Macro perspective: Outside China, the US Fed raised interest rates by 25 basis points to 3.75per cent-4.00per cent as expected, the first hike since July 2023, with a unanimous FOMC vote. The dot plot showed one more possible rate hike in 2026, extending the period of high interest rates. As a result, US Treasuries saw heavy selling, the US dollar and real yields rose, directly weighing on the valuation of dollar-denominated nonferrous metals. Geopolitically, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz persisted, with Iran claiming the strait was under its "smart control," and a regional shipping security meeting originally scheduled in Oman was forced to be postponed, raising energy transport and risk premiums. Overall, macro sentiment was mixed. Fundamentals: Supply side, this week, China's weekly...
According to SMM statistics, as of September 17, aluminium billet inventory in major domestic consumption areas recorded 152,500 tonnes, down 500 tonnes from last Thursday (September 10) and down 5,000 tonnes from this Monday (September 14). The persistent upward trend in inventory since mid-August has shifted slightly, turning into a modest pullback from highs. On a Y-o-Y basis, inventory was approximately 17,500 tonnes higher than the same period in 2025, about 31,000 tonnes higher than 2024, and roughly 61,000 tonnes higher than 2023, with total inventory still at the highest level for the same period over the past four years. From the perspective of warehouse withdrawals, aluminium billet withdrawals during September 7–September 14 recorded 38,900 tonnes, up 2,800 tonnes W-o-W, ending...
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In the heart of Odisha’s Kalahandi district, a storm brews over bauxite mining — a saga intertwining corporate ambitions, tribal rights, and the promise of progress. Recently, a full-page advertisement appeared in the leading Odisha dailies, championing bauxite mining in Kalahandi. The ad, purportedly from the Lanjigarh Anchalika Bikash Parishad, linked mining to tribal welfare and regional development. However, observers suspect Vedanta’s influence behind this message, given the company’s vested interests in the area. Image source: https://m.rediff.com/ Vedanta’s presence in Kalahandi has been contentious. In 2003, the Odisha government signed an MoU with Vedanta Aluminium Limited to establish an alumina refinery and bauxite mining plant in the Niyamgiri hills, the land which is also...
State-owned aluminium producer PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum) plans to finalise the feasibility study and make a final investment decision (FID) for the second phase of its smelter-grade alumina refinery (SGAR) in Mempawah, West Kalimantan, within this year. These documents will serve as the basis for commencing the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) processes. Inalum had previously targeted completing both documents by the end of 2024 and starting construction within the same year. Inalum and state-owned miner PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) has completed the first phase of the smelter-grade alumina refinery (SGAR) in Mempawah, West Kalimantan, with plans for the smelter to achieve full operation shortly after the end of the first quarter this year. The initial phase is...
India’s aluminium production experienced a modest uptick during the April to February period of the financial year 2024-2025, recording a 0.9 per cent increase to reach 38.36 lakh tonnes (3.836 million tonnes), compared to 38 lakh tonnes (3.8 million tonnes) in the same period the previous year, according to provisional data from the Ministry of Mines. This incremental growth echoes the more comprehensive tendencies in India’s mineral production. For instance, iron ore production rose by 4.4 per cent to 263 million tonnes from 252 million tonnes. In comparison, manganese ore production saw a 12.8 per cent increase to 3.4 million tonnes from 3 million tonnes during the same period. Bauxite production, crucial for aluminium manufacturing, also grew by 3.6 per cent to 22.7 million tonnes, up...
From a single plant in Siberia to a global aluminium powerhouse, RUSAL's 25-year journey is a story of bold vision, technological excellence, and enduring commitment to sustainable development. In 1994, amid the deep crisis in Russia's industrial sector, a transformation quietly began at the Sayanogorsk Aluminium Plant. Under the leadership of Oleg Deripaska, a clear strategy of modernization, accountability, and long-term vision was implemented. Within just three years, the plant not only became an industry benchmark but laid the foundation for what would become one of the world's leading aluminium producers. From regional roots to global integration (1997–2007) In 1997, the creation of Siberian Aluminium marked the beginning of a vertically integrated structure, with production...
The demerger date for Vedanta is now set for September 30 instead of March 31. In an exchange filing on Friday, March 28, the Anil Agarwal-led company announced that the deadline had been extended due to pending approvals from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and other government bodies, expected to be received by April. If the plan is implemented in September, it will mark the completion of a two-year cycle since its announcement in September 2023, when the proposed scheme was demerging the company's business units into six independent entities to secure big-ticket investments for each newly formed organisation. By September 2024, Vedanta had already received some key approvals from the Bombay Stock Exchange, the National Stock Exchange, and NCLT . However, a few months later, in...
New York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. has teamed up with Once Upon a Coconut as its newest brand ambassador. The partnership, announced in New York, reflects the brand’s commitment to premium hydration and sustainability. Chisholm's dynamic presence on the field aligns with the company’s vision of promoting healthier beverage choices. The collaboration places a strong emphasis on eco-conscious packaging. The brand uses aluminium cans to ensure product freshness while supporting recyclability. Aluminium’s lightweight and durable properties make it a preferred choice for reducing plastic waste in the beverage industry. Beyond aluminium, the product also stands out for its broader sustainability efforts. The brand sources high-quality coconuts and prioritises environmentally responsible...
eFactor3, a leading provider of advanced recycling solutions, proudly brings the AirStar® Evolution by Westeria to the US market. This state-of-the-art windsifting technology redefines material separation, offering unparalleled efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. Image Source: eFactor3 Manufactured by Westeria, a German leader with over 60 years of expertise in recycling equipment, the AirStar® Evolution has been meticulously redesigned to meet the needs of modern recycling and waste processing facilities. Now available in the U.S. through eFactor3, this advanced technology provides a turnkey solution for companies seeking to improve sorting efficiency, minimise energy consumption, and streamline operations. At the heart of the AirStar® evolution lies the innovative NotusAir air...
According to data from SMM, China’s aluminium processing industry composite PMI index for March 2025 stood at 61.6 per cent, remaining above the boom-bust line. Driven by the traditional peak season and policy tailwinds, the domestic aluminium processing industry showed structural recovery in March 2025, with PMI for most sub-sectors rebounding above the boom-bust line. However, high fluctuations in aluminium prices, export pressures, and divergent domestic demand continued to constrain the industry’s overall recovery momentum. The aluminium plate/sheet and foil sectors benefited from seasonal demand in automotive and battery sectors as well as the ‘old-for-new replacement’ policy, with PMI rising significantly month-on-month to 63.3 per cent and 69.3 per cent, respectively. However,...
In 2024, the European Union (EU) found itself tussling with a significant trade deficit of EUR 11.1 billion in aluminium and related articles. This figure emerged from imports totalling EUR 29.5 billion, overshadowing exports valued at EUR 18.4 billion. Since 2019, imports have surged by 29.9 per cent (EUR 6.8 billion), while exports have seen a 21.3 per cent (EUR 3.2 billion) rise. Interestingly, these monetary increases occurred despite a slight decline in the physical weight of exports by 1.7 per cent and imports by 6.2 per cent, indicating that rising prices primarily drove the value uptick. Information and Image credit: Eurostat Norway and China lead in imports and UK in export Delving into the origins of these imports, Norway and China emerged as the EU's top suppliers in 2024....
Dutch luxury yacht builder Heesen has confirmed the sale of Project Orion, a 49.8-metre, all-aluminium superyacht set to redefine speed and efficiency. Brokered by Anton Foord of Ocean Independence, this sleek vessel is currently under construction and will soon hit the waters. Aluminium plays a crucial role in Orion’s build, offering a high strength-to-weight ratio that enhances performance without compromising durability. This ensures lower fuel consumption and a smaller carbon footprint, making it an attractive choice for eco-conscious yacht owners. The material's natural corrosion resistance also adds to the vessel’s longevity, requiring less maintenance than traditional steel hulls. Beyond performance, with sustainability a key focus, Orion features energy-efficient systems and a...
NASDAQ-listed Kaiser Aluminium Corporation is at 52-week low, equivalent to 1 year, with its stock price reaching USD 63.13, a result of persistent market fluctuations. Image source: Equitymaster Kaiser Aluminium has a total of USD 1.01 billion market capitalisation and a beta of 1.37 with a stagnant record of solid dividend yield of 4.75 per cent. At present, the company's current stock trades at a P/E ratio account for 21.78. The company's stock's 1-year change is witnessed to be -29.01 per cent, reflecting a significant shrinkage from the previous year. With this dip, the investors of the company are required to undertake close monitoring, considering the company's current financial performance with respect to the broader economic context and the prevailing industrial challenges...
According to data from SMM, China's production of metallurgical-grade alumina increased by 8.86 per cent in March 2025 (31 days) compared to the previous month, and by 11.32 per cent compared to March 2024. By the end of March, the country's total metallurgical-grade alumina capacity stood at approximately 105.02 million metric tons. However, the operating capacity decreased by 1.68 per cent month-on-month, bringing the operating rate to 84.64 per cent. Throughout March, the operating capacities across China’s domestic alumina refineries showed variability, but overall, the national metallurgical alumina operating capacity experienced a month-on-month decline. New capacity additions were observed in Guangxi, where some newly commissioned capacities began production. On the other hand,...
According to customs data, unwrought aluminium alloy imports in January 2025 were 99,700 tonnes, down 4.9 per cent Y-o-Y and down 5.6 per cent M-o-M. In February, unwrought aluminium alloy imports were 91,900 tonnes, up 3.6 per cent Y-o-Y and down 7.8 per cent M-o-M. Cumulative imports from January to February 2025 were 191,500 tonnes, down 1.0 per cent Y-o-Y. Unwrought aluminium alloy exports in January 2025 were 18,100 tonnes, down 12.9 per cent Y-o-Y and down 14.6 per cent M-o-M. In February, unwrought aluminium alloy exports were 17,500 tonnes, down 13.1 per cent Y-o-Y and down 3.5 per cent M-o-M. Cumulative exports from January to February 2025 were 35,600 tonnes, down 13 per cent Y-o-Y. From the perspective of import sources, the top five countries for China's unwrought aluminium...
Calderys introduces CALDE® GUARD: a top-of-the-line solution that improves environmental and operational sustainability and efficiency for foundry customers. CALDE® GUARD is a full concept, encompassing a product pairing – boron-free silica-based lining and a precast top ring – and its manufacture, installation, service and after-care. While boron-free SILICA MIX lining supports healthier manufacturing practices, the precast ring is included for the upper section of coreless induction furnaces to reduce mechanical abrasion. Calderys supplies then installs the lining and the precast top ring in-house at its own foundry service center. This concept is designed to extend the lifespan of furnaces, while reducing downtime and increasing equipment availability. Having full control of this...
Sprung Structures, along with RPM Team, recently announced the opening of their new facility ‘Phoenix Navigation Center’ made with aluminium frames, addressing the current and urgent needs of the homeless people in Phoenix. The opening took place on March 26, 2025, at 10:30 AM, with the media members invited for a tour inside the centre located at 11 S. 71st Avenue. Image source: Sprung Structures The centre provides people in crisis with climate-controlled, high-performance shelters consisting of over 280 beds. The construction of the shelter is made of aluminium-framed structures. The company has used aluminium because it offers them sustainable, high-performing and most advanced buildings. Moreover, this metal supported the company to develop quick designs, making it available to the...
High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA) of Odisha, on March 28, 2025, sanctioned the investment proposal of a total INR 1,65,303 crore (USD 19.35 billion) under Chief Minister Mohan Majhi's chairmanship in a bid to boost the state's overall industrial landscape. The investment shall stretch across different sectors, including aluminium, green energy equipment, steel, green hydrogen, power generation and engineering goods. It has been put forward that a total of 51,939 job possibilities can be witnessed after the completion of these projects. Moreover, the investing projects will be majorly done in 7 different districts of Odisha, including Cuttack, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Ganjam, Rayagada and Khurda. The majority of the investment will be brought by Vedanta Group, an Indian...
Metlen Energy & Metals, a prominent global industrial and energy company operating across all five continents in the Energy and Metallurgy sectors, has announced that its flagship gallium production initiative at the historic Aluminium of Greece facility has been designated a Strategic Project by the European Commission under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). Following an in-depth technical evaluation by independent experts, the European Critical Raw Materials Board recommended that METLEN’s investment be designated a Project of Strategic Importance for the Union. The board included representatives from all 27 EU Member States and members of the European Parliament. This decision, confirmed on March 25, 2025, marks a major milestone for European metallurgy and Greek mining,...
Fancy a cuppa and a bit of a 'green muscle' news, then? We have already divulged China’s embargo on ad-lib carbon emissions and instead brought in an overhauling carbon trade system for multiple industries. Now, word on the street (or rather, from Beijing) is that China is embarking on a rather ambitious quest to buff up its aluminium industry (thus proving the agenda of extending carbon trading mechanism in the aluminium value chain) – and make it green, to boot. Now, we all know China is a big player (if not the biggest) in the aluminium game, so this is more than just a spot of housekeeping. It is essentially a potential game-changer. The nitty-gritty So, break down the answer to a common question —what’s the plan and what is the big picture in all of this? Well, the picture now is ten...
