Canada is looking to expand its domestic aluminium processing capacity as the government seeks to reduce the sector’s dependence on the United States. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly has described more than USD 193 million in federal funding for projects at five industrial sites in Quebec as a first step towards strengthening the country’s aluminium supply chain and building the capacity to process more metal at home. The funding, announced in La Baie, Quebec, covers projects at four Rio Tinto facilities in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region and the Alouette aluminium smelter in Sept-Îles. Joly, who also serves as the minister responsible for economic development in Quebec, said the investment reflects the strategic importance of aluminium to Canada’s economy and national sovereignty. The...
Russia’s aluminium market could face a new competitive dynamic after Sual Partners signed a production-sharing agreement with state-controlled hydropower group RusHydro, potentially giving Sual access to up to 150,000 tonnes of aluminium from the Boguchany smelter in Siberia. The arrangement could challenge Rusal’s near 20-year dominance of Russia’s primary aluminium market, allowing Sual to target both domestic and overseas customers with the metal. The agreement, announced on October 15 during Russian Energy Week, provides for a production-sharing mechanism at the Boguchansky aluminium plant, which is co-owned by RusHydro. The arrangement could give Sual access to as much as a 50 per cent share of the smelter’s output, putting it in a position to compete directly with Rusal, its...
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Various sources, during the week leading to Thursday, April 16, told Fastmarkets that China's Tsingshan Holding Group was under discussion with potential partners about the possibility of constructing a new aluminium smelter in North Maluku, Indonesia. Currently, Indonesia is emerging as a major aluminium production hub, with growth in smelter capacity, especially from Chinese investments. Moreover, as supply issues in the Middle East rise, there's a growing interest in aluminium from alternative sources, which is boosting both premiums and demand for Indonesian aluminium. Both aluminium prices and premiums are being influenced by geopolitical tensions and due to the potential for escalation, the market is continuing to face a bullish momentum. Weda Bay Industrial Park's new aluminium...
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups, in collaboration with the Korea Technology and Information Promotion Agency for SMEs (TIPA), has announced that it will be recruiting companies to join the “2026 Carbon Reduction R&D for Core Export Items of SMEs” project. The project will take place from May 13 to 27. The main agenda of the project is to respond to the European Union's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). Alongside this, the project also aims to address the other global carbon regulations. In order to achieve this, the project will focus on developing and demonstrating carbon-reduction technologies, especially for the export of products that are carbon-heavy, like aluminium and steel. Also read: Consultative seminar on “Navigating CBAM: Challenges, readiness, and India’s carbon...
Vedanta Aluminium has regarded the Government of Odisha’s issued penalty notice worth INR 2.33 billion (USD 24.55 million) regarding the alleged illegal extraction of water from the Bheden river system, Jharsuguda, as a claim based on "incorrect assumptions". Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report — Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook An official statement released by the company follows that Vedanta abides by valid agreements, which allow the extraction of a total drawal of 112.9 cusecs, all being in accordance with the Department of Water Resources. It was mentioned that the actual extraction of water from the Hirakud reservoir is estimated at 80 cusecs, which is within authorised limits. The...
Exports from the Gulf region, a key supplier of primary aluminium, billet, and other alloys to Europe, have been severely limited as the conflict has effectively brought most shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz to a standstill. Aluminium billet, which is a semi-finished product, saw a heightened European premium since the Iran war started. The surge in the premium is mainly because of the shortage arising from the last two months due to the disrupted supply in the Middle East, straining consumers in the construction and transportation sectors. The Gulf region, which is deemed to be the key supplier of primary aluminium, billet and other alloys exported to Europe, has declined post the conflict. The export curb came in after the suspension of the bulk shipping due to the...
The Alcoa plant in Australia entered into losses in 2025 as the costs went up dramatically due to the shutdown and the subsequent cleanup of the Kwinana alumina refinery, which clearly indicated that environmental cleanup was quite costly. It is clear from the documents filed with the corporate watchdog that Alcoa of Australia had a restructuring charge of USD 1.245 billion during 2025, which was mainly due to the closure of the Kwinana alumina refinery in Perth. Due to this, the company registered a net loss of USD 592 million against a profit of USD 818 million that it had made in 2024. Also Read: Alumina’s journey through 2025: A year known for ambition, friction and recalibration The most recent provision consists of USD 614 million that will cover costs incurred in the future when...
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has now been revealed, following a video leak from China, which highlighted the refurbishment process involved in bringing back its aluminium chassis. The device has been refurbished without changing the outer casing of the device itself. The video was posted on social media by an internet user, with the device showcasing obvious deformations around its side. There were numerous dents and scratches visible on its aluminium frame. This was done step by step, where the technician would focus on the broken part piece by piece. Precautions were taken during the process because the technician had to reshape the metal. Also Read: India cracks $50B iPhone exports, auto components are the next target with a 5 year CAGR of 14% - what it means for aluminium? As opposed to...
SINEXCEL, a developer of high-efficiency power modules and reliable charging systems, has wrapped up the grid connection of a 107.12 MW, 428.48 MWh energy storage system to the grid in Guangyuan, Sichuan Province, which is deemed to be one of China’s flagship commercial-industrial energy storage projects. For the aluminium producer Zhongfu Industrial, this project has been developed, which has been designed with the aim of cutting down electricity costs by facilitating peak shaving during the energy-heavy electrolytic aluminium production process. Addressing the energy challenge of the industry The primary aluminium smelting process is highly energy-intensive, requiring between 13 and 15 MWh for every tonne produced, with electricity making up as much as 40 per cent of the overall cost....
India’s progress towards the ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030, on one hand, indicates the country’s strong commitment to sustainability, while on the other hand, it brings into question the robustness of the country’s energy storage infrastructure, which is vital for ensuring the reliability of renewable energy sources. Press Information Bureau shows India’s total installed generation capacity as of December 31, 2025, stood at 5,13,730 MW, of which non-fossil sources were comprised of 266.788 GW (51.93 per cent), exceeding the share of fossil-fuel capacity at 48.07 per cent. Given that the sources of non-fossil fuel energy are consisted of solar, wind, and hydro, which are largely dependent on the weather condition, the biggest question that looms is...
Rio Tinto-owned Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter hangs in the balance as union members in the company have decided to go on strike. In a workforce of 670 members, 186 or almost 28 per cent of the smelter’s staff are part of the E tū Union, who have action planned at various intervals for the upcoming period. Ensuring all four shifts at the facility were covered, the strikes would be held from 11 AM to 1 PM on May 4,6, 8 and 10. Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report — Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook A 2.5-year-long negotiation with the employer failed to meet the points requirement and conditions, which led to a joint decision of the union members at the plant voting for the strike, as reported...
Global metallurgical alumina production has been expanding in a measured and consistent manner. Output rose from 130.4 million tonnes in 2021 to 133.1 million tonnes in 2022, followed by gradual increases to 134.8 million tonnes in 2023 and 137.8 million tonnes in 2024. The trajectory strengthened in 2025, with production reaching 144.9 million tonnes, reflecting a sharper 5.2 per cent rise. However, the underlying dynamics point to a market that is not constrained by supply capacity. With global installed refining capacity at around 181 million tonnes in 2025 and utilisation levels between 85 per cent and 87 per cent, nearly 36 million tonnes of capacity remains unutilised. This indicates that output is being actively managed rather than maximised, with producers responding to demand...
All the share capital of Republic Wire, Inc., a manufacturer of aluminium and copper wire with headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been acquired by Nexans, a global leader in electrification, driving the energy transition with innovative solutions that power a safer, sustainable, and connected future. Republic Wire, Inc., founded in 1982 and family-owned, have emerged as a leading manufacturer of low-voltage wiring products, catering to electrical wholesale distributors, utilities, and municipalities throughout the US and Canada. In the year that ended in February 2026, the firm made a total revenue of USD 5,617.3 million. Additionally, the firm attained a fully operational industrial platform, which included a 32,500 square metre manufacturing facility and is heavily automated....
May 2026 opened with an improvement in the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices , following a dip on the April 30 close. The continued tensions between the US and Iran, stirring up the Middle East conflict, are reshaping market trends. As Iran declared on April 30 to retaliate with "long and painful strikes", supply uncertainties intensify with the already blocked Strait of Hormuz and damage to essential aluminium smelters of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Aluminium Bahrain (Alba). Explore- Most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report — Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook The LME aluminium cash bid price rose from USD 3,525 per tonne on April 30 to USD 3,583 per tonne on May 1, representing a USD 58...
uCan-Packaging has unveiled a new seamless aluminium bottle design that moves away from the rounded look usually associated with metal packaging. The company’s latest container features sharp flat shoulders with near right-angle edges at the top and bottom, giving it a more structured appearance often seen in luxury glass packaging. The design is being positioned mainly for cosmetic and personal care products, where appearance plays a major role in branding. Also Read: Dull blades and aluminium foils: What a 0.23 friction coefficient means for cutting performance Creating that kind of shape with aluminium has traditionally been difficult because metal packaging is produced differently from plastic or glass containers. Rounded forms have generally been easier to manufacture, while sharper...
Power supply, not geology, is emerging as the main constraint for critical mineral mining development in Canada, according to discussions at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada 2026. While Canada has identified key minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements as part of its energy transition strategy, many deposits are located in regions with limited or no grid infrastructure. In northern and remote areas, electricity systems were built for small communities, not large industrial operations. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” Federal data shows that around 280 remote communities and sites are not connected to the main...
The global aluminium industry is going through a significant shift. With new regulations, changing energy needs and a growing focus on sustainability, the competitive landscape is being redefined. Companies are quietly adjusting their strategies across supply chains, recycling efforts and low-carbon initiatives. This suggests that the next wave of transformation in the industry will rely more on adaptability, resilience and the ability to extract value, rather than just on scale. JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd., hosted the 5th Global Solar and Energy Storage Summit 2026 , attended by industry leaders, emphasising a significant shift towards integrated solar-plus-storage solutions. With rising global demand, over 20 thousand participants addressed the value-driven strategies, system...
Researchers at the Seoul National University have created a carbon fibre that is low in weight with surprisingly high strength, opening new possibilities for drones, robotics and aerospace. Instead of combining materials layer by layer, scientists have created a way to create a continuous carbon fibre piece arranged in a three dimensional lattice design. The method, called “3D node winding,” avoids many of the weak points normally found in composite structures. Traditional carbon fibre composites are already known for being strong and lightweight, but they are usually made by stacking sheets or assembling components. That process can create internal boundaries where stress builds up or load transfer becomes less efficient. Even many 3D-printed composite systems still depend on layered...
A fire outbreak damaged part of an aluminium company facility in Ibadan, Oyo State, while another incident affected a residential property in Ogbomoso earlier in the week. The fire at the industrial site happened around the Iyaganku area of Ibadan, where an office building and an attached warehouse were affected. Equipment and other property inside the facility were reportedly damaged before firefighters brought the situation under control. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026" Maroof Akinwande confirmed the incident and said firefighters responded after receiving a distress call. According to him, the fire appears to have started from an electrical spark linked to an appliance that had been left plugged in....
Kaiser Aluminum Corporation has seen insider selling, worth about USD 2.6 million at an average price of around USD 174. An independent director Brett Wilcox has sold his shares. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” The transaction is significant as it accounted for roughly 56 per cent of his total holding. It is also the largest insider sale in the company over the past year. The sale took place close to the current market price, which suggests a sharp price peak did not drive it, but it still signals caution for investors. Over the past year, there have been no recorded insider purchases in the company. The lack of buying, along with recent selling, may suggest...
