Invitation and General Information
Dear Colleagues,
The International Committee for the Study of Bauxite, Alumina, and Aluminium (ICSOBA) is proud to announce the 43rd InteInternational Conference and Exhibition, which will be held from October 26 to October 31 2025 in Nanning, Guangxi Province, China.
TThis marks the third time that ICSOBA will take place in China, and the very first time in Guangxi.
The conference will adopt a hybrid format, with the in-person event hosted in Nanning and a real-time broadcast available for delegates unable to attend physically. However, all ICSOBA presenters are expected to travel to China to deliver their presentations on-site.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Chinalco for their generous support as the Host Sponsor of the event.
Featuring 3 keynote sessions and over 120 technical papers, the ICSOBA 2025 conference is designed as a three-day technical event organized into four parallel streams, followed by a full day dedicated to technical field trips.
Additional events in connection with ICSOBA 2025 in Nanning will be announced at a later stage.
We look forward to seeing you all at ICSOBA 2025!
Conference topics
ICSOBA 2025 will place a strong emphasis on addressing the critical challenges facing the aluminium industry across the entire value chain, from bauxite mining to smelter casting operations.
The conference will delve into key topics, including:
- Sustainability and decarbonisation
- Energy challenges
- Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence applications
- Health, environment, and safety
- Market scenarios and economic outlook
Innovation and new technologies will be at the heart of the discussions.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with international experts, scientists, engineers, technology providers, equipment manufacturers, and key players from the global aluminium industry.
Conference Format
The hybrid format of the conference ensures that you can participate whether you travel to Nanning or join from home. Here’s what distinguishes on-site participation from online participation:
- On-site participants will enjoy the full experience of a traditional ICSOBA conference, including: o Access to papers and presentations prior to the conference opening. o Participation in technical sessions, exhibitions, field trips, and social events. o The exclusive opportunity to present papers in person. o On-demand access to recorded presentations via the conference platform.
- Online participants will benefit from: o Access to papers and presentations before the conference begins. o Live attendance at scheduled sessions (based on Nanning local time). o On-demand access to recorded presentations through the conference platform.
This hybrid approach ensures an inclusive and enriching experience for all attendees, regardless of their location.
Conference Languages – English and Chinese
Presentations will be delivered in both English and Chinese, with simultaneous translation provided to ensure accessibility for all attendees. All papers and presentations in English will be published and made available for download in PDF format on the ICSOBA website. Additionally, the papers will be indexed on platforms such as Google Scholar and ResearchGate, complete with DOI references.
As an optional resource, a printed proceedings book (TRAVAUX, Vol. 54, English) will be available after the conference.
To facilitate the submission process, the ConfTool App has been specially customized for the ICSOBA 2025 Conference. It is fully accessible in China and supports submissions in both Chinese and English.
Exhibition
The latest technologies, equipment, and devices for the aluminium industry will be showcased during the conference.
Exhibitors will be able to upload the brochure and video on the Conference Application – Whova – facilitating seamless interaction with both on-site and online participants.
For more information about the exhibition, please contact Bijoy Satpathy: bijoy.satpathy@icsoba.org .
2nd Call for Papers
The 2nd Call for papers has more detailed information about conference topics and format, ICSOBA-ZRI joint organising committee, ICSOBA 2025 Technical Committee, Technical Field Trips, ICSOBA Student Award for 2025, Conference Co-sponsors and Supporters.
Please Follow the templates and instruction of the Call for Papers that are also given at the website of ICSOBA.
Please use the Conftool System https://www.conftool.net/icsoba2025 to upload your abstract and paper adhering to the key dates below.
Keynote Speakers of ICSOBA 2025
Chunming Dong
General Manager, Sunlight Metal Consulting, (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China Adviser, ASI,
Beijing, China
Short BioBuilding a Responsible and Sustainable Aluminum Value Chain: The Role and Progress of Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI)
Bing Jiang
Director, Industry Information Center, Sunstone Development Co., Ltd.,
Beijing, China
Short BioRegional Mismatch to Coordinated Optimization: Interpreting the Development of China’s Anode Industry in 2024
Ron Knapp
Adviser, Office of the Chairman, China Hongqiao Group Limited (HK),
Hong Kong, China
Short BioChina Hongqiao Group –A Journey of Sustainability, Advanced Technology, Research & Development and Innovation
Global Alumina and Aluminium Market Review and Outlook
Wanchao Liu
General Manager of Zhengzhou Nonferrous Metals Research Institute Co., Ltd of CHINALCO,
Zhengzhou, Henan, China
Short BioTechnological Goals and Progress for High-Quality Development of China's Aluminum Industry
CO2 Free Aluminium Production in Electrolytic Cells with Vertical Inert Anodes, Cathodes and Sidewalls
Miles Prosser
Secretary General of the International Aluminium Institute (IAI),
London, United Kingdom
Short BioGlobal Cooperation on Key Challenges for the Aluminium Industry
Sebastien Fortin
Principal Advisor Research and Development for Bauxite and Alumina, Strategy & Innovation, Arvida Research & Development Centre, Rio Tinto,
Saguenay, Québec, Canada
Short BioThe International Aluminium Institute’s Bauxite and Alumina Committee: A Blueprint for Industry Collaboration with Lance Myers
Lance Myers
Development Program Manager, Operational Excellence COE, Alcoa of Australia,
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Short BioThe International Aluminum Institute’s Bauxite and Alumina Committee: A Blueprint for Industry Collaboration with Sebastien Fortin
Technical and Economic Advantages and Application Progress of NEUI600 High-amperage Aluminum Reduction Cell
Sameer Nayak
President & Cluster Head, Renukoot Hindalco Industries Limited,
Renukoot, India
Short BioJourney of Hindalco, Renukoot - An Integrated Aluminium Producer in India
Kang Yi
Professor-level Senior Engineer; formerly Manager of Qingtongxia Aluminium Smelter, Deputy General Manager of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Corporation, and President of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association.,
China
Short BioDevelopment Achievements and Future Outlook of China’s Aluminium Industry
Development and Application of Key Technologies for Energy-Saving, Low-Carbon, and Intelligent Aluminium Electrolysis
Chunming Dong
Bing Jiang
Ron Knapp
Yang Cao
Wanchao Liu
Jon H Magnusson
Miles Prosser
Sebastien Fortin
Lance Myers
Yungang Ban
Sameer Nayak
Kang Yi
Li Jie
Chunming Dong
General Manager, Sunlight Metal Consulting, (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China Adviser, ASI,
Beijing, China
Biography
Mr. Chunming Dong serves as General Manager of Sunlight Metal Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Advisor of ASI, China Coordinator for the Global Aluminium Foil Rollers Initiative (GLAFRI), and Founder of the China Magnesium Network. Mr. Dong previously held positions at the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA) and Antaike, where he was responsible for aluminium and magnesium market intelligence and industry research.
In 2006, he founded Sunlight Metal, specializing in industrial and market research, consulting, and business services for aluminium and magnesium, serving numerous domestic and international enterprises and institutions. He concurrently engages in public advocacy for the aluminium and magnesium industries, disseminating information on sustainability, and facilitating international exchanges and cooperation across the industrial chain.
Bing Jiang
Director, Industry Information Center, Sunstone Development Co., Ltd.,
Beijing, China
Biography
Bing Jiang is the Director of the Industry Information Centre at Sunstone Development Co., Ltd. With 20 years of experience in the prebaked anode industry for aluminium, he specializes in strategic analysis, policy insights, market trends, and price modelling. Bing maintains close collaboration with leading global aluminium companies and international consultancies. His supply-demand assessments and cost models are widely acknowledged, making him a key contributor and witness to the development of China's anode industry.
Ron Knapp
Adviser, Office of the Chairman, China Hongqiao Group Limited (HK),
Hong Kong, China
Biography
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 aluminium 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.
China Hongqiao attaches great importance environmental protection, energy conservation and sustainable development. with clean green production and higher value products as core business goals. China Hongqiao seeks to continuously improve the full industrial chain by building unique aluminium industry clusters. Central to the industrial cluster philosophy is the development of surrounding enterprises and the cities in which the plants are located.
Yang Cao
Senior Aluminium Analyst, Fastmarkets,
Shanghai, China
Biography
Yang Cao has over 10 years of experience in the aluminium sector. He is the editor of the aluminium weekly tracker and senior research analyst at Fastmarkets. Yang holds a master’s degree from the University of York and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Wanchao Liu
General Manager of Zhengzhou Nonferrous Metals Research Institute Co., Ltd of CHINALCO,
Zhengzhou, Henan, China
Biography
Dr Liu Wanchao is the general manager of Zhengzhou Nonferrous Metals Research Institute Co., Ltd of CHINALCO, the executive director of the China Nonferrous Metals Society Light Metals Division. He is primarily engaged in the research of resource comprehensive utilization and environmental protection technologies in the aluminium industry.
He has achieved a series of industrialized technological advancements in areas such as the utilization of red mud, hazardous waste management from aluminium electrolysis, treatment of metallurgical flue gas, and carbon emission management.
Jon H Magnusson
CEO and Founder Arctus Aluminium Ltd.,
Reykjavik, Iceland
Biography
Jon H Magnusson is CEO and Founder of the Icelandic company Arctus Aluminium, which in collaboration with the Icelandic research institute IceTec, has pioneered a carbon-free aluminium production process with vertical inert electrodes in low temperature electrolyte. This approach has successfully demonstrated high-purity aluminium production at IceTec and in a pilot plant at Arctus´ industrial partner; Trimet Aluminium in Essen, Germany.
Jon was installed 2003 as an Honorary Professor at the Southern Institute of Metallurgy, now; Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou Jiangxi, People's Republic of China. The citation refers to his "..outstanding achievements in the aluminium industry.” Jon participated in sports and competed in Handball in the Olympic games in Munchen 1972.
Miles Prosser
Secretary General of the International Aluminium Institute (IAI),
London, United Kingdom
Biography
Miles Prosser is the Secretary General of the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), the only body that represents the aluminium industry at the global level. With more than twenty years’ experience working on various industry policy issues, Miles brings in-depth knowledge on resource allocation, sustainability and climate change.
Miles joined the IAI from the Australian Aluminium Council, where he served as Executive Director for more than ten years. He leads the IAI to promote the unique and valuable properties of aluminium in sustainable development. He holds an honours degree from the Australian National University. He is a member of the Institute of Directors in London.
Sebastien Fortin
Principal Advisor Research and Development for Bauxite and Alumina, Strategy & Innovation, Arvida Research & Development Centre, Rio Tinto,
Saguenay, Québec, Canada
Biography
Sébastien Fortin is currently Principal Advisor Research and Development for Bauxite and Alumina in the Strategy & Innovation team of Rio Tinto’s Arvida Research Centre in Canada. He obtained his PhD in chemistry nearly 25 years ago and has been with the company’s Bauxite and Alumina R&D division ever since, in various scientific, managerial and strategic roles. He complemented this with 3 years in operations at the QAL refinery in Australia. In October 2024, he was appointed Chairman of the International Aluminium Institute’s Bauxite and Alumina Committee, and that is in this role that he will speak.
Lance Myers
Development Program Manager, Operational Excellence COE, Alcoa of Australia,
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Biography
Lance Myers is the Development Program Manager in Alcoa's Operational Excellence COE in Western Australia. He graduated with Honours in Chemistry from the University of Western Australia in 1998 and joined Alcoa as a Research Chemist. Over his 26-year career at Alcoa Lance has focused on refining technology development, taking on both scientific and managerial roles.
He earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Western Australia in 2009, and in October 2024 was appointed Vice-Chair of the International Aluminium Institute’s Bauxite and Alumina Committee.
Yungang Ban
Vice Director of NEUI,
Shenyang, China
Biography
NFC/NEUI is an important technology supplier and service provider in China's aluminum industry, making significant contributions to the rapid development of the industry and the large-scale and low-carbon development of core technology equipment. As one of the early companies in the global aluminum industry to develop and apply 600 kA aluminum reduction cell technology, NFC/NEUI has widely applied NEUI600 technology in domestic capacity replacement projects and overseas capacity
construction.
As of the end of 2024, a total of 15 potlines have been applied, with a total capacity of 6 180 ktpa. Following the first successful 600 kA potline in Weiqiao smelter at the end of 2014, the longest operating time has been over 10 years, the highest amperage can reach 630 kA or above, and rich experience in design, construction and operation has been accumulated.
Sameer Nayak
President & Cluster Head, Renukoot Hindalco Industries Limited,
Renukoot, India
Biography
Sameer Nayak is the President & Cluster Head of Hindalco Industries Ltd , Renukoot , India which operates an Integrated Aluminium complex having a 410 ktpa Smelter, 830 MW Captive power plant, 720 ktpa Alumina Refinery and Fabrication plants (Rolled and extrusion plants). He has rich experiences in Metals and Mining and Power sector. He specializes in streamlining Operations of Big plants and has rich experiences in Projects erections and commissioning of Mega Projects.
He has made significant contributions to the business across plants improving volumes, productivity, quality and reliability and is passionate about driving safety and sustainability at plants. He is a Mechanical Engineering Graduate and has 28 years of Industry experience mostly in Metals and Power.
Kang Yi
Professor-level Senior Engineer; formerly Manager of Qingtongxia Aluminium Smelter, Deputy General Manager of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Corporation, and President of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association.,
China
Biography
Kang Yi，Professor-level Senior Engineer; formerly Manager of Qingtongxia Aluminium Smelter, Deputy General Manager of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Corporation, and President of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association.
Li Jie
Professor at Central South University,
China
Biography
Li Jie is a Level-2 Professor and PhD supervisor at Central South University, a specially appointed professor under the “Changjiang Scholars Program,” and Director of the National Engineering Research Center for Low-Carbon Nonferrous Metallurgy. He has long been dedicated to research and industrial application in intelligent and digital metallurgy (aluminium electrolysis).
He has published over 600 academic papers, holds more than 380 authorized invention patents, and has received 3 National Science and Technology Progress Awards and 8 First Prizes for Science and Technology Progress at the provincial or ministerial level.
Key Dates
- 1 March 2025Abstract submission deadline
- 15 March 2025Abstract acceptance notification
- 31 May 2025Full paper submission deadline
- 30 June 2025Notification to authors that paper has been received and will be considered for publication
- 1 August 2025Draft conference program published
- 8 September 2025Presentation submission
- 26 October 2025Conference starts
Technical Field Trips
During the conference, two technical field trips will be hosted by Chinalco, one of the world’s largest aluminium producers. Participants will have the unique opportunity to visit bauxite mining sites, an alumina refinery, and a smelter.
Bauxite Mine and Alumina Refinery - Guangxi Branch of Chinalco
Established in 2002, Guangxi Branch of Chinalco is a state-of-the-art production facility with an annual output of of 6 million tonnes of bauxite and 2.4 million tonnes of alumina. It stands as one of China’s most advanced and innovative production bases.
Aluminium Smelter - Guangxi Hualei New Material Co., Ltd.
Founded in 2015, Guangxi Hualei New Material Co., Ltd. is an integrated enterprise specializing in primary aluminum production, power generation, and aluminum processing. With an annual capacity of 400 000 tonnes of primary aluminum, it leverages cutting-edge 500 kA cell technology, setting a benchmark for excellence in the aluminum industry
Sponsorship Opportunities
As you know, organizing a conference of this magnitude would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.
We are honored to have Chinalco as the Host Sponsor for this year’s conference. Together, ICSOBA and Chinalco warmly invite bauxite, alumina, and aluminium producers, as well as industry partners from China and around the world, to participate in ICSOBA 2025 in Nanning and become conference sponsors.
ICSOBA conference, “The technology Conference of the Aluminium Industry, for the Aluminium Industry”, gives opportunity to your Company to maximize its exposure to the primary aluminium decision makers and influencing technologists.
Please consult the Sponsors Fees and Benefit which illustrates the different options for on-site benefit but also through the Whova application, which will be used both by the on-site and the online delegates.
If you are willing to support ICSOBA activities and to showcase your Company at ICSOBA 2024, feel free to contact claude.vanvoren@icsoba.org for any further information.
Keep abreast of the latest ICSOBA news!
Connect to ICSOBA newsroom!
ICSOBA 2025 President and Vice-President
Tian Yongzhong
Vice President of the Aluminum Corporation of China (Chinalco) and Chairman of China Copper Co. Ltd.
Short BioThe history of mining and utilizing aluminum-bearing minerals in China dates back to ancient times. As early as antiquity, alum was extracted from alunite, reflecting a long-standing tradition. As a key player in the global aluminum industry, Aluminum Corporation of China (CHINALCO) has always been committed to promoting technological innovation and green development within the aluminum sector. ICSOBA, as a global technical forum, offers a valuable platform for exchange and collaboration in the industry. We eagerly look forward to joining hands with fellow professionals at this grand event to engage in in-depth discussions and collectively shape the future blueprint of the aluminum industry.
He Wenjian
Executive Director and General Manager of Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (CHALCO).
Short BioOn this occasion, on behalf of the host, I extend my heartfelt wishes for the 43rd ICSOBA Conference to be a great success. May this gathering inject new vitality and inspire fresh ideas for the sustainable development of the global aluminum industry. I wish everyone a pleasant and fruitful time in Nanning.
Tian Yongzhong
Vice President of the Aluminum Corporation of China (Chinalco) and Chairman of China Copper Co. Ltd.
Biography
Tian Yongzhong previously held key executive positions within the Chinalco group, including Deputy General Manager of Chinalco Ningxia Energy Group, Vice President of China Copper Co., and Chairman of Yunnan Copper Co. Throughout his career, he has been deeply involved in financial management, economic performance analysis, and corporate operations, giving him extensive hands-on management experience. He is known for fostering collaboration and demonstrating strong leadership across the aluminium and copper industries. He holds a Master’s degree in Accounting from Xi’an Jiaotong University and is a certified Senior Accountant.
He Wenjian
Executive Director and General Manager of Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (CHALCO).
Biography
For over 30 years, Mr. He has devoted his entire career to the aluminium industry, demonstrating unwavering dedication since he began his work in 1990. Rising through the ranks of CHALCO, he has held key leadership positions across the company’s operations – from managing carbon production in Qinghai to leading the Liancheng branch and serving as Chairman of Lanzhou Liancheng Aluminum Co., Ltd. He also spearheaded CHALCO Group’s corporate initiatives in operations optimization and management innovation, underscoring a lifelong commitment to efficiency and progress in the industry. Beyond his core roles at CHALCO, Mr. He has served as a Director of China Rare Earth Group Co., Ltd. and as a Supervisor of China Aluminum International Engineering Corporation Limited, extending his leadership influence into related sectors.
About the Host Sponsor
Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (Chinalco).
Established on September 10, 2001, Chinalco is a holding subsidiary of the Aluminum Corporation of China and is the world’s largest producer and supplier of alumina, aluminum, fine alumina, high-purity aluminum, and aluminum anodes.
As a global leader in the aluminum industry, Chinalco stands out with its comprehensive industrial chain. Its operations span a wide range of sectors, including mineral resource exploration, alumina and aluminum production, aluminum alloys, carbon anodes, coal production, high-tech development, international trade, material supply, logistics, energy, and power.
Chinalco is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (December 2001), New York Stock Exchange (December 2001), and Shanghai Stock Exchange (April 2007). Its A-shares are included in the MSCI China A Onshore Index, and its H-shares are part of the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index.
Recognized for its strong financial standing, Fitch Ratings has consistently assigned Chinalco an A- rating, the highest in the global non-ferrous metal sector. Additionally, Chinalco has achieved an A-level rating for information disclosure on the Shanghai Stock Exchange for four consecutive years and is listed in the “SOEs ESG • Pioneer 50 Index.”
As of the end of 2022, Chinalco managed assets worth 212.3 billion yuan and employed over 68 000 people. It also oversees two publicly listed companies: Yunnan Aluminum Co., Ltd. (000807) and Yinxing Energy Co., Ltd. (000862).
About the Co-Host Sponsor
Nonferrous Metals Society of China (NFSOC).
Founded in 1984, the Nonferrous Metals Society of China (hereinafter referred to as NFSOC or the Society) has 45 branches, and has maintained business contacts with 17 local nonferrous metal societies, with 317 group members, more than 30 000 individual members, and 19 kinds of scientific and technical journals sponsored by itself.
NFSOC was awarded as one of the 100 Science and Technology Volunteer Service societies and Excellent Group of Innovation-driven Projects, etc. by China Association for Science and Technology, and was selected as a first-class society construction project with Chinese characteristics. In 2023, it was approved as a 4A society of the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
Focusing on pioneering and innovating from the aspects of academic exchanges, journals, popularization of science, talent recommendation, etc., adhering to the purpose of "serving the development of the industry and promoting scientific and technological progress", the Society has become to an important social force to promote the high-quality development of China's non-ferrous metals science and technology.