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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The year 2025 has begun, and along with it, a lot of speculations and anticipations for the global aluminium industry's headway as the metal is furthering towards becoming one of the most widely used components in various industrial sectors while at the same time navigating many challenges and also adapting to sustainability initiatives and the circular economy. Especially after a year of tight raw material supply, enthusiastic volume of primary aluminium production, increasing demand, and numerous efforts across the value chain aimed at net-zero emission goals, it is inevitable to have a spirit of inquiry. This article, containing a comprehensive overview of the key events and updates from December 2024, will help you understand the industry's current position. Ghana’s bauxite mining...
Use of aluminium furniture has become a standout trend in interior design, capturing the attention of homeowners and designers for its sleek aesthetics and practical functionality. Known for its lightweight yet durable qualities, aluminium seamlessly integrates into modern interiors, adding a sophisticated touch that suits a variety of decor styles—from minimalist to industrial chic. Image Source: Norscot Norscot & Origin A Bower-based company is thrilled to announce a new partnership with a prominent manufacturer of custom aluminium doors and windows in the UK. Norscot Joinery Ltd, known for its exceptional timber frame kits, windows, and doors in the Highlands, is set to become Britain's northernmost supplier of Origin's premium aluminium products. This partnership will broaden its...
In 2024, aluminium and aluminium product imports inflated by 21.7 per cent Y-o-Y to US$446.006 million (with US$36.943 million in December). Aluminium exports rose by 27.4 per cent to US$124.408 million, with US$8.426 million in December, published in the customs data released by the States Customs Service of Ukraine. Aluminium and aluminium product exports from Ukraine during the first six months of 2024 were valued at US$54.175 million, up by 12.8 per cent Year-on-Year. In June alone, the export value was US$10.383 million. Also, as stated in the statistical report released by the State Customs Service (SCS) earlier, bauxite import in monetary terms increased by 50.9 per cent (USD 2.681 million) from January to October, indicating a 46.8 per cent growth Y-o-Y. This year's imports can be...
Colombia's dedication to sustainability reflects years of consistent actions and policies that extend beyond high-profile initiatives in areas like renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions. The city is emerging as a promising leader in aluminium production within Latin America, drawing inspiration from global benchmarks like the United Arab Emirates, France, Canada, and Norway. Image Source: GALTCO Green Aluminum Production Complex in Colombia With its highly decarbonised energy matrix powered predominantly by renewable energy and abundant natural resources, Colombia is ushering in a new era of sustainable industrialisation through the GALTCO Colombia project— the Green Aluminum Production Complex in Colombia (GALTCO). The GALTCO Colombia Project entails the formulation, development,...
The aluminium recycling industry is stepping into a new era in 2025, driven by ambitious projects announced and commenced in 2024 that combine innovation, sustainability, and community impact. From high-tech facilities to grassroots initiatives, these efforts are reshaping the way we recycle this infinitely reusable metal. Here’s an in-depth look at the top 10 aluminium recycling initiatives making headlines the past year. 1. Governor Tim Walz unveils $71 million recycling plant expansion Minnesota’s industrial landscape has been transformed with the $71 million expansion of Spectro Alloys’ recycling facility in Rosemount. Launched under the leadership of Governor Tim Walz , the state-of-the-art facility integrates pioneering technology to deliver an astounding 90 per cent reduction in...
On Monday, January 13, Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) updated that its strategic merger discussion with Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma'aden) is no longer in action after being decided mutually. Ma'aden also said the same in its filing to Tadawul, adding that it would keep looking for growth opportunities regionally and globally. The news followed the extension of the potential deadline for the merger to the second quarter of 2025 to get additional time to conduct thorough due diligence and evaluate the financial benefits of the collaboration. Alba and Ma'aden first signed a non-binding agreement in September 2024 to form a partnership, whereby the latter agreed to transfer its subsidiaries, Ma'aden Aluminium Company (MAC) and Ma'aden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC), to Alba in...
On Monday, January 13, Norsk Hydro announced it would purchase the remaining shares in Hydrovolt from the Swedish battery developer and recycler Northvolt AB for NOK 78 million. Following the acquisition, Hydro will gain full ownership in Hydrovolt, a battery-recycling joint venture between Hydro and Northvolt, with the shareholding rising to 100 per cent from 72 per cent. Image Source: Norsk Hydro Hydrovolt was established in 2020 as a 50/50 joint venture between Hydro and Northvolt. Starting with a capacity of processing 12,000 tonnes of battery packs annually, the joint venture company became Europe’s largest electric vehicle battery recycling plant over the years, promoting a circular solution for end-of-life batteries. Hydro’s decision to acquire the remaining shares in Hydrovolt...
Novelis, the global leader in aluminium rolling and recycling and a wholly owned subsidiary of Hindalco has released a preliminary financial report for the third quarter of FY2024-25, outlining its anticipated fiscal and operational performance for the three-month period. Novelis believes its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) on an adjusted basis to be between $360-370 million, reflecting about a 21 per cent decline from $454 million recorded during the corresponding period of the previous year. EBITDA for the same period is estimated to range between $400 and $407 per tonne, down by 18-19 per cent Y-o-Y from $499 per tonne. Aluminium flat rolled products shipments are likely to remain the same as the previous year, standing at 910,000 tonnes. Despite...
The Aluminum Association, Arlington, Virginia, has disclosed initial estimations of the domestic as well as transnational demand for the aluminium industry in North America (US and Canada) increased by 4.6 per cent through the first three quarters of 2024. The association’s ‘Aluminum Situation’ report stated that the non-ferrous metal’s demand across the US and Canada (shipments by domestic producers plus imports) totalled approximately 20,712 million pounds from January to September of 2024 when compared with 19,798 million pounds in the identical months of 2023. Sheet and plate products witnessed a considerable Y-o-Y growth at 6.9 per cent, while foil, extrusions and electrical products showed descents. Among the AL products, the semi-fabricated, or ‘mill’ variants market leapt 2.5 per...
The aluminium industry must cut its emissions intensity by 30 per cent by 2030 and 9 per cent by 2050 compared to 2022 levels to align with the International Aluminum Institute’s (IAI) 1.5-degree benchmark. To achieve this, absolute carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for aluminium (both primary and secondary) need to be reduced to 810 million tonnes in 2030 and further to 53 million tonnes by 2050. Image Source: Can Manufacturers Institute The industry has reduced emission intensity by 13.6 per cent from 2019 to 2023 which is primarily driven by improvements in reduced reliance on coal, increased secondary production and energy efficiencies. The absolute emission for aluminium (primary and secondary combined) was 1.13 gigatonne of CO2 e in 2019, decreasing to 1.12 gigatonne of CO2 e in 2023....
According to SMM statistics, China's aluminum production in December 2024 (31 days) increased by 4.13 per cent YoY, with cumulative production from January to December up 3.89 per cent Y-o-Y. In December, multiple aluminum smelters in Sichuan and Guangxi reduced production. Specifically, in Sichuan, high alumina and electricity costs led to severe losses and production cuts, while in Guangxi, some smelters reduced production due to technological transformation, with plans to resume in Q4 2025. Resumption progress in Sichuan and Guizhou stalled during the month, mainly due to high alumina prices and weak demand and prices in the off-season, reducing the motivation for resumption. Projects in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Ningxia proceeded as planned. During the month, the proportion of...
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU), a public research university in Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan, have developed cutting-edge nanostructured alumina surfaces that deliver remarkable antibacterial resistance while promoting the healthy growth of cultured cells. The team used advanced electrochemical techniques with concentrated sulfuric acid to create anodic porous alumina (APA) surfaces with exceptional antibacterial properties. These innovative surfaces effectively prevent bacterial growth without compromising cell cultures, paving the way for safer and antibiotic-free cell culture environments. This breakthrough technology holds the potential to revolutionise regenerative medicine by enabling the production of high-quality, contamination-free cell cultures. Antibacterial...
New research highlights a breakthrough in recovering valuable metals like magnesium and other metals from mine waste using acid-producing bacteria. According to researcher Nathan van Wyk, this innovative approach is promising to reduce environmental pollution, extend mines' operational lifespans, and supply critical raw materials for industrial use. Globally, over three billion tons of metals are produced annually for various products. However, as ore grades decline due to extensive mining, accessing these metals has become increasingly challenging. This has driven up metal prices and generated larger volumes of harmful waste. Furthermore, the rising demand for rare earth elements—often present in low concentrations—adds to the challenge by creating substantial mine waste in the...
The aluminium industry stands at the cusp of transformation, driven by technological innovation, sustainability imperatives, and shifting global market dynamics. In an ever-evolving landscape, staying ahead requires not just awareness but actionable insights. The forthcoming " Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2025 " is set to become an indispensable resource for industry professionals seeking clarity and direction in these uncertain times. Why this Outlook matters The report delves into the factors shaping the aluminium industry globally, offering a comprehensive overview that includes: Market trends and forecasts: From primary aluminium production to downstream innovations to end-use sector and secondary aluminium consumption, discover where the market is heading and why. Regional...
This week the upstream sector of the global aluminium industry witnessed many significant events. News of new highs, marginal misses, financial results, etc, have kept the industry on its toes. To begin with, Metro Mining has reached a new annual milestone, shipping 5.7 million tonnes of wet bauxite in 2024. This reflected a 24 per cent increase in yearly shipments, driven by consistent month-on-month growth since August. Vedanta Aluminium has proudly secured second place in the esteemed S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) for the global aluminium industry. Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has once again set a new record for aluminium production in 2024. On Thursday, January 9, the company achieved 1,622,261 tonnes of net finished production for the year. Metro Mining has...
Vitol, an energy and commodities trader, is mulling over reducing its storage costs by withdrawing some substantial aluminium volume from London Metal Exchange (LME) warehouses in Port Klang, Malaysia. Image source: Vitol By removing stocks from LME-approved warehouses, Vitol can save 56 US cents per tonne because that's the amount being charged for aluminium storage in Port Klang, about five times higher than rent in warehouses outside the LME's system. However, upon request, Vitol has declined to comment. As per the report, aluminium stock at LME-registered facilities in Port Klang, known as cancelled warrants, rose by more than 40,000 tonnes on Monday, January 6. Although the LME gives a monthly breakdown of inventories, sources said Vitol accounted for much of the cancelled warrants...
Speira’s position in the e-mobility business is growing: The aluminium recycler and roller has now signed a long-term agreement with the biggest prismatic battery producer from South Korea. The world-leading manufacturer’s advanced energy solutions also include lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. Its clear commitment to sustainability is now resulting in the collaboration with Speira. The agreement covers the supply of substantial volumes of aluminium strips, spread over the contract period, which will be processed into battery cans and then used in battery cells for electric vehicles. It includes further improvements to the sustainability of the product by further increasing the recycled content and, thus, reducing the carbon footprint of the processed alloy. The signing took...
Alaska boasts deposits of 49 of the 50 minerals deemed critical to the United States economy, national security, and clean energy ambitions. Yet, many of these vital resources do not reside within traditional ore deposits. Instead, they are often byproducts of conventionally mined metals such as copper, gold, silver, and zinc or are associated with vast coal and carbon ore reserves scattered across the state. Image Source: https://www.ey.com/ To unlock Alaska’s potential as a major domestic supplier of critical minerals, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated $7.5 million to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). This funding will support regional-scale assessments of critical minerals across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, which includes the states of Oregon and...
