
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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On Monday, December 23, aluminium (both primary and secondary) keeps climbing the pricing ladder at the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM). However, as per the SMM listing, alumina prices (both average and provincial pricing) remained stable, showing no changes from the previous week's closing session. Primary aluminium ingot prices This week began with A00 aluminium ingot increasing by a solid 40 bucks compared to the previous session and finally resting at RMB 19,870 per tonne on average. Despite this current upward trend, it is essential to note that the price has experienced a decline of 1.5 per cent value in just a week's span. The price on December 16 (one week ago) was averaged at RMB 20,160 per tonne. The spot contract on the same date was traded at a discount of RMB 70 per tonne to a...

Arrow Minerals Limited (ASX: AMD) is pleased to report more outstanding assays from its maiden 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 Managing Director David Flanagan said, “These latest assays provide more firm evidence that Niagara is a major discovery. We have identified high-grade mineralisation over a combined area of 12km2, and this is based on just three of the nine targets we have identified.” “The mineralisation is open; we have assays pending from another 39...

Palco Metals, a microcap company operating in the aluminium and aluminium products sector, has attained a significant milestone by reaching an all-time high of ₹278.95 on December 20, 2024. This accomplishment underscores the company's robust market presence. On the day, Palco Metals outperformed its sector by 5.01 per cent, marking the eighth consecutive trading session of gains, resulting in a notable 47.59 per cent return during this period. The stock commenced trading with a substantial gain of 4.99 per cent, maintaining its price throughout the session. In terms of moving averages, Palco Metals is currently trading above its 5-day, 20-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day averages, indicating a strong upward trajectory. Over the past year, the company has delivered an impressive...

Ahead of Christmas and the New Year 2025, the Lviv Brewery, part of the Carlsberg Group in Ukraine, has reportedly launched a special edition of its Lvivske Rizdvyane seasonal beer in aluminium cans to summon the season of cake, carols, and all things fun. ‘Rizdvyane’ means Christmas in the Ukrainian language, which is why this special edition beer is infused with a dash of Christmas spices and a hint of caramel aroma to evoke the warmth of the festive season in every sip and toast. Since CANPACK is behind the craft of the cans, they are produced using the DUOMIX print technology. Finished with matt varnish, Lvivske Rizdvyane seasonal beer cans come in a sleek look, lending a graceful look to your Christmas or New Year party. If you are a football enthusiast or hosting a party for fellow...

The primary aluminium sector in the upstream industry particularly captured significant attention this week with intriguing news and updates that may lead to a change in decision-making regarding metal buying and selling, investments in projects, and export or import commodities. In case you have missed the stories, here are their briefs. Ten European Union member states have jointly appealed for stricter sanctions on Russian metals, including aluminium. The demand is led by Poland, who will assume the rotating presidency of the European Union Council from January 2025. This initiative aims to curtail Russia’s revenue from metal exports since it is a critical source of income after fossil fuels. To know more:...

RUSAL, the world's largest aluminium producer, conducted a comprehensive assessment of 150 companies — suppliers of key raw materials and resources. This was reported by the company's press service. This year, a pilot supplier assessment was carried out using the "Supplier's Personal Account" information and analytics system developed in 2023. "Responsible supply chains play a critical role in ensuring sustainable development and minimising negative environmental impact. Engaging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in this process contributes to supply diversification, increases innovation, and creates new jobs. SMEs often possess flexibility and adaptability, enabling them to respond quickly to changes in demand and consumer preferences. RUSAL integrates small businesses into the...

Japanese industry giant Sumitomo Chemical has announced its decision to sell its 2.97 per cent stake in Nippon Amazon Aluminium Co., Ltd. (NAAC) to YKK AP Inc. The sale amount remains undisclosed. This move, coupled with the previously announced sale of shares in two overseas aluminium smelting companies in May 2024, marks the company's complete withdrawal from the resale business of imported aluminium ingots. Aluminium resale is often subject to global price volatility, geopolitical factors, and supply-demand imbalances. The company might seek to mitigate its financial exposure to these risks by stepping away. Sumitomo Chemical’s inorganic materials business, which includes aluminium and alumina, builds on the technological prowess, human talent, and other business resources developed in...

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world’s leading ‘premium aluminium’ producer, is the first company in the Middle East to have joined the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative and the first one in the UAE to have sold its own industrial technology internationally. Among the many firsts, EGA is also the first company in the UAE to implement the digital tracking system, the first in the world to connect metal quality analysis to LME digitally, and the first to ship bauxite cargo using LNG-fuelled ship, achieved in 2024. So clearly, this Middle East-based company has continued to excel in what it does best – leading and inspiring the global metal industry while pioneering numerous areas of the aluminium sector. Image Source: Emirates Global Aluminium All things first, in 2024 First in the...

South32 has provided a consequent update on the current situation at its Mozal Aluminium smelter in Mozambique, which had been facing operational disruptions due to civil unrest. Despite these challenges, the company has prioritised the safety of its workforce and has reported that there have been no security incidents at the facility. Image Source: flickr (Credit - English Pocket Opera Company) South32, the globally diversified mining and metals company, had previously announced the withdrawal of its production guidance for Mozal Aluminium in Mozambique due to escalating civil unrest in the region on December 10, 2024. Recent developments indicate that road blockages, which had previously obstructed the transport of alumina from the port to the Mozal smelter, have largely been cleared....

On December 20, 2024, a sudden development emerged as aluminium prices in the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) witnessed a substantial surge. As of the latest trading session, the prices of both A00 aluminium ingot and aluminium alloy ingot have all seen notable increases. Image Source: https://image.made-in-china.com/ A00 aluminium ingot prices soar The average price of A00 aluminium ingot, a key indicator of the aluminium market, has risen to RMB 19,830 per tonne (approximately US$2717), marking an increase of RMB 150 per tonne from the previous trading session. The spot contract was traded on Friday with a discount price of RMB 80 per tonne to a discount of RMB 120 per tonne. The average A00 aluminium ingot pricing has risen in all eight listed provinces, with average prices of A00...

ABx Group Limited is pleased to announce that it has received binding commitments for placement (the "Placement") of Convertible Notes ("Notes") to be issued by the Company to professional and sophisticated investors, each with a face value of $1.00. The Placement will raise $1.8 million through the issuance of approx—1.8 million Notes in two separate tranches. The raising was heavily supported by the Company's existing shareholders. Highlights: The issue of the Notes will occur over two tranches, with tranche two subject to shareholder approval. Directors will participate in the Placement for $230,000. Funds raised will be used for the continued development of the Deep Leads Rare Earth Project, ALCORE pilot plant construction, working capital, and Placement costs. Subject to obtaining...

A transformational multimillion-dollar water project will soon provide 60,000 gallons of water daily to around 2,000 residents in Manchester's Harmons Valley, Jamaica. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, JAMALCO, the Manchester Parish Development Committee (PDC), and other key stakeholders. The project focuses on providing energy-efficient water solutions to eight communities affected by bauxite mining, ensuring residents have more reliable and consistent access to this essential resource. Jamalco is a joint venture between Century Aluminum and Clarendon Alumina Production Limited that focuses on bauxite mining and alumina production. The refinery’s capacity was upgraded to 1 million mtpy in 1999 and then to 1.25 million...

The European aluminium industry is undergoing a significant transformation as sustainability becomes a top priority. With the need to reduce carbon emissions and use recyclable materials, aluminium is increasingly being used in various industrial sectors. In dedicated interviews published in our recently published e-magazine titled 'Aluminium Industry: Focus Europe' , they express their outlook towards the continent's present and future in sustainable industrial practices. Antonio Perego, Sales Manager of the Aluminium Division at FIMI Machinery, points out, "The need to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere and use recyclable materials will increasingly push the use of aluminium in many industrial sectors." You can find the entire interview by clicking here... In line with this...

Aluminium and renewable energy company Hydro has announced a lump sum investment of NOK 200 million (US$17.66 million) to establish a new sow casting line at its Husnes site. This initiative aims to enhance the flexibility of the primary aluminium casthouse and is an essential part of Hydro's strategy for primary aluminium production, widening the plant's product offerings. Image Source - flickr (Credit - thatsouthafricanguy) Located on the west coast of Norway, the Husnes primary plant produces low-carbon extrusion ingot principally for the European construction and automotive industries. The introduction of the sow caster will enable the plant to produce sow ingots during periods of lower demand for its main products, thereby increasing operational flexibility. Hanne Karine Simensen,...

The global leader in aluminium rolling and recycling in selected niches, Gränges, is set to join Nasdaq’s Large Cap segment following the Nordic market capitalisation review, effective January 2, 2025. Since its listing on Nasdaq Stockholm in October 2014, Gränges's market capitalisation has soared from SEK 3.2 billion to SEK 14.3 billion. Over this period, the company has delivered a remarkable total return of 339 per cent to shareholders, averaging an impressive 16 per cent annual growth. Jörgen Rosengren, CEO of Gränges, said, ”As a listed company, we’ve accelerated our progress toward leadership in aluminium rolling and recycling. Our sales volume and operating profit have tripled, and we’ve expanded globally through acquisitions and strategic partnerships while generating excellent...

Shareholders of Century Aluminum (NASDAQ:CENX) are likely to express concern regarding the recent 13 per cent decline in the company's share price over the past month. However, this recent fluctuation does not overshadow the robust performance of the business over the last five years, during which the share price has pumped up by an impressive 159 per cent. For some investors, the recent pullback may be seen as a natural correction following such a rapid ascent. Ultimately, the company's operational performance is the sole determinant of whether the stock price can maintain its positive long-term trajectory. In light of the 12 per cent decrease in the stock over the past week, it is mandatory to examine the longer-term narrative and ascertain whether the fundamentals have underpinned the...

Rio Tinto has appointed Georgie Bezette as its new Chief People Officer, succeeding James Martin, who will retire at the end of this year. Georgie, who joined the organisation in 2008, is currently Chief Operating Officer, People, responsible for the transformation of the People function in support of Rio Tinto’s ambitious cultural change journey. She will start in her new role on 1 January 2025 and be based in London. Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: “As I have come to know Georgie, it is clear she is passionate about talent development, culture change, and creating inclusive environments that foster growth and innovation. This, combined with her operational experience, strong leadership capability and ability to make positive change a reality, will be a huge asset to the...

The third quarter data from the United States Geological Survey shows a sequential fall in the country’s aluminium scrap exports, in line with a decreased volume of scrap recovery during the same period of 2024. A 2 per cent decline in the United States aluminium scrap recovery during Q3 resulted in a 5.7 per cent fall in the export volume. In the third quarter of 2024, the United States aluminium scrap exports stood at 513,000 tonnes, down by 5.7 per cent from 544,000 tonnes in Q2, despite an M-o-M increase in September exports by 5.4 per cent to 177,000 tonnes. In August, the export remained restrained M-o-M at 168,000 tonnes. In comparison to the first quarter of 2024, exports in the September quarter increased by 3.6 per cent from 495,000 tonnes. However, when compared to the third...