Mozal, the Mozambican unit of the South32 multinational, has been making a name for itself in the production of sustainable aluminium in Africa, in a context of growing demand for metals with a lower environmental impact. While the Hillside unit in South Africa faces challenges in reducing carbon emissions due to its dependence on energy from coal-fired power stations, Mozal benefits from a cleaner energy matrix, consolidating itself as one of the pillars of South32’s decarbonisation strategy.
The company recognises the difference between its operations and highlights the advantage of the Mozambican unit. ‘The aluminium produced at Mozal is already recognised for its lower emissions intensity when compared to other operations, allowing us to capture value in a market that is increasingly focused on sustainability,’ said South32.
The decarbonisation of aluminium production has been one of the sector’s challenges, and South32 has been looking for ways to mitigate the environmental impact of its units. In the case of Hillside, which accounts for 94% of the company’s Scope 2 emissions, the dependence on energy generated from coal makes the operation more polluting and less competitive in a market that increasingly demands aluminium with a lower carbon footprint.
South32’s CEO, Graham Kerr, recognises that this is a critical challenge and stresses that the company has been working to find 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.’
Mozal’s production, estimated at 350,000 tonnes in 2025, plays a strategic role for both South32 and the Mozambican economy. The aluminium produced at the unit is exported to various markets and contributes to the national income, consolidating Mozambique as one of the main aluminium producers on the continent.
South32 has focused on diversifying its energy sources to reduce carbon emissions, and Mozal is an example of this strategy. However, the company admits that there are still challenges to face in order to make all its operations more sustainable. ‘The real problem is the energy source, and that’s what we’re working on to find a solution,’ emphasised Noel Pillay, COO of South32.
The company announced that its second climate action plan, scheduled for August 2025, will detail new initiatives to accelerate the energy transition of its operations. The commitment to more sustainable aluminium is part of South32’s strategy to remain competitive in a market where reducing the carbon footprint has become a growing requirement.
With global regulatory pressure and growing demand for sustainably produced materials, Mozal is taking on a central role in South32’s production chain, positioning Mozambique as a key player in the transition to low-carbon aluminium in Africa.
Meanwhile, the Australian multinational South32 recently guaranteed that the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports imposed by the United States, which came into force on 12 March, will have no significant impact on its operations in Mozambique.
