Media Release
The Australian Aluminium Council (the Council) has welcomed Alcoa’s Michael Gollschewski (Vice President Operations Australia and President Alcoa Australia) as its new President.
“I am looking forward to supporting the important role the Council has to play in representing the industry as it faces an exciting and challenging decade of transition ahead,” Mr Gollschewski said.
“Global demand for aluminium is strong and aluminium use is highly correlated with the transition to a lower carbon future. Australia is well placed to capitalise on this trend as the world’s largest producer of bauxite and the largest producer of alumina outside of China,” Mr Gollschewski said.
“But the carbon and energy transition will not be easy, and the Council will maintain its focus on constructive engagement on issues that affect the international competitiveness of Australia’s aluminium industry.
Mr Gollschewski said aluminium was Australia’s highest-earning manufacturing export and that we are one of the few countries where the entire aluminium value chain is represented – from bauxite mining, alumina refining and aluminium smelting, to aluminium extrusion industries.
“Aluminium is one of the few commodities where you can buy a product, such as solar racking, a window frame or a pool fence and know that it was entirely made here in Australia, originating from Australian ore and with value-added mining and manufacturing processes creating local jobs at every step.”
The Council’s Board changes follow the resignation of former President, Kellie Parker, following her promotion to Chief Executive, Rio Tinto Australia. The Council thanks Kellie for her contribution to the Australian aluminium industry. The Board welcomes Rio Tinto’s Daniel van der Westhuizen as the Council’s new Vice President.
