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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Maybank has expanded its white paper series to include a focus on the aluminium and steel sectors, reinforcing its commitment to driving the transition to a net-zero economy. This initiative reflects Maybank's dedication as a Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) signatory to align its operations with sustainability goals while supporting clients in their transition journeys. Maybank is Malaysia's largest bank by market capitalisation and total assets, operating throughout the country and broader region. A white paper is an informational document issued by a company or not-for-profit organisation to promote or highlight the features of a solution, product, or service it offers or plans to offer. As a result of its initial decarbonisation efforts communicated in its maiden white paper titled,...
South32, a globally diversified mining and metals company, has announced the withdrawal of its production guidance for Mozal Aluminium in Mozambique due to escalating civil unrest in the region. The company cited rigorous roadway blockages that are restricting the transportation of raw materials to the facility, prompting the enactment of contingency plans to minimise operational impacts. South32 emphasised that the safety and well-being of its workforce at Mozal Aluminium are of utmost importance. Despite the civil unrest, the company reported that its employees are safe, and there have been zero security incidents at the facility. The company remains committed to ensuring the safety of its employees and the continuity of its operations. In response to the situation in Mozambique,...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, China’s domestic aluminium production destabilised in November 2024 (30 calendar days), recording a month-on-month downfall of 3.21 per cent, attributed to environment protection-related controls requiring production cuts during the dry season. In addition to production cuts, increased alumina prices were another factor that contributed to the reduced aluminium output volume in China during the period under review. Image Source: Getty Images However, the resumption of some aluminium projects, which were under maintenance in Sichuan, Xinjiang, and other regions, slightly offset the monthly fall and led to a year-on-year hike of 2.74 per cent. As per the SMM data, China’s domestic aluminium production in November was approximately 3.583...
Econowind, a leading innovator in Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion technologies for the maritime industry, announces the appointment of Chiel de Leeuw as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), effective December 1, 2024. Chiel will play a key role in advancing Econowind's mission to revolutionize maritime sustainability and expand the company’s impact in the global shipping industry. Chiel brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the maritime sector. He has previously served as Commercial Director at Oceanco, a globally renowned builder of luxury yachts. Prior to Oceanco, he held the position of Sales Director at Damen Shipyards Group, one of the world’s largest and most respected shipbuilding companies. In his new role as CCO, Chiel will be instrumental in driving Econowind’s...
The price of a00 primary aluminium ingot, on Tuesday, December 10, has descended a diminutive amount to its yesterday's pricing. On December 11, 2023, the Shanghai Metals Market closed with the metal's average pricing being listed at RMB 18,380 per tonne, and on Tuesday, as the week progressed, the pricing stood at RMB 20,350 per tonne with a minus of 60 RMB from December 9 pricing. The Y-o-Y price of the primary aluminium ingot's average price index has seen a 10.7 per cent surge. Image Source: Flickr (Courtesy - Michael Vroegop) The spot contract is set to be traded on December 10 from a discount of RMB 20 to a premium of RMB 20 per tonne, decreasing by another RMB 20 per tonne. The average A00 aluminium ingot pricing had overall downslope trend in all the provinces, with prices...
On November 11, 2024, four of the biggest teams in global sports – Arsenal, Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche – joined forces to launch the "Green Action League," the largest fan-driven campaign on sustainability ever seen in sports. This collaborative tournament invites European football, American football, basketball, and ice hockey supporters to compete against one another to help their team secure the title of the 'greenest fans'. The tournament, powered by Ball Corporation and hosted on the Planet League platform, runs from November 11 to December 1, 2024, to inspire sports supporters across the world to adopt greener habits. Participants score 'green points' for sustainable activities. "The Green Action League is all about how small, simple actions can add up...
The festive season, especially around Christmas, brings with it a surge in demand for aluminium foil, a versatile product indispensable in many households and industries. With its primary application in the food and beverage sector, aluminium foil has become a staple for packaging, storage, and cooking, showcasing its multi-dimensional utility. A booming market The aluminium foil manufacturing industry has grown into a vast global enterprise. According to a report by Verified Market Research, the Aluminium Foil Used in Food Packaging Market was valued at USD 14.49 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 19.82 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4 per cent over the forecast period. Another report by AL Circle, titled ‘Aluminium Foil and its End Uses:...
Gränges, a global leader in aluminium rolling and recycling in selected niches, has successfully refinanced a sustainability-linked credit facility to bolster its sustainability initiatives. Arranged by Danske Bank, Nordea, SEB, and Citibank, the agreement comprises a SEK 3,000 million revolving credit facility, which can be expanded to SEK 3,500 million, and a USD$ 70 million loan. The facility is set for an initial term of three years, with an option for a two-year extension. The financing is tied to achieving two key sustainability performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with Gränges' climate objectives. These KPIs are integral to the company's sustainability-linked financing framework and form the core of Gränges' ambitious sustainability plan. Oskar Hellström, CFO at Gränges, said, "At...
According to the US Geological Survey, the United States’ aluminium crude metal and alloy imports in August 2024 experienced a decline for the second consecutive month, following an increase last seen in June. As per the data revealed, the import volume in August plunged by 25,000 tonnes or 8.5 per cent month-on-month to 268,000 tonnes. Image Source: iStock In the previous month (July), the United States aluminium crude metal and alloy imports were 293,000 tonnes, down by 13.82 per cent from 340,000 tonnes in June. In the first eight months, the United States’ cumulative imports were 2.41 million tonnes, down by 7.69 per cent from 2.6 million tonnes during the corresponding period of the previous year. From Canada, the top exporter of aluminium crude metal and alloys to the United States,...
Emirates Global Aluminium broke ground today to start constructing ten pilot reduction cells for EGA-EX, the next-generation smelting technology with more advanced features than EGA’s DX+ Ultra technology. The ten pilot cells will be constructed at Al Taweelah smelter to test and validate the technology, backed by advanced Internet of Things sensors and connections that will enable seamless real-time data gathering and application of Industry 4.0 to ensure increased production capacity by 22 per cent, improved current efficiency, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. EGA-EX is designed in two variants – one to maximise productivity and another to minimise greenhouse gas emissions. EGA intends to incorporate all its existing Industry 4.0 technologies in EX to develop it as a one-stop...
The global mining and metal giant Rio Tinto has entered a strategic partnership with Swedish investment firm Vargas, global integrated business enterprise Mitsubishi Corporation, and a consortium of local and international industry partners to explore a low-carbon aluminium greenfield opportunity in Kokkola, Finland. The collaboration marks a significant step towards advancing sustainable aluminium production in Europe. Rio Tinto will provide with access to its provenits cutting-edge AP60 technology to the Arctial partnership as the strategic industrial partner. This marks the first deployment of AP60 outside of Quebec, Canada. Developed by Rio Tinto, AP60 is widely regarded as one of the most efficient aluminium smelting technologies at a commercial scale, offering substantial potential...
China’s metallurgical-grade alumina production continued to grow in November 2024, driven by expanded capacity. As of December 6, China’s metallurgical-grade alumina capacity stood at about 103.02 million tonnes, up by 0.31 per cent from 102.7 million tonnes in the previous month. Image Source: Made-in-China Operating rate and output volume According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, the actual operating capacity of alumina refineries increased by 3.24 per cent in November, compared to a 2.93 per cent growth in October, leading to a record-high capacity. The operating rate in the specified period stood at 86.63 per cent against 84.22 per cent in the previous month. The increased capacity and operating rate drove China’s monthly alumina output in November. Month-on-month, the...
Rolls-Royce has redefined luxury gifting this festive season with the introduction of the Rolls-Royce Cameo, a miniature model inspired by the brand's iconic open-top cars of yesteryears. Designed exclusively for home décor, this collector's item is a celebration of the marque's rich heritage and modern craftsmanship. Image Source: https://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/ Crafted from solid wood and polished aluminium, the miniature car exudes elegance, featuring hallmark details like self-levelling Rolls-Royce centre caps and even a charming miniature driver. This intricately designed piece is more than just a décor item; it offers enthusiasts a hands-on experience of Rolls-Royce craftsmanship. In a nod to the assembly process at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, 'Cameo' is delivered in...
After three months of continuous upheaval in alumina's pricing at the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM), today, on December 09, the crystalline substance's price ultimately remained unfazed. Image Courtesy: Flickr (Jorge Sá) Alumina price trend Both the average price and the provincial prices remained the same as the previous week's closing prices after a whopping gain of over 46 per cent Q-o-Q. On Friday, December 6, the average price of alumina tended towards maintaining stability without any massive rise. The average price of alumina gained RMB 10 per tonne in SMM and towered at RMB 5,757 per tonne. Whereas on September 9, 2024, the average price of alumina, as listed on the SMM market, was close to 2000 bucks lower at RMB 3938 per tonne. Prices in the provinces since September have also...
The ASX-listed company, Arrow Minerals Limited, has published reports on further outstanding assay results from its maiden drilling program at the Niagara Bauxite Project in Guinea. Strategically located approximately 100 km from the multi-user Trans-Guinean Railway, the project offers significant logistical advantages for transportation and development. Arrow Minerals Limited is an exploration and development company focused on delivering long-term shareholder value by discovering economic mineral deposits in West Africa. The discovery of Niagara is rapidly evolving into a substantial resource, demonstrating high-grade potential within the trucking distance of a multi-user railway. Results from 111 drill holes are still pending. The latest assays from 30 holes include: BS000096, 4 metres...
Ducati has unveiled a revamped model of Multistrada V2 at Intermot 2024, which is coming next year and aims to redefine the mid-displacement adventure touring segment. The new model showcases a dramatic weight reduction of 18 kg, thanks to a redesigned aluminium monocoque frame and a new, lighter 890 cc V-twin engine. This weight loss translates into enhanced agility, making the Multistrada V2 more nimble and easier to manoeuvre in urban settings and winding roads. Image Source: https://www.intermot-cologne.com/ The 2025 Multistrada V2 boasts a sharper, more aggressive design. It has updated LED headlights and a revised windscreen for improved aerodynamics and rider comfort. The ergonomics have also been optimised, with a redesigned seat and adjustable handlebars to accommodate riders of...
The final month of 2024 began this week, marking several key events in the upstream aluminium sector. A few of them are critical minerals export ban by China to the United States, projections by the Australian Securities Exchange Limited (ASX) suggesting a return of bauxite stocks to IPOs, and the stabilisation of primary aluminium ingot price in the Chinese metals market. After multiple ups and downs through November 2024, China’s domestic primary aluminium ingot price has remained range-bound this week (December 2 to 6) between RMB 20,380 and 20,400 per tonne. During the same period of the previous month, China’s aluminium ingot price experienced a sharp growth of 4.48 per cent from RMB 20,780 per tonne to RMB 21,710 per tonne. In contrast, the price in early December marked an increase...
Bauxite residue, commonly known as red mud, is a highly alkaline by-product generated during the Bayer process of alumina extraction from bauxite ore. With global alumina production steadily increasing to meet the demands of various industries, the volume of red mud produced has surged correspondingly, posing significant environmental and management challenges. The red colour is due to the presence of iron oxides (along with other oxides). The multifaceted nature of red mud demands an immediate and thorough understanding to mitigate its adverse effects and harness its potential benefits. Red mud contains unreacted minerals, metal oxides, and caustic soda, making it toxic if not managed properly. Its disposal has traditionally involved storage in large containment areas, which poses risks...
