Novelis is cutting roughly one-third of its workforce at its Kingston, Ontario, aluminium facility, with the company citing the impact of US tariffs on aluminium imported from Canada. The company is reducing its salaried workforce by 10 employees and temporarily laying off approximately 70 hourly workers, according to a statement issued by Novelis on Friday, September 18. The cuts affect roughly one-third of the facility's workforce. “These are difficult decisions that affect our colleagues and their families, and we are supporting those impacted through this transition,” Novelis said. Novelis pointed to the Section 232 duties imposed by the US on aluminium imported from Canada as the reason behind the workforce reduction. To know the global production, demand and consumption forecasts of...
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...
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The global calcined alumina market is poised for significant growth, driven by expanding applications across various industries and strategic moves by key players. The calcined alumina market is experiencing robust expansion. Projections indicate growth from approximately USD 16.82 billion in 2025 to USD 28.56 billion by 2032, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.86 per cent. This surge is attributed to increased demand in sectors such as ceramics, electronics, and refractories, where calcined alumina's properties—like high hardness and thermal stability—are highly valued. Key Applications Driving Demand Advanced Ceramics: Calcined alumina enhances thermal resistance and mechanical strength in ceramics, making it indispensable in automotive, aerospace, and medical device...
With over 34 billion aluminium cans produced annually, Brazil’s can industry is making bold strides toward greater sustainability and a game-changing innovation from Henkel. Unveiled at the Latamcan 2025 fair in Atibaia (SP), Henkel’s new Bonderite C-IC 72003 Pre-Cleaner (70203) is setting a new standard for eco-friendly can production. This cutting-edge solution slashes the washing process temperature from the conventional 60 °C down to just 50 °C, dramatically cutting energy use while maintaining performance. The impact? A cleaner, greener production line. “Brazil recycles 100 per cent of the cans that are produced in the country. Having a more sustainable process in production also means keeping up with the sector’s evolution, not to mention that this reduces costs and risks for...
Sunday’s report on Turkey initiating anti-dumping probe into Chinese aluminium solar frames imports make both the global aluminium and solar industries wonder 'WHY', given the nation’s growing solar energy capacity. In only two and half years, Turkey’s solar energy capacity surged by 102 per cent and reached 19.6 GW by the end of 2024, surpassing the 2025 target ahead of time. Against this backdrop, Turkey’s decision to target China, a key supplier of aluminium solar frames, comes as a surprise. China – dominant supplier under scrutiny China remains Turkey’s largest exporter of aluminium photovoltaic (PV) frames. In 2023, China alone exported 280,000 tonnes of solar frames, accounting for 76 per cent of Turkey’s total imports. This, according to Turkey, is undercutting local...
RUSAL, one of the world's leading aluminium producers is boosting its capacity for thin gauge foil production aimed at food packaging applications. The company is upgrading the С-3/2 finishing foil mill at its SAYANAL facility, the largest foil mill in Russia and the CIS. Once completed, the modernisation valued at 500 million roubles (US$5.62 million) will enhance the mill's automation systems and increase the output of thin gauge foil (less than 9 microns thick) by 10–12 per cent. These ultra-thin foils are essential for advanced food packaging solution, including confectionery wraps, aseptic cartons, and laminated materials. Meanwhile, RUSAL's Ural Foil plant is entering this segment for the first time, marking a significant step forward in its production capabilities. 'In developed...
In October 2024, Guinean customs authorities suspended bauxite exports from Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), a subsidiary of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), due to unresolved issues with the Guinean government, chiefly around concerns over GAC’s failure to progress on its commitment to build a domestic alumina refinery. As a result, GAC halted exports, and by early 2025, around 2 million tonnes of bauxite had accumulated at the port in Kamsar, unable to be shipped. Image for referential purposes only Located in northwestern Guinea, GAC operates a vast 690-square-kilometre mining concession that feeds directly into international supply chains, thanks to a dedicated rail link to its port at Kamsar. Since exports began in 2019, GAC has become a key supplier of bauxite, the primary ore for...
In movies and some places (sometimes in real life too), the number 13 might be the ultimate bad luck charm, but on the periodic table, this number represents one of the most sustainable and recyclable metals on earth – aluminium. Aluminium, the silent hero, is making its presence felt not only on the grounds but also in the sky. NASA's cutting-edge X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft, featuring mostly aluminium in its construction, has made a significant stride in its journey. The X-59 was put through its paces as its subsystems and flight computer were rigorously tested to ensure seamless coordination between hardware and software. This major milestone clears the runway for the X-59's highly anticipated first flight later this year, bringing the dream of quieter supersonic travel...
Futures Market: Overnight, the most-traded alumina 2509 futures contract opened at RMB 2,985 per tonne, with a high of RMB 2,990 per tonne, a low of RMB 2,940 per tonne, and closed at RMB 2,948 per tonne, down RMB 43 per tonne or 1.44 per cent. The open interest stood at 381,000 lots. Ore: As of May 28, the SMM Import Bauxite Index was reported at USD 73.88 per tonne, up USD 0.18 per tonne 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. The SMM Australia High-Temperature Bauxite CIF average price was reported at USD 65 per tonne, unchanged from the previous...
Alborz Pasargad Aluminum Company has made a significant leap forward in enhancing the durability and performance of aluminium profiles by introducing two cutting-edge nanostructured coating technologies. Certified at the nanoscale level, these innovations include a nanostructured anodised coating that boosts corrosion resistance and allows for high-precision printing with nanoscale patterns. This breakthrough marks a major advancement in functional and aesthetic aluminium surface treatments, setting a new standard for next-generation coatings in the industry. Wear and corrosion-resistant nanostructured anodised coating The wear- and corrosion-resistant nanostructured anodised coating is a breakthrough in surface protection, achieved through a meticulously controlled anodising process....
South32 Limited, a mining and metals company headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, has secured $4.4 million government funding to accelerate its carbon emission reduction efforts at Worsley Alumina Refinery, which will eventually bring the company close to its net-zero carbon emission goals by 2050. Image source: ARENA The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) said the funding would support South32 in conducting a pre-feasibility study to examine four investment options for partially replacing fossil fuel-based steam generation with renewable energy-powered systems at Worsley refinery. This shift will enable the company reduce direct carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels, leading to a more sustainable future. This funding is part of ARENA’s $400 million Industrial...
Constellium is honoured to welcome NASA representatives to its Ravenswood, West Virginia facility today to celebrate their collaboration on the Artemis program — NASA’s bold mission to return humans to the Moon and pave the way for crewed missions to Mars. Image for representational purposes only Constellium plays a vital role in the Artemis program through its contribution to NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, both of which rely on Constellium’s state-of-the-art Airware® aluminium-lithium and advanced conventional alloy solutions. Developed and produced exclusively by Constellium, Airware® combines low density with high-specific stiffness and strength, making it ideally suited for the extreme demands of spaceflight, from liftoff to re-entry. “Constellium is...
SINTEF’s Battery Technology group has reached a major milestone by successfully producing high-loading electrode rolls using sustainable materials like aluminium, a vital breakthrough in scaling up next-generation battery cell technology. This achievement marks a significant step forward for the EU-funded IntelLiGent project, which is focused on developing cutting-edge, high-voltage lithium-ion cells for the electric vehicles (EVs) of tomorrow. Electrode manufacturing remains one of the toughest challenges in expanding battery production and overcoming it is key to Europe’s ambition of building a self-sufficient, competitive battery industry. With this progress, IntelLiGent is helping pave the way toward a greener, more resilient future for European e-mobility. This achievement was made...
Futures Market: Overnight, the most-traded alumina 2509 futures contract opened at RMB 3,028 per tonne, with a high of RMB 3,053 per tonne, a low of RMB 2,986 per tonne, and closed at RMB 3,013 per tonne, down RMB 5 per tonne or 0.17 per cent, with open interest at 392,000 lots. Image for referential purposes only Ore: As of May 27, the SMM imported bauxite index was reported at USD 73.7per tonne, up USD 0.37per tonne 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 Australian low-temperature bauxite CIF average price was reported at USD 70per tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day; the SMM Australian high-temperature bauxite CIF average price was reported at USD 65per tonne,...
Samta Metals & Alloys, a subsidiary of India's Samta Group, is constructing an aluminium and copper recycling facility in the Atlantic Free Zone in Kenitra, Morocco. Image source: Flickr The company is investing USD 70 million in the development of the project within Morocco’s Atlantic Free Zone in Kenitra. Spanning 36,600 square meters, the eco-friendly plant is slated to commence operations by 2026, utilising renewable energy to produce its line of sustainable metal products. Also read: https://www.alcircle.com/news/new-50-million-recycling-facility-in-maryland-promises-to-boost-regional-sustainability-113906 Designed to align with Morocco’s circular economy objectives, the facility will have an annual processing capacity of 35,000 tonnes, targeting the recovery of approximately 19,200...
Aluminium prices in India nudged up 0.8 per cent to INR 238.9 per kilogram, buoyed by a chain reaction unfolding in China’s refinery landscape. But this isn’t just another pricing blip, and it’s a mirror to something deeper: the calculated routine of alumina supply, energy bottlenecks, and macro market muscle. As Chinese refineries go under the wrench and global production gears shift, the aluminium market is entering a new price reality, one which is calibrated not just by output but by strategic pause. Image for representational purposes only Maintenance or market masterstroke? From late March through April 2025, nearly 11.5 million tonnes of Chinese alumina capacity went offline for maintenance, according to Shanghai Metals Market (SMM). Far from a routine fix-up, this mass downtime...
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Australia (CCEP) has unveiled a cutting-edge canning line at its Richlands manufacturing facility in Brisbane, Queensland. Backed by a major $75 million investment, this new line isn't just impressive it's the largest and most efficient in CCEP's entire global network. With the power to produce up to 120,000 aluminium cans every hour, it marks a bold leap forward in speed, scale, and sustainability for the iconic beverage brand. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) Australia relies on aluminium, especially in its iconic cans, as a key part of its packaging. As the world's largest Coca-Cola bottler, CCEP is leading the charge in sustainability down under, actively working to cut plastic waste and boost the use of recycled aluminium in its operations. This...
In April 2025, the world alumina production, including chemical and metallurgical-grade, totalled 12.407 million tonnes, reflecting a month-on-month downfall of 2.48 per cent from 12.723 million tonnes, found the International Aluminium Institute. Of the total alumina output, metallurgical-grade production volume was 11.614 million tonnes, which was also down by 3 per cent M-o-M from 11.974 million tonnes. Meanwhile, the chemical-grade alumina production in April 2025 registered an increase of 5.87 per cent from 749,000 tonnes to 793,000 tonnes. Even on an annual basis, the world’s chemical-grade alumina production grew by 3.12 per cent from 769,000 tonnes, and that of metallurgical-grade alumina output decreased by 3.83 per cent from 11.186 million tonnes. The output of...
YKK recently announced that it will now source only low-carbon aluminium alloy wire for its zippers. This transition is made possible through a partnership with Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. and Sumitomo Electric Toyama Co., Ltd., which will supply the sustainable aluminium material. Conventional aluminium smelting is highly energy-intensive and generates varying levels of CO₂ emissions depending on the energy source used. In contrast, the low-carbon aluminium chosen for this initiative is produced using renewable energy, resulting in less than four metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions per ton of aluminium ingots, significantly reducing the material's environmental impact. "Through these efforts, we aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to climate change mitigation by...
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has set his sights on transforming the state into a powerhouse for aerospace and defence industries. In a recent meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Naidu pitched an ambitious vision backed by a wish list of key projects aimed at catalysing this transformation. Naidu’s appeal marks a bold step toward positioning Andhra Pradesh as a future-ready defence manufacturing hub, tapping into national security priorities while boosting local industry and employment. Not only this, N. Chandrababu Naidu has also raised concerns over the stalled progress of Utkarsha Aluminium Dhatu Nigam Ltd (UADNL) a joint venture between Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd (MIDHANI) and National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO) over land dispute. The venture, envisioned...
