Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio

Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio is a major integrated aluminium producer in Latin America. Founded in 1955, the company operates across the entire production chain, from bauxite mining to the manufacture of high-value-added products. Its operations are centered in the state of São Paulo, with a significant industrial complex in the city of Alumínio. The company is a key supplier to industries such as automotive, construction, and packaging both domestically and for export.

History

The company was established in 1955 by the prominent Moreira Salles family, founders of Unibanco. Its initial development was closely tied to the industrialization policies of President Juscelino Kubitschek, which promoted import substitution. The first aluminium smelter began operations in 1960 in Alumínio, utilizing technology from Alcan. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, it expanded its operations, integrating backwards into bauxite mining with the acquisition of mines in Poços de Caldas. In 2000, the company was acquired by the Votorantim Group, one of Brazil's largest industrial conglomerates, marking a period of significant modernization and capacity expansion. Major investments were made in the 2010s, including a new casthouse and upgrades to its rolling mill, solidifying its position in the market.

Operations

The company's operations are fully integrated, beginning with bauxite mining at its Mineração Curimbaba unit in Poços de Caldas. The bauxite is refined into alumina at its alumina refinery located adjacent to the Alumínio smelter complex. This complex houses a primary aluminium smelter utilizing Hall–Héroult process technology and multiple casthouses for producing billet and slab. Downstream, it operates one of Latin America's largest aluminium extrusion plants and a sophisticated cold rolling mill for producing rolled aluminium sheet. Key logistics are supported by its own railway spur connected to the Santos Port.

Products and Services

Its primary product is primary aluminium, sold as P1020 ingot. The downstream portfolio includes a wide range of aluminium extrusion profiles for the construction and transport sectors, and rolled aluminium products such as can stock for the beverage can industry, auto body sheet for carmakers like General Motors and Volkswagen, and foil stock for packaging. The company also produces aluminium powder for the chemical industry and provides toll processing services at its rolling facilities. Its products are certified to international standards including those of the Automotive Industry Action Group.

Corporate Structure

The company operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Votorantim S.A., within the Votorantim Group's metals and mining division, Votorantim Metais. Its corporate headquarters are in São Paulo, with the main industrial division headquartered in Alumínio. The executive leadership, including CEO Ricardo Carvalho, reports to the board of Votorantim S.A.. Its operational structure is divided into business units for Upstream (mining and refining), Primary (smelting), and Downstream (extrusion and rolling) activities.

Environmental and Social Impact

The company's Alumínio smelter is powered primarily by hydroelectricity from the Paraíba do Sul river basin, reducing its carbon footprint relative to coal-powered smelters. It operates a certified ISO 14001 environmental management system and has invested in modern gas treatment centers to control fluoride emissions. Socially, it maintains the Fundação Salvador Lyra which supports community projects in the regions of Poços de Caldas and Alumínio. The company has faced scrutiny from IBAMA regarding its red mud reservoirs, leading to investments in improved containment technology.

Category:Aluminium companies Category:Companies based in São Paulo Category:Manufacturing companies of Brazil