LME aluminium prices advanced on October 28, with cash and three-month contracts posting gains. The Asian Reference Price moved lower, while exchange opening stocks and cancelled warrants declined. Alumina Platts prices recorded a stronger increase. The cash bid rose 0.73 per cent to USD 3,100 per tonne from USD 3,077.50 per tonne. The cash offer increased 0.75 per cent to USD 3,101 per tonne on October 28 from USD 3,078 per tonne previously. Three-month aluminium prices also moved higher. The bid climbed 0.70 per cent to USD 3,083.50 per tonne from USD 3,062 per tonne, while the offer advanced 0.65 per cent to USD 3,084 per tonne from USD 3,064 per tonne. Explore the production, demand and consumption forecasts of bauxite and alumina in our report: " Global Bauxite & Alumina Market...
Copper could climb towards USD 16,000 per tonne over the next six to 12 months, while aluminium may offer a shorter-term trading opportunity following its recent correction, according to Navneet Damani, senior group vice-president and head of research for commodities and currency. Speaking on BusinessLine’s Trending Commodity Picks programme, Damani said copper continued to benefit from supply constraints and demand from emerging industries, while aluminium’s price trajectory had been influenced by fluctuations in energy costs and changing supply conditions. Damani said aluminium had climbed from around USD 3,100 to USD 3,600 per tonne earlier in 2026, supported by increases in electricity, crude oil and coal prices. The metal subsequently corrected towards USD 3,300 per tonne, although...
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JSW MG Motor India on the first day of the year has declared a 55 per cent upsurge in sales at 7,516 units in December 2024, Y-o-Y (sales last year was close to 3400 units in December). The company has witnessed recor-breaking Electic Vehicles (EV) sales in December and NEV (new energy vehicle) sales which contributed towards over 70 per cent of the all-out sales with its crossover utility vehicle Windsor selling a blockbuster number of 3,785 units. This new year sales statement was provided by JSW MG Motor India through an official statement. "Going forward, we will maintain our growth momentum while driving continuous disruption and innovation. We are committed to introducing new products every six months, alongside delivering exceptional customer service," the spokesperson conveyed....
Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), strategically located on India's East Coast, has ushered in the New Year with a remarkable achievement, underscoring its growth momentum. The port, a cornerstone in Visakhapatnam's transformation from a modest fishing village into a bustling metropolis, has reached a historic milestone by handling 60.28 million tonnes of cargo during the first three quarters of 2024-25. This milestone surpasses its previous record of 59.73 million tonnes achieved in 2023-24 and sets a new benchmark in VPA's illustrious 91-year journey. Formerly known as Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT), VPA continues to solidify its reputation as a key driver of progress and economic development in the region. VPA Chairman Dr M. Angamuthu stated on December 31, 2024, "It's a significant...
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a 'Navratna' company under the Schedule 'A' category of CPSEs, is on the way to adding one more year of experience to its four decades of excellence in the mining, metal and power industries. Established on January 7, 1981, NALCO has evolved over the past 44 years into India's largest integrated producer of bauxite, alumina, aluminium, and power, demonstrating unwavering commitment, resilience, and dedication. The year 2024 further reflected its perseverance, echoing impressive achievements in both operations and financial performance. Although NALCO follows the financial year calendar from April 1 to March 31 for its operation, we are taking an opportunity at the beginning of 2025 to reiterate NALCO's year-to-data achievements. NALCO's...
Custom Line's new 164-foot flagship design has already garnered widespread acclaim, and the shipyard in Ancona, Italy, is witnessing strong customer demand for more. However, the standout feature of the all-aluminium Custom Line 50 highlights the shipyard's refusal to rest on its laurels. Crafted entirely from lightweight aluminium alloy, the hull was designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to achieve optimal hydrodynamic performance. The result is a sleek, efficient vessel that reduces drag enhances stability, and boosts overall performance, ensuring a smooth ride and significantly lower fuel consumption. Furthermore, this model is engineered with sustainability, incorporating reduced weight, advanced hydrodynamics, and recyclable materials to minimize its environmental...
As consumer preferences shift towards sustainability, transparency, and efficiency, aluminium is emerging as a material of choice for its recyclability, lightweight properties, and ability to preserve product quality. The aluminium packaging industry experienced steady growth in 2023, driven by an increasing demand for beverage cans and packaging foils. With over 11.5 million tonnes of aluminium flat-rolled products used in the packaging sector throughout the year, the industry’s expansion has been fuelled by a shift away from traditional materials like plastic and glass. The demand for aluminium in the packaging sector is primarily fuelled by beverage cans. While developed economies continue to drive this demand, developing countries are experiencing a faster-growing preference for...
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have developed a groundbreaking method to directly transform and upgrade metal scrap into high-performance, high-value alloys using a technique called "solid-phase alloying." This innovative approach eliminates the need for conventional melting processes. Source - PNNL website Use of ShAPE The research team utilised a PNNL-patented technique known as Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) to achieve these results. Importantly, the researchers emphasised that these findings are likely replicable with other solid-phase manufacturing techniques. The ShAPE process utilises a high-speed rotating die to generate friction and heat, transforming the coarse starting materials into a uniform alloy with...
In a recent press release, Black Diamond, a renowned manufacturer of equipment for skiing, climbing, and mountain sports based in Utah, United States, reported that UL Solutions backed its proprietary BD7075 aluminium alloy billet through UL Environmental Claim Validation Procedure for Recycled Content (ECVP 2809-2) to be composed of 25 per cent pre-consumer recycled content. This validated aluminium, which is a first of its kind in this specific manufacturing industry, is the principal component in all of their manufactured carabiners and is the majority of the used substance in hard goods manufacturing. Image Source: https://blackdiamond-cms.zaneray.com/ Jess Powell, Sustainability and Advocacy Manager, has clarified the matter further. He says the brand had no way of knowing the...
An Iranian knowledge-based firm, Nano Pouyesh Yekta Nano, has successfully developed a portfolio of 50 nano-based products, including gamma alumina oxide nanopowder. Nazanin Farhadyar, the Managing Director of Nano Pouyesh Yekta Nano, stated to an Iranian news agency, "So far, we have succeeded in making over 50 products in the field of nanomaterials, and the company's knowledge-based product is nanopowder of gamma alumina oxide." As a result of its hardness, thermal stability, and high specific surface area, nano alumina has numerous applications in various industries. Alumina nanoparticles are widely used in the adsorption and catalysis fields because of their acid-base properties, high specific area, and mechanical and thermal stability. Nazanin said, "This material is used in...
Aluminium trading prices have remained stable at INR 241.4 (US$2.82) in India as on December 30, 2024 and while the prices have not changed, key data indicates an underlying tension in the market due to supply and demand dynamics. According to the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), global primary aluminium production increased by 3 percent year-on-year, reaching 6.04 million tonnes in November. However, the downside pressure on prices was mitigated as traders withdrew over 82 thousand tonnes from London Metal Exchange (LME) warehouses, marking the highest withdrawal since mid-October, primarily from stockpiles in South Korea. The global refined aluminium market experienced a short supply of 40.3 thousand tonnes in October, indicating a continued imbalance between production and...
Alumex PLC has recently launched a comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) roadmap titled "Elevate," setting a new benchmark for sustainable aluminium manufacturing in Sri Lanka and globally. By adopting a formal ESG framework, Alumex reaffirms its commitment to creating long-term value for stakeholders while contributing to a more sustainable future. Image Source: Alumex Alumex's green commitment In response to the growing demand for a circular economy, Alumex is committed to reducing its carbon emissions in line with global sustainability standards, benefiting Sri Lanka by helping to lower its overall carbon footprint. The roadmap outlines clear future targets, including a 25 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity, to contribute to global climate change...
China Aluminum Cans Holdings Limited, an investment holding company that manufactures and sells aluminium aerosoal cans in Mainland China, Africa, and America, has reportedly announced the departure of Ms Guo Yang as an independent non-executive director, with effect from January 1, 2025. Ms Guo Yang will be succeeded by Ms Luo Mei Kai, an experienced financial management consultant. Ms Kai will also serve as chairman of the remuneration committee and a member of the audit and nominational committees. Ms Luo will bring with her more than 20 years of strong experience in financial consulting. She will draw an annual salary of HK$144,000 from China Aluminium Cans Holdings Limited.
The Oppo Reno 13 series 5G is set to launch in India in January 2025, following the success of its predecessor, the Reno 12 series. The upcoming flagship lineup will consist of the Reno 13 5G and the Reno 13 Pro 5G. Designed for durability, the Reno 13 series is said to incorporate a premium aluminium frame, a sculpted rear panel, and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i for added protection. Image Source: Oppo Use of aluminium Oppo’s teasers also emphasise using aerospace-grade aluminium in the device construction. The teaser images also reveal that the Oppo Reno 13 series 5G will sport a flat display and a triple-camera setup. In contrast to its predecessor, the Reno 12, the camera module on the Reno 13 series has undergone a slight redesign. With its sleek design, improved performance, and premium...
Through the first eleven months of 2024, the world’s metallurgical-grade alumina production stood at 125.66 million tonnes, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 1.91 per cent from 123.304 million tonnes, according to the latest data revealed by the International Aluminium Institute (IAI). Separately, the chemical-grade output amounted to 8.113 million tonnes, up 3.97 per cent from 7.803 million tonnes. In November 2024, the world’s monthly production of metallurgical-grade alumina was 11.508 million tonnes, down by 3.22 per cent from 11.891 million tonnes in October, in tandem with the dip in daily average output. In November, the production each day was 100 tonnes less, standing at 383,500 tonnes versus 383,600 tonnes in October. However, on an annual basis, the world’s alumina...
At the recent annual conference of the China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA), a renewable energy analyst from a publicly traded securities company renowned for its excellent asset quality and innovative capabilities highlighted significant cost shifts in the solar industry. The event, held earlier this month, underscored the sector's evolving dynamics. According to the analyst, secondary materials have significantly reshaped the cost structure of the solar panel industry this year, becoming the primary driver of production expenses. SinoLink Securities reported that by November 2024, aluminium frames had become the most expensive component in solar panel manufacturing, accounting for 14 per cent of total production costs. Packaging glass closely followed, at 13.4 per cent, while...
The Middle Eastern aluminium market is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating a valuation of USD 16.68 billion by 2030, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5 per cent from 2024. This burgeoning market, according to an elaborate report by NextMSC , is currently valued at USD 11.33 billion and is being fuelled by a confluence of factors, including a growing emphasis on sustainability and the region's position as a major global producer. Global production landscape While China continues to dominate global aluminium production, accounting for an estimated 39,653 thousand tonnes in 2024 (January-November), representing nearly 60 per cent of the total output, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which consorts a massive middle-eastern aluminium trading...
Import tariff reductions are an effective strategy to boost the domestic market, just as tariff hikes are often used to protect local industries. Recently, the Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic of China reduced import tariffs on ethane and specific recycled aluminium and copper raw materials, encouraging the inflow of high-quality foreign products and stimulating domestic demand for superior goods. As per the report, the reduction of import tariffs will be effective from January 1, 2025, on 935 items from some of the most favoured nations. Those products include cyclic olefin polymers, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers and automatic transmissions for special-purpose vehicles such as fire trucks and repair vehicles. Tariffs will also be reduced on sodium zirconium cyclosilicate,...
In the sweet little town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, preparations for New Year’s Eve are well underway – and they’re going big. Or should we say, big and shiny? Workers have been spotted hoisting a whopping 300-pound aluminium and fibreglass Hershey’s Kiss into position on the corner of Park and Chocolate Avenues. Following previous tradition, this confectionary colossus will take centre stage during the grand countdown as it’s raised skyward at the stroke of midnight, marking the highlight of Hershey’s beloved New Year’s bash at ChocolateTown Square. Image Source: https://www.hersheynewyearseve.org/media “We are proud to welcome guests back to Hershey for our New Year’s Eve celebration as it commemorates a milestone of 20 years since the event began in 2004,” said Mike Pries, Committee...
Aluminum Corp of China (Chalco), a global leader in the sector, is spearheading a digital revolution in the nonferrous metals industry. The company recently announced a collaborative initiative to integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) into the industry's operational and production processes. At the heart of this endeavour is Chalco's newly launched Kun'an AI model, a groundbreaking system tailored specifically for the nonferrous metals sector. Unveiled at a launch event co-hosted with the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, Kun'an represents the industry's first general-purpose large language model. Built on a vast dataset comprising tens of billions of data points, Kun'an brings cutting-edge capabilities to the table, including natural language processing, image...
