The Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) says it is working toward fully reactivating two potlines by 2027 as part of a broader strategy to restore smelter operations and expand value-added aluminium production.
The Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Robert Makila Sambian, said the company has recorded steady operational improvements, positioning it for sustainable growth after years of underperformance.
Speaking to journalists after a facility tour by members of VALCO’s board, Dr. Sambian disclosed that the smelter is currently running 122 operational cells, with preparations underway to re-energise an additional 78 cells. Once completed, the upgrade will bring the two potlines to their full design capacity of 200 cells.
Operational recovery underway
According to the CEO, reaching full capacity on the two potlines will significantly increase aluminium output and support downstream processing.
“At the moment, our deployable capacity is two potlines with 200 cells. We are operating 122 cells today, and we are moving steadily to re-energise the remaining 78,” he said.
He explained that the expanded output would feed directly into VALCO’s value-addition facilities, marking a shift from a solely primary aluminium producer to a more diversified manufacturing operation.
Four-pillar turnaround strategy
Dr. Sambian outlined four key projects driving the company’s recovery:
• Ramping up operations to fully activate the two potlines
• Expanding value-added aluminium processing to transform VALCO’s business model
• Transitioning from residual fuel oil to natural gas to reduce energy costs
• Installing scrubbers along the cell lines to capture and reuse fluoride, lowering emissions and improving cost efficiency
He said the value-addition plant was completed in August and has already undergone several successful test production runs.
Milestones and sustainability goals
VALCO is targeting 150 operational cells by the end of the year — a level the company has not reached in over 20 years — before moving toward full capacity by 2027.
“With these improvements, the operation will be sustainable and capable of fully paying for its power and other input costs,” Dr. Sambian said, describing the progress as a clear sign of a turnaround for the state-owned smelter.
Board pledges support
Board Chairman Horace Ankrah reaffirmed the board’s backing for management’s strategy, pledging continued support for policies and decisions aimed at restoring VALCO’s competitiveness.
“Our role is not to manage, but to support management to ensure VALCO gets to where it needs to be,” Ankrah said.
VALCO, once a major pillar of Ghana’s industrial sector, has struggled for decades with power supply challenges and high operating costs. The latest revamp efforts are seen as a critical step toward repositioning the company as a viable player in both primary aluminium production and value-added manufacturing.
Source: Africa Publicity
