AlCircle News Edited By "Prerana Pradhan"
Prerana Pradhan is a budding digital marketer with a strong interest in writing and creative strategy. While pursuing her MBA in Digital Marketing, she is uncovering new ways to connect aluminium with compelling content.
Bosnia’s FEAL group strengthens its aluminium processing capacity with a new EUR 32 million facility in Croatia
On May 8, 2025, Bosnia's FEAL Group inaugurated a EUR 32 million aluminium processing plant in Croatia. Located in Karlovac, this facility is FEAL's first manufacturing site outside Bosnia and Herzegovina. The investment aims to enhance the company's regional presence and production capabilities. Image source: feal.ba The new plant specialises in advanced pressing, plasticising and mechanical processing of aluminium profiles. This expansion will boost FEAL's production capacity and meet growing market demands. FEAL's decision to invest in Croatia aligns with its strategy to strengthen its position in the aluminium industry. The Group expects to produce around 6,600 tonnes of aluminium profiles in the plant’s first full production year, said marketing head Vjekoslav Boskovic. The plant is...
India launches aluminium recycling portal amid circular economy push and global trade shifts
The Indian government has unveiled a national portal for recycling non-ferrous metals, including aluminium, copper, lead, and zinc. The launch, held in New Delhi, was officiated by Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy. This initiative aims to enhance sustainability and reduce reliance on imported raw materials. Image source: coal.gov.in Aluminium recycling is pivotal due to its energy efficiency and environmental benefits. Recycling aluminium consumes up to 95 per cent less energy than producing primary aluminium, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Despite this, India's aluminium recycling rate stands at 30-35 per cent, lagging behind the global average of 65-75 per cent. Historically, India has maintained low import duties on aluminium scrap, currently at 2.5 per cent,...
Aluminium takes centre stage in Cloud Beauty’s sustainable packaging innovations cosmetics business
Cloud Beauty Innovation Hub will unveil its latest sustainable packaging solutions at LUXEPACK New York 2025, which will take place on 7-8 May at the Javits Centre. The company aims to showcase eco-conscious designs for the beauty and personal care industry. Image source: parispackagingweek A key highlight is their all-aluminium cosmetic and accessories packaging line. Crafted entirely from 100% recyclable aluminium, it offers a minimalist aesthetic. This design aligns with circular economy principles, ensuring durability and sophistication. Another innovation is 'Sludge', a material composed of over 70 per cent pre-consumer recycled reservoir mud from Taiwan. With a metallic-like texture and stone-like appearance, it's suitable for luxury applications like perfume caps. Sludge has been...
Bankruptcy disrupts Volvo's battery supply chain — Novo Energy announces layoffs
Swedish battery manufacturer Novo Energy’s partial owner, Northvolt, has filed for bankruptcy, citing over USD 8 billion in debt, which has in turn led to an unfortunate announcement of a 50 per cent staff layoff by the company. Image source: iStock The company struggled to secure funding to ramp up production at its Skelleftea plant. This development has significantly impacted its joint venture with Volvo Cars, which focuses on aluminium-based battery solutions. Northvolt's financial troubles stemmed from high operational costs and difficulties in scaling production. The company could not stabilise its operations despite substantial investments from stakeholders like Volkswagen and Goldman Sachs. The bankruptcy has raised concerns about the future of aluminium battery technology in...
Aluminium futures rebound amid easing economic concerns, but structural challenges persist
Aluminium futures have experienced a notable recovery, climbing to USD 2,440 per tonne after reaching an eight-month low of USD 2,340 on April 9th. This upward trend aligns with gains observed in other base metals, spurred by diminishing concerns over a potential US recession, which has alleviated pessimism surrounding global manufacturing activities. Image source: pixabay Contributing to this positive momentum, US President Trump has postponed the implementation of aggressive reciprocal tariffs and indicated forthcoming trade agreements. This shift has eased apprehensions that escalating trade barriers could dampen global demand for metals. Despite the recent rebound, aluminium futures remain down by 5 per cent for the year, primarily due to overcapacity risks from Chinese production....
Cadoux advances aluminium projects amid strategic developments in March quarter
In March 2025, Cadoux Ltd, an Australian critical minerals company, progressed its High Purity Alumina (HPA) and Minhub rare earths projects. These initiatives, located in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, aim to bolster Australia's aluminium supply chain. The company advanced through engineering studies and permitting processes to achieve this goal. Image source: wikipedia.org The Minhub project, a multi-client rare earths processing facility in the Northern Territory, completed its site permitting process. Initial site works have commenced, with IHC Mining leading the feasibility study. For the HPA project, Cadoux neared completion of its Stage 1 engineering feasibility study. Stage 2 works have been initiated, focusing on innovative engineering solutions and market...
Indonesian mining company Antam halts bauxite sales as HPM policy stalls market
On April 2, 2025, Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia responded to concerns that state-owned mining firm PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) cannot sell its bauxite due to ongoing export restrictions. Bahlil said he would review the situation but reaffirmed that the government is committed to its domestic processing mandate, enforced through Domestic Benchmark Pricing (HPM). The measure, implemented to add value within Indonesia, has led to concerns over its market impact. Image source: antam.com The export ban on bauxite remains in effect, with all sales now required to go through the HPM system. Several lawmakers argue that this pricing mechanism has disrupted market absorption, as buyers are unwilling to purchase bauxite at the government-set prices. The...
The aluminium industry seeks the extension of RoDTEP scheme to ease export burden
The Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) has urged the Indian government to extend the RoDTEP scheme to aluminium exporters, highlighting the financial stress faced by domestic producers. FIMI has submitted the request to ensure a level playing field in global markets. Image source: iStock The RoDTEP scheme offers refunds on embedded central, state and local taxes that are not currently reimbursed through other means. Until February 2025, aluminium units operating under Advance Authorisation (AA), Export Oriented Units (EOUs), and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) were eligible. The scheme aims to support export competitiveness by offsetting unclaimed taxes. The call for extension comes after the Aluminium Association of India (AAI) stressed the importance of this benefit. FIMI...
Rio Tinto flags uncertainty over Bell Bay aluminium smelter's future, a scepticism potent enough to affect jobs, finance and beyond
Rio Tinto has expressed uncertainty around the future of operations for its Bell Bay aluminium smelter in Tasmania after six years of unsuccessful negotiations for a renewable power supply agreement with Hydro Tasmania. The company has eight months left on its current agreement with the state-owned Hydro Tasmania. Image source: bellbayaluminium.co Rio CEO Jakob Stausholm has committed to a low-carbon future for its Australasian smelters, despite past closure threats. Key decisions loom this year for both the Tomago and Bell Bay smelters. Rio has warned ASIC that Bell Bay faces "material uncertainty" due to its expiring power deal. In documents filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Rio Tinto stated, "There are a number of potential outcomes that could result from...
Updated: Lindian Resources completes acquisition of Lelouma bauxite project to Bolster aluminium portfolio
Lindian Resources Limited has announced the issuance of 20 million fully paid ordinary shares as part of its 100 per cent acquisition of the Lelouma Bauxite Project in Guinea. This strategic move further strengthens the company’s position in the bauxite market and is expected to provide significant growth opportunities for stakeholders. Image for representational purposes Lindian Resources had previously secured 100 per cent ownership of the Lelouma Bauxite Project in Guinea, West Africa. The acquisition, announced in April 2025, supports Lindian’s strategy to expand its aluminium resource base. The company finalised the deal after issuing 40 million fully paid shares to vendors, per agreed terms. The Lelouma Project hosts a JORC-compliant resource of 900 million tonnes at 45.0 per cent...
Global aluminium recycling hit a speed-breaker in its path to boost circular economy
Global aluminium businesses have been ramping up efforts in the recycling vertical with mounting demand and resource constraints. However, during the ongoing calendar year, the green initiatives have come under pressure with geopolitics playing a major role in the ruptured system. Image source: IAI Of course, global developments are throwing a wrench into the industry’s momentum. Or else, why would companies like Coca-Cola decide to move away from its aluminium can packaging to pet bottle packaging? In February 2025, the US slapped a 25 per cent tariff on all aluminium imports, citing global overcapacity. Though the tariffs were briefly paused, they came roaring back and bigger. As of March 12, 2025, a blanket 25 per cent tariff now hits all aluminium imports, including derivative...
Maxion Wheels to unveil forged aluminium truck wheels at Transport Logistic 2025; its new wheel plant nears completion
Maxion Wheels, a global leader in wheel manufacturing, announced its participation in Transport Logistic 2025, scheduled from June 2–5 in Munich, Germany, where it will reportedly showcase its latest commercial vehicle wheel offerings, including its newly introduced forged aluminium truck wheels, aiming to meet the evolving demands of the transportation industry. Image source: maxionwheels.com The new line of aluminium truck wheels features the most in-demand sizes and is available in three premium finishes, delivering top-tier durability and visual appeal. Thanks to aluminium’s lightweight properties, the wheels also enhance fuel efficiency and increase payload capacity. Mark Gerardts, Chief Executive Officer of Maxion Wheels, stated, “Our new forged aluminium wheels not only complete...
World’s first aluminium volumetric apartments introduced in Canada
Construction Éco-bâtiment, in partnership with ACAL System, unveiled the world’s first aluminium volumetric apartments in Québec, Canada. The project, named Lofts de l’Aluminium, also called ‘a world-first’, was developed to promote sustainable and efficient housing solutions. The six-unit, three-storey complex showcases the potential of aluminium in modular construction. Image source: eco-batiment.ca From a carbon perspective, the aluminium used in the project is produced in Québec using hydroelectricity, considered one of the greenest power sources globally. Its use in prefabricated volumetric modules, built off-site and assembled on-site, combined with EPS insulation, reduced foundation needs and costs by around 30 per cent. The collaboration between Construction Éco-bâtiment and ACAL...
Trump’s aluminium tariff-induced global trade tensions will curtail economic growth: IMF
On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs, including on aluminium, from the White House Rose Garden. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned on April 22 that these tariffs threaten global growth. The IMF lowered its global economic forecast due to rising trade tensions and policy unpredictability. Image for representational purposes only Trump’s baseline 10 per cent tariff on aluminium and additional 245 per cent duties on China have triggered global concern. Though some tariffs are paused, such as the “reciprocal” ones on major trade partners like the EU, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan until July for bilateral deal talks, key sectors, including aluminium and steel, remain affected. The IMF highlighted that these moves could unsettle trade flows and undercut...
Greenville launches aluminium can recycling to foster environmental responsibility
The City of Greenville, Mississippi, launched an aluminium can recycling initiative on April 22, 2025. The programme, in partnership with Every Can Counts, US, Washington and Replenysh, Los Angeles, aims to promote sustainability and increase the recovery of aluminium beverage cans. Image source: MRCTI Recycling aluminium reduces landfill waste, saves energy and minimises carbon emissions. It also conserves natural resources by lowering the need for virgin material extraction. This process supports the circular economy and helps fight climate change. The partnership of Every Can Counts, a non-profit, with the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI) focused on can recycling awareness. Greenville Mayor Errick D. Simmons stated, “Thanks to the collaboration of MRCTI, Replenysh...
America’s last alumina refinery suffers hard: Here’s how US trade policies hit home hard
In the heart of Gramercy, Louisiana, a silent struggle unfolds. Atlantic Alumina’s refinery, the last remaining alumina plant in the United States, is grappling with the heavy toll of shifting trade policies on metal, cars and dozens of foreign exporters. What was once a thriving symbol of industrial resilience now stands at the crossroads of uncertainty and with it, the lives of more than 550 workers hang in the balance. Image source: Atalco Atlantic Alumina, or Atalco, is the last operating alumina refinery in the US, between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. With 550 workers, the plant processes Jamaican bauxite into alumina, a white, sugar-like compound essential for making primary aluminium. Atalco supplies nearly 40 per cent of the nation's alumina needs. But despite its critical role,...
Proposed steel and aluminium tariffs could revive Nebraska recycling industry, says the business owner
Lakeside Auto Recyclers in Carter Lake, Nebraska, is poised to reclaim processing work as 25 per cent tariffs raise the cost of imported metal. Local recyclers say the aluminium levy could redirect business back to their yard, where yard manager Nick Hanson oversees a 60-strong team processing 8,000 tonnes of recycled steel each month. Image for representational purposes only “It’s a little scary just based off what happened in 2016 and 2018 with the aluminium, it crashed drastically,” Hanson said, adding “Since then, there’s a lot more domestic options for your shredded cast aluminium. So I think it could be a positive, I really do.” Hanson is optimistic that the tariff impositions can potentially pull in buyers to recycled materials produced within the US. “This is part of a car engine,...
Longbow unveils ‘featherweight’ electric sports cars with aluminium core
British startup Longbow, founded by former Tesla and Lucid engineers, has unveiled two groundbreaking electric sports cars, the Speedster and Roadster, marking the debut of the world's first featherweight electric vehicles. These models aim to redefine electric performance by combining ultra-lightweight design with high-end engineering. Image source: Longbow Motors Central to Longbow's innovation is its bespoke aluminium chassis, which provides exceptional stiffness while minimising weight. The Speedster weighs just 1,973 pounds and the Roadster comes in at 2,194 pounds, both significantly lighter than typical electric vehicles. This lightweight construction enhances agility and efficiency, offering a unique driving experience. Performance-wise, the Speedster accelerates from 0 to 60...
