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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Futures market: Yesterday, the SHFE aluminium 2504 contract opened at RMB 20,735 per tonne, reached a high of RMB 20,750 per tonne, a low of RMB 20,630 per tonne, and closed at RMB 20,735 per tonne, up RMB 100 per tonne or 0.48 per cent from the previous day. LME aluminium opened at USD 2,645 per tonne, hit a high of USD 2,674.5 per tonne, a low of USD 2,627 per tonne, and closed at USD 2,671 per tonne, up USD 26 per tonne or 0.98 per cent. Macro: (1) Trump: Auto tariffs will be around 25 per cent, and large enterprises related to chips and automobiles will return to the US. (Bullish★★) (2) The European Commission will swiftly utilise trade protection measures, such as anti-dumping and countervailing duties, when necessary. (Bullish★) (3) The National Development and Reform Commission...
Runaya has unveiled plans to expand its Green Aluminium Recovery business and significantly increase its Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) production capacity, more than doubling its output. As part of its sustainability-driven growth strategy, the company is committed to scaling its metal recovery and sustainable manufacturing operations, emphasising resource efficiency and circular economy principles. Runaya's Green Aluminium Recovery business recovers aluminium from industrial waste, minimising landfill use and lowering carbon emissions. The company aims to scale this model globally, enabling industrial growth while promoting sustainable resource management. Additionally, Runaya plans to substantially increase its FRP production capacity to meet the growing demand in the telecom and...
China is the world's second-largest economy after the United States and despite its recent challenges, China poured an impressive $940 billion into clean energy initiatives in 2024, bringing its investment close to the $1.12 trillion spent globally on fossil fuels. This substantial commitment underscores China's accelerating shift toward renewable energy and its pivotal role in reshaping the global energy landscape, as highlighted by a new analysis for the U.K.-based research organisation Carbon Brief. Note: Here’s the graph visualising China's clean energy investment growth and its contribution to GDP from 2023 to 2024. The green line represents the sharp decline in investment growth, while the black dashed line shows the sector's increasing share of GDP. Although there was a slowdown in...
The member companies of AEROBAL, the International Organisation of Aluminum Aerosol Can Manufacturers, reported worldwide deliveries of 6.75 billion units in 2024. Compared to the previous year, this represents a 4.2 per cent increase. This remarkable growth, despite a rather challenging economic environment, was driven by robust demand across all key market segments, including personal care and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, as well as food and household products. Strong demand across all key markets The personal care sector remains by far the most important market, accounting for approximately 81.5 per cent of total demand and achieving an overall growth of 4 per cent compared to 2023. Deodorants and antiperspirants continue to dominate this category, delivering solid growth of 3 per cent....
The past week has been all about the dynamic shift driven by rising domestic prices, US tariff policies, and fluctuating supply-demand dynamics in the global aluminium market. According to various news platforms, Chinese aluminium spot prices have hiked to RMB 20,524 per tonne (USD 2,862 per tonne) in South China, followed by RMB 20,504 per tonne (USD 2,859 per tonne) in East China. Both the regions were separately up 1.67 per cent and 1.65 per cent week-on-week. This increase was fuelled by a 0.84 per cent gain in LME prices to USD 2,636 per tonne, trending higher by 1.51 per cent week-on-week along with stronger downstream demand. Meanwhile, a potential speed-breaker looms as the US, under the Trump administration, has imposed a 10 per cent tariff from February and intends to slap...
RJS Aluminium, renowned for its excellence in aluminium fabrication and installation, celebrated a major milestone with the grand opening of its new factory on Saturday, 15 February 2025 in 16-18 Donald Street, Old Guildford, Australia. Founders Robert and Sophia Sarkis hosted the event, welcoming family, friends, and distinguished guests to mark this significant expansion. The new factory marks a significant step in RJS aluminium’s growth and innovation, enhancing its capabilities to serve clients better. With this new chapter, the Sarkis family remains committed to upholding their legacy of excellence in the industry. A traditional blessing ceremony led by Buddhist monks added a profound spiritual dimension to the occasion. Through prayers and rituals, the monks invoked harmony,...
Makers are constantly coming up with innovative projects using the Raspberry Pi, but someone goes above and beyond every now and then. One such creator, Ideatracker, crafted a remarkable aluminium case using a CNC machine to passively cool their Raspberry Pi. Image Source: Ideatracker This case offers a fantastic alternative to traditional fans, effectively keeping temperatures low while also reducing noise. According to Ideatracker, the material for the case cost just $15. Notably, the design was developed before the release of the Raspberry Pi 5, meaning the case is compatible with both the latest model and the older Raspberry Pi 4. This isn't the first metal case for the Raspberry Pi. Previously, another metal case titled the Galactic Case by DeSalvo Systems featured aerospace-grade...
The aluminium industry is witnessing a digital transformation, with path-breaking technologies redefining processes, boosting efficiency, and driving sustainability. From AI-powered recycling solutions to real-time in-line testing and advanced additive manufacturing software, digitalisation is solving industry challenges while unlocking new possibilities. In this roundup, we explore seven exciting stories showcasing how digital innovation is accelerating progress and reshaping the aluminium landscape. Revolutionising aluminium wheel scrap sortation with Austin AI The increasing demand for aluminium in the automotive industry, particularly for electric vehicles, has highlighted the need for efficient recycling of aluminium wheel scrap, as shared by Judit Jeney, Managing Director, Austin AI...
Futures market: Yesterday, the most-traded SHFE aluminium 2504 contract opened at RMB 20,645 per tonne, reached a high of RMB 20,690 per tonne, a low of RMB 20,585 per tonne, and closed at RMB 20,660 per tonne, down RMB 50 per tonne from the previous day, with a 0.24 per cent increase. Yesterday, LME aluminium opened at USD 2,635 per tonne, hit a high of USD 2,651 per tonne, a low of USD 2,613 per tonne, and closed at USD 2,646.5 per tonne, up USD 9 per tonne, with a 0.34 per cent increase. Macro: (1) US Fed - Harker: The current economic situation supports temporarily maintaining stable interest rate policies; Bowman: Before another interest rate cut, stronger confidence in inflation decline is needed. Inflation is expected to decline, but upside risks remain. (Bearish ★) (2) Jinping Xi:...
After a challenging first half of 2024, members of Aluminium Deutschland's Tubes, Cans, and Impact Extruded Parts Division observed a significant turnaround in the German market for aluminium tubes and aerosol cans during the second half of the year, with deliveries to Germany showing signs of recovery. Navigating the challenges After a 10.3 per cent decline in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, the aerosol cans market rebounded in the second half, growing by 7 per cent year-over-year, with 285 million cans delivered to Germany. While demand showed signs of recovery following the sharp drop earlier in the year, overall deliveries to the national market in 2024 totalled 562.5 million cans, marking a 2.3 per cent decline compared to the previous year. While the...
Japan has officially requested an exemption from US President Donald Trump’s proposed 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium, as well as other reciprocal tariffs, according to a report from Tokyo-based Kyodo News. Meanwhile, Vietnam is prepared to engage with the United States to discuss the new tariffs on steel imposed by Washington, aiming to avoid the risk of additional duties, as stated by a spokesperson for its foreign ministry. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya made the request during a brief exchange with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Iwaya also expressed Japan’s eagerness to hold high-level security talks between the foreign and defence ministers of both nations “at an early date.” According to a statement from...
Officials from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) raided Ibex Engineering Pvt. Ltd. on Monday, sealing the factory for operating illegally for the past two years. The company, engaged in aluminium casting for manufacturing, storing, and selling aluminium cast products, had been operating without the mandatory license introduced in 2023. The officials seized approximately 5,000 unlicensed products produced and stored on-site. BIS had provided a two-year window, requiring companies to obtain the necessary Quality Control Order (QCO) license by December 1, 2024. However, Ibex Engineering failed to comply with the regulations. During a primary inspection conducted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in January 2025, it was discovered that the factory was manufacturing products without...
Futures market: During the night session, the most-traded alumina 2505 contract opened at RMb 3,429 per tonne, reached a high of RMB 3,429 per tonne, a low of RMB 3,383 per tonne, and closed at RMB 3,401 per tonne, down 0.82 per cent. Open interest stood at 167,000 lots, an increase of 4,173 lots. Spot price: On February 17, SMM alumina was quoted at RMB 3,331 per tonne, down RMB 25 per tonne from the previous trading day. Ore market: Demand side, spot alumina prices continued to decline, and alumina refineries lowered their acceptance of high-priced bauxite. According to SMM, buyers generally reported being unable to accept imported Guinean bauxite priced above USD 100 per tonne. Supply-side, suppliers adjusted their quotes downward from highs. SMM learned that some suppliers' quotes...
Founded in 2002, China-based Henan Wanda Aluminum, known for specialising in producing and selling aluminium sheets, strips, and foils, was recently recognised as an innovative enterprise for 2024. In collaboration with relevant departments, the Provincial Department of Science and Technology announced the selection of 166 innovative enterprises for 2024. The "Implementation Plan for the Step-by-Step Cultivation of Innovative Enterprises in Henan Province (2024-2026)" outlined the review and selection process for innovative enterprises. Innovative enterprises are defined as those with significant influence and leadership in their respective industries, known for their strong innovation capabilities, extensive industry experience, and promising market prospects. Being selected as one of...
Brompton Solar Ltd has submitted plans for a large solar farm on fields adjacent to the A1(M) in North Yorkshire. The A1(M) in North Yorkshire is a section of the A1 motorway that runs through the county, serving as an upgraded portion of the main A1 road linking London to Edinburgh. The proposed development, spanning 80 hectares on both sides of the motorway north of Brompton-on-Swale, would feature solar panels mounted on aluminium frames. According to the applicants' representatives, the farm would generate up to 39.3MW of energy. The site will operate as a solar farm for 40 years before being restored to farmland. Brompton Solar Ltd, a subsidiary of Knaresborough-based Harmony Energy, has submitted plans for the new solar farm. The submitted documents state that the solar panels will...
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s leading aluminium manufacturer, launched an AI-powered drone system at its Jamkhani coal mine in Odisha. The drone, which started operations on February 13, 2025, provides a real-time solution for blasting clearance and danger zone monitoring. Image Source: https://vedantaaluminium.com/ Equipped with advanced software, the AI-powered drone offers real-time aerial views and automatically captures the movements of humans, animals, and vehicles within a 500-meter blasting zone. This enables officials to remotely monitor operations and receive automated alerts about any activity on the ground through live streaming. The system also allows seamless audio communication between officials, the drone pilot, and the blasting officer, ensuring precise coordination and...
On Friday, February 14, a major fire broke out at a factory known for storing aluminium dross in Labis. As per the reports, the factory storing recyclable materials has been burning for two days. The blaze began in Kampung Usaha Jaya and has prompted ongoing firefighting efforts. Sharfini Nasar, the operations commander at Labis Fire Station, confirmed the location of the fire and provided updates on the situation. He explained that firefighting efforts had to be paused overnight because the excavators needed to control the blaze couldn’t be operated. By Saturday (February 15), only 30 per cent of the fire had been put out. “The factory’s 160ft by 60ft (48.8m by 18.2m) open shed, which stored aluminium dross, caught fire. Firemen tried putting out the fire using alternative techniques as...
This morning, the centre of the most-traded SHFE aluminium contract gradually shifted slightly downward, fluctuating near RMB 20,550 per tonne. In the East China market, aluminium prices rose to high levels, leading to weaker restocking sentiment among downstream buyers, with most transactions driven by rigid demand. However, the price spread between the current-month and next-month SHFE aluminium contracts fluctuated between C10 and B10 during the morning session. Traders mainly stood firm on quotes, leaving limited room for spot premiums to decline. The SMM A00 spot price was at a discount of RMB 50 per tonne to the SHFE aluminium 2502 contract, down RMB 10 per tonne from the previous trading day. SMM A00 aluminium ingot prices were recorded at RMB 20,540 per tonne, down RMB 60 per...
