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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In a significant move to elevate the technical acumen of Bahrain's youth, Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has generously donated a robotic unit to the Nasser Vocational Training Center (NVTC). This initiative aligns with the Center's mission to offer students immersive, practical experiences in robotic operations. On May 20, 2024, a ceremonial handover took place, witnessing the presence of Alba’s CEO , Ali Al Baqali, and the CEO of NVTC, Dr. Abdulla bin Naser Al Noaimi, alongside senior officials from both organisations. This event marked a collaborative milestone aimed at enriching the educational landscape with advanced technological tools. From industry to education The donated robotic unit previously served at Alba’s Casthouse 2, efficiently stacking finished product bundles for over...
Kobe Steel, Ltd. has disclosed its decision to incorporate green aluminium materials into aluminium extrusion and suspension products supplied to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Initially, commencing in fiscal 2024, the green metal will be used for Nissan's mass-produced vehicles meant for the Japanese and North American markets, and then the move will gradually extend to cars for the European market. Nissan's automobile components that will contain green aluminium materials include aluminium bumper reinforcements, door guard bars, and suspension parts. Increasing the incorporation of green aluminium materials into car components will play a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions throughout the vehicles' lifecycle and lessening their weight. Notably, approximately 10 per cent of the weight of...
The previous trading day, LME aluminium opened at US$2,628 per tonne, hit a high of US$2,765.50 per tonne and a low of US$2,607 per tonne, and closed at US$2,715.5 per tonne, up US$89 per tonne or 3.39 per cent. On Tuesday, May 21, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price soared by US$75.50 per tonne or 2.94 per cent and US$77 per tonne or 2.99 per cent to halt at US$2,643 per tonne and US$2,645 per tonne. On a Year-on-year scale, the LME aluminium price has seen a spike of US$383 per tonne or 16.93 per cent from US$2,645 per tonne recorded on May 22, last year. Aluminium prices surged to a nearly two-year high on Tuesday, marking the largest one-day gain in four months due to concerns about raw material supply and a rally in copper. On the London...
In a strategic manoeuvre to secure Alumina Ltd.'s $4 billion buyout, American aluminium giant Alcoa has tailored a unique arrangement for the company's second-largest shareholder, China's CITIC Group. As reported by the Australian business-focused, compact daily newspaper Australian Financial Review, this move aims to garner CITIC's backing while adhering to US banking regulations. Sources indicate that the modifications were crafted in collaboration with CITIC to safeguard the group's position if the shareholder vote favours the takeover. As of now, CITIC has yet to officially decide whether it will retain its stake in Alumina Ltd. or sell its shares in exchange for Alcoa stock. Alcoa's all-stock offer for Alumina Ltd. now includes an additional provision: issuing non-voting convertible...
In a recent report, Bank of America (BofA) underscored the profound impact of geopolitical dynamics on global metals supply chains, spotlighting China's pivotal role in green technology industries. The report highlights China's overwhelming dominance in producing electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, and solar panels, posing a significant competitive hurdle for companies outside its borders. This monopolistic position has not gone unnoticed in developed markets (DMs), where there is a growing sense of urgency to reassess and diversify their supply chains. The geopolitical risks associated with heavy reliance on Chinese manufacturing capabilities have become a focal point of concern, prompting these markets to explore alternative strategies to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure the...
Ball Corporation has strategically sold its aerospace business to BAE Systems, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $4.7 billion. This move has enabled Ball to pay down $2.8 billion in debt and initiate a $1.3 billion share repurchase program. The sale propelled the company’s shares to a 21-month high despite mixed Q1 results. The financial manoeuvre allowed Ball Corporation to report a combined profit of $0.68 per share, slightly down from the previous year's $0.69, yet exceeding expectations by 14 cents. GAAP profit for Q1, bolstered by the aerospace sale, was $11.70 per share. However, total sales fell by 3.7% to $2.87 billion, missing estimates by $270 million. CEO Daniel Fisher stated: “Following the successful sale of the aerospace business in mid-February, we have executed our plans to...
According to the International Aluminium Institute survey, the world’s primary aluminium production in April 2024 witnessed a month-on-month drop of 3.12 per cent but a year-on-year rise of 3.33 per cent. As per the data revealed, world’s primary aluminum output was 5.9 million tonnes in April 2024, compared to 6.09 million tonnes in March 2024 and 5.71 million tonnes in April 2023. The year-on-year increase in production during April 2024 was primarily driven by demand recovery in manufacturing sectors, like automobile, packaging, and solar power, reduced production costs, and higher profit margin due to bullish aluminium benchmark price on the London Metal Exchange. World’s daily average output of primary aluminium also grew 3.3 per cent year-on-year in April 2024 to stand at 196,600...
Eurasianet reported on May 20 that China is set to assist Tajikistan in completing several major infrastructure projects, including modernising the Tajik Aluminum Company (TALCO), the country's largest industrial enterprise. TALCO has recently increased its output, producing over 66,000 tonnes of primary aluminium in 2023, marking a 7 per cent rise from the previous year's total. Chinese and Tajik officials signed a protocol Earlier in May, Chinese and Tajik officials reportedly signed a protocol during an intergovernmental meeting in Beijing, detailing plans for China to assist Tajikistan in several significant projects. These include the modernisation of TALCO, infrastructure developments in Dushanbe, the construction of a logistics centre in Danghara, and the upgrade of a highway in...
Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a renowned name in India's aluminium industry and a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium has taken a groundbreaking step in ash management. By introducing a state-of-the-art Digital Ash Control Tower (ACT), BALCO is set to revolutionise its ash management practices with real-time artificial intelligence (AI) monitoring, enhancing both operational efficiency and safety. BALCO's Digital Ash Control Tower (ACT) is a pioneering solution aimed at transforming its extensive ash management network. Utilising advanced AI, the ACT provides real-time monitoring to ensure strict compliance with ash management guidelines. This cutting-edge technology significantly improves the management of the ash handling fleet, streamlining transportation, and ensuring road...
In a strategic move signalling its commitment to sustainable energy, the Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment Company has announced a significant cornerstone investment in PAG's Asia Pacific renewable energy platform. This marks Mubadala's inaugural venture into Japan's burgeoning clean energy sector. While the specific financial details of the investment remain undisclosed, this partnership underscores Mubadala's ongoing dedication to expanding its global renewable energy footprint and supporting the transition to a more sustainable future. PAG is a leading alternative investment firm focused on APAC with three core strategies: credit & markets, private equity, and tangible assets. Emirates Global Aluminium is the world’s largest ‘premium aluminium’ producer and the largest industrial...
The US Department of Commerce (DOC) recently released its preliminary findings from the anti-dumping investigation into Vietnamese aluminium extrusions and products. This information comes from the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam, under the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The investigation, initiated on October 24, 2023, in response to a request by the US United Steel, Paper & Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial & Service Workers International Union, covers the period from April 1 to September 30, 2023. The DOC has imposed a preliminary anti-subsidy tax rate of 2.85 per cent on a mandatory defendant enterprise and 28 other firms. In comparison, 41.84 per cent has been levied on the remaining companies. According to the authority, an on-site examination of the...
PETROSOL Platinum Energy Ltd has announced the appointment of Daniel Acheampong, a seasoned corporate leader and former CEO of Volta Aluminium Company Ltd (VALCO), as its Board Chairman. Mr Acheampong assumed his new role on May 16, 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience in strategic leadership and human resource management. Mr. Acheampong's illustrious career at VALCO spanned 36 years, during which he held various key positions, culminating in his appointment as CEO in January 2014. Under his leadership, VALCO reinforced its status as a cornerstone of Ghana's integrated aluminium industry. His tenure was marked by significant strides in stakeholder confidence and operational excellence, driven by his commitment to professionalism and ethical conduct. Before becoming CEO, Mr....
The aluminium packaging recycling rate in the United Kingdom (UK) hit an impressive 68 per cent in 2023, according to the National Packaging Waste Database published by the Environment Agency. This record-breaking effort saw 162,357 tonnes recycled nationwide, including more than four in five beverage cans (81 per cent). Despite the rapidly growing domestic market, the amount of aluminium packaging collected through kerbside, bring, and on-the-go systems increased by 13 per cent year-on-year, with 115,382 tonnes collected in 2023 compared to 102,195 tonnes in 2022. Additionally, the cargo recovered from incinerator bottom ash (IBA) rose by 17 per cent, reaching 45,632 tonnes, up from 38,982 tonnes the previous year. As per AL Circle’s new industry-focus report - “Global ALuminium Industry...
On Monday, May 20, the United States International Trade Commission notified that it started investigating a complaint filed by ArcelorMittal related to the violation of patents by Vietnamese automaker VinFast. According to ArcelorMittal, a Luxembourg-based multinational steel manufacturing corporation, VinFast has breached the former’s high-strength aluminium and aluminium alloy-coated steel patents in its vehicle VF 8. Reportedly, ArcelorMittal also lodged a complaint with the ITC in April and filed a lawsuit in US District Court in California, accusing VinFast of violating patents. Prior to that, ArcelorMittal sent a letter to VinFast asserting it was violating its patents. ArcelorMittal said it believes that VinFast also contravened the patents for its VF3, VF 6, VF 7, and VF 9...
China-based Jiaxin New Materials Company successfully anchored its target tasks through scientific planning and efficient production organisation in the first quarter. The company achieved 102.92 per cent of its operating income goal, 105.1 per cent of its total industrial output value target, and 125.9 per cent of its profit objective. Additionally, comprehensive processing costs decreased by 34 per cent compared to 2023, marking a robust start to the year. The company also unlocked a significant milestone this year in May by successfully developing and producing A356 aluminium alloy square ingots . The company's achievements so far Dongxing Jiaxin New Materials has adopted a working concept centred on production orders, equipment, and primary business support. The company has vigorously...
The UK's Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has launched a transition review concerning aluminium foil imports from China. This follows a 2013 ruling during the UK's EU membership, where the European Union identified instances of dumping by Chinese producers and imposed anti-dumping measures. Post-Brexit, these measures were incorporated into UK law. The TRA's current review will evaluate the necessity of maintaining these measures to ensure fair competition for UK producers. Aluminium foil, extensively used in the food industry, hair, and beauty sectors, had import values exceeding £77 million in 2023. The current import tariff on Chinese aluminium foil stands at 35.6%. A 2019 review by the EU reaffirmed the need for these measures. The TRA, now responsible for such investigations...
According to China customs data, China’s unwrought aluminium and products imports (including primary metal and unwrought, alloyed aluminium) in April 2024 surged by 72.1 per cent year-on-year to reach 380,000 tonnes. China’s total imports of unwrought aluminium and products amounted to 1.49 million tonnes during the first four months of 2024, up by 86.6 per cent from the same period last year. China’s aluminium imports increased significantly over a year due to demand growth and robust consumption of the green metal. Besides solar and wind power sectors, construction, transportation, and packaging also contributed immensely to the rise in demand. Russia was the leading exporting country to China, supplying 392,775 tonnes in the first quarter of 2024. That was year-on-year higher by 127.7...
Rio Tinto announced on Tuesday that it has declared force majeure on alumina shipments from its operations in Queensland, Australia, due to a gas shortage. Gas supplies from Rio's Gladstone facilities have been significantly disrupted following an incident on the Queensland gas pipeline in early March, as told by a company spokesperson to Reuters on Monday. In March, the company stated that it was evaluating the impact of fires in Queensland on the gas pipeline that supplies the plant. About the declaration A spokesperson stated in an email that the force majeure notice, which affects third-party contracts, is a temporary measure. Force majeure is a legal declaration that releases a company from its contractual obligations due to uncontrollable circumstances. According to the...
