By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) is pushing ahead with plans to fully operationalise two potlines by the end of 2027. The planned operationalisation is part of an ongoing strategy to revamp VALCO’s smelter operations.
According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VALCO, Dr. Robert Makila Sambian, the company is expected to significantly boost output as it aligns its recovery strategy with broader plans for value addition to primary aluminium production.
Dr. Makila Sambian said the company has made measurable progress in stabilising operations.
Addressing the media after a tour of the facility by board members, he revealed that VALCO is currently operating 122 cells, with plans underway to re-energise an additional 78 cells.
The CEO emphasised that the ongoing revamp will allow the two potlines to operate at full capacity, improving efficiency and strengthening the company’s production base.
Dr. Makila Sambian further noted that the developments signal a turnaround for VALCO’s aluminium smelter, stressing that the company is now firmly back on track towards sustainable and commercially viable operations.
“Currently, the deployable capacity is two potlines, and the two potlines have 200 cells. But we are operating 122 today and are moving further to re-energise the remaining 78 cells.
Then we will have extra volumes to pass through the value-added production line that we have just toured. We took that step with four key projects.
One is ramping up to full capacity for the two potlines of 200 cells. The second is value addition, which transforms the business model.
The third is natural gas usage, moving away from residual fuel oil. The fourth is the installation of scrubbers at the cell lines to harvest and re-inject fluoride to minimise our environmental footprint and improve the cost competitiveness of the plant. So far, it’s been good.
We finished installing the value addition plant in August and have tested production several times.
We are on a firm footing to make a good start with the turnaround. By the close of the year, we hope to reach 150 cells, which has eluded us for more than two decades. In 2027, we aim to fully ramp up to 200 cells.
That said, the existing operation will be very sustainable, capable of paying fully for its power and all other input costs,” Dr. Sambian added.
On his part, the Board Chairman of the aluminium company, Mr. Horace Ankrah, has assured management of the Board’s commitment to supporting sound policies and strategic decisions aimed at restoring VALCO’s competitiveness and turning around the company’s fortunes.
“We will make sure that we are not just managing, but assisting VALCO to get to where it needs to be,” he said.
