Vietnam’s first electrolytic aluminium project has reached another major milestone, with the second phase of the 450,000-tonne-per-year (tpa) Da Nong project producing its first batch of molten primary aluminium on October 31, 2026. The milestone, achieved by China Nonferrous Metal Industry’s Foreign Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd. (NFC), which is the project’s general contractor, came four months and three days ahead of the contractual schedule, officially moving the second phase from construction to trial production. The latest development builds on the progress made during the first phase, which produced its first batch of molten primary aluminium on July 14. By September 15, all electrolytic cells in the first phase had successfully started producing aluminium. The second...
French renewable energy company Neoen has secured AUD 1.8 billion (USD 1.26 billion) in debt financing from 13 lenders to support a 1.2 GW portfolio of solar, wind, and battery storage projects across Australia, marking its largest financing transaction to date. The financing package covers five operating and under-construction assets across New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia. The portfolio includes the 440 MWp Culcairn solar PV plant and its associated 215 MW/963 MWh battery storage project, alongside wind and storage assets in the other two states. Neoen said the transaction would strengthen its balance sheet and support further investment in new projects, as the company continues to expand its renewable energy footprint in Australia. “This transaction reflects the...
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The widespread industrial deterioration cast a shadow over Q4 2023, as economic indicators suggested weak performance for the sector. Current sentiment data reveals no immediate signs of reversal, prompting concerns about sustained sluggishness. 2023 ended in a sluggish mode As reported by ING THINK, in November 2023, the sluggish phase in Italian industrial production intensified, as indicated by data from Istat. The seasonally adjusted figures reveal a notable 1.5 per cent monthly decline (contrasting with -0.2 per cent in October), surpassing initial expectations. The average year-on-year change from January to November 2023 reflects a 2.5 per cent decrease compared to the corresponding period in 2022. Present production levels are over 4 per cent lower than those observed in the...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,234 per tonne on Thursday, with high and low at US$2,252 per tonne and US$2,229.5 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,235 per tonne, unchanged from the previous trading day. On Thursday, January 11, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price inched down by US$0.5 per tonne or 0.02 per cent and US$1 per tonne or 0.04 per cent to settle at US$2,202.50 per tonne and US$2,203 per tonne. LME aluminium 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price reflected no change and settled at US$2,244 per tonne and US$2,245 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price dropped by US$5 per tonne or 0.19 per cent to clock at US$2,500 per tonne and US$2,505 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at 560575 tonnes....
The recent downturn in the Indian aluminium scrap market can be attributed to a notable price decrease, primarily driven by a fall in futures contracts on the London Metal Exchange (LME). This decline results from limited transactions despite an increase in the number of improved offers. Many sellers who have returned from holidays are inactive, contributing to the overall market downturn. Moreover, the rising sea freight charges have adversely affected the market following the incident in the Red Sea. This additional factor has further compounded the challenges the aluminium scrap market faces. Pricing dynamics of aluminium wheel scrap According to a reliable source, the pricing dynamics of aluminium wheel scrap destined for India from the Western region exhibit variations among sellers....
Hydro is advancing its commitment to achieving zero CO2 emissions in aluminium production by implementing emission-free plasma technology in the Sunndal cast house. The Norwegian Government has provided soft funding for this innovative project, recognising its potential to significantly impact hard-to-abate industries globally. The traditional method of re-melting aluminium into new products involves an energy-intensive process requiring extremely high temperatures, typically reliant on fossil energy sources such as natural gas. However, Hydro is pioneering a breakthrough with new plasma technology that facilitates the electrification of this process. "We aim to change the game for aluminium production. Plasma technology is both high tech and future oriented. If we succeed with the pilot...
Aluminum is a premier choice for both structural prowess and aesthetic allure in constructing passenger ships, yachts, and expansive boats despite its heftier price tag than steel. The marine industry widely embraces aluminium sheets and extrusions, particularly in crafting high-speed ships and ferries. Some of the major advantages of using aluminium in marine transport vehicles include: Lightweight and corrosion resistant Fuel saving due to the metal’s lighter weight Enhances vessels' speed, capacity for larger payloads, and extends their nautical range Aluminum provides enhanced stability and manoeuvring capabilities Aluminum ensures prolonged lifespan and contributes to decreased maintenance expenses, resulting in reduced overall ownership costs over an extended period Aluminum...
On January 10, 2023, a senior government official stated that Saudi Arabia had initiated a $182 million incentive program for mineral exploration. This move is a part of the country's broader efforts to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil. The kingdom is actively pursuing the expansion of its mining sector to harness extensive deposits of phosphate, gold, copper, and bauxite. Future Minerals Forum While speaking at the Future Minerals Forum, Bandar Alkhorayef, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, said, "This programme will de-risk investments in our exploration, securing to enable new commodities, greenfield projects and junior miners." During this week's industry event in Riyadh, agreements totalling 75 billion riyals ($20 billion) are anticipated to be...
A dramatic shift in the origin of aluminium stockpiled in the London Metal Exchange (LME) warehouses has taken place, with Russian metal now dominating the stocks. At the end of December 2023, a staggering 90 per cent of the aluminium stored in the LME was of Russian origin, according to the exchange's latest data. This marks a significant increase from less than 10 per cent before the Ukraine-Russia geopolitical crisis began to nearly 80 per cent at the end of November. The data reveals that the entirety of the increase in LME aluminium stocks in December came from Russian metal. This sudden surge raises questions about the potential impact on global aluminium supply chains and pricing, with potential implications for industries that rely heavily on the metal. The reasons behind this...
In a significant development for the aluminium sector, Henan Huawei Aluminium Co., Ltd. has recently joined AL Biz, the world's 1st B2B online marketplace that connects millions of buyers and sellers across the entire aluminium value chain, showcasing its prowess as a prominent manufacturer of aluminium sheets, coils, plates, and foils. Established in 2001 as a privately owned enterprise, the company is situated in Huiguo Town, renowned as the aluminium capital of Henan Province, China. Product portfolio: Boasting an impressive production capability, Henan Huawei Aluminium specialises in manufacturing a wide range of aluminium alloys , focusing on the 1, 3, 5, 6, and 8 series. Particularly noteworthy is their expertise in the production of 5-series alloys. The company's product lineup...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,243.5 per tonne on Wednesday, with high and low at US$2,258.5 per tonne and US$2,230.5 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,235 per tonne, a drop of US$7 per tonne or 0.31 per cent. On Wednesday, January 10, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price grew by US$4 per tonne or 0.18 per cent to settle at US$2,203 per tonne and US$2,204 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price dipped by US$2 per tonne or 0.08 per cent to clock at US$2,244 per tonne and US$2,245 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price went down by US$3 per tonne or 0.11 per cent to settle at US$2,505 per tonne and US$2,510 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at 561825 tonnes. Live warrants and Cancelled...
At CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Samsung took centre stage to emphasise its unwavering commitment to sustainability, echoing the familiar mantra of "reduce, reuse, recycle." In a dedicated segment of its keynote address, Samsung showcased a holistic approach to resource circularity, spanning the design, usage, and eventual recycling of its devices. Notably, the tech giant incorporated recycled materials into flagship products, such as utilising recycled fishing nets in the Galaxy series, recycled plastic in TVs, and recycled aluminium in bespoke refrigerators. Inhee Chung, Samsung's VP of corporate sustainability, highlighted the company's initiative, stating, "We start by incorporating recycled materials into some of our most loved products." She revealed that recycled plastic constituted 14%...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market data, China’s aluminium production in the last month of 2023 (31 days) registered a month-on-month increase of 2.12 per cent and a year-on-year rise of 3.6 per cent to reach 3.562 million tonnes. However, the average daily domestic output dropped by 1,400 tonnes to 114,900 tonnes. The shutdown of electrolytic cells in Yunnan producing no aluminium liquid could be attributed to the daily production fall. But domestic aluminium operating capacity grew slightly month-on-month in December. China’s total production of aluminium from January to December 2023 came in at 41.513 million tonnes, beating the previous year’s record-high output of 40.2 million tonnes. Aluminium ingot production in the entire year was approximately 12.6 million tonnes, down by...
After a year of cautious deployment and comprehensive promotion, the Loufan Mine of the Shanxi Branch of Chinalco completed the acceptance examination and was chosen as one of Taiyuan's third batch of municipal green mining projects. Between November 10th and 11th, 2023, a team comprising 23 experts from various bureaus, including the Natural Resources Bureau, Finance Bureau, Emergency Bureau, Environmental Protection Bureau, Urban Construction Bureau, etc., conducted a thorough evaluation and acceptance of the establishment of the Loufan aluminium mine in Taiyuan. After conducting on-site verification and consulting relevant materials, the expert group meticulously assessed and scored various facets of Loufan Aluminum Mine's operations. This encompassed considerations such as...
Hyundai's air mobility division, Supernal, is set to launch its S-A2 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in 2028, anticipating a surge in demand for electric aircraft in urban taxi services. The S-A2, presented at CES 2024, boasts a seating capacity for five and is powered by electricity. Designed by Hyundai group's Luc Donckerwolke, it embodies an "auto meets aero" aesthetic. President of Hyundai, Jaiwon Shin, a NASA veteran, leads the Supernal project, foreseeing a significant expansion of eVTOL aircraft in the future, potentially numbering in the "hundreds of thousands." Shin emphasises Hyundai's advantage in mass production, acquired from the automotive sector, as a crucial asset in meeting this anticipated demand. Features of Hyundai's Supernal flying taxi...
Aluminium Marine Consultants (AMC) in East Cowes is raising its sails in celebration of a remarkable achievement—the completion of a four-year programme in aluminium boat building by its inaugural trainee, Kyle Salmon. Having navigated the intricacies of in-house aluminium boat construction training, Kyle conquered the waves and earned the prestigious title of certified coded welder. "It has been an honour to work alongside such highly skilled craftsmen and gain hands-on industry experience. I have learnt so much throughout my four years at AMC and am looking forward to furthering my career and continuing to develop new skills," added Kyle Salmon. As Kyle stands proudly on the shores of accomplishment, the company eagerly anticipates a flotilla of aspiring trainees ready to embark on...
According to a report published by S&P Global, an American publicly traded corporation headquartered in Manhattan, the European aluminium billet market labelled 2023 a year of demand deflation and hesitant purchases. A buyer said the poor demand for aluminium billet was due to a depressed mechanical engineering market, adding that stocking would not increase much for meagre expectations for Q1 2024. Through Q4 2023, aluminium billet sellers saw continued dither among sellers for buying the metal and significant delays in negotiations, resulting in continued premium fall and constant pressure on profit margins, with billet prices coming to the lowest level in the past three years. Premiums in 2023 At the beginning of 2023, the billet premiums were as high as $675 per tonne but later on,...
In a momentous celebration of a 150-year partnership between Rio Tinto and the Indian government, India's Post Office has issued a new 5 rupee stamp titled 'Rio Tinto 150.' This commemorative stamp, part of the 'My Stamp' series, signifies the enduring collaboration between the Anglo-Australian mining giant and India, recognising Rio Tinto's significant contributions to the nation's development. Rio Tinto's role in shaping the Indian aluminium industry has been pivotal, establishing a foundation that has not only fuelled industrial growth but has also left an indelible mark on various sectors. The stamp underscores Rio Tinto's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement in producing essential minerals and metals integral to daily life. Relationship between Rio...
In the vibrant landscape of 2024, PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero), also called Inalum, is poised to unfurl the sails of innovation on two grand ventures. With a resounding declaration, CEO Danny Praditya has illuminated the corporate horizon, announcing the Final Investment Decision (FID) to expand an aluminium smelter nestled in the heart of Kuala Tanjung, North Sumatra. Concurrently, the symphony of progress will crescendo with the initiation of the second act in the Smelter Grade Alumina Refinery (SGAR) saga, set against the lush backdrop of Mempawah in West Kalimantan. In the unfolding chapters of progress, the aluminium smelter in Kuala Tanjung is gearing up for an impressive capacity of 600 thousand tonnes. Simultaneously, the Smelter Grade Alumina Refinery (SGAR) in...
In the dynamic realm of aluminium production, Jingzhou Bolster Mechanical Equipment Co., Ltd. stands as a distinguished leader, boasting over 25 years of expertise in manufacturing cutting-edge aluminium melting and casting equipment . The company has recently joined AL Biz , the world's 1st B2B online marketplace that connects millions of buyers and sellers across the entire aluminium value chain, underscoring its commitment to expanding its global presence and connecting with industry partners. A legacy of innovation Established in China, Jingzhou Bolster Mechanical Equipment has garnered a stellar reputation for its relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of aluminium casting. With two well-established plants and plans for a third on the horizon, the company commands a sprawling...
