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 stunning turn of events, PA Resources Bhd has astounded the market with its exponential growth, particularly evident in its net profit for the third financial quarter that ended March 31, 2024 (3QFY2024). The company's net profit has soared by an astonishing 51 times year-on-year, primarily fueled by its core extrusion and fabrication segment. This segment, the backbone of PA Resources, reported a staggering net profit of RM12.43 million, a monumental leap from the humble RM239,000 recorded in the previous year's corresponding quarter. At the heart of PA Resources' success lies its mastery in extrusion, a process integral to shaping aluminium by compelling it to flow through a meticulously crafted die. This expertise has propelled the group's extrusion and fabrication segment to new...
L’OCCITANE Group, renowned for their commitment towards sustainability has announced the appointment of Evelyne LY-Wainer as the new Managing Director for Global Travel Retail, effective immediately. L’OCCITANE, the premium sustainable beauty brand has been promoting sustainability by incorporating the usage of aluminium in their packaging. With over two decades of invaluable experience in premium travel retail and luxury brand management, Evelyn brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role. Her extensive expertise in the luxury beauty sector, combined with her visionary approach and profound understanding of the travel retail landscape, positions her perfectly to lead the Group’s esteemed Global Travel Retail team to new heights of success. Laurent Marteau, Group CEO, said, ‘We are...
The US Department of Commerce has reportedly announced a preliminary determination on aluminium extrusions imported from India that are being sold at unfairly low prices in the US domestic market. The Department has conducted a preliminary determination on those aluminium extrusions used in racking, trackers, and mounting frames for solar panels, allowing them to subject to additional tariffs. The initial findings suggest a dumping margin of 3.44 per cent and 39.05 per cent on Indian extrusion manufacturers. Extrusion imports from other countries, such as China, Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan, Thailan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam, are also under close monitoring. The preliminary determination followed the proceedings of anti-dumping...
Discussions surrounding sustainability, carbon emissions, energy efficiency, and achieving net-zero targets are the most common topics across various industries, with a notable focus on the aluminium sector. With this similar mission of reducing the carbon footprint, sustainable detergent brand Ripl Efek has launched refillable detergent cartridges in recyclable aluminium bottles. About the bottles Designed meticulously from aluminium , Ripl Efek aims to revolutionize the laundry industry with its groundbreaking patented dispenser system. At the heart of their solution is a state-of-the-art laundry detergent dispenser crafted from durable stainless steel. Essentially, Ripl Efek isn't just offering a product; they're introducing a paradigm shift towards eco-conscious laundry practices....
LME aluminium opened at US$2,520.5 per tonne in the previous trading day, with its low and high at US$2,508 per tonne and US$2,556.5 per tonne respectively before closing at US$2,547.5 per tonne, up 1.07 per cent. On Monday, May 13, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price went down by US$5 per tonne or 0.19 per cent to clock at US$2,509 per tonne and US$2,510 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price dipped by US$3 per tonne or 0.11 per cent and US$4 per tonne or 0.15 per cent to settle at US$2,549 per tonne and US$2,550 per tonne. As per the LME price graph, December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price went up by US$5 per tonne or 0.18 per cent to peg at US$2,680 per tonne and US$2,685 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock halted at...
Commodity trader Trafigura delivered more than 400,000 tonnes of aluminium to the London Metal Exchange-approved warehouses last week for lucrative financial deals, said three sources familiar with the matter to Reuters. This monumental delivery of stocks brought the LME inventories to more than a two-year high since January 2022. These stocks are subject to so-called rent share deals that allow LME-approved warehouses to share fees with companies that deliver metal to them. Delivery companies do not retain ownership of the metal but get a portion of the rent from LME as long as the stocks remain in the warehouses. According to a report on May 9, aluminium stocks on LME rose to 903,850 tonnes as 425,575 tonnes of metal had arrived in Port Klang in Malaysia, of which Swiss-based Trafigura...
Mubadala Energy, an international energy company headquartered in Abu Dhabi with operations in 11 countries and overseeing operations at the South Andaman Gross Split PSC, has unveiled a significant gas discovery stemming from the Tangkulo-1 Exploration well. Situated approximately 65 kilometres offshore of North Sumatra, Indonesia, this discovery marks a noteworthy milestone in the region's energy exploration efforts. The company's second deepwater well discovery has been made with the Tangkulo-1. This well was drilled to a depth of 3,400 metres in water 1,200 metres deep, shortly following the significant find at the Layaran-1 well, also located in South Andaman. The Tangkulo-1 well encountered 80 metres of gas column in a good-quality Oligocene sandstone reservoir, confirmed through an...
Korail unveils the KTX-Cheongryong, marking a watershed moment in the realm of high-speed trains. Boasting an astounding maximum speed of 320km/h, this marvel of engineering epitomises efficiency and speed, propelling South Korea's rail network into the future. Launching into service on May 1, the KTX-Cheongryong embarks on a transformative journey across the Gyeongbu and Honam high-speed lines. With its unparalleled acceleration and top speed capabilities, it revolutionises travel times, slashing the Seoul to Busan route to a mere 2 hours and 17 minutes, while the Yongsan to Gwangju Songjeong journey is condensed to a swift 1 hour and 36 minutes. Engineering marvels: Aluminium at the helm of innovation Crafted by Hyundai Rotem, the KTX-Cheongryong proudly showcases cutting-edge domestic...
Jindal Aluminium, India's largest aluminium extrusion company, has reached a significant milestone in FY 2023-24 by producing a record-breaking 1,15,920 MT of aluminium extruded products, marking a 10% growth compared to the previous fiscal year. This achievement reinstates Jindal Aluminium's leadership in the aluminium extrusion sector and its commitment to meeting increasing market demands. This growth reaffirms the company's position as India's largest manufacturer of aluminium-extruded products. The company's expertise in producing intricate aluminium profiles and its reputation for quality and timely delivery are pivotal to its sustained success. Jindal Aluminium operates three state-of-the-art manufacturing plants located in Bengaluru, Dabaspet in Karnataka, and a newly acquired...
US-based Waterloo Sparkling Water has just unveiled an exciting trio of flavours with the debut of its All Day Rosé, Pi-Ño Colada, and Mojito Mocktail Sparkling Waters in recyclable aluminium cans. Driven by a wave of environmental concerns, rising demand, and technological progress, the demand for aluminium cans is increasing with time. To mark the occasion and celebrate these summer-infused refreshments, Waterloo has forged a significant partnership with none other than Guy Fieri. Fieri, renowned chef, restaurateur, best-selling cookbook author, Emmy award-winning TV personality, and self-proclaimed Mayor of Flavortown, is bringing his signature flair to this limited-time-only release, adding a new dimension to the product's appeal. "Waterloo Sparkling Water and I have a lot in common –...
Northern Ireland aluminium frames supplier Innovated Aluminium Technology (IAT) has experienced a 60 per cent increase in efficiency, following the installation of two cutting-edge machines in early 2024. The machines have also reportedly reduced the Eglington-based company’s overall material wastage by 15 per cent. They work from a fully automated digital system and deliver the most accurate and precise result because of the digitised process. Due to a high level efficiency, these machines handle mass production effortlessly, enabling IAT to tender for larger projects. These machines were installed via a finance deal secured by Johnston Financial Solutions. Managing director, Leslie McClements, said: “In the manufacturing sector there is a need to constantly innovate, and work...
During the week ending on May 10, 2024, the London Metal Exchange (LME) witnessed considerable volatility in the prices of most base metals. Three-month aluminium futures on the LME slid by 0.86 per cent to reach $2,529 per tonne, while nickel settled at $18,925 per tonne, marking a decline of 1.62 per cent. Copper prices closed at $10,004 per metric ton, zinc saw a modest uptick of 0.93 per cent to reach $2,930 per tonne, and lead prices edged up by 0.32 per cent to settle at $2,222 per tonne. Domestic base metals markets generally trended downwards throughout the week, except zinc. The imported aluminium scrap market also experienced a downturn. Additionally, domestic prices for aluminium and copper registered declines. Conversely, zinc and lead prices exhibited slight upward movements....
Ali Al Baqali, CEO of Aluminium Bahrain BSC (Alba), has been appointed as the new Chair of the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), succeeding Satish Pai of Hindalco Industries. Al Baqali brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Alba, one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters. “I am incredibly humbled to take on the leadership of the IAI at this critical juncture. We face many challenges within the industry, particularly climate change, and I am committed to guiding the IAI towards a sustainable future, ” Baqali stated. With Al Baqali's appointment, the IAI anticipates a continued focus on sustainability and growth within the aluminium industry. His proven track record of innovation and commitment to sustainability positions him as a fitting successor to Satish Pai. Al...
The world's largest aluminium producer, China Hongqiao Group's subsidiary Shandong Hongqiao, has been recognised as one of the top 100 'most attractive' private enterprises for the employment of college graduates in the Shandong Province. The China-based company achieved this milestone through strategic recruitment, comprehensive vocational training, and a commitment to talent development. About the achievement Shandong Hongqiao stands out in its approach to talent development. By offering dual development pathways and independent evaluation frameworks, the company empowers its team members at every level to unleash their creative potential. This unique strategy has led to significant growth in their personnel, with 31 senior technicians, 81 technicians, 811 senior workers, and 4,557...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, China’s metallurgical-grade alumina production in April 2024 amounted to 6.679 million tonnes, reflecting a month-on-month decline of 1.52 per cent from 6.782 million tonnes but a year-on-year increase of 2.2 per cent. However, it is to be noted that despite the M-o-M fall in April’s monthly output, the daily production stood 3,900 tonnes per day higher than the previous month, reaching 222,600 tonnes per day. Aluminium capacity and resumption As of the end of April 2024, China’s existing alumina capacity was 100 million tonnes, with an operating capacity of 81.27 million tonnes, while the average operating rate was 81.3 per cent. In Shanxi, the operating rate grew by 2.7 per cent M-o-M to stand at 72.9 per cent and the operating capacity...
On May 8, the American multinational automotive manufacturing company General Motors announced its decision to discontinue production of the gasoline-powered Chevrolet Malibu later this year to focus on manufacturing new electric vehicles. Since 1964, GM has sold over 10 million Malibus globally, but production will cease in November'24. To facilitate this shift, the Detroit automaker is investing $390 million into its Kansas assembly plant to produce the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EVs, following the production halt for the previous generation Bolt in December. The "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024" report by AL Circle projects that the transportation sector will emerge as a significant demand catalyst for aluminium, with electric vehicles assuming a pivotal role within it. To...
Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a prominent figure in India’s aluminium industry, has forged a strategic partnership with Shree Cement Limited. This alliance aims to revolutionise cement production by harnessing the power of fly ash, a by-product with immense potential for environmental benefit. BALCO’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shree Cement Limited marks a significant milestone in sustainable industrial practices. Under this agreement, BALCO will supply 90,000 metric tonnes of fly ash to Shree Cement, enabling the production of low-carbon cement . Fly ash, a residue of thermal power generation holds promise as a valuable resource in the quest for eco-friendly cement production. By diverting fly ash from landfills and utilising it in cement manufacturing,...
Norwegian aluminium and energy giant Norsk Hydro recently announced Eivind Kallevik's appointment as its new President and CEO. Eivind officially commenced his role on May 13, unveiling his plan to expedite Hydro's strategy of spearheading the shift to sustainable aluminium production by leveraging renewable energy, aiming for significant progress by 2030. Hydro has always been at the forefront of sustainability and promoting the importance of moving towards an eco-friendly environment. The Norwegian aluminium giant is also considered one of the leading providers of low-carbon and recycled aluminium solutions, pioneering its way towards an emission-free environment. To know more about how the aluminium industry is moving towards a sustainable and greener environment, grab AL Circle's...
