Much is said about aluminium’s expanding role in modern mobility, aerospace, construction, packaging, renewable energy and countless other applications. Far less is said about the technology and machinery that make this evolution possible - and the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) behind them. Yet, OEMs have long been among the forces shaping the global aluminium industry. There was a time when primary metal producers used to operate as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) themselves. Owing to the high price attached to the metal, primary producers would invent downstream products, tools, and manufacturing processes instead of selling raw ingots. Much has evolved since then. Today, an extensive ecosystem of Tier-1 and Tier-2 OEMs supports every stage of aluminium production -...
Limited-edition G 63 combines an aluminium-panel roof rack with upgraded suspension and traction systems for more demanding off-road adventures Mercedes-AMG has taken the G 63 beyond its familiar luxury-performance role with the launch of the G 63 Offroad Pro, a limited-edition variant priced from INR 38 million (USD 396,050) ex-showroom in India. Instead of focusing only on styling upgrades, the new version adds dedicated expedition hardware and technology aimed at making the SUV more capable away from paved roads. One of the most practical additions is a professional roof luggage rack featuring an aluminium panel construction, along with a removable rear ladder. The setup provides greater flexibility for carrying expedition equipment and luggage, giving the G 63 a more...
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On Sunday, March 10, Sohar Aluminium, the first aluminium smelter in the Sultanate of Oman, announced that it appointed Matt Liddy as its Business Development and Strategy Executive. Matt Liddy has joined Sohar with more than 30 years of worldwide experience in business development, smelters project development, systems improvement & support, carbon operations and industrial minerals. He also has immense experience in research & development, strategies and frameworks development, negotiation, and project studies. Before joining Sohar Aluminium, Mr Liddy was a Board Member of the company. He also worked with Rio Tinto Aluminium as a Vice President of Business Development in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Brisbane, and Australia. Before that, he worked as a General Manager of Smelter Project...
LME aluminum opened at US$2,246.5 per tonne last Friday, March 8, with its high and low at US$2,267 per tonne and $2,233.50 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,236 per tonne, down US$16 per tonne or 0.71 per cent. On Friday, the LME aluminium cash bid and LME aluminium official settlement price slightly dipped by US$1 per tonne to close the week at US$2,208.50 per tonne and US$2,209 per tonne, respectively, following a surge of 1.04 per cent on the previous day. On a week-on-week calculation, the LME aluminium benchmark price concluded on Friday at a higher rate of 1.17 per cent, shows the LME aluminium price chart on AL Circle . On Friday, amid the LME aluminium price drop, the 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price inched up by US$1 per tonne or US$1.50 per tonne,...
On Monday, March 11, China’s A00 aluminium ingot price dropped by RMB 70 per tonne to settle at RMB 19,090 per tonne, with the spot contract price expected to be traded at a discount price of RMB 60 to RMB 20 per tonne. The average prices may orbit between RMB 19,070 per tonne and RMB 19,110 per tonne. As per the SMM data, the prices in Foshan, Wuxi and Hangzhou have declined by RMB 70 per tonne to clock at RMB 19,060 per tonne and RMB 19,090 per tonne. On the same day, the domestic aluminium ingot prices in Gongyi and Chongqing descended by RMB 50 per tonne, settling at RMB 18,980 per tonne and RMB 19,060 per tonne. In Shenyang, the price slumped by RMB 30 per tonne to RMB 19,040 per tonne. In Tianjin and Linyi, the A00 aluminium ingot price dipped by RMB 20 per tonne to reach RMB 19,120...
On March 6, 2024, the London Metal Exchange (LME) announced a number of senior leadership appointments and organisational design changes. These are being made to ensure that the LME continues to advance as a world-leading metals marketplace – supporting its customers, building mutually beneficial partnerships with its stakeholders, enhancing its operational resilience, and underpinning the Group's future goals and ambitions. The LME appointments complement appointments recently announced by LME Clear and are effective on April 1 2024. Matthew Chamberlain, LME CEO, said, "These changes and appointments are part of an ongoing programme of enhancements and organisational refinements at the LME that will ensure the business continues to be a global leader in the trading, pricing and clearing...
The aluminium industry has been making significant strides towards sustainability, recognizing the environmental impact of its operations. The industry is reducing its carbon footprint through innovations in technology and processes, such as recycling and renewable energy integration. Recycling aluminium requires significantly less energy than producing it from raw materials, making it a key focus area for sustainability efforts. Companies are also increasingly sourcing renewable energy to power their operations, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These initiatives benefit the environment and contribute to the industry's long-term viability by ensuring a more efficient use of resources and a reduced dependency on fossil fuels. Aluminium Dunkerque SAS ("AD") and its parent company,...
Warrington Borough Council, the local authority of Warrington, Cheshire, England, recently received an outline planning application from Latchford Locks Works. The proposal on Thelwall Lane seeks to expand its aluminium recycling capabilities significantly. The plan includes extending the Used Beverage Can (UBC) plant to enhance productivity and generate more employment prospects. Comprehending the expansion strategy The proposal's primary focus centres on expanding the UBC plant to accommodate integrating a novel production line capable of processing UBCs with elevated organic content. This endeavour aims to bolster the facility's recycling capabilities and operational efficiency. The planned extension, spanning 90 meters in height and 57.04 meters in width, will be clad in profile metal...
The clearing house for the London Metal Exchange, LME Clear, has appointed Claire Chapman as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Board. Claire Chapman, a distinguished legal professional, currently serves as the General Counsel, Company Secretary, and Chief People Officer at Hargreaves Lansdown plc. With over 20 years of experience, Claire has held various General Counsel positions, including at prominent organisations such as Capita plc, Daily Mail & General Trust plc, Inchcape plc, and Thomson Reuters plc. Announcing the appointment, David Warren, Chairman of LME Clear, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Claire to the Board of Directors. She brings with her a wealth of legal, regulatory and governance expertise that will further enhance the breadth and depth of the LME Clear...
Activity in the CME's aluminium contract has significantly intensified in recent months, marked by a volume surge and a widening participant base, as the world's most recognised news media agency reported. However, it remains relatively small compared to the London Metal Exchange (LME), which maintains its position as the primary benchmark price-setter. Similarly, the Shanghai Futures Exchange (ShFE) remains the predominant futures price reference for China's substantial aluminium sector , indicating no imminent change in its status. Let us know more about CME Group Inc. CME Group Inc. provides a derivatives marketplace. The Company enables clients to trade futures, options, cash and over-the-counter (OTC) markets, optimise portfolios, and analyse data. Its exchanges offer a range of...
The 531 megawatt (MW) Mendubim solar project, constructed by Hydro Rein, Equinor, and Scatec, has reportedly started operations in Brazil, delivering electricity to the Alunorte Alumina refinery. In July 2022, Hydro Rein, Equinor, and Scatec formed a partnership and started constructing this solar project in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. In less than two years, the project will be completed and begin operations to provide alternative renewable energy solutions to sustainable industries. The head of Hydro Rein, Olivier Girardot, said: “We are thrilled to complete the first of Hydro Rein’s renewable energy projects in Brazil. Our mission is to develop renewable energy solutions for more sustainable industries, and Mendubim does just that. Most of the power output will go to Hydro’s alumina...
The downstream segment of the aluminium industry plays a crucial role in processing and utilizing aluminium, a versatile and lightweight metal highly esteemed for its wide applications. This sector serves vital roles in numerous automotive, aerospace, construction, packaging, and electrical industries. Its growth is driven by innovation, sustainability, and the increasing demand for lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and eco-friendly materials in modern manufacturing. The downstream aluminium segment witnessed a lot of significant events this week. Based on Rakuten Trade's analysis, P.A. Resources Bhd, Malaysia's leading aluminium extrusion and fabrication firm, is set for continuous earnings growth in the upcoming years. This expansion is anticipated to be driven by multiple factors, such...
On March 7, 2024, a monumental mural from over 30,000 bottle caps was unveiled in Glasgow. The mural, inspired by the renowned Italian artist Sandro Botticelli, was crafted using caps. The artwork, aptly named "Bottlecelli," stands at an impressive 25 feet tall and was commissioned by the supermarket chain Lidl. It commemorates the recycling of 253,000 PET plastic and aluminium containers through the brand's return scheme pilot, launched in February. This colossal masterpiece, aimed at "turning trash into treasure," reimagines Botticelli's iconic Birth of Venus. Its purpose is to inspire more shoppers and passersby to participate in efforts to reduce plastic pollution actively. Lidl has collaborated with renowned mural artist Smug and Yardworks, the graffiti program at SWG3 in Glasgow's...
According to US Geological Survey data, the United States crude and dried bauxite imports during the fourth quarter of 2023 amounted to 380,000 tonnes, reflecting a decline of 41.36 per cent over the quarter. The downtrend in quarterly imports continued from the third quarter, showcasing a drop of 11.59 per cent from 733,000 tonnes to 648,000 tonnes. Intermittently, in the second quarter of 2023, the United States crude and dried bauxite imports increased Q-o-Q by 58.66 per cent to stand at 733,000 tonnes, following a plunge of 38.97 per cent in the previous quarter to 462,000 tonnes. On a year-on-year basis, the US crude and dried bauxite imports in Q4 2023 slumped by 49.8 per cent from 757,000 to 380,000 tonnes. In the full-year 2023, the United States crude and dried bauxite imports...
H&J Fence Supply Company, an esteemed fence supply store based in Woodbury, New Jersey, is excited to unveil its latest product line expansion—Aluminum Fence Supplies. Serving the needs of DIY enthusiasts and seasoned professional contractors alike, H&J Fence Supply Company is dedicated to delivering top-tier, long-lasting aluminium fencing solutions. The new offerings blend style with durability, ensuring aesthetic appeal and functional excellence for all fencing projects. H&J Fence Supply Company's Aluminum Fence Supplies cater to various residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Boasting an array of styles and sizes, customers can discover the ideal solution that aligns precisely with their unique requirements and aesthetic preferences. "Offering aluminum fence supplies...
Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov recently visited several key enterprises in the Pavlodar region, such as Aluminium of Kazakhstan, KSP Steel, Kazakhstan Electrolysis Plant, Aksu Ferroalloy Plant, and Aksu Power Plant. The visit assessed the progress of implementing the instructions the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, gave. These instructions focus on developing export-oriented industries and technologically modernising regional enterprises. The companies mentioned play a vital role in the regional economy and make significant contributions. "It is necessary to raise the bar of production processing and continue work on technical modernisation of the enterprise, taking into account environmental requirements," said the Prime Minister. His visit to...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market, the operating rate of leading domestic aluminium downstream processing companies increased by 3.2 percentage points week-over-week to 60.2 per cent last week. However, annually, the operating rate fell by 2.8 percentage points. The W-o-W increase could be attributed to the recommencement of production and operations of downstream aluminium processing companies after the Chinese New Year Holiday. The secondary aluminium alloy operating rate also saw a significant rebound during the week, leading the production of large plants to pre-holiday levels. The industrial extrusion sector also resumed production but construction extrusion sector continued to remain in the traditional off-season. However, orders in both the secondary aluminium alloy sector...
According to a source directly involved in pricing discussions, a Japanese aluminium buyer has agreed to pay a premium of $130 per tonne above the benchmark price for shipments scheduled from April 2024 to June 2024. This marks a significant 48 per cent increase from the previous quarter. The agreed premium surpasses the $88 per tonne paid in the October to December 2023 period and represents the second consecutive quarterly rise, reaching the highest level since the third quarter of 2018. However, it falls below the initial offers of $138-$140 made by producers the previous month. Japan, being Asia's largest importer of aluminium, sets the standard for the region with these premiums over the benchmark London Metal Exchange (LME) cash price for primary metal shipments each quarter.
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced the joining of Saint Jean Industries Group as the new Production & Transformation Member. Since its inception in 1962, the Saint Jean Industries Group has undergone a transformative journey, progressing from a foundry man to a blacksmith and then from a machinist to an assembler. This evolution has been guided by a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement, aligned closely with the evolving needs of their customers. With manufacturing facilities strategically located across the globe—including Europe, North America, and Asia—we aim to be near our customers. Saint Jean Industries S.A.S., based in France, is at the heart of the group, which specialises in designing and producing aluminium chassis and suspension parts for electric...
Catalysts play a pivotal role in expediting chemical reactions and enhancing their efficiency. The advancement of new catalytic technologies is crucial for driving the transition towards green energy. The Rice University laboratory led by nanotechnology innovator Naomi Halas has discovered an innovative method for utilising the catalytic capabilities of aluminium nanoparticles. This involves subjecting them to high temperatures while annealing in different gas atmospheres. About the study In a study highlighted in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers from Rice University and their collaborators showcased that modifying the structure of the oxide layer enveloping the particles can significantly alter their catalytic behaviour. These discoveries position...
