Singapore is exploring solar photovoltaic (PV) roof tiles that could allow heritage buildings to generate clean electricity without compromising their traditional appearance, as the Energy Market Authority (EMA) steps up efforts to advance solar technologies through partnerships with public and private sector organisations. EMA will collaborate with Swiss technology innovation centre CSEM and the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) to pilot the use of solar PV roof tiles on heritage State buildings. Designed to resemble traditional clay roof tiles, the technology could enable more roof space to generate clean electricity while preserving the overall appearance of historic properties. Traditional clay-tile roofs are an integral part of the character of Singapore’s heritage precincts....
A Swiss-Polish research team has achieved up to 97.9 per cent relative density in extrusion-printed AA6061 aluminium by removing the solvent-debinding stage and extending the sintering process. The approach offers a potential alternative to conventional processing routes for sinter-based aluminium additive manufacturing, where oxidation has remained a major obstacle. The study, led by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), was published in Progress in Additive Manufacturing on October 15, 2026. An earlier version appeared as a preprint in May, making the journal publication the latest stage in the research’s release. The researchers combined a single-step wick-debinding process with a longer sintering hold to improve the density of printed aluminium...
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As Expo 2025 Osaka begins, the UK Pavilion welcomes visitors with the theme 'Come Build the Future—a tribute to British creativity'. Wrapped in a pixelated skin of folded, perforated aluminium panels, the pavilion's façade shifts gently with the changing daylight and transforms after dark to reveal a glowing Union Jack. This dynamic, light-responsive surface pays homage to the origins of programmable technology—such as punch cards, looms, and binary code—while drawing a thread from Britain's historic textile industries to its modern-day leadership in gaming, digital design, and systems thinking. Designed by London-based WOO architects, the pavilion features a striking, angular modular design that reflects the nation's journey from the Industrial Revolution to the digital era, blending...
Imagine you’re at a bustling party where everyone is milling about randomly—no one’s dancing together. Now, picture a friend rolling out a long, narrow carpet and suddenly, people line up and start waltzing in pairs. That’s a bit like what happened on early Earth, only the ‘carpet’ was a mineral called α‑alumina, and the dancers were the building blocks of life. α‑Alumina (a form of aluminium oxide) is one of the most common minerals in Earth’s crust — think of it as the ‘everyday rock’ hiding beneath our feet and in clay, sand, and even the gritty surface of your kitchen countertop. Scientists have now shown that its flat, orderly surfaces could have served as nature’s own dance floor for simple molecules. The big mystery has always been how lone amino acids, tiny molecules like glycine,...
Norwegian industrial leader Hydro and shipping company Wilson ASA are setting a new standard in energy-efficient logistics with the launch of the "Wilson Eyde." Named in honour of Sam Eyde, the pioneering industrialist who founded Hydro and was instrumental in launching Norway's hydropower-based industry in the early 20th century, the new vessel includes some exciting features. This newly refitted vessel will harness wind-assisted propulsion to transport pitch—a crucial raw material used by Hydro in the production of primary aluminium. Pitch, derived from the distillation of coal tar, acts as a binder in the carbon anodes essential for aluminium smelting. Since the 1980s, vessels "Leiro" and "Lindo" have reliably delivered this vital material to Hydro's anode production sites in Norway....
In a landmark development for the metals sector, Brazilian Rare Earth (BRE) and Rio Tinto have signed a revised agreement to advance the Amargosa bauxite‑gallium project in Bahia, Brazil. This collaboration seeks to unlock one of the highest‑grade undeveloped gallium prospects in the world while securing a fresh source of bauxite, the critical feedstock for aluminium smelting. With global aluminium markets navigating tight supply dynamics, surging demand in green technologies and construction, and price volatility, the Amargosa pact arrives at a pivotal moment for the industry. Image source: https://www.ainvest.com/ The Amargosa project Located in north‑eastern Brazil, the Amargosa tenement neighbours BRE’s rare‑earth holdings and hosts both high-grade bauxite and significant gallium...
Aluminium—sleek, strong, and stunningly versatile—has long been the silent hero of modern outdoor living. It resists rust, shrugs off storms, and stands firm through sun-drenched summers, making it the perfect backbone for structures that live under open skies. Guess what and how this green metal has been used this time – in a stunning and classy pergola. Image Source: Walmart Between unpredictable spring storms and the blazing summer sun, enjoying your backyard can be a challenge. That’s where a pergola comes in handy—offering protection from rain and a shady retreat from the heat. Right now, Walmart is offering a major deal on one of its top-rated options: the Aecojoy 10 x 14 hardtop aluminium pergola is on sale for just $480—a whopping 77 per cent off the regular price. This aluminium-...
India has recently turned to the World Trade Organization, requesting consultations with the United States over tariffs imposed on aluminium and steel imports by the Trump administration in 2025. As a valuable trade partner of the United States, exporting between 100,000-200,000 tonnes of aluminium and aluminium products in a year had earlier also sought consultations with the US to discuss tariffs, back in 2018 when the US government first imposed 25 per cent tariff on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium, justifying the move as necessary for protecting its domestic industry under national security grounds. Seven years later, in February 2025, the US reaffirmed the flat 25 per cent tariffs on India's both aluminium and steel exports for an indefinite timeline. In response, India once again...
The aluminium industry is undergoing a huge transformation. With sustainability and transparency now essential, businesses are prioritising responsibly sourced materials. Recently, Capral Aluminium and Vedanta unlocked a milestone. Capral, an Australia-based national supplier and distributor of aluminium products, has been leading the charge toward more sustainable sourcing, progressively expanding its supply of ASI Chain of Custody (CoC)-certified aluminium. In February, Capral received the world’s first ASI CoC-certified aluminium shipment from Vedanta Aluminium—highlighting both a global first for Vedanta and Capral’s ongoing dedication to responsible sourcing. “As an Australian manufacturer, we have a responsibility to ensure that the materials we source support a sustainable future....
Vedanta Aluminium faces a severe environmental fine of INR 71.16 (USD 8.52 million) crore for a suspected breach of fly ash disposal regulation, as issued by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board on April 10, 2025. However, Vedanta Aluminium is repudiating the allegation and is on the way to taking legal action for the same. Image source: Eco Material Technologies What is fly ash? When pulverised coal is burned in a power plant to generate electricity, it creates a hazardous byproduct known as fly ash. In its true nature, fly ash has no benefits, but the byproduct consisting of aluminous and siliceous components is used to extract and produce aluminium-fly ash composites. Although it has no direct use in aluminium smelters, it can serve as a good source of alumina and can be...
Clean Cult, a US-based sustainable cleaning brand, launched its aluminium-packaged products at over 300 Costco locations nationwide in April 2025. This move aims to eliminate plastic waste from home cleaning by offering refillable aluminium bottles and paper-based carton refills. The initiative aligns with Clean Cult's mission to provide effective, affordable and sustainable cleaning solutions. Image source: Clean cult The use of aluminium in Clean Cult's packaging ensures durability and reusability, reducing reliance on single-use plastics. This innovation marks the introduction of aluminium for the first time in the home cleaning category within a club store environment. Clean Cult has eliminated plastic packaging by offering filled and refillable 20 fl oz aluminium bottles in scents...
Ghana is positioning itself to become a key player in the global bauxite industry while simultaneously developing a fully integrated aluminium sector. With an estimated 900 million tonnes of bauxite reserves primarily located in Awaso, Nyinahin, and Kyebi, the West African nation is committed to leveraging its natural resources to boost bauxite production and drive sustainable economic growth. In line with Ghana’s future roadmap, Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC), jointly owned by Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL) and the Government of Ghana, aims to achieve a production of 6 million tonnes of bauxte in a year by the end of 2025. Upgrading infrastructure and operational efficiencies would be the key requirement to attain the 6 million tonnes goal. GBC, by investing USD 122.97 million,...
A UK consortium has unveiled a prototype rare-earth-free synchronous reluctance motor featuring aluminium hairpin windings in place of traditional copper. Named the Alumotor, this innovative design offers a durable, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to conventional permanent magnet motors, with the potential to reduce manufacturing costs by up to 60 per cent. Aluminium hairpin windings are emerging as a viable alternative to traditional copper windings in electric motors, especially within the automotive sector. They provide several benefits, including reduced weight, lower material costs, and potentially better heat dissipation. The project is spearheaded by environmental and engineering consultancy Ricardo, in collaboration with Aspire Engineering, Brandauer, Warwick...
Rufus Olusesan, National President of the Precision, Electrical and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association (PERESSA), has urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to revive the long-dormant Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill. He stressed that bringing the facility back to life is crucial for producing key raw materials such as aluminium and copper at affordable rates—resources vital to the survival and growth of Nigeria's industrial sector. For the unversed, machinery used in aluminium production often incorporates steel, particularly in casting, extrusion and other processes. Other devices, such as rolling equipment, ladles, and crucibles, are made of steel. Aluminum serves multiple roles in steelmaking, notably as a strong deoxidiser and grain refiner. It is also used as a...
On Monday, the organisers of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games revealed the official torches that will carry the flame of the Games. Crafted from recycled alloys of aluminium and brass, the torch named Essential weighs over one kilogram. Proudly manufactured in Italy, each torch embodies the spirit of Italian design, cutting-edge technology, and environmental sustainability. Designed with sustainability and reusability at its core, the torches can be refilled and reused up to ten times—markedly cutting down the number needed for the relay. The torches were unveiled in a joint ceremony held at the Triennale di Milano in Italy and Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan—symbolising the global unity of the Olympic Movement and the rich cultural heritage of the host nation. The...
The latest shot fired in the ongoing US-China economic standoff could have far-reaching implications for the global aluminium industry. Speaking in no uncertain terms, Scott Bessent, an economic advisor to former President Donald Trump, stated that “all options are on the table,” including the delisting of Chinese companies from American stock exchanges. While the statement is loaded with geopolitical overtones, its economic reverberations are particularly significant for the global commodities market — aluminium being one of the most affected. Image for referential purposes only and does not depict original scenario (source: https://www.smallcase.com/) This development comes at a time when global markets are already battling fragile supply chains, and it could become a turning point for...
Aluminium is a magic metal. Every day, this recyclable and sustainable metal is uncovering a new dimension. This time researchers at NIST have discovered unique atomic structures known as quasicrystals in 3D-printed aluminium alloys. Found by materials research engineer Andrew Iams when he noticed something highly unusual while examining a sliver of a newly developed aluminium alloy under his electron microscope. At the atomic scale, the atoms appeared arranged in a remarkably unique pattern resembling quasicrystals. “That’s when I started to get excited,” said Iams, “because I thought I might be looking at a quasicrystal.” However, Andrew Iams intuition proved correct. Iams and his team at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) not only confirmed the presence of...
Nagpur just witnessed a tragedy that reads like a thriller gone wrong — except this was real, bloody, and brutally preventable. Five workers lost their lives in an explosion that ripped through an aluminium foil and powder manufacturing unit in the Umrer MIDC area (Nagpur, Maharashtra) on Friday afternoon. Image for representational purposes only and does not depict original incident Eyewitnesses say the ground literally shook. Windows shattered in nearby homes. Thick black smoke curled into the sky as if announcing the doom — and inside, chaos unfolded. The factory, which primarily churned out aluminium foil rolls for packaging industries, turned into a furnace within seconds. What should’ve been a regular workday ended with ambulances, sirens, and heartbroken families begging for...
Novelis, a leading American aluminium rolled products company and recycler, has extended its partnership for two more years to support carbon-neutral aluminium manufacturing at the Net Zero Lab Valais. The collaboration includes HES-SO Valais-Wallis, EPFL and OIKEN, showing Novelis’ ongoing commitment to sustainable aluminium production. Image source: Novelis What is Net Zero Lab Valais? With its inception on February 14, 2022, Net Zero Lab Valais is an R&D (research & development) facility established by Novelis with the focus of developing carbon-neutral solutions applicable to aluminium manufacturers. The main reason behind developing this facility is to reduce the company’s scope 1 and 2 emissions within the operations of their Sierre (Switzerland) plant. “Together Towards Carbon...
National Aluminium Company (NALCO) has taken a serious beating on the bourses this week, tumbling to a fresh 52-week low of INR 142.05 (USD 1.70). That marks an overwhelming 22.71 per cent nosedive over the last nine straight sessions, with the stock opening Wednesday with a dramatic 9.92 per cent gap down. It’s not just NALCO feeling the heat, the entire aluminium and metals sector is under siege. NALCO has underperformed its peers by 1.77 per cent, and technical indicators paint a grim picture: the stock is trading below its 5-day, 20-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day moving averages, to be noted as a classic bearish territory. Despite the market drama, NALCO isn’t all doom and gloom under the hood. The company boasts rock-solid fundamentals, from a low debt-to-equity ratio to a stellar...
