The Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) has unveiled plans to fully revive two of its potlines by 2027 as part of a comprehensive strategy to restore smelter operations and expand value addition in aluminium production.

Chief Executive Officer of VALCO, Dr. Robert Makila Sambian, said the company has made steady progress in stabilising its operations and is gradually increasing production capacity after years of operational challenges.

Speaking to the media after a tour of the smelter by members of the Board, Dr. Sambian disclosed that VALCO is currently operating 122 cells and is in the process of re-energising an additional 78 cells.

He explained that this will allow the two potlines to operate at full capacity, significantly improving efficiency and output.

“At full deployment, the two potlines consist of 200 cells. We are operating 122 cells today and are moving to re-energise the remaining 78,” he said.

“This will generate additional volumes to support our value-added production line, which we recently inspected.”

Dr. Sambian noted that the ongoing operational improvements represent a clear turnaround for the company, which has struggled in the past to sustain production.

He outlined four key projects underpinning VALCO’s recovery strategy.

These include ramping up cell operations to full potline capacity, transforming the company’s business model through value-added aluminium products, transitioning from residual fuel oil to natural gas, and installing scrubbers at the cell lines to recover and reuse fluoride.

According to him, the installation of environmental control systems will not only reduce VALCO’s environmental footprint but also enhance its cost competitiveness.

The CEO further revealed that the company completed the installation of its value-addition plant in August and has since carried out several successful test production runs.

“We are firmly on the path to recovery. By the end of this year, we expect to reach 150 operating cells, a milestone we have not achieved in more than 20 years,” Dr. Sambian said. “By 2027, we aim to fully ramp up to 200 cells. At that level, operations will be sustainable and capable of fully covering power and other input costs.”

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board, Mr. Horace Ankrah, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting management in implementing sound policies and strategic decisions to restore VALCO’s competitiveness.

“We will not interfere in the day-to-day management of the company, but we will provide the necessary support to ensure VALCO reaches its full potential,” he stated.