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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The aluminium metal segment in the Shanghai Metals Market has seen an across-the-board downward pricing trend on Monday, December 16. On one hand, the non-ferrous metal's primary and secondary ingot pricing has declined, and on the other hand, the alumina pricing has remained stagnant after abrupt inflation over the past four months. Image Source: https://hebeidaizong.en.made-in-china.com/ Primary aluminium pricing The price of A00 primary aluminium ingot has witnessed a subtraction of RMB 160 per tonne, standing at RMB 20,160 per tonne. The first week of the month (December 06) closed with the metal's primary ingot's average pricing listed at RMB 20,400 per tonne, and the second week commenced (December 09) with the prices gaining a further RMB 10, finally towering at RMB 20,410 per...
As the negotiation continued for Japanese aluminium shipment premiums for the first half of 2025, some buyers have agreed to pay less than what was offered by global producers at the end of November 2024. According to a Reuters report, the amount agreed upon by Japanese buyers is $228 per tonne, down by 0.87-12 per cent from the previous offered price of $230-260 per tonne . However, despite the decline, it is the highest premium since 2015 and 30 per cent more than the premium for the ongoing quarter of $175 per tonne. The latest premium for Q1 2025 has also reflected an increase for the fourth consecutive quarter. "Although Japanese domestic demand remains sluggish, we settled at $228 due to overseas supply risks and the possibility that prolonged negotiations could push prices even...
The natural gas supply to the Pinjarra alumina refinery in Australia, which has an annual production capacity of 4.7* million tonnes, has been unexpectedly disrupted on December 10, 2024. This interruption caused a power outage and a substantial caustic soda spill at the facility. However, full production capacity is expected to be restored within 7-10 days. Independent news and insight into energy, industry and climate in Western Australia, Boiling Cold reported that a company spokesperson stated the incident disrupted process flow, and clean-up operations for the spills began promptly. Image credit: Pinjarra Paceway Information credit: SMM; Boiling Cold *https://www.alcoa.com/australia/en/pdf/refining-pinjarra-fact-sheet.pdf
As part of a research and development program, Rio Tinto is assessing the potential for extracting and valorising gallium, a critical and strategic mineral already present in the bauxite processed in its alumina refinery in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, the only one in Canada. When the preliminary phase of technology development is conclusive, Rio Tinto plans to build a demonstration plant in Saguenay for extraction technology that can produce up to 3.5 tonnes of gallium per year. The Government of Quebec has committed up to C$7 million for the demonstration phase. Eventually, the extraction potential of a commercial-scale plant could reach 40 tonnes annually, representing between 5 and 10 per cent of current world gallium production. Primary gallium is used in key sectors, including the...
Honda is celebrating 25 years of hybrid-electric vehicle sales in North America, a milestone that began with the introduction of the revolutionary ‘Honda Insight’. Image Source: www.hondanews.eu As the first Honda hybrid-electric vehicle sold in Canada, the Insight established a foundation for the company’s electrification strategy, which now sees hybrid-electric vehicles accounting for over 30 per cent of Honda brand sales in Canada. Core models such as the Civic, Accord, and CR-V are powered by the award-winning two-motor hybrid-electric system, continuing Honda’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability. First - generation Honda Insight and aluminium excellence Launched in December 1999, the first-generation Honda Insight was a groundbreaking vehicle designed specifically as a...
This week, the upstream aluminium industry has seen the release of several significant reports that have the potential to reshape market dynamics and improve operations across all sectors, including bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminium. For instance, Boddington bauxite mine life to be extended, US crude and dried bauxite imports uptick in Q3 2024, China’s metallurgical grade alumina production sees a growth in November, Russia-origin aluminium share in LME-approved warehouses increases, and a dip in the United States’ Q3 primary aluminium production and scrap recovery. The United States crude and dried bauxite imports continued to increase sequentially in the third quarter of 2024, driven by Turkey with a significantly increased supply of the ore, even higher than the same period of...
The United States imports of aluminium plates, sheets and bars stood below 100,000 tonnes for the two consecutive months in the third quarter of 2024, resulting in a dip in the total import volume through Q3. According to the US Geological Survey, the imports of aluminium plates, sheets and bars totalled 300,600 tonnes, significantly down by 11.33 per cent from 339,000 tonnes in Q2 2024. However, annually, imports in Q3 2024 showed a rise of 25.25 per cent from 240,000 tonnes. Also from the first quarter of this year, the import volume stood 3 per cent higher than 291,800 tonnes. It is to be noted that despite the sequential fall in Q3, the import volume stood above the mark of 300,000 tonnes. In September 2024, the country imported 94,100 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and bars...
The globally diversified mining and metals company headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, South32, anticipates securing state approval for its Worsley Alumina's bauxite mine life extension project from Western Australia later this month, with federal approval expected in early 2025. This resulted from a successful appeal of an earlier decision by the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). While the EPA had recommended the project for approval, it imposed conditions that South32 deemed excessively stringent for managing environmental risks, arguing they would pose substantial operational challenges. South32 owns 86 per cent of Worsley Alumina, with 10 per cent held by Japan Alumina Associates (Australia) Pty Ltd and the remaining 4 per cent held by Sojitz Alumina...
After two consecutive days of hikes, China's domestic A00 aluminium ingot price has slipped by RMB 100 per tonne to reach RMB 20,320 per tonne on Friday, December 13. Thus, the price has edged a week-on-week decline of RMB 80 per tonne or 0.39 per cent from RMB 20,400 per tonne, primarily due to muted demand in the downstream market as many plants are going for maintenance or reducing operations for lower orders during the traditional off-season. According to the Shanghai Metals Market, today's average prices are expected to range between RMB 20,300 and 20,340 per tonne, with a spot contract to be traded at a discount price of RMB 20 and a premium price of RMB 20 per tonne. Compared with the previous month's period, China's A00 aluminium ingot price is significantly down by RMB 520 per...
Shares of NALCO saw a sharp decline of over 7 per cent on Thursday, December 12, dropping to their lowest point of the day. Answering to the question of why several key factors have weighed in on this nationally and internationally. The primary trigger appears to be the movement in alumina prices, a critical raw material for aluminium production. NALCO, being one of the leading players in the alumina market, is particularly sensitive to these transnational price fluctuations, especially as the state-run company sells a significant portion of its alumina on the open market. Post alumina prices surge from US$600 to US$820 per tonne in the past few months, they have cooled off recently to around US$700 per tonne contributing as a major factor to this decline. There is also the reduced demand...
Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) showed negative trends, except for nickel, which increased by 0.91 per cent d-o-d. Meanwhile, inventories at LME-registered warehouses witnessed mixed movements, with zinc stocks decreasing by 0.76 per cent d-o-d. Aluminium prices declined due to a rise in China's production of the same. Despite some smelters undergoing maintenance, production capacities are being ramped up, which is expected to increase overall output. Additionally, China's strong aluminium exports and economic policy shifts are boosting market confidence. COMEX market update Copper prices on the COMEX market remained stable at $9,436/tonne (t) compared to the previous close. Indian market overview In India's non-ferrous metals markets, BigMint assessed domestic...
On Thursday, December 12, Constellium SE, a Paris-based rolled and extruded aluminium products company, announced the successful completion of the "ISA3" R&D project, which brings a lightweight solution to automotive design. Image Source: LinkedIn The project started in 2021 with a grant from the France Relance investment program and in partnership with Renault Group, ESI Group, the Institut de Soudure (Welding Institute), and the University of Lorraine. Upon completion, Constellium has set a benchmark in designing automotive aluminium components that are lightweight, cost-efficient, and recyclable. The significant development in this project is a lightweight aluminium door, using Constellium's uni-alloy 6xxx rolled and extrusion-based solutions. Owing to the design and use of lightweight...
The expansion of renewable energies requires sustainable solutions in order to keep the industry's ecological footprint as small as possible. Whether for new installations or repowering – it is not only the technology that needs to be optimised for maximum energy yield; the material solutions used must also withstand a holistic life cycle assessment. This is where the aluminium recycler Speira and the construction specialist Bayards advocate light metal as a more environmentally friendly alternative for the construction of the nacelles of modern wind turbines. Compared to conventional materials such as glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GRP) or steel, aluminium scores with clear advantages for the environment and efficiency. "We see aluminium as a key material for the sustainable further...
In partnership with Ball Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative, sustainable aluminium packaging for beverage, personal care, and household products, Dabur India, a 135-year-old Indian multinational consumer goods company, has reportedly launched Réal Bites juice in fully recyclable aluminium cans in India. Image Source: FoodTechBiz Réal Bites juice, part of Dabur India's Réal fruit juice brand, is a new range of fruit beverages that offers a drinking experience with real fruit chunks in every sip. Available in three delightful flavours – peach, pineapple, and green apple- Réal Bites is an ideal choice for consumers looking for a healthy and flavourful on-the-go beverage option. For convenience to carry, the drink is packaged in 185-ml aluminium cans. The...
The United States crude and dried bauxite imports continued to increase sequentially in the third quarter of 2024 but could not offset the overall year-to-date downfall. The Q-o-Q growth in Q3 import was primarily driven by Turkey with a significantly increased supply of crude and dried bauxite, even higher than the same period of the previous year. Image Source: LinkedIn According to the US Census Bureau Survey, the United States imported 553,000 tonnes of bauxite, extending the quarter-on-quarter growth. In Q3, the import volume was 26,000 tonnes or 5 per cent higher sequentially, echoing the growth rate seen in the second quarter. In Q2, the United States crude and dried bauxite imports stood at 527,000 tonnes versus 501,000 tonnes in the first quarter. However, annually, the United...
On December 2, 2024, the Coca-Cola Company unveiled updated voluntary environmental goals as part of its ongoing commitment to its purpose: 'Refresh the World and Make a Difference'. The American multinational corporation, The Coca‑Cola Company, is a total beverage company with products sold in almost every countries and territories on the earth. These updated goals reflect the valuable insights gained over decades of sustainability efforts, along with periodic assessments of progress and challenges. Achieving these ambitious targets will require continued investment in innovation and infrastructure, supportive legislation, and strengthened collaboration with bottling partners, industry peers, local governments, and civil society. The company focuses on key priorities, including enhancing...
The UK's biggest wagon and tank container fleet, VTG Rail UK, which provides its customers with logistical expertise and innovative digital solutions, has secured a significant ten-year wagon leasing agreement with ALVANCE British Aluminium, a prominent player in the aluminium manufacturing industry. Commencing in January 2025, the partnership will see VTG leasing 20 JPA powder tank wagons to ALVANCE, which joins VTG's growing roster of esteemed clients. This deal marks a notable addition to VTG's expanding client portfolio. The JPA wagons are set to be upgraded with VTG’s groundbreaking iWagon technology, a state-of-the-art innovation revolutionising the rail freight industry. This upgrade will enhance tracking and operational efficiency, equipping ALVANCE with advanced capabilities to...
The global outdoor industry leader—known for engineering and manufacturing the world's best climbing, skiing and trekking gear, Black Diamond Equipment ® has set groundbreaking benchmarks for recycled aluminium content in climbing hardware and trekking poles. Verified by UL Solutions, this initiative ensures that Black Diamond's sustainability claims meet the highest industry standards with independent validation, underscoring the company's commitment to environmental responsibility. UL Solutions is a recognised leader in developing sustainable standards, creating over 100 widely acknowledged and referenced sustainability benchmarks. It enables manufacturers and retailers to communicate their environmental achievements effectively to consumers, suppliers, and investors by providing them...
