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...
Grow with
AL Circle
According to SMM data, China's metallurgical-grade alumina production in December 2024 (31 days) increased by 1.67 per cent M-o-M and 9.80 per cent Y-o-Y. As of December 31, China's metallurgical-grade alumina existing capacity was approximately 103.02 million tonnes, with actual operating capacity slightly down by 0.44 per cent M-o-M, and the operating rate was 86.30 per cent. For the full year 2024, domestic metallurgical-grade alumina production increased by 4.86 per cent Y-o-Y. During the month, environmental protection-related production cuts in Shanxi and maintenance at some capacities in Shandong led to a slight decline in operating capacity. However, as downstream aluminum production also saw reductions during the month, the slight surplus in alumina supply and demand persisted,...
Brijendra Pratap Singh has assumed his new position as Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of National Aluminium Company (NALCO) at the company’s corporate office in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Brijendra Pratap Singh was selected for this esteemed position in September 2024 by the Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB), a high-powered body constituted by the Government of India. Mr Pratap, who has succeeded NALCO’s former CMD Sridhar Patra, comes with over 35 years of experience in mines and steel sectors. He was Director-In-Charge for Burnpur and Durgapur Steel Plant and member on the Board of SAIL. With strategic vision and deep industry knowledge, Mr Pratap was instrumental in advancing SAIL’s modernisation goals, driving the growth and sustainability of India’s steel...
The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) of Bahrain has released its foreign trade report for November 2024, revealing a significant 5 per cent increase in non-oil imports. This growth, driven by strong demand for aluminium and other key materials, saw the total value of non-oil imports reach BD 478 million (USD 1.27 billion) compared to BD 454 million (USD 1.20 billion) in the same period of 2023. Image source: https://www.bahrainedb.com/ China remains a major supplier China continued to dominate as Bahrain's primary import source, contributing a substantial BHD 73 million (USD 193.70 million) or 15 per cent of the total import value. Aluminium oxide Takes the Lead The report underscores the importance of the aluminium sector in Bahrain's import landscape. Aluminium oxide emerged as...
Recently, the State Power Investment Aluminum Power Company and Qingaluminum Co., Ltd. successfully received certification for their international and domestic compliance management systems. They were awarded the ISO 37301:2021 and GB/T 35770-2022 compliance management system certificates in areas such as investment management, environmental management, procurement, and sales. These companies are among the few within the group's system to achieve this recognition. In recent years, Aluminum Power Company has remained committed to becoming a legally compliant enterprise, emphasising enhancing its compliance management practices. The company has actively aligned itself with both international and domestic standards, consistently strengthening its compliance system. It has developed and...
According to the International Aluminium Institute, primary aluminium production in Europe (including Russia) during November 2024 stood at 590,000 tonnes, reflecting a downfall of 2.96 per cent from 608,000 tonnes a month ago. Of the output in November, Russia & Eastern Europe accounted for 59.66 per cent, and Western & Central Europe 40.34 per cent. However, despite the monthly fall in November, Europe’s primary aluminium output looks positive this year, with only about 341,000 tonnes short of matching last year's record of 6.729 million tonnes. Production in Russia & Eastern Europe: In November 2024, Russia & Eastern Europe produced 352,000 tonnes, down by 2.76 per cent from 362,000 tonnes in October, attributed to one less operational day because the daily average output showed no...
For nearly four decades, silicon-based solar cells have been the cornerstone of renewable energy. However, they come with significant drawbacks that limit their efficiency and affordability. Their installation is complex and costly, requiring substantial infrastructure. As a result, these challenges have driven researchers to develop photovoltaic ceramics—a groundbreaking material poised to revolutionise the solar energy industry. These photovoltaic ceramics developed at ETH Zurich harness nanostructures to convert sunlight into electricity. The material comprises aluminium oxide and perovskite nanoparticles, exhibiting unique optical properties and exceptional light-capturing capabilities. These nanoparticles absorb photon energy from sunlight, generating electrons that flow through the...
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world’s largest aluminium smelter on one site, held a special celebratory event on 07 January 2025 to honour 15 national employees with ‘Inspirational Employee of the Year’ Award for 2024. Notably, seven of the awardees were women, reflecting Alba’s commitment to gender diversity and inclusion. The event, held at the Oasis Hall, was led by Alba’s CEO Ali Al Baqali, who honoured the awardees for their outstanding contributions. The winners were selected based on a rigorous evaluation process considering various criteria to include dedication to Safety excellence, fostering a culture of learning through coaching and volunteering initiatives, and cultivating a positive and supportive work environment through strong teamwork and a spirit of camaraderie....
According to the latest data from the US Geological Survey, the United States' domestic primary aluminium production showed a month-on-month rebound in October 2024. Aluminium scrap recovery also grew in the same month, suggesting an overall boost in aluminium operations nationwide. However, the question remains: does this monthly improvement signal a silver lining in the backdrop of sluggish performance of primary aluminium production in the United States, or has it translated into a positive shift in year-to-date output? Growing by about 4.4 per cent M-o-M, the United States' October output stood at 57,000 tonnes in October, following a 2.5 per cent drop in September from 56,000 tonnes to 54,600 tonnes . But unfortunately, this monthly hike was not enough to lead to an increase in the...
Aluminium is often touted as an architect's favourite metal. The green metal, renowned for its versatility, has become an increasingly popular choice in architecture, unlocking endless possibilities for innovative design. Its non-toxic, durable, and corrosion-resistant properties, lightweight nature, ductility, and malleability make aluminium a powerful tool for architects to unleash creativity. London-based architecture studio Gianni Botsford Architects has reimagined and expanded Norman Foster's 1960s extension by adding large-span aluminium-framed glazing in Hampstead, London. Known as Reciprocal House, the newly completed 280-square-meter family home is tucked away in a Hampstead mews, discreetly positioned behind a Victorian pub. The project involved replacing a deteriorating 1860s...
As the global demand for aluminium continues to surge, the noteworthy advancement of bauxite mining projects has never been more prominent. In 2024, several groundbreaking initiatives around the world are reshaping the landscape of this critical industry. From Vietnam’s ambitious circular economy ventures to Guinea’s high-grade mineralisation, these projects underscore innovation, sustainability, and strategic development. Let’s dive into the top five bauxite mining projects making waves this year. 1. THACO’s US$ 4.1 billion Lam Dong 2 aluminium complex (Vietnam) THACO, a frontrunner in Vietnam’s automotive industry, is embarking on an extraordinary journey with its Lam Dong 2 aluminium complex. Set in the bauxite-rich Central Highlands, this $4.1 billion project exemplifies the future of...
MIT engineers have developed a nanofiltration process that enhances aluminium production efficiency while minimising hazardous waste. This innovative method processes waste from aluminium plants, recovering aluminium ions that would otherwise be lost in the effluent stream. Image Source - MIT website About the process The retrieved aluminium is upcycled and reintegrated into the primary aluminium production process. By reintroducing the captured aluminium into the electrolysis vat without introducing excessive by-products, the process maintains the speed and efficiency of electrolysis, simultaneously reducing waste and increasing overall yield. The researchers employed an innovative membrane to filter solutions mimicking the waste streams generated by aluminium plants. Their tests...
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025, the global platform supported by the UAE and its clean energy leader Masdar, will again feature the Green Hydrogen Summit, bringing together industry leaders to advance the universal adoption of green hydrogen across a range of sectors. Reflecting Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become the global hub for green hydrogen and its derivatives through innovation and investments, the 2025 Green Hydrogen Summit aligns closely with Abu Dhabi’s Low Carbon Hydrogen Policy and the UAE's National Hydrogen Strategy 2050. Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: “Green hydrogen is a critical pillar in the transformation of energy systems,...
Kaiser Aluminum Corporation has announced that Jack A. Hockema is retiring as chairman of the board and that Chief Executive Keith Harvey has been chosen to take the chair. The aluminium company's official statement on January 6 clarified that Hockema's retirement was not due to any disagreements with the company or any matters relating to operations or policies. His retirement became effective on January 1, 2025. "Keith and I have worked closely together since I joined Kaiser nearly 30 years ago, and I am confident he will continue to guide the company well and enhance value for all of our stakeholders in his new role as chairman," Hockema shared on this note. Kaiser has tapped Kimberly Glas, CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations, to take Hockema's seat on the board. Her...
Aluminium projects in 2024 are centred on innovation, sustainability, and enhancing the material's applications across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy. Aluminium's unique combination of strength, lightness, and recyclability makes it a pivotal material in the automotive, aerospace, construction, and renewable energy sectors. Key projects include investments in low-carbon production, advanced casting facilities, and integrating renewable energy technologies. These projects aim to enhance product performance, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainability. By innovating new ways to use aluminium, from improving manufacturing processes to recycling, these projects contribute to more efficient and eco-friendly solutions, supporting a circular...
Norway has established itself as the world's leading consumer of electric vehicles, driven by continuous strategic planning, government policies, and incentives designed to promote EV adoption as part of the country's carbon reduction goals. Among all the electric vehicle variants, Norway particularly boasts the highest market share of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) worldwide, thanks to tax exemptions for making BEVs financially attractive over traditional combustion engine vehicles. A few years later, after BEV consumption exceeded expectations, the government removed some incentives and even reduced tax benefits. But fortunately, nothing dampened the enthusiasm for electric vehicle purchases. That's because, beyond economic incentives, the net-zero carbon emissions goal from the...
Dak Nong provincial leaders have reported that in the previous calendar year of 2024, they attended numerous meetings with the Prime Minister and the Government to address and clarify obstacles related to bauxite planning. Their goal was to overcome challenges and promote economic and social development in the region. During the press conference on January 6, 2025, aiming to summarise the last year, Mr Ho Van Muoi - Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Dak Nong – shared that the province is making rigorous strides to remove bauxite mining adversities, resulting in the development of the local economy and society. Mr Muoi chalked out that in 2024, despite several obstructions, the province has managed to overcome destitution. Dak Nong's per capita income secured second rank in the...
Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, has proudly commented during a Sunday statement on the substantial improvement of bauxite production in the country during his tenure. In his statement, he mentioned the distressful time before his tenure wherein both bauxite and forestry suffered immaculately owing to the APNU+AFC administration's poor management. Image Source: Wikipedia Guyana has bauxite reserves exceeding 350 million tonnes, which are among the richest deposits in the world. However, after the government nationalised the industry in the 1970s, bauxite production experienced a sharp decline. By the mid-1980s, annual output stagnated at 1.5 million tonnes, which was only half of previous levels. Inefficient management, falling global bauxite prices, and labour strikes...
Sacheta Metals, a microcap company in the aluminium products industry, received an upgraded stock rating of 'Hold' from MarketsMOJO on Monday, January 6, 2025. The upgrade reflects the stock's entry into a bullish range, marking an improvement from the mildly bullish trend observed on December 16, 2024. A "hold" recommendation indicates that an analyst expects the stock to remain stable, performing in line with the overall market or its industry peers. It advises current investors to retain their shares, while suggesting that potential investors refrain from purchasing the stock at this time. Although the stock has delivered a modest return of -1.96 per cent since then, key technical indicators such as MACD, KST, and OBV point to a favourable outlook. Established in 1990, Sacheta is a...
