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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An Indian microcap entity dealing in the aluminium product business has recently reached a new 52-week low, with its share price dipping to INR 8.92 (USD 0.10) on January 2, 2025. IGC industries' such stock performance has nudged shareholders to follow the 'strong sell' advice of the analysts and advisors. This decline hints at the company's perennial downfall, which has seen its stock underperform the sector by 5.1 per cent day-on-day. During the past 7 days, the entity has witnessed a recurring fall, finally coming down to a total descent of 29.64 per cent. The company's performance over the past year has been extremely poor, experiencing a significant decline of 84.18 per cent. In contrast, the Sensex has gained 9.39 oer cent during the same period. Additionally, the company has...
Waaree Energies Ltd., India's largest solar PV module manufacturer and a prominent player in the global energy transition, has announced securing an order to supply solar modules for a major 150 MW renewable power project. According to a company statement, the contract involves delivering Waaree's flagship high-efficiency Glass N-type Topcon bifacial modules, rated at 585/590 Wp. Renowned for their durability, superior energy output, and cutting-edge technology, these modules are a key feature of the project. The order comes from a renowned customer specialising in the ownership, development, and operation of renewable energy projects in India. Waaree, which operates an NABL-accredited testing lab to ensure the highest quality standards, stated that the execution of this project will...
Recently, Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) proffered a critical piece where the aluminium industry sat across the table, witnessing its own SWOT analysis. 2024 has been an eventful year, and the industry insights indicate a similar trend for 2025. The entire aluminium value chain, from the raw material, i.e. bauxite, to the end-user products like aluminium-made mobile cases, laptop chassis and vehicle bodies, has gone through vigorous and eventful turmoil to shape the industry as it is today and as it hints to be tomorrow. 2024's performance in a glimpse According to International Aluminium Insititute's data, from January 2024 to November 2024 — 125.66 million tonnes of metallurgical alumina and 8.113 million metric tonnes of chemical alumina were produced worldwide. Primary aluminium...
Gravita India Limited is one of the leading global recycling companies known for its expertise in recycling aluminium scrap, used batteries, and lead scrap. More recently, it saw a surge of 3 per cent in its stock during the day's trade. Why the 3% surge The reason behind this stock surge can be attributed to the announcement of the launch of commercial production of recycled aluminium alloys at its new facility in Ghana, West Africa. Operated by its step-down subsidiary, Recyclers Ghana Limited, the plant boasts an initial annual recycling capacity of 4,000 metric tonnes (MTPA) in Phase I, with plans to expand to 8,000 MTPA in future phases. The company has invested approximately INR 6.75 crore in the facility, financed through internal accruals. The plant will process domestic aluminium...
It is with great sadness that Rio Tinto confirms that Mr Gel Aguaviva, a deck fitter on board its bulk carrier RTM Zheng He , was reported missing on 26 December 2024, while the vessel was traveling from China to Western Australia. An extensive and ongoing search and rescue operation to find Mr Aguaviva has been conducted over the past seven days, with Rio Tinto working in collaboration with RTM Zheng He ship and crew manager, Anglo Eastern, and relevant authorities. The Philippine Coast Guard is leading the search and rescue operation. Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: "Our thoughts are with Gel's family, friends and colleagues, and we stand with everyone affected by this distressing situation. We are focused on offering all possible support during this difficult time. “We...
VR Infraspace Limited, an Indian-based company engaged in the construction and development of residential and commercial properties, has experienced a 5 per cent increase in stocks following its announcement to acquire a 70 per cent stake in Daxon Aluminium Private Limited for only INR 56,000 (US$653.11). Upon the announcement, the company’s shares rose to INR 302.30 (US$3.53) per share from its previous closing price of INR 287.95 (US$3.36) per share. After the completion of the acquisition, which is scheduled in February 2025, Daxon Aluminium, the producer of aluminium tubes, coils, foils, and extrusions, will become a subsidiary of VR Infraspace, complimenting the latter’s diversification goals into aluminium manufacturing. Specialised in residential projects offering luxurious living...
The SMM aluminium market has clocked a growth of RMB 100 per tonne to settle at RMB 19,770 per tonne as of today (January 2, 2025). The prices have grown in all the regions, with the highest in Gongyi and Shenyang, where it has gained RMB 110 per tonne to settle at RMB 19,770 per tonne and RMB 19,880 per tonne. In Linyi the price has surged by RMB 100 per tonne to reside at RMB 19,920 per tonne. On the same day the prices in Foshan and Wuxi have added RMB 80 per tonne to halt at RMB 20,050 per tonne and RMB 19,770 per tonne. In other regions like Hangzhou, Chongqing and Tianjin, the prices have grown by RMB 70 per tonne to settle at RMB 19,790 per tonne, RMB 19,920 per tonne and RMB 19,840 per tonne. The domestic price of low carbon aluminium has hiked by RMB 78 per tonne to arrive at RMB...
JSW MG Motor India on the first day of the year has declared a 55 per cent upsurge in sales at 7,516 units in December 2024, Y-o-Y (sales last year was close to 3400 units in December). The company has witnessed recor-breaking Electic Vehicles (EV) sales in December and NEV (new energy vehicle) sales which contributed towards over 70 per cent of the all-out sales with its crossover utility vehicle Windsor selling a blockbuster number of 3,785 units. This new year sales statement was provided by JSW MG Motor India through an official statement. "Going forward, we will maintain our growth momentum while driving continuous disruption and innovation. We are committed to introducing new products every six months, alongside delivering exceptional customer service," the spokesperson conveyed....
Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), strategically located on India's East Coast, has ushered in the New Year with a remarkable achievement, underscoring its growth momentum. The port, a cornerstone in Visakhapatnam's transformation from a modest fishing village into a bustling metropolis, has reached a historic milestone by handling 60.28 million tonnes of cargo during the first three quarters of 2024-25. This milestone surpasses its previous record of 59.73 million tonnes achieved in 2023-24 and sets a new benchmark in VPA's illustrious 91-year journey. Formerly known as Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT), VPA continues to solidify its reputation as a key driver of progress and economic development in the region. VPA Chairman Dr M. Angamuthu stated on December 31, 2024, "It's a significant...
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a 'Navratna' company under the Schedule 'A' category of CPSEs, is on the way to adding one more year of experience to its four decades of excellence in the mining, metal and power industries. Established on January 7, 1981, NALCO has evolved over the past 44 years into India's largest integrated producer of bauxite, alumina, aluminium, and power, demonstrating unwavering commitment, resilience, and dedication. The year 2024 further reflected its perseverance, echoing impressive achievements in both operations and financial performance. Although NALCO follows the financial year calendar from April 1 to March 31 for its operation, we are taking an opportunity at the beginning of 2025 to reiterate NALCO's year-to-data achievements. NALCO's...
Custom Line's new 164-foot flagship design has already garnered widespread acclaim, and the shipyard in Ancona, Italy, is witnessing strong customer demand for more. However, the standout feature of the all-aluminium Custom Line 50 highlights the shipyard's refusal to rest on its laurels. Crafted entirely from lightweight aluminium alloy, the hull was designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to achieve optimal hydrodynamic performance. The result is a sleek, efficient vessel that reduces drag enhances stability, and boosts overall performance, ensuring a smooth ride and significantly lower fuel consumption. Furthermore, this model is engineered with sustainability, incorporating reduced weight, advanced hydrodynamics, and recyclable materials to minimize its environmental...
As consumer preferences shift towards sustainability, transparency, and efficiency, aluminium is emerging as a material of choice for its recyclability, lightweight properties, and ability to preserve product quality. The aluminium packaging industry experienced steady growth in 2023, driven by an increasing demand for beverage cans and packaging foils. With over 11.5 million tonnes of aluminium flat-rolled products used in the packaging sector throughout the year, the industry’s expansion has been fuelled by a shift away from traditional materials like plastic and glass. The demand for aluminium in the packaging sector is primarily fuelled by beverage cans. While developed economies continue to drive this demand, developing countries are experiencing a faster-growing preference for...
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have developed a groundbreaking method to directly transform and upgrade metal scrap into high-performance, high-value alloys using a technique called "solid-phase alloying." This innovative approach eliminates the need for conventional melting processes. Source - PNNL website Use of ShAPE The research team utilised a PNNL-patented technique known as Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) to achieve these results. Importantly, the researchers emphasised that these findings are likely replicable with other solid-phase manufacturing techniques. The ShAPE process utilises a high-speed rotating die to generate friction and heat, transforming the coarse starting materials into a uniform alloy with...
In a recent press release, Black Diamond, a renowned manufacturer of equipment for skiing, climbing, and mountain sports based in Utah, United States, reported that UL Solutions backed its proprietary BD7075 aluminium alloy billet through UL Environmental Claim Validation Procedure for Recycled Content (ECVP 2809-2) to be composed of 25 per cent pre-consumer recycled content. This validated aluminium, which is a first of its kind in this specific manufacturing industry, is the principal component in all of their manufactured carabiners and is the majority of the used substance in hard goods manufacturing. Image Source: https://blackdiamond-cms.zaneray.com/ Jess Powell, Sustainability and Advocacy Manager, has clarified the matter further. He says the brand had no way of knowing the...
An Iranian knowledge-based firm, Nano Pouyesh Yekta Nano, has successfully developed a portfolio of 50 nano-based products, including gamma alumina oxide nanopowder. Nazanin Farhadyar, the Managing Director of Nano Pouyesh Yekta Nano, stated to an Iranian news agency, "So far, we have succeeded in making over 50 products in the field of nanomaterials, and the company's knowledge-based product is nanopowder of gamma alumina oxide." As a result of its hardness, thermal stability, and high specific surface area, nano alumina has numerous applications in various industries. Alumina nanoparticles are widely used in the adsorption and catalysis fields because of their acid-base properties, high specific area, and mechanical and thermal stability. Nazanin said, "This material is used in...
The Shanghai Metals Market, on January 1, 2025, recorded a growth of RMB 70 per tonne to settle at RMB 19,770 per tonne, with the spot contract price expected to be traded at a discount price of RMB 30 to a premium price of RMB 10 per tonne. A00 aluminium ingot On the same day, the prices in regions like Chongqing surged by RMB 90 per tonne to settle at RMB 19,850 per tonne, followed by a hike of RMB 70 per tonne in Linyi and Hangzhou to peg at RMB 19,830 per tonne and RMB 19,790 per tonne. In Shenyang and Foshan the domestic aluminium ingot prices have gained RMB 60 per tonne to reach RMB 19,770 per tonne and RMB 19,970 per tonne. In Gongyi and Tianjin the A00 aluminium ingot prices have increased by RMB 50 per tonne and RMB 40 per tonne to stand at RMB 19,660 per tonne and RMB 19,770...
Aluminium trading prices have remained stable at INR 241.4 (US$2.82) in India as on December 30, 2024 and while the prices have not changed, key data indicates an underlying tension in the market due to supply and demand dynamics. According to the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), global primary aluminium production increased by 3 percent year-on-year, reaching 6.04 million tonnes in November. However, the downside pressure on prices was mitigated as traders withdrew over 82 thousand tonnes from London Metal Exchange (LME) warehouses, marking the highest withdrawal since mid-October, primarily from stockpiles in South Korea. The global refined aluminium market experienced a short supply of 40.3 thousand tonnes in October, indicating a continued imbalance between production and...
Alumex PLC has recently launched a comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) roadmap titled "Elevate," setting a new benchmark for sustainable aluminium manufacturing in Sri Lanka and globally. By adopting a formal ESG framework, Alumex reaffirms its commitment to creating long-term value for stakeholders while contributing to a more sustainable future. Image Source: Alumex Alumex's green commitment In response to the growing demand for a circular economy, Alumex is committed to reducing its carbon emissions in line with global sustainability standards, benefiting Sri Lanka by helping to lower its overall carbon footprint. The roadmap outlines clear future targets, including a 25 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity, to contribute to global climate change...
