Hydro, an integrated aluminum and energy company, participated on April 9th and 10th in the 9th International Aluminum Congress, hosted by the Brazilian Aluminum Association (ABAL) in São Paulo. The event is recognized as the largest of its kind in Latin America and featured Anderson Baranov, Hydro's Senior Vice President of Institutional Relations, serving as the chairman of the ABAL Council and opening the event. The executive was one of the hosts of the Congress activities alongside Janaína Donas, the entity's Executive President.

"We believe it's extremely important to participate in events like this, which facilitate the exchange of knowledge about industry trends and challenges. I am honored to serve as the chairman of the ABAL Council and to lead important forums like this for the sector's development. Moreover, we are committed to making a positive difference in the municipalities where we operate, and initiatives like this allow us to showcase this significant work to the entire aluminum industry. Over the past few years, we have implemented more than 20 social and environmental projects and programs that have already benefited 90,000 people in Pará," explains Anderson Baranov.

As a sponsor, Hydro participated in panels and presented 14 technical papers this year on the company's initiatives in areas such as Industry 4.0, Social Responsibility, Efficient Resource Use, Operational Management, Energy Transition, Circular Economy, and Minerals and Alumina.

Hydro also took part in seven panels. John Thuestad, Executive Vice President of Bauxite and Alumina at Hydro, represented the company on the CEOs panel, while Carlos Neves, Vice President of Operations at Hydro, presented the company's projects on the panel "Aluminum as a Strategic Ally for Decarbonization and Energy Transition." Raphael Costa, Director of Technology at Hydro Bauxite and Alumina, participated in a panel on "Innovation - the Engine for Industry Development." Marcelo Montini, Senior Chemical Consultant at Hydro, spoke about "Innovations in Mining Tailings and Industry Residue Treatment and Disposal."

Nelia Lapa, Vice President of People, Communication, Health, and Safety at Work at Hydro Bauxite & Alumina, discussed "Labor Market Transformations and Developing Skills for the Professional of the Future" on her panel. Paula Marlieri, Senior Manager of External Relations at Hydro, participated in the panel "Examples of Responsible Mining Contributing to the Conservation of Sensitive Biomes and the Maintenance of Intact Forests," and José Haroldo Paula, Senior Consultant of External Relations at Hydro, moderated the panel "Connecting Corporate Success with Social Progress through Legacy Building and Shared Value Creation."

Among the highlighted themes debated at the Congress was the switch from BPF oil to natural gas in the operations of Hydro Alunorte, one of the world's most energy-efficient refineries, ranking among the top 25% for low emissions. With an approved investment of BRL 1.3 billion, Hydro Alunorte will become the first natural gas consumer in the state of Pará. The project to replace oil with the new fuel in the refinery's operations will result in an annual reduction of 700,000 tons of carbon emissions. The change in Hydro Alunorte's energy matrix is strategic for achieving Hydro's global goal of neutralizing carbon emissions by 2050.

About the International Aluminum Congress
Organized by the Brazilian Aluminum Association (ABAL), the 9th edition of the International Aluminum Congress aims to strengthen aluminum as a strategic and essential input for the national industry. The event represents the entity's commitment to common challenges in the sector, such as the energy transition towards a low-carbon economy, the promotion of product circularity, and the expansion of aluminum usage in new industries, based on its comparative advantages and potential to ensure a more sustainable future.

About Hydro
Hydro is an industrial leader building businesses and partnerships for a more sustainable future. We develop industries that make a difference for people and society. Since 1905, Hydro has been transforming natural resources into valuable products and businesses, creating a safe and secure workplace for our more than 30,000 employees, across over 140 locations in 40 countries.