Rio Tinto is assessing the use of thermal energy storage at its Yarwun alumina refinery in Queensland, Australia, through a partnership with Rondo Energy. The proposed system would store 360 MWh of energy and deliver heat at a rate of 30 MW, potentially reducing the refinery’s reliance on fossil fuels to produce steam. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has committed AUD 3.6 million (USD 2.5 million) for front-end engineering and design studies. A further AUD 38 million (USD 27 million) could be made available to support installation if the study is completed successfully and the project proceeds. Join the fourth edition of webinar " Hedging for recyclers - Become an expert in 6 hours " by Jorge Dyszel. The proposed installation would be among the first large-scale industrial...
SRF Ltd is expanding its presence in the aluminium foil sector with a planned investment of INR 6 billion (USD 63.5 million) in a battery-grade aluminium foil manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh, as the chemicals producer reported a 31 per cent year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit for the second quarter of FY27. The proposed plant will have an annual production capacity of 12,000 tonnes and cater to lithium-ion (Li-ion) and sodium-ion (Na-ion) battery applications. The investment comes as energy storage and electric mobility sectors drive demand for battery materials. The company’s board has approved the investment, with the facility planned at the existing site of its subsidiary, SRF Altech Ltd, at Jetapur in Madhya Pradesh. SRF to build 12,000t battery-grade aluminium...
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Industrial Physics, a US-headquartered company known for driving quality assurance and innovation in the aluminium packaging value chain, announced on February 19 that Andrew McCauley would be succeeding Barry Lyon as the Chief Executive Officer. Brandon Brahm, Partner at KKR, said, “We want to thank Barry for his leadership and contributions to Industrial Physics. During his tenure, the Company built a strong foundation and a differentiated global platform. We look forward to working with Andrew to continue building on that foundation and are confident in his ability to lead Industrial Physics through its next phase of growth.” Andrew McCauley will bring over 30 years of leadership experience in the field of technologies and in providing industrial solutions to Industrial Physics . He...
JPM Group, a French manufacturer, has expanded its presence in the UK commercial vehicle market by selecting West Midlands-based Bevan Group as its exclusive UK distributor. Alongside, JPM formally announced hiring as part of its expansion strategy. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain The agreement enables UK operators of light tippers and dropsiders to access JPM’s aluminium and steel bodywork with what Bevan describes as ‘ultra-quick’ turnaround times. Initially, with at least six weeks’ notice of a chassis arrival, Bevan can fit a JPM body and have the completed vehicle ready for collection the following day. The company plans to hold stock bodies in the future, further reducing delivery windows,...
On Wednesday, February 19, ACME Solar Holdings entered into a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for a 190 MW wind-solar hybrid project. The deal lifts ACME’s total PPA-backed capacity to 5,820 MW. Executed through its subsidiary ACME Urja One Private Ltd, the agreement strengthens revenue visibility while expanding its integrated hybrid portfolio.The project is ISTS-connected and part of a broader 380 MW allocation, with the initial 190 MW now contractually secured. Importantly, the tariff has received approval from the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), and the associated power procurement plan has been cleared by the concerned State electricity regulatory authority. Also read: US threatens to leave International Energy...
Japan is planning to launch Ohisama, a satellite intended to convert sunlight into microwaves and send them back to Earth wirelessly. The launch is planned for 2026, orbiting 400 km above Earth. Solar energy is planned to be received by 13 antenna stations in Suwa, located in central Japan. This project will test the concept of space-based solar power, initially capturing 1 kilowatt of energy. The broader goal is to set up a 1 Gigawatt orbital solar array within 25 years, aiming to capture energy that will run thousands of houses. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " In space, sunlight is constant; therefore, the solar power generation will be at its full potential. The satellite is made to carry a 2 square...
US-based aluminium producer, Century Aluminum, expects to restore shuttered capacity at its Grundartangi smelter in Iceland significantly ahead of schedule, with operations now set to resume by the end of April 2026, around six months earlier than initially projected. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain The plant with a capacity of 320,000 tonnes per year had reduced output by two-thirds in late October 2025, following an electrical equipment failure, tightening regional supply and pushing European aluminium premiums to a one-year high of USD 356 per tonne. In November, the company had indicated that manufacturing and installation of replacement transformers could take 11 to 12 months. During the...
A long-debated industrial project in Benson has cleared its final regulatory hurdle, but the conversation around it is far from over. Aluminum Dynamics has received the last permit required from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), allowing the company to continue construction and eventually operate its aluminum recycling facility in the city. While the approval marks a milestone for the project, it has intensified concerns among local residents and advocacy groups who say their voices have not been adequately heard. To learn about the global aluminium outlook, download our report: Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2026 Community concerns over air and water Opposition group Health Over Wealth Benson has been vocal throughout the permitting process and is now suing both...
The final day of the International Energy Agency’s ministerial meeting in Paris unfolded against a backdrop of rising tension, as the United States made clear that its continued long-term membership hinges on change. Speaking at the French Institute of International Relations, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the International Energy Agency would need to reform for the U.S. to remain a long-term member. The message underscored Washington’s dissatisfaction with what it sees as a shift in the agency’s priorities. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Reform or rift? Wright’s criticism centered on the agency’s work around energy transition and net zero pathways, which he suggested have...
Embraer, the Brazil-based aerospace industry leader and Hindalco, a leading global aluminium producer, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the possibility of sourcing aerospace-grade aluminium from India. This new agreement builds on the firm’s existing supply partnership with Novelis, which is Hindalco’s US-based subsidiary and aligns with the company’s goal of expanding and diversifying its supply chains. As per the MoU signed by both firms, they will be exploring the possibility of producing aerospace-grade aluminium raw materials in India. The aircraft company affirmed the initiative to focus on upholding industrial plans in the country and align with the Indian government's "Make in India" programme. Aircraft made by the firm have been flown by airlines,...
Trivium Packaging has bagged a WorldStar Global Packaging Award 2026 from the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), taking top honours in the Labelling and Decorations category for its Budweiser NFL Aluminium Bottle. The 330ml bottle was produced for Budweiser in Brazil to celebrate the brand’s sponsorship of the first NFL game to be staged in São Paulo. Its design references the meeting between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers, with artwork created to mark the occasion and appeal to supporters as a limited-edition collectible. To achieve the final look, Trivium used advanced aluminium forming and printing techniques. The container allows for detailed, multi-colour graphics in high resolution, finished with varnish and enamel to give added depth and durability. The result...
India is increasingly positioning electronic waste as a strategic lever in its critical mineral policy, seeking to reduce near-total import dependence on materials vital to electric mobility, defence systems and advanced technologies. With global supply chains unsettled and China maintaining dominance across several critical mineral segments, New Delhi is accelerating efforts to recover lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements from domestic e-waste streams. Policymakers view “urban mining” as a short-term buffer while domestic mining projects, which may take a decade to mature, remain under development. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain In 2025, India generated almost 1.5 million tonnes of...
Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to boost its electric vehicle manufacturing footprint, with its Gujarat plant to feature a dedicated EV production line. Internally named ‘Production D’, the new EV line is scheduled to be commissioned in July 2025. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Designed exclusively for EVs, Maruti’s new assembly line will have the production capacity of 250,000 units annually. This will increase the plant’s annual output from the existing A, B, and C lines, taking it from 750,000 to 1 million vehicles. It will manufacture the Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara and the Toyota Urban Cruiser eBella, both currently produced alongside internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Since it constrained...
Africa holds about 30 per cent of the world’s critical minerals reserves and plans to gain advantage from the rising global demand with strategic regional cooperation. The mineral reserves include platinum group metals, manganese and chrome. With countries like South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia being the major producers, Africa acts as a key actor in emerging global supply chains. Yet Africa’s intra-continental trade remains limited, responsible for only about 16 per cent of total trade. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The critical minerals are essential for electric cars and renewable energy. With the rising global demand, African governments are now working more closely...
The global aluminium industry is facing transformation with new joint ventures popping up in North America, capacity expansions taking place in India and Indonesia and exciting technological advancements in material science. Additionally, there are strategic investments backed by governments in Africa and the Middle East. However, challenges like profitability pressures, operational hiccups and shifting trade dynamics are all influencing the financial results of major players. The sector is experiencing a complex mix of record earnings fueled by rising prices, alongside margin pressures from fires, tariffs and inflation. It is a fascinating time of growth, resilience and adjustment in production, consumption and end-use demand. Recent developments in the Downstream AL sector globally...
India expects to begin producing rare-earth permanent magnets at home before the end of 2026, announced Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, adding the initiative is intended to expand domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. The decision follows Cabinet clearance last November for a dedicated scheme to support local production. The programme sets a target of 6,000 tonnes per year and carries funding of INR 72,800 million (USD 800.8 million). Such magnets are essential components in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, renewable energy equipment, aerospace systems and defence applications. Also read: CME Group plans first Rare Earth Futures Contract to reduce western dependence on China India currently has only modest capacity in this segment. Raw materials are...
The aluminium beverage can-recycling performance of Europe continues to strengthen, offering a boost to the region’s broader climate and circular economy ambitions. As declared in the joint report from Metal Packaging Europe and European Aluminium, the can recycling rate across the EU, UK, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland reached 76.3 per cent in 2023. To learn about the global aluminium outlook, download our report: Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2026 The data indicates the trend of steady progress rather than a sudden spike. Volumes of aluminium cans placed on the market rose by 4 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y), while recycling tonnages, at a faster pace, increased 7 per cent, recording better collection efficiency as well as higher material recovery. The recycled volumes delivered...
What links electric cars, urban skylines, beverage cans and solar farms stretching across a desert? The answer is aluminium, which is steadily tightening its grip on the modern economy, and the numbers tell a story of consistent, broad-based expansion. Global aluminium consumption in the end user sectors rose from 96.92 million tonnes in 2023 to 100.8 million tonnes in 2024 - a year-on-year increase of about 4.0 per cent. The pace is moderate but firm. Demand is projected to reach 104.01 million tonnes in 2025, up another 3.2 per cent, before climbing to 106.8 million tonnes in 2026, a further 2.7 per cent rise. This is not a short-term spike. It reflects a structural shift driven by transportation, construction and the accelerating green transition that is embedding aluminium deeper into...
Conflicts between governments and mining giants over environmental protection and conservation are hardly new, and for Alcoa, it stretches back at least a decade. The latest episode has unfolded in Western Australia, where the US-based miner (Alcoa) has clashed with the Australian Department of the Environment over bauxite extraction in the North Jarrah Forest, south of Perth. The dispute has even culminated in Alcoa agreeing to pay USD 38.9 million (AUD 55 million) penalty to clear 2100 hectares of land between 2019 and 2025 in the North Jarrah forest, south of Perth. Environment Minister Murray Watt confirmed on Wednesday, February 18, that this penalty charged is part of a remediation deal and that the money will go into conservation initiatives such as strengthening invasive-species...
Although conflict with Russia has largely impacted most of Ukraine’s energy supply, Ust-Chorna, a district made up of four small villages in the western mountains has kept the lights on with the help of none other than the renewable energy. Petro Kostyak, the head of Ust Chorna, said that other regions that rely on fossil fuels are still experiencing blackouts and might be envious of them. One of the three hydro-electric power stations was built in 2014 by Rener, a Ukrainian renewable energy company. Government estimates suggest that the country’s electricity generation capacity is reduced to 33 per cent by Russian attacks, evidences are the frequent blackouts and weakened centralised power system. But Ukraine’s strategy shifted when it focused on green energy and decentralisation of...
