PV aluminium extrusion: This week, operating rates among sampled PV frame enterprises showed divergence. Some top-tier PV frame enterprises in Anhui and Hebei continued to run at relatively full operating rates; some other small and medium-sized integrated industrial extrusion enterprises reported that, for profitability considerations, they have proactively controlled production and reduced PV frame orders after the holiday, but their PV frame orders are limited, having little impact on the overall PV aluminium extrusion operating rate. From the downstream module side, October module scheduled production is expected to edge up from September, but the growth falls short of expectations, with China's scheduled production increasing by only 1-2 GW, providing limited support for PV-related...
This week, the overseas aluminium market overall remained in the doldrums. Weak demand continued to be the core issue across major markets, with offer prices in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the US, and China generally under pressure. Trading activity was sluggish, and the tug-of-war between sellers and buyers persisted, with the market lacking clear directional guidance overall. Japan: MJP negotiations continue, market sentiment remains subdued The Japanese market remained relatively quiet this week, with focus still on the progress of Q4 MJP negotiations. Some sellers are still negotiating premiums with buyers, but the two sides have significant differences in price expectations, and negotiations are progressing slowly. As a result, the MJP market remains subdued, with limited spot...
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TaeguTec has expanded its T-Turn turning insert programme with the introduction of the TTA101 grade, a new tantalum carbide (Ta-C)-coated insert designed to improve tool life, cutting-edge sharpness and surface finish in high-speed aluminium and non-ferrous machining applications. The TTA101 grade is designed for recommended cutting speeds of up to 1,500 m/min when machining wrought aluminium alloys. Its coating technology aims to improve wear resistance while preserving the sharp cutting edge required for consistent surface quality at high cutting speeds. Ultra-thin Ta-C coating preserves cutting-edge sharpness A key feature of the TTA101 grade is its Ta-C coating, which combines exceptional hardness with a very low coefficient of friction. With a thickness of less than 0.5 μm, the...
UAE-headquartered Gulftainer and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the UAE’s largest industrial company outside oil and gas, have signed a strategic agreement to strengthen aluminium exports through Khorfakkan Port on the country’s East Coast, outside the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement comes as EGA continues to diversify its outbound logistics to ensure reliable deliveries to customers in international markets. Under the arrangement, the company will route up to 250,000 tonnes of aluminium through Khorfakkan in the first year, rising to up to 300,000 tonnes in the second year. Volumes could increase further in subsequent years. Khorfakkan Port to support EGA’s export operations The partnership will strengthen the port’s role in handling EGA’s aluminium shipments while supporting the...
Vedanta Aluminium is expanding access to mental health support across its mining, refining, smelting and power operations, combining counselling services, digital wellness programmes and employee engagement initiatives to make emotional well-being a more integral part of workplace culture. At its Jharsuguda operations in Odisha, a digital wellness programme currently supports more than 2,900 employees and extends services to their family members. The initiative offers a 24/7 counselling helpline, personalised wellness pathways and access to professional guidance, allowing employees to seek support around their individual circumstances and work schedules. The company's initiatives come as World Mental Health Day 2026 highlights the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”...
Speira has commissioned a new aluminium recycling furnace at its Rheinwerk site in Grevenbroich, Germany, completing a EUR 40 million (USD 44.75 million) investment aimed at expanding recycled aluminium production for beverage cans. The facility has an annual capacity of around 60,000 tonnes, while Red Bull’s use of cans made with Speira’s recycled aluminium highlights the growing role of circular material in the beverage sector. The development marks another step in transforming a site long associated with primary aluminium production into a centre for the circular aluminium economy. Join the fourth edition of the webinar "Hedging for recyclers - Become an expert in 6 hours" by Jorge Dyszel. Rheinwerk shifts towards recycling The investment covers the new furnace, optimisation of the...
Metro Mining Limited is reviewing its full-year 2026 shipment guidance after operational disruptions at its Bauxite Hills Mine in Queensland, Australia, constrained barging capacity and equipment utilisation. The company shipped 659,000 tonnes of bauxite in September, bringing year-to-date shipments to 4.013 million tonnes. In an operational update dated October 12, 2026, Metro Mining said a sand-bank collapse reduced the depth of its barging channel from 1.8 metres to 1.3 metres during September, limiting the movement of bauxite. The company is implementing mitigation measures to address the disruption and said it would provide an update on calendar-year volume guidance as soon as possible, if required. Staff absenteeism and turnover also affected operations during the month, as the mine...
Norway has given aluminium recovered from a decommissioned North Sea oil platform a second life as a 55-metre pedestrian and cycle bridge in Trondheim. The Hangarbrua project uses 20 tonnes of recycled aluminium from the former Gyda platform. The project shows how industrial scrap can be converted into long-lasting public infrastructure while opening new possibilities for aluminium bridge construction. From North Sea oil platform to urban infrastructure The story behind Hangarbrua begins with Gyda, an oil platform that operated in the North Sea from 1990 until its decommissioning in 2021. During dismantling, Aker Solutions recovered approximately 18,000 tonnes of steel and other metals, including aluminium from the platform's topsides. Stena Recycling sorted the recovered aluminium scrap...
AlumaPower, Canada’s Sarnia-based manufacturer of aluminum-powered generators, has secured a C$4 million ($2.81 million) federal grant to advance its technology towards commercial launch. The funding, provided through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) under the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII), would be reinforcing the company’s expansion into defense and telecommunications markets. Moving away from the traditional power-generating feedstock of diesel, the development also sends a signal to securing a greener future with aluminum recycling. Recycled aluminum technology moves towards market AlumaPower’s generator system uses recycled aluminum to produce electricity and has been under development with the Canadian military for the...
Diet Coke prices have risen from INR 50 (USD 0.52) to INR 70 (USD 0.73) for a 330 ml can in several Indian markets as bottlers and retailers face higher aluminium can costs. The new price has been reported in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Goa. Some stores are charging the current price even for cans that still carry the earlier maximum retail price (MRP) of INR 50 (USD 0.52) Can-grade aluminium prices rose 30 per cent year on year, mainly because of supply disruptions in West Asia amid tensions. The increase has raised packaging costs for beverage bottlers and their suppliers. To learn the future of aluminium in the packaging industry, explore our report " ALuminium in Packaging: Consumer Trends and Market Dynamics " An independent Coca-Cola bottler confirmed the price increase,...
US aluminum product manufacturer Shapes Unlimited faces up to $5 million in additional costs this year as President Donald Trump’s tariffs and rising freight charges linked to the conflict involving Iran add pressure to American manufacturers. The Ohio-based company is among businesses grappling with higher input and transportation costs, while uncertainty over US trade policy and deteriorating relations with Canada complicate planning and expansion. Although some American manufacturers have benefited from higher barriers facing foreign competitors, others are struggling to absorb additional expenses and maintain growth. Doug Rende, chief executive of Shapes Unlimited, told AFP that the combined pressures had become increasingly difficult to manage. “Frustrating would be one word,” Rende...
Dak Nong Aluminum Company - TKV in Lam Dong, Vietnam, is linking workplace initiatives with efforts to improve plant operations, equipment safety and operational efficiency. Pham Ngoc Thanh is a shift supervisor at the thermal power plant. He has suggested several changes to fix problems at the plant. In 2023, suggestions and plans for building a low-pressure steam pipeline between the thermal power plant and the coal gasification plant were given by him. This pipeline provides steam when needed. In 2024, he worked on the A06 return water pipeline to reduce noise, vibration and hot water leaks. The changes also reduced the time needed for equipment repairs. Explore the production, demand and consumption forecasts of bauxite and alumina in our report: " Global Bauxite & Alumina Market...
LME aluminium cash prices declined on October 9, 2026, while three-month prices recorded a marginal increase compared with October 8. The LME aluminium cash bid price fell by 0.16 per cent to USD 3,055 per tonne from USD 3,060 per tonne, while the cash offer price decreased by 0.16 per cent to USD 3,055.5 per tonne from USD 3,060.5 per tonne. In contrast, the LME aluminium three-month bid price edged up by 0.02 per cent to USD 3,069 per tonne on October 9 from USD 3,068.5 per tonne on October 8. The three-month offer price increased by 0.03 per cent to USD 3,070 per tonne from USD 3,069 per tonne. The December 27 bid price rose by 0.07 per cent to USD 3,027 per tonne on October 9 from USD 3,025 per tonne on October 8. Similarly, the December 27 offer price increased by 0.07 per cent to...
India’s aluminium industry is moving to expand domestic production of higher-value flat-rolled products, with new investments in rolling capacity and specialised materials highlighting the growing importance of advanced processing technology. However, imports continue to supply a substantial share of the country’s flat-rolled aluminium requirements, leaving scope for further development of domestic manufacturing capabilities. The shift is visible in Hindalco Industries’ January 2026 commissioning of a 170,000-tonne-per-year flat-rolled products and battery-grade aluminium foil facility in Odisha. The project involved an investment of INR 45 billion (USD 490 million), while the company said nearly 40 per cent of India’s flat-rolled aluminium was being imported. Hindalco expects its...
Hindalco Industries has partnered with Vi Business to establish its first dedicated private network at the Baphlimali bauxite mine in Odisha, supporting safer mining, real-time monitoring and Industry 4.0 operations. Hindalco Industries Ltd has partnered with Vi Business, the enterprise arm of Vodafone Idea (Vi), to deploy a dedicated private network at its Baphlimali bauxite mine in Rayagada district, Odisha. Announced on October 8, 2026, the multi-year managed services agreement marks Hindalco’s first private network implementation and forms part of its broader digital transformation strategy. The network will cover the complete private network infrastructure, including spectrum, core network, radio access network (RAN) and managed services. It is expected to provide secure, reliable...
PMB Technology Bhd plans to invest MYR 650 million (USD 133 million) in a silicon-aluminium alloy plant at Samalaju Industrial Park in Sarawak, Malaysia, as the group seeks to diversify its operations following prolonged weakness in its silicon metal business. The proposed facility is expected to be completed and begin commercial operations by the second quarter of 2027, subject to shareholder approval. The investment forms part of a restructuring plan that would redirect some of the group's existing power capacity towards silicon-aluminium alloy production while partially suspending silicon metal manufacturing. The move comes as PMB Technology faces mounting financial pressure from weak silicon metal prices and sluggish demand. By expanding into silicon-aluminium alloys, the company aims...
BENKAM, an aluminium extrusion manufacturer based in Uzbekistan, is showcasing its latest developments in aluminium profiles and components at ALUMINIUM 2026. The exhibition runs from 6 to 8 October in Düsseldorf, Germany. The company's exhibition display features products for the construction, solar energy and transport sectors, highlighting their applications in industrial, building and infrastructure projects. BENKAM's participation demonstrates Uzbekistan's manufacturing capabilities and its capacity to produce technologically advanced industrial products with high added value. During the opening day, BENKAM's stand attracted visitors and partners from different countries. Company representatives held a series of business discussions, with product presentations and meetings continuing...
Aluminium’s next growth phase is increasingly being shaped by downstream processing, supply-chain resilience and demand from specialised applications. Germany continues to generate a substantial trade surplus in flat-rolled products despite a shrinking primary aluminium base, while North America is investing in recycling and rolling. Across Asia, new manufacturing capabilities and growing demand from electric vehicles, railways and batteries are creating further opportunities. However, declining exports, underutilised capacity and uneven profitability show that investment alone does not guarantee success. For industry leaders, the challenge is to identify where demand is shifting, develop products that meet customer requirements and ensure that new investments translate into sustainable...
Aluminium markets in late 2026 are being shaped by more than the headline LME aluminium price. Bauxite security, alumina availability, geopolitical disruptions, tariff negotiations, logistics diversification and regional premiums are increasingly determining where metal moves and what buyers pay. From RUSAL reassessing Caribbean assets and Vedanta securing Odisha bauxite to Brazil extending mine life and EGA rebuilding its Guinea supply chain, producers are strengthening control over critical raw materials. At the same time, the US remains heavily dependent on imported bauxite and alumina, while Europe and Asia are experiencing sharply different premium dynamics. These developments point to a market where physical availability is becoming a regional factor even as aluminium itself remains...
Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) has supplied a 250 mL aluminium wine can for Royal Swinkels’ BarLoca, an alcohol-free wine now launching across the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. The BarLoca Bianco and Rosso variants come in a semi-matt can developed specifically for wine, with a design blocking light and air and an interior lining intended to preserve the product’s quality and taste. The format is crafted to bring the convenience of aluminium packaging to wine. Lightweight and unbreakable, the can is easy to transport, chill and store, while its single-serve format is suited to consumers looking for greater flexibility. To learn the future of aluminium in the packaging industry, explore our report " ALuminium in Packaging: Consumer Trends and Market Dynamics " Referring to the new...
