The global aluminium extrusion landscape is undergoing a structural transition driven by industrial decarbonisation, global electrification, and the rapid deployment of clean energy infrastructure. Historically anchored by civil engineering and residential real estate, demand for extruded aluminium profiles in China, the world’s dominant manufacturing hub, is decoupling from traditional property sectors. Persistent structural weakness in China’s domestic construction market has slowed the consumption of conventional architectural profiles such as window frames, door sections, and curtain walls. Conversely, advanced industrial applications, specifically solar photovoltaic (PV) racking, battery energy storage systems (BESS), power grid modernisation, and electric vehicles (EVs), have...
Neuman Aluminium has upgraded a melting furnace at its Marktl headquarters in Austria, improving its ability to process low-density aluminium scrap for the production of aluminium slugs used in packaging and technical applications. The furnace retrofit comes as customers increasingly seek products with higher levels of post-consumer recycled (PCR) aluminium. By adapting its existing melting and recycling setup, Neuman aims to handle a wider range of challenging scrap streams while maintaining the quality requirements of impact-extruded aluminium products. Furnace retrofit strengthens aluminium recycling The project involved the refurbishment of an existing melting furnace and the installation of a Typhoon™ chip submersion system from Zmag. Neuman also renewed the furnace door system,...
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For the first time in the industry, Rio Tinto and BHP Group Limited will unite on testing a large battery-electric haul truck technology in the Pilbara, Western Australia, in a bid to integrate sustainable operational practices across mining. Reportedly, Rio Tinto and BHP will work with manufacturers Caterpillar and Komatsu to conduct independent trials of trucks, including testing of battery and static and dynamic charging systems, to assess performance of the vehicle in the Pilbara environment. The collaboration reflects all the companies’ individual commitment towards net zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Trials will begin with two Cat 793 haul trucks from the second half of 2024, followed by the trials of two Komatsu 930 haul trucks from 2026 at the Pilbara mine...
In a bold move to protect domestic industries, the United States recently imposed substantial tariffs on a wide range of imports from China. This decisive action has sent ripples through the global trade landscape, prompting other nations to consider similar protective measures. CareEdge Ratings, a credit rating agency, has weighed in on the potential consequences of this policy shift. The agency believes there may be a growing likelihood that other countries may adopt high tariffs on imports as a strategy to shield their economies. If this trend gains traction, it could significantly alter international trade dynamics and reshape economic relationships worldwide. The US decision to raise tariffs is rooted in a broader strategy to address trade imbalances and bolster domestic...
In a recent development, Mercedes-Benz has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with TSR Recycling GmbH & Co. KG, signalling a significant stride towards bolstering its circularity strategy concerning end-of-life vehicles, as reported by GlobalData. This strategic partnership underscores Mercedes-Benz's commitment to sustainability and marks a pivotal step in its efforts to enhance recycling and reusability practices within the automotive industry. This MoU centres around the extraction of secondary materials via the concept of "urban mining." Through this pilot initiative, Mercedes-Benz anticipates delving into the European landscape to uncover the untapped potential of post-consumer materials, specifically focusing on aluminium , steel, polymers, copper, and glass....
On May 23, 2024, the technology leader in electrification and automation, ABB, announced key leadership changes effective August 1, 2024. Giampiero Frisio has been appointed the new President of the Electrification Business Area, while Brandon Spencer will assume the President of the Motion Business Area. Both Frisio and Spencer will join ABB’s Executive Committee, bringing their extensive experience and fresh perspectives to the global technology leader’s top management team. Björn Rosengren, the CEO of ABB, said, “Both Giampiero and Brandon are proven leaders with strong track records in their current roles, driving profitable growth in two of our largest Divisions. I am particularly happy that we are appointing internal candidates – this shows the strength of ABB’s pool of senior...
China's rapid expansion in solar panel manufacturing has been a catalyst for the global clean-energy transition. On one hand, the nation's industrial prowess has dramatically lowered the costs of solar panels, making renewable energy more accessible worldwide. This positive aspect of China's expansion should not be overlooked, as it has brought us closer to a sustainable future. However, this same expansion has led to a significant overcapacity issue, sparking concerns among international trade partners. The United States, the European Union, and their allies are now voicing serious concerns over the glut of solar panels produced by Chinese manufacturers. This surplus has disrupted global markets and prompted these nations to call on Beijing to address the overproduction problem. The...
In a landmark move towards sustainable manufacturing, ABB's key production facility in Xiamen, China, emerged as a decarbonisation paragon. This site, which is renowned for producing low—and medium-voltage switchgear and circuit breakers on state-of-the-art production lines, has significantly reduced its annual CO 2 equivalent (CO 2 e) emissions. Leveraging advanced smart digital technology, the Xiamen facility has slashed its CO 2 e emissions by an estimated 13,400 tonnes, benchmarked against a 2022 baseline. This achievement is a testament to ABB's global Mission to Zero program, which aims to drive down carbon emissions across its operations worldwide. The Xiamen site's success highlights the potential for integrating smart technology to enhance sustainability in industrial...
Terms like renewable, eco-friendly, green energy, sustainable, emission reduction, have become the talk of the hour. Almost every company are looking for ways to shift towards sustainable practises. Traditionally, aluminium manufacturing has been energy-intensive, but a renewed emphasis on sustainability has propelled the adoption of inventive methods. These include a shift towards renewable energy sources, heightened attention to recycling endeavours, and the advocacy for ethically sourced raw materials. The aluminium industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, where recycling plays a vital role, making it a top priority for producers and consumers. The industry's focus has shifted towards implementing eco-friendly practices and...
The aluminium industry is witnessing significant leadership changes and strategic partnerships aimed at fostering sustainability and growth. Recent appointments at the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) and PETROSOL, coupled with key industry moves involving Glencore, Rusal, and TALCO, denote the dynamic evolution of the sector. These developments highlight the crucial role of aluminium in advancing global manufacturing towards a zero-carbon future and strengthening international collaborations. IAI Appoints Vedanta Aluminium’s CEO John Slaven as Vice-Chairman The International Aluminium Institute (IAI) has appointed John Slaven, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, as one of its new vice-chairmen. In this role, Slaven will spearhead global initiatives promoting aluminium's pivotal role in...
Hindalco Industries Limited, Aditya Birla Group's flagship metal company, has announced its consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of FY2024, which ended March 31. The company revealed that it concluded the year with strong results across all business segments, earning a profit after tax (PAT) of INR 10,155 crore, up 1 per cent from INR 10,097 crore a year ago. This significant increase in profit was primarily bolstered by Hindalco’s all-time high aluminium sales volume of 1.372 million tonnes, up 2 per cent year-on-year. Hindalco's PAT at the end of Q4 FY2024 was INR 3,174 crore, which marked a substantial increase of 32 per cent year-on-year from INR 2,411 crore. Hindalco's consolidated EBITDA in FY2024 totalled INR 25,728 crore, up 7 per cent year-on-year....
Wheels India has earmarked a capital budget of INR 200 crore for the current financial year. This significant investment is aimed at enhancing their offload tractor, fabrication, and machining capacity for cast aluminium sections used in windmill castings. This move highlights Wheels India's commitment to advancing its manufacturing capabilities and staying competitive in the aluminium industry. As a prominent manufacturer of steel and aluminium wheels for trucks, agricultural tractors, passenger vehicles, and construction machinery, Wheels India projects a positive outlook for FY25. The company's strategic investments are expected to drive growth and improve operational efficiencies, aligning with the global shift towards sustainable manufacturing practices. In FY24, Wheels India...
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has revised its aluminium ingot and product prices, with effect from Thursday, May 23. Compared to May 1, the company’s aluminium prices have been expanded significantly by about 4 per cent, in tandem with a gradual increase in aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange. At the end of May 22, the LME aluminium benchmark price stood at US$2,625 per tonne, up by US$80 per tonne or 3.1 per cent from US$2,545 per tonne on April 30. NALCO increased its aluminium ingot selling price by INR 10,000 per tonne, with effect from May 23, to INR 255,450-258,950 per tonne, compared to INR 245,450-248,950 per tonne from May 1 to May 22. India’s Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Mines also boosted its aluminium prices by INR 10,000 per tonne from its...
In April 2024, India's imports of aluminium scrap continued their upward trajectory, growing by 5 per cent from the previous month, according to provisional data from BigMint. This followed a notable 18 per cent surge in March. However, compared to last year's corresponding period, import volumes declined marginally by 4 per cent. April 2024 witnessed a total import of 135,816 tonnes of aluminium scrap, reflecting a modest improvement from the preceding month's 128,861 tonnes. Nevertheless, this figure fell short of April 2023's import volume of 141,894 tonnes. Market dynamics Despite the slight uptick in aluminium scrap arrivals in India during March and April, the volumes remained subdued compared to last year's corresponding period (CPLY). The primary factor behind this deceleration in...
According to official figures released by the National Institute of Statistics, Cameroon in Africa exported 3,011 tonnes of aluminium sheets in 2023 and collected CFA6.6 billion. On a year-on-year calculation, the export volume from Cameroon surged by 90.8 per cent from 1,578 tonnes, resulting in an increase in revenues by 80.2 per cent annually from CFA3.6 billion. This jump in exports and revenues is expected to rejuvenate the aluminium industry in Central Africa and likely to strengthen the financial position of the Cameroon Aluminium Company (Alucam), the primary producer and exporter of aluminium sheets in Cameroon. The company produces flat sheets, corrugated sheets, and trays sheets. Alucam has been facing challenges since 2014 when the Canadian firm Rio Tinto withdrew its...
Honda is set to challenge the electric vehicle (EV) market with the introduction of an all-new EV sedan, designed to challenge the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal. This sedan is part of Honda's ambitious 0 Series line-up, which aims to launch seven EV models by 2030. These models will prioritise weight reduction and aerodynamic efficiency while embodying the “joy of driving.” Central to Honda's strategy is the minimisation of parts in each model, adopting lightweight aluminium chassis structures. This approach, akin to the die-casting technique pioneered by the Tesla Model Y, aims to reduce part complexity, weight, and costs. Such innovation defines Honda’s commitment to leveraging aluminium's unique properties, enhancing both performance and efficiency. Honda's extensive work...
Dong Jianxiong, the Vice General Manager of Chinalco Group and Chairman of Chinalco Shares, and Luciano Alves, CEO of Companhia Brasileira de Aluminio (CBA), visited Baotou Aluminum on May 8. During the visit, Alves and his delegation toured several key production sites, including the intelligent production and centralised control centre, Huayun Electrolytic Plant 1, and Huayun Electrolytic Thermal Power Plant 2. About the visit Zhu Runzhou, the General Manager of Chinalco and Deputy Party Secretary, was also present during the visit. They also examined the unattended intelligent laboratory system for incoming coal. The visit facilitated in-depth discussions on various topics, such as electrolytic production, digital intelligent control, green, low-carbon energy-saving technologies, and...
According to China customs data, the country’s bauxite imports in April 2024 reached a record monthly high of 14.2376 million tonnes, up by 20.02 per cent M-o-M and 18.84 per cent Y-o-Y. In March 2024, China’s bauxite import volume amounted to 11.8628 million tonnes, reflecting an increase of 5.19 per cent M-o-M and a decline of 1.43 per cent Y-o-Y. In April 2024, China’s bauxite imports marked the second consecutive month of increase, following a drop in February to 11.2775 million tonnes from 13.2019 million tonnes in January. Thus, in the past four months, China’s bauxite imports totalled 50.5798 million tonnes, according to China customs data. Guinea topped the list of suppliers, followed by Australia, Turkey, Ghana, and so on. From Guinea, China imported 10.4956 million tonnes of...
Sineng Electric's pivotal contribution to the 641MW solar project in Gujarat, part of the monumental 30GW Khavda Solar Park, heralds a new era in India's renewable energy sector. Expected to power 16.1 million homes, this project will become the world's largest renewable energy installation. By generating 1,900,000 MWh of clean energy annually and eliminating 913,428 tonnes of CO2 emissions, this venture epitomises the potential of sustainable technology. Developed and owned by Adani, the Khavda Solar Park is set to revolutionise the renewable energy landscape in India. Sineng Electric's significant role includes supplying 2,887 units of its state-of-the-art 275kW SP-275K-INH string inverters. These inverters boast a maximum efficiency of 99.03%, feature 12 MPPTs, and are compatible with...
On May 14, 2024, in line with Guizhou Gui Aluminium New Materials’ safety production standardisation establishment arrangement, a team of five evaluators from the Qingzhen Emergency Management Bureau conducted an on-site assessment. Following a thorough review, Guizhou Gui Aluminium New Materials successfully passed the evaluation and acceptance process. About the evaluation This achievement makes Guizhou Gui Aluminium New Materials Co., LTD. the first enterprise in Qingzhen's aluminium rolling processing industry to accept safety production standardisation. The evaluation focused on the company's efforts to achieve three-level safety production standardisation. The review team evaluated 13 aspects, including laws and regulations, safety systems, production equipment and facilities, and...
