Ford has produced more than 5,000 large aluminium unicastings at its Shelbyville Technical Center as it advances manufacturing preparations for the Fathom midsize electric truck, scheduled to launch in 2027. The castings are being used for process testing and prototype assembly at the company's Louisville Assembly Plant. The Fathom will feature two large aluminium unicastings that replace 146 individual structural parts, significantly simplifying the vehicle's architecture. Ford says the approach reduces vehicle mass and improves overall energy efficiency, while introducing a different method of assembling vehicles through its new Universal Production System. The two large structures form the front and rear sections of the vehicle. By consolidating numerous components into fewer castings,...
North American aluminum demand returned to growth in the first half of 2026, but the recovery has exposed a widening gap between market consumption and domestic production. Rising imports of semi-fabricated aluminum products, particularly sheet, have supported regional demand as shipments from US and Canadian producers continue to weaken. According to preliminary industry estimates, aluminum demand across the United States and Canada increased 3.5% Year-on-Year through June 2026, reaching an estimated 13.57 billion pounds (6.16 million metric tonnes), compared with 13.12 billion pounds (5.95 million metric tonnes) during the corresponding period of 2025. The improvement marks a reversal from the previous year's contraction, although imports rather than stronger domestic mill shipments...
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The eastern Indian state of Jharkhand has taken a significant step toward imposing new taxes on mineral production, a move poised to increase the prices of key resources such as coal to bauxite. According to sources familiar with the matter, the state assembly has passed the Jharkhand Mineral Bearing Land Cess Bill, which now awaits the governor's assent before becoming law. Once enacted, the bill will impose a tax of INR 100 ($1.19) per tonne on coal and iron ore production. Jharkhand, a key player in the Indian mineral industry, is one of the nation's leading coal-producing states and rich in iron ore, bauxite, and manganese reserves. This legislative move follows a recent Supreme Court of India ruling that granted Indian states the authority to impose additional levies on mining...
The China-based world's largest EV maker, BYD, marked a significant milestone as the first customer delivery of its YANGWANG U9 electric supercar rolled off the production line. The company announced that deliveries of the U9 will commence shortly, setting a new benchmark in automotive production standards. To meet the exacting demands of the YANGWANG U9, BYD has constructed a state-of-the-art factory dedicated exclusively to its production. This facility includes specialized zones for body assembly, general assembly, logistics, and auxiliary functions. Central to the factory's operations is a 2,000-square-meter temperature and humidity-controlled cleanroom specifically designed to produce the vehicle's carbon fibre cabin. This cleanroom ensures an ultra-high standard environment,...
Overnight, LME 3M aluminium opened at US$2,430 per tonne, with a high of US$2,506 per tonne and a low of US$2,418 per tonne, closing at US$2,476 per tonne, up US$30.5 per tonne or 1.25 per cent. On Tuesday, August 20, both the LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price hit a five-week high driven by a shortage of alumina, a key raw material for aluminium production in leading producer China, coupled with a weakening dollar that spurred fund buying. The price yesterday had augmented by US$65 per tonne or 2.74 per cent and US$65.5 per tonne or 2.76 per cent to clock at US$2,434 per tonne and US$2,435 per tonne. As per the LME price graph, 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price expanded by US$55.5 per tonne or 2.30 per cent to peg at US$2,466 per tonne and...
World's largest alumina refinery (outside China), Hydro Alunorte's recent fuel switch project is a key step towards Hydro's climate strategy and aligns with its global commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2030. As per the reports, Hydro Alunorte's alumina refinery has begun using natural gas in its production process, replacing fuel oil. Alunorte's significant achievement With this, Alunorte has become the first refinery in northern Brazil to produce alumina using natural gas. The R$1.3 billion investment to transition from fuel oil to natural gas at Hydro Alunorte's alumina refinery is set to reduce the refinery's carbon emissions by 30 per cent. "Hydro will become the largest single consumer of natural gas in Brazil and the project reinforces our commitment to...
The world’s primary aluminium production increased in July 2024, driven by robust output across all the major primary metal-producing regions. On a month-on-month basis, the world’s primary aluminium production in July registered an increase of 3.54 per cent, while that on an annual calculation recorded a rise of 2.41 per cent, found the International Aluminium Institute. In July, the global output of primary aluminium stood at 6.194 million tonnes, reaching a new high, compared to 5.982 million tonnes in June 2024 and 6.048 million tonnes in July 2023. Total production through the first seven months of the year was 42.074 million tonnes, up by 3.78 per cent from 40.543 million tonnes. The daily average production in July was 199,800 tonnes, 400 tonnes more than 19,400 tonnes in June and...
Aluminium, known for its lightweight, durability, and infinite recyclability, plays a crucial role in developing more efficient and sustainable vehicles. It is extensively used in both structural and propulsion components. With the introduction of the Green Mobility and Innovation (Mover) program, its significance in the Brazilian automotive industry is set to grow even further. Promoting increased use of aluminium in Brazil This initiative will promote increased use of aluminium and unlock new opportunities within the sector. Sanctioned in June 2024 by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the Mover program is designed to accelerate the decarbonisation of Brazil's automotive sector. It emphasises the development and production of electric and hybrid vehicles featuring aluminium and...
North America's premier outdoor and conservation company, Bass Pro Shops, has announced a reduction in its aluminium boatbuilding workforce, trimming approximately 10 per cent of its employees. The company employs around 1,000 individuals across its Lebanon and Bolivar, Missouri facilities. This decision is part of a strategic adjustment in response to evolving market conditions and operational efficiencies. Bass Pro stated, “The decision to eliminate any position is not something we take lightly. Our employees are the best in the industry and have never wavered in their commitment to building superior products for our customers. Out of respect and appreciation for their dedicated service, the company will continue to support each outfitter as fairly as possible through the transition.”...
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A., a global supplier of sustainable, infinitely recyclable packaging solutions, has appointed Stefan Schellinger, who will succeed David Bourne as a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The appointment will be effective from September 1, 2024. Schellinger will join Ardagh with more than 25 years of experience in finance and commerce. He also has a strong background in relevant industrial end markets as he previously worked as CFO and Executive Director at ContourGlobal plc and Essentra plc. Schellinger served ContourGlobal plc as Executive Vice President, Global Chief Financial Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors from 2019 to 2023. Before that, he was Group Finance Director and Executive Director of the diversified industrial company Essentra plc from...
Aluminium can manufacturers in Brazil have reported a delightful H1 2024 owing to encouraging beverage can sales led by favourable macroeconomic conditions. On the continuity of this trend, beverage can sales are set to poise a 5 per cent growth at the year-end, compared to an annual increase of 1.65 per cent last year, according to Cátilo Cândido, president of the Brazilian Association of Aluminum Can Manufacturers (Abralatas). The association's president also apprised that the current production rate of aluminium beverage cans in Brazil is 32.6 billion can units per year, while per capita consumption is 165 12-can packages per year. In an interview with S&P Global Commodity Insights, Cândido shared his perspective on aluminium can sales, stating that it is a complex interplay of scale,...
Western Australian manufacturer Ciltech has rapidly established itself as a leader in designing and producing jetties, pontoons, and other marine infrastructure. The company's unwavering commitment to excellence and its use of high-quality materials, such as its proprietary aluminium extrusions, have set it apart in a highly competitive market. Ciltech's success is deeply rooted in its Western Australian heritage, where it consistently delivers innovative products that redefine industry standards. A vital element of this success is the company's strong collaboration with Capral, which has led to the development of its proprietary aluminium extrusions. These extrusions, which form the backbone of its state-of-the-art jetty systems, are integral to 98 per cent of the pontoons produced by...
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) 's decisive action against Mumbai-based Ashapura Meinchem Limited for environmental violations is a major development in India's mining sector. The tribunal's scrutiny comes in response to severe accusations of non-compliance with specific conditions outlined in the Environmental Clearance (EC) the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) granted to the company, as reported by Free Press Journal. Ashapura Meinchem Limited, a flagship entity of the Ashapura Group and India's leading mine owner and exporter of bentonite, has been carrying out bauxite mining operations in UmberShet, Dapoli, located in the ecologically sensitive Ratnagiri district since February 24, 2016. The NGT's intervention was prompted by reports of the company's alleged disregard for...
The New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) has agreed to further reduce its electricity consumption by an additional 20 megawatts to alleviate pressure on the national grid amid the current energy squeeze. This reduction comes on top of the 185MW demand cut the smelter recently implemented. Tiwai, the country's largest power consumer, typically accounts for around 13 per cent of New Zealand's total electricity usage under normal conditions. NZAS agreement with Meridian Energy NZAS has signed an agreement with Meridian Energy to release 20MW of electricity to the national grid over an estimated five-week period, including the ramp-down and ramp-up phases. This agreement is independent of the existing demand response arrangements with Meridian Energy and Contact Energy. It underscores the...
Porsche has issued a profit warning, citing severe flooding at a key aluminium supplier as the primary cause for expected production delays and reduced financial performance this year. The Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer has revised its profit margin forecast downward, predicting an operating profit margin of 14-15 per cent for the year, compared to the earlier estimate of 15-17 per cent. The flooding, a significant event that affected a European production facility crucial for supplying special aluminium alloys used across all of Porsche's vehicle series, has resulted in significant supply shortages. This disruption is expected to impair production and drag Porsche's annual sales forecast down to between €39 billion and €40 billion, from the previous estimate of €40 billion to...
Alpha HPA has reportedly started the construction for Stage 2 of the HPA First Project following the confirmation of fire safety technology. Upon completion, this project will be the world’s largest high-purity aluminium materials manufacturing facility. This project represents a development benchmark as it progresses in commercialising its proprietary solvent extraction and refining technology. The facility aims to produce ultra-pure aluminium for tech sectors such as semiconductors, lithium-ion batteries, and LED lighting. The construction of Stage 2 of HPA started under the leadership of Matthew Callanan, who was appointed as GM Manufacturing in Gladstone and Lisa Roobottom for the Stage 2 project. Alpha HPA had also expanded its team and capabilities before building Stage 2 of the...
Overnight, LME 3M aluminium opened at US$2,367 per tonne, reached a high of US$2,449.5 per tonne and a low of US$2,365 per tonne, and closed at US$2,430 per tonne, up US$64.5 per tonne, or 2.73 per cent. On Monday, August 19, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price soared up by US$76 per tonne or 3.31 per cent to clock at US$2,369 per tonne and US$2,369.50 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price surged by US$68.5 per tonne or 2.92 per cent to halt at US$2,410.50 per tonne and US$2,411 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price gained US$62 per tonne or 2.49 per cent to dock at US$2,550 per tonne and US$2,555 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at 885375 tonnes. Live warrants and Cancelled warrants closed at...
Hulamin, a South African company that manufactures rolled aluminium products for precision and high technology applications, has reportedly announced its H1 financial performance ended June 30, 2024, highlighting reduced earnings caused by export pricing pressure and market challenges. As per the data revealed, Hulamin’s earnings before interest taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) decreased 19 per cent Y-o-Y to R343 million, with rolled product sales down 3 per cent Y-o-Y to 87,340 tonnes. The group’s operating profit fell 8 per cent Y-o-Y to R433 million, while earnings per share plunged by 38 per cent to 43c. Amid this subdued fiscal outcome, Hulamin reported strong aluminium demand in the local market, up by 8 per cent, helping to offset weaker export market demand. CEO Mark...
Analysts from Fastmarkets have reported a slowdown in aluminium consumption in the European automotive industry, underpinning muted economic factors. A considerable decline in automobile production due to the ill effects of the cost-of-living crisis has resulted in reduced applications of lightweight metal, according to Fastmarkets analyst James Moore. Kirstine Veitch, principal consultant at Fastmarkets, also explained: “The real issue is the low level of vehicle output in Europe. While automotive output remains depressed, the European PFA sector will remain challenging.” The effect of the decreased production of automobiles is also seen in the premiums of primary foundry alloy (PFA), which is primarily used in automotive parts. According to Fastmarkets data, premiums for aluminium...
DAIKI Aluminium, a Japanese producer of secondary aluminium alloys for various applications like high-pressure die casting, casting, and rolling, has announced its first quarter fiscal results for the financial year starting from April 1, 2024, and ending on March 31, 2025. The company has reported a slight drop in its financial performance for the Q1 period ended June 30, 2024, owing to sluggish domestic demand for aluminium, but expressed an optimistic outlook for the full year's sales and profits. For Q1, DAIKI Aluminium posted a net income of 524 million yen, down by 57 per cent from Q1 FY2024, amid flat revenue at 62.6 billion yen. Profit margin stood at 0.8 per cent in the June quarter, down from 2 per cent during the corresponding period of the previous year. DAIKI Aluminium also...
