AlCircle News Edited By "Nilanjana Banerjee"

Nilanjana Banerjee is a new leaf on this branch of AL Circle. is a spontaneous author and she writes on inspiration and purpose, not by design. Her penmanship is replete with sensitivity and depth.

Sterling & Wilson Renewable hits record $1.35bn UOV as aluminium demand in solar rises
Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Ltd (SWREL) has reported its highest-ever Unexecuted Order Value (UOV) since the pandemic, closing the first quarter (Q1) of FY27 with an order pipeline of nearly INR 130 billion (USD 1.35 billion) . The milestone was supported by strong domestic EPC activity and a landmark international solar project in Egypt, highlighting continued growth in renewable infrastructure and the increasing use of aluminium-inclusive products like solar module frames, mounting structures, cable systems, battery enclosures and other EPC applications. The company also posted a 36 per cent year-on-year increase in profit after tax (PAT) during the quarter, while revenue from its operation and maintenance (O&M) business rose 40 per cent, indicating the expansion of its managed...

EU seeks US tariff relief on aluminium, steel under Turnberry trade deal
The European Commission has submitted an extensive list of export products to the United States, seeking lower import tariffs or full exemptions as both the European Union and the US continue implementing the Turnberry trade agreement reached last summer. Under the Turnberry tariff deal, EU eliminated its remaining tariffs on US industrial goods from July 1, while the US would maintain a 15 per cent tariff ceiling on most European exports. Explore the relevance of red mud in the sustainable aluminium industry in A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue (Red Mud): Sustainability, Resource Recovery and Strategic Recommendations The Turnberry agreement framework also allows the European Commission to suspend tariff preferences if the US continues to impose duties exceeding 15 per cent on...

Solomon Islands reviews 33 Rennell bauxite shipments in expanded inquiry
The Solomon Islands Government has expanded its investigation into bauxite exports from Rennell Island, confirming that former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and other officials who held office during the period under review may be consulted as part of the inquiry. The investigation covers 33 bauxite shipments exported from West Rennell between 2017 and 2019. It would span the administrations of former Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela and the succeeding Democratic Coalition for Advancement (DCA) government led by Sogavare. Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report — Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Report Authorities review records dating back to 2017 According to the government statement, investigators...

Kotak upgrades Hindalco to 'Buy', sees 17% upside on aluminium, Novelis recovery
Aditya Birla Group company Hindalco Industries is expected to remain in focus after Kotak Institutional Equities raised its recommendation on the company by two notches. It has shifted from 'Reduce' to 'Buy', highlighting improvement in earnings visibility with a more attractive valuation after the recent correction in the stock . Kotak has also made a slight revision of its target price to INR 1,120 (USD 11.63) per share from INR 1,100 (USD 11.42), implying an upside potential of 17 per cent (approx.) from the current market price. Explore the relevance of red mud in the sustainable aluminium industry in A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue (Red Mud): Sustainability, Resource Recovery and Strategic Recommendations Kotak believes several growth catalysts are coming together for the...

Australia, Japan and the US back Alcoa's gallium project to reduce supply chain risks
In partnership with the alumina and aluminium producer Alcoa Corporation, governments and industrial representatives of Australia, Japan and the US have reached the final investment decision (FID) for a project to establish a gallium production facility at Alcoa's Wagerup alumina refinery in Western Australia. The plant, to be built and operated by Alcoa, will utilise the company's expertise in alumina refining and advanced mineral processing to produce gallium, a critical mineral used extensively in semiconductors, defence systems and other advanced technologies. Explore the relevance of red mud in the sustainable aluminium industry in A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue (Red Mud): Sustainability, Resource Recovery and Strategic Recommendations The project is expected to create a...

Beyond coal: Can batteries, hydrogen, critical minerals power India's aluminium future?
Electricity is the backbone of aluminium production, with the Hall-Héroult process ranking among the world's most electricity-intensive industrial activities. Even brief power disruptions can damage electrolytic cells and interrupt production, resulting in long-term financial losses, as the molten metal cools and begins freezing rapidly, halting production for months. To minimise dependence on unstable grids, aluminium producers traditionally invested in captive thermal power plants. Recently, growing decarbonisation commitments have encouraged companies like Vedanta Limited, Hindalco, National Aluminium Company (NALCO), Norsk Hydro and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to solidify a renewable energy base alongside captive generation. Renewable energy’s contribution to meeting India’s power...

LME aluminium price recovers on July 14: Cash gains 1% as stocks slip to 286,225t
The London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price continued to improve on July 14, following the trend of the July 13 trading session . The cash gained nearly 1 per cent as stocks recorded a consistent decline. The LME aluminium cash bid price gained 0.99 per cent day-on-day, up from USD 3,138 per tonne to USD 3,169 per tonne. The offer price edged up from USD 3,138.5 per tonne to USD 3,171 per tonne, rising by 1.04 per cent. Explore- Most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report — Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook On July 14, the LME aluminium three-month bid price climbed from USD 3,145 per tonne on July 13 to USD 3,167 per tonne, marking a 0.7 per cent surge. The offer price recorded an improvement of 0.65 per...

Bauxite mining under laterite permits in Karnataka draws calls for scrutiny
A forest and environmental organisation has urged the Karnataka government to scrutinise and investigate the alleged extraction and transportation of aluminous laterite, or bauxite-bearing laterite, under laterite mining permits in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India. The Society for Forest, Environment and Climate Change (Aranya, Parisara Mathu Havamana Badalavane Sangha) has urged the authorities to examine mining activities in areas such as Mudipu and Badaga Edapadavu. The issue has been raised over concerns that the current classification of the material being transported may not accurately reflect its mineral composition. Explore the relevance of red mud in the sustainable aluminium industry in A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue (Red Mud): Sustainability, Resource...

Cameroon's Minim Martap bauxite project nears production as Canyon receives new rail fleet
Canyon Resources has taken another step towards commercial production at its Minim Martap bauxite project in Cameroon’s Adamawa region. It has received the new rail fleet to reinforce logistics of bauxite transportation from the mine to the Port of Douala. Canyon confirmed that seven CRRC Ziyang locomotives arrived at the Port of Douala in June and have since been delivered to its Cameroonian subsidiary, Camalco Cameroon. Commissioning, operational testing and driver training are now underway before the first rail movements begin during the third quarter (Q3) of 2026. The first 60 wagons have already departed the manufacturing facility, scheduled to reach Cameroon by mid-August, while another 100 wagons are scheduled for delivery later in Q3. Explore: The most comprehensive and...

Vedanta, NALCO or Hindalco: Recent aluminium price correction to offer a buying window?
After a volatile first half of the year, analysts believe that the recent correction in aluminium prices could bring favourable news. It may open up opportunities for investors in India's leading aluminium producers, including National Aluminium Company (NALCO), Hindalco Industries and Vedanta Aluminium Metal. From January to June, the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices surged almost 25 per cent, driven largely by geopolitical concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. However, after a temporary easing of tensions in West Asia, prices retreated by more than 17 per cent to around USD 3,019 per tonne, weighing on aluminium stocks. Since early June, NALCO has declined by over 19 per cent, while Hindalco has fallen by more than 15 per cent. Analysts pointed out that although the...

Vedanta Aluminium to rally 22%? Nuvama initiates ‘Buy’ with 29% EBITDA forecast
Vedanta Aluminium has been upgraded with a 'Buy' rating recommendation and a target price of INR 540 (USD 5.63) by the brokerage firm Nuvama Institutional Equities. It indicates an upside potential of nearly 22 per cent from current levels. The brokerage believes the newly demerged aluminium producer is entering a stronger growth phase, supported by capacity expansion, structural cost reductions, improved cash generation and favourable global aluminium market fundamentals. After the demerger of Vedanta Limited, Vedanta Aluminium is now a dedicated primary aluminium producer, ready to capitalise on rising demand and operational efficiencies. Explore the relevance of red mud in the sustainable aluminium industry in A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue (Red Mud): Sustainability,...

India widens policy support for ACC, battery recycling to secure critical minerals
India is preparing to widen policy support for advanced chemistry cells (ACC) and battery recycling as it seeks to strengthen domestic battery manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported critical minerals. The proposed measures indicate that the government's focus is extending beyond cell production to include recycling, battery components and niche battery technologies, reinforcing both electric mobility and renewable energy storage. Speaking at the 12th India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2026 in New Delhi, Vijay Mittal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), announced the ministry’s plan to expand the existing ACC incentive framework following industry requests for dedicated policies covering “niche battery technologies.” Discover: The Gulf aluminium market risks, China...

Germany’s Q1’26 aluminium exports dip 26% as bars, rods, profiles post steeper fall
Germany’s aluminium exports to the global market in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026 have taken a significant dip compared with the previous years. The cumulative exports in Q1 totalled around 469,178.09 tonnes, valued at USD 2.6 billion. Out of this, aluminium bars, rods and profiles contributed 52,071.88 tonnes or 11.1 per cent, valued at USD 423.34 million. Trade trends: bars, rods and profiles According to the data fetched from the International Trade Administration, the difference in export volume from Germany to the world becomes evident as we draw up a year-on-year comparison chart: Q1 2026 – 52,071.88 tonnes, down 31.11 per cent Y-o-Y from Q1 2025 Q1 2025 – 75,591.18 tonnes, down 2.31 per cent Y-o-Y from Q1 2024 Q1 2024 – 77,380.15 tonnes Looking at the annual export figures,...

AL Circle analysis: Trade policies, carbon costs, supply trends shape aluminium scrap market outlook
As aluminium increasingly becomes a strategic raw material for decarbonisation and advanced manufacturing, the focus is no longer limited to primary metal production. From export restrictions and carbon pricing to import duties and circular economy measures, a growing wave of policy interventions is reshaping global aluminium scrap flows. These developments are influencing availability, pricing and competitiveness across aluminium supply chains. Trade scenarios When it comes to scrap leakage, Europe takes the centre stage. While in 2024 the European Union’s aluminium scrap outflow exceeded 1.2 million tonnes, in 2025 it neared 1.3 million tonnes, settling at 1.27 million tonnes. As industrial analysts warn the administration of stricter measures to safeguard quality aluminium scrap and...

Intel, Ford, Dell warn Trump: New 12.5% tariffs may slow US domestic production aims
Several leading US manufacturers, including Intel, Dell Technologies, Ford and Honeywell Aerospace, have urged the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to reconsider its call for an additional tariff imposition of up to 12.5 per cent on imports from around 60 countries, including India. The companies argue that the proposed duties could raise production costs, weaken manufacturing competitiveness, eventually increasing prices for businesses and end-users. The global aluminium casting usage is expected to reach 24.2 million tonnes in 2026. To learn about the future market trends, prebook our upcoming report “ Global Aluminium Casting Market 2026-2032 ” Intel and Dell’s warning: A fading US manufacturing industry The recently proposed tariff framework forms part of the US...

LME aluminium price on the rise: Cash, 3-month gain 1%; stocks dip further to 290,825t
Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) continued their improving trend on July 9. Cash and near-term contracts reported gains of almost 1 per cent, while stocks continued to slide, indicating depletion in the inventory amid tight market conditions. On July 9, the LME aluminium cash bid price edged up from USD 3,140.5 per tonne on July 8 to USD 3,163 per tonne on July 9, representing a 0.72 per cent rise. The offer price climbed from USD 3,141 per tonne to USD 3,164 per tonne , gaining 0.73 per cent day-on-day. Explore the relevance of red mud in the sustainable aluminium industry in A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue (Red Mud): Sustainability, Resource Recovery and Strategic Recommendations The LME aluminium three-month contract bid price edged up from USD 3,145 per...

China, Taiwan's bauxite trade on disruption alert as Super Typhoon Bavi approaches ports
Super Typhoon Bavi, classified as a Category 5 storm by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), is forecast to move towards Taiwan before making landfall along China’s eastern coast on Friday, July 10. Commodities most exposed to the storm are bauxite, iron ore, thermal coal, coking coal, soybeans, and nickel ore, all of which move in significant volumes through eastern Chinese ports. Meteorological forecasts indicate wind gusts of up to 100 knots and waves reaching nearly 12 metres, conditions that could disrupt maritime traffic across one of Asia's busiest shipping corridors. Authorities in Taiwan and China's Fujian and Zhejiang provinces have already begun preparing for the storm, with precautionary measures in place at several ports. According to a maritime...

NALCO, NLC India sign 1,080 MW power plant JV for Odisha aluminium expansion
State-owned National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has signed a joint venture agreement with NLC India Limited (NLCIL) to establish a 1,080 MW thermal captive power plant in Odisha, strengthening the energy backbone for its planned aluminium smelter expansion. In a regulatory filing, NALCO elaborated that the two public sector enterprises have signed a Joint Venture-cum-Shareholders' Agreement (JVA) to create a 50:50 joint venture company to develop a 4x270 MW (1,080 MW) thermal captive power plant at Anugul, Odisha. The facility is intended to supply captive power to NALCO's USD 3.5 billion aluminium smelter expansion project with a 500,000-tonne capacity , supporting the company's long-term production growth. Discover: The Gulf aluminium market risks, China impact, alumina supply,...
