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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The world's leading provider of sustainable aluminium solutions and a global leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, Novelis Inc., has announced significant executive leadership appointments to foster global growth and promote aluminium as the preferred material for circular solutions. Roberta Soares and Cary Chenanda have been named Regional Presidents for South America and North America, respectively. Francisco Pires, the former President of South America, will now serve as Chief Transformation Officer. Meanwhile, Tadeu Nardocci, who previously served as interim president of North America, will transition to Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Operations, overseeing the company's major capital projects. These strategic appointments underscore Novelis Inc.'s unwavering...
KparK Énergies, a leading French company specialising in energy renovation and transition, has recently introduced its latest flagship product—the low-carbon aluminium solar carport. This innovative solution was celebrated at the prestigious Paris Fair 2024, where it was awarded the Grand Prix de l'Innovation in the Home category. The French startup's product utilises an anodised aluminium structure. At the event Crafted in France to address contemporary environmental challenges, the KparK Énergies aluminium solar carport combines practicality with aesthetic design. Its debut at the Paris Fair garnered significant interest, showcasing its innovative approach to sustainable energy solutions. The solar carport exemplifies KparK Énergies' dedication to delivering personalised and...
Capral Aluminium is excited to announce the upcoming trials of Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) 's EternAl-30 and EternAl-15 primary aluminium billets, which feature 30 per cent and 15 per cent recycled content. The groundbreaking low-carbon aluminium product This significant introduction into the Australian aluminium sector aims to establish pioneering carbon reduction and recycled material usage standards. This initiative underscores Capral's steadfast commitment to sustainability and innovation, affirming the pledge to deliver superior, environmentally conscious aluminium solutions to manufacturers across Australia. Alba's Chief Executive Officer Ali Al Baqali stated, "This groundbreaking low-carbon aluminium product marks a major milestone in our journey towards a sustainable future,...
Vedanta Aluminium's efforts to conserve energy and protect the environment in operations at Lanjigarh alumina refinery have recently received special recognition from Kalinga Awards: Environment. According to a report, India's largest aluminium producer has bagged two accolades—the Kalinga Energy Excellence Award and the Kalinga Environment Excellence Award, presented by the Institute of Quality and Environment Management (IQEMS) in association with the Odisha State Pollution Control Board and the Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE), Hyderabad. Vedanta's Lanjigarh refinery is India's one of the most premier producers of smelter-grade alumina. Till date, it has undertaken several initiatives aligned with Vedanta Aluminium's sustainability goals such as Net Zero Carbon by 2050, Net Water...
The world's leading mining company, Rio Tinto, has announced the construction of two 5.25MW solar farms in Gumatj and Rirratjingu, a traditional country in the Gove Peninsula, Northern Territory. This is a significant step towards securing a sustainable power supply. The Gumatj and Rirratjingu, Traditional Owner Groups, have approved the solar farms, which will be built on Rio Tinto leases. The initiative aims to provide a low-carbon energy future for the Gove community as mining operations in the region are projected to cease by the end of the decade. Aggreko, a global leader in mobile and modular power solutions, will construct, own, and operate the solar farms. Construction is slated to begin in July 2024 and be completed by early 2025. The two sites will collectively offer a capacity...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,517.5 per tonne in the previous trading day, hit a high of US$2,537 per tonne, a low of US$2,513 per tonne, and closed at US$2,516 per tonne, down US$1.5 per tonne from the previous day, a decrease of 0.06 per cent. On Tuesday, July 2, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price dipped by US$7 per tonne or 0.28 per cent to settle at US$2,489 per tonne and US$2,489.50 per tonne. The prices settled flat yesterday owing to signs of ample supply and muted demand. As per the LME data, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price also went down by US$2 per tonne or 0.07 per cent and US$1.5 per tonne or 0.05 per cent to clock at US$2,530 per tonne and US$2,531 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price climbed...
China achieved a record-high production of primary aluminium, reaching 3.65 million tonnes in May 2024, comparable to output levels seen in August and September of the previous year. This surge is bolstered by the restarting of smelters in Yunnan after a prolonged shutdown, promising an annual output of 43 million tonnes. However, this upward trajectory has significantly affected the alumina market, the key raw material for aluminium production, resulting in constrained supply and fluctuating ore prices. Alumina price movement Throughout May 2024, China's average alumina price surged, recording a growth rate of 13.24 per cent. According to the Shanghai Metals Market, the domestic alumina price increased over a month from RMB 3,451 per tonne to RMB 3,908 per tonne, reaching its highest...
Paul Villinski's solo exhibition "Flight Patterns" at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park uses found objects such as aluminium cans, bottles, knives, and vinyl records to explore various interpretations of flight. Drawing from his background as a licensed pilot, Villinski frames the experience of airborne motion through thematic lenses of hope and transformation. Villinski is renowned for his intricate, thematic sculptures featuring swarms of insects, addressing issues like environmentalism, addiction recovery, and food insecurity. In "Flight Patterns," hundreds of miniature liquor bottles form undulating patterns reminiscent of starling murmurations. Another piece displays numerous knives arranged like bird feathers from a larger-than-life metallic wingspan. Using aluminium from...
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to make significant inroads across various European sectors, with smaller industries standing to benefit the most in the near term. While larger sectors may still need to be ready to implement AI fully, and some may never reach that point, the potential for productivity gains remains substantial, according to ING Think. ING suggests that the most immediate advantages will be seen in smaller sectors, where AI can be more easily integrated, and its impact is felt more quickly. These industries are likely to experience notable improvements in efficiency and innovation. On the other hand, larger sectors face more significant challenges in adopting AI technologies. The complexity and scale of these industries can hinder swift implementation, leading to...
FCC Environment and Podback are expanding aluminium and plastic coffee pod recycling services across England and Wales. This collaboration follows a pilot program that collected 14 tonnes of used pods within six months. Introduction of separate recycling bins The initiative will introduce dedicated recycling bins for aluminium and plastic pods at household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) throughout both countries. These bins will be conveniently located for easy access, making the recycling process more straightforward. Wigan, Luton, and Nuneaton in England are the initial beneficiaries of this scheme, with additional locations set to join soon. “Our pilots over the last year with FCC have proved successful and have received positive feedback from residents using the service. We hope...
Recorp Aluminium, New Zealand's most progressive can-manufacturing company founded and funded by the country's brightest beverage container specialists, is on the brink of launching its $100 million-plus facility into operation in South Auckland. The founder and chairman of the company, former Air New Zealand chief executive Rob Fyfe, expressed his positive views about the project saying that it should break even in its second year of operation. The new can manufacturing plant, equipped with cutting-edge technology, is poised to revolutionise New Zealand's beverage packaging industry. It is scheduled to commence operations in early September 2024, albeit five months behind schedule due to a site change. Recorp Aluminium was founded to revolutionise New Zealand's packaging industry for...
Korean scientists have developed a groundbreaking deep-learning alternative model to optimise aluminium frames in glass-glass bifacial photovoltaic panels (PVs). Addressing the escalating challenges posed by the growing size and weight of PV modules, the researchers highlighted a critical issue: the heightened susceptibility of aluminium frames to deflection. Deflection refers to the lateral deformation experienced by a structural element under load, a concern amplified by the increasing dimensions of modern PV panels. Aluminium frames play a crucial role in providing structural support to solar panels. They ensure they maintain their shape and integrity by preventing bending, warping, or sagging caused by their weight or external factors. The innovative deep-learning hybrid model...
The Coca-Cola system in Thailand, which includes ThaiNamthip Corporation Limited, HaadThip plc, and Coca-Cola (Thailand) Ltd., has expanded its 'Coke Recycle Me with Trash Lucky' campaign for the fourth consecutive year. The campaign highlights the importance of recycling aluminium cans and plastic bottles. This year's initiative involves enhanced collaborations with existing and new retail partners to establish over 80 drop-off locations across Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phuket, and Songkhla. These efforts also encompass increased involvement from recycling partners and sponsors, aiming to promote the recycling of materials like aluminium cans and plastic bottles and highlight environmental awareness. Nattapak Atichartakarn, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Trash Lucky...
Indonesia, with its rich deposits of critical minerals, stands poised at the forefront of the global supply chain, particularly in the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market. The 2024 US Geological Survey report underscores Indonesia's dominance, placing it first worldwide in nickel reserves, which are crucial for EV batteries. Additionally, Indonesia ranks among the world's top tin producers, an essential component in smartphone manufacturing. Beyond nickel and tin, Indonesia's mineral wealth includes significant deposits of cobalt, bauxite, and copper. Indonesia has trade restrictions on bauxite and nickel. In 2020, the nation prohibited the export of nickel, and in 2023, it banned the export of bauxite . Indonesia has previously planned to impose a ban on exports of copper concentrate...
Innovations that pave the way for a better future are crucial for advancing technology, improving quality of life, and addressing global challenges. An engineering research team at the University of Alberta (U of A) has discovered a new coating material comprising metals like aluminium and nickel that shows great potential for high-temperature applications, such as hydrogen combustion engines. Attributes of AlCrTiVNi5 Dubbed - AlCrTiVNi5, the newly developed alloy material is ideal for coating surfaces that endure high temperatures, such as those found in gas turbines, power stations, and vehicle and aeroplane engines. It also boasts superior thermomechanical properties, including high stability, low thermal expansion, fracture tolerance, and an exceptional combination of strength and...
In the very recent Science and Technology Award of China Environmental Protection Federation 2023, Chinalco Shandong received prestigious recognition by winning the first prize for its scientific and technological progress in the comprehensive red mud utilisation project "Green Technology and Engineering Demonstration of Efficient Production of New Powder Materials by Bayer Process Red Mud". In recent times, Chinalco Shandong has employed new development concepts to strengthen the research on the comprehensive utilisation of red mud while prioritising ecology. The project "Green Technology and Engineering Demonstration of Efficient Production of New Powder Materials by Bayer Process Red Mud" encompasses a study of the physical and chemical structure of a complex element system of red mud...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,510 per tonne in the previous trading day, with a high of US$2,547.5 per tonne and a low of US$2,510 per tonne, and closed at US$2,517.5 per tonne, flat compared to the previous trading day's closing price. On Monday, July 1, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price hiked by US$11 per tonne or 0.44 per cent to clock at US$2,496 per tonne and US$2,496.50 per tonne.As per the LME data, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price also moved up by US$7 per tonne or 0.27 per cent and US$6.5 per tonne or 0.25 per cent to peg at US$2,532 per tonne and US$2,532.50 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price stood at US$2,670 per tonne and US$2,675 per tonne after increasing by US$2 per tonne or 0.07 per cent. On...
Australasia’s largest aluminium smelter, Tomago Aluminium, has appointed Jérôme Dozol as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and General Manager to lead the company into its fifth decade, aiming to ensure a long and prosperous future. Dozol's career spans over 18 years with Rio Tinto, one of the stakeholders of Tomago Aluminium. In his most recent role, he served as General Manager of a Copper Smelter and Refinery in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he demonstrated his expertise in managing complex operations and enhancing efficiency. Dozol expressed his enthusiasm for joining Tomago Aluminium, a company renowned globally as one of the leading aluminium smelters. Jérôme Dozol said, "I am passionate about extending the life of industrial assets and tackling climate change. Tomago Aluminium has a...
