Metlen Energy & Metals PLC is investing EUR 25 million in its recycled aluminium production facility EP.AL.ME. in Greece, targeting higher processing capacity and greater use of complex aluminium scrap streams. The investment will fund automated sorting, processing and melting equipment at EP.AL.ME., which Metlen describes as Greece’s largest independent recycled aluminium producer. The project will allow the facility to process more complex scrap, including post-consumer aluminium recovered from end-of-life products. The expansion will connect EP.AL.ME. more closely with Metlen’s Aluminium of Greece facility. EP.AL.ME. will manage the collection, sorting and pre-processing of aluminium scrap, while Aluminium of Greece will provide the production scale needed to incorporate recycled metal...
Germany’s aluminium foil export market is showing a shift after two years of steady recovery. The upward trend that had returned after the 2023 downturn failed to hold, with shipments slipping again even as some markets continued to show resilience in H1 2026. The change becomes clearer when the recent history is put together. Germany exported 151,000 tonnes in H1 2022, but the volume dropped to 138,000 tonnes in H1 2023, down 8.6 per cent. Exports then began to recover, reaching 141,000 tonnes in H1 2024, up 2.2 per cent, and 144,000 tonnes in H1 2025, an increase of 2.1 per cent, according to ITC data. In H1 2026, however, exports fell back to 140,000 tonnes, down 2.8 per cent year on year. The decline is relatively modest, but it marks a break in the recovery - raising the question of...
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On July 16, 2024, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) marked a significant milestone by completing the design phase for its cutting-edge smelting technology, EX. This innovation represents a leap forward from EGA's DX+ Ultra technology, which is known for its efficiency in the global aluminium sector. The EX-reduction cells, larger than the DX+ Ultra, promise enhanced capabilities with increased amperage and improved current efficiency. This advancement is expected to boost production capacity by up to 22 per cent, underscoring EGA's commitment to pushing the boundaries of aluminium production. Designed with versatility in mind, EX offers two distinct variants: one prioritising productivity and the other aiming to minimise greenhouse gas emissions. This adaptability reassures stakeholders...
On July 15, World Youth Skills Day, Vedanta Aluminium, India's largest producer of aluminium, reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment by announcing the expansion of its skill development initiatives across its locations. These programs aim to enhance the skillsets of rural youth, transitioning them from unskilled to semi-skilled categories through placement-linked training programs. Towards this goal, the company has collaborated with several coveted training institutions like the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA), and Skill Development Institute (SDI), among others. Through these efforts, Vedanta Aluminium is aiding youth across India in achieving sustainable livelihoods and contributing to the socio-economic...
The United States has initiated discussions with Indonesia about joining a multinational partnership to improve Southeast Asia's environmental standards. Jose Fernandez, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, disclosed the proposal during his recent diplomatic visit to Jakarta. The Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) is comprised of 14 countries alongside the European Union. Its primary goal is to expedite the establishment of sustainable supply chains for critical minerals, leveraging financial and diplomatic support. Fernandez emphasised that joining the MSP could allow Indonesia to bolster governance and environmental practices within its mineral sector. Indonesia, renowned for its extensive mineral reserves, including bauxite, nickel, and...
On Tuesday, July 16, China's A00 aluminium ingot price has contracted by RMB 250 per tonne to settle at RMB 19,790 per tonne. The bearish trend in China's A00 aluminium ingot price can be attributed to weaker demand in the downstream sector, despite rising production levels. As per the SMM data, the average prices are expected to stand between RMB 19,770 per tonne and RMB 19,810 per tonne, with the spot contract price expected to be traded at a discount price of RMB 60 to RMB 20 per tonne. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) , China, a dominant force in the global aluminium market, produced a staggering 3.67 million tonnes of primary aluminium in June. This marked a 6.2 per cent year-on-year surge and set a new record for the highest monthly production since...
On Monday, July 15, LME aluminum opened at US$2,479.50 per tonne, hit a high of US$2,489.50 per tonne, a low of US$2,458 per tonne, and closed at US$2,460 per tonne, down by 1.18 per cent. LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price further decreased, marking the sixth consecutive day of fall. While the former descended by US$17.50 per tonne to settle at US$2,403.50 per tonne, the latter shrank by US$18 per tonne to US$2,404 per tonne. On a week-on-week calculation, the LME aluminium benchmark price shed off a substantial amount of US$71.50 per tonne, and on a month-on-month basis, the price suffered a loss of about US$61.50 per tonne, according to the LME graph. The continuous loss in LME aluminium benchmark price is attributed to the growing rise of...
Constellium SE announced the successful completion of its inaugural industrial-scale hydrogen casting at C-TEC, the company's main R&D centre. The casting was conducted in a 12-tonne furnace, adhering to stringent internal protocols. Quality monitoring included the use of Batscan™ technology, an inclusion detection tool for molten aluminium, and no quality impact from hydrogen combustion on the metal was observed. “The 12-tonne aluminium slab produced using hydrogen will be further processed at our Neuf-Brisach site in France for use in electric vehicles. This milestone is significant in our roadmap towards decarbonising our industrial activities, as we have begun exploring the performance of hydrogen as a substitute for natural gas at an industrial scale, provided that hydrogen is green,...
On July 12, the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced that Guangdong Betterlid Packaging Material had successfully obtained the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) certification. This certification applies to their manufacturing processes for aluminium alloy sheets and foils used in food packaging. The facility's operations encompass various stages, such as aluminium coil processing, which includes cleaning, coating, cutting, printing, and packaging activities. China Quality Mark Certification Group conducted an independent, third-party audit of Guangdong Betterlid Packaging Material Co., Ltd. In 2023, Guangdong Betterlid joined ASI as the new Industrial Users member. It is a prominent and competent producer of aluminium packaging materials and an integrated solutions provider....
ABx Group will showcase its rare earth and fluorine waste recycling advancements at the upcoming Noosa Mining Investor Conference in Queensland. The conference, which begins on July 17th, will feature ABx Group's presentation at 4 pm AEST. Dr Mark Cooksey, CEO of ABx, emphasised the company's focus on presenting "compelling" opportunities within its pipeline. The presentation aims to outline ABx Group's strategic initiatives and prospects in these innovative recycling sectors. Investors and industry stakeholders attending the conference anticipate insights into ABx Group's sustainable practices and technological advancements, which aim to transform waste management in the mining sector. Dr Cooksey said, "I am presenting at the conference to promote ABx to investors who may not have been...
Shanghai Baosteel Packaging has unveiled plans to establish a state-of-the-art aluminium two-piece can production facility in Vietnam's Long An province. Long An is a province in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam. With an investment totalling around 525 million yuan, the facility is slated to achieve an annual production capacity of 800 million cans. This initiative is geared towards advancing their "internal and external linkage" strategy, optimising production layouts, bolstering customer support, and expanding service capabilities to penetrate the Southeast Asian market better. To facilitate this initiative, Baosteel Packaging intends to establish a new entity named Vietnam Hue Baosteel Can Longan Branch, operating under its wholly-owned subsidiary Vietnam Baosteel (Hue). The...
Reynaers Middle East (RME) is enhancing customer intimacy in more ways than one! In their latest campaign to strengthen relationships, Reynaers staff recently visited the Atlas Aluminium headquarters, bringing a delightful surprise. "We wanted to show Atlas Aluminium that we value them as more than just a client. By visiting their headquarters and engaging in conversation, we hoped to build a stronger foundation for our future partnership," said Isa Al Wadi, Area Manager (QBK-SE) at Reynaers Middle East. Starting with the presentation of Reynaers-branded chocolates, the team then engaged in friendly conversations with Atlas Aluminium employees. This personal interaction provided a unique opportunity to connect on a deeper, more human level, fostering camaraderie and collaboration. The...
Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) said it would possibly ease some restrictions on bauxite ore exports, according to statements from ministry spokesperson Agus Cahyono Adi. This proposition followed discussions between ESDM Minister Arifin Tasrif and members of Commission VII of the House Representatives (DPR) related to possible relaxations they might bring in. According to Agus, the discussions took place last week, and concrete decisions still need to be taken. He also cited that the government had given three years of export relaxation for bauxite ores before President Widdo banned it, with effect from June 2023, to shore up the domestic processing of its mineral resources. By doing this, Indonesia wanted to replicate its success in nickel processing after...
Austria continues to face significant challenges in maintaining its competitive edge on the global stage. In the latest IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, the country has fallen again and is now in 26th place. This decline is attributed to several factors, including high energy prices, escalating labour costs, a shortage of skilled workers, and excessive bureaucracy. The future government must address these issues with determination and strategic vision as the National Council elections for the XXVIII legislative period approach. The Federation of Austrian Industries has outlined eight key measures that are vital for restoring Austria's status and elevating it to one of the world's leading and most competitive industrial locations: Calls for tax reduction It is recommended that the...
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in June, China's primary aluminium production soared to its highest level in nearly a decade. The first half of the year (H1) saw a 7 per cent increase as producers boosted output amid rising profits. China, a dominant force in the global aluminium market, has once again demonstrated its leadership. The country, which holds the title of the world's leading aluminium producer, churned out a staggering 3.67 million tonnes of primary aluminium in June. This marked a 6.2 per cent year-on-year surge and set a new record for the highest monthly production since November 2014, according to Reuters data. According to a report by Shanghai Metals Market, last month, China's northern region of Inner Mongolia expanded its capacity, and...
China’s A00 aluminium ingot price has started the week on Monday, July 15, with a slight increase of RMB 40 per tonne, following a week-long decline of RMB 270 per tonne from July 8 to 12. According to the Shanghai Metals Market, the price has pegged at RMB 20,040 per tonne, with average prices to range between RMB 20,020 per tonne and RMB 20,060 per tonne. The spot contract is likely to be traded at a discount price of RMB 10 per tonne and a premium price of RMB 30 per tonne. In addition to week-on-week fall, A00 aluminium ingot price also stands lower by RMB520 per tonne than RMB 20,560 per tonne a month ago. Overall bearish price analysis The bearish price trend of China’s domestic A00 aluminium ingot is attributed to sluggish demand among the downstream sector in contrast to...
The previous trading day, LME aluminium opened at US$2,481 per tonne, reached a high of US$2,489.5 per tonne, a low of US$2,465 per tonne, and closed at US$2,489.5 per tonne, up US$13 per tonne, an increase of 0.52 per cent. On Friday, July 12, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price dropped by US$7 per tonne or 0.28 per cent and US$6.5 per tonne or 0.26 per cent. The prices stood at US$2,421 per tonne and US$2,422 per tonne. The LME aluminium benchmark price also witnessed a W-o-W decline of US$73 per tonne or 2.94 per cent from US$2,495.5 per tonne. As per the LME price graph, 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price also slumped by US$7 per tonne or 0.28 per cent and US$6.5 per tonne or 0.26 per cent to dock at US$2,483 per tonne and US$2,484 per...
RHI Magnesita, the global leader in the manufacturing and supply of refractory products, systems, and solutions, has appealed to the Government of India for strategic policy initiatives to diversify the sourcing of critical refractory grade minerals to ensure raw material supply security for the sustainable growth of the country. This was pressed upon by Gustavo Franco, Chief Customer Officer of the company, during the India-Austria Business meeting held recently as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Austrian capital, Vienna. The company has also requested policy measures to restrict the environmentally harmful landfilling of used refractories and promote recycling, which ensures the availability of secondary raw materials for the industry and contributes towards building...
Emirates Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, announced the graduation of 45 young UAE National Graduate Trainees from the company's LEAP talent accelerator programme. LEAP is a comprehensive 12-month programme that offers a bespoke learning journey to enhance management and leadership skills through mentorship from senior leadership at EGA. It includes a combination of interactive workshops, simulations, individual coaching and networking opportunities. LEAP is designed exclusively for EGA Graduate Trainees. EGA currently has 75 graduate trainees, 49 of whom are women, and all are UAE nationals. The EGA Graduate Training Programme was launched in 1982. Graduate trainees complete 18 or 24 months of training for...
This week, the upstream aluminium sector took centre stage, featuring numerous significant developments in price front, production, international trade policy, project clearance, and investment. The continuous price fall on the Shanghai Metals Market and London Metal Exchange throughout the week stemming from sluggish demand created sensation in the industry, in addition to an additional 10 per cent tariff announcement by the US President on Chinese aluminium and steel imports via Mexico that took the metal industry by storm. According to SMM, China’s domestic A00 aluminium ingot price shed off RMB 270 per tonne this week, settling at RMB 20,000 per tonne. Although the price recorded intermittent growth on July 9, marking a week-on-week increase of RMB 90 per tonne, it stood lower at the...
