According to data released by the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC), China's total primary aluminium imports reached 185,500 tonnes in August 2026, down 14.65 per cent year-on-year but up 0.16 per cent month-on-month. Total imports for January-August amounted to 1.66 million tonnes, a decrease of 3.41 per cent year-on-year. The 14.65 per cent year-on-year decline in August imports, coupled with a nearly flat month-on-month performance, indicates that imports have not collapsed but rather maintained a steady inflow. In August, China's total primary aluminium exports stood at 21,900 tonnes, down 14.53 per cent year-on-year and 30.48 per cent month-on-month. Cumulative exports for January-August totalled 167,500 tonnes, up 9.26 per cent year-on-year....
Vedanta Aluminium presented 24 technical papers and secured three Best Paper Awards at IBAAS 2026 in Jharsuguda, highlighting its work across aluminium smelting, alumina refining, sustainability, alloy development and resource recovery. The 14th International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Conference and Exhibition (IBAAS 2026), held in Jharsuguda, brought together industry leaders, researchers, technology providers, policymakers and academics to discuss the future of the aluminium industry under the theme, ‘Global Aluminium Outlook 2030: Secure Resources, Efficient Energy and Value from Wastes’. Vedanta Aluminium’s participation covered a broad range of technologies and applications, including artificial intelligence, digitalisation, alumina refining, aluminium smelting, sustainability,...
Grow with
AL Circle
Hyundai's air mobility division, Supernal, is set to launch its S-A2 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in 2028, anticipating a surge in demand for electric aircraft in urban taxi services. The S-A2, presented at CES 2024, boasts a seating capacity for five and is powered by electricity. Designed by Hyundai group's Luc Donckerwolke, it embodies an "auto meets aero" aesthetic. President of Hyundai, Jaiwon Shin, a NASA veteran, leads the Supernal project, foreseeing a significant expansion of eVTOL aircraft in the future, potentially numbering in the "hundreds of thousands." Shin emphasises Hyundai's advantage in mass production, acquired from the automotive sector, as a crucial asset in meeting this anticipated demand. Features of Hyundai's Supernal flying taxi...
Aluminium Marine Consultants (AMC) in East Cowes is raising its sails in celebration of a remarkable achievement—the completion of a four-year programme in aluminium boat building by its inaugural trainee, Kyle Salmon. Having navigated the intricacies of in-house aluminium boat construction training, Kyle conquered the waves and earned the prestigious title of certified coded welder. "It has been an honour to work alongside such highly skilled craftsmen and gain hands-on industry experience. I have learnt so much throughout my four years at AMC and am looking forward to furthering my career and continuing to develop new skills," added Kyle Salmon. As Kyle stands proudly on the shores of accomplishment, the company eagerly anticipates a flotilla of aspiring trainees ready to embark on...
According to a report published by S&P Global, an American publicly traded corporation headquartered in Manhattan, the European aluminium billet market labelled 2023 a year of demand deflation and hesitant purchases. A buyer said the poor demand for aluminium billet was due to a depressed mechanical engineering market, adding that stocking would not increase much for meagre expectations for Q1 2024. Through Q4 2023, aluminium billet sellers saw continued dither among sellers for buying the metal and significant delays in negotiations, resulting in continued premium fall and constant pressure on profit margins, with billet prices coming to the lowest level in the past three years. Premiums in 2023 At the beginning of 2023, the billet premiums were as high as $675 per tonne but later on,...
In a momentous celebration of a 150-year partnership between Rio Tinto and the Indian government, India's Post Office has issued a new 5 rupee stamp titled 'Rio Tinto 150.' This commemorative stamp, part of the 'My Stamp' series, signifies the enduring collaboration between the Anglo-Australian mining giant and India, recognising Rio Tinto's significant contributions to the nation's development. Rio Tinto's role in shaping the Indian aluminium industry has been pivotal, establishing a foundation that has not only fuelled industrial growth but has also left an indelible mark on various sectors. The stamp underscores Rio Tinto's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement in producing essential minerals and metals integral to daily life. Relationship between Rio...
In the vibrant landscape of 2024, PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero), also called Inalum, is poised to unfurl the sails of innovation on two grand ventures. With a resounding declaration, CEO Danny Praditya has illuminated the corporate horizon, announcing the Final Investment Decision (FID) to expand an aluminium smelter nestled in the heart of Kuala Tanjung, North Sumatra. Concurrently, the symphony of progress will crescendo with the initiation of the second act in the Smelter Grade Alumina Refinery (SGAR) saga, set against the lush backdrop of Mempawah in West Kalimantan. In the unfolding chapters of progress, the aluminium smelter in Kuala Tanjung is gearing up for an impressive capacity of 600 thousand tonnes. Simultaneously, the Smelter Grade Alumina Refinery (SGAR) in...
In the dynamic realm of aluminium production, Jingzhou Bolster Mechanical Equipment Co., Ltd. stands as a distinguished leader, boasting over 25 years of expertise in manufacturing cutting-edge aluminium melting and casting equipment . The company has recently joined AL Biz , the world's 1st B2B online marketplace that connects millions of buyers and sellers across the entire aluminium value chain, underscoring its commitment to expanding its global presence and connecting with industry partners. A legacy of innovation Established in China, Jingzhou Bolster Mechanical Equipment has garnered a stellar reputation for its relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of aluminium casting. With two well-established plants and plans for a third on the horizon, the company commands a sprawling...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,239 per tonne on Tuesday, with its high and low at US$2,257.5 per tonne and US$2,227 per tonne respectively before closing at US$2,242 per tonne, an increase of US$5 per tonne or 0.22 per cent. On January 9, the London Metal Exchange price chart marked a slump in aluminium prices, with the LME aluminium cash bid price stopping at US$2,199 per tonne and the LME aluminium official settlement price closing at US$2,200 per tonne, with a loss of US$6 per tonne or 0.27 per cent and US$5.50 per tonne or 0.25 per cent. The 3-month bid price and the 3-month offer price have both plunged by US$6 per tonne or 0.27 per cent to anchor at US$2,246 per tonne and US$2,247 per tonne, respectively. The 25 December bid price and the 25 December offer price have refrained from...
On Wednesday, January 10, China’s A00 aluminium ingot price has gained RMB 110 per tonne to clock at RMB 19,210 per tonne, with the average prices standing between RMB 19,190 per tonne and RMB 19,230 per tonne. As per the data, the prices in Chongqing and Tianjin have grown by RMB 120 per tonne to peg at RMB 19,210 per tonne and RMB 19,260 per tonne. On the same day, the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) data revealed that the prices in Foshan and Shenyang have ascended by 100 per tonne to arrive at RMB 19,260 per tonne and RMB 19,170 per tonne. The domestic aluminium ingot prices in Wuxi and Hangzhou have expanded by RMB 110 per tonne to halt at RMB 19,210 per tonne. In Linyi and Gongyi, the A00 aluminium ingot prices have increased by RMB 110 per tonne, settling at RMB 19,260 per tonne and...
Industry expert Anthony Tropeano of TT Consulting Inc. has joined TECHMO CAR as a senior advisor for the US and Mexico markets. Mr. Tropeano has spent over 40 years in the worldwide primary, secondary, and downstream aluminium and metals market. At Italimpianti of America, Inc., he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. After joining the Italian company FATA in 1994, he held several executive leadership positions before retiring as CEO. He successfully led FATA’s two operating divisions, FATA Hunter (world leader in engineering and equipment manufacturing for the aluminium flat rolled product industries) and FATA EPC (supplier of complete plants on an LSTK-EPC basis). TECHMO CAR, founded in 1961, has set the standards in the engineering and manufacturing high-end...
The Shanghai Metals Market has revealed the world’s largest alumina producer’s output in December 2023, and with that comes China’s total production figure for the entire year. As per the data shown, China’s metallurgical-grade alumina output in December 2023 (31 days) stood at 6.795 million tonnes, slightly up by 0.74 per cent from 6.745 million tonnes in November and 5.7 per cent higher than 6.43 million tonnes in December 2022. However, the country’s daily average output fell month-on-month in December by 2.49 per cent, from 224,800 tonnes to 219,200 tonnes. According to SMM data, China’s total alumina production in 2023 reached 79.8 million tonnes, leveraging the operating capacity of 80.04 million tonnes at the end of December. The installed capacity at the end of the year was 100...
Aluminium Bahrain BSC (Alba), a notable player in the primary aluminium industry, is auctioning off equipment from its former power plants, PS1 and PS2, in Aska, Bahrain. These power plants are integral to Alba's strategic plan to expand its existing PS5 facility. PS1, largely decommissioned, and PS2, currently in a non-operational black start state, are crucial assets for Alba, serving as emergency reserve capacity for PS3 and PS4 facilities. The auction, hosted on the digital platform of public auction specialist Mazad, starts with a bid of 1,000,000 Bahraini dinars (US$2.67 million). Talal Al Araifi, CEO of Mazad, emphasises the transparency and reliability of their digital platform to ensure a fair auction for potential buyers. The machinery and solutions that are up for sale The...
Alucast Ltd, a prominent player in the UK's aluminium die casting sector, is set to achieve a remarkable milestone, surpassing £10 million in sales following a strategic £2 million investment initiative. The infusion of funds has facilitated substantial growth, including a 20% expansion of its workforce, now numbering over 120 individuals at its Wednesbury facility. The investment has been pivotal in acquiring cutting-edge equipment, such as six CNCs, an HDTD low-pressure machine, and a game-changing 800-tonne LK high-pressure die-casting machine. This advanced machinery, featuring a fully automated cell, enhances efficiency, reduces component handling, and positions Alucast as a respectable competitor in the international market. How has this monetary influx helped the UK-based company?...
Embarking on a visionary path, Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) sets its gaze firmly ahead, as articulated by the CEO, Ali Al Baqali, during the inauguration of the Annual Majlis 2024 sessions on January 8, 2024, at the Oasis Hall. Ali Al Baqali, Alba's CEO, emphasised the proactive approach: "We are zooming into a year of transformation with our 2024 Objectives. Our Safety Mirror initiative, coupled with a strategic makeover fueled by Upskilling and Reskilling, and the integration of digital technologies through e-Al Hassalah, positions Alba at the forefront of innovation." Expressing gratitude, Al Baqali acknowledged the resilience and support of Alba's employees throughout 2023. Purpose of Alba's Annual Majlis 2024 Sessions The distinguished gathering included Alba's Executives,...
Strategic Marine, a prominent player in aluminium shipbuilding, proudly announces an enigmatic contract with Bruneian Amarco Sdn Bhd (AMARCO) for the construction of a cutting-edge 4th Generation Fast Crew Boat (FCB) set to revolutionise the Bruneian maritime sector. This pivotal shipbuilding contract underscores Strategic Marine's commitment to incorporating aluminium advancements into marine engineering. The vessel, a 42-meter marvel, boasts a robust structure built with high-grade aluminium, ensuring not only durability but also optimal performance in offshore environments. A few more mentionable features of the state-of-the-art 4th Generation Fast Crew Boat (FCB) In a strategic move towards future-ready capabilities, the vessel is designed to seamlessly integrate a gyro stabiliser and...
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Schedule 'A' Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Mines, Govt of India, has reportedly communicated that its ongoing expansion of alumina refinery and plans for expanding smelter have proceeded backed on the operations of allotted coal blocks and Pottangi bauxite mine. Energy and bauxite propel NALCO’s expansion Backward integration and securitisation of energy and bauxite have positioned the company secured for the next 30 years, said NALCO Chairman and Managing Director Sridhar Patra at the company's 44th Foundation Day on Monday, January 7. NALCO celebrated the day at its corporate headquarters at Bhubaneswar and at its operating units and regional offices, remembering its unparalleled success over more than four decades. In CMD’s words In a...
Alcoa Corporation has announced its intention to cease production at the Kwinana Alumina Refinery in Western Australia in 2024, with the gradual shutdown commencing in the second quarter. The refinery, boasting an annual nameplate production capacity of 2.2 million tonnes, has been operating at around 80 per cent of its capacity since January 2023. Alcoa's Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Matt Reed cited several factors influencing the decision to curtail the 60-year-old facility. These factors encompass the refinery's age, size, operational expenses, the current quality of bauxite, and prevailing market conditions. "Today's curtailment decision comes only after thorough and careful deliberation, and we acknowledge that this action will impact workers, business...
Conexus Resources Group, headquartered in the UK, has officially opened a cutting-edge aluminium rod plant in Bahrain with a substantial investment of $100 million. Konexus Aluminium, the newly established company, will be pivotal in processing liquid aluminium sourced from Bahrain's national manufacturer, Alba, and transforming it into high-quality aluminium rods. These rods are intended to cater to regional and international clients, solidifying Bahrain's position as a premier manufacturing and export hub for global markets. Dr Khaled Fahad Alalawi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Development at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, said, "This inauguration marks yet another milestone achievement that stands as a testament to Bahrain's thriving manufacturing sector, where...
China’s average alumina spot price has soared by RMB 6 per tonne, officiating at RMB 3,316 per tonne, while the alumina price in Shanxi has gained RMB 10 per tonne to halt at RMB 3,370 per tonne. In Guangxi, the alumina spot price has floated by RMB 15 per tonne to park at RMB 3,345 per tonne. Reason behind China’s alumina price boost The average alumina spot price in China has been on a growth streak for the past few weeks, owing to the raw material supply dearth. The implications of the Guinea Fuel Blast have been loud and clear, which suggests that China imports most of its raw ore from the African Country. Moreover, China’s raw material market has been facing some complications due to the closures of bauxite mines and alumina refineries following Government-induced inspections. As per...
