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 2023, DUBAL Holding LLC (DH), the investment wing of the Dubai Government operating across commodities, mining, power and energy, and industrial sectors, achieved a net profit of AED 1.79 billion, showcasing a strong performance for the group yet again. The announcement came during DH's annual general meeting (AGM), presided over by its Chairman, His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer. The board, management team, auditors, and shareholder representative from the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) convened for the meeting. Dubal Holding experienced a noteworthy year, propelled by its international acquisition, expansions, and strong operational performance. HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of DUBAL Holding, said, “We are working diligently in line with the directives of our wise...
Aluminium, often hailed as the unsung hero of modern materials, holds a pivotal role in shaping our world sustainably. Its lightweight yet robust nature makes it indispensable across various industries, from aerospace to automotive, construction to electronics. Beyond its versatility, aluminium's environmental credentials truly shine. As the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust, its extraction and recycling processes offer a beacon of sustainability. With the ability to be recycled infinitely without loss of quality, aluminium stands as a champion of circular economy principles, significantly reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This metal empowers innovation and progress and embodies a profound commitment to a greener, more responsible future. In the...
Rio Tinto will reportedly see a change in its board at the end of the annual general meeting on May 2, 2024, as Simon McKeon will step down as a Non-Executive Director. Since the last year, Rio Tinto appointed five new Non-Executive Directors as it continued to refresh the composition of the board. As part of that changeover, Simon McKeon has agreed to resign from the position of a Director at the conclusion of Rio Tinto’s AGM, and will not seek re-election by shareholders. Rio Tinto Chair Dominic Barton said, “I am extremely grateful to Simon for his invaluable contribution. Having regard for his roles as Rio Tinto Limited's Senior Independent Director and the Designated Director for workforce engagement, Simon has taken a particular interest in Rio Tinto's revitalised approach to...
Morten Wierod has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer by the ABB Board of Directors. He will assume the role on August 1, 2024, succeeding Björn Rosengren, who will step down from his position effective July 31, 2024, and retire by December 31, 2024. During the transition period from August 1, 2024, until the year's end, Björn Rosengren will provide guidance and support to Morten Wierod and the Executive Committee to ensure a smooth handover. After a comprehensive selection process, the Board chose Morten Wierod, aged 52 and a Norwegian citizen. He has been with ABB since 1998 and has been a member of the Executive Committee since 2019, currently serving as President of the Electrification Business Area. Previously, he held the position of President of the Motion Business Area....
In 2023, Lizhong Group achieved significant financial milestones, with total revenue of RMB 2,367.9 million, marking a notable increase of 10.80 per cent over the previous year. The net profit attributable to shareholders of listed companies, excluding equity incentive expenses, stood at RMB 710.45 million, reflecting a robust growth of 15.63 per cent Y-o-Y. Furthermore, the net profit attributable to listed shareholders soared to RMB 602.48 million, a remarkable surge of 22.35 per cent over the same period last year. Several factors propelled the company's impressive performance during the reporting period. The recovery of the downstream automobile industry chain and the continuous surge in demand for new energy and high-end products contributed significantly to Lizhong Group's success....
Kaiser Aluminum Corporation, an American aluminium producer specialising in semi-fabricated products, has announced its fourth quarter and full-year results for FY2023, whereby it has declared a stellar performance under the leadership of CEO Keith Harvey and CFO Neil West. The company’s financial results showcase the resilience and strategic insight that propelled an improvement even amid inflation and market destocking. In the fourth quarter, which ended December 31, 2023, Kaiser Aluminum yielded net sales of $722 million and revenue of $361 million. Although the net sales registered a year-on-year drop of 6.96 per cent from $776 million, revenue grew by 1.40 per cent from $356 million. In the full year, Kaiser’s net sales derived at $3.09 million, down by 9.91 per cent from $3.43...
Australia's largest extruder and distributor of industry-leading aluminium products, Capral, achieved full-year underlying earnings in 2023 that matched the previous year's record, surpassing guidance expectations. This accomplishment was propelled by the company's diversified industry presence and robust sales performance, particularly notable in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors during the year's first half. Capral exhibited resilience in its financial performance despite facing challenges such as higher interest rates and ongoing inflationary pressures, as Managing Director Tony Dragicevich stated. The company reported underlying earnings before tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of $62.5 million for the year, a slight increase from the previous year's $62.2...
In a significant move, Hydro's bauxite & alumina business area has partnered with the Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC). This collaboration aims to harness cutting-edge research expertise and innovative technologies, particularly focusing on reducing emissions within Hydro's alumina production operations in Brazil. The alliance mirrors Hydro's steadfast pledge to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, emphasising its unwavering dedication to sustainability and pioneering solutions. The HILT CRC is a collaborative initiative uniting industry, research, and governmental organisations. Its core mission is to develop and mitigate risks associated with technological solutions for reducing emissions across critical sectors such as iron and steel, alumina,...
The Chhattisgarh government is determined to revive an aluminium park proposal, initially submitted in 2021, to support small-scale industries in Korba. About 140 hectares of land were required to develop the Park, but the plan was put on hold for the past few years. Recently, the newly-elected Korba legislator, Lakhanlal Dewangan, has reportedly taken the initiative to revive the plan, following which the state government has inked an agreement with Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) to supply primary aluminium to small industries at a subsidised rate. The plan is to allow small-scale industries to install their plants in the Park to produce aluminium products using primary metal from BALCO. “An initial provision of INR 5 crore has been made in the budget proposal of the industry...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,225 per tonne on Thursday, with its high and low at US$2,234.5 per tonne and US$2,187.5 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,201 per tonne, down 0.83 per cent. The London Metal Exchange market displayed overall plunges in aluminium prices on February 22, with the LME aluminium cash bid price locking at US$2,178 per tonne and the LME aluminium official price halting at US$2,178.50 per tonne. Both dropped US$33 per tonne or 1.49 per cent. If we consider the LME aluminium price on February 16, we can find a Week-on-Week slump of US$24.50 per tonne or 1.11 per cent. On the other hand, when we take the LME aluminium price on January 22 into account, we can witness a Month-on-Month escalation of US$68.50 per tonne or 3.25 per cent. This monthly price hike...
On Friday, February 23, China’s A00 aluminium ingot price gained RMB 140 per tonne to settle at RMB 18,870 per tonne, with the average prices between RMB 18,850 per tonne and RMB 18,890 per tonne. The spot contract price may be traded at a discount price of RMB 40 to a premium price of RMB 0 per tonne. The prices have grown in all the provinces, with the highest in Wuxi, which has grown by RMB 150 per tonne to reach RMB 18,870 per tonne. In Gongyi and Hangzhou, the domestic aluminium ingot prices have hiked by RMB 140 per tonne to settle at RMB 18,770 per tonne and RMB 18,870 per tonne. In Foshan, the price has ascended by RMB 130 per tonne to clock at RMB 18,960 per tonne. In Shenyang and Chongqing, the aluminium ingot prices have increased by RMB 110 per tonne and RMB 100 per tonne,...
Urbaser, a global leader, has recently made an innovative investment in automated sorting technology, unveiling plans to integrate an AI-powered waste-picking robot in Algimia, Valencia, by the first half of 2024. Partnering with the UK-based technology provider Recycleye, this move aligns with Urbaser's vision of providing top-notch environmental solutions across its value chain. The innovative robot, equipped with computer vision, is set to revolutionise waste sorting, particularly in salvaging overlooked valuables at the tail end of the process, thereby preventing their descent into landfills. This strategic investment not only bolsters sustainability efforts but also promises increased revenue, reflecting Urbaser's commitment to environmental excellence. Advancements in waste sorting...
Lindal Group, a renowned global leader in designing, manufacturing, and selling specialist valves, actuators, and spray caps used in aerosol products, has joined forces with other prominent UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative members as a crucial funding partner. "Having the backing of Lindal Group will prove pivotal to achieving the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative's three main ambitions – inspiring change, embracing a sustainable future and driving further progress towards a 50% aerosol recycling rate by 2030. We have big plans for the future and, with the support of our partners, will continue to inspire a national uplift in aluminium packaging recycling rates," said Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro. The UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative, pioneered by Alupro and launched in 2022,...
Carlsberg, one of the world’s leading brewery groups, and Ball Corporation, the world’s leading aluminium packaging provider, have jointly outlined a roadmap to attain shared sustainability goals by 2030. Their sustainability goals include higher recycling rates and more recycled aluminium content in cans. In the recent past, Carlsberg and Ball worked together to lightweight the former’s 33cl and 50cl cans by around 5 per cent in more than ten European countries to reduce raw material consumption and cut the carbon footprint of its value chain by approximately 5,000 tonnes every year. Carlsberg and Ball are also trialling a deposit return scheme in Serbia to increase post-consumer aluminium cans recycling. The companies have printed “Metal Recycles Forever” onto the cans to spread...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced the joining of GLS Aluminium Industries Pvt Ltd as the new production and transformation member. GLS Aluminium Industries operates as a subsidiary under the GLS Group, a diversified company with interests spanning flexible packaging, polyester films, and aluminium foils. The company focuses on the manufacturing of aluminium foil tailored for a range of applications. This includes flexible packaging for food and non-food items and usage in pharmaceuticals and industrial sectors. About GLS Aluminium Their manufacturing facility is located near India's National Capital Region and boasts strategic connectivity for efficient service. Equipped with a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit, GLS Aluminium Industries Pvt Ltd has deliberately selected...
The industry leader in tyre technology and innovation globally, Yokohama, lodged an administrative complaint and provided details to the Administration for Market Regulation in Foshan, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, located in Guangdong Province. The complaint pertained to six companies involved in distributing counterfeit sports car aluminium wheels that closely resembled Yokohama's "ADVAN Racing" wheels. Following a complaint and information provided by the Company, authorities in various cities conducted raids on six companies in November 2023. These companies were found to be selling counterfeit aluminium wheels through internet shopping sites and retail shops outside the official distribution channels of the Company. Yokohama has confirmed that all six distributors have been fined, and the...
On February 22, the first big export consignment, consisting of aluminium coils from Southwest Aluminium (Group) Co., Ltd., reportedly embarked on a journey from the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Multimodal Transport Demonstration Base to the Port of Manzanillo in Mexico. The consignment comprised 31 standard containers containing 620 tonnes of aluminium coils worth RMB 13 million ($1.8 billion). The China-Singapore (Chongqing) Multimodal Transport Demonstration Base, operational since 2022, is a significant outcome of the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity (CCI). It focuses on improving warehousing and freight forwarding, with the goal of establishing a global multimodal transportation network. The Port of Manzanillo is one of Mexico's busiest...
In the fast-evolving landscape of the aluminium industry, Norsk Hydro, a Norwegian aluminium giant, has been pioneering extraordinary initiatives, solidifying its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and emission reduction. This case study unfolds the chronological sequence of key events in 2023, showcasing Hydro's strides towards a green and economically robust future. HalZero: Revolutionising primary aluminium production Hydro's HalZero technology, a testament to seven years of dedicated development, is set to transform the aluminium industry by producing zero-carbon primary aluminium. With the Norwegian government's backing, a test facility, fueled by a NOK 400 million investment, aims to achieve pilot production by 2030. This eco-friendly approach aligns with Hydro's vision to...
