Aluminium scrap: This week, China's aluminium scrap market prices followed the decline before partially rebounding, with the centre pulling back alongside primary aluminium. As of September 17, SMM A00 aluminium prices closed at RMB 24,180 per tonne, down RMB 380 per tonne from RMB 24,560 per tonne last Thursday, while domestic aluminium scrap prices followed the decline by a relatively limited margin. In terms of price spreads, on September 17, the price difference between A00 aluminium and mixed aluminium extrusion scrap free of paint in Foshan stood at approximately RMB 2,468 per tonne, and the price difference between A00 aluminium and shredded aluminium tense scrap stood at approximately RMB 1,247 per tonne, with the aluminium tense scrap price spread narrowing further W-o-W. On the...
Impact Minerals Limited has raised approximately AUD 2.2 million (USD 1.56 million) before costs through a renounceable rights issue, providing additional funding to advance its two high-purity alumina projects in Australia. The company issued nearly 69 million new shares and approximately 46 million options under the capital raising, which was launched in August. Impact Minerals said the offer received strong participation from existing shareholders, including full take-up by its major German family office investor. Any remaining shortfall shares may be placed within three months, subject to the allocation policy outlined in the offer. Funding targets pilot and customer qualification work The fresh capital will support development of Impact Minerals’ Lake Hope and Alluminous high-purity...
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Cambodia has drawn an impressive $5.8 billion in fixed-asset investments in the first half of 2025, marking a remarkable 77 per cent surge compared to the same period last year, according to the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC). Greenlight to 373 investment projects The country greenlit 373 investment projects between January and June, almost doubling last year's figure of 190 projects, setting the stage for the creation of around 255,000 new jobs. The booming investment highlights Cambodia's rising appeal as a dynamic destination for growth and development. According to the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), China remained the leading foreign investor, followed by investors from Singapore, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, the United States, Samoa, and South Korea....
All welders, pay attention here because new consumables will make your work easier and faster. Keeping in mind the heightened productivity in the high-volume Metal Inert Gas (MIG) aluminium welding application, AlcoTec, a leader in the manufacturing and supporting of aluminium welding consumables, has pioneered 32-lb spool sizes for the 4043 and 5356 wires in dimeters of 0.047 (6/64th or 1.2 mm) and 0.062 (1/16th or 1.6 mm). Image source: esab.com The 14-inch diameter spool provides 60 per cent enhanced capacity, helping to reinforce the brand's standard 20-lb spools, abetting an extensive welding period before the need for spool changes whilst using the sledge-style feeders. With the promptness of the grooved spool hub, this spool supports conducting tangle-free feeding. The company's...
At the International Conference on Sustainable and Responsible Mining, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy unveiled the Aluminium Vision Document, signaling a strategic shift in how India views and manages one of its most vital industrial resources. Framed within the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, the roadmap lays out an ambitious plan to increase aluminium production nearly sixfold by the country’s 100th year of independence. Despite being the world’s second-largest aluminium producer, India currently contributes only 6 per cent to the global output, underscoring a significant gap between capacity and potential. The new vision aims to bridge this gap not just by scaling production but by transforming aluminium into a central pillar of India’s sustainable development model. Building...
A recent announcement of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC 2012), Western Yilgarn Limited, has made an inferred Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the Cardea 3 Bauxite Project. This estimate will add nearly 16.57 million tonnes to the total bauxite resource base, which at present holds 205 million tonnes. Image source: westernyilgarn.com.au The recent enlargement of the resource shall enhance the firm's potential to have future resource growth as well as help it gain a key leader position in the bauxite supply chain. Not only this, but also the strategic advantages that the company will receive with the proximity to such infrastructure and high-grade bauxite will directly aid in shipping ore operations. The Inferred MRE-achieved has a high-grade subset consisting of 3.78 million...
Futures Market: Overnight, the most-traded AD2511 cast aluminium alloy futures contract opened at RMB 19,755 per tonne, hitting a bottom of RMB 19,750 per tonne, reaching a peak of RMB 19,810 per tonne, and finally closing at RMB 19,785 per tonne, up RMB 35 per tonne or 0.18 per cent from the previous trading day. Trading volume stood at 734 lots, with open interest at 8,517 lots, primarily driven by an increase in long positions. Spot-Futures Price Spread Daily Report: According to SMM data, on July 7, the theoretical premium of SMM ADC12 spot price over the closing price of the most-traded cast aluminium alloy futures contract (AD2511) at 10:15 a.m. narrowed to RMB 260 per tonne. Aluminium Scrap Market: Yesterday, the spot price of primary aluminium fell by RMB 130 per tonne from the...
SMM data shows China's metallurgical-grade alumina production in June 2025 (30 days) decreased 0.19 per cent M-o-M but increased 6.1 per cent Y-o-Y. By month-end June, China's existing metallurgical-grade alumina capacity reached approximately 110.82 million tonnes, with operating capacity up 3.14 per cent M-o-M and operating rate at 79.7 per cent. With alumina prices rebounding earlier, the June monthly average price maintained highs. Refineries kept operating rates elevated, and previously idled capacity gradually resumed, leading to a notable M-o-M rebound in domestic alumina operating capacity. By region, alumina capacity in south China that was previously under maintenance gradually resumed, with operating capacity rebounding by nearly 2 million tonnes. In the north, alumina...
Guangdong Zhonglian Aluminium has added a new feather to its name with the prestigious “Foshan Standard” certification for its powder-coated 6063-T5 aluminium profiles. The certificate ensures a true testament to the company’s dedication to excellence and innovation. This recognition highlights Zhonglian’s commitment to delivering premium-quality products while constantly advancing its technological capabilities. But what makes the “Foshan Standard” such a big deal? It represents a bold initiative by the Foshan municipal government to elevate manufacturing quality to new heights. Designed to exceed national benchmarks, surpass industry norms, and rival international standards, the “Foshan Standard” sets a high bar for excellence. When you see this mark, it signals that Zhonglian stands...
The Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) has pledged to assist Welsh councils in readiness for the implementation of the UK's new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging scheme in 2025. Given that Wales is already ahead of the UK when it comes to recycling, Alupro is putting its skills and successful behavioural change schemes at the disposal of councils to guide them through the new regime and increase further aluminium recycling rates. This follows a conference conducted a few months ago on this matter. What does the initiative include? Under the new EPR rules, packaging manufacturers will pay financially for the whole net cost of gathering and recycling their packaging when it ends up as waste. This 'polluter pays' concept is intended to encourage more...
Iconic California-based tech-giant Apple is likely making a comeback to aluminium for its upcoming iPhone 17 Pro, marking a significant departure from the titanium frames used in recent flagship models. Recent leaks reveal Apple's return to aluminium components for its chassis, as opposed to the iPhone 16 Pro series' titanium body, expected to launch in late 2025. This strategic materials shift represents more than a design choice. It signals a potential industry-wide transformation that could reshape global mobile supply chains, affecting manufacturers, suppliers and production costs worldwide. Beyond titanium: why aluminium wins The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to replace the titanium frames of prior versions with aluminium, based not only on engineering considerations, but...
LG Electronics reported a sharp decline in performance for the second quarter of this year (Q2 2025), impacted by weakening global demand amid an economic slowdown and lingering effects of Trump's aluminium and steel tariffs. On July 7, LG Electronics announced that its consolidated operating profit for the second quarter stood at 639.1 billion won (USD $471 million), marking a 46.6 per cent drop compared to the same period last year. Operating profit plunged 49.2 per cent from the previous quarter, effectively halving. Sales declined 4.4 per cent year-on-year to 20.74 trillion won ($15.29 billion) and dropped 8.8 per cent compared with last quarter. How tariffs affected their overall performance LG is known to incorporate aluminium across a range of its products, mainly for its excellent...
Indian based full-stack spacetech company Dhruva Space has announced a strategic partnership with Pixxel, a satellite imaging startup, to supply space-grade solar panels for Pixxel’s next-generation high-resolution hyperspectral satellite constellation. Image for representational purposes As part of the agreement, Dhruva Space will work with Pixxel to integrate its advanced Solis+ solar panels into the upcoming fleet, enabling robust, high-efficiency power systems in orbit. The collaboration aims to power satellites designed for daily global revisit and high spectral fidelity, building on the success of Pixxel’s Firefly satellites, launched earlier in 2025, which delivered the world’s first 5- meter commercial hyperspectral imagery. Pixxel Founder and Chief Technology Officer Kshitij...
Gardaí and army bomb disposal experts are investigating after a suspect device was defused near the Aughinish Alumina factory in County Limerick. Image credit: alustory.international-aluminium.org The device, found yesterday afternoon close to an oil tank at the facility, prompted a major operation involving the Defence Forces’ Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit. Controlled detonations were carried out to sever key components from gas cylinders, preserving significant forensic evidence for investigators. Gardaí were alerted to the device at approximately 3:30 pm, with the operation beginning shortly after 4 pm. A cordon was established, and the EOD team removed the device from the scene for further examination. Investigations are now underway to trace the origin of the device’s...
Aluminium prices fell by 0.56 per cent and are settled at INR 249.15 (USD 2.99) per kg, where the fall is witnessed due to the weak manufacturing demand, irrespective of immense support from the supplies. As per the latest manufacturing Purchasing Manufacturing Index (PMI) by China's National Bureau of Statistics, another contraction month has been indicated, stipulating challenges in sustainable recovery in the world's top aluminium-consuming sector. Concerning China's production, aluminium output rose by 5 per cent year-on-year, reaching 3.83 million tonnes in May 2025. The total year-to-date China's total aluminium output stood at 18.59 million tonnes, representing a surge by 4 per cent. Concerning the global aluminium output, as per the data of Aluminium Institute, the year-on-year...
Canpack has officially commenced the expansion of its aluminium cans production facility in Bydgoszcz, Poland, marking the occasion with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Canpackleadership, local government representatives, the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the US Embassy in Poland, along with business and institutional partners. Supported by the Pomeranian Special Economic Zone, with ALSTAL Grupa Budowlana appointed as the general contractor responsible for the construction phase, the facility will generate over 100 new job opportunities in the region. Currently, Canpack’s Bydgoszcz plant employs more than 470 people. “CANPACK’s latest investment project, valued at approximately PLN 440 million, reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to the development of Poland’s packaging sector and...
As the global aluminium market braces for a new phase of industrial transition, driven by decarbonisation, electric mobility, and infrastructure growth, the mineral fuelling this surge is quietly building geopolitical weight. Bauxite, the primary ore for aluminium, is showing a reshaped reserve landscape in 2024, with fresh data from AL Circle's research highlighting strategic concentrations that could redefine global supply chains. As of 2024, five countries dominate the global bauxite landscape by reserve volume: Guinea, Australia, Vietnam, Brazil, and Indonesia. Together, they account for over 66 per cent of the world’s total reserves. However, when juxtaposed with actual production output, the picture becomes more complex. Global snapshot: 29 billion tonnes and counting As of 2024,...
Nigeria, one of the world's leading oil producers and home to over 200 million people, continues to grapple with a range of challenges, from insufficient job creation and limited economic opportunities to widespread mismanagement. Among these pressing issues, inadequate electricity supply stands out as a major concern, particularly in key industrial regions where stable power is essential for growth and development. In response to this, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has embarked on the reconductoring of the ageing Kumbotso–Dakata 132kV double-circuit transmission line in Kano, a critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing power supply to the Dakata Industrial Zone and the upcoming Walalambe Transmission Substation. This line also plays a vital role in strengthening...
As the July 9 deadline approaches, the US trade partner countries are looking to initiate deals with the Trump administration for tariffs to snap back to higher levels. Moreover, more than 100 partners are expected to see a "reciprocal" rate of 10 per cent in the coming week, where the possibility of emerging flurry deals materialises before the deadline hits. Image source: customssuport.com Stand of the Chinese trade partners Currently, the US has eased the export restriction on China for conducting business with chip design software and ethane, indicating a calming trade tension between the two countries. This ease had come into being after signing an agreement in May, concluding a framework directing larger trade deals. US-based software firms like Synopsys (SNPS) and Cadence (CDNS)...
Futures market: On Friday last week, the night session of the most-traded alumina 2509 futures contract opened at RMB 3,015 per tonne, with a high of RMB 3,025 per tonne, a low of RMB 2,981 per tonne, and closed at RMB 3,012 per tonne, down RMB 12 per tonne or 0.40 per cent, with an open interest of 272,000 lots. Image for representational purposes only Ore aspect: As of July 4, the SMM imported bauxite index was reported at USD 74.3 per tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day; the SMM Guinea bauxite CIF average price was reported at USD 74 per tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day; the SMM Australia low-temperature bauxite CIF average price was reported at USD 70 per tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day; and the SMM Australia high-temperature bauxite CIF average...
