Hydro, an integrated aluminum and energy company, was a highlight among the participants at the annual conference of the International Committee for Study of Bauxite, Alumina and Aluminium (ICSOBA) 2023, which took place from November 5th to 9th, in Dubai. The company presented 20 papers, covering successful cases from the Hydro Paragominas bauxite mine and the Hydro Alunorte refinery. Three technical papers were awarded as “best paper” in their respective categories.

In the Bauxite category, the two awarded papers were “Online Predictive Monitoring of Assets via Cloud-Based Expert System” and “Tailings Dam Closure with Revegetation: The Use of Green Fertilizer for the Improvement of Technosol Constructed from Bauxite Tailings.” In the Alumina category, the paper “Enhancing Solid-Liquid Separation in Alumina Refineries: A Comparative Study of Gravity Decanters and Diastar Filters” was also awarded.

Raphael Costa, B&A's Head of Technology, representing the Head of Strategy, Energy, and Sourcing, Sandy Sutherland, presented the long-term decarbonization plan of Hydro Alunorte and participated in the panel on decarbonizing the aluminum value chain. “Once again, Hydro had the opportunity to present a record number of technical papers at one of the industry's major global events, with topics demonstrating our commitment to sustainability, in addition to the constant search for efficiency and innovation in our operations. The papers showcased at ICSOBA reinforce that we are on the right track, aligned with international best practices, always working to be a positive reference for the industries operating in the aluminum chain,” explains Raphael Costa.

Throughout the event, Hydro brought case studies on new technologies, the use of Artificial Intelligence and other digitalization solutions, projects aimed at reusing bauxite residue, reforestation, initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, ten years of the BRC (Biodiversity Research Consortium), and the implementation of the Environmental Licensing Operational Plan at Hydro Paragominas, among others.

About ICSOBA

ICSOBA is an internationally recognized non-profit association that brings together professionals from the sector's leading bauxite, alumina, and aluminum production companies, technology suppliers, researchers, and consultants from around the world. The association promotes the exchange of ideas and work results from different research areas related to the exploration and mining of bauxite and the production of alumina and aluminum.

This year, the event focused on themes such as: Sustainability and decarbonization; Energy challenge; Bauxite deposits and mining; Alumina refining; Bauxite residue; Electrodes for aluminum electrolysis; Aluminum electrolysis; Aluminum smelting operation; New technologies; Greenfield and Brownfield activities; Successful cases in project implementation; Health, environment, and safety; and Market scenarios and economic outlooks.