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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Can-One USA, a division of the Malaysia-headquartered can manufacturing company Can-One, has commenced operations at its newly established facility in the United States. The plant, which spans 180,000 square feet and is located in Nashua, New Hampshire, anticipates an annual output of two billion aluminium beverage cans. “The company saw North America – particularly New England – as a market with tremendous opportunity,” said Can-One USA’s general manager Alvin Widitora. It will produce various aluminium can sizes, catering to the preferences of craft brewers and smaller beverage producers. These include the popular 12oz (355ml) and 16oz (473ml) versions, which are particularly favoured among producers in the sparkling water, juice, and other functional beverage categories. Partnership...
Alumtek Minerals (AM), an Australian-based company, has recently concluded extensive research and development focused on bauxite residue waste, also known as red mud. This endeavour has led to the creation of cutting-edge technology capable of extracting critical raw materials from this waste. AM has successfully developed a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) that meets the rigorous Australian Standard AS3582.4 through a collaborative effort with Cement Australia. This innovative material holds great promise in significantly reducing CO 2 emissions within the cement industry. Alumtek Minerals specialises in processing mining tailings, particularly bauxite residue . Leveraging proprietary technical methods, it is advancing commercialisation efforts to extract rare earth elements and...
A Kenyan electric bus company headquartered in Nairobi, BasiGo, has secured a substantial order for 500 buses from public service vehicle (PSV) operators in Nairobi. This significant influx of orders marks a monumental leap for the company, catapulting its bus sales to nearly 24 times their current volume. Jit Bhattacharya, the founder and CEO of BasiGo, expressed enthusiasm about the development, noting that the firm has already received deposits for the orders. Bhattacharya emphasized the company's commitment to promptly fulfilling these orders and delivering the buses to the buyers as expeditiously as possible. As per AL Circle's new industry-focus report - "Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2024" , aluminium usage in the transportation sector stood at 27.5 million tonnes in 2023. The...
AMAG Austria Metall AG, the biggest company in the Austrian aluminium sector, announced its first quarter 2024 results, reporting an improvement in earnings compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. But compared to the same period last year, AMAG’s earnings in Q1 2024 saw a downtrend due to lower shipment volumes and aluminium prices. The company reported its Q1 revenue at EUR 335.8 million, down by 17.05 per cent from EUR 404.8 million a year ago. EBITDA was EUR 42.4 million, up from the previous quarter but down by 30.26 per cent from EUR 60.8 million during the corresponding period of the previous year. The company’s net income after taxes was EUR 13.3 million, also down by 50.37 per cent Y-o-Y from EUR 26.8 million tonnes. But amid the depleted Y-o-Y earnings, AMAG’s cash flow from...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,585 per tonne yesterday, with its high and low at US$2,612 per tonne and US$2,560.5 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,571 per tonne, down US$13 per tonne or 0.5 per cent. On Thursday, April 25, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price inched up by US$1 per tonne or 0.03 per cent to stand at US$2,586 per tonne and US$2,586.50 per tonne. As per the LME data, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price gone up by US$11.5 per tonne or 0.44 per cent to clock at US$2,609.50 per tonne and US$2,610 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price gained uS427 per tonne or 1 per cent to settle at US$2,712 per tonne and US$2,717 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at 494875 tonnes. Live...
NALCO, a leading state-owned aluminium company, has forged a significant partnership with CSIR-NGRI to enhance geophysical research. This strategic collaboration defines NALCO's commitment to innovation and sustainable practices. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) and CSIR-NGRI emphasises long-term collaboration in geophysical investigations. This partnership will bolster ongoing projects related to critical and strategic minerals. The agreement encompasses various aspects of geophysical, geochemical, and geological surveys. Additionally, it involves data analysis, interpretation, and modelling, facilitating informed decision-making in resource exploration. The signing ceremony , held at the NALCO Corporate Office in Bhubaneswar , signifies a...
From the tranquil fjords of Norway to the bustling markets of China, each region's aluminium giants have navigated through turbulent waters, propelled by innovation and strategic acumen. Let's find out how the industry giants are dealing with the sudden geopolitical changes resulting in global commodity trade disruptions. Also, in this article, we will revise all the noble initiatives taken by respective organisations to reduce operational emissions. Europe: Norsk Hydro's resolve amid fiscal headwinds In the heart of Scandinavia, Norsk Hydro stands as a beacon of stability amidst fiscal challenges. Despite a dip in Q1 2024 revenue, attributed to fluctuating aluminium prices and extrusion sales volumes, Hydro remains undeterred. Bolstered by increased EBITDA from renewable energy ventures...
Roberts Metal Packaging has proudly attained the esteemed AA+ rating, the highest possible standard, in packaging materials globally, as awarded by BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standard). Achieving an AA+ rating signifies that all pre-threaded screw-caps, godets, and aluminium and tinplate containers from them are guaranteed top quality, compliant with legal standards, and genuine, ensuring customers' and manufacturers' peace of mind. About the AA+ rating This accolade, earned through a rigorous unannounced audit, solidifies the Thamesmead site's position among the elite suppliers in the packaging industry. For the past 25 years, the BRCGS Packaging Materials Global Standard has served as the gold standard for assessing packaging materials, with over 22,000 sites...
According to a Reuters report, Vedanta Limited expects 2.3 to 2.4 million tonnes of aluminium production in FY2024-25. By the third quarter of FY2024, Vedanta produced 1.772 million tonnes of aluminium, a 3 per cent rise year-on-year and the highest-ever output . In Q3 alone, Vedanta’s aluminium production was 599,000 tonnes, up by 6 per cent Y-o-Y and 1 per cent Q-o-Q. According to Reuters, Vedanta has also anticipated aluminium production cost for the financial year 2024-2025 at $1,625 to $1,725 per tonne. According to the 3QFY2024 results, Vedanta’s revenue during the particular period was INR 34,968 crore, up by 4 per cent Q-o-Q and Y-o-Y, driven by higher sales volume and favourable output commodity prices. The company’s EBITDA during the said period was INR 8,677 crore, up by 21 per...
The Indian primary aluminium producer, BALCO, has introduced its inaugural Bogie Open Bottom Rapid Discharge (BOBRNHSM2) Rake into its operations. This milestone signifies another stride towards fostering an effective and sustainable supply chain for acquiring vital raw materials. BALCO is part of Vedanta’s Aluminium Business, a division of Vedanta Limited, India’s largest aluminium manufacturer. However, this strategic incorporation will streamline the transportation of coal supplies via rail, eliminating the requirement for approximately 120 trucks per rake and greatly amplifying operational efficiency. Part of the Indian Railways' General Purpose Wagon Investment Scheme (GPWIS), this initiative focuses on enhancing the distribution of coal resources to improve the domestic supply chain...
Vedanta Aluminium, India's leading aluminium producer, recently hosted AutoEdge 2024, a pivotal industry conclave focusing on the automotive sector, in New Delhi. Aluminium, pivotal for modern transportation, has emerged as a crucial raw material in automotive manufacturing. The event showcased expert-led sessions outlining the sector's future trajectory and aluminium's integral role in its evolution. It served as a platform for forging new collaborations and exploring innovative avenues. About the event Commenting on the event, Mr John Slaven, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, said, "We offer our customers in the automotive industry an unmatched combination of advantages: global expertise, cutting-edge technology, customised alloys, ease of doing business, a reliable supply chain and most...
European aluminium foil demand experienced a slower trend through 2023 than in 2022, resulting in a double-digit fall in the year's final quarter, according to the figures just released by the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA). The entire 2023 reflected a unique circumstance of high stock levels and weak demand for aluminium as high prices and interest rates forced end-consumers to limit their metal purchase. It directly affected foil in packaging and household goods in particular. According to EAFA survey, sluggish demand for European foil led to a 14.6 per cent year-on-year decline in shipments from 973,000 tonnes in 2022 to 831,700 tonnes in 2023. Thinner gauges, primarily used for flexible packaging and household foils, were neither left untouched by the sluggish market and...
To bolster Vietnam's aluminium sector, the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin) sets its sights on two exploration initiatives and five bauxite-alumina-aluminium projects in the central province of Đắk Nông. With an impressive investment projection exceeding VNĐ182 trillion (US$7.3 billion), Vinacomin's strategic focus gravitates towards the expeditious realisation of the Đắk Nông 2 aluminium electrolysis plant project by 2030. Foreseeing substantial growth, Vinacomin anticipates an annual aluminium production ranging from 0.7 to two million tonnes by 2030, augmenting revenue to VNĐ49.5 trillion and injecting VNĐ8.4 trillion into the State's coffers, thereby fortifying the local economy and fostering employment opportunities for 4,000 individuals. Looking ahead...
EverestLabs, a leading robotics supplier headquartered in Fremont, California, has released a recent report shedding light on the fate of recyclable materials at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). According to their findings, approximately 27 per cent of aluminium cans, PET, HDPE, and PP collected at MRFs are disposed of rather than recycled. This data stems from a comprehensive analysis conducted over two years, during which EverestLabs gathered sample data from MRFs across its customer base. The study focused on estimating the yield loss at the MRF level across different material streams. About the findings The scale of the problem becomes even more apparent when we consider the extrapolation of the sample results. The data was collected from the 'last-chance' lines of single-stream...
On April 24, 2024, the London Metal Exchange (LME) took action to prevent traders from exploiting rule changes by prohibiting taking Russian aluminium from its approved warehouses and returning it for profit. Earlier this month, the US and Britain prohibited the London Metal Exchange (LME) from accepting new Russian production of aluminium , copper, and nickel. The move is intended to decelerate Moscow's financial situation concerning the Ukraine-Russia geopolitical crisis. The London Metal Exchange has implemented a prohibition on Russian aluminium , copper, and nickel generated after April 13 in adherence to sanctions imposed. LME regulations prior to April 13 distinguished between two types of Russian warrants, Type 1, and Type 2. This allowed for profitable "rent deals" by enabling...
Hi-MO X6 solar panels have joined forces with OneSky Aluminum, illuminating the path toward a sustainable future for the aluminium industry in the Philippines. This dynamic collaboration not only enhances operational efficiency but also signifies a pivotal shift toward renewable energy sources. In the heart of the Philippines, OneSky Aluminum, a prominent player in the non-ferrous metal industry, has begun a transformative journey fuelled by solar power. Recognising the environmental imperative and the need for sustainable energy solutions, OneSky Aluminum has embraced the cutting-edge Hi-MO X6 solar panels across its sprawling factory rooftops. Renewable efficiency unleashed: Hi-MO X6 in action With a relentless commitment to efficiency, OneSky Aluminum has installed 1.3 MW of Hi-MO X6...
Norsk Hydro's first quarter CY2024 report, released on Wednesday, April 24, highlighted a challenging financial performance attributed to depreciated aluminium sales prices, lower aluminium extrusion sales volumes, and lower recycling margins. The company's revenue was generated at NOK 47,545 million during Q1 2024, compared to NOK 48,534 million a year ago. That recorded a downfall of 2 per cent year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA registered a slump of 28 per cent Y-o-Y from NOK 7,525 million to NOK 5,411 million. Besides the aforementioned factors , higher fixed costs also negatively impacted Hydro's fiscal results. Adjusted EBITDA from Hydro Extrusions fell sharply by 35 per cent Y-o-Y from NOK 2,223 million to NOK 1,437 million, particularly owing to muted demand in the residential and...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,580 per tonne in the previous trading day, with its high and low at US$2,614.50 per tonne and US$2,563 per tonne respectively before closing at US$2,584 per tonne, up US$8 per tonne or 0.31 per cent. The London Metal Exchange graph registered slow growth in aluminium prices on April 24, with the LME aluminium cash bid and the LME aluminium official price gaining US$2 per tonne or 0.08 per cent and US$0.50 per tonne or 0.02 per cent to close at US$2,585 per tonne and US$2,585.50 per tonne, respectively. On a Year-on-Year scale, there can be seen a major spike of US$231 per tonne or 9.8 per cent from US$2,585.50 per tonne recorded on April 24, last year. Recent developments in the global metals market have seen the UK and the US implement sanctions on Russian...
