32 aims to halve operational emissions by FY35 and achieve net zero operational emissions by 2050,” and highlighted that “Hillside accounts for just under 60% of South32’s total operational emissions worldwide,” largely due to coal-fired electricity. Pillay said South32 is working with Eskom on mechanisms to bring affordable renewables to the grid while maintaining reliable supply, adding, “At the heart of our work is the belief that Hillside can help to anchor Eskom’s renewable energy business.” He also pointed to downstream beneficiation initiatives, including delivering “110 kt annually” of liquid metal to Hulamin and Bingelela Alloys with plans to lift this to “240 kt annually,” and outlined funding support for local manufacturing projects, including an aluminium rod initiative where South32 is “aiming to provide total funding of R200 million.” The full transcript can be accessed through the link below.

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