VALCO bounces back as value-added production lifts revenue 13%

Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) has rebounded to profitability, crediting its resurgence to value-added manufacturing and a new shift system. Revenue surged 13% to $103.85 million for the first nine months of 2026, up from $91.78 million in the same period last year. Chief Executive Officer Dr Robert Makila Sambian unveiled the figures on November 3 during a Progress Series organized by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

The company attributes the improvement to the launch of its Continuous Casting and Rolling (CCR) Electrical Grade Rod Mill, which converts raw aluminium into high-quality rods for domestic use and exports to Europe. VALCO's 1:4:4 shift system is key to maintaining production continuity, boosting output, reducing worker fatigue, and creating more jobs.

The workforce has expanded from 785 employees in December 2025 to 848 by October 2026. With efforts to fully operationalize potlines and expand downstream, VALCO projects to add 500 direct and over 6000 indirect jobs across Ghana. The company has also upgraded its equipment with 16 lift trucks, two payloaders, two furnaces, a centrifuge system, mobile crushing machinery, cranes, and natural gas piping infrastructure.

Additionally, VALCO secured 5,000 metric tonnes of import carbon anodes to bolster its reduction cells, aiming for 150 by the end of the process. Stabilized operations have VALCO anticipating the end of October with 98 active reduction cells as they strive for long-term profitability.