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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Foundries operate in extreme environments marked by high temperatures and large, hard-to-reach equipment. Handling molten metal like aluminium in such conditions demands exceptional resilience and adaptability from both people and machines. While several quality control systems for molten aluminium already exist, they tend to be costly, require specialised expertise, and are time-intensive, limiting their use to occasional spot checks. This need sparked the idea at Fraunhofer IZFP to develop a mobile, ultrasound-based measurement system specifically for molten aluminium. The team has also bagged the prestigious Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2025 for their groundbreaking development. Ultrasound-based measuring system for aluminium production Recognising these challenges, a team of...
Today, SHFE aluminium futures fluctuated in the morning session. The impact of yesterday's Sino-US tariff developments was not evident in the futures market. The fundamental factors were mixed, leading to overall market volatility. In terms of spot market performance, the spot market in east China weakened, with market participants focusing on selling. High premiums continued to pull back. Early in the morning, transactions were concluded at a discount of RMB 10 per tonne to the SMM average price, and later, most transactions were also concluded at this level. Today, SMM A00 aluminium ingot prices were reported at RMB 20,230 per tonne, down RMB 20 per tonne from the previous trading day, with a premium of RMB 80 per tonne against the June contract, narrowing by RMB 10 per tonne from the...
Mechatherm International has successfully installed custom-engineered hydraulic furnace doors on five furnaces at Aluminium Bahrain (Alba). Specially designed by the UK-based technology provider, the doors were tailored to fit seamlessly with Alba’s existing furnace infrastructure. Owing to spatial constraints from an overhead crane support beam, Mechatherm’s standard door configuration was not viable. To overcome this, the engineering team developed and implemented a custom hydraulic lift solution, ensuring smooth and efficient operation within the limited space. The newly installed doors were seamlessly integrated with Alba’s existing control systems, featuring upgraded panels that enable safe and remote operation. Mechatherm also developed a custom door trolley to streamline...
Negotiations between India and Oman for the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), officially referred to as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), are progressing well, with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal indicating that positive developments are expected shortly. Image credit: facebook.com “I think you will see some good news very soon on the Oman FTA,” Goyal told reporters when asked whether the deal could be finalised this year. The talks for the CEPA began formally in November 2023 and gained significant momentum following Goyal’s visit to Muscat in January 2025. The minister is currently in France for official engagements, which include discussions with French leaders and businesses to bolster trade and investment ties, as well as participation in a...
The world has already witnessed a transition from fuel cars to electric passenger vehicles. This transition had one significant challenge: locating the right place to charge EVs. Well, this is no longer a concern for all future EV owners. As shared by Thane Heins, a Canadian Physicist embarked on creating an innovation at the University of Ottawa, enabling all EVs to recharge themselves while driving, eliminating the need for plug-ins from 2025 onwards. Image source: evfy.in As proposed by Thane Heins, the Electromagnetic Field Energy repulsion has been used significantly to make all the EVs self-charging cars. The innovation also encourages using internal combustion engines (ICE) to provide propulsion energy. This is because it enables EV cars to convert electrical energy into mechanical...
In a world waking up to the urgency of climate action, World Environment Day stands as a global call not just to protect what we have, but to rethink how we build, consume, and innovate. At the heart of this transformation lies a remarkable element - aluminium. Light in weight but mighty in purpose, aluminium is quietly powering the green revolution. From solar frames that harness the sun, to electric vehicles that glide cleaner and farther, to buildings that breathe efficiency aluminium is the material of endless possibility and zero compromise. What makes it extraordinary? It’s infinitely recyclable retaining its strength and quality no matter how many lives it lives. Talking about recyclability, recycling lies at the very soul of aluminium. Unlike most materials, it can be melted down...
As the world observes 'World Environment Day' , AL Circle shines a spotlight on the aluminium industry's vital role in building a more sustainable planet. Known for its infinite recyclability and lightweight efficiency, aluminium holds immense promise — but the challenges of waste and residue management remain pressing. To address this, AL Circle's three insightful reports that explore critical areas of environmental impact and opportunity: World Recycled Aluminium Market Analysis & Industry Forecast to 2032 Aluminium Dross Processing: A Global Review A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue – Red Mud Together, these reports provide a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of aluminium industry waste streams — from the utilisation of red mud (bauxite residue) to the recovery of...
The United States officially raised its tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum products and doubled the import duty from 25 per cent to a hefty 50 per cent, effective June 4. The development, announced by President Donald Trump, was designed to further protect the home market metals industry, but sent waves of worry around the world. The higher tariffs are an expansion of the steps introduced in mid-March, with President Trump emphasising the need for the policy to support American steel production. The decision, and Trump's override of a court ruling to make it so , has, however, been receiving scathing criticism and international pushback. Australia to be particularly hit, even as an ally of the US For Australia, which is also a major player in the world aluminium industry, the...
In a metal market battered by volatile prices, inflationary stress, and escalating scrutiny over climate credentials, Alcoa’s 2024 Sustainability Report arrives not just as a routine corporate checklist but as a statement of ambition — and, in some areas, quiet disruption. With operations sprawling across 30 global facilities — from bauxite mines to smelters and casthouses — the US-based aluminium major shoulders more than just metal output; it shoulders a reputation. But does Alcoa’s latest ESG report genuinely reflect industry leadership, or is it a slick exercise in eco-branding? Let’s unpack the facts, compare performance, and critically assess how the numbers stack up. Renewable power — a benchmark or a baseline? In 2024, 86 per cent of the electricity powering Alcoa’s smelters came...
Following the initiation of bauxite mining revocation by Guinea, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) now eyes Ghana to explore fresh bauxite-related opportunities. According to a report on June 4, the UAE-based aluminium major has inked an agreement with the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) to assess the feasibility of bauxite exploration in the West African country. What’s in the deal? Under the agreement signed with GIADEC, EGA aims to explore Ghana’s estimated 920 million tonnes of bauxite reserves in Ghana, spread across Nyinahin (700 million tonnes), Kyebi (160 million tonnes), and Awaso (60 million tonnes). Despite this vast potential, Ghana currently produces just 1.5 million tonnes annually. Beyond exploration, EGA will also examine the potential for...
We are already well-versed in the fact that China is the top country which invests in and consumes energy. As of 2025, China is expected to indulge in higher spending on energy than the US and EU combined. Moreover, in the past few years, China has securely moved their investment in global clean energy up to 33 per cent from 25 per cent. This spending has been distributed between wind, nuclear, batteries, solar and nuclear. It's only been 6 months into 2025, and the total global energy investment is expected to create a new record of USD 3.3 trillion. However, this is subject to the world facing high economic fluctuations and rising geopolitical risks. From the new global record of investment, the majority of the share, USD 2.2 trillion, would be devoted to developing clean technologies....
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CANPACK, one of the leading global manufacturers of high-quality packaging solutions, with a legacy that began over 30 years ago has shown remarkable results in their sustainability report for 2024. Headquartered in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, the company is touted as the fourth largest supplier of aluminium beverage cans in the world. In 2024, CANPACK bagged the position as the second largest supplier of aluminium beverage cans in Europe. This is not just it; the company has also managed to reduce its Scope 2 emissions by 96 per cent in 2023 and has unlocked several other milestones followed by bagging prestigious recognitions. Renowned for its advanced technology, deep industry expertise, and strong commitment to sustainability, CANPACK continues to set new standards in packaging...
The proposed doubling of tariffs on imported steel and aluminium to 50 per cent is sparking concerns across the packaging sector, with warnings that the move could increase food costs and disrupt supply chains. The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) and the Aluminium Association have voiced strong opposition to the policy, citing widespread repercussions for businesses and consumers. Image credit: crowncork The tariff increase, announced by President Donald Trump during a visit to a Pittsburgh steel plant, is intended to protect the domestic steel industry. The announcement coincided with his recognition of Japan-based Nippon Steel’s planned acquisition of US Steel. Despite a recent court ruling blocking many levies, these specific tariffs remain unaffected. Also read: Coca-Cola looking to...
Futures Market: Overnight, the most-traded alumina ag2509 futures contract opened at RMB 3,053 per tonne, with a high of RMB 3,058 per tonne, a low of RMB 3,024 per tonne, and closed at RMB 3,033 per tonne, down RMB 10 per tonne or 0.34 per cent, with open interest at 305,000 lots. Image for representational purposes only Ore: As of June 4, the SMM Import Bauxite Index was reported at USD 74.71 per tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day; the SMM Guinea Bauxite CIF average price was reported at USD 74 per tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day; the SMM Australia Low-Temperature Bauxite CIF average price was reported at USD 70 per tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day; and the SMM Australia High-Temperature Bauxite CIF average price was reported at USD 65 per tonne,...
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has announced an expanded partnership with PwC India on World Environment Day, signifying a major collaboration with the global professional services firm. The goal? - To boost their green endeavours across verticals. Image source: Vedanta Last month also, the aluminium behemoth announced a series of green initiatives dedicated to preserving biodiversity across its operational regions in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Strategic expansion beyond initial scope The original biodiversity project at Vedanta's Jharsuguda smelter has advanced into a complete sustainability framework. The company, producing over half of India’s aluminium – 2.42 million tonnes in FY25, has an enormous impact on the environment. With this partnership, it now targets...
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has earned a prestigious 4-Star rating from the Ministry of Coal for its Jamkhani coal mine in Sundargarh, Odisha, for the financial year 2023–24. Scoring an impressive 83 out of 100 in the Ministry’s star rating assessment, the mine has emerged as one of the top-performing in the country - within just two years of commencing operations. The Jamkhani mine plays a pivotal role in Vedanta Aluminium’s vision of achieving 100 per cent vertical integration and reducing India’s reliance on coal imports, contributing to the larger goal of a self-reliant, Viksit Bharat. The star rating assessment scheme, introduced by the Ministry of Coal in FY 2019, aims to promote sustainable and responsible mining by evaluating mines across a wide range of...
Worldwide Aluminium Limited, an Indian aluminium giant specialising in both aluminium-based industry and household products, has recently reported seeing a significant increase in buying activity, irrespective of market decline. How does it indicate for the Indian aluminium industry amidst the tariff imposed by Trump? As of June 3, 2025, Worldwide Aluminium Limited saw a rebound in buying activity after witnessing a decline for five consecutive days. On the same day, the performance increased by 4.98 per cent, representing a contrast to the Sensex, which showed a decline of 0.62 per cent. It shows a stock trend reversal, as before the gain, the market was low for five days straight. Despite the gain, the firm's stock indicates mixed performance in various frames. In the past week, the...
The Australian mining firm Metro Mining Limited has reported a 26 per cent year-on-year increase in monthly bauxite shipments, amounting to 671,934 wet metric tonnes (WMT) in May 2025. This increase forms part of a growth trend of increasing volumes of shipments with the company working towards its annual goal of 6.5 - 7 million WMT of bauxite. It is also worth noting this growth follows a previously reported record April with shipments of 424,730 WMT - which was a 12.2 per cent increase over the prior year (but Metro’s all-time monthly record was 720,000 WMT set in August 2024) - highlighting Metro's consistent ongoing operations against more challenging weather earlier in the year. Strategic infrastructure upgrades and production capacity Metro Mining’s flagship Bauxite Hills Mine in...
