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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This week, India's imported aluminium scrap market saw a notable uptick, buoyed by the positive trajectory of LME futures prices, which surged by $50 per tonne week-over-week (W-o-W) to hit $2600 per tonne. As of the latest report, the three-month LME price stood at approximately $2,600 per tonne, reflecting a 2.5 per cent increase from the previous week's $2,550 per tonne. Concurrently, stocks were recorded at 500,000 tonnes, marking a 3.4 per cent decrease week-over-week. Sanctions pushed aluminium prices upwards The surge in aluminium prices on the commodity exchange market during the week can be attributed to the sanctions imposed by the US and UK on Russian metals, alongside concerns of supply chain disruptions stemming from ongoing geopolitical tensions. As one of the key players in...
At the heart of Carlson AirFlo's products lies anodised aluminium, meticulously crafted to optimise energy usage. With unparalleled conductivity properties, this material acts as a thermal conductor, preserving the freshness of products within refrigerated cases. Suellen Lindsay, AirFlo's astute marketing manager, marks the significance of this innovation, noting how it minimises energy consumption and extends shelf life, ultimately reducing waste at the store level. "This allows the refrigeration cases to maximise energy efficiency. Because of the thermal properties of aluminium, it reduces shrink, allowing fresh product to maintain its shelf life, reducing the need to discard at store level." Unlike conventional materials, anodised aluminium boasts corrosion resistance and stability,...
Established in 2018, Hasten Extrusions Pvt. Ltd., a premier manufacturer renowned for excellence in aluminium extruded sections, has been successfully onboarded by AL Biz, one of the world's first B2B markets for the global aluminium sector. AL Biz is a pioneering worldwide platform that facilitates transactions between several buyers and sellers operating within the aluminium value chain. The organisation's primary function is to simplify the connection between customers and merchants via searches conducted on listed items and business prospects. About Hasten Extrusions Nestled in Khandiwada Village along the Vadodara-Halol expressway, merely 35 km from the bustling city of Baroda/Vadodara in Gujarat, Hasten Extrusions has two cutting-edge extrusion presses boasting capacities of 1100...
Norsk Hydro, a Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company, has reportedly planned to invest NOK 180 million in developing a state-of-the-art aluminium scrap sorting facility at its recycling plant in Wrexham, UK. As per the report, the facility will be able to source and sort over 30,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap and will be built next to Hydro’s aluminium extrusion ingot recycling plant. Barry Salisbury, Hydro’s plant manager in Wrexham, said: “This new facility enables us to optimally sort a large variety of post-consumer scrap grades that are mainly exported out of the UK today, before continuing to the next step of the recycling process. This is an essential improvement in material flow that allows us to meet the increasing demand for low-carbon aluminium that we see...
The landscape of reusable insulated flasks and containers is on the verge of transformation, as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry prepares to enforce a mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification starting June '24. This directive is poised to reshape the industry dynamics, impacting both large incumbents and smaller players alike. Come June '24, retail and e-commerce platforms may witness a shift in the availability of copper, stainless steel, and aluminium water bottles, as compliance with BIS standards becomes imperative. Presently, a significant portion of these products is imported, with minimal local manufacturing infrastructure in place. This impending mandate necessitates a strategic re-evaluation for industry leaders like Cello, Milton, and Prestige, prompting...
Southeastern European nation Montenegro's energy ministry said it had opened a tender to award a concession for the exploration and exploitation of red bauxite in the western municipality of Niksic. The ministry said in a tender invitation on April 22 that the concession area covers some 6.443 million square metres near the village of Kuta within the Vojnik-Maganik ore region. If the percentage of iron oxide in a bauxite sample is higher, it is called red bauxite. The concession period will be determined based on the estimated reserves of red bauxite, annual exploitation capacities, and market demand, with a maximum duration of 30 years, as stated in the document. Prospective bidders are required to provide a bank guarantee of 20,000 euros ($21,300). The deadline for bid submissions is...
Stephen Roach, the former Chairman of Morgan Stanley, Asia, has publicly pronounced "Hong Kong is over." Roach, now an analyst focusing on the economy of the former British Crown Colony, which is presently a special administrative zone of China, highlights Law 23 as its primary concern. This law subjects Hong Kong to stringent Chinese security measures and criminalises even verbal criticism of Beijing or the government. Once a thriving metropolis in Asia, Hong Kong is mired in deep pessimism as a profound malaise takes root. Hong Kong's famous stock market languishes in stagnation while housing prices plummet, and an exodus of talent exacerbates the brain drain in both scientific and economic sectors. Many upscale establishments, including restaurants, bars, spas, and shopping malls, have...
Dr Sitaram Jindal, an esteemed visionary in philanthropy and healthcare, was honoured with the prestigious Padma Bhushan Award by the President of India at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. This event, attended by the Prime Minister and esteemed dignitaries, marked a significant recognition of Dr. Jindal's outstanding contributions to society. Born on September 12, 1932, in the tranquil village of Nalwa, Haryana, Dr. Sitaram Jindal's life journey is profoundly inspirational. Beyond his entrepreneurial prowess as the founder and Chairman of Jindal Aluminium Limited (JAL), India's largest aluminium extrusion manufacturer, his vision transcends mere business. Dr Jindal has garnered admiration from esteemed figures, including former Prime Ministers like Atal Bihari Vajpayee,...
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has started deploying a greener fuel mix composed of biomass briquettes for renewable energy source at its world-class alumina refinery in Lanjigarh, Odisha. The company currently uses 20 tonnes of the new fuel mix per day as a significant move towards achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050 or sooner. Biomass briquettes are a biofuel substitute made of biodegradable green waste with lower emissions of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide than traditional fuel sources. So, using this new fuel mix will help Vedanta decrease greenhouse gas emissions from its refinery by more than 10,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent each year. In addition, shifting to this fuel will also reduce the company’s reliance on fossil fuels. “As India works towards...
In the heart of Middlesbrough, a glimmer of hope emerges for Cupral Group as a new deal breathes life into the troubled metal recycling company. Despite facing recent financial turbulence, the firm has found a lifeline, safeguarding the livelihoods of 30 employees. Established in 2018, Cupral specialises in refining copper and aluminium, transforming them into high-purity, low-carbon materials optimised for furnace utilisation. Administrators, navigating through the complexities, orchestrated a pivotal takeover, ensuring the continuity of operations at the Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park. Administrators at FRP Advisory spearheaded a meticulous negotiation process, culminating in a pivotal agreement with an independent metal recycling entity. This intricate deal, spanning multiple...
In the first quarter of 2024, the world’s primary aluminium production manifested an annual growth trajectory while it shied away from growing on a quarterly basis. The global primary aluminium output in Q1 2024 ended March 31 reflected a 4.11 per cent hike Y-o-Y but exhibited a 1.24 per cent drop Q-o-Q. But the monthly production in March, standing at 6.073 million tonnes, increased month-on-month as well as year-on-year by 7.15 per cent and 3.55 per cent, respectively. Global production in the first quarter of 2024 stood at 17.802 million tonnes, compared to 18.025 million tonnes in Q4 2023 and 17.099 million tonnes in Q1 2023. The world’s daily average production of primary aluminium in March 2024 was 195,900 tonnes, up by 500 tonnes from 194,400 tonnes a month ago and skyrocketed by...
In support of the Indian government's pursuit of a net-zero emission target by 2070, a PwC India survey reveals that 51 per cent of the top 100 companies have initiated voluntary disclosures regarding their carbon emissions. Additionally, the survey highlights that approximately 31 per cent of these companies have outlined their net-zero targets. Government and regulatory bodies have implemented new regulations regarding ESG (environmental, social, and governance). India's adoption of BRSR Core standards positions it as a leading player in the global shift toward a more credible and transparent landscape for sustainability reporting. The BRSR Core framework is enforced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to encourage listed entities to disclose their environmental,...
Alufinish, headquartered in Andernach, Germany, and Columbia Chemical, based in Brunswick, Ohio, are uniting their strengths to revolutionise the sales and service capacities in the U.S. market. This strategic collaboration is set to offer a unique blend of products and services, catering to a broader clientele, and setting new standards in the industry. Together, the two companies, each a leader in their respective fields, will provide integrated solutions for the surface treatment of aluminium alloys. From pre-treatment to anodising and coating processes, this partnership guarantees a comprehensive and expert approach to meet the diverse needs of customers in the aluminium industry. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering innovation and excellence. By combining...
Equispheres, a leading provider of tailored aluminium powders for Additive Manufacturing, has successfully concluded its Series B financing, securing a substantial $14.6 million (CA $20 million) in funding. This significant milestone, with Martinrea International Inc. as the lead investor, underscores Equispheres' growth trajectory and potential for further expansion. With Martinrea and several new institutional investors on board, the ongoing financing, set to continue until June 30, 2024, is strategically earmarked for key initiatives. These include the deployment of multiple new reactors throughout 2024, a move aimed at fortifying support for existing production programs and ensuring a steady growth trajectory for Equispheres. "The potential of Additive Manufacturing to transform...
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), a prominent player in the global aluminium smelting industry, reached a significant milestone in its Power Station 5 (PS 5) Block 4 Project with the First Fire of the Mitsubishi Power M701JAC Gas Turbine (GT) on April 23, 2024. This achievement highlights Alba's commitment to sustainable and efficient power generation, aligning with global initiatives for environmental responsibility. The First Fire marks a crucial step towards the commercial operation of the Block 4 Project, scheduled for completion in Q4 2024. Remarkably, this milestone comes merely six months after the delivery of the GT unit to the project site in October 2023. A ceremony commemorating this achievement took place at the Block 4 Project site, attended by top officials from Alba,...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,661.5 per tonne yesterday, with its high and low at US$2,669.5 per tonne and US$2,562.5 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,576 per tonne, down US$82 per tonne or 3.09 per cent. On Tuesday, April 23, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price nosedived by US$70 per tonne and US$69 per tonne to clock at US$2,583 per tonne and US$2,585 per tonne. As per the data, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price dwindled by US$75 per tonne or 2.81 per cent to settle at US$2,585 per tonne and US$2,585.50 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price contracted by US$42 per tonne to halt at US$2,683 per tonne and US$2,688 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at 497300 tonnes. Live warrants and...
Hydro Extrusions recently bolstered its extrusion capabilities in Rackwitz, Germany, with the introduction of a third extrusion press line, officially operational in late 2023. This €11 million initiative encompasses the installation of a cutting-edge 22 MN, 8-inch upcycled extrusion press, complemented by an energy-efficient aging oven. This strategic investment underscores Hydro's commitment to the strong German market. The newly integrated P22 extrusion press line significantly augments production capacity for superior-quality intricate extruded profiles. This enhancement empowers the Rackwitz facility to effectively cater to escalating demand across construction, transportation, and general mechanical engineering sectors. Furthermore, deploying this state-of-the-art line underscores...
Toyo Seikan Co., Ltd., a prominent subsidiary of Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Ltd., unveils its latest innovation in the realm of aluminium beverage cans. Pioneering the development of the lightest aluminium DI can in the domestic market, Toyo Seikan introduces Compression Bottom Reform (CBR) technology, poised to reshape the landscape of can manufacturing. Utilising state-of-the-art CBR technology, Toyo Seikan achieves a remarkable feat in can engineering by reinforcing the bottom of the beverage can, thus significantly reducing its weight. This innovation permits the creation of 204mm Stay-On Tab (SOT) cans, catering primarily to alcoholic beverages , with unparalleled efficiency. Reducing carbon footprint: A step toward sustainability The implementation of CBR in the 204mm SOT cans...
