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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LME aluminium opened at US$2,621 per tonne in the previous trading day, with its low and high at US$2,605 per tonne and US$2,648 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,626.5 per tonne, up US$5.5 per tonne or 0.21 per cent. On Monday, May 20, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price gained US$24 per tonne or 0.94 per cent to clock at US$2,567.50 per tonne and US$2,568 per tonne. As per the LME price graph, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price expanded by US$24.5 per tonne or 0.94 per cent to peg at US$2,622 per tonne and US$2,622.50 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price grew by US$11 per tonne or 0.40 per cent to reside at US$2,738 per tonne and US$2,743 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at 1092800...
A new report has revealed that nearly all major car companies undermine global efforts to prevent catastrophic climate change. According to InfluenceMap's Automakers and Climate Policy Advocacy report, the world's largest automakers are employing lobbying strategies that undermine global climate targets and hinder the transition to electric vehicles. The analysis examines the anti-EV lobbying activities of 15 major automakers across seven key regions worldwide, utilising industry-standard data from leading providers of automotive data, analysis, and insights to forecast electric vehicle production. InfluenceMap's recent findings highlight a dual concern within the automotive industry: automakers must catch up to the International Energy Agency's 2030 target for electric vehicle (EV)...
DECO Australia, a family-owned business, proudly marks its twentieth anniversary this year. Since its inception in 2004, DECO has evolved from a humble start-up specialising in aluminium woodgrain finishes to a leading Australian provider of timber-look aluminium building products. Founded by Ross Doonan, whose extensive career in engineering, industrial automation, and product design laid the foundation for DECO, the company has overcome significant challenges to achieve its current stature. Ross Doonan established DECO in 2004, leveraging his vast experience in the building products sector, including aluminium windows and doors. Initially focused on raising market awareness about their innovative finishing technology, DECO faced a major setback with the global financial crisis in 2007....
At the close of trading on Friday, May 17, 2024, all base metals on the London Metal Exchange (LME) showed positive week-over-week trends. On the LME, three-month aluminium futures hiked by 3.2 per cent to reach $2,612 per tonne, while nickel settled at $21,080 per tonne, marking an impressive increase of 11.39 per cent. Aluminium price Primary aluminium producers in India have recently raised the price of P1020 primary ingots by up to INR 3,400 per tonne, leading to a slight uptick in spot prices for P1020 ingots in the Delhi NCR region. However, aluminium scrap prices in India have remained relatively stable with minor fluctuations. Market activity has been sluggish as buyers proceed with caution. According to BigMint's assessments, tensioned scrap from the US experienced a modest...
Conwy Borough Council, in collaboration with local charity Crest and recycling specialists Podback, has triumphantly recycled over 1 million aluminium coffee pods. This innovative service, launched in September 2022, has prevented 16.4 tonnes of waste from incineration, marking a significant step in sustainable waste management. As the first council in Wales to introduce such a service, Conwy has set a commendable precedent. More than 2,900 households have embraced this initiative, diligently recycling their plastic and aluminium coffee pods. Residents receive Podback recycling bags to fill and leave out during their fortnightly textiles and electricals kerbside collection, or they can book a collection with Crest if they reside in rural areas. Recycling coffee pods uses significantly...
China-based Henan Foshan Aluminum Technology , one of the renowned manufacturers of aluminium coils, sheets, plates and circles, has been successfully registered under the world's first B2B platform with 2100+ aluminium suppliers/sellers. AL Biz is the world's first global marketplace, connecting millions of buyers and sellers along the aluminium value chain. About Henan Foshan Aluminum Technology Henan Foshan Aluminum Technology's specialisation lies in crafting and distributing high-quality aluminium products that serve many industries. Their diverse product portfolio encompasses aluminium sheets, coils, embossed sheets (in patterns such as 5 bars, diamond, and stucco), circles, colour-coated sheets (using PE & PVDF), and foil. The products offered include: Pre-coated Aluminium Sheet...
In a significant turn of events, the relocation of a second consignment of aluminium dross from Win Process Company’s recycling facility in Rayong encountered a significant setback on May 19. The consignment, destined for an aluminium recycling facility in the Phanat Nikhom district of Chon Buri in Thailand, faced vehement opposition from local villagers, who refused to permit the unloading of the cargo. This disruption follows a recent fire at the Rayong facility on April 22, which has heightened community concerns over environmental and health risks associated with aluminium dross. Aluminium dross i s a by-product formed during the melting and processing of aluminium. When aluminium is in its molten state, it undergoes oxidation on the surface, resulting in the formation of a...
Alpha HPA is officially set to establish the world's largest single-site high-purity alumina products refinery in Gladstone, Queensland. The company has made a final investment decision (FID) on Stage Two of its 'HPA First' project, following the successful construction, commissioning, and 16-month operation of the Stage One precursor facility. "Construction of the 10-hectare, state-of-the-art, full-scale facility will commence mid-2024 on the existing HPA First project site at Yarwun, near Gladstone, where the company's Stage One facility is already in small-scale production of its high purity aluminas and aluminium materials product range. Stage Two will encompass full-scale production of up to 10,000 tonnes of high-purity aluminium materials per year creating 120 ongoing local jobs on...
RKN Aluminium, an expert in aluminium cladding, doors, and windows, has entered administration, impacting its longstanding services and clientele. Established in 2006, RKN Aluminium specialised in designing, manufacturing, and fitting curtain walls, windows, and doors. Based in Melton Mowbray, the firm served hundreds of projects nationwide, collaborating with prominent contractors such as VolkerFitzpatrick, Glencar, and Ashe. The company recently relocated to purpose-built premises, employing around 30 staff. RKN Aluminium notably partnered with Bowmer & Kirkland on the Government's DfE ESFA Framework, supporting the Modern Methods of Construction initiative. This collaboration facilitated numerous school construction projects, showcasing RKN’s expertise in educational infrastructure....
International Aluminium Institute has reportedly appointed John Slaven, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, vice-chairman. In the new position, Slaven will lead global initiatives to promote aluminium's critical role in transforming the manufacturing industry into a zero-carbon modern world. Since inception in 1972, the International Aluminium Institute is single-handedly representing the global primary aluminium industry, advocating for industry's responsible productions and operations and promoting the benefits of using aluminium in different industrial sectors. Besides, IAI maintains comprehensive global data with 40 years of analysis on production, consumption, energy use, and environmental impact. Upon his appointment as vice-chairman of IAI, John Slaven said: "Aluminium has already proven...
The recent collaboration between China Hongqiao Lightweight Research Institute and the Institute of Metal Forming (IBF) at RWTH Aachen University in Germany signifies a significant stride in advancing mutual exchange and cooperation in cutting-edge manufacturing technology. During their visit to Germany, representatives from the Lightweight Research Institute and China Hongqiao European Innovation Centre had the opportunity to tour several esteemed German research institutions. One notable visit was to the Institute of Forming Technology (IUL) at Dortmund University in the Ruhr Industrial Area. Here, Professor Tekkaya, a distinguished figure in the industry, provided comprehensive insights drawn from over 70 years of technical expertise at the institute. He delved into various innovative...
Indian primary aluminium manufacturers’ operating margin is likely to grow by over 25 per cent in this ongoing financial year due to robust demand and potentially lesser production costs driven by cheaper energy and alumina. The primary aluminium industry is capital-intensive and marked by volatile prices. An increase in operating margin/profit will enable manufacturers to reduce reliance on debt to fund ongoing capital expenditure often required for capacity expansion. The estimation of increased operating margin for FY2025 is established by a CRISIL Ratings study conducted on three domestic primary aluminium producers, who account for 90 percent of the 4.1 million tonnes of domestic capacity. In the previous fiscal year, 2024, the operating margin of Indian manufacturers grew by 20 per...
Neolea, a pioneer in modern Mediterranean products, is set to reinvent olive oil packaging with the launch of its extra virgin olive oil in eco-friendly aluminium cans. The new packaging features the innovative ‘Fresh Cap,’ designed to preserve the olive oil’s integrity, freshness, and flavour. The ‘Fresh Cap’ offers a spill-free, flow-controlled pouring experience and allows the can to be resealed , ensuring optimal freshness between uses. Dishwasher-safe and user-friendly, this cap magnifies Neolea’s dedication to product quality and consumer convenience. Aluminium is infinitely recyclable without quality loss, with the recycling process consuming 95% less energy than producing new aluminium from raw materials. This makes it an ideal choice for sustainable packaging, aligning perfectly...
European Aluminium, the leading association representing the entire European aluminium value chain, urgently calls on the EU to address the ongoing exclusion of major aluminium product categories from its sanctions regime on Russia. This stark disparity in action is evident when comparing the EU's stance to that of other G7 partners, such as the US, UK, and Canada, all of whom have already implemented sanctions on Russian aluminium ingots. European Aluminium emphasises that a comprehensive ban should cover all principal categories of aluminium products—ingots, slabs, and billets. These categories comprise over 85 per cent of the EU's aluminium imports from Russia. Implementing this comprehensive ban is crucial for aligning the EU's actions with those of other G7 partners. A united stance...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,586 per tonne in the previous trading day, with its low and high at US$2,582 per tonne and US$2,623 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,621 per tonne, up US$33 per tonne or 1.28 per cent. On Friday, May 17, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price went up by US$6 per tonne or 0.23 per cent and US$5.5 per tonne or 0.21 per cent to clock at US$2,543.50 per tonne and US$2,544 per tonne. As per the LME price graph , both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price added US$3.5 per tonne or 0.13 per cent to settle at US$2,597.50 per tonne and US$2,598 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price hiked by US$4 per tonne or 0.14 per cent to rest at US$2,727 per tonne and US$2,732 per tonne. LME aluminium...
The Sultanate of Oman has achieved a significant trade surplus of RO 1.693 billion by the end of February 2024, marking a notable increase from the RO 1.378 billion surplus recorded during the same period in 2023. This information comes from the latest preliminary statistics the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) released. The data underscore a positive trend in Oman's trade balance, reflecting robust economic activities and possibly effective policy measures to boost trade. As Oman continues to navigate the complexities of the global economic landscape, this surplus is a testament to its resilience and strategic financial planning. The NCSI's figures highlight the Sultanate's ongoing efforts to enhance its trade performance and strengthen its economic foundation....
The aluminium industry is experiencing significant growth, with sustainability playing a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory. Historically, aluminium production has been energy-intensive, but a shifting focus towards sustainability has spurred the adoption of innovative practices. This includes a drive towards renewable energy sources, increased emphasis on recycling initiatives, and the promotion of responsible sourcing for raw materials. This week, the sustainability sector of the global aluminium industry witnessed many significant incidents. For example, Alba introduced a new low-carbon aluminium product line, followed by Moddex Group's sustainable shift to Capral's LocAl® Green lower-carbon aluminium. The industry also witnessed many new appointments and shifts to sustainability....
Nissan Motor is gearing up to integrate low CO 2 emission aluminium parts, crafted from green or recycled sources, into upcoming and existing models starting from the fiscal year 2024. This initiative holds significant promise, with aluminium constituting about 10 per cent of a vehicle's weight. Nissan's ambitious target Looking ahead to 2030, Nissan is setting ambitious targets, aiming to incorporate recycled aluminium components across its entire vehicle lineup. This strategic move aligns with the company's broader mission of achieving carbon neutrality by harnessing low CO 2 emission aluminium. The ultimate goal is to ensure that every stage of a Nissan vehicle's lifecycle, from production to disposal, is carbon neutral by 2050. Green aluminium, produced using electricity derived from...
