Oklahoma Primary Aluminum has released a new economic impact study for its proposed USD 4 billion primary aluminium facility at the Tulsa Port of Inola, projecting a cumulative USD 49 billion contribution to the state’s economy through 2060. The study, prepared by Regional Economic Models Inc, describes the project as a “generational economic anchor” for northeastern Oklahoma, with thousands of jobs, higher household income and significant annual additions to state and national GDP. It was published as the developers face a local construction moratorium, a planned referendum and ongoing environmental and legal reviews. Scale and economic impact The joint venture between Emirates Global Aluminium and Century Aluminum says the 750,000-metric-tonne-per-year smelter would: Generate...
Over the past few years, the employment story of US aluminum industry has been entering chapters from the downstream segment. According to the Aluminum Association, almost 98% of all US aluminum jobs are now concentrated in mid- and downstream processing and recycling, even as employment in primary aluminum has fallen sharply. The Aluminum Association’s latest 2026 economic impact study puts direct industry employment at 165,354 jobs, with the wider aluminum ecosystem supporting 871,464 direct, indirect and induced jobs and generating $326.4 billion in economic output. The shift is particularly evident in recent employment growth. Between 2024 and 2026, jobs in secondary aluminum production rose 21.9%, aluminum coatings 23.1% and sheet and extrusions 22.2%, while primary aluminum...
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In the heart of Middlesbrough, a glimmer of hope emerges for Cupral Group as a new deal breathes life into the troubled metal recycling company. Despite facing recent financial turbulence, the firm has found a lifeline, safeguarding the livelihoods of 30 employees. Established in 2018, Cupral specialises in refining copper and aluminium, transforming them into high-purity, low-carbon materials optimised for furnace utilisation. Administrators, navigating through the complexities, orchestrated a pivotal takeover, ensuring the continuity of operations at the Tees Advanced Manufacturing Park. Administrators at FRP Advisory spearheaded a meticulous negotiation process, culminating in a pivotal agreement with an independent metal recycling entity. This intricate deal, spanning multiple...
In the first quarter of 2024, the world’s primary aluminium production manifested an annual growth trajectory while it shied away from growing on a quarterly basis. The global primary aluminium output in Q1 2024 ended March 31 reflected a 4.11 per cent hike Y-o-Y but exhibited a 1.24 per cent drop Q-o-Q. But the monthly production in March, standing at 6.073 million tonnes, increased month-on-month as well as year-on-year by 7.15 per cent and 3.55 per cent, respectively. Global production in the first quarter of 2024 stood at 17.802 million tonnes, compared to 18.025 million tonnes in Q4 2023 and 17.099 million tonnes in Q1 2023. The world’s daily average production of primary aluminium in March 2024 was 195,900 tonnes, up by 500 tonnes from 194,400 tonnes a month ago and skyrocketed by...
In support of the Indian government's pursuit of a net-zero emission target by 2070, a PwC India survey reveals that 51 per cent of the top 100 companies have initiated voluntary disclosures regarding their carbon emissions. Additionally, the survey highlights that approximately 31 per cent of these companies have outlined their net-zero targets. Government and regulatory bodies have implemented new regulations regarding ESG (environmental, social, and governance). India's adoption of BRSR Core standards positions it as a leading player in the global shift toward a more credible and transparent landscape for sustainability reporting. The BRSR Core framework is enforced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to encourage listed entities to disclose their environmental,...
Alufinish, headquartered in Andernach, Germany, and Columbia Chemical, based in Brunswick, Ohio, are uniting their strengths to revolutionise the sales and service capacities in the U.S. market. This strategic collaboration is set to offer a unique blend of products and services, catering to a broader clientele, and setting new standards in the industry. Together, the two companies, each a leader in their respective fields, will provide integrated solutions for the surface treatment of aluminium alloys. From pre-treatment to anodising and coating processes, this partnership guarantees a comprehensive and expert approach to meet the diverse needs of customers in the aluminium industry. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering innovation and excellence. By combining...
China’s average alumina spot price has augmented by RMB 23 per tonne to officially close at RMB 3,334 per tonne, while the alumina price in Henan, Shandong and Shanxi have all increased by RMB 30 per tonne to close at RMB 3,355 per tonne and RMB 3,310 per tonne, respectively. The alumina price in Bayuquan has dived down by RMB 50 per tonne to stop at RMB 3,360 per tonne. The alumina price in Lianyungang has dampened by RMB 20 per tonne to close at RMB 3,285 per tonne. The Shanghai Metals Market , on April 24, saw a downward trend in aluminium prices, with the SMM A00 aluminium ingot price plunging by RMB 160 per tonne to settle at RMB 20,110 per tonne. The eight main provinces in China have all shown deflecting aluminium prices today, with Wuxi having lost RMB 180 per tonne to stop at RMB...
Equispheres, a leading provider of tailored aluminium powders for Additive Manufacturing, has successfully concluded its Series B financing, securing a substantial $14.6 million (CA $20 million) in funding. This significant milestone, with Martinrea International Inc. as the lead investor, underscores Equispheres' growth trajectory and potential for further expansion. With Martinrea and several new institutional investors on board, the ongoing financing, set to continue until June 30, 2024, is strategically earmarked for key initiatives. These include the deployment of multiple new reactors throughout 2024, a move aimed at fortifying support for existing production programs and ensuring a steady growth trajectory for Equispheres. "The potential of Additive Manufacturing to transform...
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), a prominent player in the global aluminium smelting industry, reached a significant milestone in its Power Station 5 (PS 5) Block 4 Project with the First Fire of the Mitsubishi Power M701JAC Gas Turbine (GT) on April 23, 2024. This achievement highlights Alba's commitment to sustainable and efficient power generation, aligning with global initiatives for environmental responsibility. The First Fire marks a crucial step towards the commercial operation of the Block 4 Project, scheduled for completion in Q4 2024. Remarkably, this milestone comes merely six months after the delivery of the GT unit to the project site in October 2023. A ceremony commemorating this achievement took place at the Block 4 Project site, attended by top officials from Alba,...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,661.5 per tonne yesterday, with its high and low at US$2,669.5 per tonne and US$2,562.5 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,576 per tonne, down US$82 per tonne or 3.09 per cent. On Tuesday, April 23, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price nosedived by US$70 per tonne and US$69 per tonne to clock at US$2,583 per tonne and US$2,585 per tonne. As per the data, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price dwindled by US$75 per tonne or 2.81 per cent to settle at US$2,585 per tonne and US$2,585.50 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price contracted by US$42 per tonne to halt at US$2,683 per tonne and US$2,688 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at 497300 tonnes. Live warrants and...
Hydro Extrusions recently bolstered its extrusion capabilities in Rackwitz, Germany, with the introduction of a third extrusion press line, officially operational in late 2023. This €11 million initiative encompasses the installation of a cutting-edge 22 MN, 8-inch upcycled extrusion press, complemented by an energy-efficient aging oven. This strategic investment underscores Hydro's commitment to the strong German market. The newly integrated P22 extrusion press line significantly augments production capacity for superior-quality intricate extruded profiles. This enhancement empowers the Rackwitz facility to effectively cater to escalating demand across construction, transportation, and general mechanical engineering sectors. Furthermore, deploying this state-of-the-art line underscores...
Toyo Seikan Co., Ltd., a prominent subsidiary of Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Ltd., unveils its latest innovation in the realm of aluminium beverage cans. Pioneering the development of the lightest aluminium DI can in the domestic market, Toyo Seikan introduces Compression Bottom Reform (CBR) technology, poised to reshape the landscape of can manufacturing. Utilising state-of-the-art CBR technology, Toyo Seikan achieves a remarkable feat in can engineering by reinforcing the bottom of the beverage can, thus significantly reducing its weight. This innovation permits the creation of 204mm Stay-On Tab (SOT) cans, catering primarily to alcoholic beverages , with unparalleled efficiency. Reducing carbon footprint: A step toward sustainability The implementation of CBR in the 204mm SOT cans...
On Tuesday, 23 April, the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced that Ye Chiu Metal Smelting has achieved the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) for its secondary aluminium alloy ingot manufacturing operations in Johor, Malaysia. This facility, among the largest in Asia for aluminium recycling, specialises in producing alloy ingots from scrap aluminium. Its infrastructure includes melting and holding furnaces, casting lines, and stacking machines, enabling it to process over 40,000 tonnes annually. SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services conducted the independent audit of Ye Chiu Metal Smelting Sdn. Bhd. “Ye Chiu Group has achieved a major milestone by obtaining the Performance Standard Certification, which recognises its commitment to responsible production practices in the...
Kazakhstan's first beverage can plant, located in the Ontustik industrial zone of Shymkent, is gearing up for a significant expansion later this year. QazAlPack (QAP) specializes in manufacturing 450ml aluminium beverage cans tailored for drinks and compatible with 202-diameter CDL ends. It is the sole can-making facility in Central Asia. Andrew Ushakov, the project manager at QazAlPack (QAP), has confirmed plans to double the plant's production capacity, aiming to reach up to 1 billion aluminium cans per year. Furthermore, the plant also focuses on lightweighting its cans. Through enhancements in production processes, they have managed to reduce the starting gauge of the aluminium coil from 0.265mm to a thinner 0.245mm, ensuring greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness in production....
Leeds Station becomes an embodiment of environmental consciousness as a towering rainbow installation, crafted from over 2,500 recycled aluminium cans, graces its surroundings. This awe-inspiring structure, a testament to Every Can Counts' commitment to recycling advocacy, arrives just in time for Earth Day. Every Can Counts, a not-for-profit organisation, stands at the helm of the global movement towards sustainable living. With a network spanning over 192 countries, they tirelessly educate and empower individuals to embrace recycling as a lifestyle. Celebrating Earth Day in a sustainable way As the world commemorates Earth Day, the focus intensifies on diversifying, educating, and activating environmental stewardship. The vibrant rainbow outside Leeds Station symbolises this collective...
Golden Grail Beverages has unveiled its latest eco-conscious endeavour: the launch of KOZ Water in 16 oz aluminium cans. This introduction addresses the escalating consumer demand for sustainable and health-oriented hydration choices. In line with this commitment, the company plans to allocate significant resources to ensure widespread availability of KOZ Water, with initial rollouts slated for as early as May 2024 in select locations. “Emphasising our commitment to not only personal health but also to the planet, it’s important to highlight the broader environmental impact of packaging choices. The global recycling rate for plastic bottles languishes below 50%, with a fraction being repurposed into new bottles. In stark contrast, aluminium stands as a beacon of recyclability, boasting...
The Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) has affirmed its commitment to ongoing collaboration with stakeholders to enhance the efficiency of the bauxite industry. According to a statement released on April 22, 2024, the JBI intends to achieve its objectives by furnishing research-based guidance to industry participants and participating in initiatives aimed at safeguarding bauxite lands from depletion. Further insights into these collaborative efforts were provided in the Jamaica Public Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the fiscal year ending March 2025. The document stated, “Accordingly, during the 2024/25 financial year, the JBI will conduct research in a bid to develop an efficient procedure to treat with the processing of bauxite and extraction of commercial minerals, with...
South32, the diversified mining company, has released its operational results for the first quarter of the 2024 financial year, showcasing notable advancements across various sectors. South32 witnessed an overall improvement in its operating results for the March quarter, marked by record year-to-date production at Hillside Aluminium and South Africa Manganese, along with a significant increase in quarterly volumes at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal. Despite being impacted by tropical cyclone Megan, South32 remains resolute in its efforts to implement recovery plans for its Australia Manganese operations, ensuring a safe return to operations and ore exports. The final investment approval for the development of the Taylor zinc/lead/silver deposit at Hermosa, US, and the sale of Illawarra for...
Nigeria's aspiration for a domestically-produced aluminium industry seems increasingly distant as the $3.2 billion Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, once again fails to meet its long-awaited revival deadline. The recent setback has sparked renewed criticism of the project, prompting many Nigerians to question its feasibility and potential economic advantages. Critics highlight the escalating costs, recurrent delays, and perceived lack of transparency as indicators of mismanagement and inadequate planning. ALSCON was established with the explicit aim of harnessing Nigeria's vast gas reserves and curbing gas flaring, redirecting this resource to power the smelter plant through a gas-to-power framework. Originally commissioned in 1999, the smelter...
Government policies and subsidies have been instrumental in fostering the growth of the electric vehicle market. However, as these incentives are phased out and policies evolve, the public will increasingly shape the future market adoption trajectory. As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly common on roads, the number of charging points is also rising. This trend is expected to continue as nations strive to reduce emissions in alignment with net-zero goals and internationally agreed temperature targets. The United States recently introduced more stringent national pollution standards for passenger cars and light-medium vehicles. These standards mandate a 56 per cent reduction in tailpipe pollution and vehicle carbon emissions by 2032, based on 2026 levels. While this doesn't...
