The financing will support a Nevada plant designed to produce 500 tonnes of rare earth metals annually, as US defence sourcing restrictions are set to expand from January 2027. Solcoa Industries has secured USD 75 million to expand rare earth metal production in the United States, targeting a supply-chain bottleneck that is becoming increasingly important for defence manufacturers. The company said the funding will support construction and commissioning of its Solcoa One plant in Nevada, which is planned to begin operating in July 2027 with annual capacity of 500 tonnes. The financing includes USD 45 million in equity led by Bain Capital Ventures, with participation from Gigascale Capital, Long Journey, Felicis, Dylan Field and other investors from the defence and technology sectors. A...
As aluminium continues to draw the spotlight as a strategic variable in global trade rather than a merely traded commodity. Tariffs imposed at the border are now showing up in the cost of cans, auto components and downstream products, while high copper prices are encouraging manufacturers to redesign products around aluminium. Meanwhile, India is tightening protection around selected aluminium products even as domestic downstream manufacturers question the cost of protecting primary metal. China’s extrusion industry is adjusting to weaker construction demand by moving towards solar, batteries and other clean-energy applications. In North America, deeply integrated supply chains are confronting the consequences of suddenly changing tariff economics. To know the global production, demand...
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After nearly three years of dedicated efforts in top-level design and system layout, grounded in extensive technical expertise, the standardization initiatives at Chinalco Materials Research Institute Co. have recently yielded significant accomplishments. In the annual meeting of international standards for aluminium and aluminium alloys held in October 2023, a Chinalco Materials Research Institute Co. - proposed international standard received approval. This marked a groundbreaking achievement as the first internationally recognized standard established in the aluminium processing industry in China. It was also the inaugural instance where Chinalco Group and Chinalco Institute took the lead in formulating and revising international standards for aluminium processing. During the National...
Zouping Hongfa Aluminium Technology and Shanghai Baosteel Packaging Co., Ltd. have completed a successful trial production of 100 per cent green aluminium low-carbon aluminium cans. This batch of tank material is composed of aluminium, which incorporates 50 per cent UBC (Used Beverage Cans) and 35 per cent hydropower-produced HQALight green aluminium ingot. Additionally, it includes raw material scrap from the Baosteel tank factory. This composition aims to achieve the first-ever 100 per cent green aluminium production for tank material. The total quantity of the product is 60 tonnes, and it has undergone testing at the Shanghai Baoyi factory, where it has demonstrated excellent performance according to various performance indices. Currently, the company offers two environmentally...
In Welland, Ontario, the upcoming Linamar facility is poised to revolutionise the North American auto parts sector by becoming the region's first gigacasting plant owned and operated by an auto parts supplier. Despite Welland's reputation as a tranquil canal town near Niagara Falls, the city is set to become a hub for electric vehicle innovation with the inauguration of this groundbreaking facility in 2025. Linamar Corporation stands as an innovative manufacturing enterprise, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with profound expertise in manufacturing. This synergy gives rise to solutions that propel the future of vehicles, motion, work, and everyday lives. The company comprises two key operating segments – the Industrial segment and the Mobility segment, both of which are...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market, A00 aluminium ingot price has marked a decline for the third day in a row by RMB 280 per tonne to stand below RMB 19,000 per tonne as of Monday, November 13. Data shows the price has come in at RMB 18,850 per tonne, with average prices likely to range between RMB 18,830 per tonne and RMB 18,870 per tonne. The spot contract is expected to be traded at a discount price of RMB 70-30 per tonne. The inventory pressure is expected to cause spot discounts in East and Central China to persist. Only in South China, production curtailment in Yunnan may possibly shift spot discounts in South China into premiums in the future. Foshan, Wuxi, and Tianjan have also seen a plunge of RMB 280 per tonne in A00 aluminium ingot price at the beginning of the week to RMB...
Sydney's bustling Oran Park neighbourhood is now home to Aodeli’s newest office, officially opened at The Podium, 351. The new office of Aodeli, one of Australia's leading aluminium cladding manufacturers, has a range of product samples and bigger mock-up boards, enabling visitors to make educated choices regarding their project and cladding material needs. Furthermore, the office has conference facilities for CPD presentations. Sales and business development personnel may meet with clients and specifiers to discuss existing and prospective cladding projects. The market for Aodeli’s non-combustible and unique aluminium cladding solutions has grown notably in recent years. Due to the exceptional quality of its brands, the expertise of its staff and outstanding customer service, the Company...
We are thrilled to announce the much-anticipated event that is set to illuminate the world of bauxite, alumina, and aluminium like never before – the upcoming 11th International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Conference & Exhibition. The conference and exhibition will be held in Nagpur, India, from December 4-6, 2023. This event will be an invaluable opportunity for industry professionals, experts, and enthusiasts to converge, collaborate, and catalyse innovation within this dynamic sector. The response to the IBAAS 2023 conference and exhibition is overwhelming, as about 70 companies/organisations have already confirmed their participation. About 55 abstracts and 40 technical papers have been received so far for this mega bauxite, alumina and aluminium event. There will be 6 technical...
As the aluminium industry continues to grow, sustainability plays a critical role in shaping its present and future. The production of aluminium has traditionally been energy-intensive, but a growing emphasis on sustainability has prompted the industry to adopt innovative practices. The push for renewable energy sources in production processes, recycling initiatives, and responsible sourcing of raw materials are key components. Additionally, technological advancements are leading to more energy-efficient smelting methods, reducing the industry's environmental footprint. These sustainability measures contribute to a greener and more responsible industry and enhance the long-term viability and resilience of the aluminium sector in the face of global environmental challenges. Here are some...
This week, Rotorua councillors unanimously decided to allocate $40,000 for removing the distinctive metal 'fins' on the Energy Events Centre's facade. The unique features have suffered corrosion damage, prompting the need for their removal. Rotorua, a town on its namesake lake on New Zealand's North Island, is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. During the community and district development committee meeting on November 8, 2023, elected members agreed to the expenditure. It was highlighted that challenges with the building stemmed partly from cost-saving choices made by past councils. Thomas Collé, the corporate services group manager, revealed a mistake in using steel instead of aluminium in certain sections of the building. This error had cascading consequences,...
In October 2023, the proportion of aluminium stocks with Russian origins in London Metal Exchange-registered (LME) warehouses increased to 79.5 per cent, up from 76 per cent in September 2023, according to data published on the exchange's website, as reported by a world’s largest news media agency. The aggregate quantity of aluminium stocks accessible to the market within LME-registered warehouses, denoted by MALSTX-TOTAL, is commonly known as on-warrant. Warrants are official documents that convey ownership rights to the metal. The significant presence of Russian-origin metal in LME-registered stocks has raised concerns among certain producers in competition with Russian aluminium giant Rusal. Additionally, some Western consumers are avoiding Russian metal due to Moscow's invasion of...
The Kigwabya hydropower plant in Uganda, with a peak power capacity of 4.6MW, has selected Orbinox, a part of the AVK Group, to provide critical valve solutions for its operations. Orbinox has a strong presence in Africa, contributing to over 100 dam and hydropower projects, including the historic Owen Falls Hydroelectric Project, now known as the Nalubaale Dam, where Glenfield Valves played a significant role in 1954. The collaboration between Kigwabya and Orbinox was initiated in January 2023 through a business and employment-focused social media platform interaction with the project's site manager. The manager, impressed by Orbinox's track record in the African market for dams and hydropower, chose the company for critical valve solutions. In the implementation of the Kigwabya project,...
Amcor Capsules, a global leader in developing and producing environmentally responsible closures for wine and spirits, has enhanced the sustainability performance of its renowned Stelvin aluminium screwcap range by reducing its carbon footprint by up to 35 per cent. The manufacturing process of a Stelvin screwcap now emits up to 35 per cent less carbon emissions compared to a standard screwcap produced with European aluminium sheets. This achievement is attributed to the incorporation of up to 46 per cent recycled aluminium and the meticulous selection of low-carbon primary aluminium, certified and independently verified in the production process. This significant reduction applies immediately to Stelvin and all 30H60 screw caps manufactured in Europe, North America, and South America for...
The downstream aluminium industry witnessed some of the big shot events this week, such as the United States initiated anti-dumping investigation against 15 extruded aluminium product exporting countries, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal assured that no unfair carbon taxes could affect the domestic aluminium and steel industry, and Tianshan Aluminium Group conducted the first trial run of its 2# casting-rolling machine for the Shihezi Xinren battery aluminium foil project. The United States Department of Commerce commenced an anti-dumping investigation into aluminium extrusion imports from 15 countries, including Vietnam and Mexico. Mexico is the largest exporter of aluminium extrusions to the United States, accounting for US$660 million of US$3.19 billion of the US...
It is time to prepare for an electrifying event as Ma’aden hosts ARABAL 2023 with the patronage of H.E. Bandar AlKhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. And that’s not all! Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, is all set to ignite the 41st International Conference and Exhibition of The International Committee for Study of Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium (ICSOBA) in Dubai. On a serious note, Germany is on the brink of a recession due to a decline in aluminium production and other discrepancies in the commodity market. LME aluminium benchmark price began the week with a US$2,254 per tonne rate, with fluctuations over the week to drop at US$2,228 per tonne on November 9, down...
On November 10, 2023, Satish Pai, the Managing Director of Hindalco Industries, raised alarms regarding the surge in imports of Chinese aluminium foil in India, a crucial material widely employed in the packaging of food and pharmaceuticals. Satish Pai told the media in a post-earnings conference call, "We are noticing that China is dumping its product in Indian markets. Aluminium foil imports from China have gone up, and we are concerned." In the previous year, Hindalco joined forces with Raviraj Foils and Jindal India and submitted an application on behalf of the domestic industry, requesting the extension of anti-dumping duties on imports of aluminium foil from China. However, in 2021, the Finance Ministry released a notification, implementing an anti-dumping duty on imported aluminium...
In response to the anticipated growth in the automotive sector, the Japanese company Furukawa Electric is gearing up to enhance its production of aluminium wire for automotive wiring harnesses. With an eye on the increasing demand for electric vehicles and advancements in automotive technology, the company is strategically positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Furukawa Electric is contemplating the establishment of a new production facility dedicated to aluminium wire production. This expansion plan is driven by the company's commitment to ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of high-quality materials for automotive wiring harnesses, a critical component in modern vehicles. The proposed facility is expected to be operational by the fiscal year 2026, marking a...
The Measurement Center of Baotou Power Supply Bureau recently conducted a grid connection acceptance inspection of electric energy measurement devices at Baotou Aluminium. The inspection was carried out by a team of professionals who visited six photovoltaic power generation grid points, including the photovoltaic shed on the east side of Huayun No.1 Plant, the open space photovoltaic system of Huayun No.1 Plant, the south wall photovoltaic system of Huayun No.2 Plant, the roof photovoltaic system of the thermal power plant, the photovoltaic shed of the thermal power plant, and the bathroom roof of Huayun No.2 Plant. During the inspection, the team carefully examined the wiring specifications and wiring of the energy meters at each point, and adjusted and verified the energy meters one by...
Hindalco Industries records a dip from the previous year but maintains a robust performance, positioning for growth, and announces an Rs 8,000 crore investment in a greenfield alumina refinery in Odisha. Hindalco Industries announced its second-quarter financial results for the fiscal year 2023-24, revealing a profit of Rs 2,196 crore, marking a slight decrease of 0.4 per cent from the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year, where it stood at Rs 2,205 crore. The revenue from operations for the quarter was reported at Rs 54,169 crore, reflecting a 3.6 per cent decrease compared to Rs 56,176 crore during the same period in the previous fiscal year. Despite the marginal dip in profit and revenue, the company showcased a robust performance, posting a consolidated EBITDA of Rs 6,096...
United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based premium coffee maker Coffee Planet has received four revered awards in the Middle East. The counterpart of Ludlow Coffee Group was anointed with the 'UAE Superbrand' title at the 19th Annual Superbrands Tribute in Dubai. In an act to revamp itself, the brand has introduced aluminium coffee pods, which highlights its sustainability goals. The parameters usually considered while choosing a winner revolve around any company's sustainability approach and societal values. The brand received acknowledgement for providing consumers with significant emotional and/or physical benefits over their competitors. Coffee Planet believes in a people-centric approach where the user is given the utmost priority, but slowly it is finding ways to become more sustainable....
