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,...
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Japan-based Asahi Super Dry brewery has unleashed its self-foaming draft beer in cans upon the shores of Singapore. These avant-garde aluminium cans crafted by Asahi boast a distinctive feature that allows beer enthusiasts to tear off the entire top, aiming to replicate the immersive experience of savouring draft beer in a lively pub or bar setting. But the ingenuity doesn't stop there – hidden within the aluminium cans are tiny bumps strategically placed by Asahi Breweries Ltd, working their magic to produce an exuberant head on the beer when the can is opened. This revolutionary beverage made its grand entrance on April 4, 2021, hitting convenience stores, and later on April 20, 2021, gracing supermarkets across Japan, only to fly off the shelves in a blink, leaving satisfied customers...
The end-use aluminium industry, particularly the transportation sector, has made the beginning of 2024 special with new product launches or announcements of new products. On the very first day of the year, Egoras Technology, a firm specialising in sustainable transportation solutions, introduced its range of customers to the Egoras Dual-Fuel Tricycle, a gas-powered vehicle. This marks an innovative start to the New Year. The tricycle is made of high-quality components such as aluminium, steel, and carbon fibre, ensuring endurance and dependability in various terrains. The Chief Executive Officer, Ugoji Harry, emphasised that this innovative tricycle was explicitly crafted to address the challenges arising from the recent removal of fuel subsidies. Highlighting its versatility, Ugoji...
The downstream aluminium sector has been a witness to major developments this week. To begin with, SRF Ltd committed INR 536 crore towards establishing SRF Altech Limited, a dedicated subsidiary focused on producing aluminium foil. This strategic decision aligns with SRF's broader goals of diversification and expansion within the aluminium industry. According to the December 2023 survey conducted by the Shanghai Metals Market among 123 Chinese aluminium processing enterprises, the composite Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI) for the aluminium processing industry experienced a decline, dropping to 43.6 per cent from the November figure of 47.3 per cent. Constellium, a prominent player in creating innovative and value-added aluminium products, is set to unveil its latest advancements in...
Closed Loop Partners, headquartered in New York, invested in Found Energy, a Boston-based startup that turns aluminium trash into hydrogen fuel. Found Energy uses a novel method in which scrap aluminium is treated with a catalyst and activated with water, yielding several valued outputs. Shandong Nanshan Aluminium, established in China, is principally concerned with manufacturing and marketing different aluminium products. The company has invested in forming Longkou Nanshan Renewable Resources Co., Ltd. The International Council on Mining and Metals, or ICMM, has produced detailed recommendations to assist mining and metals firms in setting significant short-, medium-, and long-term objectives for reducing Scope 3 emissions. Since 2019, Ball Corporation, a worldwide leader in aluminium...
The International Energy Agency predicts that global coal consumption will reach an all-time high in 2023 due to increased demand in India and China. Coal remains the primary source of energy-related environmental impact linked to global warming. However, coal usage is expected to decrease by approximately 20% this year in both the European Union and the United States. Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) broke its production record in 2023 by producing 1,620,665 tonnes of aluminium, representing a 1.3% increase from the previous year's output of 1,600,111 tonnes. This achievement marks the fifth consecutive year that Alba has broken its own production record. The company celebrated the milestone with a ceremony attended by its executives, directors, managers, and employees on January 4, 2024. The...
Vietnamese EV Giant VinFast intends to make an initial investment of $500 million to establish a comprehensive facility in India, aiming to enter the world's third-largest automotive market. Besides establishing the manufacturing facility, the automaker aims to create an extensive dealership network nationwide to serve customers in the world's third-largest four-wheeler market. The automotive industry's third-largest market globally In 2022, India surpassed Japan to claim the third position in the global vehicle market, following China and the US. The country achieved this by selling over 4.25 million vehicles. The company revealed a memorandum of understanding with the Tamil Nadu state government on January 6, 2023, outlining an investment commitment of up to $2 billion. However, the...
In a strategic turn of events, PGT Innovations Inc. (PGTI.N), renowned for its prowess in aluminium doors and windows, has received an unexpected buyout proposal from Miter Brands. This development comes just weeks after PGTI inked a $3 billion deal with Masonite International (DOOR.N). Miter Brands has presented an enticing offer of $41.50 per share in cash, outshining Masonite's initial bid of $41 per share, consisting of $33.50 in cash and $7.50 in common stock. Despite Masonite's shares witnessing a 17% dip post-deal announcement, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to the binding transaction with PGT Innovations. PGT, a key player in the aluminium industry, is now set to consult with independent financial and legal advisers to evaluate Miter's proposal. The company...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, aluminium ingot inventories in China have marked the beginning of the year 2024 with a notable hike. As per the data, social inventories of ingot across Chinese eight major consumption areas built up 28,000 tonnes week-on-week, reaching 462,000 tonnes as of January 4. The chart below shows the status of primary aluminium inventories in more details: Aluminium ingot inventories across Chinese provinces The above chart indicates the increase this week is primarily contributed by Gongyi, where in aluminium ingot inventories grew 18,000 tonnes W-o-W to stand at 70,000 tonnes as aluminium consumption was hurt due to production restrictions on local downstream plants. Inventories in Foshan marked an increase of 5,000 tonnes week-on-week, standing...
China has recently achieved a significant milestone in the production of refined gallium with the launch of its first automatic filling production line. The production line has been installed at the gallium workshop of the alumina plant of Guangxi Branch of Chinalco. This achievement marks a new phase in the intelligent production of refined gallium in China. The production line is equipped with several state-of-the-art technological processes, including peeling empty bottles, primary filling, secondary precision compensation measurement, automatic capping, and gradient freezing. The production line's installation and testing required the full cooperation of technicians from the Chinalco Intelligent Technology Development Co., Ltd. and gallium workshop managers of the alumina plant of...
Volvo Cars has recently appointed Vanessa Butani as the Head of Global Sustainability, set to assume the position in April 2024. She will succeed Anders Kärrberg, who has been in this role since the establishment of Volvo's Global Sustainability Team in 2019. Butani, based at the company's global headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, will be fundamental in leading Volvo Cars' sustainability ambitions and shaping its sustainability strategy. This strategic move by Volvo Cars reflects the automotive industry's increasing emphasis on sustainability, with a specific nod to the importance of aluminium in achieving cleaner and more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Volvo's sustainability commitment Volvo Cars is actively pursuing a comprehensive sustainability agenda, aiming to...
On December 26th, a momentous signing ceremony occurred between China-based Xingxian Economic Development Zone and Shanghai Xinying Chain Management Co., Ltd., marking the commencement of a transformative project focused on producing 150,000 tonnes of new energy automobile parts and aluminium profiles. The project, boasting a substantial total investment of RMB 400 million, will undergo construction in two distinct phases. The initial phase will witness the establishment of two state-of-the-art aluminium alloy bar casting lines, each with an impressive annual production capacity of 25,000 tonnes. This phase is set to yield a minimum of 10,000 tonnes of automotive components and 14,000 tonnes of high-quality aluminium alloy profiles. In the subsequent phase, an additional two aluminium...
First Solar has announced a positive development in its efforts to promote clean energy in India. The company has teamed up with Cleantech Solar to supply its new thin-film solar module factory in Tamil Nadu with renewable energy. The two firms have entered into a 15-year power purchase agreement, under which Cleantech Solar will build 150MW of solar and 17MW of wind capacity in the state. How will this partnership work? Once operational, these generation assets are expected to produce approximately 7.3 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity, which will be supplied to First Solar's 3.3GW factory. This move is expected to fulfil up to 70% of the facility's electricity requirements. Moreover, Cleantech Solar has committed to purchasing 150MW of India-made Series 7 thin-film solar panels from...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced the joining of Australia-based BAB Aluminium as the new Industrial User Member. Founded by Brian Blowes, BAB Aluminium stands tall as a quintessential Australian success narrative, boasting an unwavering commitment to its national heritage. The company has flourished over the past four decades, evolving into a prominent manufacturer and supplier of premium aluminium seating and setting solutions. Operating with pride in Australia, BAB serves diverse industries, from educational institutions to expansive sporting arenas. Renowned for its dedication to quality, BAB Aluminium has established itself as a symbol of excellence and earned acclaim for its client-centric approach. By engaging in collaborative consultations, the company consistently...
On December 18th, Aluminum Corporation of China (CHINALCO) disclosed its intention to collaboratively invest RMB 2 billion with its controlling shareholder, Chinalco Group, along with subsidiary entities such as China Copper and Chinalco Capital Holdings. The objective was to establish a new entity called Chinalco Xiongan Mining Co., Ltd. With Qu Bo serving as its legal representative, this recently established company boasts a registered capital of RMB 2 billion. Chinalco Xiongan Mining Co., Ltd. specializes in various activities within the mining sector, including exploration of mineral resources, exploitation in non-coal mines, sales of metal ore, import and export of goods, investment activities using its funds, and project management services. As per shareholder information, the...
Constellium Muscle Shoals, a prominent player in the aluminium industry, has reached a settlement with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, agreeing to pay a $75,000 civil fine. The settlement addresses alleged violations related to inspections and record-keeping at its facility in Muscle Shoals during an April 20-21 inspection. According to ADEM inspectors, Constellium lacked records of mandatory inspections for an "afterburner" air pollution control device, and mandatory labels on its melter furnaces were purportedly concealed behind cabinets. Despite Constellium's disagreement with these allegations, the company opted for a negotiated settlement to resolve the issue. Constellium clarified that the piece of equipment referred to as an afterburner was not an air pollution...
Rocal, a leading manufacturer of composite doors and specialist PVC-U products has completed the acquisition of BDC Aluminium, a notable player in the fenestration sector. Rocal, the Brigg-based company known for its renowned brands such as Endurance Doors, Impressions Door Panels, and Rocal Extrusions, finalized the deal for an undisclosed amount. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Witham, Essex, BDC Aluminium fabricates high-quality aluminium windows and doors catering to domestic and commercial markets. This strategic acquisition is poised to significantly augment Rocal Endurance's product portfolio and open new market expansion avenues. Stephen Nadin, managing director at Rocal, said, "We are thrilled to integrate the capabilities and expertise of BDC Aluminium into our existing...
According to Romania's statistical office, INS, in November 2023, the southeastern European country witnessed a 2.55 per cent y-o-y decline in industrial producer prices, primarily attributed to a decrease in the mining and quarrying sector. Despite this annual dip, there was a slight monthly increase of 0.2 per cent, as indicated by provisional figures. Industrial PPI Taking a closer look at the numbers, on the domestic market, industrial producer prices experienced a 3.31 per cent y-o-y decrease in November 2023. On the external market, prices also edged down, showing an annual decline of 0.64 per cent. The 7.96 per cent y-o-y drop in energy prices is noteworthy, while intermediate goods saw a 4.93 per cent decline. Capital goods, on the other hand, exhibited a 5.49 per cent annual...
In the recent aviation incident at Tokyo's Haneda airport involving the Japan Airlines Airbus A350, the resilience of the aircraft's composite structure, comprising 53% composite materials, has come into sharp focus. The collision with a smaller plane resulted in a fierce blaze, marking the first complete destruction by fire of an airliner primarily made from carbon fibre. The fact that all 379 people onboard managed to escape is a testament to the effectiveness of modern aircraft materials and evacuation procedures. The head of consultancy and news site Leeham News, Scott Hamilton, declared: "The JAL A350 is the first hull loss of a composite airliner and the first by fire. Investigators will learn all kinds of lessons from the A350 accident." The application of composite materials, like...
