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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China and other nations' concerted efforts to undermine American industries are widespread and widely acknowledged. Now, they have set their sights on a new target in Georgia: manufacturers specialising in extruded aluminium. This perspective comes from Brook Massey, President of MI Metals, Inc. in Millen. Aluminium is one of the most essential materials in everyday products, ranging from automobiles to kitchen appliances and window frames. However, despite its significance, the U.S. extruded aluminium industry has faced challenges due to unfair competition from abroad. Led by China, fourteen countries are inundating the U.S. market with cheaply dumped and subsidised aluminium extrusions, jeopardising a $7 billion industry. Thankfully, the U.S. government is actively exploring measures to...
In response to the continued decline of the global aluminium price on the London Metal Exchange (LME), National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has further reduced its aluminium ingot and aluminium product prices, with effect from May 1, 2024. This latest cut marks the second consecutive reduction in NALCO’s aluminium selling prices. Last time, on April 26, NALCO had trimmed its aluminium prices by INR 5,200 per tonne, and subsequently with effect from May 1, NALCO slashed the prices by another INR 6,700 per tonne. Hence, the company’s aluminium ingot price is currently standing at INR 245,450-248,950 per tonne versus INR 252,150-255,650 per tonne on April 26. NALCO’s aluminium wire rod and aluminium billet prices are ranging between INR 254,450-258,800 per tonne and INR 249,900-252,550...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,547.50 per tonne in the previous trading day, with its low and high at US$2541 per tonne and US$2,550.50 per tonne respectively before closing at US$2,549.50 per tonne, up 0.18 per cent. The London Metal Exchange market showed a deflection in aluminium prices yesterday, with the LME aluminium cash bid price settling at US$2,487 per tonne and the LME aluminium official price stopping at US$2,488 per tonne with respective losses of US$25 per tonne or 0.99 per cent and US$24.50 per tonne or 0.97 per cent. On a Month-on-Month scale the LME aluminium price has soared by US$73 per tonne or 3.02 per cent from US$2,415 per tonne on April 8. The 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price subsided by US$28.50 per tonne or 1.11 per cent, to arrive at US$2,529 per tonne...
On Monday, May 6, the Shanghai Metals Market survey found the social inventories of aluminium ingot in China’s eight major consumption areas totalled 794,000 tonnes after the outflows of 88,400 tonnes, down by 29,400 tonnes week-on-week. The stocks in warehouses on May 6 were 3,000 tonnes higher compared to the pre-Labour Day holiday, as of April 30. Also, compared to the inventories during the Labour Day holidays in the last three years, the inventories this year post holidays are positioned at a higher level. Last year, after the Labour Day holiday, aluminium ingot inventories were accumulated at 46,000 tonnes, and in 2022, the inventories decreased over the holiday by 18,000 tonnes. SMM believes the accumulation of aluminium ingots in warehouses is better after the holiday, driven by...
In a sartorial symphony that echoed the ethereal essence of "The Garden of Time," the Met Gala 2024 unfurled its petals to reveal a web of haute couture. Amidst the blossoming brilliance of Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Hubert de Givenchy, luminaries and luminous fabrics intertwined in a dance of opulence. At the heart of this extravagant soirée, where red carpets serve as the stage for star-studded vignettes, one luminary shone with a resplendence that transcended mere glamour. Michelle Yeoh, a celestial presence in her own right, graced the gala clad in an extraordinary creation: a Balenciaga gown woven from the very fabric of innovation — aluminium foil . Adorned with jewellery by the illustrious Cindy Chao, Yeoh's ensemble was a testament to the harmonious marriage of...
Coastal Carolina University (CCU) has taken a significant step towards sustainability by replacing single-use plastic bottles with recyclable aluminium cans. This spring, the iconic teal-coloured cans debuted at the baseball and softball concession stands, marking a shift towards eco-friendly practices. These cans have been widely distributed at CCU-catered events and were prominently featured during the May 2024 commencement exercises, where they sat beside graduates and faculty chairs. About the initiative Under the leadership of CCU President Michael Benson, this initiative was brought to the forefront during his report to the board of trustees on May 3. Each trustee received a complimentary bottle, underscoring the university's dedication to reducing single-use plastic containers. The...
Emirates Global Aluminium, the world's largest producer of 'premium aluminium', with smelters in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, proudly announces the graduation of over 150 young employees from its innovative learning and development platform, FURSA, within its inaugural year of launch. About FURSA FURSA, a dynamic initiative spearheaded by the EGA Youth Council in collaboration with the Learning and Development team, is a robust platform offering curated courses and immersive experiences tailored to bolster leadership, Industry 4.0, sustainability, science, and technology skills. "Upskilling and empowering the next generation of leaders at EGA is key to future-proofing our business and enhancing our competitiveness. At EGA, alongside our Learning and Development team, our Youth Council is heavily...
Chinese scientists have pioneered a superlative aluminium alloy capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, heralding a new era in aerospace engineering. This remarkable achievement addresses a longstanding challenge, expanding the operational range of aluminium alloys to unprecedented heights. Traditionally prized for their lightweight properties, high strength, and corrosion resistance, aluminium alloys have long been the cornerstone of aerospace construction. However, their limited heat resistance, particularly within the critical temperature bracket of 350 to 500 degrees Celsius, has posed significant obstacles to further advancement. Elevating thermal resistance Led by He Chunnian from Tianjin University, a team of researchers embarked on a quest to enhance the thermal capabilities...
On April 22, Mayor Zhang Guangyong of Luliang convened a working meeting with Dong Jianxiong, the Deputy General Manager of Chinalco Group and Chairman of Chinalco Shares. Expressing gratitude on behalf of the municipal Party Committee and government, Mayor Zhang Guangyong acknowledged Chinalco Group's enduring support for Luliang's economic and social advancement, recognising their significant contributions to the city's progress. He provided a concise overview of the city, highlighting its historical significance as a revolutionary area, abundant natural resources, and status as a burgeoning development hub. Furthermore, Mayor Zhang emphasised Luliang's position as the nation's foremost producer in key sectors such as coking coal, coking, alumina, and clean-flavour liquor. Luliang's...
In collaboration with TankE GmbH and the City of Cologne, Rheinmetall is embarking on a pilot initiative to evaluate curb chargers in public traffic zones. This project aims to integrate and field-test Rheinmetall's curb charger technology within urban environments. The primary goal is to assess public acceptance and explore these chargers' urban planning and design benefits. Following signing a letter of intent in May 2023, the official launch for on-site deployment took place today, April 25, 2024. The curb chargers will undergo extensive real-world testing at two designated locations within the city. Rheinmetall is a globally influential technology group offering a comprehensive range of components, systems, and services tailored to security and civil sectors. Renowned as a trusted...
Fernando Garcia Martinez, vice president of operations at Mexican aluminium institute IMEDAL, said that the entire light metal supply chain is being impacted, with premiums rising, including in the United States. Under a side agreement within the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), imports from Mexico are exempt from Section 232 tariffs. However, Mexico must enhance its monitoring measures and trade data reporting under this agreement. Aluminium faces new tariff Recently, Mexico announced an increase in import duties on various goods, as outlined in a decree published on April 22. Among these goods, aluminium faces new tariffs ranging from 20 to 35 per cent. As per the reports shared by Fastmarkets, the document addresses situations where international trade practices disrupt...
Alucop's visionary pursuit of environmental stewardship takes tangible form with the inauguration of its cutting-edge recycling facility in Berrechid. Strategically nestled within Morocco's bustling industrial zone, this plant epitomises the synergy between industry and ecology. Alucop's plant is committed to excellence and possesses an impressive array of output. It will create 5,000 tonnes of copper anodes, 4,000 tonnes of copper wire rod, 2,500 tonnes of copper billets, 12,000 tonnes of brass billets, 5,000 tonnes of aluminium billets, 12,000 tonnes of brass bars and 20,000 tonnes of aluminium ingots per year. The facility denotes Alucop's versatility and adaptability to market demands while championing environmental stewardship through sustainable practices. Ministerial endorsement...
The US Geological Survey's latest data showed the United States’ domestic primary aluminium production trended down during the first two months of 2024, while scrap recovery surged suggesting the country's constant shift to recycled aluminium from the primary metal. Image courtesy: USGS Scrap recovery Aluminium recovered from scrap in February 2024 was 293,000 tonnes, 6.54 per cent up from 275,000 tonnes a month ago and 6.93 per cent more than 274,000 tonnes a year earlier. Of the total scrap recovered, 163,000 tonnes was recovered from new scrap and 129,000 tonnes from old scrap. The total recovery of scrap in the first two months of 2024 was 568,000 tonnes, compared to 552,000 tonnes a year ago. Primary aluminium output From January to February 2024, the United States combined...
The ecological transition presents an exceptional opportunity for emerging leaders seeking purpose. Romain Girbal, the co-founder of IB2, is encouraging young managers to embrace green initiatives, which not only foster growth but also cultivate meaningful leadership in our dynamic business environment. With environmental issues mounting, sustainable practices are advantageous and essential for companies aiming to stay competitive and socially conscious. Transforming the ecological impact of the aluminium industry is the core mission at IB2, where co-founder Romain Girbal has seen firsthand how prioritising sustainability can drive both innovation and economic prosperity. IB2's pioneering approach involves converting low-grade bauxite into high-grade ore, a breakthrough dramatically...
On May 7, 2024, Norsk Hydro, a Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company, announced that its nomination committee elected Jane Toogood and Espen Gundersen as new members of the Board of Directors. This announcement followed the release of Hydro’s Annual General Meeting minutes. Berit Ledel Henriksen chairs Hydro's nomination committee, which is consisted of three other members namely Susanne Munch Thore, Muriel Bjørseth Hansen, and Karl Mathisen. Hydro also announced that some members were re-elected to the Board of Directors as per the committee's recommendation. They are Rune Bjerke, Marianne Wiinholt, Peter Kukielski, Kristin Fejerskov Kragseth, and Philip Graham New. From now on, Rune Bjerke will chair the board of eleven members, and Kristin Fejerskov Kragseth will be the...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,573 per tonne on Tuesday, with its low and high at US$2547 per tonne and US$2,593 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,568.5 per tonne, up 0.69 per cent. On Tuesday, May 7, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price moved up by US$3 per tonne or 0.11 per cent and US$2.5 per tonne or 0.09 per cent to settle at US$2,512 per tonne and US$2,512.50 per tonne. The 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price ascended by US$5 per tonne, or 0.19 per cent, to US$2,557.50 per tonne and US$2,558.50 per tonne. As per the SMM data, the December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price added US$8 per tonne, or 0.29 per cent, to reach US$2,690 per tonne and US$2,695 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock halted at 486050 tonnes....
Alfiniti Inc. has made a significant stride in solidifying its position as a premier provider in the aluminium tube industry with the recent acquisition of Alabama Tube Corporation. This strategic move underscores Alfiniti's commitment to diversifying its product line and enhancing its capabilities to meet the evolving needs of its clientele. Alfiniti Inc. now stands uniquely positioned in the market as the sole U.S. manufacturer of welded aluminium tubes, bolstering its ability to offer a comprehensive range of aluminium tube products. This acquisition reaffirms the company's dedication to supporting domestic manufacturing and ensuring the availability of locally sourced aluminium tube products. Enhanced product portfolio The Managing Director of Alfiniti Inc., Steve James, stated: "This...
Ford China announced on May 6, 2024, that Ai Xiaoming has officially assumed the position of President of Changan Ford, reporting to the Board of Directors of Changan Ford. He Xiaoqing, the current President of Changan Ford, will retire on June 1, 2024. Ahead of his retirement, he will serve as a senior advisor and aid in the seamless transition to Ai Xiaoming. Changan Ford (full name Changan Ford Automobile Co., Ltd.) is a Chinese automotive manufacturing company headquartered in Chongqing. It is a 50/50 joint venture between local Changan Automobile and US-based Ford Motor Company. The company's principal activity is the manufacture of Ford-brand passenger cars for the Chinese market. Bringing over two decades of experience in China's manufacturing and consumer electronics sectors, Ai...
