Investor sentiment towards aluminium has turned increasingly bearish, but analysts believe the market may be underestimating the metal's underlying strength. Despite growing pessimism, resilient demand and historically low inventories could support higher prices, with analysts forecasting aluminium to reach USD 3,625 per tonne in 2027. Discussions with market participants have pointed to unusually negative sentiment towards the metal. However, analysts argue that the underlying supply-demand fundamentals paint a more constructive picture, challenging the prevailing pessimism surrounding the aluminium market. Their assessment follows Norsk Hydro's third-quarter financial results, which showed stronger earnings compared with the previous year but fell short of market expectations. The...
Guinea has emerged as a major driver of Africa’s export growth to China, with its bauxite shipments to the Asian market nearly quadrupling between 2018 and 2025. Chinese imports of Guinean aluminium ores and concentrates, consisting almost entirely of bauxite, increased from 38.2 million tonnes to approximately 149.5 million tonnes over the period. The surge has bolstered Guinea’s position in China’s bauxite supply chain, while the country advances its alumina refining capacity expansion plans. Trade figures highlight the importance of Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to Africa’s bauxite and copper exports to China, respectively. Between 2018 and 2025, the two countries added USD 25.77 billion to Chinese purchases from the continent, exceeding Africa’s overall net...
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PyroGenesis Canada Inc., a high-tech firm known for its innovative plasma processes and sustainable solutions to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and mitigate environmental pollutants, has announced the acquisition of full ownership of Drosrite International, a private company based in the United States. The company acquired full ownership of Drosrite, an environmentally friendly waste management technology provider for the aluminium industry, for just CAD$1.00. Previously, Drosrite had been operated as an accounting subsidiary. Previously, PyroGenesis and Drosrite International entered an exclusive agreement on August 29, 2019. This agreement granted Drosrite International the rights to manufacture, market, sell, and distribute Drosrite™ systems and technology across the Kingdom of Saudi...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) has successfully certified Novelis Inc. for its North American operations against the Chain of Custody Standard V1 (2017) Certification. The certification has been passed on, acknowledging Novelis’ regional management functions at its corporation headquarters in Georgia, USA, and production facilities across the United States and Canada, including plants in Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Berea, Kentucky; Greensboro, Georgia; Guthrie, Kentucky; Oswego, New York; Warren, Ohio; and its joint venture site Logan Aluminum Inc. in Russellville, Kentucky. This certification adds another feather to Novelis’ hat for its incredible sustainable sourcing practices for its facilities and other activities, such as remelting, recycling, casting, hot mill rolling, cold...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,537 per tonne in the previous trading day, with a high of US$2,541 per tonne and a low of US$2,520 per tonne, and closed at US$2,529 per tonne, down US$10.5 per tonne from the previous trading day, a decrease of 0.41 per cent. On Monday, July 8, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price dropped by US$20 per tonne or 0.80 per cent to settle at US$2,475 per tonne and US$2,475.50 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price descended by US$12.5 per tonne or 0.49 per cent and US$13 per tonne or 0.51 per cent to clock at US$2,531.50 per tonne and US$2,532 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price fell by US$10 per tonne or 0.37 per cent to halt at US$2,678 per tonne and US$2,683 per tonne. LME aluminium...
Turkey has reportedly signed an electric vehicle manufacturing contract with Chinese electric car maker BYD. According to Turkish officials, the $1 billion plant will be located in the west of the country. The new plant coming up in Turkey will give the Chinese car manufacturer easier access to the European Union, as a small part of Turkey called East Thrace is in Southeast Europe. With the new plant, BYD will serve the Turkish domestic market with EVs, which accounted for 7.5 percent of car sales last year in Turkey. On July 5, Turkey said that this deal resulted from a month-old decision to withdraw the plan to impose an additional 40 per cent tariff on electric vehicle imports originating from China. The decision was consciously made to improve investments in the country. BYD, which...
The Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) of China has unveiled draft regulations to facilitate the importation of recycled aluminium and copper, aiming to enhance supply and bolster industry competitiveness. China, the leading global producer and consumer of metals, is intensifying its efforts to use more recycled materials. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions from its energy-intensive industries while preventing the nation from becoming a repository for international waste. According to a notice issued by the MEE, raw materials for recycled copper, copper alloy, aluminium, and aluminium alloy will no longer be classified as solid waste. This reclassification means these materials can be imported without restrictions, marking a significant shift...
Alumina production in Africa & Asia (ex-China) showcased an encouraging month-on-month rebound during May 2024, following a plunge in the previous month. The output surpassed the 1 million tonnes level but did not match the production volume in January, February, and March. According to the International Aluminium Institute, Africa & Asia’s alumina output in May recorded a significant growth of 12 per cent over a month, reaching 1.117 million tonnes. Annually, the production increased by 3.43 per cent from 1.080 million tonnes. However, despite the positive trend, May production lagged behind January, February, and March output by about 10 per cent, 5 per cent, and 8 per cent, respectively. From January to May 2024, Africa & Asia (ex-China) produced 5.727 million tonnes of alumina, up...
Chart Industries has been chosen to provide its mid-scale modular liquefaction solution for Argent LNG’s upcoming liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Port Fourchon, Louisiana. This facility, with a capacity of 20 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), will utilise Chart’s innovative approach to liquefaction. Chart Industries is a leading global manufacturer of highly engineered equipment servicing multiple clean energy and industrial gas applications. Unlike traditional methods, which rely on single large trains, Chart’s modular mid-scale LNG solution achieves total plant liquefaction capacity through multiple identical trains. Chart’s IPSMR (Integrated Pre-Cooled Single Mixed Refrigerant) process technology and proprietary braised aluminium heat exchangers and cold boxes are central to...
The Chairman of Indian multinational mining and metal company Vedanta's Chairman, Anil Agarwal, met with the newly elected Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on July 4, 2024, to discuss avenues for enhanced collaboration to enhance the state's industrial landscape. During their meeting, the Chairman reaffirmed the group's steadfast commitment to the state's progress, as outlined in a statement by Vedanta. The deliberations centred on identifying new opportunities for collaboration that would further accelerate Odisha's journey of transformation, foster socio-economic growth, and advance industrial development across the region. The Vedanta Group has made its largest-ever investment worldwide in Odisha, exceeding INR 1 lakh crore. Vedanta's aluminium assets predominantly operate in...
Last Friday, LME aluminum opened at US$2,526.50 per tonne, reached a high of US$2,557 per tonne, a low of US$2,521.50 per tonne, and closed at US$2,539.50 per tonne, registering an increase of US$12.50 per tonne from the previous closing price. The LME aluminium prices expanded further on Friday, July 5, albeit at a slower pace than the previous day. While LME aluminium cash bid price increased by US$2.50 per tonne to US$2.495 per tonne, LME aluminium official settlement price grew by US$2 per tonne to US$2,495.50 per tonne. Compared to the data of a month ago, the present LME aluminium benchmark price is 3.16 per cent or US$ 81.50 per tonne less than US$2,577 per tonne. On July 5, 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price gained US$4 per tonne to close the week at US$2,544 per tonne and...
South32's Boddington bauxite mine expansion in Australia, which aims to extend the Worsley alumina refinery's operations for an additional 15 years, has secured support from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), albeit with conditions. The alumina refinery, the second-largest alumina exporter in the state, has been seeking approval to develop new mining areas since 2017. This expansion plan, crucial for tapping into over 200 million tonnes of ore reserves, has faced significant opposition from conservationists. Critics have raised concerns about the potential adverse effects on endangered wildlife within the Northern Jarrah Forest. The EPA has now recommended the project's approval to Environment Minister Reece Whitby. However, the endorsement is subject to appeal and comes with...
Speira, a leading rolling and recycling company, has announced a significant new investment in its Karmøy facility. With an allocation of NOK 6 million, Speira will install a state-of-the-art slag press. This cutting-edge technology enhances recycling by efficiently processing waste from aluminium production. The investment underscores Speira's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the aluminium industry. By enabling the recycling of production waste, the new slag press will contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of aluminium manufacturing and support the company's goal of promoting a circular economy. Pål Tage Endresen, Plant Manager at Speira Karmøy, said, “Not only will the quality of the product be higher, but we will reduce both operating costs and waste from...
This week, notable developments have surfaced in the upstream aluminium sector, covering bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminium. Capesize rates have surged above $30,000 per day, driven notably by unprecedented bauxite shipments from West Africa to China. The sector has seen substantial growth in the first five months of 2024 compared to the same period last year, fuelling increased demand for bauxite and aluminium. However, China's record primary aluminium production in May has impacted the alumina market, the primary raw material for aluminium production, leading to supply constraints and volatile ore prices. China achieved a historic milestone with primary aluminium production reaching a record 3.65 million tonnes. Metro Mining Limited also reported a new shipment record for Q2 of the...
On Thursday, July 4, the European Union demonstrated its commitment to fair trade by levying additional tariffs of up to 37.6 per cent on electric vehicles originating from China, alleging ramifications for the domestic market with unfair state subsidies. The European Union took this measure even after Beijing warned of adverse impacts the move might bring, possibly a trade war. The news came after the European Commission officially announced the tariffs, adding that their initiation would be effective on Friday, July 5. The European Commission's strategic approach to the issue is evident from its decision to start probing into the impacts of Chinese electric vehicle imports last year. The investigation led the Commission to an interim conclusion that state subsidies for Chinese EV...
In a groundbreaking development, a team of researchers has successfully combined the most advanced battery technologies to create the world's first anode-free sodium solid-state battery. This innovative design features a stable solid electrolyte and employs pressure to form dense sodium metal. An aluminium current collector ensures efficient and repeatable sodium plating and stripping at high capacities and speeds. The implications of this new battery technology are significant. By eliminating the anode and using sodium—a cheap and abundant material—this battery is set to be more affordable and environmentally friendly than traditional lithium-based batteries. This advancement promises a future where energy storage is more sustainable and economically accessible. Grayson Deysher, a PhD...
Airfoil, a global leader in air diffusion since 1976, has reportedly announced its significant move to adopt Capral's low-carbon aluminium LocAl® Green for manufacturing its premium air conditioning components and accessories. This transition is part of Airfoil's initiatives to produce greener building materials for eco-friendly infrastructures. Adopting LocAl® Green aluminium will also help the Australian company meet the increasing market demand for low-carbon products in the building & construction sector. Capral's LocAl® range of primary aluminium has two variants - LocAl® Green with carbon emissions of 8kg CO2e/kg and LocAl® Super Green with 4kg CO2e/kg, amongst the lowest carbon aluminium available globally. Airfoil particularly chooses Capral's LocAl® Green, which perfectly aligns...
The Government of India has introduced new rules to bolster kitchen safety and product integrity. Effective March 14, 2024, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has mandated the ISI mark on all stainless steel and aluminium utensils sold in the country. Under this order, adherence to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) criteria is now compulsory. Non-compliance will incur penalties, underscoring the government's commitment to consumer safety. These stringent standards are designed to ensure that kitchenware meets high-quality benchmarks, reflecting BIS's dedication to preserving culinary diversity while enhancing product reliability and consumer protection. Aluminium utensils are essential in both household and professional kitchens. They are prized for their...
Solek, a leading renewable energy company from the Czech Republic, has formed an alliance with Degraf, a major manager of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Under this alliance, they plan to recover and reuse raw materials (aluminium, copper, etc.) found in photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. This year, they plan to dispatch 8.6 tonnes of photovoltaic modules for environmentally responsible recovery. This initiative aims to recover valuable equipment, parts, and materials such as aluminium and copper cables from these modules. "Given the increase in the generation of end-of-use photovoltaic panels, we are advancing in the installation of capacities that allow them to be recycled in compliance with the highest international standards. For this reason, the work we are doing with...
Indonesia unveiled Southeast Asia's first electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility on July 3, 2024, as a landmark for the region's automotive industry. The facility boasts the world's largest nickel reserves and the sixth-largest producer of bauxite. Situated in Karawang, West Java Province, the plant was owned by HLI Green Power and was inaugurated on July 3, 2024. This groundbreaking initiative is a joint venture involving Indonesia Battery Corporation, South Korean automaker Hyundai, and leading battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution. The move signifies Indonesia's strategic leap into the forefront of electric vehicle technology, leveraging its abundant nickel resources to propel the green energy transition forward. During the ceremony, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said,...
