Russian aluminium producer Rusal has reached an agreement with Ghana's state-owned Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation (GIADEC) to jointly develop bauxite mining and alumina refining projects, marking a significant step towards expanding the country's domestic aluminium value chain. Under the agreement, the projects will be implemented through two joint ventures in which Rusal will hold majority stakes. The proposed developments include bauxite mining operations with annual production capacity of up to 5 million tonnes and an alumina refinery capable of producing 1.2 million tonnes annually. The projects will target the Nyinahin bauxite deposit in southwest Ghana, where estimated resources exceed 100 million tonnes, according to Rusal. The agreement was announced during a...
Romania’s aluminium can recycling rate increased to 80.5 per cent in the first nine months of 2026, compared with 75 per cent in the same period last year, according to data published by RetuRO, the administrator of the country’s Deposit Return System (DRS), and analysed by Every Can Counts. The number of aluminium cans returned between January and September was 6.3 per cent higher than in the corresponding period of 2025. The return rate also improved to 85 per cent from 82 per cent a year earlier. Aluminium cans were the only packaging category to record growth in the first nine months of 2026, as the total number of deposit-bearing containers placed on the market declined by 2.4 per cent. The number of cans placed on the market increased by 2 per cent, while plastic and glass packaging...
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One regular feature of the primary aluminium group in China is the preparation for winter. If your aluminium smelter is a thousand miles from anywhere, such as those in places like Xinjiang, you want to make sure you are well covered in terms of alumina supply. Those plants rely on alumina coming by train from refineries in Shanxi and other eastern and central provinces. The snow and blizzards that come with winter can shut down those railway lines. So, the AZ Global team has been monitoring the alumina inventory levels at those far-flung plants and discovered that so far, the inventory levels are not building. It's down to the price stand-off in the market right now. Alumina prices are high, underpinned by bauxite shortages. Smelters are reluctant to build inventory right now and prefer...
On September 11, 2024, Hydro announced the commissioning of a new aluminium recycling plant in Szekesfehervar, Hungary, with an annual capacity of 90,000 tonnes. The plant will produce recycled aluminium products to meet the growing demand for secondary metals in the automotive sector. Initially, the recycling plant will begin with recycling 15,000 tonnes of post-consumer scrap annually and gradually increase the output in line with customers’ demands. President and CEO Eivind Kallevik said, “Our most ambitious customers in key industries like the automotive industry are pushing demand for low-carbon and recycled aluminium upwards. To serve this growing market and strengthen Hydro’s position as the leading provider of low-carbon and recycled aluminium solutions in Europe, we are set to...
The Japan-headquartered chemical company Sumitomo Chemical has announced a significant reorganisation of its business structure, which will take effect on October 1, 2024. The company plans to streamline its current five business sectors into four, aiming to better address societal challenges related to food, information and communication technology (ICT), healthcare, and the environment. The restructured organisation will feature four key sectors: Agro & Life Solutions, ICT & Mobility Solutions, Advanced Medical Solutions, and Essential & Green Materials. The ICT & Mobility Solutions sector will integrate IT-related chemicals with high-purity aluminium and alumina, speciality chemicals, high-performance engineering plastics, and battery materials from the Energy & Functional Materials...
Constellium, a global leader in developing, manufacturing, and recycling aluminium products and solutions, has reportedly acquired Performance Standard Certification from the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative for all its operations, including the corporate office in Paris. As per the report, the company has bagged ASI's latest Performance Standard Version 3.0, which sets a new benchmark for responsible production, sourcing, and stewardship of the aluminium value chain. Constellium has successfully attained that standard on all the 11 principles for its operations in Europe and North America, addressing pressing issues like material stewardship, greenhouse gas emissions, waste and water management, biodiversity, governance and labour, and human rights across its European and North American...
Kentucky Aluminum Processors marked the groundbreaking ceremony of its much-awaited $40 million aluminium processing facility in Russellville. The new facility is expected to create 75 high-quality jobs in the region. Governor Andy Beshear made the announcement on Tuesday, September 10. The new facility will be functioning as an aluminium recycling plant and is a joint venture between Tri-Arrows Aluminum (TAA) and Tennessee Aluminum Processors (TAP). It will process dross and scrap material from TAA's casting centre at Logan Aluminum, producing molten aluminium and sows. These products will be returned to TAA's recycling and casting facilities at Logan Aluminum or other customer locations. The facility, situated on 37 acres, will accommodate essential equipment, storage, transportation,...
According to data from the London Metal Exchange (LME) released on September 10, 2024, the proportion of aluminium stocks of Russian origin in LME-approved warehouses increased to 67 per cent in August, up from 65 per cent in July. The share of aluminium originating from India dropped to 31 per cent from its previous 33 per cent, according to the data. In August, China held the largest share of copper inventories at 56 per cent, with Russian material making up 16 per cent of the total. The share of Russian aluminium stocks on the London Metal Exchange-approved warehouses continued to increase in July 2024, accounting for 65 per cent of the total stocks reported in August, 2024. In June, the share of stocks of Russian origin on the London Metal Exchange was 50 per cent after rising from 42...
On Tuesday, LME aluminium opened at US$2,364 per tonne, with a high of US$2,375 per tonne and a low of US$2,332.5 per tonne, closing at US$2,342 per tonne, down US$20.5 per tonne (-0.87 per cent). The LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price ascended by US$5 per tonne or 0.21 per cent to halt at US$2,322 per tonne and US$2,323 per tonne as of Tuesday, September 10. As per the LME graph, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price added US$10 per tonne or 0.42 per cent and US$10.5 per tonne or 0.40 per cent to settle at US$2,343 per tonne and US$2,344 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price increased by US$9 per tonne or 0.36 per cent to clock at US$2,457 per tonne and US$2,462 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at 831350...
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the 26 th edition of AL Circle's e-Magazine, titled " Aluminium Industry: Focus Asia ." In this edition, we dive deep into one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic regions in the global aluminium sector: Asia. This issue brings together expert insights, market trends, and exclusive interviews with industry leaders, offering an in-depth analysis of the trends, innovations, and outlook of the aluminium industry in Asia. The Asian aluminium industry: A powerhouse of growth As a critical pillar of the global aluminium market, Asia has cemented its position as a leader in aluminium production and consumption. From primary aluminium smelting to downstream processing, the region plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global aluminium...
Over the weekend, Vietnam's Minister of Planning and Investment, Nguyễn Chí Dũng, inspected several Vietnamese-invested projects in southern Laos, acknowledging both the progress and the challenges these initiatives face. This transparency is crucial for our collective preparedness. The minister visited the construction site of the Kaleum coal mine and the proposed location for the Kaleum Coal-Fired Power Plant in Sekong Province. Phonesack Group will operate both projects. The coal mine boasts an annual production capacity of up to 20 million tonnes, of which three million tonnes are planned for export to Vietnam. The US$4.06-billion power plant project, led by the Petrovietnam Power Corporation (PV Power), is of strategic importance and is currently seeking financing partners for...
Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd, a Malaysia-headquartered integrated aluminium producer, reported that its smelter in Samalaju Industrial Park caught fire. The accident broke out at the Phase 3 smelter, affecting 100 out of the 300 pots, and thankfully bypassed Phases 1 and 2. Press Metal also reported that the unprecedented incident caused no fatalities or injuries. The company said: "We are grateful that swift evacuation procedures ensured there were no injuries or fatalities." About 9 per cent of the total smelting capacity across Samalaju and Mukah was affected by the fire breakout, said Press Metal. Three to four months are anticipated to complete the restoration of the pots, which will lessen 3 per cent of the company's smelting capacity on a full-year basis. Press Metal further...
Italian officials are calling for an early review of the European Union's plan to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin criticised the policy as "absurd" and driven by an "ideological vision," arguing that it imposes a rigid, state-controlled approach to policymaking within the bloc. Speaking at the TEHA business forum in Cernobbio, Italy, Pichetto Fratin highlighted the significant challenges of the EU's decision, particularly in light of the ongoing slowdown in the European auto industry. He stressed that the ban should be reassessed to reflect shifting market realities. Italy's Industry Minister Adolfo Urso also weighed in, suggesting that the planned mid-point review of the legislation, currently scheduled for 2026,...
On September 6, Altor, a private equity fund, exercised its put option, obligating Hydro to acquire an additional 20 per cent stake in Vianode. This transaction results in both Altor and Hydro holding equal 50/50 ownership stakes. Why the put option A put option is a financial contract that grants the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to sell a specified quantity of an asset at a set price, known as the strike price, within a predetermined time frame before the option's expiration date. After Elkem's exit from Vianode in March 2024, Altor and Hydro became the remaining shareholders, holding 70 per cent and 30 per cent stakes, respectively. Their shareholder agreement includes a put-and-call option, allowing either party to adjust ownership to an equal 50/50 split and share...
The Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development, popularly known as GIADEC, has announced its keen interest in expanding the country’s bauxite production and enhancing its capacity in line with the growing demand for primary aluminium raw materials. In June 2024, GIADEC received approval for a mining lease from the Ghana Parliament, which is expected to turn into a crucial development in the country’s mining sector. The approval for a new mining lease will likely boost local economies and employment, depending on how the mining operations are managed and regulated. Under the approval, GIADEC has added two new hills to mine bauxite in a bid to support the government and the people of Ghana. Bauxite mining at these two new hills will ensure to meet the most significant volume that GIADEC needs...
On Monday, LME aluminium opened at US$2,344.5 per tonne, reached a high of US$2,365 per tonne and a low of US$2,326.5 per tonne before closing at US$2,362.5 per tonne, up US$21 per tonne, a 0.90 per cent increase. The LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price dwindled by US$50.5 per tonne or 2.13 per cent and US$50 per tonne or 2.11 per cent to settle at US$2,317 per tonne and US$2,318 per tonne. As per the LME price graph, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price contracted by US$55 per tonne or 2.30 per cent to dock at US$2,333 per tonne and US$2,333.50 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price declined by US$49 per tonne to peg at US$2,448 per tonne and US$2,453 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at 834850 tonnes. Live...
On Sunday, September 8, a hopper filled with coal collapsed at an alumina refinery owned by Maa Kudargarhi Group in Chhattisgarh's Surguja district, taking away the lives of four workers. A hopper, which is also referred to as a bunker by workers, is used to store fuel like coal or rice husk in large quantities. As per preliminary information, one such steel hopper collapsed on ten men working beneath it. Four lost lives were retrieved from the site, while the remaining six were found survived. Of them, one was critically injured and rushed to the hospital, and the five others managed to escape unharmed, said a police officer. He added the accident took place due to negligence as per the first impression. The police officer also said the deceased were from Madhya Pradesh and Bihar....
Gumei Metal, a manufacturer of a wide selection of aluminium products, was honoured with the prestigious China Green Building Materials Product Certification. The China-based company received the award for three aluminium products, achieving the highest distinction—the three-star certification. "This recognition not only highlights the superior quality of our offerings but also underscores our unwavering commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development," said Gumei Metal. The China Green Building Materials Product Certification is a program launched by the State Administration for Market Regulation in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. This program aims to drive the green...
The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) has recently updated its architectural grade aluminium oxide coatings specification. The revised document, AAMA 611-24, is titled "Specification for Anodized Architectural Aluminum." The document outlines the latest test procedures and requirements for architectural product coatings applied to extrusions and panels. This new version supersedes the 2020 update and is now available for purchase in the FGIA online store. The Anodized Specification Task Group, under the direction of the AMC Finishes Committee, has updated the AAMA 611-24 document. This revision includes new testing information for a corrosion resistance procedure. The updated AAMA 611-24, along with other FGIA publications, can be purchased from the FGIA online store at a...
Vedanta Limited’s demerger process has progressed further, with the company submitting its plan to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) after receiving approval from 75 per cent of its secured creditors, said Chairman Anil Agarwal. He also said the company expects to accomplish the demerge process by the end of FY204-25. The demerger will separate Vedanta’s six business units into individual entities, each focused on specific areas like aluminium, oil and gas, power, steel, and base metals. Only the existing zinc business and newly started ventures will remain under the wings of Vedanta Limited. On accomplishing the demerger, Vedanta’s shareholders will get one new share in each of the five companies, strengthening the company’s business model and economy. Also, this demerger will...
