
Two recent Tesla stories sit at opposite ends of the range. Tesla Model 3 is set to benefit from cost-focused Cybercab inverter technology, announced on November 1 2026. The flying car, Tesla Roadster, uses aluminum in its battery cells and underbody protection, reinforcing power delivery, thermal management and lightweight construction. The two models reveal how aluminum can serve very different engineering priorities, from making electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable to helping them deliver extraordinary performance. Tesla Model 3: the everyday car gets Cybercab hardware Nick Verzini, Tesla’s Head of Drive Unit Engineering, mentioned on a Munro Live factory tour that a new printed circuit board assembly and power stage from the Cybercab’s inverter will enter Model 3 production in...
Odisha Additional Chief Secretary for Housing and Urban Development and IDCO Chairperson Usha Padhee visited Angul on Saturday to review infrastructure development at the Aluminium Park near NALCO, alongside housing, sanitation and drainage projects. The visit focused on resolving infrastructure bottlenecks, improving civic services and accelerating implementation through coordination among the concerned agencies. During her visit to the Aluminium Park, Padhee held discussions with senior officials from NALCO and the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation of Odisha (IDCO), particularly on essential power and water supply requirements. She called for coordinated efforts and time-bound action to address the identified infrastructure issues. Join the fourth edition of webinar "...
Grow with
AL Circle

LME aluminium opened at US$2,225 per tonne yesterday, with its high and low at US$2,265 per tonne and US$2,225 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,252 per tonne, up by US$17 per tonne or 0.76 per cent. On Thursday, March 7, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price hiked by US$22.5 per tonne or 1.02 per cent to settle at US$2,209.50 per tonne and US$2,210 per tonne, respectively. As per the LME data, the 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price gained US$25 per tonne or 1.12 per cent and US$24.6 per tonne or 1.09 per cent to settle at US$2,255 per tonne and US$2,255.50 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price expanded by US$22 per tonne to clock at US$2,462 per tonne and US$2,467 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock...

Japan has a well-established aluminium casting industry with a long history of producing high-quality aluminium products for various sectors, including automotive, electronics, construction, and aerospace. Aluminium as a metal has been a key player in Japan's manufacturing sector, contributing significantly to the country's economy. The automotive sector is one of Japan's largest consumers of aluminium castings. Aluminium parts are used extensively in vehicle manufacturing due to their lightweight properties, contributing to fuel efficiency and overall performance. Components such as engine blocks, transmission cases, cylinder heads, and suspension parts are commonly made using aluminium casting. Japan – 4th largest automotive market Japan is the world's fourth-largest automotive market ,...

On Tuesday, March 5, the US Department of Commerce announced the implementation of preliminary countervailing duties on aluminium extrusion imports from China, Indonesia, Mexico, and Turkey, claiming to protect the business of domestic extrusion manufacturers. For each country, the Department of Commerce has levied different duties depending on the category of products they offer. For instance, the duty rate for China ranges between 15.41 per cent and 169.66 per cent, for Indonesia ranges between 6.69 per cent and 43.56 per cent, for Mexico between 1.68 per cent and 77.8 per cent, and for Turkey between 1.45 per cent and 147.53 per cent. The US DOC has imposed the preliminary countervailing duties following the petition signed by the US Aluminum Extruders Coalition and the United Steel,...

From water to land, the use of aluminium is rolling out everywhere. According to the latest report, a United States-based Ocean intelligence company, Saildrone, has launched the first of a new generation of Surveyor autonomous vessels featuring aluminium. Founder and CEO Richard Jenkins said the demand for these vessels is proliferating. He added, “We expect the need for ocean observing to continue to grow in size, complexity and quality. Aerial, surface and subsurface technologies all have a role to play in ocean observations.” The 20-metre brand-new vessel SD-3000 is similar to previous versions that are currently sailing the ocean and collecting data. The only difference is that the new vessel’s hull is made of aluminium instead of a fibreglass/carbon composite. “Aluminum was chosen...

On March 6, 2024, the Canada-based GreenPower Motor Company Inc. introduced GP Truck Body, its latest venture focusing on manufacturing and distributing all-electric, emission-free medium and heavy-duty vehicles. This expansion targets the cargo and delivery market, shuttle and transit sectors, as well as the school bus industry. GP Truck Body provides a comprehensive range of truck bodies, encompassing dry freight, refrigerated boxes, aluminium stake beds, steel and aluminium flatbeds , and service bodies designed to optimise cargo capacity and delivery range. The statement highlights that GreenPower and its operational entities now cater to every aspect of the fleet journey. The company utilises a clean-sheet approach in designing and manufacturing all-electric vehicles specifically...

Global mining and metal giant Rio Tinto's alumina refineries and Orica's cyanide plant in Australia, both of which are significant gas consumers, are operating at limited capacity as they race to secure supplies after a fire on a crucial gas pipeline managed by retailer Jemena, which serves Gladstone. As the largest gas distributor in New South Wales, Jemena reported that its teams successfully secured a segment of the Queensland Gas Pipeline that ignited on March 5, 2024. The fire, captured vividly, occurred on a portion of the pipeline between Rolleston and Oombabeer, approximately six hours west of Gladstone. Emergency services were alerted to the substantial blaze in the area around 7:30 am local time. AEMO has directed the diversion of gas to ensure ample supply for households and...

According to the US Geological Survey, the United States’ domestic production of primary aluminium in December 2023 stood at 64,000 tonnes, reflecting an increase of 3,000 tonnes or 4.9 per cent M-o-M from 61,000 tonnes. On a year-on-year calculation, the output remained absolutely unchanged, as per the data. The United States’ total primary aluminium production in 2023, however, experienced a downfall of 12.89 per cent from 861,000 tonnes to 750,000 tonnes. The average daily production in December 2023 was 2,060 tonnes, restrained compared to the previous year and essentially unchanged from 2,040 tonnes in November 2023. The average daily output in full-year 2023 was 2,050 tonnes per day, down by 13.14 per cent from 2,360 tonnes. The total amount of aluminium recovered from scrap in...

President Nana Addo Dankwa has assured Ghanaians of brighter days ahead, foreseeing an economic breakthrough following a recent downturn. He highlighted several government initiatives to mitigate economic challenges and provide relief to businesses and the general population. Government initiatives Among these initiatives is collaborating with the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) to construct an alumina refinery and develop mines at Nyinahin-Mpasaaso. Additionally, the government is moving forward with the Ada Songhor Salt project, which has sparked controversy but is seen as a vital part of Ghana's economic growth strategy. "I have witnessed the signing of two (2) separate agreements in Accra recently, firstly, between GIADEC, a wholly-owned public entity, and...

According to an analysis conducted by Rakuten Trade, Malaysia's top aluminium extrusion and fabrication company, P.A. Resources Bhd, is poised for sustained earnings expansion over the next several years. This growth trajectory is expected to be fuelled by various factors, including a significant RM1.08 billion contract obtained from First Solar, the imminent completion of a new plant that will substantially increase the group's extrusion capacity, enabling greater customer and product variety, as well as the possibility of enhanced margins through operational streamlining. Rakuten Trade is Malaysia's first online equities broker offering innovative digital investment opportunities to investors. The company has recently successfully expanded its extrusion capacity from 2,600 to 3,200...

LME aluminum opened at US$2,226.50 per tonne on Wednesday, March 6, with high and low at US$2,243.50 per tonne and US$2,220 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,223 per tonne, down US$5.5 per tonne or 0.25 per cent. On March 6, the LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price dropped by US$4 per tonne to stand at US$2,187 per tonne and US$2,187.50 per tonne, respectively, following a rise of US$9 per tonne on the previous day. The 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price dipped US$3 per tonne on March 6 to reach US$2,230 per tonne and US$2,231 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price also lost the same amount to settle at US$2,440 per tonne and US$2,445 per tonne, respectively. LME aluminium opening stock amounted to 581,900...

On Thursday, March 7, China’s A00 aluminium ingot price gained RMB 110 per tonne to settle at RMB 19,050 per tonne. The spot contract price is expected to be traded at a discount of RMB 60 to RMB 20 per tonne. The average prices may stand between RMB 19,030 per tonne and RMB 19,070 per tonne. On the same day, the aluminium ingot prices grew in all the provinces except in Chongqing, where they dropped by RMB 120 per tonne to halt at RMB 18,910 per tonne. As per the data, the price in Linyi has hiked by RMB 130 per tonne to clock at RMB 19,050 per tonne, followed by a growth of RMB 120 per tonne in Wuxi to arrive at RMB 19,050 per tonne. In Gongyi, Shenyang and Hangzhou, the prices have added RMB 110 per tonne to reach RMB 18,930 per tonne, RMB 19,000 per tonne and RMB 19,050 per tonne. In...

Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Vedanta Aluminium Business, has reportedly been elected vice-chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)'s Odisha State Council for the 2024-25 term of office. The news came after the name was announced during the CII Odisha State Annual Day 2023-24 celebration in Bhubaneswar on March 5, 2024. Sunil Gupta looks after the strategic operations of Vedanta's aluminium business across its plants at Jharsuguda, Lanjigarh, and Balco as well as the mines. With over 29 years of diverse experience, Mr Gupta has contributed immensely to achieving significant financial growth and operational efficiency, establishing the company as India's largest aluminium producer. He constantly strives to expand production, enhance the availability of bauxite...

At the 2023 annual Advanced Collective and Outstanding Individual Recognition Conference held in the Shanzhou District of Sanmenxia City, Henan, Henkang Aluminum Co., LTD. (referred to as "Hengkang Aluminum") was honoured with the "Technological Transformation Award" and the "Tax Contribution Award." Hengkang Aluminum closely aligns itself with the development trajectory of the Yidian Group, aiming to enhance quality, reduce consumption, and improve efficiency. The company actively engages in technological innovation, converting scientific achievements into the driving force behind enhanced production efficiency. In 2023, Hengkang Aluminum sustained steady growth in its business performance, contributing over 22 million yuan in taxes and playing a positive role in the economic and social...

Norsk Hydro has reportedly appointed Trond Olaf Christophersen as an interim or acting CFO. He will act in the role only for a period of time until a new CFO is hired. Trond Olaf Christophersen replaces CFO Pål Kildemo, who will bid farewell to Hydro by August 31 at the latest to join one of the competitors. However, Trond Olaf Christophersen will perform in the new role with effect from March 6, 2024. Mr Christophersen is Hydro's Executive Vice President for Corporate Development. He will remain in his current role and act as CFO for an interim period. A report says the search for a new CFO has already started. On March 1, Hydro announced the resignation of Pål Kildemo, who is joining Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) as a new Chief Financial Officer. Until he takes a leave, scheduled on...

The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) has announced the certification of the Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) facility in Korba, Chhattisgarh, India, against the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022). This facility, under Vedanta Limited's Aluminium Business (Vedanta Aluminium), specialises in producing wire rods, ingots, primary foundry alloys, rolled products, and their Restora low-carbon aluminium range. These products find applications in various sectors, including automobiles, infrastructure, insulations, power projects, electrical, and packaging. The certified facility in Korba, Chhattisgarh, India, comprises two potlines within a smelter, three casthouses, a rolled product plant, and a power generation plant. It boasts an annual production capacity of 575,000 tonnes....

Rusal Aughinish Alumina, located in Limerick, Ireland, is considering using hydrogen as an alternative clean energy source and deploying electric heat pumps at its refinery, aiming to decarbonise its high-heat refinement process. According to a report on March 6, Aughinish Alumina, the largest refinery in Europe, has started working with the state to explore the viable sources of hydrogen and develop decarbonising solutions for its refinery. Eamon Ryan, the environment minister, and Willie Walsh, the chief executive of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), and Michael O’Toole, the community affairs manager with Aughinish Alumina, are at the forefront of this pioneering initiative. Shifting to green energy This initiative represents Aughinish Alumina's commitment to reducing...

Gränges has forged a strategic, enduring partnership with Scepter, Inc., to provide scrap-based aluminium ingots to its r olling and recycling centres across the United States. Securing access to recycled and low-carbon input materials is a pivotal facilitator for Gränges in delivering circular and sustainable aluminium solutions to its clientele, aligning with its 2040 net-zero objective. Under the terms of the ten-year agreement, Gränges Americas will procure scrap-based aluminium ingots from Scepter, enhancing its production of near-zero aluminium solutions. The estimated carbon emissions intensity of the ingots sourced stands at 0.3 tonnes CO2e/tonne, with Gränges intending to power its production processes through renewable electricity sources. This strategic move will bolster...

FIMIGroup has proudly unveiled its latest acquisition, FRANCI Spa, an esteemed Italian company with roots dating back to 1955. Renowned for its expertise in designing and manufacturing moulds and equipment for the automotive sector, FRANCI Spa also excels in producing mechanical components for industrial and hydroelectric power plants alongside specialized mechanical processes. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone for FIMIGroup, positioning it at the forefront of innovation and expansion in multiple key sectors. Franci specialises in providing die sets and associated services for the metal sheet cold-forming market. Its primary clientele comes from the automotive sector, and necessitating bespoke die sets tailored to each new car model's specifications and...