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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Impact Minerals appears poised to advance a major low-cost High Purity Alumina (HPA) project, following promising findings from a pre-feasibility study on its Lake Hope venture in Western Australia. The study suggests the project could rank among the world’s most cost-effective HPA producers. Situated approximately 500 kilometres southeast of Perth, Lake Hope boasts robust economic potential, with a net present value estimated at $1.165 billion. Lake Hope’s maiden ore reserve stands at 1.7 million tonnes, grading 26 per cent aluminium oxide, equating to 450,000 tonnes of contained alumina. “In just over two short years since acquiring the rights to the project, we have proven that Lake Hope’s unique natural feedstock, combined with a straightforward flowsheet, offers one of the most...
Solar energy stocks dropped sharply on Tuesday following the release of the US Senate’s version of President Donald Trump’s tax bill, which proposes a full phase-out of solar and wind energy tax incentives by 2028. Meanwhile, tax credits for nuclear, hydropower and geothermal energy remain intact for a longer period. Image credit: en.wikipedia.org The market reaction was swift. Shares of Enphase Energy fell over 17 per cent in premarket trading, First Solar declined around 12 per cent, Sunrun dropped more than 27 per cent and SolarEdge Technologies slid by 22 per cent. The proposed cuts are a major blow to the renewable energy sector, especially as these incentives had been central to former President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). However, the Senate bill is seen as a slight...
Despite the widespread awareness about sustainability, confusion around recycling persists among consumers in the United Kingdom (UK), further leading to undermined efforts in circular packaging. Aquapak's research shows that nearly 70 per cent of British consumers are unaware of the proper packaging to recycle. As per the report drafted by Recycling Magazine, out of five people, only one person reads the recycling instructions behind the packaging and the demographic for this. People between the ages of 25 and 34, one out of three people, which constitutes 31 per cent, read the instructions, and when the age group reaches 65 and above, it drops to 17 per cent of the demographic reading it. Regarding understanding the instruction provided, nearly 10 per cent of British consumers believe...
Siemens Energy and New Zealand-based EnPot Ltd inked an agreement to cooperate at an official ceremony with New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Shanghai today. The deal signals the companies' joint drive to accelerate the decarbonisation of China's energy-intensive primary aluminium industry. Together, EnPot and Siemens Energy will offer solutions to enable intelligent energy management and power modulation for aluminium smelters. New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said, "This agreement is a great example of a successful collaboration between New Zealand and China-based companies and a positive step towards decarbonisation and a more sustainable future. It's great to see New Zealand climate tech competing on the world stage to make a real difference in this...
Futures Market: Overnight, the most-traded alumina 2509 contract opened at RMB 2,860 per tonne, with a high of RMB 2,898 per tonne, a low of RMB 2,855 per tonne and closed at RMB 2,896 per tonne, up RMB 41 per tonne or 1.45 per cent. Open interest stood at 301,000 lots. Ore: As of June 17, the SMM imported bauxite index was reported at USD 74.06 per tonne, up USD 0.01 per tonne from the previous trading day, mainly due to a decline in caustic soda prices in Shandong. The SMM Guinea bauxite CIF average price was reported at USD 74.5 per tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day. The SMM Australian low-temperature bauxite CIF average price was reported at USD 70 per tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day. The SMM Australian high-temperature bauxite CIF average price was...
In the grand theatre of sustainable packaging, aluminium beverage cans have long occupied centre stage. They are hailed as icons of recyclability — endlessly reusable, energy-efficient, and economically viable. But how much of the aluminium in your next soft drink can is from recycled material? And by whose definition? Image for referential purposes only A new technical protocol released in 2024 aims to settle that debate. Titled “Guidance for Calculating Recycled Content in Aluminium Can Sheet (Version 1.0),” this industry-led initiative offers the first formalised methodology to quantify recycled content in aluminium can sheets. Developed by the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) and environmental NGO GreenBlue, with inputs from major players including Novelis, Ball, Constellium, and the...
In a recent breakthrough for industrial decarbonisation in the Global South, Brazil has secured USD 250 million in international climate financing to steer its transition to low-carbon manufacturing for five major focus sectors. The announcement, which was made by the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) under its Clean Technology Fund, anoints Brazil as a frontrunner among emerging economies in charting a sustainable path for hard-to-abate sectors such as aluminium, cement, steel, chemicals, and fertilisers. Image for referential purposes only The funding will attract the formulation of a comprehensive investment plan led by Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC). The plan will map out sector-specific interventions, financing instruments, and policy measures to...
BMW stole the spotlight once again at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, where its Motorrad division pulled the wraps off the jaw-dropping RR concept, a glimpse into the future of the brand's next-generation superbike. Built with performance at its core, the RR concept is as much about speed as about striking presence. What truly capture attention are the exposed carbon fibre and aluminium elements, reflecting BMW's ambition to set a new standard in lightweight construction. Every component, from the frame to the sculpted aluminium tail, has been optimised for performance and efficiency. BMW has revealed that the bike is powered by a water-cooled inline four-cylinder engine, the same powerhouse used in motorcycles competing in the FIM Superbike World Championship. Delivering over 227...
The United States bauxite imports in the first quarter of 2025 recorded both annual and quarterly declines, highlighting the nation’s ongoing shift from primary aluminium production to a greater reliance on recycled materials. This strategic transition has reduced the demand for imported bauxite. According to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Q1 2025 bauxite imports totalled 480,000 tonnes, marking a year-on-year decline of 4.2 per cent from 501,000 tonnes and lower than 500,000 tonnes brought in during Q4 2024. This decrease occurred despite a notable rise in imports from Jamaica, the United States' largest bauxite supplier. Imports from Jamaica surged to 429,000 tonnes in Q1 2025, up by 20.5 per cent from 356,000 tonnes in Q4 2024. However, this figure still marked...
The low-calorie beer market is experiencing remarkable growth, fuelled by consumers seeking healthier alternatives that still allow for enjoyment and celebration. From 2022 to 2024, the segment surged by 95.1 per cent, compared to a modest 2.8 per cent rise in regular beer sales, according to GlobalData. This growing preference for low-calorie options ranks among the top 10 consumer priorities, signalling a major shift in habits. Enter Gunnen, a pure malt low-carb beer designed to disrupt the category. With a forward-thinking concept tailored to evolving consumer expectations, Gunnen is poised to redefine the beer experience. Packed in an eye-catching aluminium can produced by Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP), the cans feature thermochromic ink that changes colour when the beer reaches its...
Over the past four years, Alubar has successfully reduced its energy costs by over 15 per cent, with projections indicating a total reduction of 24 per cent by 2024. This significant improvement stems from the company’s strategic shift to purchasing energy directly from Brazil’s free energy market. By moving away from sole dependence on the regional distributor, as required in the captive market, Alubar gained the flexibility to negotiate directly with energy generators across the country. This approach lowered costs and enabled the company to choose energy sources that better reflect its environmental commitments while continuing to pay only for the use of the local distribution network. Alubar is one of the leading Brazilian manufacturer of aluminium electrical conductors and one of the...
Shares in VBX, a new entrant in Australia’s bauxite sector, traded higher on its ASX debut following a successful USD 10 million IPO, owing to the strong investor confidence in the company’s promising Wuudagu project in Western Australia. Image credit: rawmin.com Listed under the ticker VBX, the stock opened trading and quickly climbed 15 per cent to reach USD 0.69 by June 17, 11:11 am. The IPO attracted several institutional investors, including Deutsche Balaton, Lowell Resources Fund and Terra Capital, reflecting market enthusiasm for the company’s strategy and asset base. VBX is the sole developer of the Wuudagu bauxite project, located in the remote Kimberley region of northern WA, around 15 km west of Kalamburu. The project hosts a 59 Mt reserve, boasting a high-grade specification...
On April 29, 2025, Yu Jin, Senior Director of SMM, Ding Weiquan, Head of Secondary Aluminum, Zhang Xiaoyao, Head of International Recycling, and Yang Shihao, Senior Aluminum Analyst, visited Miluo Lianchuang Aluminum Technology Co., Ltd. They were warmly welcomed by Chairman Zhu Zhenping. Subsequently, both parties engaged in communication and discussions on the secondary aluminum market and the development of the non-ferrous metals landscape. Through these discussions, both sides strengthened their understanding and recognition of each other, laying a solid foundation for continuously deepening cooperation and achieving mutual benefit and win-win results in the future. Miluo Lianchuang Aluminum Technology Co., Ltd.Located in the Miluo Renewable Resources Market, which is one of the...
Alufold Direct Limited, an aluminium door and window manufacturer based in Blackburn, UK, has been facing financial difficulties for some time now, during which a potential sale of the business ultimately fell through. Attempts to secure alternative funding also failed, leading the directors to conclude that the company could no longer continue operating in its current form. As a result, most of the 100 employees working at the aluminium door manufacturing company were laid off, typically due to restructuring, downsizing, or financial difficulties. Mark Hodgett, joint administrator and partner at FRP, said, "Alufold Direct is a recognised player in the UK aluminium fenestration market, but unfortunately, the business became increasingly constrained by liquidity pressures." The company...
India has achieved a futuristic shift by using aluminium formwork within the construction process, making it easier for the major builders. Extensive utilisation of aluminium formwork in concrete casting has led India to witness revolutionary growth in the overall construction sector. Image source: IndiaMART For concrete casting, aluminium formwork is utilised within the durable yet lightweight aluminium panels, aiding in traction for the big giants in the Indian construction sector. Some of the propitious in using the aluminium formwork are: Offers speed, cost-effectiveness and precision in attaining scalable building projects Faster construction cycles with reduced labour costs and improved quality control Efficient alternative to traditional Reinforced Concrete Construction (RCC) 100...
Concerns over slowing business continue to resurface as the United States’ steep tariffs on aluminium and steel imports weigh heavily on domestic manufacturing industries. While the packaging sector has repeatedly raised red flags, the building and construction industry is now warning of mounting challenges amid the newly raised 50 per cent import duty — an issue that remained unresolved in the US-China trade talks held on June 11. Image source: Autodesk American real estate and construction companies are largely drawing attention to the potential financial strain that aluminium and steel tariffs could impose, using hypothetical cost projections to illustrate the impact. In a recent webinar, Sarah Vakili, Senior Director of Business Planning and Strategy at Skanska USA Building, one of...
The 2025 Paris Air Show, started on June 16 at Le Bourget, is going beyond just showcasing aerospace wonders – it marks a key point for big players in the aluminium industry. Constellium's spot at Chalet B47 highlights the event’s dual focus on cutting-edge technology and green practices. Image source: Numix Core innovation: Airware® and sustainable performance At one of the most prestigious aerospace events, Constellium is showcasing its Airware® aluminium-lithium alloy, a unique solution created to build next-generation aircraft and spacecraft. Airware® excels with its high strength-to-weight ratio, lower density, and strong resistance to fatigue and corrosion. These characteristics make it perfect to construct lighter planes that use less fuel and produce fewer emissions. For a company...
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), an Indian public sector company with diversified mining, power and metal operations, has bagged a highly decorated prestigious award in 2025 by tapping into various milestones. The award categories include sustainable mining, environmental excellence and workplace management. Image source: nalcoindia.com Award 1: Par Excellence 5S Award By collaborating with the Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers (JUSE), the firm's Alumina Refinery, alongside the M&R Complex located in Koraput, Odisha, is provided with a 5S award under the "Par Excellence" category. This award was given by the Quality Circle Forum of India (OCFI) for effectively imposing the 5S Workplace Management System. Within this award, 5S indicates Sort, Set in order, Shine,...
