China recorded the highest reported bauxite price among five major markets in the third quarter of 2026, at USD 90 per tonne, while the USA had the lowest assessment at USD 77 per tonne. India, Australia and Germany recorded prices of USD 82, USD 80 and USD 79 per tonne, respectively, highlighting regional differences in bauxite procurement costs. The USD 13-per-tonne gap between China and the USA reflects differing regional price assessments. However, the available data does not establish the precise contribution of individual factors or indicate whether prices rose or fell compared with the previous quarter. China tops regional bauxite price rankings China's bauxite price of USD 90 per tonne placed it at the top of the five-market comparison. Its substantial alumina refining industry...
Japanese aluminium manufacturer UACJ Co Ltd has signed a 20-year solar power purchase agreement (PPA) with Hokuriku Electric Power Biz Energy Solution Co Ltd to supply renewable electricity to its Fukui Works. The 7.43 MW solar project in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, is expected to deliver 8.5 GWh of electricity annually while reducing UACJ’s carbon dioxide emissions by 27,694 tonnes per year. Private-line solar supply to begin in November Under the agreement announced on October 26, 2026, Hokuriku Electric Power Biz Energy Solution will supply UACJ’s Fukui Works through a dedicated 4.2 km private power line. The offsite solar plant has a capacity of 5 MWAC/7.43 MWDC, with electricity deliveries scheduled to begin on November 1, 2026. Built on a 75,197-square-metre site, equivalent to...
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According to the International Aluminium Institute, primary aluminium production in Europe (including Russia) during November 2024 stood at 590,000 tonnes, reflecting a downfall of 2.96 per cent from 608,000 tonnes a month ago. Of the output in November, Russia & Eastern Europe accounted for 59.66 per cent, and Western & Central Europe 40.34 per cent. However, despite the monthly fall in November, Europe’s primary aluminium output looks positive this year, with only about 341,000 tonnes short of matching last year's record of 6.729 million tonnes. Production in Russia & Eastern Europe: In November 2024, Russia & Eastern Europe produced 352,000 tonnes, down by 2.76 per cent from 362,000 tonnes in October, attributed to one less operational day because the daily average output showed no...
For nearly four decades, silicon-based solar cells have been the cornerstone of renewable energy. However, they come with significant drawbacks that limit their efficiency and affordability. Their installation is complex and costly, requiring substantial infrastructure. As a result, these challenges have driven researchers to develop photovoltaic ceramics—a groundbreaking material poised to revolutionise the solar energy industry. These photovoltaic ceramics developed at ETH Zurich harness nanostructures to convert sunlight into electricity. The material comprises aluminium oxide and perovskite nanoparticles, exhibiting unique optical properties and exceptional light-capturing capabilities. These nanoparticles absorb photon energy from sunlight, generating electrons that flow through the...
According to the latest data from the US Geological Survey, the United States' domestic primary aluminium production showed a month-on-month rebound in October 2024. Aluminium scrap recovery also grew in the same month, suggesting an overall boost in aluminium operations nationwide. However, the question remains: does this monthly improvement signal a silver lining in the backdrop of sluggish performance of primary aluminium production in the United States, or has it translated into a positive shift in year-to-date output? Growing by about 4.4 per cent M-o-M, the United States' October output stood at 57,000 tonnes in October, following a 2.5 per cent drop in September from 56,000 tonnes to 54,600 tonnes . But unfortunately, this monthly hike was not enough to lead to an increase in the...
Aluminium is often touted as an architect's favourite metal. The green metal, renowned for its versatility, has become an increasingly popular choice in architecture, unlocking endless possibilities for innovative design. Its non-toxic, durable, and corrosion-resistant properties, lightweight nature, ductility, and malleability make aluminium a powerful tool for architects to unleash creativity. London-based architecture studio Gianni Botsford Architects has reimagined and expanded Norman Foster's 1960s extension by adding large-span aluminium-framed glazing in Hampstead, London. Known as Reciprocal House, the newly completed 280-square-meter family home is tucked away in a Hampstead mews, discreetly positioned behind a Victorian pub. The project involved replacing a deteriorating 1860s...
As the global demand for aluminium continues to surge, the noteworthy advancement of bauxite mining projects has never been more prominent. In 2024, several groundbreaking initiatives around the world are reshaping the landscape of this critical industry. From Vietnam’s ambitious circular economy ventures to Guinea’s high-grade mineralisation, these projects underscore innovation, sustainability, and strategic development. Let’s dive into the top five bauxite mining projects making waves this year. 1. THACO’s US$ 4.1 billion Lam Dong 2 aluminium complex (Vietnam) THACO, a frontrunner in Vietnam’s automotive industry, is embarking on an extraordinary journey with its Lam Dong 2 aluminium complex. Set in the bauxite-rich Central Highlands, this $4.1 billion project exemplifies the future of...
MIT engineers have developed a nanofiltration process that enhances aluminium production efficiency while minimising hazardous waste. This innovative method processes waste from aluminium plants, recovering aluminium ions that would otherwise be lost in the effluent stream. Image Source - MIT website About the process The retrieved aluminium is upcycled and reintegrated into the primary aluminium production process. By reintroducing the captured aluminium into the electrolysis vat without introducing excessive by-products, the process maintains the speed and efficiency of electrolysis, simultaneously reducing waste and increasing overall yield. The researchers employed an innovative membrane to filter solutions mimicking the waste streams generated by aluminium plants. Their tests...
Kaiser Aluminum Corporation has announced that Jack A. Hockema is retiring as chairman of the board and that Chief Executive Keith Harvey has been chosen to take the chair. The aluminium company's official statement on January 6 clarified that Hockema's retirement was not due to any disagreements with the company or any matters relating to operations or policies. His retirement became effective on January 1, 2025. "Keith and I have worked closely together since I joined Kaiser nearly 30 years ago, and I am confident he will continue to guide the company well and enhance value for all of our stakeholders in his new role as chairman," Hockema shared on this note. Kaiser has tapped Kimberly Glas, CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations, to take Hockema's seat on the board. Her...
Aluminium projects in 2024 are centred on innovation, sustainability, and enhancing the material's applications across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy. Aluminium's unique combination of strength, lightness, and recyclability makes it a pivotal material in the automotive, aerospace, construction, and renewable energy sectors. Key projects include investments in low-carbon production, advanced casting facilities, and integrating renewable energy technologies. These projects aim to enhance product performance, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainability. By innovating new ways to use aluminium, from improving manufacturing processes to recycling, these projects contribute to more efficient and eco-friendly solutions, supporting a circular...
Norway has established itself as the world's leading consumer of electric vehicles, driven by continuous strategic planning, government policies, and incentives designed to promote EV adoption as part of the country's carbon reduction goals. Among all the electric vehicle variants, Norway particularly boasts the highest market share of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) worldwide, thanks to tax exemptions for making BEVs financially attractive over traditional combustion engine vehicles. A few years later, after BEV consumption exceeded expectations, the government removed some incentives and even reduced tax benefits. But fortunately, nothing dampened the enthusiasm for electric vehicle purchases. That's because, beyond economic incentives, the net-zero carbon emissions goal from the...
Dak Nong provincial leaders have reported that in the previous calendar year of 2024, they attended numerous meetings with the Prime Minister and the Government to address and clarify obstacles related to bauxite planning. Their goal was to overcome challenges and promote economic and social development in the region. During the press conference on January 6, 2025, aiming to summarise the last year, Mr Ho Van Muoi - Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Dak Nong – shared that the province is making rigorous strides to remove bauxite mining adversities, resulting in the development of the local economy and society. Mr Muoi chalked out that in 2024, despite several obstructions, the province has managed to overcome destitution. Dak Nong's per capita income secured second rank in the...
Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, has proudly commented during a Sunday statement on the substantial improvement of bauxite production in the country during his tenure. In his statement, he mentioned the distressful time before his tenure wherein both bauxite and forestry suffered immaculately owing to the APNU+AFC administration's poor management. Image Source: Wikipedia Guyana has bauxite reserves exceeding 350 million tonnes, which are among the richest deposits in the world. However, after the government nationalised the industry in the 1970s, bauxite production experienced a sharp decline. By the mid-1980s, annual output stagnated at 1.5 million tonnes, which was only half of previous levels. Inefficient management, falling global bauxite prices, and labour strikes...
Sacheta Metals, a microcap company in the aluminium products industry, received an upgraded stock rating of 'Hold' from MarketsMOJO on Monday, January 6, 2025. The upgrade reflects the stock's entry into a bullish range, marking an improvement from the mildly bullish trend observed on December 16, 2024. A "hold" recommendation indicates that an analyst expects the stock to remain stable, performing in line with the overall market or its industry peers. It advises current investors to retain their shares, while suggesting that potential investors refrain from purchasing the stock at this time. Although the stock has delivered a modest return of -1.96 per cent since then, key technical indicators such as MACD, KST, and OBV point to a favourable outlook. Established in 1990, Sacheta is a...
Vedanta Aluminium has proudly boasted its second rank in the prestigious S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) for the global aluminium industry. With an impressive holistic score of 77, the company has demonstrated its excellence across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) parameters, positioning itself as a global leader in ESG initiatives. Image Source: Vedanta Press Release This marks the fourth consecutive year that Vedanta Aluminium has been ranked among the top companies worldwide in the S&P Global CSA. Commenting on this significant milestone, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director at Vedanta Ltd, stated, “Securing the 2nd position globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment reflects not only our unwavering commitment to...
Across Europe, Deposit Return Systems (DRS) are instrumental in advancing a circular economy for packaging. A collaborative effort involving producers, retailers, the government, and the operator RetuRO yields impressive results in Romania. Results of the DRS Launched in December 2023, Romania's Deposit Return System has recently completed its first full year of operation, showcasing impressive results: Around 200,000 tonnes of packaging were recycled from January to October 2024 Seven counting and sorting centres throughout the country Around more than three billion containers including aluminium, PET, etc have been returned from December 2023 to October 2024 In October 2024, 84 per cent of containers sold in the market were returned through the scheme Around 99 per cent of Romanian...
Hydro's Alunorte alumina refinery located in Brazil has reportedly brought two new electric boilers into operation that produce steam using renewable energy as a source of electricity instead of coal to reduce up to 550,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Image source: Hydro The world's largest single-plant alumina refinery, Alunorte, has invested NOK 580 million (US$51.37 million) to add these two new electric boilers to an existing one installed in 2022. Now, the three boilers saving substantial amounts of carbon emissions reinforce Alunorte's position as one of the lowest emission refineries in the alumina refinery. The new boilers can produce a total of 270 tonnes of steam per hour, sourcing energy from the Brazilian Mendubim solar plant and the Ventos de São Zacarias...
The world’s leading aluminium and steel wheel supplier, Maxion Wheels, has acquired the Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification from Aluminium Stewardship Initiative for manufacturing and distributing light alloy wheels at its Czech aluminium facility in Ostrava. The achievement of this certification testifies to Maxion’s efforts towards sustainability across the operations at its 1.8 million per annum capacity aluminium wheels plant in Ostrava, where it practices melting, casting, heat treatment, machining, painting, and associated support processes. The certification also indicates that Maxion Wheels Czech s.r.o. conforms to all 11 principles and 62 criteria defined by the ASI Performance Standard under sustainability pillars – Environment, Social, and Governance while addressing...
Shares of National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) lost value as the Nifty Metal index wrapped up the first week of 2025 on January 3. The Metal index itself remained relatively subdued, gaining just over 1 per cent at its highest point during the day before closing flat. While NALCO’s shares slipped over 4 per cent on Friday, Vedanta emerged as a gainer, ending with a 2 per cent rise. At one stage, Vedanta’s shares were up 3.5 per cent. The opposing trends in these aluminium industry giants were driven by movements in the alumina market, which saw frequent volatility throughout 2024. According to a Reuters report, alumina prices surged 70 per cent in 2024, reaching a record RMB 5,645 ($779.77) per tonne on the Shanghai Futures Exchange. Contributing factors included disruptions in...
Precious Dragon Technology Holdings Ltd. has signed a Master Supply Agreement with China Aluminum Cans Holdings Ltd. for a three-year term beginning in January 2025. This agreement extends their previous supply arrangement and is classified as a continuing connected transaction under the Listing Rules, necessitating approval from independent shareholders and compliance with other regulatory requirements. Image Source- FREEPIK Precious Dragon Technology Holdings Ltd., incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability, is actively engaged in transactions related to aluminium cans and has a strong market presence in this industry. China Aluminum Cans Holdings Ltd is an investment holding company involved in designing, developing, manufacturing, and selling aluminium aerosol cans....
