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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Futures market: Overnight, the most-traded alumina 2509 futures contract opened at RMB 3,191 per tonne, with a high of RMB 3,228 per tonne, a low of RMB 3,153 per tonne, and closed at RMB 3,199 per tonne, down RMB 30 per tonne or 0.94 per cent, with open interest at 393,000 lots. Image for representational purposes only Spot alumina: On Thursday, inquiries revealed that 3,000 tonnes of alumina were traded in Guizhou at a transaction price of RMB 3,230 per tonne. Ore: As of May 22, the SMM imported bauxite index was reported at USD 72.14 per tonne, up USD 0.94 per tonne from the previous trading day, mainly due to some Guinea bauxite transactions with prices rising to USD 74 per tonne. The SMM Guinea bauxite CIF average price was reported at USD 72 per tonne, up USD 2 per tonne from the...
On the International Day for Biological Diversity, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, announces a series of initiatives dedicated to preserving biodiversity and restoring natural habitats across its operational regions. The company has undertaken wide-ranging measures such as rescuing and safely releasing over a thousand reptiles and small wildlife, developing greenbelts, conducting pond cleaning drives, reintroducing native species, launching large-scale afforestation efforts, and implementing educational outreach programs in local communities to foster a culture of ecological stewardship. This year’s theme, “Harmony with nature and sustainable development" echoes Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to aligning industrial growth with ecological responsibility. Vedanta...
DTE and Dynamic Concept have joined forces to bring a cutting-edge molten metal analysis and handling solution to the aluminium industry. This powerful partnership blends DTE’s advanced laser-based technology with Dynamic Concept’s expertise in metal transfer systems and automation—creating a fully integrated offering for aluminium producers. At the heart of the solution is DTE’s real-time molten metal analysis system. Using laser-based sensors and AI-driven insights, it delivers instant, continuous data on molten metal composition—giving operators a live, full-process overview like never before. This not only boosts process efficiency and control but also helps cut operational costs and carbon emissions. Ásdís Virk Sigtryggsdóttir, CCO at DTE, said, “Aluminium producers are seeking ways...
In April (30 days) 2025, the world's primary aluminium production decreased by 3.27 per cent M-o-M despite no decline recorded in daily average output. According to IAI, the world’s daily average aluminium production in April was 201,100 tonnes, remaining flat compared to 201,200 tonnes in March. However, on an annual basis, the output increased by 2.25 per cent, showed the International Aluminium Institute (IAI). Decoding the output trend of April According to IAI data, the world primary aluminium production in April was 6.033 million tonnes, compared to 6.237 million tonnes a month ago and 5.9 million tonnes a year earlier. Throughout the year so far, the world primary aluminium production recorded the second monthly fall, but it is important to analyse if this has been a trend over the...
Atomik AM, a trailblazing UK spinout from the University of Liverpool, has secured a £600,000 (US$760,000) boost from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II to supercharge its growth. Founded by renowned additive manufacturing expert Professor Kate Black, Atomik AM is set to scale its cutting-edge manufacturing solutions with this fresh injection of capital. The funding, provided by NPIF II – Praetura Equity Finance and managed by Praetura Ventures, will fuel a 40 per cent team expansion and support the company's move into larger premises, marking a major leap forward in its mission to revolutionise advanced manufacturing. Hot on the heels of a £125,000($158,337.5)investment from LYVA Labs earlier this year, Atomik AM has secured fresh momentum in its mission to transform metal 3D...
Since January, US President Donald Trump has announced the probable implementation of tariffs. He did not disclose the details then, but the history made aluminium traders susceptible to the future of the global aluminium import-export scenario, which, with time, proved to be true. China’s downstream aluminium product exports deflated while domestic consumption numbers balanced the production vs demand scenario. Image for representational purposes only China’s downstream aluminium domestic sector remained a cornerstone of its industrial economy in the first quarter of 2025, with total domestic consumption touching 9.7 million tonnes. This consumption, spanning multiple industrial segments, was valued at approximately USD 25.2 billion. Q1: Production and consumption The construction sector...
Rio Tinto announced that Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm will step down later this year, following the completion of a planned succession process. Jakob joined Rio Tinto in 2018 as Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, and was appointed Chief Executive in January 2021. Under his leadership, Rio Tinto has sharpened its strategic focus, positioning the company to seize the opportunities of the global energy transition. He has set a clear course for long-term, profitable growth, laying the foundation for Rio Tinto’s next chapter as a leader in responsible, future-facing materials. Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said, “It has been an absolute privilege to lead Rio Tinto, one of the great mining and materials companies in the world. I would like to thank the deeply...
The age of smart recycling is here, and it's making sustainability not just necessary, but revolutionary. Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have found a way to transform everyday waste into a powerhouse of sustainability. Think used batteries and crumpled aluminium foil, normally destined for landfills, reborn as nanocatalysts that fight climate change. These microscopic marvels don't just recycle waste, they upcycle it. The nanocatalysts are capable of converting harmful carbon dioxide (CO₂) into methane, a clean-burning fuel that can power everything from factories to freight. It's a radical rethinking of waste: not just reducing harm, but actively creating value. This isn't just a lab experiment. It's a glimpse into a greener future where yesterday's trash fuels tomorrow's...
With increasing domestic and international participation, the 13 th International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Conference & Exhibition (IBAAS-IMMT-IIM 2025), slated for October 8–10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, India, is taking shape as a major industry event. Around 50 abstracts of technical papers have been received from experts, researchers, and professionals worldwide, reflecting growing engagement across key areas of the aluminium value chain. About 30 companies have already confirmed their participation, including major players, offering excellent opportunities for interaction, collaboration, and business development. Sponsorship suppor t has been confirmed from three notable companies — SNF, Nalco Water, and EPIQ Machinery — further enhancing the profile and outreach of the event. A...
Rio Tinto is set to launch early works and final engineering studies for a major expansion of its Amrun bauxite mine on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, targeting first production by 2029. The proposed project, named Kangwinan at the request of the Wik Waya people, the Traditional Owners of the land, marks a significant step forward for Rio Tinto’s Weipa Southern operations. It will see the development of a new mine and the expansion of the existing Amrun port, with plans to nearly double the current bauxite output. If given the green light, the project will see the development of a new mining hub located 15 kilometres south-east of Rio Tinto’s Amrun site, an operation launched in 2018 following a US$1.9 billion investment. Kangwinan is set to create over 800 construction...
Today, SHFE aluminium fluctuated in the morning session, with its centre moving higher. From the perspective of the spot market performance, destocking exceeded expectations, providing support for local spot premiums. Amid high aluminium prices, downstream purchase willingness declined, while transactions among traders increased. Image source: https://www.aluminum.org/ Specifically, trading sentiment was good in eastern China today. The relatively small arrival volume provided strong support for prices. Downstream purchase willingness weakened, but traders had a strong willingness to refuse to budge on prices due to low inventory. Moreover, due to the shortage of goods, suppliers were cautious in selling, and market transactions were mainly priced at SMM+10, with some at +20. Today, SMM...
Since the end of 2024, market analysts in India consistently signalled strong growth prospects in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, urging the manufacturing industry to gear up for a major transformation. A central narrative in this shift was the soaring demand for aluminium, a vital material used extensively in engine parts, chassis, body panels, and wheels. Even ex-Vedanta CEO John Slaven had highlighted last year that the growing impact of electric vehicles, particularly four-wheelers, on the aluminium industry. He had explicitly said, “I think (electric) four-wheelers is where we expect to see the largest growth. There’s more (aluminium) content per vehicle than in a two-wheeler. And then also, as the four-wheelers become electrified, there’s more aluminium per EV than there is per IC...
Nikon Advanced Manufacturing has teamed up with the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), the organisation behind America Makes. Their mission? To push the boundaries of Additive Manufacturing using Constellium’s Aheadd CP1 aluminium alloy. The initiative focuses on enhancing the alloy’s use in the defence and aerospace sectors. Backed by $2.1 million in funding from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense’s Manufacturing Technology Office (OSD ManTech) through America Makes, the project covers the initial two phases of a broader, multi-phase program. Key partners include Constellium, ASTM International, and 3Degrees, along with a consortium of leading defence metal AM specialists from Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX, General Atomics, and Honeywell...
In a strategic move to strengthen its footprint in the automotive aluminium sector, ALMAC announced on Wednesday, May 21 that it has invested an additional $7.5 million (approximately 10.4 billion won) in AR Aluminum through a shareholder rights offering. This marks the second round of equity investment, bringing ALMAC’s total commitment to the venture to $10 million. EA IAL Aluminum, a joint venture formed by ALMAC and a US manufacturer, focuses on producing billets and extruded aluminium products for high-performance automotive applications. This latest injection of capital underscores ALMAC’s long-term vision to dominate the lightweight metals arena. The company emphasised that the move builds on a foundational investment agreement signed in 2023. Adding to its industrial momentum, AR...
Manaksia Aluminium Co., an India-based mining and metal company engaged in manufacturing secondary aluminium products like aluminium rolled, sheets and coils, has announced its financials for the March 2025 quarter, highlighting increased sales and net profit. Image source: equitybulls.com Q4 financials In the last quarter of FY 2024-25, the firm witnessed an increase in sales by 16.45 per cent, amounting to INR 137.07 crores (USD 16.46 million) vs INR 117.71 crores (USD 14.09 million), in Q4 FY2023-24. In case of net profit, the firm generated INR 2 crore (USD 2.42 million) in Q4 FY2025, which was 27.4 per cent higher than INR 1.57 crore (USD 1.90 million) during the corresponding period of the previous year. Q1, Q2 and Q3 at a glance In the financial year 2024–2025, the firm began with...
India’s renewable energy landscape is poised for a significant turnaround with three major solar project announcements from Adani Green Energy, Jindal India Thermal Power and Alpex Solar. These developments come at a critical juncture, as the country witnessed a notable 25 per cent drop in new solar capacity additions in the first quarter of 2025. Image source: britannica India added just 6.7 gigawatts of solar capacity in Q1 2025, down from 9 gigawatts during the same period in 2024. The decline was attributed to delayed project commissioning, supply chain bottlenecks and cautious investor sentiment. However, recent announcements in the sector signal a revival in momentum that could help bridge this capacity gap in the coming months. Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) has commissioned 187.5...
At the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) Conference & Exposition held this May in San Diego, panellists at the "Spotlight on Aluminum" session explored the emerging market for Vesper, newly introduced recycled grade aluminium. Developed in collaboration with Novelis Inc., a leading aluminium recycling and rolling company based in Atlanta, Vesper represents a significant step forward in advancing sustainable aluminium solutions. Vesper consists of wrought aluminium materials, including sheet, extrusion, and/or plate grades that are carefully separated from zorba or twitch shredded aluminium streams. To meet the specification, the material must not contain more than 1 per cent free magnesium, 1 per cent free zinc, and 0.50 per cent analytical iron. Gary Gallo, senior manager,...
Hindalco Industries, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has acquired 100 per cent equity in EMIL Mines and Mineral Resources Ltd. (EMMRL). The acquisition is a strategic step aimed at securing a long-term, reliable coal supply for Hindalco’s aluminium smelters, ensuring uninterrupted production in an increasingly competitive and energy-intensive industry. The acquisition of EMMRL takes on an added layer of strategic alignment, as the company is a subsidiary of Essel Mining and Industries, also under the Aditya Birla Group umbrella, making this a related-party transaction. Hindalco’s board gave the green light to the deal on May 20, with the transaction expected to close within six to nine months, pending regulatory approvals. EMMRL holds the mining lease for the Bandha coal...
