The transition towards lower-carbon manufacturing is changing how companies evaluate aluminium and copper. Beyond availability and technical performance, buyers are increasingly examining the emissions embedded in the metals they purchase and whether reducing that footprint justifies a higher price. While low-carbon aluminium has developed into an established premium market, low-carbon copper remains at a developing stage, raising the loaded question: How much are buyers willing to pay for lower-carbon metal? Explore the production, demand and consumption forecasts of bauxite and alumina in our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” Why aluminium is further ahead Aluminium has had more time to establish a market for...
The EU aluminium scrap market could face disruption if proposed changes to the Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) restrict access to major Asian recycling destinations, the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has warned. The Brussels-based association issued its response after the European Commission published a draft proposal on September 18 listing non-OECD countries authorised to receive certain non-hazardous materials from the EU . Excluding countries such as India , Malaysia and Thailand from authorised destinations for ferrous and nonferrous metals could weaken recycled material markets rather than strengthen Europe’s recycling capacity. Join the fourth edition of the webinar “Hedging for recyclers - Become an expert in 6 hours” by Jorge Dyszel. At the centre of BIR’s concern is...
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In 2024, the market outlook for primary aluminium is forecasted to be mixed, with both upside and downside. The persistent global economic uncertainty is poised to exert a sustained influence on the outlook of the aluminium industry. As per AL Circle's report, "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024," primary aluminium production is estimated to increase by about 1.82%, reaching 70.3 million tonnes in 2023. Grab a copy of AL Circle's "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024" report to know how the primary aluminium industry will function. Below is a list of the top news that created a buzz in the industry throughout the week: New Zealand Aluminium Smelters (NZAS) signed an agreement with Meridian Energy to offer 20MW of electricity to the national grid if required over 12 weeks this...
The downstream aluminium industry has created many notable headlines this week, from the retirement news of Capral Aluminium Chairman Rex Wood-Ward to UK TRA's reconsideration of anti-dumping duties on Chinese aluminium extrusions to many more. According to a report on February 28, Capral Aluminium Chairman Rex Wood-Ward announced that he would take his retirement at the conclusion of the company's Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2024. Mr Wood-Ward will depart the board after 15+ years of association with Capral Aluminium. He joined the company in 2008 as a non-executive Director and became Chairman in 2010. To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/capral-aluminium-chairman-rex-wood-ward-will-take-his-farewell-on-may-8-2024-109043 The UK Trade Remedies announced this week that it...
As forecasted by several research-based organisations prior to the onset of 2024, the projections regarding the demand and pricing of aluminium align with reality. Despite the passage of the first two months of the year, indications of improvement remain minimal. According to the latest industry-focused report from AL Circle, titled "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024," findings resonate with those of Antaike . This Chinese state-backed research firm suggests a sluggish growth trajectory for China's aluminium consumption this year. Additionally, the research arm of Kenanga Investment Bank in Malaysia has reported expectations of sustained pressure on aluminium prices throughout 2024. Various factors, including the challenging conditions in the Chinese building and construction sector...
Demand for alumina from China is rising strongly, opening the door for international producers and traders to make some increased profits. The combination of restrictions on bauxite mining leading to cuts at refineries, winter snow storms blocking logistics, and healthy demand for the key material has led to a step up in export sales to China. Imports in December 2023 were at their highest for the year, at 240,000 tonnes. That pace has not slowed, with imports in January and February tracking at similar volumes. Part of this has been re-exporting, mainly through Bayuguan in north China. The southern port has seen big volumes for immediate delivery to smelters in Yunnan province. The domestic price now sits north of RMB3200/tonne (around US$450/tonne). While domestic supply can't keep up...
Virgin Atlantic has joined forces with Sapling Spirits to introduce an innovative, eco-friendly solution onboard: 5ml aluminium vodka bottles. These new bottles, available throughout the carrier's fleet in both economy and premium cabins, mark a significant step towards reducing the airline's glass and plastic waste consumption. First airlines to introduce these miniature bottles In a pioneering move, Virgin Atlantic becomes the first airline to introduce these miniatures, showcasing its commitment to sustainability. As part of this initiative, the airline has also set an ambitious goal of planting over 20,000 trees throughout its partnership with the esteemed British spirits brand. Shiada Drysdale, beverage lead at Virgin Atlantic, commented, We are simply delighted to partner with...
In the face of Nigeria's foreign exchange crisis and other economic challenges leading many multinational companies to exit the country, the Managing Director of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), Mr Dmitriy Zaviyalov, remains optimistic about the company's future. Zaviyalov has stated that ALSCON is actively working towards restarting production in the country, undeterred by the prevailing economic conditions. He expressed hope that Nigeria's economy will improve in due course. Steps needed to restart production He disclosed that ALSCON requires approximately $500 million to kickstart its production operations. He elaborated that a significant portion of this amount will be allocated towards reviving dormant equipment that has been idle for a decade. Additionally, funds...
On Friday, March 1, the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative announced that it successfully certified Shandong Hongqiao Scholz Circular Economy Science & Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Hongqiao Group Co., Ltd., against Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification. This certification is a testimony of the facility’s sustainable production of aluminium ingot and liquid metal by re-melting scrap. The plant’s pre-treatment and crushing lines currently dismantle 40,000 scrapped vehicles and produce 200,000 tonnes of recycled aluminium annually. The ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) includes 11 principles and 62 criteria under three sustainable pillars – Environment, Social, and Governance – with the aim to address pressing sustainability issues in the aluminium value chain. China...
On Friday, March 1, Vedanta Aluminium announced that it is very close to its goal of having 30 per cent female employees in the workforce. The company is hopeful of achieving this milestone by the end of FY2025, much ahead of the original timeline of 2030 set by Vedanta. CEO John Slaven said Vedanta Aluminium's current headcount is over 25,000, including direct and indirect employees, of which 22 per cent are women (direct employees). This indicates the company is on track to achieve 30 per cent of women employment in its payroll by the end of the next financial year. "The company is on track to achieve a ratio of 30 per cent women employees on its rolls by the end of FY25. Notably, the milestone is set to arrive five years sooner than the company's stated target of 2030, with women...
In February 2024, Japan's factory activity experienced its most rapid decline over three years due to diminishing demand. The preliminary Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) from au Jibun Bank dropped to 47.2, down from January's 48.0, signalling ongoing contraction in private sector business operations. February marked the ninth consecutive decline in business activity , representing the most significant contraction since August 2020, as reported by au Jibun Bank. The manufacturing sector in the country experienced ongoing deterioration in operating conditions throughout the month. au Jibun Bank stated, "Both output and new orders fell at sharper rates, amid reports of deteriorating demand conditions in both domestic and international markets." In response to the...
Novelis has recently achieved re-certification to the ASI (Aluminium Stewardship Initiative) Performance Standard V3 for all activities at their site in Sierre, Switzerland. This includes producing aluminium products through various processes such as casting, scalping, hot rolling, cold rolling, continuous heat treatment, finishing, and laser blanking. The company completed these re-certifications after June 1, 2023, ensuring compliance with the updated 2022 Standards. By successfully transitioning to the new certification, Novelis demonstrates its commitment to responsible production, sourcing, and stewardship in the aluminium value chain. The ASI Performance Standard V3 and the Chain of Custody Standard V2 were launched in May 2022, representing a heightened level of ambition for...
A recent study reveals that India is gradually challenging China's supremacy in electronics exports in certain crucial markets. This shift comes as manufacturers seek to diversify their supply chains away from China to other regions across Asia. The escalating geopolitical tensions between the UK, the US, and China have notably influenced trade dynamics and according to data from London-based Fathom Financial Consulting, India's electronics exports to the US surged from 2.51 per cent to 7.65 per cent in November 2023, compared to China's share. Similarly, India's electronic exports rose from 4.79 per cent to 10 per cent in the UK. The Indian government is enticing electronics manufacturers to establish their presence in the country by offering substantial incentives, including tax...
"The economic and social benefits of recycled aluminum are significant," said Li Xiehua, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and Deputy Party Secretary and General Manager of Chinalco Advanced Manufacturing Co., Ltd. The company is lauded for its significant contributions to the automotive sector, particularly in pioneering aluminium alloy materials for lightweight components in new energy vehicles. This innovation aligns with global efforts towards energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. Importance of recycled aluminium Li emphasised the stark contrast in energy consumption between manufacturing and recycling new aluminium. Producing a tonne of new aluminium requires a substantial 13,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, whereas a mere 600 kilowatt-hours are...
In a groundbreaking development poised to transform the mining and shipping sectors in West Africa, Cosco Shipping Bulk Co., Ltd, CTC Mining (SL) Ltd, and Baometal Minerals International Trade Ltd have unveiled their collaboration on the ambitious CTC Port Loko Port Project. This trilateral pact represents a pivotal moment in advancing mineral resources and infrastructure in Sierra Leone and the wider region. Cosco Shipping Bulk Co., Ltd, China's premier state-owned shipping enterprise, stands out with its expansive fleet dedicated to dry bulk shipping. The company is renowned for its exceptional proficiency in worldwide dry bulk cargo logistics and port operations and is a pivotal force in the industry. CTC Mining (SL) Limited, headquartered in Sierra Leone, manages a significant bauxite...
In a visionary move towards sustainable energy, Crown Holdings, Inc. has forged a pioneering 15-year Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with Enel Green Power España (EGPE), the renewable energy arm of Endesa. This exemplary VPPA marks a significant leap for Crown, securing renewable electricity from a cutting-edge PV project nestled in the sun-kissed lands of Badajoz, Spain. About the agreement This landmark agreement is set to envelop the Crown's current operational presence across European countries within the esteemed Alliance of Issuing Bodies (AIB). This alliance is the custodian of the European Energy Certificate System, offering Crown an unprecedented pathway to propel its ambitious Twentyby30 sustainability program to new heights. By entering into this VPPA, Crown is taking a...
On 18th February, in the presence of Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba)’s management team, Fives Services Gulf inaugurated its workshop dedicated to the fabrication of Crust Alumina Feeding Devices (CAFD) for Alba and celebrated the renewal of the Long-Term Service Agreement (LTSA) for Alba Line 6 Pot Tending Machines. The event included a tour of the Fives’ workshop, giving an overview of its production activities. A highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the CAFD ( Crust Alumina Feeding Device ) workshop in the presence of all employees, with an official ribbon cutting. The tour was also an opportunity to introduce the Fives Aluminium Technical Institute in Bahrain, an advanced training center that has redefined the concept of technical education by combining mobility,...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative has certified Kobe Steel, Ltd. against Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification for its subsidiary Kobelco Group’s facility Kobelco Automotive Aluminum Rolled Products (China) Co., Ltd., in Tianjin, China. The facility manufactures and supplies Series 5000 and 6000 lightweight aluminium alloy plate and strip products for the automotive industry. It has production lines for heat treatment, surface treatment, longitudinal cutting, cross-cutting, and auxiliary facilities. The plant has an annual output capacity of 100,000 tonnes of producing aluminium alloy automotive sheet metal. ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) was launched in May 2022 after several rounds of revision over the years. It includes 11 principles and 62 criteria under three sustainability...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,193.5 per tonne on Thursday, with its high and low at US$2,230.5 per tonne and US$2,186 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,225 per tonne, up US$34 per tonne or 1.55 per cent. On Thursday, February 29, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price hiked by US$33 per tonne or 1.54 per cent to stand at US$2,162.50 per tonne and US$2,163 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price grew by US$26.5 per tonne or 1.21 per cent and US$26 per tonne or 1.19 per cent to US$2,206.50 per tonne and US$2,207 per tonne. On the same day, December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price ascended by US$22 per tonne or 0.91 per cent to clock at US$2,420 per tonne and US$2,425 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, the average alumina spot price has decreased by RMB 3 per tonne to begin the month of March at RMB 3,348 per tonne. In Shanxi, the price has shed off RMB 10 per tonne to come in at RMB 3,365 per tonne on March 1, 2024. The average prices are estimated to range between RMB 3,310-3,420 per tonne. A00 aluminium ingot price: Despite the drop in input cost, A00 aluminium ingot price has moved up by RMB 100 per tonne to close the week at RMB 18,960 per tonne. The average prices are expected to range between RMB 18,940-18,980 per tonne, with average prices likely to be traded at a discount price of RMB 30 per tonne and a premium price of RMB 10 per tonne. On a week-on-week basis, the primary aluminium ingot price has edged an increase of RMB 90 per...
