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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Vedanta Limited has brought a different plan for its demerger scheme, which is to retain the base metal business under the parent company's umbrella. So, instead of six separate companies, billionaire Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta will demerge into five distinctive entities – Vedanta Limited, Vedanta Aluminium, Vedanta Oil and Gas, Vedanta Steel and Ferrous Materials, and Vedanta Power, with the process to be completed by January 2025, distributing shares in 1:1 ratio. This revised demerger plan is in response to lenders' feedback and efforts to restart the Tuticorin copper smelter. Vedanta thinks this strategic move will ease the process of lenders' approval, given the recommencement of the smelter will streamline operational and financial complexities. However, as the new demerger plan...
On Tuesday, December 3, two technical standards related to red mud road construction were officially published on the National Group Standard Information Platform. The two technical standards developed by the Guangxi Branch of Chalco included Technical Specifications for the Production and Application of Red Mud-based Lightweight Soil and Red Mud -based Cementing Material. Image Source:ResearchGate (Red mud of the second mud storage of the Mykolaiv Alumina Plant) The Technical Specification for Production and Application of Red Mud -based Lightweight Soil outlines essential aspects such as - production processes design principles raw material selection construction preparation mix proportioning quality control acceptance criteria This standard applies to various construction and municipal...
A circular economy is an essential part of building a sustainable future as it addresses critical global challenges like resource depletion, waste generation, and environmental degradation. Aluminium plays a pivotal role in this context due to its exceptional recyclability. According to the International Aluminium Institute, aluminium is one of the most recycled materials on Earth. Nearly 75 per cent of the 1.5 billion tonnes of aluminium ever produced remains in use today. Each year, over 30 million tonnes of aluminium scrap is recycled globally, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of sustainable materials. Growing focus on 'green aluminium' Aluminium businesses are increasingly prioritising 'green aluminium,' aiming to minimise environmental impact while meeting industrial demands....
Pátio Paulista Mall in São Paulo and Nespresso have partnered for Christmas 2024 to create a one-of-a-kind, sustainable celebration. Over 50,000 aluminium capsules from Nespresso have been transformed into festive decorations, including sculptures of bears, garlands, and Christmas trees, bringing an innovative and eco-friendly touch to the shopping centre. Image Source: Enfeitedecora This initiative was made possible through the efforts of numerous Nespresso consumers who, throughout the year, deposited their used capsules at the brand's collection points across Brazil, including four at Shopping Pátio Paulista. The project highlights Nespresso's dedication to the circular economy, with approximately 85 per cent of the aluminium used in its capsules coming from recycled sources....
According to the Shanghai Metals Market, there are currently 41 new and under-construction secondary aluminium projects in China, with a combined capacity of 4.63 million tonnes. Of this total capacity, 44.28% (2.05 million tonnes) is dedicated to secondary cast aluminium alloys across 28 planned projects, while the remaining capacity, 2.58 million tonnes, is allocated to secondary wrought aluminium alloys. Image Source: CFS Foundry Among 28 secondary cast aluminium alloy projects, 16 are expected to be operational by the end of 2024, adding 1.32 million tonnes to the total capacity. The pace of capacity expansion has slowed this year compared to 1.88 million tonnes of new operational capacities in 2023. Most of the new capacity planned for this year is scheduled to commence in H2. Only...
The SMM aluminium market is buzzing with activity, offering a blend of stability and subtle shifts across various segments. While some prices held their ground, others nudged lower, reflecting the ever-changing dynamics of supply and demand. From alumina to primary and secondary ingots and even low-carbon and high-purity aluminium, today’s pricing paints a complex picture of the industry’s landscape. Whether it’s the steady Australian alumina FOB price or the mixed movements in ingot premiums and discounts across Chinese regions, there’s plenty for market watchers to unpack. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening in the world of aluminium today. Alumina pricing The price listing for alumina as of December 27, 2024, reflects variations across regions in China and Australian FOB prices....
Gamber-Johnson, an award winning manufacturer and designer of robust mounting solutions for electronic equipment used in vehicles, forklifts, and various mobility applications announced its recent acquisition of American Aluminum Accessories. By integrating American Aluminum Accessories into its portfolio, Gamber-Johnson addresses a critical product gap, ensuring a seamless fit with its existing solutions. Image Source - Gamber Johnson This milestone reflects the company's ongoing commitment to delivering comprehensive, industry-leading solutions to customers worldwide. This strategic acquisition enhances Gamber-Johnson’s capabilities and broadens its product offerings to better serve diverse industries, including the public sector, material handling, logistics, and enterprise. “Over the...
China's Gui Aluminum New Materials Co., Ltd. has unlocked a new milestone. The company has once again secured a spot in the top 100 Guizhou manufacturing enterprises in 2024. This achievement marked a remarkable climb of 41 places compared to its 2023 ranking. Image Source: Indiamart In recent years, Gui Aluminum New Materials and its subsidiaries have proactively advanced technological innovation, product research and development, and market expansion. The "2024 Guizhou Entrepreneur Annual Meeting and Guizhou Entrepreneur Activity Day," organised by the Guizhou Enterprise Federation and Guizhou Entrepreneur Association, recently took place in Guiyang. About Gui Aluminum Committed to driving the deep processing and high-end evolution of aluminium, the company has consistently enhanced...
AMAG Austria Metall AG is a leading sustainable manufacturer and supplier of premium rolled aluminium products, including sheets, strips and plates, recycled aluminium alloy castings, and ready-to-install components. The company, with production sites at Ranshofen in Austria, Übersee and Karlsruhe in Germany, and Sept-Îles in Canada, is known for delivering exceptionally high-quality products used in a wide range of industries, such as aerospace, automotive, mechanical engineering, packaging, architecture, electrical, and sports industries. Standing firm to the commitment to building a greener future, the company every year strives to strengthen its sustainability efforts throughout the supply chain and operations while focusing on a circular economy and clean technology. 2024 has also...
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates, other than the oil and gas sector, has opted for a green loan to finance its acquisition of United States' business share. In addition to its European acquisition, EGA has expanded its operations to the United States. The company completed the acquisition of an 80 per cent stake in Spectro Alloys, a leading secondary foundry alloy producer in the U.S., enhancing EGA's global presence and commitment to sustainable aluminium production. In a statement, Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, said, "Aluminium demand is expected to grow worldwide by up to 80 per cent by 2050. Recycled and low-carbon primary aluminium are expected to account for around 60 per cent of supply growth...
Carlsberg's £3.3 billion acquisition of Britvic, a leading soft drinks manufacturer, has received approval from the UK's competition regulator, marking one of the year's most significant takeovers. Announced in July, the deal aims to merge Carlsberg's extensive beer portfolio with Britvic's soft drinks range. Image Source- FREEPIK The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an initial review of the merger in September and, on Tuesday, December 24, confirmed it would not proceed to a more in-depth investigation. Established in 1847 by brewer J.C. Jacobsen, the Carlsberg Group has become a leading global brewing conglomerate. The company has cemented its reputation as an industry trailblazer with a diverse beverage portfolio and a strong commitment to achieving a zero-carbon...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced that Suzhou Alutech Automotive Parts Co., Ltd. has achieved the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) certification, recognising its excellence in the design and manufacturing of brake and suspension components. This state-of-the-art facility features three casting lines, three main melters, a chip re-melter, 18 casters, two heat treatment lines, a continuous LPI line, 32 CNC machines, and both manual and automated assembly lines. Image Source- ASI It is further equipped with a validation laboratory housing eight linear actuators. With an annual production capacity of 4.5 to 5.5 million saleable products, the facility sets a benchmark for excellence in the industry. The independent third-party audit of Suzhou Alutech Automotive Parts Co., Ltd....
China’s aluminium trading market, often seen as a bellwether for global trends, exhibited subtle yet telling shifts as per the latest Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) pricing report released on Thursday. Alumina and aluminium prices showed mixed dynamics, reflecting evolving supply-demand balances and regional variances. With slight declines in some areas and stability in others, the data points to a steady but cautious market. Alumina pricing The latest Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) pricing report as on Thursday shows trends in China's alumina market, with regional price stability except for slight declines in some areas. The average price for alumina on December 26 in China decreased marginally by RMB 6 per tonne, settling at RMB 5,725 per tonne. This minor drop reflects subtle shifts in...
Ceylon Beverage Can, a state-of-the-art beverage packaging manufacturing unit in South Asia, has recently joined forces with Rockwell Automation, Inc., the global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. This collaboration marks a milestone as Rockwell introduces its cloud-based Plex Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to Ceylon Can, enabling a seamless transition to digital manufacturing. Image Source- Rockwell Automation Notably, this initiative represents Rockwell’s first Plex MES deployment in Sri Lanka and its debut in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector within the Indian subcontinent. As Ceylon Can gears up to expand its operations with new facilities in India, this pilot project will serve as a vital stepping stone in advancing the company’s digital...
National Aluminium Company (NALCO) has signed a mining lease deed for the amalgamated Utkal-D and Utkal-E coal blocks in Angul district, Odisha. The announcement was made in an exchange filing after trading hours on December 24, 2024. As one of Asia's largest integrated primary aluminium producers, NALCO's presence encompasses the entire value chain from bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting, and power generation to downstream products. The lease agreement will enable NALCO to enhance its coal production capacity to 4.0 MTPA, significantly strengthening fuel security for its captive power plant. The lease will remain valid until April 21, 2051. For the first time in its 41-year history, NALCO smelter achieved the remarkable milestone of operating all 960 pots at full...
Based on the General Administration of Customs data, the Shanghai Metals Market revealed that November primary aluminium imports were 13.8 per cent down month-on-month but 22.5 per cent up year-on-year. According to SMM, China’s imports of primary metal in November were 150,700 tonnes, which brought the cumulative imports to about 1.975 million tonnes, up 44.5 per cent Y-o-Y. Net imports were approximately 132,000 tonnes, as the country exported 18,800 tonnes in the same month. China’s net imports of primary aluminium in November stood 17 per cent down M-o-M but 23.5 per cent up Y-o-Y. From January to November, the net import volume totalled 1.866 million tonnes, recording a 51.5 per cent increase Y-o-Y. On the other hand, China’s exports of primary aluminium from January to November...
Move over, elves – there’s a new team in Santa’s workshop, and they’re all about rigour and efficiency. This Christmas, Open Mind Technologies, Hermle, and Fraisa banded together to ensure Father Christmas’ sleigh wasn’t just running on holiday cheer but cutting-edge manufacturing magic. Image Source: https://www.advancedmanufacturing.org/ It all started with a festive dilemma. Santa’s production line was under pressure, and the elves were struggling to keep up. Thus enters the damsel in distress, Hermle’s high-performance CNC machines, ready to revolutionise toy production with unrivalled precision. These machines, guided by Open Mind Technologies’ hyperMILL CAM software, ensured every nut, bolt, and toy part was crafted to perfection – even the tiniest spinning tops had pinpoint...
In eleven months of 2024, Africa has produced 1.44 million tonnes of primary aluminium, compared to 1.462 million tonnes a year ago. That reflects a year-on-year downfall of 1.5 per cent, in contrast to the 2.87 per cent hike in global primary metal output . Consequently, the country’s contribution to the world’s primary aluminium production has dipped from 2.26 per cent to 2.16 per cent this year. Several factors contributed to this downfall, such as irregular power supply hindering smelting operations, lack of investments in new smelting facilities or upgrading existing ones, increased prices of alumina hiking operational costs, and so on. According to the International Aluminium Institute, Africa in November 2024 produced 133,000 tonnes of primary aluminium, down by 2.92 per cent from...
