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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Aluminium dross is a by-product formed during the melting and processing of aluminium. When aluminium is in its molten state, it undergoes oxidation on the surface, forming a ‘skin-like’ layer known as dross. In the past, aluminium dross was disposed of in landfills, a practice deemed hazardous to the environment. In addition, valuable aluminium content and other elements were lost in landfills. In recent years, with the aluminium industry’s growing focus on sustainability and environmental issues, there has been significant improvement in dross processing technologies, enabling higher metal recovery from dross than conventional methods. Discover in-depth insights into aluminium dross processing technologies, key players in the industry, their groundbreaking projects, and regional trade...
Alcoa's (NYSE: AA) share value has dropped nearly 60 per cent since March 2022, which was its all-time peak. During the same period, the S&P 500 index has increased by 33 per cent, yet this has not been enough to offset Alcoa's incredibly sharp decline compared to its peers. For instance, Century Aluminum Co. has seen a 33 per cent decline, while Kaiser Aluminum Corp. has dropped 28 per cent. Alcoa is well-positioned in the aluminium products and alumina production sector. The gradual sell-off of its stock has been influenced by various macroeconomic factors, which have hindered the strong rally in aluminium prices that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Image credit: Flickr (handle: abasstreppas) Generic market scenario Aluminium prices have greatly decreased from a peak of around...
Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) showed negative trends, with zinc recording the highest drop of 2.76 per cent d-o-d. Meanwhile, inventories at LME-registered warehouses witnessed outflows, except for nickel stocks, which increased by 1.21 per cent d-o-d. COMEX market update Copper prices on the COMEX market stood at $8,797/tonne (t), stable compared to the previous close. Indian market overview In India's non-ferrous metals markets, BigMint assessed domestic copper armature scrap at INR 743,000/t ex-Delhi. Aluminium Tense scrap prices remained stable d-o-d, with ex-Delhi at INR 174,000/t and ex-Chennai at INR 175,000/t. Global updates Global factory activity weakens as economic concerns rise Factory activity in Europe, Asia, and the US ended 2024 on a weak note, with...
The Realme GT 7 Pro, launched in Malaysia in November 2024, stands out as a cutting-edge flagship phone and is one of the first to feature a Silicon Anode battery. The Realme GT 7 Pro's frame is crafted from non-glossy aluminium, offering a premium feel and exceptional durability. Image Source: Realme website In the fast-paced world of smartphones, where compactness and durability are paramount, aluminium stands out as a preferred material. As manufacturers push the boundaries of hardware capabilities—incorporating more RAM and high-precision cameras—ensuring lightweight yet sturdy designs becomes essential. Its solid build quality rivals that of other flagship devices, and at just 222 grams, it's lightweight enough for comfortable use over extended periods. Powered by the robust Qualcomm...
The smelter grade alumina refinery (SGAR) multi-phased project of PT Borneo Alumina Indonesia (BAI) as a joint venture between PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum) and PT Aneka Tambang (Antam), is projected to give economic benefits for Mempawah region, West Kalimantan. Image Source: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/ The project, which involves a total of US$ 900 million (RP 14.5 trillion) worth investment, is scheduled to be executed in phases. The project will positively boost employment in the region as the opening of SGAR will attract job openings to the surrounding community. The development of Indonesia's aluminium industry holds substantial promise despite the slow progress seen in recent years. A senior government official had earlier revealed that till date one of the...
Shares of Goa Carbon Ltd, a leading Indian manufacturer of calcined petroleum coke (CPC), a crucial raw material for the aluminium and steel industry, surged by 9.4 per cent on Thursday during trading on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), reaching an intraday high of INR 762.5 per share. The rally followed the company’s announcement that its Bilaspur unit in Chhattisgarh had resumed normal operations. Calcined petroleum coke plays a vital role in refining aluminium and producing graphite. It is primarily used in the manufacture of carbon products such as graphite electrodes and anode arcs. Additionally, it is widely utilised in steelmaking, non-ferrous metal production, and aluminium smelting, making it a critical component across these industries. Reason behind the growth The rise in Goa...
On Sunday, December 15th, Chalco's Investment Management Department conducted a preliminary design review for the alumina energy-saving and efficiency-enhancing upgrade project at Chinalco Shanxi New Materials. The review, which was done in collaboration with the Finance, Science and Technology Innovation, and Safety, Environment, and Health Departments, required a team of experts to conduct the design review. Image Source: Flickr (Jorge Sá) The experts unanimously approved the preliminary design, signifying a significant milestone in advancing this key project. During the project review meeting, representatives from Shenyang Al-Mg Design and Research Institute and Henan Huahui Design Institute presented the preliminary design. The design covered various aspects including the project...
Near the conclusion of 2024, leading Norweigan aluminium and renewable energy company Norsk Hydro (NHY.OL) unfurled its decision to halt investment in its green hydrogen and battery business while slowly but steadily concluding these businesses' operations in the coming years. Image source: https://www.hydro.com/en/global/media/ "Hydro has a solid foundation to capture the long-term value creation opportunities in the aluminium market. To accelerate and elevate our position as the leading provider of low-carbon, high-value aluminium solutions, we are sharpening focus on strategic capital allocation, launching a new improvement program aimed at 2030 and pushing forward profitable growth throughout our value chain, all while continuing to deliver strong returns to our shareholders," said...
Chinese enterprise State Power Investment Corp. (SPIC) sparked excitement at the beginning of the calendar year as it announced a heavy-duty alumina refinery to be established in Guinea. The newest project was announced after it successfully carried out bauxite production in the West African country for the past three years. The plant, with its massive structural planning, has the potential to become the country's biggest preceding production to the only other refinery of Russian-owned United Co. Rusal Friguia's refinery, which has the capacity to produce at least 600,000 tonnes a year. SPIC will start the construction in March and complete the refinery that will have the capacity to produce 1.2 million tons of alumina per year by the end of 2027, the presidency said in a statement. "The...
GLE Scrap Metal Inc., a leading processor and trader of ferrous and nonferrous scrap, has acquired an interest in Mallin Cos. Inc., a Kansas City, Missouri-based scrap recycler. Mallin Cos. a fourth-generation family enterprise with 96 years of operation, runs two aluminium wire recycling lines in Kansas City. Image Source: GLE Scrap Metal The acquisition became effective on December 31, 2024. Both companies are family-owned businesses with rich histories in the recycling industry. The companies state that their longstanding collaboration has fostered a "wonderful working relationship" grounded in shared values and a mutual passion for growth in the recycling industry. They believe this new partnership will enable Mallin Cos. to achieve synergies that enhance competitiveness and reinforce...
Aluminium production, one of the most energy-intensive metal industries, poses a nerve-wracking challenge for global mitigation efforts. A recent study published by Nature sheds light on the evolving dynamics of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the aluminium sector and highlights the urgent need for innovative technologies and policy interventions to achieve net-zero goals. Despite advancements in technology, such as the adoption of more efficient and higher amperage cells, the proportion of aluminium production powered by fossil fuel-based captive power units rose from 37 per cent in 2012 to 49 per cent in 2021. The study reveals that retiring these power plants ten years ahead of schedule could reduce emissions intensity by 5.0–10.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) per tonne of...
Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) showed positive trends, with zinc increasing by 1.07 per cent d-o-d. Meanwhile, inventories at LME-registered warehouses remained stable d-o-d. Additionally, LME was closed today due to the New Year holiday. COMEX market update Copper prices on the COMEX market stood at $8,797/tonne (t), stable compared to the previous close. Indian market overview In India's non-ferrous metals markets, BigMint assessed domestic copper armature scrap at INR 750,000/t ex-Delhi. Aluminium Tense scrap prices remained stable d-o-d, with ex-Delhi at INR 174,000/t and ex-Chennai at INR 175,000/t. Global updates India's December factory activity hits 2024 low India's manufacturing growth slowed in December, marking its weakest pace of the year. The PMI fell...
With consumer preferences increasingly prioritising sustainability, transparency, and efficiency, aluminium is gaining prominence as the material of choice due to its recyclability, lightweight nature, and ability to maintain product quality. Image Source- Tropical Water As per the latest update, Florida-based MSPFLA, Inc., has formed an exclusive distribution partnership with Caribbean Food Services in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, to wholesale its eco-friendly Tropical Water brand across the USVI (U.S. Virgin Islands). Overall, the aluminium packaging industry saw consistent growth in 2023. Packed in reusable aluminium cans, this partnership supports USVI's conservation efforts by providing the local community, island visitors, retail outlets, and resorts with a sustainable alternative...
Arrow Minerals Limited is pleased to report more outstanding assays from its first drilling program at the Niagara Bauxite Project in Guinea. The project is located within trucking distance (~100km) of the multi-user Trans-Guinean Railway. Arrow has already completed the first pass of baseline environmental studies and community engagement. It has also started recruiting people from local communities to support the current operations. Arrow has already completed the first pass of baseline environmental studies and community engagement. It has also started recruiting people from local communities to support the current operations. Arrow Managing Director David Flanagan said, “We are extremely pleased with the outcomes of our first bauxite drilling programme at Niagara.” “This is all within...
The New Year 2025 is expected to deliver strong financial and operational performance for Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad, a Malaysia-based aluminium company with extensive global reach, thanks to the rising demand from China and reduced raw material costs due to increased alumina supply. According to a report from UOB Kay Hian (UOBKH) Research, the resurgence in aluminium demand from China due to the economic stimulus package is set to substantially boost aluminium consumption, including that from Press Metal, leading to estimated business growth. Projected alumina price ease in the near future owing to increased supply from the resumption of Rio Tinto’s Australian refineries and new capacities in China, India, Guinea, and Indonesia will also support Press Metal’s profitability....
India's bauxite mining sector reports growth in the non-ferrous segment, accounting for 23.93 million tonnes of output in FY 2023-2024. Production until April 2024 has been 86 thousand tonnes greater Y-o-Y. Since the past five fiscal years, bauxite mining has seen an overall steady boost, reflecting a cumulative 23.69 million tonnes of output during FY 2018-2019, with a slight decrease of 21.82 million tonnes during FY 2019-2020 and 20.38 million tonnes in FY 2020-2021. Production again picked up, with 22.49 million tonnes in FY 2021-2022 and 23.84 million tonnes in FY 2022-2023. The data pulled out from the Ministry of Mines of the Government of India shows that bauxite tops the chart for total ferrous and non-ferrous mineral production in India. To enhance bauxite mining operations, the...
Aviation Materials Co., Ltd. has announced a capital injection of RMB 60 million into Hexing Aviation Materials using its funds. Following the investment, the company’s shareholding in Hexing Aviation Materials is expected to reach 34.1655 per cent. Hexing Aviation Materials specialises in the research and production of high-strength, high-precision aluminium alloy materials and related products, catering primarily to the nuclear industry, aerospace, and other advanced sectors. This capital increase will raise the registered capital of Hexing Aviation Materials by RMB 4.982 million, fully subscribed by Aviation Materials Co., Ltd. The capital increase aims to strengthen the company’s portfolio of advanced aluminium alloy products while boosting the production capacity and profitability of...
According to the International Aluminium Institute, Asia & Africa region produced 1.164 million tonnes of alumina (metallurgical + chemical) in November 2024. While metallurgical-grade alumina output was 1.135 million tonnes, chemical-grade production was 29,000 tonnes. Compared to the previous month, the metallurgical-grade alumina production in November recorded a drop of 5.18 per cent from 1.197 million tonnes, in tandem with the fall in daily average output from 38,600 tonnes to 37,800 tonnes. However, on a year-on-year basis, Asia & Africa’s alumina production registered a growth of 1.16 per cent from 1.122 million tonnes. In November, Asia & Africa’s metallurgical-grade alumina production accounted for 9.8 per cent of the world’s 11.508 million tonnes of output, compared to 10 per...
