Spanish racing driverFernando Alonso has added a one-off Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse to his growing collection of rare cars. Known as chassis 8.100, the car is distinguished by bespoke aluminium bodywork that required more than 20 tonnes of aluminium to produce, along with dedicated CAD programmes developed by Bugatti. Its history is equally distinctive, being produced after an original customer pushed Bugatti to create something it had initially considered too expensive. For Alonso, the automobile fits closely with an approach to luxury he outlined in 2024 about choosing manufacturers that treat individual customers differently rather than simply producing cars in larger numbers. To know the aluminium casting demand forecast in the transportation sector, explore our report "Global...
China Rare Earth Group is in talks to acquire a controlling stake in Shenghe Resources, a move that could bring the Chinese rare earth producer under tighter state control while giving Beijing influence over Shenghe’s overseas holdings, including a stake in US rare earths company MP Materials. Two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that discussions between the companies have been underway since earlier this year. One source said China Rare Earth Group is seeking a controlling stake, although neither source knew when the acquisition could be announced or completed. If the deal goes through, China Rare Earth Group would take control of Shenghe’s interests in foreign companies, including its 3 per cent stake in MP Materials. The US rare earths company counts the US Department of...
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Today, the most-traded SHFE aluminium 2504 contract opened at RMB 20,550 per tonne, with a high of RMB 20,680 per tonne and a low of RMB 20,540 per tonne, closing at RMB 20,615 per tonne, up 0.34 per cent. The trading volume was 145,000 lots, and the open interest was 204,000 lots. On the macro side, US President Trump introduced the latest measures that could reshape the global supply chain, instructing the US Department of Commerce to study imposing tariffs on imported copper. Fundamentals side, cost side support continued to weaken; the supply side saw slight increases, with overall changes relatively small; the demand side, influenced by rising aluminium prices, end-users adopted a wait-and-see approach, and shipments from downstream aluminium semis enterprises showed no significant...
As the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) nears its mandatory reporting phase, the EU’s €6.57 trillion import market lacks access to affordable technology to meet the regulation. Focusing on building the carbon emission reporting capability of import businesses, The Sustainability Cloud, a pioneering sustainability management and climate action software provider, has launched EU CBAM Importer software. The three main challenges currently faced by importers for CBAM reporting are data collection from global supply chains, carbon cost predictions for emissions and access to affordable carbon accounting and reporting technology. Highlighting how the all-new CBAM solution prepares businesses for carbon reporting, Mayank Chauhan, CEO & Co-founder, The Sustainability Cloud said, “The EU...
Aluminium wire rods may not grab headlines daily, but they are the silent workhorses powering everything from the lights in our homes to the vehicles on the road. These cylindrical rods, celebrated for their high conductivity, strength, and adaptability, are vital to electrical transmission systems, building infrastructure, and manufacturing processes. What makes aluminium wire rods so special? Their excellent conductivity and lightweight properties make them the go-to choice for cable production, overhead power lines, and electrical wiring. Beyond the electrical world, their corrosion resistance and recyclability make them indispensable in the automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors—helping companies meet their sustainability goals by offering energy-efficient, lightweight...
ARZYZ, S.A. DE C.V. has achieved ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) with Provisional status for the manufacturing of aluminium alloys at facilities in Apodaca and Cienega de Flores, as well as their administrative activities in Monterrey, Nuevo León, México. Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) today announced that ARZYZ, S.A. DE C.V. has been certified against the ASI Performance Standard V3 with Provisional status. The facilities’ combined annual production capacity is approximately 240,000 tonnes of aluminium alloys, supplying industries such as automotive, building and construction, packaging, and electronics. The ASI Certification program was developed through an extensive multi-stakeholder consultation process and is the only comprehensive voluntary sustainability standard...
The first month of 2025 began with a 2.73 per cent Y-o-Y rise in primary aluminium production but experienced a mild monthly dip, as shown by the International Aluminium Institute data. The annual growth was primarily backed by almost all the major global primary aluminium-producing regions, barring North America and Oceania. However, monthly output was affected by declines of 1,000 tonnes each in Africa and North America. Image source: Freepik According to IAI, the world's primary aluminium production in January 2025 totalled 6.252 million tonnes versus 6.254 million tonnes in December 2024 and 6.086 million tonnes in January 2024. The daily average output was 201,700 tonnes, representing no change from the previous month but a growth of 2.75 per cent Y-o-Y from 196,300 tonnes. Insights...
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), in collaboration with Novelis, has successfully completed large-scale trials of a pioneering aluminium skin alloy. This innovative material contains up to 85 per cent recycled content and offers up to 95 per cent greater energy efficiency in production compared to conventional methods. Image Source: JLR website New milestone unlocked The development of the new aluminium skin alloy marks another milestone in JLR’s enduring partnership with aluminium recycling leader Novelis. Their collaboration dates back to 2008 with the launch of the REALCAR project — Europe’s first closed-loop recycling system. This initiative enables aluminium scrap from vehicle production to be collected, recycled by Novelis, and reused in new car bodies, significantly reducing reliance on...
Founded in 2006, Sonoma-based Vode Lighting is set to become the first company in North America to integrate Hydro CIRCAL into its products. By adopting low-carbon recycled aluminium produced domestically, Vode Lighting will reduce emissions, enhance supply chain resilience, and contribute to a circular U.S. economy. Image Source: Hydro website Specialising in high-performance linear LED architectural lighting, Vode partners with lighting designers, architects, and interior designers to illuminate public, commercial, and educational spaces. The company has already transitioned its top-selling product line, ZipTwo, to Hydro CIRCAL and plans to extend this sustainable shift across its entire product range whenever possible. “We are impressed by Vode Lighting’s continuous commitment to...
Alcoa, a global aluminium production entity with major smelters in Canada, Australia, and Iceland, among other locations, has expressed concerning statements that over 100,000 employment losses can be anticipated owing to the proposed implementation of US aluminium and steel tariffs of flat 25 per cent on all imports by the Donald Trump government. Bill Oplinger, CEO of Alcoa, conveyed at the BMO Global Metals and Mining Conference in Florida that the tariff implementation could lead to a massive loss of about 20,000 employments in the US aluminium industry and a further 80,000 jobs across the value-chain sectors that support it. "This is bad for the aluminium industry in the US. It's bad for American workers," said Oplinger, an engineer by educational qualification who became CEO in...
The United States' unprecedented support for Russia in blocking a draft resolution by Ukraine at the United Nations has sent shockwaves through the market as soon as the news surfaced today, February 25. For the first time in three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, the United States has come out in support of Russia. The resolution called for "de-escalation, an early cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution of the war against Ukraine, marked by enormous destruction and human suffering, including among the civilian population, in line with the Charter of the United Nations and international law". Backing Russia, United States President Donald Trump stated that "major economic development transactions with Russia" could take place, and just hours after the statement, Putin...
The United States and Canada have long shared more than just a border — they’ve built an aluminium supply chain that’s deeply intertwined and vital to both economies. As the US grapples with declining aluminium production and mounting energy costs, the importance of Canada’s role has never been clearer. Let’s break down why the US aluminium industry leans so heavily on its northern neighbour — and why replacing Canada simply isn’t an option. Image Source: https://www.benefitsandpensionsmonitor.com/ A shrinking giant: The state of US aluminium production Once a global leader in aluminium production, the US now produces just 1.2 per cent of the world’s aluminium supply. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the US had a primary aluminium production capacity of 1.36 million tonnes in...
India and the UK have resumed negotiations for a free-trade agreement (FTA) after an eight-month break on Monday, February 24, with the two sides of the table focussing on a triple hike in bilateral trade with a ‘mutually beneficial and forward-looking’ deal by going past tariff and non-tariff issues while protecting each other’s ‘sensitivities’. The statement of affirmation was mutually declared by India’s commerce minister, Piyush Goyal, and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds. The Bilateral Trade Agreement sessions between the United Kingdom and India involve negotiation on 26 tangents, which include goods and services, intellectual property rights, sustainability along with labour rights for both nations. According to the International Monetary Fund...
A Taiwan-based leader in dispensing and packaging solutions for the fragrance, skincare, and cosmetics industries, Glaspray is unveiling a revolutionary step toward sustainable beauty — the first bottles and jars crafted from forged aluminium alloy T6061. Source:Glaspray This product line reflects the company's dedication to redefining materials to reduce the environmental impact of packaging solutions. The forging process enhances structural integrity while enabling precision shaping, resulting in designs that are both sleek and highly functional. The bottles and jars are fully reusable and infinitely recyclable, embodying the company's core values of Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. T6061 aluminium alloy T6061 aluminium is typically used in high-performance sectors like aerospace...
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest smelter ex-China, has announced its fourth quarter and full-year results for 2024, reporting an impressive growth in financial output, coincided with its new high of net finished production at 1,622,261 tonnes. Image source: Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. Fiscal figure In the fourth quarter of the year, the company yielded a profit of BD37.1 million (US$98.6 million), which was 58.5 per cent higher than a profit of BD23.4 million (US$62.2 million) earned in Q4 2023. For the full year, Alba reported a profit of BD184.5 million (US$490.8 million), up by 56.4 per cent from BD118 million ($313.9 million) . Alba's comprehensive income in Q4 2024 was BD38.1 million (US$101.3 million) against BD16.3 million (US$43.2 million) a year ago – up by 134.4...
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world’s largest smelter on one site, announces that Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) as its new strategic shareholder following the acquisition of SABIC’s 20.62% stake in Alba. The c.US$1 billion transaction marks a transformative moment for Alba and reinforces its position as a global leader in the aluminium industry. Image source: Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. Welcoming Ma’aden to Alba’s shareholder base, Alba’s Chairman of the Board, Khalid Al Rumaihi, stated: “We are pleased to welcome Ma’aden as a strategic shareholder in Alba. This landmark transaction underscores Alba’s operational excellence and growth potential. Together with Ma’aden, we will unlock synergies that strengthen our competitive edge globally while advancing our shared commitment...
Scandium Canada, dedicated to advancing strategic metals and gold projects across Québec, has announced its voluntary delisting from the US OTCQB equity market, effective March 1, 2025. This strategic move aims to redirect resources towards establishing a new division dedicated to commercialising the company’s two aluminium-scandium powders. Following a comprehensive review of its primary listings on the TSX Venture Exchange and OTCQB, the company concluded that the costs associated with maintaining a dual listing were not justified at this stage. The savings generated from delisting will be reinvested to support the growth and development of the new division, which was first announced in November 2024. About the upcoming divisions By streamlining its market presence, Scandium Canada...
Futures Market: Overnight, the most-traded SHFE aluminium 2504 contract opened at RMB 20,670 per tonne, hit a high of RMB 20,730 per tonne, a low of RMB 20,590 per tonne, and closed at RMB 20,600 per tonne, down RMB 135 per tonne or 0.65 per cent. Yesterday, LME aluminium opened at USD 2,677 per tonne, reached a high of USD 2,679 per tonne, a low of USD 2,641 per tonne, and closed at USD 2,652.5 per tonne, down USD 23 per tonne or 0.86 per cent. Macro: (1) Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia does not oppose Ukraine retaining its statehood, but its territory should not be used as a hostile base against Russia. He also revealed that Russia and the US could agree on a 50 per cent reduction in armaments. Putin further mentioned that companies from both countries have started...
Constellium, the Paris-based aluminium business, has joined "Project M-LightEn," a bold initiative to create ultra-lightweight, sustainable vehicle chassis structures. Over the next three years, the consortium will work to revolutionise unibody vehicle architecture, targeting a 50 per cent reduction in carbon intensity and a 25 per cent decrease in weight. Image Source: Constellium website Led by the Gordon Murray Group (GMG) and backed by Innovate UK and the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), the project brings together Constellium, Carbon ThreeSixty, and Brunel University London. As part of Project M-LightEn, Constellium will provide ultra-high-strength aluminium solutions composed of 80 per cent recycled UK consumer scrap. "Alongside Gordon Murray Automotive's niche supercar...
Futures market: During the night session, the most-traded alumina 2505 futures contract opened at RMB 3,400 per tonne, with a high of RMB 3,420 per tonne and a low of RMB 3,391 per tonne, eventually closing at RMB 3,402 per tonne, up RMB 18 per tonne or 0.52 per cent, with an open interest of 166,000 lots. Ore market: As of February 24, the SMM Imported Bauxite Index stood at USD 96.42 per tonne, flat from the previous trading day. The SMM Guinea Bauxite CIF average price was USD 95 per tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day, while the SMM Australian Bauxite CIF average price also remained at USD 95 per tonne. Industry news: Russia and the US could agree to a 50 per cent arms reduction and plan to resume aluminium product exports to the US. On February 25, local time on the 24th,...
