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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The ASX listed diversified infrastructure services company born out of Australia's greatest engineering challenge, the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, in 1961, SRG Global has secured significant contracts worth A$700 million ($455.35 million) with some of Australia's leading mining companies, including South32, Roy Hill, Pilbara Minerals, and Glencore, spanning multiple sectors. Among the highlights is a five-year contract with South32, set to begin immediately. SRG will provide maintenance and civil services at South32's Worsley bauxite and alumina operations in Western Australia's southwest, focusing on enhancing bauxite residue disposal area embankments. AL Circle's industry-focused report, "A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue - Red Mud", stated that it is estimated that...
The decline in South America’s alumina production for two months in a quarter led to a downfall in the total Q3 output. In July and September, South America’s alumina production decreased by 5.36 per cent and 3.83 per cent, respectively, resulting in a Q3 fall of 3.49 per cent from the previous quarter, found the International Aluminium Institute survey. Image Source: Norsk Hydro on LinkedIn In both July and September, South America’s alumina production stood at 1 million tonnes, amounting to 989,000 tonnes and 979,000 tonnes. Only in August did the production volume reach above 1 million tonnes for an intermittent period but edged a year-on-year decline of 1.45 per cent from 1.033 million tonnes. In total, South America’s alumina production through the third quarter of 2024 amounted to...
Equispheres, Inc., a leading metal powder producer in Canada, announced a supply agreement with South Carolina-based 3D Systems at the Formnext 2024. This partnership enables the use of Equispheres’ North American-produced aluminium powder with 3D Systems’ DMP Flex 350 and DMP Factory 350 Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing machines. Image Source: 3D Systems Testing has reportedly demonstrated up to a 50 per cent increase in productivity and an average part density of 99.8 per cent, with a build rate of 49.7 cc/hr at a 60 µm layer thickness on the DMP Flex 350. Integrating Equispheres’ aluminium is anticipated to help customers achieve faster build speeds for the production of automotive and aerospace components, such as lightweight brackets, supports, heat...
On Wednesday, November 20, the average alumina spot price in China has ascended by RMB 13 per tonne to settle at RMB 5,659 per tonne. The alumina price has continued its growth trajectory since September. The prices of Lianyungang and Bayuquan have surged by RMB 50 per tonne to peg at RMB 6,050 per tonne. Image Source: Advanced Ceramic Materials (ACM) Corporation On the same day, the prices in Henan and Shanxi have grown by RMB 15 per tonne to settle at RMB 5,665 per tonne and RMB 5,715 per tonne. In provinces like Shandong, Guizhou and Guangxi, the alumina prices have moved up by RMB 10 per tonne to dock at RMB 5,635 per tonne and RMB 5,610 per tonne (Guizhou and Guangxi). The Australian alumina FOB price has gained US$25 per tonne, settling at US$785 per tonne. On the same day, the...
Constellium, a global leader in aluminium solutions and recycling, has reached a significant sustainability milestone with its newly inaugurated aluminium recycling centre in Neuf-Brisach. The facility has successfully produced its first aluminium coils made primarily from post-consumer scrap, which Crown, a world leader in metal packaging, has now qualified. Following rigorous testing at Crown's manufacturing facilities in France and Spain, the aluminium coils received approval for use in beverage cans. This achievement underscores both companies' shared commitment to advancing sustainable practices and reducing their environmental footprints. Constellium’s qualification by Crown marks a significant milestone, showcasing the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality recycled...
Industry insiders revealed that Chinese exporters in diverse sectors, including aluminium products, used cooking oil (UCO), and solar power equipment, are preparing to hike prices and renegotiate contracts following Beijing's decision to cut tax incentives. The policy change, announced on November 15, 2024, will take effect on December 1, 2024, and significantly impact exporters. The export tax rebate rate for certain products, such as refined oil, photovoltaic components, batteries, and specific non-metallic mineral products, will drop from 13 per cent to 9 per cent. Moreover, the rebate will be entirely eliminated for aluminium and copper products as well as chemically modified oils and fats, including UCO. The move is expected to send ripples across global markets. Analysts predict...
In pursuit of decarbonising aluminium production, Norsk Hydro continues to install onsite solar energy production and energy efficiency measures at its aluminium plants in Germany. Two plants in Rackwitz and one plant in Uphusen, Germany, will have solar photovoltaic rooftops and battery storage systems aimed at operating using locally produced energy. Image Source: Hydro Previously, Hydro installed the same system at its Offenburg extrusion plant and began interim operations. “We are continuously reducing our own emissions and these installations are an efficient way to introduce locally produced, renewable energy. In order to meet the growing demands from customers for products with lower footprint and to further contribute to local societies where we operate, we need to accelerate our...
Several Indian solar manufacturers, having delved into solar module and cell production, are now expanding into in-house aluminium frame manufacturing, a crucial component of solar modules. Among them, Premier Energies, a prominent producer of solar modules and cells, has pledged an investment of INR 230 crore for this new initiative. Image Source: Trade Brains Premier Energies to establish new facility For this, the Indian solar cell and module manufacturer plans to establish a facility with an annual capacity of 36,000 metric tonnes for captive consumption. As of March 31, 2024, Premier Energies is India's second-largest integrated solar PV manufacturer, boasting an annual installed capacity of 2 GW for cell manufacturing and 4.13 GW for module manufacturing. "We are also pleased to...
The latest research by the UK’s Can Makers shows that more people now recognise the benefits beverage cans offer. Norman Lett, spokesperson for the Can Makers, discusses how a greater variety of canned beverages, convenience, recyclability and other factors are making cans the preferred packaging of choice for many festival goers in the UK. More brands are also switching to cans. “The shift to cans which many brands are now making not only highlights the growing importance of sustainability throughout the value chain but underscores the positive impact of cans when it comes to storytelling, branding and timely, culturally relevant marketing,” Lett says. Festivals that promote sustainable practices New research has shown that canned beverages which can be recycled easily, are the go-to...
China's primary aluminium billet output in October 2024 retreated from its previous month's high as many billet manufacturers reduced their production pace due to several unfavourable factors like high selling prices, lower processing fees, and sluggish downstream demand. Usually, October is a season when the market takes a turn aligned with the year-end goals. Image Source: Made-in-China According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, China's daily average production of primary aluminium billet in October lost what it gained last month despite having one more operating day. The average daily output dropped 2,000 tonnes M-o-M to 49,000 tonnes per day, resulting in a monthly output of 1.507 million tonnes in October, as against 1.528 million tonnes in September. That recorded a...
Every Can Count U.S., and Replenish has introduced a new community-focused recycling initiative called Cans for Cash to enhance the recovery of aluminium beverage cans. The program was first launched in Blytheville, Arkansas, and plans to expand with four additional Circularity Centres across Florida, Illinois, and Mississippi. Image Source: Every Can Counts Cans for Cash initiative Cans for Cash targets communities located near major waterways that have limited or no access to recycling. This initiative is designed to increase recycling rates, reduce litter and landfill waste, and stimulate local economies by providing cash incentives to participants who recycle empty aluminium beverage cans. "The Cans for Cash program is a self-sustaining recycling model and will help fund future...
Reynaers Aluminium has enhanced its Vision 7 Thermal Commercial Door by introducing new panic hardware options, including both surface-mounted and concealed systems, designed for seamless operation during emergencies. Image Source: Reynaers Aluminium These hardware options are available in push-bar and push-pad configurations, ensuring safe and efficient exits that comply with current safety regulations. A full-width push-bar option is provided to meet EN 1125 standards for public spaces like shopping centres. For buildings with regular occupants, such as offices, where an escape route is still essential, a push-pad option is available to meet EN 179 requirements. “The addition of panic hardware further expands the use of the Vision 7 Thermal Commercial Door to meet the need for urgent...
Mining giants saw a strong start to the week, the 47th week of the year 2024, buoyed by China's decision to eliminate the 13 per cent tax rebate on aluminium and copper semi-finished products exports. The policy change, announced on November 15, 2024, triggered a surge of over 7 per cent in London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices, underscoring its immediate impact on global markets. Citi, the leading global bank for institutions with cross-border needs, a global provider in wealth management, and a U.S. personal bank highlighted the move's implications, noting that removing the rebate will likely discourage the export of aluminium semi-finished products from China. According to the bank, this policy shift is expected to initially raise the LME-Shanghai Futures Exchange (ShFE) ratio....
North America's increasing reliance on secondary aluminium is driving the domestic companies to advance their recycling processes by investing in new cutting-edge technologies. Such is an instance with North America's one of the largest aluminium companies that has secured a new recycling production line from a specialised waste recycling solutions provider, GEP ECOTECH. Image Source: GEP ECOTECH The new system will process baled scrap aluminium by breaking it down, shredding it, and removing contaminants to prepare the waste material for its final objective - smelting. Besides providing shredding and sorting solutions, the system offers reduced energy consumption and less greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. James, Sales Manager at...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) analysis, the average alumina spot price has hiked by RMB 24 per tonne to settle at RMB 5,646 per tonne. W-o-W, the price has grown by RMB 156 per tonne or 2.84 per cent, and M-o-M the alumina price has shown a surge of RMB 1,039 per tonne or 22.55 per cent. Image Source: https://www.mudeffects.com/ Alumina price region-wise The alumina prices have grown in all the provinces, with the highest in Lianyungang and Bayuquan, where it has heightened by RMB 50 per tonne to clock at RMB 6,000 per tonne. In other regions like Henan, Shanxi, Guizhou and Guangxi, the prices have added RMB 25 per tonne to settle at RMB 5,650 per tonne, RMB 5,700 per tonne and RMB 5,600 per tonne (for both Guizhou and Guangxi). In Shandong the alumina price has increased...
The much-awaited ZAK Aluminium Extrusions Expo 2024 is set to take place from 5th to 7th December 2024 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Organised by ZAK Exhibitions and Conferences, the event will serve as a leading platform for showcasing the latest advancements in aluminium extrusion technology, die design, surface treatment, and related applications. A hub for industry collaboration and innovation In its 15th edition, the ZAK Aluminium Extrusions Expo will bring together leading brands, professionals, and innovators from the aluminium industry to share ideas, showcase products, and explore new opportunities. The expo highlights aluminium as a sustainable, lightweight, and recyclable material vital to modern industries like construction, architecture, and manufacturing. What to expect The...
Guinea and China celebrated a historic milestone on October 4, 2024, as they commemorated 65 years of the reestablishment of their diplomatic relations. This enduring partnership, a cornerstone in sub-Saharan Africa, has thrived through collaboration in critical sectors such as education, health, energy, infrastructure, and mining. Among these, mining stands out as a transformative force, spurred by the significant influx of Chinese investments over the last two decades. From 2008 to 2017, China's involvement was embodied by major players such as Chalco, China Power Investment (CPI), and the Compagnie de Développement des Mines Internationales (CDM). CDM, a subsidiary of CHICO, a Henan-based Chinese state-owned enterprise, entered the Guinean mining scene in May 2008. In October 2010, it...
EMR has secured a £3.4 million grant from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), which funds research within the motor industry, to support its aluminium manufacturing plant utilising recycled content. The proposed facility aims to produce aluminium extrusion billets with significantly lower embodied carbon, promoting the reuse of metals and replacing traditional primary supply routes to cut emissions dramatically. Image Source- indiamart EMR highlighted that the project will facilitate the large-scale production of components made from up to 100 per cent recycled aluminium, achieving mechanical and durability standards comparable to primary aluminium for the first time. The project also includes collaboration with vehicle manufacturer Stellantis, aluminium producer and automotive supplier...
