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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In a groundbreaking move that promises to transform the socio-economic fabric of Odisha’s tribal heartland, the Indian multinational mining and metal house Vedanta is set to commence operations at the Sijimali bauxite block, spanning the Kalahandi and Rayagada districts. This initiative, positioned as a blend of industrial advancement and inclusive community development, aims to elevate local livelihoods while safeguarding cultural heritage and environmental integrity. Over the next 25 years, Vedanta intends to invest almost 1,200 crores through two dedicated development funds - the Lanjigarh Periphery Area Development Fund (LPDAF) and the newly established Sijimali Periphery Area Development Fund (SPDAF). These funds will be pivotal in addressing the pressing needs of local communities,...
On Wednesday, December 4, the A00 aluminium ingot price in China has increased by RMB 40 per tonne to halt at RMB 20,360 per tonne with the spot contract price expected to be traded at a premium price of RMB 0 to RMB 40 per tonne. The average prices may stand between RMB 20,340 per tonne and RMB 20,380 per tonne. A00 aluminium ingot As per the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) data, the prices have grown in all the provinces except in Shenyang where it has remained unchanged at RMB 20,340 per tonne. The prices in Gongyi, Foshan and Wuxi have gained RMB 40 per tonne to halt at RMB 20,250 per tonne, RMB 20,350 per tonne and RMB 20,380 per tonne. In Hangzhou and Chongqing the prices have experienced the same hike to settle at RMB 20,410 per tonne and RMB 20,340 per tonne. On the same day, the...
Aluminium scrap exports from the United States stabilised in August 2024, following two months of decline. According to the US Census Bureau survey, the export volume remained at 168,000 tonnes in August, unchanged from July's figures. Back-to-back, in June and July, the United States' aluminium scrap exports decreased while the imports grew in both months. In June, the export volume dwindled by 10.42 per cent M-o-M from 192,000 tonnes to 172,000 tonnes, while the import during the same month increased from 57,400 tonnes to 58,900 tonnes. In July, the exports decreased further by 2.33 per cent M-o-M to stand at 168,000 tonnes, whereas the imports continued to increase to 65,600 tonnes, marking an impressive M-o-M growth of 11.38 per cent. During January- August, the United States' total...
In a recent development in the Indian aluminium industry, prices rose by 0.12 per cent to settle at INR 242650 per tonne, driven by sustained demand from China, the world's largest aluminium consumer. As a lump sum quantity of the non-ferrous metal is being exported to the neighbouring country, there is a domestic demand-supply mismatch during the ongoing financial year. The uptick in prices was, however, tempered by ongoing uncertainty surrounding potential U.S. tariffs, which continue to cast a shadow over the market. Meanwhile, in Japan, premiums for January-March shipments of primary aluminium skyrocketed by 31-49 per cent from the previous quarter, reflecting concerns over tightening supply in Asia following China's cancellation of a 13 per cent export tax refund on semi-manufactured...
From November 27 to November 29, 2024, the amalgamation of four metal fairs — International Exhibition for Metallurgical Technology (METEC) India, Tube India, wire India and India ESSEN WELDING & CUTTING took place in Mumbai's Bombay Exhibition Centre (NESCO). This marked the return of the fair to the Mumbai chapter after a significant 2-year hiatus, with over 18,000 visitors expected. The event provided an excellent platform for networking and business opportunities, underscoring the city's importance in the metal technology and manufacturing industry. This year's trade fair has seen a remarkable global participation from aluminium industry among others, with companies from over 22 countries including France, Austria, United Kingdom, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Brazil, Canada, China,...
In a recent collaboration between environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) and the non-profit organisation Every Can Counts, aluminium cans were transformed into a striking piece of art at the University of Strathclyde. This initiative included a can collection drive and the creation of an art installation to raise awareness about the aluminium can recycling process. Image Source: Keep Scotland Beautiful Aim of the project The project aimed to raise awareness among students about the lifecycle of aluminium cans. Keep Scotland Beautiful’s 2024 Scottish Litter Survey, released earlier this month, revealed that over half of respondents (63 per cent) frequently observe drink cans littered, highlighting the need for improved recycling efforts. To engage the university community,...
The Chinese aluminium market has been in deep thought since the Ministry of Finance announced the removal of export tax rebates for a wide range of products, including aluminium plates, sheets, strips and foils. The concern is clear, as exports of aluminium plate, sheet and strip make up 50 per cent or above of the country’s total aluminium semi-finished product exports. Image Source: The Wall Street Journal According to the Shanghai Metals Market, China’s monthly aluminium semis exports in recent years have ranged between 400,000 and 600,000 tonnes, of which aluminium plate, sheet and strip exports account for 200,000 to 350,000 tonnes. Additionally, aluminium foil exports exceed 100,000 tonnes each month. Together, aluminium plates, sheets, strips, extrusions, and foils represent over...
On Friday, November 15, 2024, China's Ministry of Finance unveiled changes to the export tax rebate policy, significantly affecting industries such as aluminium manufacturing and export. In response, Syharvest Aluminum, a leading name in the aluminium extrusion sector, has implemented strategic measures to navigate both the immediate impacts and the long-term challenges arising from this policy shift. Image Source: Syharvest Aluminum About the policy Effective December 1, 2024, the policy adjustments will eliminate export tax rebates for aluminium products and reduce the rebate rate for certain refined oil, photovoltaic components, batteries, and non-metallic minerals from 13 per cent to 9 per cent. Syharvest Aluminum has developed a robust adaptation strategy in response to this shifting...
On Thursday, 28th November, the Aluminium Federation (ALFED) hosted its Business Briefing and Annual Dinner at the De Vere Beaumont Hotel in Windsor. The event marked one of the most successful gatherings in the Federation’s history, drawing over 150 members to the morning Business Briefing and more than 300 guests to the evening’s Annual Dinner. With the theme of “Inspiration” resonating throughout the day and evening, the event highlighted the aluminium sector’s pivotal role in driving innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. The day began with a warm welcome from ALFED President Mark Allen, who set a positive and enthusiastic tone. Addressing the audience, he emphasised the importance of the people in the room as the future of the aluminium industry. Mark’s message underscored...
China’s A00 aluminium ingot price has lost RMB 60 per tonne to settle at RMB 20,320 per tonne, with the spot contract price expected to be traded at a discount price of RMB 10 per tonne and a premium price of RMB 30 per tonne. The average prices may stand between RMB 20,300 per tonne and RMB 20,340 per tonne. Image Source: CRU A00 aluminium ingot As of today, December 3, the prices in all the regions have decreased. The A00 aluminium ingot prices in Chongqing and Gongyi have lost RMB 80 per tonne and RMB 70 per tonne to settle at RMB 20,300 per tonne and RMB 20,210 per tonne. In regions like Foshan and Linyi, the domestic aluminium ingot prices have descended by RMB 60 per tonne and RMB 50 per tonne, arriving at RMB 20,310 per tonne and RMB 20,270 per tonne. In Wuxi, Hangzhou and Tianjin,...
Kolkata Metro Railway's plan to replace steel third rail with advanced aluminium ones turns into reality as the Indian Railway's division successfully completes the third phase of the upgrade. Sanctioned in 2012, the project was to include an advanced aluminium third rail instead of the prior steel ones primarily to downsize energy losses and voltage drops, ushering to faster acceleration and receded headways for metro trains. The significant upgrade on the Blue Line (from Dakshineshwar to New Garia stretching 32kms) with an advanced aluminium third rail is a green energy initiative to modernise the city's metro commuting channel, boosting efficiency and reducing operational costs and then cohesively aiming to augment energy efficiency and sustain the country's green energy objectives....
According to the International Aluminium Institute data, Africa’s primary aluminium production recovered in October 2024, experiencing an increase of 3,000 tonnes or 2.24 per cent M-o-M. The monthly gain occurred amid daily average output shortfall of 100 tonnes. In the said month, Africa’s primary aluminium production stood at 137,000 tonnes versus 134,000 tonnes in September. Compared to the same period of the previous year, Africa’s monthly and daily production of primary aluminium stood restrained. The monthly gain in Africa’s primary aluminium production during October took the output at the second-highest volume after 138,000 tonnes in August. However, the monthly gain caused no difference in Africa’s contribution to the world's primary aluminium production. In September and...
In November 2024, the global aluminium industry continues demonstrating resilience and innovation amidst evolving market dynamics. The month has been marked by significant milestones, from groundbreaking advancements in sustainable production and recycling technologies to strategic investments reshaping supply chains. Key developments across major aluminium-producing regions, shifting demand patterns, and policy changes have further underscored the industry's adaptability and forward-thinking approach. This article delves into the most impactful highlights from November 2024, offering a comprehensive overview of trends shaping the future of the aluminium sector. Alumina prices continue to remain elevated, reflecting sustained market pressures. Industry stakeholders are closely monitoring...
Hydro Energi AS has signed a decade-long power purchase agreement (PPA) with Axpo Nordic, where the latter will deliver 263 gigawatt-hours per annum to Hydro’s Norwegian aluminium plants starting from 2026 and throughout the subsequent 10 years. Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/norskhydro/albums/ The 2026 to 2035 contract calls for a cumulative supply of 2.63 terawatt-hours of electricity to aluminium and renewable energy corporation Hydro, wherein Axpo will provide electricity to Hydro in the Swedish price area SE2. Long-term contracts are not just a necessity, but a strategic move for Hydro to maintain its leadership in global low-carbon aluminium production. The role of renewable power in this endeavour cannot be overstated. It plays a pivotal role in producing aluminium in...
The Aluminium Association of India (AAI) welcomes the Indian government's decision to impose anti-dumping duties on Chinese anodised aluminium frames used in solar components. This measure is anticipated to strengthen the domestic aluminium industry by limiting low-cost imports, improving market opportunities for local producers, and promoting self-reliance within the sector. Image Source: Wikipedia To strengthen the domestic aluminium industry, the Indian government has introduced anti-dumping duties on anodised aluminium frames used in solar panels and modules imported from China. The Aluminium Association of India (AAI) supports this measure to boost local production, improve market access, and foster self-reliance within the sector. The duties, effective for five years, aim to curb...
In conversation with Stockhead, a business news publication dedicated to connecting investors with emerging ASX-listed companies, Lowell Resources Fund's chief investment officer, John Forwood, highlights that the booming bauxite prices are bringing attention back to ASX stocks and how. To his surprise, the unprecedented rise in bauxite and alumina prices has made some of Australia's top fund managers vigilant of these commodities. Image Source: The Australian Aluminium Council In the Chinese market, the world's largest consumer of bauxite and alumina, Guinea bauxite price is currently standing at US$92 per tonne, marking an increase of about 20 per cent since the bauxite export suspension by EGA-owned Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC) in early October. Since the beginning of the year, the...
The price of alumina, as well as primary and secondary aluminium ingot, is stabilising from the leaps of hike in the Chinese metals market. Image Source: Advanced Ceramic Materials (ACM) Corporation Alumina pricing: Averaged and provincial On Monday, December 2, as the week and the month started, the average price of alumina gained RMB 6 per tonne and stood at RMB 5,731 per tonne. In contrast, prices in provinces like Shanxi, Guizhou and Guangxi remained unfazed from the previous week's closing price. The provincial price of alumina in Shandong and Henan has gained another RMB 10 and RMB 15 per tonne to the prior pricing and was listed as RMB 5,700 per tonne and RMB 5,740 per tonne, respectively. However, two provinces, namely Lianyungang and Bayuquan, are listed as the highest-priced...
Xinjiang Xinda Technology Co., Ltd. commenced the construction of the medium and high-voltage forming foil project for aluminium electrolytic capacitors in Emin County this July. So far, an investment of RMB 300 million has been allocated to complete all the key infrastructures. These include a reservoir, raw water treatment facilities, liquid preparation adjustments, and installing Workshop No. 2 and 20 production lines. By December, ten production lines are scheduled to become operational.This ambitious project entails a total investment of RMB 1.24 billion. It will feature 200 automated production lines dedicated to forming medium and high-voltage foil for aluminium electrolytic capacitors. The construction includes five main workshops covering approximately 80,000 square meters, four...
