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 recent news piece by S&P Global, the report of Rio Tinto Group removing the halt on alumina exports from its Gladstone refineries in Australia has come up. "... We received notice that [the] FM has been lifted [and] operations are close to normal," an Australia-based trader said. At least four other market sources validated the receipt of the notice. Image Source: https://www.riotinto.com/ Rio had earlier declared force majeure — a legal clause allowing a company not to fulfil contractual obligations from its refineries in Queensland, Australia, due to bounded gas capacity levels at its facility operations. The restriction added to a flood of supply disruptions from Jamaica to China, adding to the set of factors sending alumina prices to record highs since September and squeezing the...
The Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region recently unveiled the list of 2024 Guangxi Intelligent Manufacturing Benchmark Enterprises, Intelligent Factory Demonstration Enterprises, and Digital Workshops. Through continuous technological innovation and efficient management, Baise Guangtou Yinhai Aluminum emerged as a standout, earning a spot on the prestigious list of Intelligent Manufacturing Benchmark Enterprises in Guangxi. In recent years, Baise Guangtou Yinhai Aluminum has aligned with national advancements in intelligent manufacturing, actively driving the integration of cutting-edge information technologies into the manufacturing sector. The company has introduced and implemented advanced equipment and technologies, carrying out a...
The global aluminium industry is witnessing significant developments as key players take steps towards sustainability and economic growth. Oman, the oldest independent state in the Arab world, is moving forward with plans to establish an Integrated Economic Cluster for Aluminium Industries in Suhar, a hub for substantial investments in the aluminium sector. In India, Vedanta is furthering its commitment to renewable energy by partnering with GAIL Gas Limited to transition its Jharsuguda smelter to natural gas, a move expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 47,292 tonnes annually by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, Alcoa Corporation, a leader in the global aluminium market, has joined the World Economic Forum’s First Movers Coalition Suppliers Hub, contributing to the collective goal of achieving...
Ardagh Metal Packaging-Europe has reportedly inked a virtual power purchase agreement with BNZ in Portugal. According to the terms signed, Ardagh will secure 146 GWh per annum of renewable electricity commencing from 2026 for 12 years, which is expected to help the metal beverage cans-producing company offset about 50 per cent of AMP-Europe’s continental energy consumption. Image Source: Ardagh Metal Packaging Schneider Electric, a leading adviser in corporate renewable energy procurement and carbon management, has played a crucial role in this agreement by helping Ardagh Metal Packaging-Europe in project selection and negotiation. AMP-Europe’s latest renewable energy agreement with BNZ in Portugal follows the solar energy agreement signed earlier this year with Sunnic Lighthouse GmbH....
Despite mounting global resistance to its surging shipments of low-cost goods, China has pledged to increase support for exporting companies. Beijing's new policies aim to sustain its export boom, which is on track to reach record levels, even as trading partners accuse it of undercutting local industries and distorting global markets. Wang Shouwen, China's international trade representative and vice minister of commerce, announced a range of measures to support exporters. These include financial aid, insurance assistance, and directives to expand cargo capacity through state-backed shipping firms. "Our focus is on promoting high-quality trade and addressing practical challenges faced by Chinese companies," Wang said during a press conference in Beijing. When keeping an eye on the...
Flow Aluminum, a startup firm revolutionising energy storage with aluminium-CO2 battery technology, has appointed Fran Nicklous as a new board of directors member. Nicklous will join the company as a formal board member with full voting rights. Coming from an engineering background with extensive knowledge of renewable energy and expertise in developing innovative battery energy storage systems, Mr Nicklous brings valuable insights into the design of safe and more diverse battery technologies. With the responsibility to supervise advanced safety protocols, resource availability, and cost-efficiency, Nicklous is expected to strengthen the position of Flow Aluminum in the rapidly evolving market. As a board member, Nicklous will work closely with the team to get the necessary insights,...
Lidl Hungary has achieved a significant milestone with its innovative return system, surpassing 150 million returned items, including aluminium cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles. The company greatly emphasises sustainability and environmental protection, actively supporting its customers in making eco-friendly choices. Image Source: Lidl Since January 1, 2024, nearly one in four recyclable waste items collected at REpont locations nationwide has been returned by customers to one of Lidl's 210 stores, underscoring the supermarket chain's commitment to environmental stewardship and its leadership in the market. Lidl Hungary is committed to environmental protection and sustainability, reflecting its values as a responsible company. Embracing this commitment, Lidl was among the first...
Adventure touring gets a new transporter — Moto Morini X-Cape 1200. Designed and developed exclusively in Italy, the adventure motorcycle incorporates an elegant layout, advanced technological support and high-end performance. Image Source: https://www.roadbookmag.it/ The X-Cape 1200's design showcases signature Italian patterns but goes beyond aesthetics. The fairing deflects hot air from the rider, while the 23-litre tank enables long-distance ventures. The tubular trellis frame, along with a 630mm aluminium swingarm, ensures traction and stability on any terrain. The swingarm is an essential component of a motorbike's rear suspension mechanism. It connects the rear wheel to the chassis of the bike, allowing vertical movement and helping to get the impact from bumps and vibrations. It...
Hind Aluminium, an Indian manufacturer of aluminium & alloy conductors and aluminium wire rods destined for a wide range of power transmission and distribution applications, has announced its September quarter (Q2) FY2024-25 results, announcing a surge in net sales and profit after a dip in the previous quarter. Image Source: Hind Aluminium In Q2 FY2025, net sales of Hind Aluminium was INR 0.36 crore (US$42,628.77), up by 44 per cent from INR 0.25 crore (US$29,597.82) in the previous year. However, on a year-on-year calculation, the company’s net sales decreased by 25 per cent from INR 0.48 crore (US$56,840.98). Similarly, net profit also increased over the quarter by 55.7 per cent from INR 2.37 crore (US$280,652.32) to INR 1.05 crore (US$124,339.64), but stood 72.58 per cent down over...
Aluminium Fire Systems, led by CEO Rebecca Sutherland, has inclined towards working four days a week, an already successful practice in the United Kingdom. Image Source: https://www.aluminiumfiresystems.com/ However, the challenge that came in the way was the need for a physical presence onsite to assemble products. Implementing four working days would subsequently affect the net output of the enterprise. Rebecca had a creative solution to the problem. She suggested a 10-hour working shift for four days and three days' weekly off for the employees. "The business is open from 5 am to 7 pm, so people can do their 10 hours whenever it works for them," she says. "We have people who pick their children up on a certain day, so we've had to look at whether they could do an extra half-hour every...
Aluminium foils are primarily used in the culinary industry, more commonly as use-and-throw wrappers. But what most would not know is that they are reusable, and no, you wouldn't need to recycle to do so. Yes, you heard me right. The once-used ones can be reused, provided they have been stored hygienically. Chelsea Edwards, a registered dietitian and the owner of Huntsville Nutrition Collective in Huntsville, Alabama, has spoken to Southern Living, citing that aluminium foil does not pose any health risks, "Unless you are eating the foil, there's no reason to be wary of using or reusing foil." Sometimes, dark spots appear as the foils are used to bake dishes, making it less appealing for the user to re-utilise it. But, "The darkening and changes in the colour of foil are harmless,"...
One of RUSAL's strategic goals is to create a fundamentally new approach to production that meets the principles of a low-carbon circular economy. To this end, the company is trying to implement best practices in managing environmental aspects, risks and opportunities. Among the company's key achievements during its existence is a 35 per cent reduction in gross emissions of pollutants, including those specific to aluminium plants: fluoride compounds by 69 per cent and Benz (a)pyrene by 73 per cent. Also, discharges of industrial wastewater were reduced by 75 per cent and water consumption by 38 per cent. Waste generation was reduced by 33 per cent, with about 80 per cent of the generated waste (excluding overburden and red/nepheline mud) being recycled. Expenditures on environmental...
The world’s primary aluminium production regained momentum in October 2024 after an intermittent decline of 3.19 per cent in the previous month. Owing to the increase across all the major primary aluminium-producing regions, the world’s output reached a new high in October, exceeding all the earlier records. Recovering more than what it lost in September, the world’s primary aluminium production in October even exceeded the record volume of 6.205 million tonnes seen in August. According to the International Aluminium Institute’s (IAI) data, the output volume in October grew by 3.56 per cent M-o-M and 1.27 per cent Y-o-Y, reaching 6.221 million tonnes. In September 2024, the world’s primary aluminium output was 6.007 million tonnes; in October 2023, it stood at 6.143 million tonnes. The...
On Tuesday, October 29, Ruixin Technology announced plans to support its overseas business expansion by establishing a production base in Thailand. The company, in collaboration with its wholly-owned subsidiary Ruixinchang (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd., has jointly invested in the creation of Ruixin Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Ruixin Technology is a leading domestic high-tech enterprise specializing in the research, development, production, and sales of industrial precision aluminium alloy components. The project aims to establish a production base in Beiliufu, Thailand, by leasing a 2,576-square-meter workshop. Ruixin Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd. will introduce advanced production equipment, including the Shenya T10 vertical machining centre, a CNC automatic line, and an ultrasonic...
The European market for aluminium alloy ingot has experienced a significant devaluation, with both Germany and Turkey playing a pivotal role. Their substantial price reductions, amidst economic challenges and struggles in the automotive sector, have contributed to a pronounced downward trend in the week ending November 15th. Image source: https://www.sav-al.com/ Germany rolls downhill According to chemanalyst.news, Germany's aluminium alloy ingot prices dropped by 2 per cent as the country struggles with financial challenges. Its economy is in recession for two years in a row. In H1 (first half) of the ongoing year (2024), it contracted by 0.2 per cent compared to the same duration in 2023. The nation's financial growth course has witnessed multiple speed breakers affected by insufficient...
On October 24, Minfa Aluminum announced its plan to establish Gansu Minfa Aluminum Co., Ltd., aimed at advancing its strategic development and broadening its market presence. The new company will be jointly funded by Minfa Aluminum and Gansu Zhongsheng Aluminum Co., Ltd., pending approval and registration by relevant industrial and commercial authorities. Image Source: CHAL Aluminium Corporation Gansu, a province in north-central China, is renowned for its historical landmarks. The city of Jiayuguan stands out for its iconic Overhanging Great Wall and the majestic Jiayuguan Pass fortress complex, both integral parts of the Great Wall of China. Gansu Minfa will have a registered capital of RMB 5 million, with Minfa Aluminum contributing RMB 3.5 million for a 70 per cent stake. At the same...
Primetals Technologies has successfully signed the Final Acceptance Certificate (FAC) with Hulamin, a leading aluminium producer, following the installation and commissioning of advanced hot edge inductors for the cold mill rolling line (S5) in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. This upgrade targets eliminating tight edge issues in aluminium strips encountered during high-speed rolling, significantly enhancing product quality. Image Source: Primetals Technologies The newly installed moving induction heating head assemblies are strategically positioned on the exit side of the mill, beneath the exit delivery table. These assemblies, placed just outside the strip width near the roll surface, effectively mitigate thermal camber, addressing the tight edge challenges during high-speed rolling...
Alcoa Corporation, a name to reckon with in the global aluminium industry, has reportedly joined the World Economic Forum’s First Suppliers Hub, a platform created to bring together the innovative suppliers of materials needed to support the ambition of industrial decarbonisation in the world by 2050. Image Source: Alcoa Corporation The First Movers Coalition (FMC), which is also an initiative by the World Economic Forum in partnership with the United States government, has set a goal that 10 per cent of its members’ annual aluminium procurement volume should meet or exceed the standard of low-carbon primary aluminium determined by the Coalition. The benchmark set by the First Movers Coalition is below 3 tonnes of CO2e emissions per tonne of primary aluminium. To enable the FMC members to...
