Hatch's Vision for a Sustainable Future: Insights from Jan Kwak, Regional Managing Director

As COM 2024 approaches, we spoke with Jan Kwak , Regional Managing Director of Hatch, about the company's pivotal role as a content leader sponsor and its vision for the future of clean technologies in the materials industry. In this interview, Jan shares insights into Hatch's involvement with the conference, their commitment to innovation and sustainability, and how they foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the industry. Read on to learn more about Hatch’s cutting-edge initiatives and the significant impact they are making towards a sustainable future.

As content leader sponsors at COM, could you provide some insights into Hatch's involvement with the conference and its significance for the industry?

Content is the key to creating opportunities for learning, sharing, innovating and advancing our industry. It's why we get together for this important event. As a content leader sponsor at the Annual Conference of Metallurgists, Hatch is proud to play a pivotal role in this premier event for the metallurgical community. Our long-standing partnership with COM as the leading sponsor reflects our commitment to the industry and our position as a thought leader.

Our involvement goes beyond financial support; we actively contribute to the conference’s agenda by delivering short courses, participating in plenary sessions, and presenting on cutting-edge topics such as furnace refractory design and clean technologies in pyrometallurgy. These contributions underscore our dedication to advancing metallurgical practices through knowledge sharing and innovation.

The significance of COM for the industry cannot be overstated. It serves as a vital forum for professionals to exchange ideas, network, and stay abreast of the latest advancements. The technical symposia on advanced manufacturing, light metals, and sustainability are particularly crucial for driving industry progress. Moreover, the conference’s focus on education and professional development, through its inclusion of educational components and student involvement, aligns perfectly with Hatch’s vision of nurturing the next generation of industry experts.

How does Hatch envision the future of clean technologies within the materials industry, and what role does innovation play in achieving sustainability goals?

At Hatch, we envision a future where new processes and clean technologies are seamlessly integrated into the materials industry, driving it toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future. Innovation is at the heart of our approach to sustainability.?

Starting with decarbonization, our comprehensive strategy is three-pronged: we prioritize the elimination of carbon combustion, amplify energy and resource efficiency, and advance the capture and storage of carbon emissions.

For the broader challenge, the circular economy promises to be an economic growth engine for decades to come only if the industry can find viable new processes and adapt market structures. More than ever our industry needs innovation. It allows us to challenge the status quo and implement new technologies and processes that lead to more eco-efficient mining and processing practices. By leveraging our technical expertise and fostering collaboration, we aim to drive the materials industry toward a low-emission future, ensuring that economic performance, environmental protection, and community engagement are in harmony for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Can you share any specific initiatives or projects that Hatch is currently undertaking to promote cleaner and more sustainable practices within the materials sector?

Hatch is pioneering several initiatives to promote sustainability in the materials sector. We’re harnessing nuclear energy to power steel and iron production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting the industry’s transition to greener processes. Our CRISP+ green steel furnace technology is poised to make a true change in the industry by minimizing environmental impact.

In the mining sector, we’re striving for GHG-free surface mining, focusing on reducing direct emissions from the surface mining fleet—a significant source of on-site greenhouse gas emissions.

We are bolstering the battery industry’s shift to electrification. Hatch offers end-to-end engineering expertise, covering the entire battery market value chain from raw material mining and processing to the engineering and construction management of battery chemical and cell manufacturing facilities.

Hatch has always been a pioneer in the development and commercialization of new technology. We are working on next-generation flowsheets for mining, mineral processing, refining and manufacturing which bring the industry to the next level of sustainability.

These efforts are part of our broader commitment to a sustainable future, as we continue to explore and implement innovative solutions to combat climate change

In what ways does Hatch foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the industry, and how does this contribute to the overall goals of COM 2024?

Our approach is multifaceted, involving the creation of inclusive platforms where experts can exchange ideas, the implementation of cutting-edge digital tools to facilitate seamless communication, and the fostering of a culture that values collective intelligence.

We actively participate in and contribute to conferences like COM 2024, where we not only share our insights but also absorb new perspectives from peers. This synergy of knowledge enhances our ability to tackle complex challenges and propels us towards achieving the sustainable development goals that are at the heart of COM’s mission.

By breaking down silos and encouraging cross-disciplinary interactions, we’re able to unlock innovative solutions that might otherwise remain undiscovered. Our commitment to knowledge sharing within the industry is not just about advancing our own objectives; it’s about uplifting the entire metallurgical community to achieve greater heights of success and sustainability.

Hatch’s commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident through their active involvement in COM 2024 and their groundbreaking initiatives within the materials sector. To learn more about Hatch’s contributions and the exciting agenda at COM 2024, visit the COM 2024 website. Additionally, connect with Jan Kwak on LinkedIn to stay updated on his work and insights.