Swiss technology group Bühler is marking 20 years of collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group. The partnership began with the installation of the first machine, an Evolution 270D, at Hyundai’s Ulsan complex in South Korea two decades ago. Since then, Bühler has delivered 43 die-casting systems to Hyundai production sites, including Carat and Evolution machines, across production sites in South Korea, China, and India. “Strong partners make strong products. For more than 20 years, Bühler has been a trusted partner, providing the solutions and expertise that help us maintain excellence in manufacturing. This collaboration strengthens our ability to innovate and build the future of mobility on a strong foundation,” said Jong Cheol Kim, Production Team Senior Manager at Hyundai. At the centre...
US tariffs on aluminum are raising the cost of beer cans in Canada, putting pressure on breweries that rely on a closely linked cross-border supply chain. Walkerville Brewery in Windsor, Ontario, have so far avoided passing the higher costs on to customers. However, owner Mike Brkovich said the brewery may have to raise prices in the next three or four months as costs continue to increase. He said, “We’re going to have to increase the prices, I think, in the next three or four months. But we’re trying to hold the prices.” One of the clearest impacts is on aluminum cans. Brkovich said the cost of a 473 ml beer can has increased from around 31 cents to 35 cents following the tariff changes. Walkerville Brewery uses about 40,000 cans a month and buys them from a Canadian supplier. To learn...
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During the first ten days of Rock in Rio Brazil 2024, held from September 13 to 22 and attracting over 730,000 attendees, Rede Movimento, in partnership with Novelis and the National Association of Recyclable Material Collectors (Ancat), successfully collected and sent over 8 tonnes of aluminium cans for recycling. The material will first be processed at Novelis' collection centre in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, before being transported to their factory in Pindamonhangaba, São Paulo. The initiative employs blockchain technology to guarantee traceability and transparency throughout the process, enabling data related to energy savings, social impact, raw material extraction, and avoiding carbon emissions to be tracked. "We work to ensure that the material consumed is recycled and returns to...
The China Nonferrous Metals Society recently held an evaluation meeting on scientific and technological advancements in Beijing, where experts unanimously recognised two breakthrough achievements by the Shenyang Aluminum and Magnesium Institute. These include the "Full Cycle Optimisation Technology for Aluminum Reduction Cell Design, Construction, and Operation Based on Model and Data Integration" and the "Development of Organic Flue Gas Treatment Technology and Equipment for Carbon Products in the Aluminum Industry." Both were deemed to have reached a world-leading level. Full cycle optimisation technology of aluminium reduction cell design-construction-operation based on model and data fusion To address the issues of isolated data storage and fragmented information exchange during the...
In September 2024, China's aluminium production increased by 1.45% compared to the previous year, aligning with the expected figures from the Shanghai Metal Market. The operation resumption in Sichuan and Guizhou after technical upgrades boosted the production on a year-on-year basis. However, on a month-on-month calculation, the output is likely to have decreased from 3.689 million tonnes to 3.574 million tonnes, possibly due to estimated slower production in Yunnan. Due to the traditional peak season during September and October, the production and demand for downstream alloy products increased, driving the proportion of liquid aluminium up by 0.7 percentage points M-o-M and 0.6 percentage points Y-o-Y to approximately 73.76 per cent. As a result, the casting ingot production decreased...
Rio Tinto, a leading global mining group, has announced its production and operational results for the third quarter of 2024 ended September 30. Overall, the company has achieved many new milestones across its operations, including a surge in bauxite production. Overview of bauxite production The Q3 report revealed that Rio Tinto's bauxite output reached 15.1 million tonnes, recording a Q-o-Q increase of 2.7 per cent from 14.7 million tonnes and a year-on-year rise of 8.6 per cent from 13.9 million tonnes . In nine months, Rio's bauxite production totalled 43.2 million tonnes, up by 9 per cent year-on-year. The persistent rise in Rio's bauxite output through the third quarter of 2024 could be attributed to improved production efficiency owing to the implementation of the Safe Production...
Hydro Energi AS has entered into a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Skellefteå Kraft AB to supply 2 TWh of renewable energy to Hydro's Norwegian aluminium plants from 2025 to 2032. This agreement ensures Hydro will receive 2 TWh from Skellefteå Kraft's SE2 portfolio over the next eight years, supporting the company's aluminium smelters in Norway. Long-term PPAs are essential for Hydro to maintain its leadership in low-carbon aluminium production globally. Renewable energy is critical to producing aluminium in Norway, reducing the carbon footprint by approximately 75 per cent compared to the global average. It also plays a key role in advancing Hydro's technology roadmap toward achieving zero emissions by 2050. This power contract will be integrated into Hydro's Nordic power...
On Wednesday, October 16, the average alumina spot price has skyrocketed by RMB 101 per tonne to settle at RMB 4,499 per tonne. As per the data, the alumina prices in Shandong, Guangxi and Shanxi have gained RMB 100 per tonne to clock at RMB 4,475 per tonne, RMB 4,435 per tonne and RMB 4,575 per tonne. In Henan and Guizhou, the alumina prices have surged by RMB 95 per tonne and RMB 65 per tonne to halt at RMB 4,500 per tonne and RMB 4,365 per tonne. The domestic price of low-carbon aluminium has lost RMB 164 per tonne to settle at RMB 21,542 per tonne. On the same day, the high purity aluminium (99.99%) price and high purity aluminium (99.996%) price have declined by RMB 100 per tonne to dock at RMB 27,700 per tonne and RMB 28,700 per tonne. The Australian alumina FOB price has heightened...
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) from Bahrain and Alcoa Corporation from the United States of America have extended their long-term relationship by signing yet another strategic agreement. They have renewed their alumina supply contract under which Alcoa has agreed to supply up to 16.5 million tonnes of smelter-grade aluminium oxide to Alba for ten years, starting from 2026. This renewed contract will make Alcoa Alba’s third-largest alumina supplier. The alumina will primarily come from Alcoa’s Western Australia refinery, strengthening Alcoa's position as a reliable source of alumina. At the same time, it will benefit Alba by providing good quality raw materials for producing primary aluminium. On renewing the contract, Alba’s CEO Ali Al Baqali commented: “Our long-standing partnership...
FEHRMANN MaterialsX is expanding its innovative product portfolio with the proud introduction of its latest development: MatGPT Enterprise. This advanced AI solution combines the proven features of MatGPT Pro with the ability to build and utilise proprietary knowledge databases—all within a secure private cloud environment hosted in Europe. Following the successful launch of MatGPT Pro, a browser-based AI platform that leverages expert knowledge in specialised fields such as aluminium and magnesium, FEHRMANN MaterialsX is setting a new milestone with MatGPT Enterprise. While MatGPT Pro already offers users extensive access to curated expert knowledge, MatGPT Enterprise takes a significant step further: companies can now integrate and leverage their internal data into a dedicated, secure...
Ratan Tata, a global icon known for his ethical business strategic initiatives, investments, and a focus on sustainability and innovation, marks contributions to India's aluminium industry. Born on December 28, 1937, he played a crucial role in transforming the Tata Group into a global powerhouse in his tenure from 1991 to 2012. As he passed away on October 9, 2024 (at the age of 86), we reminisce on his copious contributions to the aluminium industry: Tata Aluminium : Between the 1990s and early 2000s, Ratan Tata realised the potential of the aluminium sector as a principal component of India's industrial growth. He formed Tata Aluminium as part of the Tata Group's diversification strategy. Later, the collaborative venture with Alcan (now part of Rio Tinto) was significant, which...
Automotive Precision Technology (APT), a Tier 1 and Tier 2 provider of aluminium extrusion components and providing lightweight solutions, has been certified by the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification for the production of machined and fabricated aluminium components and sub-assemblies. The facility offers build-to-print manufacturing services, utilizing customer component designs and incorporating a Design for Manufacture (DFM) process. These include parts for sunroofs, electric vehicle (EV) batteries, car bodies, and chassis. This certification applies to their Automotive Precision Technology (APT) – Sole Proprietorship LLC facility in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This certification covers APT’s facility, which provides build-to-print manufacturing services using...
The Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan has signed an investment agreement with Ernest Packaging Solutions to build a cutting-edge aluminium beverage can production facility at the Navoi Industrial Development Complex. With an investment of around $100 million, the plant will be able to produce over 1.5 billion aluminium cans annually. About the project The project is set to generate more than 200 skilled jobs, bolstering the local economy. The facility is expected to be operational by fall 2025. Khurram Teshabaev, Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade, emphasised the importance of the project, stating that aluminium beverage packaging production marks a significant technological advancement for Uzbekistan. "It is planned to export more than 30 per cent...
Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum (STOM) is back with its annual aluminium pour. The 22nd edition of the event is all set to take place on October 19 in Solsberry, Indiana. Founder Gerry Masse, his entire team and artist interns bring alive the art of metal to the public. The day-long event usually starts at noon and concludes at 6 in the evening, where scrap aluminium is poured every hour in one of the two foundries under 3000 degrees of heat and then moulded into various shapes. People can experience the reality of aluminium production as they walk through the trail and feel the heat from the foundry, marvel at previously built structures, and witness sparks fly all over as aluminium fills the mould. The annual aluminium pour is not just a fun day out, but also an educational experience....
In a pivotal time of green transition, a homegrown brand from UAE, SunKiss, has announced the introduction of aluminium refill bottles for its products to reduce single-use plastic wastage. The 'forever' aluminium bottles are designed for indefinite usage, providing customers with eco-friendly products for their suncare regime. As a part of a larger sustainability initiative, the usage of reef-safe ingredients and the exclusion of harmful chemicals, SunKiss' recent initiatives beam with the tagline 'reuse, refill, relove’. Founder Joanna Barclay believes maintaining qualitative products in an eco-friendly initiative brings the brand closer to its goal of sustainable skincare that is accessible to all. SunKiss is a collection of clean, conscious, premium sun care and lifestyle products...
Eco-functional drinks brand Water Almighty has introduced two new aluminium-bottled waters – Mighty Pure and Mighty Minerals – which will be available starting this month. These products are at the forefront of the brand's mission to "transform the bottled water industry with sustainable, functional hydration solutions." Packaged in 500ml aluminium bottles that are infinitely recyclable and resealable, the drinks are designed for reuse, supporting a shift towards more sustainable water consumption. Priced at £2 per 500ml bottle, both options provide consumers with an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bottles. Melvin Jay, founder of Water Almighty, said, "Water Almighty is not just about providing great-tasting, functional water. We're on a mission to make sustainable drinks the norm by...
Cadoux Limited, a leading producer of high-quality critical minerals for use in electric vehicles and high-tech applications, has reportedly acquired an $848,880 R&D tax incentive offset payment for its work-in-progress critical mineral projects that will innovate process design to produce first-class high-purity alumina and for its Minhub downstream rare earth production strategy in Darwin. With this financial benefit, the company will step up its HPA and Minhub projects in line with Australia’s emerging critical minerals policy that aims to strengthen the supply chain for critical minerals to meet the growing demand for raw materials essential in producing high-tech products. A share of the R&D fund will be utilised in commercial development of Cadoux’s HPA process design project for...
On October 14, 2024, Stellantis CEO Tavares stated that the European Union's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to accelerate plant closures across Europe. He warned that these duties would likely drive Chinese automakers to establish manufacturing facilities within Europe, compounding the overcapacity issue for local carmakers. As tariffs take effect, European governments—including Italy—are actively seeking to attract Asian automakers, a move that could potentially strengthen their foothold in the region and foster growth in the European automotive sector. Establishing production plants in Europe would enable these companies to bypass the EU's tariffs on imported EVs, provided certain conditions are met. This shift, however, poses a new...
A massive art installation has been unveiled at Piccadilly Circus, one of London's most iconic locations, to emphasise the importance of recycling. Created by the not-for-profit organisation Every Can Counts (ECC), the artwork features an infinity symbol made from over 1,200 recycled aluminium drink cans. It represents the endless recyclability of aluminium, highlighting how drink cans can be reused time and time again. Displayed next to the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, the installation will remain at Piccadilly Circus until Friday, October 18th, as part of Recycle Week (October 14th – 20th). This debut installation is set to tour additional locations across the UK next year. Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager for Every Can Counts, said, "This infinity sculpture is a brand-new...
Sparklo, an AI-driven global cleantech company, has recently conducted a survey that reveals 67% of UAE residents would recycle more if they had better access to recycling infrastructure. The survey was conducted among 1,000 Sparklo users, part of a more extensive user base of 200,000 in the UAE. The results show that approximately 50 per cent of respondents recycle 1-2 times per week, while 13 per cent recycle daily. While corresponding with the participants in the survey, Sparklo realised that recycling programmes and reverse vending machines should be more accessible across the cities to increase the recycling rate. When asking the respondents about motivations, awareness, and challenges in recycling practices, Sparklo learnt that 70 per cent of them were fully informed about recycling...
