Maputo, Mozambique: In the global race for sustainable metals, Mozal, South32’s Mozambican aluminium smelter, is emerging as a beacon of low-carbon production, starkly contrasting with its South African counterpart, Hillside. While Hillside grapples with its reliance on coal-fired power, Mozal capitalizes on a cleaner energy matrix, positioning itself as a cornerstone of South32’s decarbonization strategy.
The multinational mining giant acknowledges the clear distinction between its operations, highlighting Mozal’s inherent advantage. “The aluminium produced at Mozal is already recognized for its lower emissions intensity when compared to other operations, allowing us to capture value in a market that is increasingly focused on sustainability,” South32 stated.
Decarbonizing aluminium production has become a critical challenge for the industry, and South32 is actively seeking solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of its various units. Hillside, responsible for a staggering 94% of the company’s Scope 2 emissions, faces significant hurdles due to its dependence on coal-generated electricity. This makes it less competitive in a market increasingly demanding aluminium with a reduced carbon footprint.
South32’s CEO, Graham Kerr, acknowledges the severity of the challenge and emphasizes the company’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions. “We are focused on transforming our operations to a more sustainable model, and Mozal is an example of the path we want to follow,” Kerr stated.
Mozal’s projected production of 350,000 tonnes in 2025 plays a strategic role for both South32 and the Mozambican economy. The unit’s output is exported to diverse markets, contributing significantly to national income and solidifying Mozambique’s position as a leading aluminium producer on the continent.
South32 is actively diversifying its energy sources to reduce carbon emissions, with Mozal serving as a prime example of this strategy. However, the company acknowledges that significant challenges remain. “The real problem is the energy source, and that’s what we’re working on to find a solution,” emphasized Noel Pillay, COO of South32.
The company has announced that its second climate action plan, scheduled for August 2025, will outline new initiatives to accelerate the energy transition across its operations. This commitment to sustainable aluminium production is a core component of South32’s strategy to maintain competitiveness in a market where a reduced carbon footprint is increasingly paramount.
Amidst growing global regulatory pressure and surging demand for sustainably produced materials, Mozal is taking on a pivotal role in South32’s production chain, positioning Mozambique as a key player in the transition to low-carbon aluminium in Africa.
Furthermore, South32 has reassured stakeholders that the recent 25% US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports will not significantly impact its Mozambican operations, offering a further layer of stability to Mozal’s strategic importance.
