
Stretch a line from the Red Sea through the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean all the way to the Atlantic coast, and you'll pass through a decade-old network of ports, long-term concessions, roads, and logistics corridors built by a single Gulf state. The common thread running through the United Arab Emirates is bauxite mines, the raw ore behind aluminium production, sit alongside renewable energy plants, and data centres. On 20 September 2026, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, put a number on that footprint sharing that the UAE investment in Africa is approaching USD 150 billion, with annual two-way trade now exceeding USD 107 billion. He framed the expansion as part of Abu Dhabi’s push to build direct ties with the continent, bypassing traditional Western...
Greenland’s newly signed security agreement is bringing fresh attention to the island’s critical-minerals potential — and AnorTech is positioning its sustainable alumina project to benefit from the stronger investment environment. AnorTech has welcomed the Greenland Security Agreement signed by Greenland, Denmark and the United States at the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, saying the framework could strengthen the environment for critical-mineral development and secure supply chains. For AnorTech, the development comes as it advances its Gronne Bjerg anorthosite project and works towards commercialising a portfolio that includes zero-waste smelter-grade alumina (SGA) and high-purity alumina (HPA). The company said the agreement strengthens regional defence cooperation,...
Grow with
AL Circle

Aluminium, often praised as the unheralded champion of contemporary materials, is crucial in forging a sustainable world. Its lightweight yet resilient qualities render it indispensable across various industries—from aerospace to automotive, construction to electronics. But beyond its versatility, aluminium's environmental merits genuinely come to the forefront. Companies worldwide are moving towards aluminium. Be it transportation, packaging, or even the downstream sector, the use of aluminium has shown incredible growth. In the hands of architects, aluminium emerges as a metal of boundless creativity, enabling the design of structures previously unattainable with wood, plastic, or steel. The global drive to reduce carbon footprints has cemented aluminium's status as a favoured metal in...

In a strategic move to bolster its domestic aluminium industry, the Indian government is contemplating a surge in anti-dumping duties on aluminium foil imported from Thailand. This decision could significantly impact the market dynamics, benefiting prominent players like Hindalco Industries Limited. Let's delve deeper into how this development may shape the landscape of the aluminium sector in India. The news of a potential anti-dumping duty hike sparked optimism among investors, as Hindalco's stock surged by 2.50 per cent in morning trades on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). With a focus on protecting domestic manufacturers, such measures could propel Hindalco's growth trajectory. DGTR, or the Directorate General of Trade Remedies, has launched a mid-term review, assessing the...

United Dutch Breweries has reportedly collaborated with CANPACK for the production of limited-edition 330 ml aluminium cans of its flagship drink, Royal Dutch Premium Lager, using Quadromix can printing technology. This initiative by United Dutch Breweries is to celebrate football with the world and create a real standout on the shelf. For this special edition, the classic Royal Dutch label is printed in specially commissioned lithography on colourful cans that capture all the emotion and drama of football. This will give a special character to the flagship drink, a superior and refined lager in the best Dutch tradition, respected around the world for its classic flavour and rich history. United Dutch Breweries that carries a brewing heritage of 500 years has a long-term relation with...

In the integrated tinsel town of global economics, Mexico has emerged as a shimmering thread, weaving its way to prominence on the world stage. With a meteoric rise in recent years, Mexico now stands tall as the 12th largest economy globally, a testament to its resilience and dynamism. At the heart of Mexico's economic surge lies its robust automotive sector, a veritable engine of growth propelling the nation forward. Boasting a staggering 9.2 per cent increase, Mexico churned out 3.5 million cars in 2022, cementing its position as the world's seventh-largest automotive producer. This stellar achievement owes much to the unwavering commitment of the international automotive industry, which continues to funnel investments into Mexico's burgeoning market. Aluminium foundry renaissance in...

Anthony Norman Albanese, the 31st Prime Minister of Australia, has recently announced that the New South Wales-based former coal-fired power station, Liddell, will be turned into a solar panels manufacturing hub. The upcoming Solar SunShot program project is expected to be a part of the $1 billion federal program. About the initiative The ultimate goal is to establish a robust supply chain, starting with producing glass for panels, followed by aluminium frames, and eventually, the solar photovoltaic cells, along with the pure polysilicon required for manufacturing. The initiative will help ramp up the production of solar panels within Australia. Although one in three Australian households has solar panels, marking the highest rate globally, only 1 per cent of these panels are domestically...
_robust_daily_average_alumina_production_in_Feb’24_suggests_its_growth_trajectory_0_0.jpg)
According to the International Aluminium Institute survey, alumina production in Africa & Asia (ex-China) during February 2024 recorded a significant annual growth of 13.8 per cent but a month-on-month fall of 3.06 per cent. As per the data, Africa & Asia’s (ex-China) alumina production in February 2024 was 1.171 million tonnes versus 1.029 million tonnes a year ago, indicating that alumina production in Africa & Asia (ex-China) is on a steady growth path. The output declined month-on-month from 1.208 million tonnes mainly because of fewer calendar days in February. Africa & Asia’s (ex-China) daily average alumina output in February 2024 further underpins the above statement as the volume stood at 40,400 tonnes, up by 3.59 per cent from 39,000 tonnes in January 2024. On a year-on-year...

The Shanghai Metals Market on April 1 showed considerable growth in aluminium prices, with the SMM A00 aluminium ingot price halting at RMB 19,520 per tonne, adding RMB 50 per tonne. The average prices ranged between RMB 19,500 per tonne and RMB 19,540 per tonne. The SMM aluminium price has levitated by RMB 180 per tonne or 0.93 per cent on a Week-on-Week scale from RMB 19,340 per tonne recorded in March 25. If we consider a Month-on-Month scale it can be seen that the aluminium price has risen by RMB 600 per tonne or 3.17 per cent from RMB 18,920 per tonne from RMB 18,920 per tonne on February 1. Aluminium prices rose by 0.48 per cent on March 11 due to concerns over sluggish production recovery in China's Yunnan province, which is a significant aluminium-producing region. The...

On Monday, April 1, the SHFE aluminium benchmark price has gained US$11 per tonne or 0.40 per cent to settle at US$2,718 per tonne. The most-traded SHFE 2405 aluminium contract opened at RMB 19,710 per tonne last Friday night, with its lowest and highest at RMB 19,645 per tonne and RMB 19,820 per tonne before closing at RMB 19,665 per tonne, up RMB 45 per tonne or 0.23 per cent. LME Aluminium Price On Friday, March 29, the LME market was closed during the Good Friday Holiday. However, on Thursday, March 28, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price hiked by US$32 per tonne or 1.43 per cent to settle at US$2,269.50 per tonne and US$2,270 per tonne. The 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price grew by US$24 per tonne or 1.05 per cent to close at US$2,310...

In this week's recap of significant developments in the aluminium industry, several key advancements have emerged, showcasing a collective commitment towards sustainability and innovation. Constellium's Ravenswood plant in West Virginia stands poised to pioneer zero-carbon technology with a substantial $75 million investment. This funding, under the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Energy Demonstrations program, aims to revolutionise the facility's operations by decarbonising its cast houses and deploying state-of-the-art SmartMelt furnaces. Meanwhile, RUSAL's forest carbon offset project in Russia marks a milestone in environmental stewardship, demonstrating the efficacy of aerial forest fire management in sequestering millions of tonnes of CO2 equivalent. On the domestic front, Vedanta...

The acclaimed electric car manufacturer Polestar revealed its latest breakthrough: the Polestar 3 performance SUV. This exceptional vehicle represents the epitome of automotive engineering and establishes a fresh standard for sustainability in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Capri Sun Group has introduced a game-changing update to its beverage packaging range by unveiling recyclable pouches made from a combination of aluminium, PE, and PET materials. This advancement represents a significant milestone in Capri Sun's sustainability efforts, aiming to transform its packaging while minimising its environmental impact. Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. ("GMG") has received a substantial boost for its initiatives from the State Government of Queensland. The company has accepted funding...

As the traditional peak season has set in, China’s domestic aluminium industry is making buzz with downstream processing enterprises rebounds. The purchasing sentiment is high, leading to a fall in aluminium ingot inventories at the end of March 2024, which is line with previous expectation. On Thursday, March 28, Shanghai Metals Market survey showed that the social inventories of aluminium ingots across China’s eight major consumption areas amounted to 865,000 tonnes, of which the amount for sale stood at 739,000 tonnes. The inventories were down by 5,000 tonnes from Monday, March 25, marking the first decline after the Chinese New Year holiday. The decrease occurred primarily due to the outflow of the metal. Arrivals to warehouses stood essentially steady, with a very marginal drop. In...

The Mancomunidad Association of town halls in the western Costa del Sol has unveiled plans to recycle used coffee capsules, a growing environmental concern in recent years. Partnering with recycling company Urbaser and non-profit organisation Arecafé, the initiative aims to address the exponential increase in discarded coffee pods predominantly made of aluminium or plastic. Mancomunidad president Manuel Cardeña highlighted the challenges posed by traditional recycling methods, noting the difficulty in detecting and processing small-sized coffee capsules within treatment plants. Often mistaken for general waste or plastic, these capsules end up in landfills, contradicting the European Union's ambitious waste reduction targets for 2035. Innovative solutions for sustainable practices Despite...

The global aluminium downstream sector witnessed a lot of significant incidents this week. To begin with, India recently launched an anti-dumping probe into the import of aluminium foil from China, aiming to protect its domestic aluminium industry. This decision follows complaints lodged by major domestic players like Hindalco Industries, Shyam Sel & Power Ltd, and others, accusing Chinese exporters of dumping practices. Golden Aluminum was chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations on March 25th to enter into negotiations for potential funding of up to $22.3 million. Jinfei Kaida Wheel's stock saw a notable rise after the Chinese manufacturer announced its third capacity expansion plan. The company disclosed its plan to invest CNY557 million (USD77...

In the ever-evolving landscape of the aluminium industry, this weekend has been marked by a flurry of developments, ranging from life-altering innovations to sobering tragedies. National Aluminium Company (NALCO) has unveiled AL-59, a cutting-edge aluminium alloy ingot poised to redefine the conductor industry with its exceptional corrosion resistance. Meanwhile, Century Aluminum secures a monumental $500 million funding from the United States Department of Energy, propelling forward its ambitious Green Aluminum Smelter Project aimed at revitalising the nation's primary aluminium sector. However, amidst these strides towards progress, tragedy strikes at Juei Feng Aluminium Co., Ltd., as a devastating explosion claimed the lives of two Thai workers, underscoring the need for stringent...

According to a recent statement by the Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency (ICRA), domestic demand for non-ferrous metals like aluminium and copper is expected to grow 10 per cent in FY25. This expectation is based on a consistent trend in realizations and a moderated pressure on input costs. The report anticipates a healthy domestic demand growth of approximately 10 per cent for FY2025, notably surpassing the expected global demand growth of around 2 per cent. The sharp correction in Tc/Rc has adversely impacted the copper smelter margins and top Chinese smelters recently agreed to embark on production cuts at loss-making plants, without specifically highlighting the extent of the reduction,” ICRA said. Prices showed varying trends In March 2024, international prices for the...

According to China customs data, the total exports of aluminium wire and cables during January-February 2024 amounted to 37,500 tonnes at a value of $114.87 million. The export volume in January was 22,500 tonnes, up by 32.58 per cent month-on-month and 48.61 per cent year-on-year. The export volume in January recovered and stood at its peak in the past three years, but it failed to break through a three-year high. Subsequently, the export volume decreased in February as downstream companies went on holiday for the Chinese New Year. China’s aluminium wire and cables export in February was 15,000 tonnes, down by 33 per cent month-on-month. However, on an annual basis, the export volume in February stood 26.52 per cent higher. The export value in January was $68.67 million, which recorded a...

The aluminium industry in Japan is witnessing a remarkable surge in premiums for the April to June period, with negotiations resulting in a substantial 61 per cent increase over the previous quarter. The agreed premium of $145 per tonne above the benchmark price reflects a significant uptick in demand and supply constraints, marking the first time in three quarters that premiums have surpassed the $100 per tonne milestone. Historical context – Japan’s aluminium demand Japan, Asia's largest importer of aluminium, has consistently set the standard for the region with its quarterly premiums over the London Metal Exchange (LME) cash price. Recent trends indicate a consistent upward trajectory, with premiums witnessing a notable 48 per cent increase from the preceding quarter, reaching the...

Aluminium is a crucial metal in the aerospace manufacturing industry, and recent events involving such aluminium parts have stirred ripples of concern and curiosity. At the heart of the narrative lies a saga involving two titans of the industry: Boeing, a household name synonymous with flight, and Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc, a cornerstone of aerostructures innovation. As the story unfolds, it unveils a series of developments that beg contemplation and scrutiny. March 25 marked a pivotal moment for Boeing, as CEO Dave Calhoun announced his impending departure amidst regulatory scrutiny and airline apprehension. The catalyst? A harrowing incident in January, where a panel dislodged from a 737 MAX 9 jet, reignited concerns and prompted a reassessment of leadership at the helm of the...