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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Ceylon Beverage Can, a state-of-the-art beverage packaging manufacturing unit in South Asia, has recently joined forces with Rockwell Automation, Inc., the global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. This collaboration marks a milestone as Rockwell introduces its cloud-based Plex Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to Ceylon Can, enabling a seamless transition to digital manufacturing. Image Source- Rockwell Automation Notably, this initiative represents Rockwell’s first Plex MES deployment in Sri Lanka and its debut in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector within the Indian subcontinent. As Ceylon Can gears up to expand its operations with new facilities in India, this pilot project will serve as a vital stepping stone in advancing the company’s digital...
National Aluminium Company (NALCO) has signed a mining lease deed for the amalgamated Utkal-D and Utkal-E coal blocks in Angul district, Odisha. The announcement was made in an exchange filing after trading hours on December 24, 2024. As one of Asia's largest integrated primary aluminium producers, NALCO's presence encompasses the entire value chain from bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting, and power generation to downstream products. The lease agreement will enable NALCO to enhance its coal production capacity to 4.0 MTPA, significantly strengthening fuel security for its captive power plant. The lease will remain valid until April 21, 2051. For the first time in its 41-year history, NALCO smelter achieved the remarkable milestone of operating all 960 pots at full...
Based on the General Administration of Customs data, the Shanghai Metals Market revealed that November primary aluminium imports were 13.8 per cent down month-on-month but 22.5 per cent up year-on-year. According to SMM, China’s imports of primary metal in November were 150,700 tonnes, which brought the cumulative imports to about 1.975 million tonnes, up 44.5 per cent Y-o-Y. Net imports were approximately 132,000 tonnes, as the country exported 18,800 tonnes in the same month. China’s net imports of primary aluminium in November stood 17 per cent down M-o-M but 23.5 per cent up Y-o-Y. From January to November, the net import volume totalled 1.866 million tonnes, recording a 51.5 per cent increase Y-o-Y. On the other hand, China’s exports of primary aluminium from January to November...
Move over, elves – there’s a new team in Santa’s workshop, and they’re all about rigour and efficiency. This Christmas, Open Mind Technologies, Hermle, and Fraisa banded together to ensure Father Christmas’ sleigh wasn’t just running on holiday cheer but cutting-edge manufacturing magic. Image Source: https://www.advancedmanufacturing.org/ It all started with a festive dilemma. Santa’s production line was under pressure, and the elves were struggling to keep up. Thus enters the damsel in distress, Hermle’s high-performance CNC machines, ready to revolutionise toy production with unrivalled precision. These machines, guided by Open Mind Technologies’ hyperMILL CAM software, ensured every nut, bolt, and toy part was crafted to perfection – even the tiniest spinning tops had pinpoint...
In eleven months of 2024, Africa has produced 1.44 million tonnes of primary aluminium, compared to 1.462 million tonnes a year ago. That reflects a year-on-year downfall of 1.5 per cent, in contrast to the 2.87 per cent hike in global primary metal output . Consequently, the country’s contribution to the world’s primary aluminium production has dipped from 2.26 per cent to 2.16 per cent this year. Several factors contributed to this downfall, such as irregular power supply hindering smelting operations, lack of investments in new smelting facilities or upgrading existing ones, increased prices of alumina hiking operational costs, and so on. According to the International Aluminium Institute, Africa in November 2024 produced 133,000 tonnes of primary aluminium, down by 2.92 per cent from...
Vedanta Aluminium has made another leap in respect to digital innovation. The company has introduced an advanced Logistics App, developed in collaboration with Krishca Strapping Solutions, aimed at enhancing the company’s transport loading and lashing operations to a global standard. Image Source: Vedanta Aluminium Vedanta Aluminium has made another leap in respect to digital innovation. The company has introduced an advanced Logistics App, developed in collaboration with Krishca Strapping Solutions, aimed at enhancing the company's transport loading and lashing operations to a global standard. The app features the latest technologies that can solve critical operational challenges, including vehicle turnaround time and streamlining vehicle operations to significantly boost productivity....
Domal, a renowned name in aluminium window and door systems, has collaborated with three esteemed architectural studios—Ideàs Studio, Principioattivo Architecture Group, and Studio Marco Piva—to transform the traditional Christmas tree into an aluminium inclusive symbol of sustainability and innovation. These designs, crafted using Hydro Circal 75R, a high-quality aluminium made from recycled post-consumer materials, reflect Domal’s resolution towards environmental responsibility and cutting-edge design. Im age Source: https://designwanted.com/spazio-domal-milanodesignxmas-2024/ This collaboration was showcased as part of MilanoDesignXmas, an annual initiative organised by TOWANT, bringing together companies and architectural studios to reinterpret festive traditions through creative...
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has deployed yet another cutting-edge technology for operational enhancement. According to a report on December 24, Alba has partnered with Comvision (India) Private Limited, a leading provider of intelligent transportation solutions, to upscale its inventory management and tracking systems. The companies have entered a strategic partnership, represented by Alba’s CEO Ali Al Baqali and Comvision’s MD and CEO Harjinder Kaur Talwar. Under the agreement signed, Comvision will provide Alba with a customised, innovative RFID-based inventory management system, enabling access to real-time visibility and tracking inventory across all shipping yards including sites in Bahrain, optimising operations and reducing costs. The new technology is named ‘Albavision’ and...
Iran's alumina powder production has recorded a five per cent growth during the first eight months of the current Iranian calendar year, spanning March 20 to November 20, as reported by the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organisation (IMIDRO). According to IMIDRO's data, the country produced a total of 159,416 tonnes of alumina powder during this period, marking an increase from the 152,293 tonnes produced in the same timeframe last year. This steady rise in production highlights Iran's continued focus on enhancing its industrial capabilities in the mining and metallurgy sectors. Alumina, a key material for aluminium production, plays a critical role in supporting the country's broader economic and industrial goals. IMIDRO's efforts to boost output align...
The United States' aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports decreased through the third quarter of 2024, totalling 189,800 tonnes. The export volume fell sharply by 2.77 per cent from 195,200 tonnes compared to the previous quarter. In September 2024, the United States exported 59,400 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and bars, which reflected a M-o-M decline of 7.76 per cent from 64,400 tonnes. The export volume in August decreased by 2.42 per cent from 66,000 tonnes in July. There has been a continuous declining trend in the United States aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports since May 2024, barring an intermittent hike of 11.68 per cent in July to 66,000 tonnes. From January to September, the United States' aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports totalled 583,000 tonnes, down...
The former Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and current Member of Parliament for Central Honiara, Gordon Darcy Lilo, has strongly refuted allegations concerning the bauxite mining controversy on Rennell Island in the Rennell/Bellona Province. Hon. Lilo’s response follows statements made during a recent parliamentary session by the present Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele, and Hon. Bradley Tovosia, Minister of Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification. Gordon Darcy Lilo. Gordon Darcy Lilo (born 28 August 1965) is a Solomon Islander politician who served as the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands from November 16, 2011 to December 9, 2014. On December 19, 2024, the Prime Minister asserted that the contentious bauxite mining issues on Rennell were a legacy of the Lilo-Maelanga administration....
Winstar Capital Bhd has displayed an exceptional performance on the ACE Market, with its share price surging over 80 per cent since its listing at 35 sen. As of 12:35 pm on 24 December (local time), the company's shares are trading at 64 sen, reflecting a remarkable 83 per cent increase. Trading volume has also been robust, with over 24.77 million shares changing hands. Boasting a market capitalisation of RM186 million (US$ 40.92 million), Winstar Capital is strategically positioning itself for expansion. Part of the proceeds from its recent IPO is earmarked for acquiring four additional aluminium extrusion lines, which collectively offer an annual capacity of 8,580 tonnes. These new lines, to be installed at its factory in Ijok, Selangor, will significantly enhance the company's total...
Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy leader, has strengthened its presence in Europe with two significant acquisitions in the Iberian Peninsula, advancing its ambitious growth strategy. The company acquired Saeta Yield from Brookfield Renewable Partners and its institutional partners in a landmark deal valued at €1.2 billion, including an equity valuation of €696 million. Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) is one of the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy companies. As a global clean energy pioneer, Masdar is advancing the development and deployment of solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage and green hydrogen technologies to accelerate the energy transition and help the world meet its net-zero ambitions. Established in 2006, Masdar has developed and invested in projects in over 40...
RUSAL has cemented its position as the successor to the Russian and Soviet aluminium industry, consolidating leading facilities, innovative research, and cutting-edge technologies. Operating across four strategic business units—aluminium, alumina, energy, and mining and metals—the company's core segments, as highlighted in the H1 2024 report, remain aluminium and alumina. As 2024 comes to a close, we examine the industrial giant’s performance, milestones, and challenges. A legacy of leadership The roots of Russia’s aluminium industry trace back to 1885 when A. Novoveisky established the country’s first aluminium smelter in Sergiev Posad. Significant breakthroughs followed, including the Bayer method of alumina production in 1889 and the launch of the Soviet Union’s first aluminium smelter...
According to the United States Geological Survey, the United States alumina imports through the first three quarters of 2024 reflected a year-on-year downfall of 1.1 per cent, despite sequential growth in the second and third quarter of the year. Image Source: iStock A sharp fall in Q1 by 20.33 per cent Q-o-Q and 11.46 per cent year-on-year to 286,000 tonnes has contributed to the downfall in the United States year-to-date alumina imports. Even the subsequent increase in the second and third quarter by 13.64 per cent and 16.31 per cent, respectively, failed to offset the year-to-day downtick. In the second quarter of 2023, the United States alumina imports were 325,000 tonnes, which climbed up in Q3 to 378,000 tonnes, also up by 5.29 per cent Y-o-Y from 359,000 tonnes. From January to...
The deadline for the proposed merger between Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) and subsidiaries of Saudi Arabia’s Ma’aden has been extended to the second quarter of 2025. Originally anticipated to be finalised in Q1 2025, the extension was disclosed in a statement to the Bahrain Bourse on 22 December 2024. “This extension will provide both companies with additional time to conduct a thorough due diligence and further evaluation of the potential strategic and financial benefits of this potential business combination,” the posting said. Present scenario The non-binding agreement, signed in September and initially set to expire on 31 December 2024, has been extended to 30 April 2025. Alba’s Chief Executive, Ali Al Baqali, had previously expressed optimism for an earlier conclusion. “With the growth...
Japan's leading breweries, Suntory Holdings Limited, Asahi Group Holdings, Kirin Holdings, and Sapporo Holdings, will begin phasing in using the "EcoEnd™" can lid for select beer products in February 2025. These innovative solutions significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, cutting production-related emissions by approximately 40 per cent. This move takes a big step forward in terms of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Toyo Seikan Co., Ltd. has jointly developed with UACJ Corporation "EcoEnd," a beverage can lid that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 40 per cent compared to current products, and this marks the first time that it has been widely adopted in the alcoholic beverages and soft drink industry. In the future, companies will likely...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, China’s unwrought aluminium alloy imports in November 2024 recorded a month-on-month decline of 11.6 per cent and a year-on-year fall of 8.8 per cent to reach 200,000 tonnes. The cumulative imports reached 1.1076 million tonnes, reflecting an annual rise of 8.6 per cent. Image Source: Shanghai Metals Market Among the sources of imports, Malaysia was the highest, followed by Thailand, South Korea, Russia, and Vietnam. From Malaysia, China imported 37,400 tonnes, which accounted for 37 per cent of the country’s total imports. From Thailand and South Korea, China imported 17,000 tonnes and 12,500 tonnes, 17 per cent and 12.2 per cent of the monthly imports, while the imports from Russia and Vietnam stood at 12,300 tonnes and 4,700 tonnes....
