Given the business interruptions smelters have suffered in the last few years, the special event seminar was organized by the GAC recognizing the need for a common platform to exchange views on how power supply is critical to aluminium smelters. The event was attended by technical staff from Alba, Ma'aden, EGA and Sohar, besides Qatalum.
Qatalum's delegation conducted two presentations during the seminar. 'Potline Power Failure' by Syed Navajish Ali, Superintendent Potline Operation/Start-Up, focused on potline response, emergency preparedness and areas of improvement and learning after power outage in high amperage potlines. Relining Manager Davy Fosen's presentation, 'Relining/recovery of Pots', highlighted key challenges during the restart process – from organization, skill levels of temporarily hired new employees, raw materials and tools to restart procedures. Technical experts from the other aluminium companies were keen to know more about potline team preparedness and readiness of systems that are a challenge for every smelter after power outages or black outs.
In addition to the presentations, this year's GAC seminar also held workshops aimed at discussing challenges commonly faced by smelters in the aluminium industry. The workshops, which saw delegates working in groups, were highly appreciated by the attendees as they offered them a platform to compare their respective smelters' concerns and strategies against similar entities in the industry.
Qatalum's delegation had the opportunity to learn best practices in managing crises through emergency response preparedness and drill; risk management skills and process optimization. Fosen said, "Qatalum has always recognized the relationship between growth and ongoing education and awareness. The company views such events as valuable opportunities to learn and understand more about the similar events in other smelters, and the latest technical trends and breakthroughs that make the news. Such seminars also offer Qatalum's staff a chance to strengthen the company's network and presence, through interactions with people who represent some of the top-rated aluminium smelters in the world.
