
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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Donna Leonetti has achieved a record-breaking milestone. One of her most recent feats occurred on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the Ronald McDonald House in Colorado Springs. Her previous record of 850 pounds, set in November 2023, was surpassed by an impressive 1,000 pounds of sparkling aluminium can tabs—equating to 1,128,000 individual tabs. Image Source - Ronald McDonald House "It's wonderful how I went from a half-full Walmart plastic bag in 2009 to 1,128,000 tabs. This journey is not mine anymore. I can't do it alone. Now, we are all making this journey. I am overjoyed. I want to thank all of you for your contribution. You made it happen," added Donna. Donna Leonetti remains unbeatable If laid out, they would shine brightly in the sun for 20 miles, stretching from the heart of the...

OnePlus is now in the market with an aluminium inclusive fast wireless charging pad for the OnePlus 13 and other MagSafe-capable devices. Image Source: community.oneplus.com The charging pad enables users to have efficient and fast charging options. The sleek design is easier to carry. The charging pad can yield up to 50 watts of power and has magnetic absorption capability, allowing supported devices to attach securely even when using a magnetic case. This device also backs charging protocols such as SUPERVOOC, VOOC, PD, PPS, and QC, making it fit for various smartphones. OnePlus officials have mentioned that the charger is capable of charging the OnePlus 13 model from 1 to 100 per cent in under 75 minutes. The pads have advanced cooling built into the wireless charging pad using a...

Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) has presented the Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification to Oman Aluminium Rolling Company SPC for manufacturing and supplying aluminium coils at the Sohar facility, Sultanate of Oman. The facility, having an annual capacity of 140,000 tonnes of multi-purpose aluminium coils, produces alloy hot bend coils and finished coils for applications in various industries, including building and construction, transportation, packaging, consumer durables, energy and HVAC. Launched in May 2022, the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) certification defines 11 principles and 62 criteria under three sustainability pillars – Environment, Social, and Governance, aimed at addressing sustainability issues in the aluminium value chain. Oman Aluminium Rolling...

Abdulnasser Ibrahim Saif bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), highlighted in his conversation with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) plays a crucial role in supporting the national economy. As a key driver of the domestic aluminium sector, EGA supports thousands of jobs and contributes billions to the United Arab Emirates' economy. Image Source: EGA Mr Saif bin Kalban mentioned that EGA's direct, indirect, and induced economic contribution was over $6.5 billion in 2023, supporting more than 57 thousand jobs and accounting for about 1.3 per cent of GDP. He also boasted that EGA is committed to redirecting its earnings to the local economy by purchasing local goods and services. On average, the company annually redirects...

Leading access equipment supplier TB Davies is poised for substantial growth following a major expansion of its manufacturing facility in Cardiff. Outfitted with fully automated machinery, the facility is designed for high-volume production of aluminium extension ladders and the assembly of combination steps for Little Giant Ladder Systems, for which TB Davies holds the exclusive UK license. Image Source: BusinessLive About the expansion TB Davies' newly expanded facility now spans 3.5 acres and features 31,000 sq ft of office and warehouse space, with the capacity to add an additional 14,000 sq ft as demand increases. The expansion was fuelled by a strategic £500,000 investment and financial restructuring support from NatWest, bolstered by £100,000 in assistance and expertise from the...

The oldest independent state in the Arab world, Oman is progressing with plans to establish an 'Integrated Economic Cluster for Aluminium Industries' in Suhar, a key hub for multibillion-dollar investments focused on this valuable metal. The Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-Up Unit leads these efforts, collaborating closely with various government ministries and agencies to bring this strategic initiative to fruition. The Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-Up Unit stated in the latest annual report, "The Integrated Economic Cluster for Aluminium Industries in Suhar aims to achieve integration among the various aspects of the aluminium industry by linking the upstream (primary aluminium production) with the downstream (higher value-added industries). The cluster focuses on...

Servotech Power Systems Limited (SPSL) has secured a contract for a 2-megawatt (MW) on-grid solar project from the Uttar Pradesh Government. According to the company's statement, the project has been awarded by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA). Image Source- Servotech Under the terms of the agreement, Servotech will oversee the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the 2 MW on-grid solar power systems. The company will also provide warranty maintenance for these solar photovoltaic (PV) installations at 67 key locations throughout the state for the next five years. Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Power Systems, said, "Leveraging our expertise and innovative solutions, our aim is to empower Uttar Pradesh with clean, reliable,...

China’s decision to revoke tax rebates on aluminium has caused two opposite reactions in the global market. On the one hand, it has brought a frown to global downstream producers and end-user manufacturers in anticipation of a limited supply of metal and higher prices; on the other, it has brought hope for improved margins among primary aluminium producers due to global price hikes. On this note, some of the primary aluminium giants in India have experienced a notable surge in their shares. Companies like NALCO, Hindalco, and Vedanta reported that their shares raised as much as 7 per cent on Monday, November 18, following China’s announcement of its decision on Friday , November 15. Even a Malaysia-based aluminium company, Press Metal, gained 7.5 per cent to RM4.73, marking its highest...

On Monday, November 18, the average alumina spot price in China has marked a hike of RMB 22 per tonne to settle at RMB 5,622 per tonne, reflecting a Y-o-Y surge of RMB 2,624 per tonne or 87.52 per cent from RMB 2,998 per tonne. Image Source: Tradeindia As per the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) data, the prices in most regions have grown, except in Lianyungang and Bayuquan, which have remained unchanged at RMB 5,950 per tonne. In regions like Shandong, Shanxi, Guizhou and Guangxi, the prices have ascended by RMB 25 per tonne to settle at RMB 5,605 per tonne, 5,675 per tonne and RMB 5,575 per tonne ( for both Guizhou and Giangxi). The Australian alumina FOB price has also marked a rise of US$37 per tonne to arrive at US$ 730 per tonne. On the same day, the high-purity aluminium (99.99%) and...

The UN climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, opened amidst intense behind-the-scenes negotiations as nations gathered for COP29 — the 29th Conference of Parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Early headlines touted a preliminary success as delegates agreed on key regulations to facilitate global carbon credit trading. Yet, this development came with contentious undercurrents, prompting critics to argue that such mechanisms could allow wealthier nations to finance emission reductions abroad and procrastinate on more costly domestic climate action. The opening plenary session experienced significant delays, stretching into the early hours of November 12, 2024, following demands from the BASIC coalition — comprising Brazil, South Africa, India, and...
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Aluminium-made wall installations that include adorable figurines of a bear, a butterfly, a fox, a turtle and some others adorn the exterior of the entrance at the Coeur d'Alene public library's Seagrave Children's Library section to increase awareness of the children's library. Image Source: Facebook (Coeur d'Alene public library) "We want to show people there's a wonderful children's library here," Paul Fleschner said Thursday morning as the row of vibrant aluminium animals affixed to the brick outer wall fronting McEuen Park was officially recognised. The Children's Library Critters project, which cost US$18,000, was funded by the Larry Paul Foundation and created by artists Melanie Germond and Pete Goldlust. After the demise of Larry Fleschner from cancer in 2007, the vast majority of...

On October 25th, under the strategic initiatives of "becoming a maritime power" and "cultivating and developing new quality productivity," Chinalco Academy of Sciences (Future Research Institute), Chinalco Institute of Materials, and Dalian Liaonan Shipyard collaboratively established the Joint Innovation Centre for New Quality Productivity of Ship Equipment (hereafter referred to as the Joint Innovation Centre). Image Source: Wikipedia (Yoshi Canopus - Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 3.0) Looking ahead, the Joint Innovation Centre will leverage Dalian Liaonan Shipyard's practical shipbuilding experience and the expertise of the Chinalco Academy of Sciences (Future Research Institute) and Chinalco Institute of Materials in material science. It aims to drive the development of ship equipment...

As part of a significant enforcement action, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested a state government official suspected of shielding illegal bauxite mining operations in Kuantan since 2022. The arrest occurred during a raid in the Bukit Goh area of Kuantan, where two company owners were detained. The individuals are suspected of engaging in corrupt activities aimed at safeguarding unauthorised mining practices, thereby undermining environmental and regulatory standards. MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed that the investigation is focused on allegations of soliciting and receiving bribes in violation of Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009. This development underscores ongoing efforts to clamp down on corruption linked to Malaysia's resource extraction...

November 15 of each year is observed as America Recycles Day – a day dedicated to spreading the message of how recycling can help all of us contribute towards the environment in the littlest way possible by reducing waste, saving energy, and conserving precious resources. And now that individuals as well as industries are increasingly prioritising sustainability, recycling plays a crucial role. Essentially, the aluminium industry in America has notably made a conscious shift to recycling and using recycled, low-carbon aluminium. According to the Aluminum Association, 75 per cent of aluminium is recycled in the United States of America. Some industries like automotive and building recycle more than 90 per cent. Today, more than 80 per cent of US production is in making recycled/secondary...

On the occasion of America Recycles Day, The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) restate to remind Americans that recyclable substances are sustainable, resilient and vital to our everyday lives and the global economy. Here, the significance of the recycled elements that include aluminium, steel, copper, paper, rubber etc was brought forth to the citizens' notice by the officials. "From the coffee cup we are using to the cars we drive and the bridges we cross—recycled materials are a part of virtually everything around us," says ReMA President Robin Wiener. "It's impossible to go a day—or even an hour—without using a product made at least in part with recycled materials. On America Recycles Day, we celebrate how the recycled materials industry is continuously innovating to recycle more...

Aluminium is a vital element of the global economy, and the growing demand for green metal underscores its enduring importance. Despite challenges and occasional disruptions, the market's need for sustainable aluminium continues to thrive. Significant developments have occurred in the upstream aluminium sector, which includes bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminium production. Top companies like Hindalco, Alba and NALCO released their financial results, reflecting significant growths. To being with Hindalco Industries Limited, the flagship metals company of the Aditya Birla Group and one of India's largest aluminium producers, reported its second-quarter results for the fiscal year 2024-25, showcasing a 7.45 per cent year-on-year increase in revenue from operations. Aluminium Bahrain...

Amidst the worldwide urge to shift toward sustainable aluminium production practices, on November 28 2024, The Federation of Aluminium Consumers in Europe (FACE) has arranged a crucial daylong (9 am to 3 pm) conference to address the pressing matter. The event, titled 'Conference on a Green Competitiveness Agenda for Europe', will be held at Ara Pacis Augustae (via di Ripetta 190), Rome. Image Source: https://www.archeoroma.org/ The day's event will commence with the renowned journalist — Giancarlo Loquenzi's opening ceremony, followed by an engaging presidential address on 'FACE and the strategic challenges of aluminium for the European Green Economy' by Mario Conserva (President of FACE). The event will also be moderated by Mr Loquenzi, known for being one of the founders of Giuliano...

On Friday, November 15, China’s finance ministry declared its plan to reduce or cancel export tax concessions for a wide range of commodities, including aluminium. As per the report, the measure will be effective from December 1, 2024. Image Source: Made-in-China For certain products like refined oil, photovoltaics, batteries, and non-metallic items, China has decided to reduce tax rebates from 13 to 9 per cent, while for aluminium and copper products, the country will cancel the concession. Following the news, aluminium prices soared in China as tax rebates would cover more than 5 million tonnes of metal exports worth RMB 17.7 billion. Analysts suspect that with this measure coming into effect, aluminium selling prices will increase further. Today, as of November 15, the metal price has...