Rio Tinto and Rondo Energy have commenced front-end engineering and design for a 30 MW/360 MWh thermal energy storage project at the Yarwun alumina refinery near Gladstone, Queensland, marking a potential milestone in the use of heat batteries to reduce emissions from alumina refining. The Rondo Heat Battery will store energy as high-temperature heat in refractory bricks and supply continuous process heat to support Rio Tinto’s alumina refining operations. If progressed, the project would be one of the first large-scale demonstrations of thermal energy storage for industrial process heat globally and a world-first for the alumina industry. Heat batteries target round-the-clock industrial demand Australia regularly experiences four to six hours of surplus solar-generated renewable...
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....
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Mössner has designed and commissioned an automated sawing system to produce contour-cut aluminium semi-finished products at Service Centres Aero Germany (SCA) in Remshalden, Germany. A trusted name in the aerospace sector, SCA has been serving as a recognised service provider since 1987. Image Source: Mössner website The system is designed to cut aluminium plates as close to the final contour as possible—commonly referred to as near-net-shape or cut-to-size cutting. With over 30 years of expertise in CNC-controlled contour saws, Mössner has developed a solution that significantly reduces the amount of material that needs to be removed during subsequent processing steps. This approach not only shortens processing time at milling or machining centres but also boosts material efficiency by...
Around mid-week, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) revealed their recent finding of the moderate-quality bauxite resources in the Rymrai area of West Khasi Hills. Alongside the resources, GSI also conveyed their findings, including substantial reserves near a village in East Khasi Hills. Image source: ALS Global In a recent survey conducted by GSI, many bauxite deposits have been identified across Meghalaya, along with other resources like lithium and limestone. With these findings, the state is predicted to receive immense economic benefits post the extraction process. The Director of GSI’s Meghalaya Training and Capacity Building Division also confirmed bauxite availability in the Garo Hills. The survey has further divulged some good-quality limestone deposits and high-grade reserves...
China has imposed a whopping 34 per cent tariff on all imports but that was not all on Friday’s announcement. The country decided to curtail rare earth exports to the US. Now, out of anything and everything, one must be curious about why rare earth took centre stage. The recent actions, perceived by many as retaliatory measures in the escalating trade tensions with the United States, also hint at deeper motivations: a concerted effort by China to reassert its dominance over the global rare earth supply chain, as some reports by Chinese agencies reveal otherwise. Image for referential purposes only China’s historical dominance in rare earths For decades, China has been the linchpin of the global rare earth industry, supplying approximately two-thirds of the world’s REEs. These elements are...
How much is too much? The growing chain of tariffs between the United States and its trade partners is expanding at an alarming rate while industries brace for the impact of escalating trade wars. Following the United States' announcement of reciprocal tariffs on what it called 'Liberation Day,' it's no surprise that other countries are starting to retaliate. China, one of the United States' major trade partners, who is already hit by a 45 per cent tariff and now the 34 per cent reciprocal duty, has roared back with the same percentage of tax on all American imports, starting April 10, 2025, intensifying a bitter trade war between the world's two biggest economies. This escalating conflict has been building for some time. It started when the US granted a 30-day reprieve to its North...
Hindalco Industries is deep in the red, marking its fifth consecutive losing session with a sharp 4.36 per cent decline on April 4. The aluminium giant has shed 9.78 per cent in just five days, underperforming its sector by 0.84 per cent and sinking below key moving averages—an unmistakable sign of a bearish trend. Image for referential purposes only Vedanta took a harder hit, tumbling 8.45 per cent to INR 402.40 (USD 4.71), while Nalco slumped 7.38 per cent to INR 159.90 as the broader aluminium sector lost 4.48 per cent. Hindalco’s intraday low of INR 622.55 (USD 7.28) reinforces the downtrend, with the stock now trading beneath its 5-day, 20-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day moving averages. Meanwhile, the Sensex followed suit, plunging 362.03 points (0.65 per cent) to 75,798.06,...
In an interview with AL Circle, Mr Cátilo Cândido, Executive President of the Brazilian Association of Aluminum Can Manufacturers (Abralatas), highlighted that Brazil's robust and dynamic economy—particularly the rising purchasing power of its population—drives the demand for soft drinks and, consequently, aluminium cans. With a GDP of USD 2.17 trillion and a per capita consumption of 165 12-can packs annually, Brazil is home to the world's fastest-growing aluminium can market. In 2024, Brazil reached a historic milestone, with aluminium can sales in the beverage sector totalling 34.8 billion units. This achievement positioned the country as the third-largest aluminium can market globally, according to Abralatas. The growth rate averaged 7.6 per cent year-on-year, surpassing the 5 per...
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has introduced Absolut Vodka & Sprite Watermelon, marking the brands first-ever flavour innovation. The two new flavours will be available in sleek 250ml aluminium cans and will be available nationwide. The new blend combines Sprite’s signature crispness with the smoothness of Absolut Vodka, enhanced by a burst of refreshing watermelon—hailed as the ultimate summer flavour. Watermelon was selected for its vibrant, juicy profile, offering a fresh and exciting twist that perfectly complements the existing range. Consumer testing showed strong enthusiasm for the new Absolut Vodka & SPRITE Watermelon, with an impressive 84 per cent purchase intent. Most consumers also indicated they could enjoy more than two drinks in a single session. Blending the crisp,...
Voting is in the pipeline to decide the fate of US imports into the US. In an effort to determine whether the countermeasures to the United States steel and aluminium tariffs are going to turn into reality, each EU member is set to vote on April 09, announced a senior EU official. This image is created with the assistance of AI tool for referential purposes only The Commission’s proposal of counter-tariffing big tech companies such as Elon Musk’s social network X and search engine giant Google, as well as major financial institutions like J.P. Morgan and Bank of America, will only be approved as long as it is not opposed by a qualified majority of 15 member states encompassing 65 per cent of EU population. Ahead of the voting and shortly after the ‘liberation day’ tariff was announced,...
Guinea, the West African nation and the world's largest producer of bauxite, will implement its own Guinea Bauxite Price Index as its official price, which is planned to be implemented by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to curb low transfer pricing practices that have historically stripped significant value from the nation's vast bauxite reserves. The price index will ensure greater transparency, align export values with global market realities, and boost state revenues. The index is set to transform Guinea from a price taker to a price setter. With global demand for aluminium surging, this shift is both timely and strategic. International miners operating in Guinea must now prepare for a new era of accountability. The world will be watching as Guinea asserts control over its...
Premier Energies Limited has established a wholly owned subsidiary, Premier-Green Aluminium Private Limited (PGAPL), according to a regulatory filing dated April 3, 2025. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs issued its certificate of incorporation on the same day. PGAPL has been launched with an authorised share capital of INR 10 lakh and will specialise in the manufacturing, processing, and extrusion of aluminium and its alloys. This strategic initiative is designed to support Premier Energies’ internal consumption needs while enhancing its broader business operations. The new aluminium manufacturing unit is expected to complement the company’s existing presence in the renewable energy sector. Premier Energies will retain full ownership of the new entity, with its operations solely based in...
Sipping wine and saving the planet, one glass at a time! Would you still choose something else? An UK-organic wine company, Vinca, has introduced their wine in full-sized recyclable aluminium bottles and is currently available in more than 300 Tesco stores across the UK this week. Image source: Vinca Vinca started its operation back in 2021 and is highly recognisable for its collection of award-winning canned wines. With sustainability at heart of every industry, Vinca has introduced 100 per cent recyclable 750ml aluminium wine bottles priced at GBP 9 (USD 11.66). The company’s PCR (post-consumer recycled) aluminium bottles make the wine within it chill faster with a wine-grade lining side ensuring the freshness of the content inside. Moreover, the use of aluminium ensured that companies...
The trade battleground is heating up as US President Donald Trump announces reciprocal as well as a bout of tariff on ‘Liberation Day,’ and India has found herself at the centre of a high-stakes of the sparking trade war. The United States slapped with a 26 per cent tariff on Indian goods, and it seems the brunt is going to be strongest for gems and jewellery along with electronics product export. Is India’s aluminium industry bracing for impact, too? It shouldn’t, at least not yet, as the auto and auto parts have been exempted from the latest tariff announcements apart from the original 25 per cent slab. Alongside, amid the chaos, does India have an overall upper hand? Let’s find out. The US has been steadily tightening its tariff grip, as certain Indian goods already face a 25 per cent...
As the world awaited the United States' reciprocal tariffs on April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump caught everyone off guard with a new move: a 25 per cent duty on imported beer & aluminium cans and assembled automobiles & car parts. This did not mean that Trump exempted his trade partners from reciprocal tariffs; rather, he simply added another surprise to the mix. As per the report, tariff on beer and empty aluminium cans will take effect on Friday, April 4, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time, while cars and car parts will face the duty a day earlier. Already, this new tariff announcement has sent shockwaves through businesses worldwide, sparking speculation about the potential impacts on trade dynamics, price structures, and consumer sentiment. Concerns in the beer and can market In 2024, the...
Enter a realm where precision meets performance with effortless typing and seamless gameplay. Amazon’s biggest saver is live on Corsair’s aluminium K70 Pro Mini compact mechanical gaming keyboard with a wrap-around RGB is at 50 per cent off. Image source: Corsair This gaming keyboard was set to be sold at USD 179.99, which at present in Amazon is sold at USD 84.99 which exactly represents a markdown of 53 per cent. This is the best opportunity for all gaming enthusiasts or people dealing with great typing practice to seize the deal because the price is lowest ever. Corsair’s K70 Pro Mini compact mechanical gaming keyboard is of durable aluminium frame making it easier to fit even within the shortest space available. With the durable feature of aluminium, the eye-catchy appearance of the...
A study carried out by Eunomia and commissioned by the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) has revealed that renewable electricity and recycling will be the key drivers of emissions reductions in the aluminium industry. Titled as Decarbonisation Pathways in Aluminium Vs. Competing Materials, the research underscores the role of aluminium in industrial decarbonisation, comparing its emissions reduction pathways to those of steel, copper, container glass, and PVC. The study revealed that renewable electricity and recycling will be the key drivers of emissions reductions in the aluminium industry. The research highlighted that combining renewable electricity and recycling will be the primary driver of emissions reductions for aluminium. In contrast, copper’s decarbonisation will rely...
A devastating explosion in a firecracker storage godown on Dhunva Road in Deesa, Banaskantha district, Gujarat, claimed 21 lives and left six others injured on Tuesday morning. A forensic investigation has confirmed that aluminium powder, a key ingredient in firecrackers, was responsible for the massive explosion and subsequent blaze. Image Source: ANI The blast, caused by a boiler explosion, triggered a fire that led to the roof's collapse, trapping workers inside. Authorities later revealed that the factory's application for licence renewal had been rejected in December after a police inspection found a complete lack of safety measures. In addition to aluminium powder, a team from the forensic science laboratory (FSL) also discovered yellow dextrin powder at the warehouse where the...
Alupro has announced a strategic partnership with the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC), aiming to improve waste management education and increase kerbside recycling rates. Through this collaboration, Alupro seeks to engage with local authorities, share best practices and promote consumer awareness campaigns. As part of the agreement, Alupro will work closely with LARAC to provide expert guidance on aluminium packaging recycling. It will also use LARAC’s communication channels, including blogs, articles and website advertisements, to highlight its latest consumer education programmes. The collaboration reinforces Alupro’s role in aluminium packaging recycling, driving household participation and supporting its goal of a 100% recycling rate. This partnership will help...
Indian conglomerate Vedanta, spanning metals to oil, is seeking a global partner for expansion projects worth $20 billion, according to a tender document. Led by billionaire Anil Agarwal, the company—soon to be split into five entities:Vedanta Limited, Vedanta Aluminium, Vedanta Oil and Gas, Vedanta Steel and Ferrous Materials, and Vedanta Power. Vedanta has not disclosed specific details about the tender issued last week. However, its plans include a $2 billion to $2.5 billion investment to expand subsidiary Hindustan Zinc's production. Another unit, Cairn India, has outlined a $5 billion strategy to increase oil output fivefold. Meanwhile, Vedanta's power division aims to double its 5-gigawatt (GW) capacity and expand into nuclear energy and power distribution. In February, the company...
