Mining for Scrap: The Future of Green Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the most commonly used metals today, appearing in everything from new buildings to food packaging. But what, exactly, makes aluminum such an important metal, and why are its emissions so difficult to abate? On today’s show, Dana talks to Dr Kwasi Ampofo, BNEF’s head of metals and mining. Together they offer a deep dive into aluminum production and consumption, discussing not only the metal’s applications across a range of sectors, but also the sky-high energy needs of primary aluminum production, the importance of aluminum scrap and recycling, and how ‘urban mining’ could help alleviate supply-chain snags. Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app. Links to research notes from this episode: Global Scrap Outlook: Filling the Supply Gap Transition Metals Outlook 2023 Global Aluminum Outlook, 2021-2040See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.