Saudi Arabia’s domestic aluminium demand could rise to 1.8 million tonnes a year by 2030, up from around 1 million tonnes currently, according to Maaden’s executive vice president for aluminium, Ahmad al-Alshaikh. He expects that demand could potentially double over the next five to seven years. Speaking at the Fastmarkets International Aluminium Conference in Budapest on Wednesday, al-Alshaikh said demand could potentially reach between 1.6 million and 1.8 million tonnes by the end of the decade. Al-Alshaikh linked the expected growth to construction activity in Saudi Arabia, including projects connected with the country hosting major expositions and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The tournament is expected to require 15 new stadiums, adding to demand for aluminium and other materials. Maaden...
The most-traded SHFE aluminium 2610 contract closed at RMB 24,260 per tonne, up RMB 125 from yesterday's settlement price, a gain of 0.52 per cent. It opened at RMB 24,250 per tonne and fluctuated within a range of RMB 24,215-24,305 per tonne. Prices traded above the MA5 (24,165.00), MA30 (24,081.00), and MA60 (23,639.83), but below the MA10 (24,304.50). The short-term rebound structure continued, the consolidation pattern remained unchanged, and the MA10 formed key resistance pressure. The MACD DIF (120.8149) was below the DEA (145.2690), and the MACD green bar stood at -48.9082. Bullish momentum remained weak. The suggested core trading range for SHFE aluminium is RMB 23,800-24,650 per tonne. The LME aluminium 3M contract closed at USD 3,249 per tonne, down 0.82 per cent. It opened at...
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Aluminium wire rod has emerged as a critical material in today's fast-evolving energy and industrial landscape. Known for its superior conductivity-to-weight ratio compared to copper, aluminium wire rod is widely used in power grids, including overhead transmission lines, distribution networks, and even in highly specialised fields such as aircraft wiring. Its light weight, durability, and excellent corrosion resistance make it equally suitable for marine and shipbuilding applications, where exposure to saltwater demands materials that can withstand long-term environmental challenges. Source: ALuminium Wires & Cables Insights & Forecast to 2030 Market growth and usage trends The global usage of aluminium wire rod has steadily increased, rising from 7.6 million tonnes in 2020 to 8 million...
Rolls-Royce makes extensive use of aluminium in its vehicle architecture, taking advantage of its lightweight nature and exceptional acoustic properties. Image Source: Rolls-Royce The aluminium structure reduces the car’s overall weight, enhancing handling, fuel efficiency, and performance, while its higher acoustic impedance compared to steel helps minimize external noise, preserving the serene, quiet ride that defines the brand. The aluminium space-frame architecture, known as the "Architecture of Luxury," is highly flexible and scalable, accommodating different models from the Phantom to the Cullinan SUV. Engineers optimise the material’s acoustic and structural properties using extrusions and complex internal designs, avoiding flat surfaces that can create resonances. Also read: World...
Rio Tinto, a British-Australian multinational company and the world's second largest metals and mining corporation, announced the commencement of works on the Norman Creek access at its Amrun bauxite mine in Queensland's Cape York Peninsula. Work is underway on the project following approval of a USD 180 million investment, enabling access to the Norman Creek region's 978 million tonnes of ore reserves. Initial production is targeted for 2027. As of now, the firm has initiated early works and a final feasibility study for the Kangwinan project, aimed at boosting its annual bauxite production capacity. This initiative unlocks around 466 million tonnes of high-grade bauxite , almost half of Amrun's 978 million tonne declared reserves, averaging 54.4 per cent alumina. Infrastructure works...
If you're eyeing your next smartphone upgrade, the iPhone 17 Pro might surprise you. A recent leak provided an early glimpse of Apple's forthcoming iPhone 17 Pro, indicating a significant shift in design and materials. While it remains unconfirmed whether the component shown is an actual frame or a prototype mould, the design aligns with prior industry reports suggesting Apple's transition to an all-aluminium body for its Pro series. In July 2025, Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models were set to return to an aluminium chassis , moving away from the titanium frames of the iPhone 16 Pro series. This strategic shift was grounded in sustainability, with aluminium production generating roughly 67 per cent less carbon emissions than titanium, as highlighted by GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu,...
This week, the overall operating rate of China's downstream aluminium processing leading enterprises rose by 0.8 percentage points M-o-M to 59.5 per cent, indicating a mild market recovery. In specific segments, the operating rate of primary aluminium alloy increased by 1.0 percentage points to 56.6 per cent, with a notable increase in primary aluminium consumption by top-tier enterprises. The operating rate of aluminium plate/sheet and strip rose by 1.0 percentage points to 65.0 per cent, driven by stockpiling orders for can stock, automotive sheets, and other peak-season products. The operating rate of aluminium wire and cable increased by 0.8 percentage points to 62.6 per cent, as the accelerated power grid construction cycle boosted terminal cargo pick-up. The operating rate of...
Norsk Hydro, the Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy giant, has announced plans to lay off about 750 white-collar employees. Just two months after signalling a temporary hiring freeze without specifying the affected business areas, the company has escalated the measure into targeted job cuts. The announcement comes against a backdrop of widespread job cuts in the aluminium industry, driven by the United States’ steep 50 per cent import tariff. In Canada, for example, Canada Metal Processing Group was forced to lay off 140 employees as a direct consequence of the tariff. Hydro, however, is largely insulated from this pressure, thanks to extensive domestic sourcing, pass-through pricing, and minimal cross-border exposure. Its Hydro Extrusions and Aluminium Metal division holds a 15–20...
Global aluminium market turbulence, rising costs, and a stronger rouble pushed Rusal into a USD 87 million net loss in the first half of 2025, reversing a USD 565 million profit in H1 2024. The company reported that its operational and financial performance came under pressure as domestic lending conditions tightened and the rouble strengthened by nearly 23 per cent, driving up profit tax expenses. A 2.4-fold increase in interest expenses also weighed on results. The impact of these factors was partially offset by a slight increase in global aluminium demand and generally positive price trends. H1 2025 revenue rose by USD 1,825 million, or 32 per cent year-on-year, to USD 7,520 million from USD 5,695 million in H1 2024, driven by a 21.7 per cent increase in primary aluminium and alloy...
As of August 2025, South32, a mining and metals company, has made an announcement of its plan to place the operations of Moral Aluminium on care and maintenance from March 2026. Back in July 2025, Australia's South32 announced plans to mothball its Mozal Aluminium Smelter in Mozambique, citing an inability to secure affordable and reliable electricity beyond the expiration of its current power supply agreement in March 2026. The company has flagged a USD 372 million impairment charge, reflecting the growing uncertainty over the smelter's long-term viability. Due to the uncertainties around "significant" and "affordable" power supply, the plan for Mozal Aluminium's operation will be under care and maintenance. With the existing power supply agreement expiring in March 2026, ongoing...
Global aluminium usage is stabilising after a choppy period and is positioned for steady expansion this decade, supported by electric mobility, packaging, and a gradual rebound in construction. Source: AI-driven image According to industry estimates, Asia Pacific (including China) is set to account for 66 per cent of global aluminium usage in 2024, with North America at 13 per cent and Europe at 12 per cent. Aluminium Foil and its End Uses Current Trends and Forecast till 2030 The market is projected to grow from 101.3 million tonnes in 2024 to 122 million tonnes by 2030, a 3.15 per cent CAGR, with 2025 consumption expected at 104.7 million tonnes. This trajectory—tempered but durable—reflects outcomes from business market analysis and industry trend analysis that highlight resilient...
Aluminium’s strength and adaptability are transforming the way solar power is integrated into commercial spaces, exemplified by a Brisbane shopping centre that now features a 250 kW prefabricated solar shade structure completed in only three weeks. Image used for reprentational purpose Widely used in solar canopies for its lightweight strength, corrosion resistance and recyclability, aluminium forms the backbone of the Warner Marketplace installation delivered by Sydney-based Canyon Solar in partnership with Smart Commercial Solar and Woolworths. The project used 36 prefabricated pods mounted on 11 columns, each anchored with screw pier foundations, some reaching depths of up to 9 metres due to poor ground conditions. The structure is fully waterproof, incorporates integrated lighting and...
On Thursday, Mysteel assessed spot prices for metallurgical-grade alumina with purity above 98.6 per cent in Shandong, Henan, Shanxi and Guizhou provinces and in the Guangxi autonomous region at RMB 3,205-3,325 per tonne (USD 446-463 per tonne), unchanged from Wednesday. The steady spot prices reflected a stalemate between Chinese alumina sellers and buyers, market watchers said. On the supply side, most alumina producers and traders held firm on their offers, citing relatively tight availability of the material in southern China. On the demand side, many primary aluminium smelters stayed on the sidelines, either awaiting lower prices or holding sufficient inventories. As a result, China's spot alumina trading was muted yesterday, with Mysteel hearing of no concluded deals. Also read:...
The National Environment & Planning Agency (NEPA), a Jamaican governmental body, stated that there was negligible damage to the environment following UC Rusal's bauxite train derailment in the Bog Walk Gorge on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Reports indicate that the risk to the river is low, too. Bauxite train derailment in Bog Walk Gorge – key details and early findings The accident involved seven rail carts transporting alumina to the port from UC Rusal's Windalco plant in Ewarton. Three carts toppled off the retaining embankment, while one partially fell into the river, prompting NEPA to conduct inspections immediately upon arrival at the site. The Bog Walk Gorge is a critical roadway and railway corridor in St Catherine, beside the Rio Cobre, which is an important water supply for the...
Ever wondered what keeps your flight airborne? A significant part is high-grade aluminium. In line with this, Kaiser Aluminum, a North American manufacturer of semi-fabricated speciality aluminium products delivering highly engineered, value-added solutions for aerospace, defence, automotive and general industrial sectors , is set to launch a new industrial facility dedicated to aerospace parts by the end of this year. Kaiser Aluminum’s expansion at its Trentwood, Washington facility is moving ahead without delays, the company confirmed. This site produces heat-treated plate and sheet for aerospace and GE end-market applications, which is currently at its Phase Seven investment. Keith Harvey, the Chairman, President and CEO at Kaiser Aluminum, stated, “The project’s completion is closely...
London Metal Exchange aluminium prices fell on August 14 across spot and forward contracts compared to the previous session. The LME aluminium cash bid price dropped USD 17.5 or 0.67 per cent to USD 2,607.5 per tonne, while the LME cash offer price fell USD 17.5 or 0.67 per cent to USD 2,608.5 per tonne from August 13 levels of USD 2,625 per tonne and USD 2,626 per tonne respectively. The three-month bid slid USD 21.5 or 0.82 per cent to USD 2,608 per tonne, and the offer declined USD 21.5 or 0.82 per cent to USD 2,608.5 per tonne from USD 2,629.5 per tonne and USD 2,630 per tonne. The December 2026 bid price was down USD 17 or 0.64 per cent to USD 2,653 per tonne, and the offer dropped USD 17 or 0.64 per cent to USD 2,658 per tonne, compared with USD 2,670 per tonne and USD 2,675 per...
Futures: On Thursday night session, the most-traded SHFE aluminium 2509 contract opened at RMB 20,710 per tonne, with a highest price of RMB 20,785 per tonne, a lowest price of RMB 20,705 per tonne, and closed at RMB 20,760 per tonne. Trading volume was 43,000 lots, and open interest was 198,000 lots. On Thursday, LME aluminium opened at USD 2,606 per tonne, with a highest point of USD 2,627.5 per tonne, a lowest point of USD 2,606 per tonne, and closed at USD 2,624 per tonne. Macro: (1) Announcement by the People's Bank of China: To maintain ample liquidity in the banking system, on August 15, 2025, the People's Bank of China will conduct RMB 500 billion outright reverse repo operation through fixed quantity, interest rate tendering, and multiple price winning bids, with a term of 6...
In the aluminium sector, initiatives often prioritise the integration of recycled content as a key sustainability driver. In line with this focus, Novelis, a global leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, specialising in sustainable aluminium solutions, has entered into a joint development agreement with DRT Holdings, LLC, a specialised manufacturer serving the metal packaging, aerospace and general industrial sectors. The collaboration aims to enhance the manufacturing process for sustainable beverage can ends, reinforcing the industry's commitment to advancing environmentally responsible packaging solutions. Image source: Novelis The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of high-recycled-content alloys in aluminium beverage can ends, driving broader implementation across the...
Innovus Engineering is shaking up the beverage packaging sector with the introduction of two new high-speed models, the CF35 and CF70, at the top end of its automatic canning machine range. These machines are designed to meet the growing demands for cans made with speed and precision in the craft beverage industry. Speed with precision control The new machines procured by Innovus are built for performance. The CF35 can process 2,000 cans per hour, while the CF70 doubles that to a remarkable 4,000 cans per hour. The secret behind this performance is the company's new servo seaming technology. This innovation not only boosts the machines' speed but also hands complete control over to the operator. All seam settings can be fine-tuned via a user-friendly Siemens touchscreen HMI, allowing for...
India and the United Kingdom have unveiled a new trade pact poised to open fresh avenues for India's mineral sector, particularly aluminium. The pact called CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) is expected to enhance market access and competitiveness, setting the stage for strategic collaborations and export opportunities. For industry stakeholders and observers alike, this marks a potentially transformative moment worth exploring further. What is the CETA pact all about? Once which started back in January 2022 and finalised on May 6, 2025 has been finally inked on July 27, 2025, the India–UK CETA pact is hailed as a historic step to boost jobs, exports and growth. The pact grants duty-free access to about USD 6.5 billion worth of Indian exports to the UK, covering textiles,...
