
Saudi Arabia’s aluminium consumption could climb to as much as 1.8 million tonnes a year by 2030, as the Kingdom ramps up infrastructure and industrial development ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Ahmad Al-Alshaikh, executive vice president of Maaden’s Aluminum Business Unit, said demand is expected to reach at least 1.6 million tonnes annually by 2030, up from around 1 million tonnes currently. Consumption could potentially double over the next five to seven years, he said. Speaking on the sidelines of the Fastmarkets International Aluminium Conference in Budapest, Al-Alshaikh said construction of 15 new stadiums for the football tournament is helping to support aluminium demand, Reuters reported. Major exhibitions and preparations for the World Cup are also expected to contribute to...
The story of the aluminium industry is starting a chapter wherein scrap availability, recycling technology, trade policy, carbon costs and demand growth are becoming increasingly interconnected. From the US and Canada to Europe, India, New Zealand and China, recent developments show that the global aluminium supply chain is being reshaped on several fronts at once. These developments point to a changing aluminium business model: access to metal alone may no longer be enough. Quality of recycled feedstock, domestic processing capacity, carbon intensity, trade exposure and the ability to meet increasingly specific customer requirements could become equally important competitive factors. Join the fourth edition of the webinar “Hedging for recyclers - Become an expert in 6 hours” by Jorge...
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In a move that underscores the growing importance of advanced process analytics in metals manufacturing, Iceland-based metals analytics specialist DTE has announced a strategic collaboration with Arconic Corporation, a global leader in aluminium products, including sheets, plates, and more. The partnership aims to elevate process efficiency and product quality by integrating DTE’s cutting-edge molten metal composition analysis technology into Arconic’s operations. The collaboration kicks off with a pilot project at a selected Arconic facility in North America. This initiative will utilise DTE’s advanced LP-LIBS™ Analyser, designed for real-time chemical composition analysis of molten aluminium in furnace operations. The technology enables precise process control, boosting throughput,...

The aluminium processing industry experienced a marked downturn in June 2025, with the composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) dropping to 40.1 per cent. This decline of 9.7 percentage points from May and 1.5 per cent year-on-year firmly placed the index in contraction territory below the critical 50-point mark. The drop signals a broad-based deceleration across all aluminium processing sub-sectors, driven by a complex set of challenges. Image Credit: unsplash.com A confluence of factors contributed to this downturn. Seasonal weakness was more acute than usual, intensifying the traditional off-season effect. Aluminium prices remained elevated at around RMB 21,000 per tonne, limiting the purchasing capacity of downstream sectors. Domestic demand weakened further due to sluggish cargo...

Patriot Aluminum is relocating from its former facility in Denton, Maryland, to a new site on Whitehurst Drive near Seaford, Delaware. The company has purchased a 45,000-square-foot warehouse and is investing $4.8 million to equip and upgrade the facility for the production, assembly, and distribution of metal fencing products. The move brings 20 existing jobs from Maryland, with an additional 19 full-time positions to be created at the Delaware location over the next three years. According to a release from the Delaware Prosperity Partnership (PPP), these roles will span both skilled and unskilled positions, including sales, administrative, and managerial jobs. “Patriot Aluminum is excited to relocate and be a part of Seaford’s rebirth,” said Patriot Aluminum Controller George Hufnagel...

In a continent where 40 per cent of the world’s natural resources lie beneath the surface, only 30 per cent have been thoroughly explored. But the challenge isn’t just geology. It is in its governance. More specifically, it’s the invisible curtain shrouding Africa’s geological survey data that may be deterring billions in potential investment. Image for referential purposes only (Source: https://www.bruker.com/) At the recent London Indaba, Mark Cutifani, Chairperson of Vale Base Metals and a mining heavyweight formerly at Anglo American, struck a chord during his opening keynote, as he shared, “Malawi is the first, and I believe Nigeria is the second.” He wasn’t talking about mineral production, infrastructure milestones, or new critical mineral discoveries. He was referring to a...

Neveah Limited has officially commenced operations at its advanced aluminium and copper recycling facility in Ogun State. During its inaugural production run, the plant successfully delivered its first batch of aluminium ingots achieving a notable purity level of 85.1 per cent, a strong reflection of the high-quality standards Neveah aims to maintain as it scales up operations. Neveah Limited’s recycling facility in Ogun State is set to produce ADC 12-grade aluminium ingots for both domestic and international markets. Sourced from recycled aluminium scrap such as used car engine parts and beverage cans the ingots will be exported to destinations across Asia and beyond, supporting a global circular economy. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the facility ensures each ingot complies...

Amidst growing concern over the future of UK automotive manufacturing, British sports car maker Lotus has moved to reassure the government that it remains committed to its Norfolk roots. At an urgent meeting on Sunday, the company confirmed to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds that it has no plans to close its Norfolk factory despite preparing to resume production following a reduction in US tariffs. In a statement on X, it said, "Lotus Cars is continuing normal operations; there are no plans to close any factory," 1,300 UK jobs saved The meeting was prompted by reports that Lotus was considering shifting sports car production to the US, an option that could have put 1,300 UK jobs at risk and marked a significant setback for the country's car industry. Lotus's Chinese parent company,...

Despite India’s exports reaching a record USD 824.9 billion in FY 2024–25, aluminium exports declined sharply by 10.79 per cent, revealing sector-specific challenges amid an otherwise strong trade performance. Image for representational purposes only According to the Ministry of Commerce, total exports grew 6.01 per cent year-on-year, rising from USD 778.1 billion in FY 2023–24, driven primarily by robust growth in services and non-petroleum merchandise exports. The overall surge in India’s exports was supported by a 13.6 per cent rise in services exports, which reached a record USD 387.5 billion, and a 6 per cent increase in non-petroleum merchandise exports, which hit an all-time high of USD 374.1 billion. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman acknowledged the resilience of Indian...

The US beverage can industry aims to offset its manufacturing cost inflation by using recycled aluminium, which is exempt from the 50 per cent tariff on aluminium and steel. By using recycled aluminium, the entire industry would shield nearly 70 billion cans, an industry valued at USD 36.95 billion in 2024, from potential financial threats and loss. Recently, the Trump administration has applied a 50 per cent tariff on imports of consumer packaged goods made from aluminium and steel, creating a robust tension among manufacturers. However, this created a nudge towards using recycled aluminium for beverage can packaging. US beverage can production According to the IMARC report, the aluminium beverage can production in the US in 2024 was 155.8 Billion Units and is expected to reach 209.7...

According to SMM data, China's metallurgical-grade alumina production in June 2025 (30 days) decreased by 0.19 per cent M-o-M and increased by 6.1 per cent Y-o-Y. As of the end of June, China's existing capacity for metallurgical-grade alumina was approximately 110.82 million tonnes, with actual operating capacity increasing by 3.14 per cent M-o-M and an operating rate of 79.7 per cent. Image for referential purposes only Due to the earlier rebound in alumina prices, the monthly average alumina price in June remained high, and alumina enterprises maintained high operating capacity. Coupled with the gradual restoration of maintenance capacity in the earlier period, there was a significant rebound in domestic alumina operating capacity in June. By region, in June, maintenance and production...

At the 2025 Indonesia Mining Conference & Critical Metals Conference - Aluminium Industry Forum, Dr. Qingtao Zeng, founder and managing director of Australasian Gold Limited, shared insights on the topic of "High-Quality Bauxite with Strategic Growth Potential in Central Queensland, Australia." Image source: indonesia-critical-minerals.metal.com The project is located in central Queensland, Australia. The project's advantages are as follows: 1. Accessibility: It is easily accessible via sealed roads, just a 350-kilometre drive from Brisbane. 2. Railway Connection: It is adjacent to the railway system leading to the Port of Bundaberg, with access south to the Port of Brisbane. 3. Well-Developed Infrastructure: It is close to the state power grid and has an abundant water supply. 4....

Rytoriacap Inc. and ASC Engineered Solutions have announced that Rytoria, a North American-based company specialising in circular metal processing and recycling, has acquired ASC’s foundry and related facilities in Blossburg, Pennsylvania. The transaction follows a comprehensive search by ASC for a buyer dedicated to preserving the site’s role in supporting Tioga County’s industrial economy. Headquartered in Yoe, PA, Rytoria specialises in recycling and processing both non-ferrous and ferrous metals, including aluminium, copper, and brass. Through its subsidiary, Fagor Regen Aluminum, also based in Yoe, the company produces high-purity aluminium ingots for use in the automotive and general manufacturing sectors. “Blossburg is a wonderful community with great talent, and we are excited to...

Dirty Labs, an award-winning brand, is revolutionising the entire home cleaning process through the launch of new innovative Bio Enzyme Liquid Dish Soap in a sustainable package. The green chemistry formula is used in this particular dish soap, which is available starting June 17. This Liquid dish soap is packed up in a recyclable, sustainable, and eco-friendly aluminium bottle. Apart from this new dish soap, the company has been using other sustainable packaging materials for many of its products, such as bio-enzyme laundry detergent, which mostly uses cardboard and wooden scoops across all its products. However, the inclusion of aluminium is a first for the consumable manufacturing brand. Image source: Dirty Labs David Watkins, Dirty Labs’ Co-Founder and CEO, said, “Dirty Labs exists to...

With the rising demand for electric vehicles and electronic devices, the development of high-capacity, fast-charging, and cost-effective rechargeable batteries has become increasingly urgent. Aluminium-ion batteries (AIBs) have emerged as a promising candidate thanks to aluminium's abundant reserves, high theoretical capacity, and excellent safety profile. However, their practical capacity remains limited, primarily due to the shortcomings of current cathode materials. This is where Researchers from China's Jiangnan University and Dalian University of Technology came into the spotlight. The team developed innovative MoS₂/rGO nanoflower cathodes for aluminium-ion batteries (AIBs). While AIBs hold significant promise due to aluminium's abundance, high theoretical capacity, and strong safety...

The Ministry of Environment (KLH) has officially sealed an aluminium smelter operated by PT MPI in East Cikarang, West Java, Indonesia after the company failed to comply with air quality guidelines and regulations aimed at addressing air pollution. As a result, the company was one of the major contributors to air pollution in the Greater Jakarta area. "Clean air is a fundamental right. There's no tolerance for companies that jeopardise public health for short-term profit," highlighted Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq. The action signals a growing intolerance for industrial negligence, especially when it endangers communities and undermines national air pollution control efforts. The enforcement followed a supervisory inspection that revealed the facility had failed to control...

In the global automotive industry, the implications of stricter emission regulations and fuel efficiency targets have created an urgency for manufacturers to adopt efficient technologies with lightweight components. Mahindra, an Indian automobile manufacturing company, is now slowly shifting from steel to aluminium and here's everything you need to know about the transition. Image source: pinterest.com Over the past twenty years, Mahindra has methodically redesigned its powertrain systems, which include internal combustion engines (ICEs) and electric drivetrains, to reduce weight, enhance thermal efficiency and prepare platforms for strict regulations such as India's BS6 and upcoming CAFE standards. This lightweight effort was not the result of one major innovation but rather a gradual,...

As supply chain leaders confront global disruptions, rapid digitalisation, and rising sustainability demands, NetNex Global presents CONNECT 2025 —India’s premier supply chain leadership forum, happening in Mumbai on August 20th, 2025 . Under the powerful theme “Optimising Control and Synergy in the Supply Chain Ecosystem,” this edition will bring together over 150 senior executives including CSCOs, COOs, CTOs, and heads of logistics, warehousing, procurement, and planning to drive future-ready strategies in the age of smart technologies. Why Attend CONNECT 2025? Unmatched innovation access – Engage with technologies redefining the supply chain including AI, IoT, blockchain, and digital twins. Executive networking – Join high-value roundtable and closed-door sessions with industry...

Runaya, a Vedanta Group company renowned for its zero-waste and zero-discharge aluminium processing facility, is moving towards a strategic investment roadmap, indicating a significant shift toward integrated, export-ready, sustainable manufacturing solutions. Future growth & strategic focus By 2026, Runaya plans to enter the production of gas-atomised aluminium powder through a partnership with global leader Eckart. The company is also developing new business lines, including ISF, aluminium alloys, and value-added recycling streams, positioning itself to meet evolving global industrial demands. Over the next 18 months, more than INR 750 crore (USD 90 million) will be invested across critical and minor metals, metal waste recovery, telecom materials, and infrastructure products. These...

Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has yet again outperformed and achieved a new safe working hours milestone for June 2025. The Bahrain-based company, also known as the world's largest single-site aluminium smelter, has demonstrated steady growth and progress in ensuring the safety of its workers across every layer of its operations. As of June 27 2025, the company has unlocked 37 million safe working hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI), surpassing last year's number (20 million without LTI as data published on June 22). This remarkable accomplishment reinforces Alba's unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy, and resilient workplace for both its employees and contractor workforce. If we delve deeper, on May 8, 2025, Alba recorded 35 million safe working hours without LTI,...