European industry is facing a difficult balancing act of maintaining global competitiveness while accelerating decarbonisation, securing critical raw materials and managing persistent energy-cost pressures. Against this backdrop, 15 European Union (EU) member states have endorsed the Warsaw Declaration 2026, calling for a stronger industrial policy that places competitiveness, economic security and manufacturing resilience at its core. Adopted following the 9th Friends of Industry Ministerial Conference in Warsaw on October 26, the declaration outlines a coordinated approach to protecting Europe's industrial base. Its priorities include affordable energy, reliable access to secondary raw materials, stronger trade defence mechanisms, technological sovereignty and reforms to the EU's carbon...
Ghana is exploring further foreign investment in its Nyinahin bauxite deposits, with the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) hosting a delegation from Guinea’s ORG Technology at the site on November 1, 2026. The visit took place just three days after Ghana agreed with Russia’s Rusal to jointly develop part of the same deposit. The delegation was led by GIADEC Deputy Chief Executive Officer Maxwell Essien and included representatives of ORG Technology. Atwima Mponua District Chief Executive Ibrahim Issahak received the team in Nyinahin, in the Ashanti Region. The visit signals interest from another foreign company in a deposit that Ghana has been seeking to develop for several years. However, no details were provided about ORG Technology’s proposed role, whether it...
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In 2023, the global bauxite industry experienced substantial changes, marked by shifts in production, trade dynamics, and pricing patterns. Australia, Guinea, and China emerged as key players shaping the worldwide bauxite market landscape. In 2023, global bauxite production was estimated to show a positive growth rate of 5.26 per cent, a significant rebound from the (-) 1.04 per cent decline witnessed in 2022 compared to the previous year. As per AL Circle’s “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2024” report , the estimated total global bauxite production for 2023 is expected to cross 400 million tonnes. This increase is mainly attributed to the heightened production levels in key bauxite-producing countries such as Australia, Guinea, and others. Australia is anticipated to hold its position...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey the average operating rate of major aluminium processing enterprises decreased by 0.5 percentage point week-on-week to 64 per cent in the last week, from April 1 to April 5. The secondary aluminium alloy sector primarily contributed to the fall, while the other sectors remained stable. Many downstream companies reduced their product processing fees to attract new orders and seize market share, but the actual demand was limited. In the short term, leading companies may maintain a high operating rate by exchanging price for volume, but profitability will most likely remain low. The average operating rate of downstream sectors is also stable for now, notwithstanding the aluminium price surge through the week and a slight tremble in the...
LME aluminum opened at US$2,435 per tonne last Friday, with its high and low at US$2,455.50 per tonne and US$2,418.50 per tonne respectively before closing at US$2,451 per tonne, an increase of US$6 per tonne or 0.25 per cent. The London Metal Exchange graph registered slightly declining prices on April 5, last Friday, with the LME aluminium cash bid and the LME aluminium official price losing US$3.50 per tonne or 0.15 per cent to close at US$2,390.50 per tonne and US$2,391 per tonne, respectively. On a Month-on-Month scale, there has been a rise of US$200 per tonne, or 9.12 per cent, from US$2,191 per tonne recorded on March 5. The LME 3-month bid price and the LME 3-month offer price have marked a decrease of US$7 per tonne or 0.29 per cent, to settle at US$2,432 per tonne and US$2,433...
On Monday, April 8, China’s A00 aluminium ingot price expanded by RMB 360 per tonne to settle at RMB 20,110 per tonne. The spot contract price is expected to be traded at a discount price of RMB 110 per tonne to RMB 70 per tonne. The average prices may range between RMB 20,090 per tonne and RMB 20,130 per tonne. The domestic aluminium ingot price on M-o-M calculation has shot up by RMB 950 per tonne from RMB 19,160 per tonne recorded on March 8. As of today, the prices have shown growth in all the provinces, with the highest in Shenyang, where they have surged by RMB 420 per tonne to arrive at RMB 20,070 per tonne. This was followed by a hike of RMB 390 per tonne in Tianjin to RMB 20,110 per tonne. In Foshan and Chongqing, the A00 aluminium ingot prices have surged by RMB 370 per tonne...
At the Chinalco Group headquarters on March 24, Chairman Duan Xiangdong met with Jakob Stausholm, CEO of the Rio Tinto Group, and his accompanying delegation. The discussions were thorough, emphasising the enhancement of practical collaboration to attain mutually advantageous growth. India's diversified natural resources firm Vedanta Limited disclosed its operational results for Q4 FY2024 and the full year on Thursday, April 4. The company unveiled production figures for both aluminium and alumina. Vedanta reported that its aluminium output volume for Q4 FY2024, concluding on March 31, reached 598,000 tonnes. This marked a 4% year-on-year rise from 574,000 tonnes. Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad, a Malaysian-based integrated aluminium producer, is expected to report a greater net...
In the ever-changing world of aluminium usage, sustainability and innovation go hand in hand, significantly impacting various industries. This week's roundup showcases a range of efforts, each incorporating the sturdy metal into diverse narratives of growth and environmental responsibility. From the bustling streets of travel retail to the environmentally friendly packaging of snacks, aluminium is both a symbol of modernity and a champion of sustainability. Let's take a journey through the recent advancements of aluminium end-users, where innovation meets environmental awareness, and progress is etched in aluminium's enduring lustre. Green Yip takes the helm as the regional managing director for L'OCCITANE Group's travel retail division The L'OCCITANE Group, a certified B Corporation, has...
In the realm of downstream aluminium, recent developments herald both challenges and opportunities across global markets. From India's deliberation over anti-dumping duties on Thai aluminium foil imports, stirring optimism for local producers like Hindalco Industries, to Japan's anticipated surge in aluminium demand buoyed by the semiconductor and automotive sectors' resurgence, the industry's landscape is dynamic and promising. Moreover, BMW's adoption of Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing underscores a commitment to sustainable innovation, while Lotte Aluminium's strategic split aims to sharpen focus on specialised segments. Additionally, RHI Magnesita's acquisition of Resco Group signals strategic synergy poised to redefine refractory production dynamics. These developments reflect a...
Bonnell Aluminum, an esteemed subsidiary of Tredegar Corporation, is making waves once again as it announces the expansion of its TSLOTS line into the Southeastern United States. This strategic move aims to cater more efficiently to the region's burgeoning demand for versatile aluminium structural framing systems. Established as a premier manufacturer of custom-fabricated aluminium extrusions, Bonnell Aluminum has garnered acclaim across diverse sectors, from construction to automotive industries. Expansion into the Southeast With the addition of the Newnan, Georgia facility, Bonnell Aluminum reinforces its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its clientele. By strategically positioning manufacturing and distribution hubs closer to customers, the company aims to streamline...
A significant groundbreaking ceremony marked the commencement of the annual production of 2 million tonnes of alumina and the establishment of the red mud transportation and storage facilities for the Guangxi Guangtou Beihai Green Ecological Aluminum Phase I Project. This project is of paramount importance on the premises of Guangxi Guangtou Lingang Industrial Co., Ltd., in Xinggang Town. The primary construction objectives encompass a range of unit projects. These include the construction and installation of pivotal components such as red mud pressure filtration systems transportation infrastructure for red mud filter cakes pipelines for red mud transportation the red mud return pump room the red mud yard, the management station for the red mud yard and the domestic sewage treatment...
In the bustling city of Vienna, an ambitious initiative has taken root, heralding a new dawn for sustainable production and reuse of aluminium. The RecAL (Recycling technologies for circular ALuminium) project, funded by HORIZON EUROPE, stands as a beacon of innovation in the quest for a circular economy. Spearheaded by the LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen, a subsidiary of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, this collaborative effort unites 19 partner organisations across nine European nations. At its core, the RecAL project hopes to develop eccentric recycling technologies and a digital platform, the RecAL Hub. This digital cockpit serves as the nexus for a continent-wide aluminium recycling ecosystem, seamlessly connecting suppliers, buyers, and technology providers. By...
In a harmonious fusion of style and sound, Bang & Olufsen has joined forces with the visionary minds of ADER ERROR to unveil a striking collaboration. This unique partnership introduces a sleek portable speaker featuring aluminium stand and and complementary accessories, showcasing ADER ERROR's distinctive vision intertwined with Bang & Olufsen's renowned craftsmanship. About the speaker Dubbed 'The Blueism,' this collection embodies a movement focused on uniting communities through the innovative fusion of music and fashion. The signature Z-blue colour distinguishes the collection, a nod to the fashion brand's identity. The ADER ERROR speaker stand is a transformative addition to the Beosound A1, elevating it into a captivating piece of art that seamlessly melds ADER's design ethos with...
In the kingdom of construction, where precision meets innovation, a new luminary emerges: Manufacto India Pvt. Ltd. Established in 2023 under the visionary leadership of Sanjiv Chhabra, this avant-garde venture has swiftly risen to prominence, promising to redefine the landscape of construction support with its pioneering aluminium formwork solutions. December 2023 marked a momentous occasion as Manufacto India unveiled its state-of-the-art factory, an epitome of technological prowess. Boasting a monthly production capacity of 15,000 sq mtr, this facility amalgamates precision with innovation. Here, advanced robotics from Japan orchestrate a symphony of efficiency, ensuring unparalleled accuracy in welding. Notably, the integration of friction stir welding technology guarantees not just...
The London Metal Exchange (LME) witnessed significant price surges across base metals following optimistic macroeconomic reports from China, with all metals marking gains by Wednesday, 3 March. Three-month aluminium futures showed a modest uptick of 2 per cent to reach $2,429 per tonne (t), while nickel exhibited a 1.8 per cent rise to $17,339 per tonne. Copper prices settled at $9,262 per tonne, and zinc experienced a notable increase of 2.7 per cent to $2,548 per tonne. Lead prices also climbed by 3 per cent to $2,082 per tonne. Meanwhile, stocks at LME-registered warehouses displayed a mix of trends during this period. Prices of non-ferrous metals In Delhi, spot prices for ADC12 alloy ingots surged by INR 2,000 per tonne (t) to reach INR 213,000 per tonne. Tensions in offers were noted...
According to China customs data, China's total aluminium scrap imports from January to February 2024 amounted to 289,000 tonnes, reflecting an annual hike of 19.2 per cent. In individual months, the imports stood at 171,000 tonnes and 118,000 tonnes, respectively, experiencing a significant rise of 68 per cent and a fall of 16.1 per cent annually. Malaysia was the highest exporter of aluminium scrap to China, with 54,000 tonnes of volume, accounting for 18.7 per cent of the latter's total imports during January-February. Thailand was the second-highest exporter with 39,000 tonnes, accounting for 13.6 per cent, followed by Japan with the export volume of 30,000 tonnes, accounting for 10.4 per cent, and the UK and the US with a combined 46,200 tonnes, accounting for 16 per cent. Guangdong...
In the pursuit of innovation, BMW Group's Additive Manufacturing Campus in Oberschleißheim, Germany, spearheads a transformative journey utilising Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technology. This superlative approach employs Directed Energy Deposition (DED), leveraging aluminium to craft vehicle components and tools with unparalleled efficiency and sustainability. WAAM process at play At the heart of BMW's technological leap lies the utilisation of WAAM, a wire-based DED process. Unlike traditional die-cast methods, WAAM facilitates the creation of components that are not only lighter but also remarkably robust. Through precise control and meticulous craftsmanship, BMW achieves parts with superior strength-to-weight ratios, heralding a new era in automotive engineering....
Aparna Enterprises Limited (AEL), one of India's rapidly expanding manufacturers of building materials, has announced the debut of its premium aluminium windows and doors brand, Alteza, in the Maharashtra market. Pune the first point The company's strategic plan begins with Pune as its focal point. It intends to broaden its presence across the state, targeting pivotal cities such as Nagpur, Kolhapur, Nashik, Aurangabad, and Vidarbha. With a determined vision, AEL sets its sights on attaining a notable 5 per cent market share within Maharashtra during the initial year of operations. Maharashtra's aluminium windows and doors sector boasts an estimated value exceeding INR 600 crore, demonstrating a national Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 20 per cent. Pune, acclaimed as a...
Amcor Capsules, a stalwart in crafting premium closures for discerning wine and spirits connoisseurs, proudly unveils its latest triumph: a state-of-the-art plant nestled in Granby, Quebec. Set to commence operations in early April 2024, this new facility epitomises Amcor's steadfast commitment to excellence and sustainability in the aluminium industry. With a legacy spanning over three decades in North America, Amcor Capsules' expansion signifies not just growth but a resolute dedication to its clientele. Situated a mere stone's throw away from its existing St. Cesaire site, the Granby plant heralds a new era of localised solutions poised to elevate customer satisfaction to unparalleled heights. Empowering the Supply Chain Beyond its geographical advantage, the Granby plant stands as a...
The UK's Clean Harbours Partnership is promoting the adoption of aluminium anodes over conventional zinc ones on their boat hulls. They encourage boat owners to transition from zinc to lighter and more efficient aluminium anodes, citing benefits for performance enhancement and environmental friendliness. In 2023, the application of aluminium in ships, yachts, and water vessels continued to grow, driven by its several advantages over traditional materials like steel. The partnership highlights its investigation into the discharge of metals, particularly copper and zinc, into the ocean. According to findings from the Institute of Marine Sciences at Portsmouth University, an estimated 900 tonnes of zinc were likely released into coastal and inland waters in 2020, primarily attributed to...
