Metallurgical solutions provider Spectrum Technical recently hosted its third Aluminium Technology Seminar, drawing participation from across the Southern African aluminium sector. The two-day event, held at the Indaba Lodge in Richards Bay on 23 and 24 April 2025, showcased global advancements in casthouse operations, aluminium processing, and sustainability trends.

“We’ve built a reputation for not only providing leading equipment and technology but also creating platforms where industry professionals can share knowledge and ideas. Following the success of our previous seminars in 2013 and 2017, the 2025 edition was designed to reflect the evolving needs of the aluminium industry, especially around digitalisation and responsible production,” said Kumaran Poonan, Director of Spectrum Technical’s metals division.

This year’s seminar saw over 75 delegates in attendance, representing smelters, extrusion plants, rolling mills, and service providers from across South Africa. Delegates included process engineers, metallurgists, plant managers, maintenance and operations teams involved in both primary and secondary aluminium production.

International visitors and presenters with the organiser and host of Spectrum Technical’s 2025 Aluminium Technology Seminar: Damien Ventura (Sermas France), Giovanni Magarotto (Tomorrow Technology Italy), Lino Bellantuono (SIB Italy), Arnaud Subra (Sermas France), Emil Bjarkvik (Precimeter Sweden), Marc Andre Martel (STAS Canada), Kumaran Poonan (Spectrum Technical) and Charles Dumont (STAS Canada)

The keynote address was delivered by Muzi Manzi, CEO of the Aluminium Federation of South Africa (AFSA), who set the tone for the event by outlining key trends in the global and local aluminium sector. His presentation highlighted South Africa’s strategic position in the decarbonisation of global supply chains and called for stronger collaboration between technology providers and smelters.

Day one began with a welcome address by Poonan, followed by the industry outlook from Manzi. These were followed by the day’s presentations by international speakers from companies that Spectrum Technical represents in South Africa.

Presentations – first day
Giovanni Magarotto of Tomorrow Technology, based in Due Carrare, Italy spoke about eco-friendly casthouse dedicated vehicles. These custom-designed furnace tending vehicles that replace forklifts in casthouses significantly enhance safety, reduce CO2 emissions, and improve operational efficiency.

Arnaud Subra of Sermas, based in Saint Quentin Sur Isere, France and manufacturers of sawing and machining equipment for the aluminium and non-ferrous industry, presented tailored solutions for slabs and billets, with integrated chip handling and automation, designed to enhance performance and reduce costs in new or upgraded installations.

Charles Dumont of STAS INC., in Canada, a world leader in the supply of various equipment to improve the productivity and quality of aluminium, spoke about optimising casthouse and ladle shop operations.

Lino Bellantuono of SIB, based in Torino, Italy, presented on renewable energy solutions for used beverage can recycling. He showcased a sustainable UBC recycling system using hydrolysis, electrolysis, and renewable energy, cutting energy use and emissions by 50%, while improving process efficiency and material quality.

Emil Bjärkvik of Precimeter Control AB, Sweden spoke about automation and molten metal level control. He discussed the safety, cost-saving, and productivity benefits of automating molten metal level control in casthouses, using proven Precimeter technologies.

Presentations – second day
Damien Ventura of Sermas expanded developments on advanced sawing technologies including solving your sawing troubles.

The second speaker from STAS INC., in Canada – Marc Andre Martel – presented solutions for chlorine-free aluminium treatment. STAS has introduced a chlorine-free metal treatment solution combining degassing, fluxing, and filtration equipment, which improves safety, quality, and environmental compliance.

In his second presentation Charles Dumont of STAS INC., in Canada introduced BATSCAN, a breakthrough in inclusion measurement. BATSCAN offers in-line, post-filtration inclusion detection, allowing real-time assessment of final metal quality. This breakthrough marks a leap forward in quality control for aluminium casthouses.

Delegates that attended Spectrum Technical’s 2025 Aluminium Technology Seminar

Emil Bjärkvik, also presenting for a second time, concluded the day’s proceedings with updates on Precimeter’s latest technology developments for molten metal control, showcasing Precimeter’s existing and upcoming automation tools for the aluminium industry, emphasising integration ease, precision control, and process efficiency gains.

“Each speaker brought relevant, practical insights. Delegates appreciated the mix of real-world applications and future-focused technologies. The networking sessions also allowed for valuable dialogue between smelter teams and OEMs,” said Thami Maphanga, a metallurgist at Spectrum Technical.

Several delegates noted the seminar’s strong balance between operations and strategy. “It’s not just about equipment – it’s about aligning maintenance, production, and sustainability goals,” commented a supervisor at a major smelter.

The event also included a gala dinner where delegates engaged informally with one another in a fun filled evening.

“A sincere thank you to our global technology partners for their sponsorship and valuable contributions. They are STAS Inc., Lino Bellantuono (SIB), SERMAS, Precimeter, Tomorrow Technology S.p.A. and Swastik Furnaces Pvt. Ltd. And to our esteemed customers in Southern Africa, covering the primary and secondary plants, for their active participation.”

“The guest speakers Brent Brading and Bridget Zuma-Rubambura gave us memorable speeches on leadership, as well as Guivarch Poonan on his video clip on the 7 Types of Rest.”

“The seminar provided a powerful platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing cutting-edge aluminium casthouse technologies, and sparking collaboration across the industry.”

For more information or presentation summaries, contact Spectrum Technical at seminar2025@spectrumtechnical.co.za +27 35 789 6563 or visit www.spectrumtechnical.co.za