
Chinese investors are exploring plans to develop an aluminium production plant alongside green energy facilities in Samalaju, Bintulu, Sarawak, in a proposed investment aimed at supporting manufacturing activities targeting international markets Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the proposal involves not only establishing an aluminium manufacturing facility but also developing green energy sources to supply electricity for its operations. Speaking to reporters after attending the Malaysia-China Cooperation Meeting on Investment, Trade and Economic Empowerment in Kuala Lumpur on November 2, 2026, Ahmad Zahid said efforts to attract the investment had been underway for some time, given Samalaju's potential to accommodate large-scale industrial...
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...
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The Hyundai Motor Company has announced its decision to cancel the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it had in place to procure aluminium from the new 1.1GW coal power plant-powered smelter in North Kalimantan, Indonesia. This plant is operated by Adaro Minerals, a subsidiary of Adaro, the second-largest coal mining company in Indonesia. This move by Hyundai comes a year after the launch of the "Hyundai, Drop Coal" campaign by the fan-driven climate platform Kpop4Planet in March 2023. Over 11,000 K-pop fans had signed a petition urging Hyundai to withdraw from the agreement and opt for materials manufactured from renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, for their car production in Indonesia. By shifting to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, the aluminium industry...

Imported aluminium scrap prices in India increased slightly, bolstered by the rising trend in LME (London Metal Exchange) futures prices and persistent supply shortages. As reported, the three-month LME price stood at around $2,375 per tonne, marking a 2.4 per cent increase compared to the previous week's price of $2,319 per tonne. Concurrently, stocks were noted at 554,475 tonnes, indicating a 1 per cent decline week-over-week. According to assessments provided by BigMint, aluminium imported scrap prices in India have climbed by as much as 2.5 per cent, which aligns with the upward trajectory of aluminium futures. Tense scrap originating from the UAE experienced a $30 per tonne increase, reaching $1,880 per tonne. Similarly, Zorba 95/5 of UK origin saw a $10 per tonne uptick, settling at...

KYOCERA AVX, an American manufacturer and supplier of advanced electronic components and innovative sensor, control, connectors and antenna solutions, has reportedly unveiled new RES Series radial-leaded aluminium electrolytic capacitors that are engineered to deliver high CV values in small case sizes. The new RES Series wet aluminium electrolytic capacitators also offer long-lifetime endurance of 5,000-7,000 hours at 105 degree celsius and high ripple current to help manufacturers save board space in high-density PCB assemblies. These new RES Series capacitors are compatible and compliant with the RoHS, REACH, and CA Prop 65 directives, enhancing suitability in industrial, communications, and consumer electronics applications, such as computers, access points, and other networking...

The Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) Forum 2024, under the patronage of esteemed UAE leadership, heralds a new era of industrial advancement and sustainability. With an array of strategic partnerships and sponsorships, including key players like Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the stage is set to propel the nation towards its ambitious goals of industrial growth and global leadership. Sixteen sponsorship agreements were recently inked in the presence of luminaries such as Dr. Sultan Al Jaber and Sarah Al Amiri, underscoring the commitment towards fostering investment, sustainability, and growth. The collaboration between the MoIAT or Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) epitomises the...

National Aluminium Company Ltd. (NALCO), the country’s leading manufacturer and exporter of alumina and aluminium, set new production and sales records for FY23-24. The company has achieved its: highest-ever cast metal production of 4,63,428 tonnes highest-ever bauxite excavation of 76,00,230 tonnes the highest-ever metal sale of 4,70,108 tonnes This new milestone has surpassed all the previous records since its inception. In FY 23-24, the company also added a new aluminium alloy ingot (AL-59) to its product range. With an impressive 101.15 per cent capacity utilisation, NALCO's alumina refinery has produced 21,24,000 tonnes of alumina hydrate, while the captive power plant has generated a gross of 7193.62 million units of power. Noteworthy achievements include developing and...

The US Census Bureau data showed that the country's domestic primary aluminium production marked a slight slowdown at the beginning of 2024. The year began by continuing the downtrend of 2023 when the US primary aluminium production amounted to 750,000 tonnes compared to 861,000 tonnes in 2022. According to the USGS data, in January 2024, the United States produced 63,000 tonnes of primary aluminium, reflecting a drop of 1,000 tonnes from the previous month. On an annual basis, the output in January 2024 also saw a decline of 1,000 tonnes. The continuous shutdown and operation cuts of aluminium smelters in the United States could be attributed to the fall in domestic production. At present, Alcoa's two potlines out of three at Warrick smelter are operative, Century's Hawesville is...

RHI Magnesita has announced its intention to acquire Resco Group, a leading manufacturer of alumina monolithics and refractories, to boost operational capabilities and enrich product offerings. This acquisition, with an enterprise value potentially reaching $430 million, signifies a significant milestone in the growth trajectory of both entities. The acquisition holds substantial benefits for both RHI Magnesita and Resco Group. For RHI Magnesita, it presents an opportunity to enhance local production capacities in the US and Canada, aligning closely with customer feedback and demand dynamics. By leveraging Resco's robust operational footprint and expertise in various industries, RHI Magnesita aims to strengthen its regional presence and fortify its commitment to local manufacturing...

The price of aluminium on the LME experienced a gradual upward trend throughout March 2024, fluctuating within a range of approximately USD$85-90. Similarly, the SHFE price also increased slightly, hovering around USD$65-70, albeit with considerable fluctuations. However, according to a research report by AL Circle titled "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024," expectations were set at the beginning of the year. It projected a resemblance of the price trend in H1 2024 to that of 2023, with anticipation mounting for H2 2024. This anticipation stems from forecasts suggesting a surge in demand for aluminium during the latter half of the year, fuelled by potential economic recovery in global markets after a period of deceleration. When the United States and China engage in economic...

LME aluminium opened at US$2,342 per tonne in the previous trading day, with its high and low at US$2,387.50 per tonne and US$2,332 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,372 per tonne, up US$35 per tonne or 1.5 per cent. The London Metal Exchange was temporarily out of action for the Good Friday holidays and it has just resumed on April 2, with the LME cash bid price and the LME official price expanding by US$52.50 per tonne or 2.31 per cent from US$2,269.50 per tonne and US$2,270 per tonne recorded on March 28. Yesterday, the LME cash bid price stood at US$2,322 per tonne and the LME official price halted at US$2,322.50 per tonne. The LME 3-month bid price was priced at US$2,362.50 per tonne, and the LME 3-month offer price stopped at US$2,363 per tonne, with a spike of...

Nemak S.A.B de C.V, popularly known as Nemak, specialised in developing and manufacturing aluminium components for e-mobility, structure and chassis, has reportedly received Aluminium Stewardship Initiative’s Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification for its three global production facilities in Poland, Slovakia, and Brazil. The three facilities, named Nemak Slovakia s.r.o., near Ladomerská Vieska, Slovakia; Nemak Poland Sp. z o.o. in Bielsko-Biała, Poland; and Nemak Alumínio do Brazil Ltda. in Betim, Mato Grosso, Brazil, produce a wide range of automotive components. While the Slovakia facility manufactures engine blocks, transmission cases, and housing for electric engines, the Poland facility produces high-pressure diecasting, with production departments focused on powertrain...

On March 24, at the headquarters of the Chinalco Group, Chairman Duan Xiangdong hosted a meeting with Jakob Stausholm, CEO of the Rio Tinto Group, along with his accompanying delegation. The discussions were extensive, focusing on advancing practical collaboration to achieve mutually beneficial growth. The collaboration between Chinalco Group and Rio Tinto Group has entered a new phase in history. As Chinalco Group's largest single shareholder, this partnership fosters mutual learning and synergy between the two entities. It holds significant importance for the organised and sustainable development of the global aluminium industry. About the meeting In recent days, extensive exchanges and discussions have occurred between the two parties regarding the specifics of project cooperation,...

Japan is one of those countries exhibiting a buoyant aluminium market for the fiscal year 2024, driven by potential demand due to the revival in the semiconductor and automobile sectors. According to the estimated data shared by the Aluminum Research Committee, Japan’s demand for aluminium products will most likely reach 3.85 million tonnes in FY 2024, marking an increase for the first time in three years. Only the demand for rolled aluminium products is projected to fall short of the 4 million tonnes target, remaining at 1.73 million tonnes through FY2024. The Committee, comprising seven industry organizations, estimates that Japan’s aluminium product demand will grow 2.1 per cent compared to the previous year, buoyed by projected automobile sales to grow by 3.7 per cent. Domestic demand...

smartwater fans can now enjoy their favourite crisp, vapour-distilled hydration in a new format. The pioneering brand, known for its innovative offerings since its debut nearly three decades ago, introduced 12-oz. aluminium cans with a fresh, sophisticated look. These cans provide a functional and elevated consumption experience for all occasions. Starting April, smartwater original and smartwater alkaline with antioxidants will be available on shelves across the United States in single 12-oz. cans. This marks the first time vapour-distilled water is offered in this format. Additionally, 8-packs will be available alongside the brand's existing portfolio of bottled options. "As the leading premium water brand, we have a responsibility to constantly iterate, improve and meet consumers where...

Undergraduate students from Purdue University's PSP-AC team recently partnered with Elementum 3D for their groundbreaking TADPOLE propulsion system. Elementum 3D printed the aluminium combustion chamber, cooling circuit, and nozzle as a single integrated component through laser powder bed fusion. The students are harnessing additive manufacturing (AM) to push the boundaries of vertical take-off and vertical landing (VTVL) technology with support from Elementum 3D. Their ongoing project aligns with the goals of the Collegiate Propulsive Lander Challenge (CPLC), where student teams are tasked with designing self-landing rockets. From this challenge emerged PSP-AC's innovative TADPOLE propulsion system. "We are honored to offer our team's AM knowledge, expertise, and technology to inspire...

On March 31, Vedanta Aluminium hosted a one-day industrial safety training programme at its Jharsuguda operations in collaboration with the Directorate of Factories and Boilers, Government of Odisha. This training programme extended across diverse industrial zones within the state, aiming to promote a robust safety culture in the manufacturing industries. The eminent personalities present in the programme were Shri R.S. Gopalan, IAS Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Labour & ESI Dept., Govt. of Odisha, and Dr Malay Kumar Pradhan, Deputy Director of Factories & Boilers (Safety), Govt. of Odisha. Others who joined virtually included Shri Swaroop Jena, Deputy Director of Factories & Boilers, Sambalpur Division., Govt. of Odisha; Smt. Archana Das, Asst. Director of Factories & Boilers, Jharsuguda,...

The SHFE aluminium benchmark price has continued to grow on Tuesday, April 2, albeit at a lower rate. According to the data, the price has increased by US$3 per tonne to reach US$2,721 per tonne. Compared to the same period last year, the price is 0.33 per cent higher than US$2,712 per tonne. On a week-on-week basis, the SHFE price is up by US$13 per tonne or 0.48 per cent from US$2,708 per tonne. Overnight, the most-traded SHFE 2405 aluminium contract opened at RMB 19,760 per tonne, with its lowest and highest at RMB 19,710 per tonne and RMB 19,805 per tonne before closing at RMB 19,725 per tonne, up RMB 5 per tonne or 0.03 per cent. China’s primary aluminium domestic price has been on a rising spree for the past week. Due to dry weather, limited production in one of China’s leading...

In the verdant bloom of spring, British bicycle connoisseur Raleigh unveils its latest masterpiece - the Juniper range. Crafted with the nimble grace of aluminium, these bikes stand as a testament to innovation and elegance in the realm of youth cycling. Within the heart of each Juniper bike lies the secret of its agility - a lightweight aluminium frame meticulously designed to blend strength with featherlight finesse. Aluminium, revered for its remarkable balance of durability and weightlessness, emerges as the choicest metal for crafting bicycles that carry the dreams of young adventurers. Exploring the Juniper Range: A symphony of style and functionality Available in a kaleidoscope of hues, from the delicate Mint to the vibrant Mango, the Juniper range beckons with its classic-inspired...

Aluminium, often praised as the unheralded champion of contemporary materials, is crucial in forging a sustainable world. Its lightweight yet resilient qualities render it indispensable across various industries—from aerospace to automotive, construction to electronics. But beyond its versatility, aluminium's environmental merits genuinely come to the forefront. Companies worldwide are moving towards aluminium. Be it transportation, packaging, or even the downstream sector, the use of aluminium has shown incredible growth. In the hands of architects, aluminium emerges as a metal of boundless creativity, enabling the design of structures previously unattainable with wood, plastic, or steel. The global drive to reduce carbon footprints has cemented aluminium's status as a favoured metal in...