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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CIE Aluminium Casting India Limited (CIEALCAST), a wholly owned subsidiary of CIE Automotive India, will acquire up to a 29 per cent stake in AMPIN Energy C&I Thirty One Private Limited for INR 1.75 crore, as per a recent stock exchange filing. This strategic investment is aligned with CIE Automotive India’s sustainability agenda and is aimed at reducing power expenses and boosting the use of renewable energy at its energy-intensive manufacturing operations. AMPIN Energy C&I Thirty One will set up a 5 MWp (3.3 MWac) captive solar power plant, which will supply green energy to CIEALCAST’s facility in Ch. Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, helping the company optimise energy costs. CIE Automotive India has announced that its investment in AMPIN Energy C&I Thirty One Private Limited will help...
China Airlines, Taiwan’s oldest carrier, founded in 1959, has postponed plans to retire several older aircraft due to ongoing delays in receiving its Boeing 787-9 jets. The setback may trigger compensation clauses outlined in the purchase contract, according to newly appointed Chairman George Kao. Image credit: en.wikipedia.org The airline is undergoing a significant fleet modernisation effort. In a major deal last year, it split a nearly USD 12 billion long-haul aircraft order between US-based Boeing and European manufacturer Airbus. As part of its strategy, China Airlines placed orders for 24 Boeing 787s, comprising 18 787-9s and six 787-10s, intended for regional and select long-haul operations. However, Kao confirmed that the timeline for phasing out ageing Airbus A330S and Boeing...
Hindalco Industries Limited, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has announced the acquisition of a 100 per cent equity stake in US-based AluChem Companies, a leading producer of speciality alumina, for an enterprise value of USD 125 million. The deal will be executed through Aditya Holdings LLC, a step-down wholly owned subsidiary of Hindalco. This strategic move represents a major investment in the speciality alumina space, reinforcing Hindalco's commitment to expanding its high-value, technology-driven materials portfolio. Hindalco's Specialty Alumina business has become a cornerstone of its value-added strategy, delivering consistent double-digit growth in recent years and establishing itself as a high-growth, high-margin segment within its portfolio. With speciality...
In the Green Metals Innovation Network (GMIN), the Australian Government has funded a USD 10 million initiative to enhance the collaboration in industry research. It would help Australia’s ambition of achieving the lead position in the production of green metals with the Green Metals Innovation Network (GMIN). Green metals are mainly comprised of metals that are sustainably produced, like iron, steel, alumina, and aluminium. Image source: LinkedIn The 'Team Australia' approach is led by CSIRO, which is Australia’s national science agency, along with HILT CRC (Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre) and GMIN, which would help in the development of green metals in Australia’s aluminium sector. The nation’s economy in the future will mainly revolve around the...
Futures Market: Last night, the most-traded SHFE aluminium 2508 contract opened at RMB 20,300 per tonne, with a high of RMB 20,310 per tonne, a low of RMB 20,240 per tonne, and closed at RMB 20,270 per tonne. The trading volume was 40,000 lots, and the open interest was 251,000 lots. Last night, LME aluminium opened at USD 2,569.5 per tonne, with a high of USD 2,570.5 per tonne, a low of USD 2,556 per tonne, and closed at USD 2,559 per tonne. Macro: (1) Israel and Iran have agreed to a comprehensive ceasefire! The Supreme National Security Council of Iran issued a statement announcing a ceasefire with "Israel and its supporters." (Bearish ★) (2) Fed Chairman Powell stated in his congressional testimony that the Fed is currently in a favourable position to be patient and wait for a clearer...
On the macro front, the ceasefire between Israel and Iran has alleviated geopolitical risks, reducing the demand for capital flight, which is short-term bearish for aluminium prices. US Fed Chair Powell's neutral stance, coupled with potential expectations for US Fed interest rate cuts and pressure from Trump, may boost the economy, providing support for aluminium prices. Image source: Flickr (This image is only for representational purpose) The People's Bank of China (PBOC) and five other departments jointly issued a document to stimulate consumption, which is bullish for end-user aluminium demand. On the fundamental front, the operating capacity of domestic electrolytic aluminium remains stable, with the proportion of liquid aluminium maintaining a high level, and the market supply of...
Cymat Technologies Ltd. has announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. (RTA) to acquire the technology and associated know-how for manufacturing RTA’s proprietary aluminium metal matrix composites (MMC). As part of the agreement, Cymat also aims to facilitate the seamless transition of RTA’s existing customer base for the product. RTA, which has been producing and marketing this specialised material, is exiting the MMC business as part of a broader strategic reorganisation. To ensure continuity for its long-standing customers, RTA is working toward an uninterrupted handover. Cymat, which relies on MMC as the core material for producing its stabilised aluminium foam (SAF), stated that acquiring this technology is a strategic move aligned with its growth...
Over 35 Indian importers have not received any shipment of rare earth magnets alongside pending licence approval from China, creating havoc in the automobile sector. Importers of China are now in legal consultation to eliminate the possibility of a "force majeure clause (FMC)" within their supply contacts with the automobile Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). With China being a dominant leader in rare earth, how will this curb impact the Indian automobile sector? OEMs are undertaking intense discussions with the suppliers about providing a grace period where no penalties would be imposed. However, the imports can further invoke the FMC clause if there is no hope after the graced period. One importer of rare earth magnets proposed talking with China to resolve the issue and obtain...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) today announced that Nemak Dillingen GmbH and Nemak Dillingen Casting GmbH & Co. KG have been certified against the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022). The certified operations produce aluminium components for the automotive industry, including engine blocks and e-engine housings. Production processes at the site include core package systems with gravity casting, heat treatment, and further processing. The ASI Certification program was developed through an extensive multi-stakeholder consultation process and is the only comprehensive voluntary sustainability standard initiative for the aluminium value chain. The ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) was launched in May 2022 following a multi-year revision process. It defines 11 principles and 62...
In a step to change the global critical minerals map, Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) will start producing gallium in Kazakhstan next year with an investment of USD 20 million. With the commitment to make Kazakhstan the second-largest supplier of the critical metal in the world and to respond to the West's demand for a diversified supply chain, ERG will start the project at its current alumina production facilities. Production will begin in 2026. ERG will be mining gallium as a byproduct of its bauxite ore, which it already produces at its "Aluminium of Kazakhstan" facility, among the largest of its type in the world. This synergy enables ERG to access a key source of supply without having to open up new mines, and in so doing, provides it with a major cost advantage. The firm aims to...
There was a time when LME aluminium inventory (opening stock) was at 1.47 million tonnes. Only four years ago in July 2021, Live Warrants were at 8,97,275 tonnes and Cancelled Warrants at 5,68,500 tonnes. Fast-forward four years, LME aluminium opening stock came in at 340,975 tonnes, marking a sharp fall of more than half. While stock loss is one concern, the other is the slim chance of stock build-up in the near future, due to which the LME aluminium benchmark price would remain on the upward trend. Already, by June 23, 2025, the LME aluminium 3-month official settlement price reached USD 2,584.50 per tonne, up by 6 per cent M-o-M from USD 2,448 per tonne, driven by decreased LME aluminium opening stock from 384,575 tonnes to 340,975 tonnes. Of the total 340,975 tonnes of opening stocks,...
Constellium is proud to announce that it has been recognised with three awards at the 2025 edition of Airbus’ Supply Chain & Quality Improvement Program (SQIP), held in early June. The program honours suppliers that consistently deliver excellence in their quality & delivery performance and industrial maturity. Image source: constellium.com Constellium’s facilities in Issoire and Montreuil-Juigné were honoured for their significant contributions to Airbus’ supply chain: Issoire – Accredited Supplier Award For the second consecutive year, the Issoire plant received the “Accredited Supplier” award – the highest Airbus SQIP program distinction. This recognition highlights the facility’s sustained excellence and reliability over time with regard to performance. Issoire – Sustainability...
The aluminium industry is evolving—and fast. From automation and AI to smart recycling and intelligent casting, innovation is reshaping how we produce, process, and sustain this essential metal. At the heart of this transformation are the machines, technologies, and engineering minds quietly powering progress behind the scenes. That’s exactly what AL Circle celebrates in the 31st edition of its e-Magazine publication, “ Advanced Industrial Technologies in the Aluminium Industry .” This isn’t just another round-up of equipment. It’s a deep dive into the technology shaping aluminium’s next decade. Inside this edition This issue brings together some of the most respected and forward-thinking companies in the aluminium machinery and automation space: EPIQ Machinery explores the shift toward...
India’s commerce ministry will convene a meeting on June 27 with key stakeholders, including shipping lines, exporters, container firms, and other departments, to assess the impact of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict on India’s overseas trade. According to an official source, the objective is to evaluate disruptions and address emerging concerns tied to the region’s geopolitical instability. Image for referential purposes only (Source: Google Map) The escalating conflict has already triggered civilian casualties, economic damage, and strained international relations. For India, the implications are not just diplomatic but directly commercial, particularly given the importance of regional trade routes. The Strait of Hormuz: India’s trade lifeline The Strait of Hormuz, flanking Iran and...
What if every sip you take is a mixture of taste and sustainability at the same time? This is what Cia. Müller de Bebidas, the iconic maker of Cachaça 51, has recently launched. Just in time for the 2025 June festivities, the limited-edition Cachaça 51 and Cachaça 51 Ouro is already turning heads with a bold, eye-catching makeover packed in the new aluminium cans, adorned with unique designs inspired by the woodcut art of renowned Pernambuco artist J. Borges. “As a strategy, we brought together two Brazilian icons, Cachaça 51 and the art of J. Borges, to create packaging that pays homage to this tradition with great respect and identity,” said Marina Flávia da Silva, head of Marketing and Trade Marketing at the company. Known for its unique colour palette and bold imagery, Borges captures...
Oman Aluminium Processing Industries SPC’s (OAPIL) commitment to ethical production has now been independently validated. It has recently achieved certification for the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative's (ASI) Performance Standard V3.1 (2023). This high-profile certification covers the company’s Sohar Industrial Park facility, which is a pillar of Oman's industrialisation. The scope of the certification covers OAPIL's major activities: manufacturing of aluminium rods and overhead line conductors. These are major materials used for the global power transmission sector. The factory has an annual capacity of producing 56,000 tonnes of aluminium rods and some 22,000 kilometres of overhead conductors, with clients in over 45 countries. This certification adds to the many OAPIL has already...
Huawei, the Chinese multinational cooperation and technology company, has finally launched its much-awaited smartphone – the nova Y73 in the Philippines. Designed for everyday hustle, this affordable smartphone punches well above its weight both in power and durability. Wrapped in aerospace-grade aluminium alloy, the latest smartphone isn’t just long-lasting but is built to survive the chaos of daily life, combining style with strength. Thanks to 360° full fall resistance, 1.8-meter drop protection, and the ability to withstand 65kg of pressure, the Nova Y73 is rugged where it counts. A spacious 6.67-inch Eye Comfort Display that’s easy on the eyes during those binge-watch sessions, this smartphone comes with an IP64 rating, which means that it can handle dust and splashes like a pro. And...
Every Can Counts, a not-for-profit recycling initiative, announced that it collected more than 25,000 aluminium drink cans during the Download Festival held at Donington Park from June 10-14. Image credit: everycancounts.eu Festivalgoers were actively encouraged throughout the weekend to recycle their packaging responsibly and avoid single-use plastics. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the importance of proper recycling and sustainability practices. In a celebratory Facebook post, Every Can Counts shared highlights from their successful campaign at the Download Festival, expressing appreciation to festivalgoers for their enthusiastic participation. “Download Festival, you absolutely smashed it,” the post began, as the organisation recapped an action-packed weekend dedicated to...
