Tesla's ambitions for its Optimus humanoid robot extend well beyond factory automation, with the company envisioning a future in which robots could support vehicle servicing, logistics and even last-mile delivery. However, turning that vision into a commercially viable product will require more than advances in artificial intelligence and robotics. It will also depend on access to aluminium, critical minerals and the downstream manufacturing capabilities needed to produce increasingly sophisticated hardware at scale. Tesla has already taken an important step towards that ambition. On October 21, 2026, the company announced that Optimus production had begun on its high-volume manufacturing line in Fremont, California. Tesla described the units coming off the line as its first...
Trimet has reduced direct carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at its aluminium recycling plant in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, by 25 per cent, saving approximately 4,000 tonnes annually through a transition to hydrogen-rich coke oven gas. The new energy supply system, commissioned on October 29, 2026, will power the site's melting furnaces using industrial gas containing more than 60 per cent hydrogen. The coke oven gas is sourced from ArcelorMittal's coking plant in neighbouring Bottrop and supplied to Trimet through Uniper Energy Sales via the existing gas pipeline network. A new supply line, approximately 700 metres long, was installed to connect the recycling facility at Gelsenkirchen's inland port to the network. According to Trimet, coke oven gas generates lower CO2 emissions during...
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RHB Retail Research has indicated that LB Aluminium Bhd, headquartered in Malaysia, has grown to be one of Asia's largest aluminium extrusion manufacturers and is on track for an upward trajectory after rebounding from its support level. The stock is on track for an upward trajectory after rebounding from its support level. On May 30, 2024, the stock approached the immediate resistance of 59.5 sen, forming a 'White Marubozu' bullish candlestick. In their May 31, 2024, trading update, the research firm noted that a breakout above this resistance could trigger bullish momentum, potentially pushing the stock higher to the 61.5 sen resistance, with the next target at 65 sen. Conversely, RHB Retail Research warned that a dip below the 56 sen support level would reverse this momentum, leading...
The aluminium industry is witnessing significant transformations in 2024, characterised by impressive financial gains, strategic energy agreements, and innovative financial solutions. Companies like Press Metal Aluminium Bhd and New Zealand Aluminium Smelters are navigating complex global trade landscapes while prioritising sustainability and renewable energy. This case study delves into recent developments, analyses their impact, and projects future industry trends. Press Metal's financial surge - Remarkable profit growth in Q1 2024 In the first quarter of 2024, Press Metal Aluminium Bhd reported a striking 44.7% year-on-year increase in net profit, amounting to RM408.04 million. The company also saw a 17% rise in revenue, reaching RM3.62 billion. This growth is largely attributed to...
Every Can Counts, a prominent recycling non-profit, announces the fourth edition of its International Recycling Tour. This dynamic campaign, aligned with World Environment Day, promotes the critical role of drink can recycling in conserving resources and combating climate change. By recycling just one tonne of aluminium, we save nine tonnes of CO2 emissions and preserve four metric tonnes of bauxite, a vital raw material for aluminium production. Launching on June 5th and spanning the subsequent weekend, the International Recycling Tour 2024 will engage 16 cities across Europe, Brazil, and the U.A.E. Enthusiastic recycling ambassadors, exemplifying the mission to recycle drink cans consumed outside the home, will traverse vibrant cities, urban parks, popular beaches, and bustling...
On Thursday, May 30, Kaiser Aluminum Corporation, an American aluminium producer, published its 2023 Sustainability Report, highlighting the company's focus and initiatives around sustainability. The report also features Kaiser Aluminum's commitment to grow as a preferred supplier, a preferred customer, a preferred employer, and a valued corporate citizen. Keith A. Harvey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kaiser Aluminum, said: "We view sustainability as a strategic imperative that is central to our business and advancing toward a more sustainable future . Our 2023 report reflects another strong year of continued progress and solid performance against our key sustainability goals which directly align with our corporate values. Given the infinite recyclability of aluminum, we...
Hindalco Industries Limited has awarded a new contract to Tenova for the supply of a state-of-the-art Roll Grinder. This sophisticated machinery, produced by Pomini Tenova, is destined for Hindalco’s renowned Renukoot aluminium plant in Uttar Pradesh, India. The roll grinder will enhance the plant’s hot and cold rolling mills by efficiently grinding work rolls, backup rolls, and auxiliary rolls. The new Roll Grinder from Pomini Tenova is engineered to operate foundation-free, a testament to its advanced design and efficiency. Key features include: Pomini Digital Surface Analysis (PDSA): This cutting-edge technology performs precise roll surface analysis with remarkable speed, enhancing safety and reducing reliance on operator expertise. Pomini Process Monitoring (PPM): Equipped with...
In a significant move to solidify its position in Asia's burgeoning electrification market, a global leader in aluminium rolling and recycling in selected niches, Gränges has announced extending its long-term strategic partnership with Shandong Innovation Group (SIG). This collaboration aims to enhance Gränges' competitiveness and expand its market share in the region, which is rapidly becoming the global leader in electric vehicle and electrification applications. Gränges has witnessed robust growth in demand for its high-quality, sustainable electrification solutions across Asia. The company's portfolio includes advanced battery casings, battery foil, cooling plates, and other essential components for electric vehicles. The extended partnership with SIG is expected to leverage this...
In the wake of an increased demand for low-carbon aluminium to advance sustainability, Norsk Hydro has decided to strengthen the capacity of its Henderson recycling plant in Kentucky by building a new casting line. Built-in 1999, this plant is Hydro’s first recycling facility, and over time, it has become a production hub of high-quality, recycled, low-carbon aluminium products. The addition of a new casting line will involve an investment of US$85 million, but when it becomes operational in 2026, it will supply the automotive industry with more high-quality, low-carbon aluminium components. Like Hydro Husnes plant in Norway and Hydro Rackwitz plant in Germany, Hydro Henderson will also use HyForge casting technology. The main benefit of the technology is that it eliminates friction that...
New Zealand Aluminium Smelters (NZAS) has secured the future of the Tiwai Point smelter with new 20-year electricity agreements. These arrangements ensure the smelter's ability to competitively produce high-purity, low-carbon aluminium powered by a diverse mix of renewable energy sources from New Zealand's South Island. NZAS owns and operates the Tiwai Point smelter and has entered into contracts with electricity generators Meridian Energy, Contact Energy, and Mercury NZ. These agreements establish the pricing for 572 megawatts (MW) of electricity, sufficient to meet the smelter's entire energy requirements. Subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions, these contracts are expected to commence in July 2024 and extend until at least 2044. Jérôme Pécresse, the CEO of Rio Tinto...
The three-month LME aluminium opened at US$2,787.50 per tonne and reached a high of US$2,799 per tonne and a low of US$2,683 per tonne before closing at US$2,705 per tonne, down US$89 per tonne or 3.19 per cent. On Thursday, May 30, the LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price shrank by US$29 per tonne and US$29.50 per tonne, respectively, to stand at US$2,665 per tonne and US$2,665.50 per tonne, following an incessant rally since May 24, from US$2,551 per tonne to US$2,695 per tonne. Despite the downfall, the LME aluminium benchmark price stood 4.49 per cent higher week-on-week than US$2,551 per tonne and 4.73 per cent month-on-month than US$2,545 per tonne. The 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price fell overnight by US$30 per tonne and US$30.50 per...
BigMint's assessment indicates a marginal gain of INR 1,000 per tonne for spot prices of aluminium ADC12 alloy ingots, reaching INR 216,000 per tonne week-over-week. Tense scrap prices stood at INR 188,000 per tonne ex-Delhi, reflecting a weekly increase of INR 1,000 per tonne. The scrap-to-ADC12 spread is recorded at INR 28,000-29,000 per tonne. Tense scrap prices in Chennai Market sources indicated that tense scrap offers in Chennai are around INR 188,000 per tonne, with spot prices of ADC12 in Chennai ranging between INR 218,000 and INR 220,000 per tonne ex-works on immediate terms, excluding GST. The spot prices for automobile equivalent manufacturers matched those of a major automaker, at INR 221,000-223,000 per tonne ex-Delhi. Despite stable Tense prices in the northern region,...
The Malaysian aluminium giant, Press Metal Aluminium Bhd, has demonstrated a remarkable financial performance in the first quarter of 2024, propelled by increased sales volumes and a favourable exchange rate. This impressive growth is propelled by a significant rise in both net profit and revenue, highlighting the company's strategic positioning and market adaptability in an evolving global landscape. For the quarter ending March 31, 2024 (1Q 2024), Press Metal Aluminium reported a net profit of RM408.04 million, marking a substantial 44.7 per cent year-on-year increase from RM281.97 million in the corresponding period of the previous year. Concurrently, the company’s revenue surged by 17 per cent, reaching RM3.62 billion compared to RM3.07 billion in 1Q 2023. This financial upturn is...
One Water, an ethical hydration brand, is set to be the official water partner for the fitness-focused Wild Goat Festival, happening from May 31 to June 2, 2024. The festival, designed to bring families together outdoors, will feature a range of activities such as running, cycling, and other fun events. Sporting icons like Paula Radcliffe, Chris Thompson, and Non Stanford will also be in attendance. Volunteers at the Wild Goat Festival will distribute One Water's 500-ml refillable aluminium bottles to attendees. These bottles align with One Water's commitment to sustainability, as aluminium is a 100% recyclable material. Additionally, attendees will receive One Water’s Energising and Hydrating Supplements to boost their fitness activities. Ian Spooner, Brand Director of One Water,...
In a move towards zero emissions, Hydro Extrusion in Sweden has commenced on-site renewable energy production. The ultimate goal is fully transitioning to 100 per cent locally produced renewable energy for operating Hydro's extrusion plants in Vetlanda and Finspång. The main aim is to extrude aluminium using 100 per cent locally produced renewable energy. With Hydro Rein (Hydro's renewable energy company) recently completing phase one, rooftop, ground-mounted solar panels and battery storage systems have begun significantly contributing to this ambitious goal. These efforts supplement an existing local hydropower plant. Technical solution includes The technical solution, a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability, includes seven rooftop installations with a total...
Avaada Energy, a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, has successfully secured INR 315 crore financing from Aseem Infrastructure Finance Ltd (AIFL) for a significant solar project in Karnataka. This move marks a notable advancement in India's infrastructure debt financing and highlights Avaada's commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Avaada Energy's latest venture is a solar PV power project located in the Kalaburagi district of Karnataka. This project is being developed under a long-term captive Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Ltd (KMF). KMF, an apex body for the dairy cooperative movement in Karnataka, holds an A+ (Stable) rating by ICRA, emphasising its financial stability and reliability. The INR 315 crore...
Welsh fabricator Dudley’s Aluminium has begun a prestigious project to construct a state-of-the-art joint education campus in Fairwater. Collaborating with ISG Construction Ltd., Dudley’s will bring to life three newly build schools—Cantonian High School, Riverbank School, and Woodlands High School—on a singular site, embracing sustainability and innovative aluminium fabrications. The Fairwater campus, a multimillion-pound endeavour, is poised to set a benchmark for future educational projects in Cardiff. This development aligns with the Welsh Government’s Net Zero Carbon standards, ensuring each of the three schools will be energy-efficient and powered by renewable energy sources. Dudley’s Aluminium will install Metal Technology System doors, windows, and capped curtain walling,...
The United States has long been targeting a reduction in carbon footprint across the industrial sectors, including automotive, packaging, energy, and consumer products, by sustainably producing low-carbon aluminium. However, due to limited renewable power generation, the region has primarily resorted to scrap recycling and using recycled metal in aluminium semi-finished and finished products. With the help of advanced technology infrastructure, the United States has also developed new anode technologies to be able to emit direct emissions from the use of carbon anodes during smelting. Recently, environmental consulting firm ICF, in collaboration with the Aluminum Association, has released a report titled Pathways to Decarbonization: A North American Aluminum Roadmap, highlighting all...
The high-tech Australian company ABx Group, which delivers materials for a cleaner future, has announced the publication of its baseline Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, prepared with assistance from Socialsuite. Socialsuite is a global leader in impact technology. Founded in 2014 in Melbourne, it has offices in Australia, the United States, and Canada. Socialsuite’s purpose is to help organisations show the change they are making. Socialsuite develops and provides technology solutions to measure and manage social impact and ESG reporting . Dr Mark Cooksey, the MD and CEO of ABx Group, said, "I am pleased to introduce ABx's first ESG disclosure report, an important milestone on our pathway to improving our ESG metrics." "As part of our purpose of 'delivering materials...
JSW Steel has introduced an innovative product named Magsure, a zinc-magnesium-aluminium alloy-coated steel. This specialised steel is designed for use in highly corrosive environments. It is ideal for various applications, including steel structures in solar installations, silos, guard rails, and air conditioning parts, where enhanced corrosion protection is essential. The first only Indian company JSW Steel, a leading steel manufacturer in India and part of the USD 24 billion JSW Group, announced in a press release that it is the first Indian company to produce and market a zinc-magnesium-aluminium alloy-coated steel product domestically. The company has also patented Magsure's unique chemical composition. "We are optimising our coated products mix to service the nation's requirements...
