Aluminium is going to be very important going forward, supporting a low-carbon future for the planet, which is why it is so advantageous for South Africa to have an upstream smelter in a country which sustains downstream beneficiation and jobs, argued diversified miner South32 COO Noel Pillay during the Aluminium Federation of South Africa’s International conference on February 25. He pointed out that aluminium is often called the ‘green’ metal of the future, noting that it is lightweight and strong, durable and infinitely recyclable.