Aluminium’s decarbonisation challenge extends beyond the electricity powering its smelters. Inside the reduction cell, electrode quality influences how efficiently that electricity is used, how much carbon is consumed and how consistently the process performs. Improving electrodes therefore offers producers a practical opportunity to address operating costs and emissions together. For Switzerland-based R&D Carbon , understanding the relationship between raw materials, electrode quality and industrial performance has been a focus for four decades. Founded in 1986 by Werner K. Fischer, the company built on carbon research previously undertaken at Swiss Aluminium Ltd., or Alusuisse. Today, it operates from Granges, near Sierre, with a team of 30 specialists serving more than 150 customers...
Chevron Australia has entered a new natural gas supply agreement with South32’s Worsley Alumina business, reinforcing the importance of reliable energy supplies to Australia’s alumina refining industry. The deal will support operations at the Western Australian facility, where energy availability remains central to mineral processing and industrial activity. Under the contract, Chevron will supply natural gas to South32 Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd from 1 January 2028. The arrangement continues a longstanding commercial relationship between the companies, with the fuel allocated to the alumina producer’s processing requirements. Explore the production, demand and consumption forecasts of bauxite and alumina in our report: " Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade...
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Alcoa, a global aluminium production entity with major smelters in Canada, Australia, and Iceland, among other locations, has expressed concerning statements that over 100,000 employment losses can be anticipated owing to the proposed implementation of US aluminium and steel tariffs of flat 25 per cent on all imports by the Donald Trump government. Bill Oplinger, CEO of Alcoa, conveyed at the BMO Global Metals and Mining Conference in Florida that the tariff implementation could lead to a massive loss of about 20,000 employments in the US aluminium industry and a further 80,000 jobs across the value-chain sectors that support it. "This is bad for the aluminium industry in the US. It's bad for American workers," said Oplinger, an engineer by educational qualification who became CEO in...
The United States' unprecedented support for Russia in blocking a draft resolution by Ukraine at the United Nations has sent shockwaves through the market as soon as the news surfaced today, February 25. For the first time in three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, the United States has come out in support of Russia. The resolution called for "de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution of the war against Ukraine, marked by enormous destruction and human suffering, including among the civilian population, in line with the Charter of the United Nations and international law". Backing Russia, United States President Donald Trump stated that "major economic development transactions with Russia" could take place, and just hours after the statement, Putin...
The United States and Canada have long shared more than just a border — they’ve built an aluminium supply chain that’s deeply intertwined and vital to both economies. As the US grapples with declining aluminium production and mounting energy costs, the importance of Canada’s role has never been clearer. Let’s break down why the US aluminium industry leans so heavily on its northern neighbour — and why replacing Canada simply isn’t an option. Image Source: https://www.benefitsandpensionsmonitor.com/ A shrinking giant: The state of US aluminium production Once a global leader in aluminium production, the US now produces just 1.2 per cent of the world’s aluminium supply. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the US had a primary aluminium production capacity of 1.36 million tonnes in...
India and the UK have resumed negotiations for a free-trade agreement (FTA) after an eight-month break on Monday, February 24, with the two sides of the table focussing on a triple hike in bilateral trade with a ‘mutually beneficial and forward-looking’ deal by going past tariff and non-tariff issues while protecting each other’s ‘sensitivities’. The statement of affirmation was mutually declared by India’s commerce minister, Piyush Goyal, and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds. The Bilateral Trade Agreement sessions between the United Kingdom and India involve negotiation on 26 tangents, which include goods and services, intellectual property rights, sustainability along with labour rights for both nations. According to the International Monetary Fund...
A Taiwan-based leader in dispensing and packaging solutions for the fragrance, skincare, and cosmetics industries, Glaspray is unveiling a revolutionary step toward sustainable beauty — the first bottles and jars crafted from forged aluminium alloy T6061. Source:Glaspray This product line reflects the company's dedication to redefining materials to reduce the environmental impact of packaging solutions. The forging process enhances structural integrity while enabling precision shaping, resulting in designs that are both sleek and highly functional. The bottles and jars are fully reusable and infinitely recyclable, embodying the company's core values of Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. T6061 aluminium alloy T6061 aluminium is typically used in high-performance sectors like aerospace...
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest smelter ex-China, has announced its fourth quarter and full-year results for 2024, reporting an impressive growth in financial output, coincided with its new high of net finished production at 1,622,261 tonnes. Image source: Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. Fiscal figure In the fourth quarter of the year, the company yielded a profit of BD37.1 million (US$98.6 million), which was 58.5 per cent higher than a profit of BD23.4 million (US$62.2 million) earned in Q4 2023. For the full year, Alba reported a profit of BD184.5 million (US$490.8 million), up by 56.4 per cent from BD118 million ($313.9 million) . Alba's comprehensive income in Q4 2024 was BD38.1 million (US$101.3 million) against BD16.3 million (US$43.2 million) a year ago – up by 134.4...
Scandium Canada, dedicated to advancing strategic metals and gold projects across Québec, has announced its voluntary delisting from the US OTCQB equity market, effective March 1, 2025. This strategic move aims to redirect resources towards establishing a new division dedicated to commercialising the company’s two aluminium-scandium powders. Following a comprehensive review of its primary listings on the TSX Venture Exchange and OTCQB, the company concluded that the costs associated with maintaining a dual listing were not justified at this stage. The savings generated from delisting will be reinvested to support the growth and development of the new division, which was first announced in November 2024. About the upcoming divisions By streamlining its market presence, Scandium Canada...
Constellium, the Paris-based aluminium business, has joined "Project M-LightEn," a bold initiative to create ultra-lightweight, sustainable vehicle chassis structures. Over the next three years, the consortium will work to revolutionise unibody vehicle architecture, targeting a 50 per cent reduction in carbon intensity and a 25 per cent decrease in weight. Image Source: Constellium website Led by the Gordon Murray Group (GMG) and backed by Innovate UK and the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), the project brings together Constellium, Carbon ThreeSixty, and Brunel University London. As part of Project M-LightEn, Constellium will provide ultra-high-strength aluminium solutions composed of 80 per cent recycled UK consumer scrap. "Alongside Gordon Murray Automotive's niche supercar...
Hindalco has announced that it will invest INR 15,000 crore (USD 1.81 billion) in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh to expand the company’s aluminium smelting capacity in both current and new sites. The investment was announced at the Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Madhya Pradesh government. Image Source: https://www.hindalco.com Speaking to ANI, Hindalco’s Managing Director Satish Pai commented, “In the next two years, we will be investing about INR 15,000 crores just from the Hindalco side. And we will also be opening a large mine called Banda from the group side.” Hindalco has a state-of-the-art aluminium manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh, with pre-invested INR 25,000 crore (USD 3.01 billion)...
Ford Motor Company is unfazed by a USD 5 billion to USD 5.5 billion loss anticipation in its ‘Model e’ electric vehicle section in 2025 due to expense challenges, mentioned company executives, with the brand aiming to grow its EV volume. Image Source: https://www.ford.com/electric/ In an after-hours revenues call on February 5, CFO Sherry House conveyed that the foreseen 2025 EV losses are stable year-on-year, as the EV segment registered a full-year EBIT loss of USD 5.1 billion in 2024. “While continued industry pricing pressure remains, we plan to materially increase our global volume driven by the full-year impact of European launches, and we significantly increased investment in our battery facilities and next-generation products, which are just two years away,” House stated. The...
A Global Trade Research Initiative’s (GTRI’s) flagship report on Friday has put the spotlight on a plethora of possibilities for the Indian Government to tackle US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs that can potentially hit the Indian trade setup hard enough. One of which has pulled many eyeballs, including the government itself — India can consider a ‘zero-for-zero’ tariff approach, which is practically lowering import duties on select products that it does not import in higher quantities from the US as part of the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). On this note, government officials have revealed to a national media publication that the consideration was in full swing, and discussions commenced with stakeholders in sectors like automobiles and auto components, in which...
India is set to launch its much-anticipated carbon market by 2026, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal announced on February 21, 2025. This initiative will be a game-changer for Indian industries, particularly exporters, as they strive to align with global carbon emission standards. By helping businesses curb emissions and transition away from fossil fuels, the move aims to strengthen India's position in the global marketplace while advancing its sustainability goals. Companies in industries like steel and cement are increasingly concerned about the impact of the European Union’s (EU) Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which imposes tariffs on high-carbon imports. To remain competitive in the EU market, manufacturers will need to adopt greener energy sources and reduce carbon...
Aluminium remains a cornerstone of the global economy, with the rising demand for green metal highlighting its lasting significance. Despite challenges and periodic disruptions, the push for sustainable aluminium continues to gain momentum. Notable advancements have taken place in the upstream sector, encompassing bauxite mining, alumina refining, and primary aluminium production. To begin with, METLEN Energy & Metals has signed two long-term strategic agreements with global mining and metals giant Rio Tinto to reinforce its bauxite and alumina supply chain. NALCO's announcement of INR 30,000 crore (USD 3.45 billion) investment in aluminium business expansion, revealed by Union Minister of Coal & Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi, marks its first major capital expenditure in...
Futures: Yesterday, the SHFE aluminium 2504 contract opened at RMB 20,865 per tonne, peaked at RMB 20,895 per tonne, hit a low of RMB 20,820 per tonne, and closed at RMB 20,860 per tonne, up RMB 70 per tonne or 0.34 per cent from the previous day. LME aluminium opened at USD 2,687 per tonne, reached a high of USD 2,730 per tonne, a low of USD 2,686.5 per tonne, and closed at USD 2,730 per tonne, up USD 43 per tonne or 1.6per cent. Macro: (1) US Fed's Bostic: Still expects two interest rate cuts this year, but there is significant uncertainty; Goolsbee: PCE data is unlikely to be as alarming as CPI data. If tariffs lead to higher inflation, the Fed will take it into account. (Bullish ★) (2) US Treasury Secretary Besant: The Fed's September rate cut was too large; no plans to reassess gold...
Sustainaholics, in partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail and Compass Supply Solutions, has unveiled a pioneering range of spirits packaged in fully recycled 5cl aluminium bottles at UK airports. Now featured in Discover London stores, these innovative bottles provide a more sustainable option compared to conventional packaging. Image Source: Sustainaholics website The London-based brand first entered the travel retail market in 2023, introducing lightweight and space-saving aluminium bottles designed explicitly for airline service. Their sustainable approach gained further momentum in March 2024, when select products were incorporated into the in-flight menus of British Airways and easyJet. David Mills, founder of Sustainaholics, commented, "We're delighted to see our 100% recycled...
Speira's Recycling Services and SMS group have formed a strategic partnership to enhance operational standards through advanced digitalisation technologies for scrap handling at Speira's sites in Töging am Inn, Grevenbroich, and Deizisau. Metallics Optimizer – AI-driven charge-mix optimisation solution As part of the agreement, SMS group will implement its "Metallics Optimizer," an AI-driven charge-mix optimisation solution to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and optimise the scrap mix. The rollout of the Metallics Optimiser will integrate seamlessly with aluminium melting and holding furnaces and those used for magnesium production. The implementation of the Metallics Optimiser will extend to additional Speira-specific applications, focusing on business processes while...
Motorcycle enthusiasts, get ready to rev your engines! Whether you're a city commuter, a leisure traveller, or an adventurous rider, the two-wheeled world has some exciting new offerings for you in 2025. In this article, we'll take a closer look at seven models that are worth considering, with a special focus on their use of aluminium and their price points. Triumph Speed T4: dual-tone elegance Triumph has recently launched the latest iteration of its Speed T4 model, and it's a sight to behold. Available in four new dual-tone colour options – Caspian Blue with Pearl Metallic White, Lava Red Gloss with Pearl Metallic White, Phantom Black with Pearl Metallic White, and Phantom Black with Storm Grey – the Speed T4 boasts a sleek and stylish design. Featuring cast aluminium alloy 10-spoke...
A new set of sanctions against Russia has been agreed upon between the European Union member states, diplomats confirmed on February 19, 2025. However, this latest package, set to be formally adopted by EU foreign ministers on February 24, 2025, aims to sustain pressure on Moscow ahead of the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine geopolitical crisis. Among the measures included is a ban on Russian aluminium imports. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, wrote on a social media platform, “The EU is clamping down even harder on circumvention by targeting more vessels in Putin's shadow fleet and imposing new import and export bans." "We are committed to keep up the pressure on the Kremlin." The EU has introduced its 16 th round of sanctions on Russia. At the same...
