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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On June 15th, over 30 employees from the SMB-Winning Consortium in Guinea embarked on an extensive study and exchange program at China Hongqiao Group. The visit began with a heartfelt welcome from Guo Cuihua, the Director of Human Resources at China Hongqiao. She warmly conveyed the significance of the delegation's presence, likening it to a homecoming. Guo emphasised the robust partnership between the two organisations and expressed optimism about the potential for increased collaboration and mutual development. SMB Winning Consortium is an alliance of four global partners led by Singapore’s Winning International Group. It comprises the Hongqiao Group under China’s Shandong Weiqiao Pioneering Group, Guinea’s UMS, and China’s Yantai Port Group. The HR Director encouraged the Guinean...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, China’s aluminium foil exports in May 2024 amounted to 130,100 tonnes, registering a month-on-month increase of 7 per cent from 121,600 tonnes. The May export volume also recorded an annual rise of 15 per cent. Among export destinations, India, Mexico, and Indonesia were the top three in May, followed by Thailand. To the top ten destinations, China exported 78,100 tonnes of aluminium foil, up by 6.26 per cent from 73,500 tonnes in April. China’s aluminium foil exports to the top ten destinations accounted for 60 per cent of the country’s total foil exports. For June and July, China has already received most of the orders for aluminium foil exports and put them into production. According to SMM estimation based on companies’ feedback,...
According to a recent report, Capral Aluminium, Australia’s largest extruder and distributor of industry-leading aluminium products, has secured its first ASI Chain of Custody (CoC) certified shipment from the Norwegian aluminium company Hydro. Receipt of the first ASI-certified aluminium establishes Capral’s value and commitment towards sustainability and responsible metal sourcing practices across the supply chain. This milestone also builds Capral’s strategic partnership with Hydro for the supply of ASI CoC-certified aluminium. The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative and its Chain of Custody (CoC) certification are recognised globally as premium standards for responsible production, sourcing, and stewardship of aluminium throughout the supply chain. The Chain of Custody Standard...
In June 2024, the global aluminium industry saw slight price positivity on both the LME and SHFE platforms at the beginning of the month. However, these gains were short-lived, and prices soon declined again. This reminds us again that AL Circle's industry-focused report, "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024" , revealed the Metals and Minerals Price Index of the World Bank witnessed a marginal decrease of 0.13 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2023, marking a continuation of the consistent declines observed since early 2022. This downturn is attributed to a deceleration in economic activity in significant global economies, leading to a subdued demand environment alongside ongoing recoveries in the supply of certain base metals. Projections indicate a 5 per cent decline in metal prices...
CSI Mining Services, a Mineral Resources Limited (MinRes) subsidiary, has initiated the transport of bauxite ore for Rio Tinto's Weipa operations in northern Queensland. Recognised as a leader in pit-to-ship solutions, CSI Mining Services specialises in innovative crushing, screening, and processing operations for both MinRes and Tier 1 mining clients. In April, CSI secured a contract to provide haulage services for a Tier 1 mining company, with operations commencing the following month. Now, the company has begun transporting bauxite from Rio Tinto's Weipa operations, which include three bauxite mines , processing facilities, shiploaders, an export wharf, two ports, power stations, a rail network, and ferry terminals. CSI operates eight Kenworth C509 quad road trains to transport...
On Friday, June 28, LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price surged by US$27.50 per tonne and US$27 per tonne, respectively, marking the second consecutive day of rise. The LME graph shows the prices closed the week at US$2,485 per tonne and US$2,485.50 per tonne, which, however, indicated the benchmark price standing 1.35 per cent lower than US$2,452.50 per tonne. On the same day, 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price increased by US$23.50 per tonne, closing the week at US$2,525 per tonne and US$2,526 per tonne, respectively. December-25 bid price and December-25 offer price stood at US$2,668 per tonne and US$2,673 per tonne, mirroring the same growth of US$15 per tonne as the previous day. On June 28, LME aluminium opening stock totalled 1,026,925...
Chinalco Materials Institute, Chinalco high-end, and Chinalco Aluminum Foil's affiliated enterprises have recently received official authorisation from the China National Intellectual Property Administration for three patents related to microcrystalline aluminium foil. Microcrystalline aluminium foil Microcrystalline aluminium foil represents a new generation of aluminium products with a promising future. Characterised by fine grain, uniform structure, and outstanding overall performance, its streamlined preparation method offers significant advantages such as reduced processing steps, lower costs, and enhanced efficiency. These attributes not only promise extensive applications in the realm of new energy materials but also hold potential for various products, sparking optimism for the...
In addition to China and the Gulf Cooperation Council, the substantial increase in Africa’s primary aluminium production also bolstered the world’s output significantly in May 2024. According to the International Aluminium Institute’s survey, Africa’s primary aluminium production in May increased by 5.74 per cent month-on-month, exceeding January and March’s output levels. But in contrast, the output on an annual basis edged a decrease of about 5.15 per cent. According to IAI, Africa’s primary aluminium production in May 2024 stood at 129,000 tonnes, compared to 122,000 tonnes in April 2024 and 136,000 tonnes in May 2023. With about a 6 per cent monthly hike, Africa’s primary aluminium production in May emerged as the highest output in the past five months of this year. The daily...
A groundbreaking network arch bridge featuring a fully aluminium support structure is currently under construction in Trondheim, Norway. The project stands out due to its extensive use of recycled materials, with one-third of the aluminium sourced from the decommissioned Gyda Oil Platform. The bridge will also be supported by stainless steel tension rods. The footbridge will span 55 meters in length and 9 meters in width and weigh 60 tonnes upon completion. This ambitious project is a collaborative effort between the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and Leirvik, a leading engineering, procurement, and construction supplier specialising in aluminium projects . Construction of the bridge commenced in May, with the installation slated for June 2025. Once completed, the footbridge will...
Rio Tinto, a British-Australian multinational company and the world’s second largest metals and mining corporation, officially announced on Friday, June 28, that it would deploy carbon-free aluminium electrolysis tanks at a new plant near Arvida aluminium smelter in Quebec, Canada, leveraging ELYSIS technology invented by ground-breaking partnership between Alcoa and Rio Tinto. This move will allow the continued development of the new ELYSIS MD technology while enabling Rio Tinto to hire expertise for installing and operating the technology. The same technology successfully demonstrated at the ELYSIS Industrial Research and Development Center in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean will be implemented at the plant, offering Rio Tinto a learning opportunity about the full industrialization of ELYSIS MD...
In a notable financial move, Century Aluminium Co. President and CEO Jesse E. Gary has sold a substantial portion of his company stock, as reported by Investing.com. On June 26, Gary offloaded 60,000 shares at an average price of $16.21 per share, resulting in a total transaction value of $972,600. The sale prices varied, ranging from $15.81 to $16.44, indicating diverse market conditions on the day of the sale. Despite this significant divestiture, Gary continues to hold a sizable stake in Century Aluminium, retaining 62,447 shares indirectly through a trust. Additionally, his total holdings are bolstered by unvested stock units granted under the company's Long-Term Incentive Plans, which remain unaffected by this recent transaction. Century Aluminium's CEO's recent sale has garnered...
Alloy LED, a premier designer and manufacturer of high-quality LED tape lights, is enhancing its diverse lineup of tape light channels with the launch of the SurfaFlex 1. This flexible, low-profile, surface-mount aluminium channel ensures uniform, hotspot-free illumination when used with the company's compatible tape lights. Image source- Alloy LED About SurfaFlex 1 With dimensions of only 0.61 inches in width and 0.15 inches in height, the SurfaFlex 1 is ideal for curved surfaces requiring a minimum bend radius of 5.5 inches, making it perfect for commercial and residential applications where a small footprint is crucial. Alloy LED's tape lights provide seamless illumination with their premium frosted lens and diffuser cover, eliminating any hotspots. These tape lights, which feature an...
Hydro will conduct a three-year industrial-scale pilot at Hydro Høyanger, Norway, and test green hydrogen technology in their new recycling unit. This initiative aims to replace fossil energy, particularly liquid natural gas, in the remelting process of 100 per cent post-consumer scrap aluminium. About the project This project leverages Hydro's expertise in both energy and aluminium. Hydro's green hydrogen unit, Hydro Havrand, has secured soft funding of up to NOK 83.3 million from the Norwegian Government (Enova) to facilitate this pilot. The aluminium produced in the recycling process will be utilised to further reduce the CO 2 footprint of aluminium products from Hydro's Norwegian smelters. By leveraging green hydrogen, Hydro seeks to achieve zero-carbon aluminium production,...
Aluminium, famous for its sustainable attributes, is also known as the green metal of the industry. Rimowa's newly launched iconic aluminium suitcase in the captivating Emerald Green adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to every journey. About the aluminium suitcase The Emerald Green Collection exemplifies Rimowa's dedication to style and durability, appealing to discerning travellers who value functionality and flair. The Emerald Green Collection features three meticulously crafted styles: the Original Trunk Plus (105L) the Original Check-In L (86L) the Original Cabin (35L) Each piece showcases Rimowa's renowned craftsmanship, finishing the entire case in a vibrant green hue. From the sturdy corners to the sleek handles and secure locks, every detail is thoughtfully designed to...
Trulite Glass & Aluminium Solutions LLC has acquired and merged with American Insulated Glass (AIG) to create a new era in the architectural glass and aluminium fabrication industry. This acquisition solidifies Trulite's position as one of North America's leading players in the market. Financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed. The merger with AIG is set to broaden Trulite's footprint, enhancing its capacity to service the growing Midwest and East Coast markets. By integrating AIG's product offerings, Trulite can now provide a wider array of residential applications, strengthening its market position and expanding its customer base. This expansion means more options and better service for our valued customers. Trulite spokesperson said, "We are excited about this acquisition's...
John West, a prominent name in the seafood industry, has introduced a groundbreaking initiative to enhance packaging sustainability. Partnering with Schubert Packaging Systems, CCL Label, and Touch Design, John West has implemented an aluminium strip solution known as Ecotwist in its ambient tuna packaging. This innovative approach facilitates easier recycling and annually eliminates approximately 65 tonnes of plastic shrink wrap. The Ecotwist solution features a Smartstrip that consumers can effortlessly twist and pull to open the packaging. This user-friendly design, independently verified as fully recyclable, allows consumers to recycle their tuna cans, complete with the aluminium strip, through kerbside recycling programs across the UK. By adopting Ecotwist, John West not only...
In May 2024, India's imports of ingot grade aluminium products saw a significant increase, rising by 38 per cent M-o-M and 70 per cent compared to the same month the previous year, according to provisional data from BigMint. Specifically, imports of ingots reached 38,700 tonnes, making up 84 per cent of the total aluminium ingot imports. Significant growth in imports Image source - BigMint Billets contributed 3,900 tonnes, or 9 per cent of the total, while slabs accounted for 2,500 tonnes, representing 2 per cent of the total imports. Notably, Indian automobile die casters significantly boosted their imports of ADC12 ingots, which surged by approximately 80 per cent M-o-M in May, reaching 6,500 tonnes compared to 3,700 tonnes in April. The remaining 32,200 tonnes comprised other grades,...
Magnolia based Southern Aluminium, the industry's leading provider of high-end linen-less meeting and event furniture, has announced the promotion of Andrew Hinkle to Vice President of Marketing and Brand Management. Hinkle began his journey with the company as a graphic designer in 2010 and has steadily risen through the ranks, showcasing exceptional dedication and strategic insight. Having assumed the role of Director of Marketing in 2020, Hinkle has been pivotal in shaping Southern Aluminium's brand narrative, both internally and externally. His visionary approach underscores the company's commitment to enhancing its market presence while fostering a cohesive culture within the organization and the community. Andrew Hinkle's promotion to Vice President of Marketing and Brand Management...
