AlCircle News Edited By "Rupankar Majumder"
A professional with a technical background, specialising in producing insightful content centred around metals, particularly aluminium, passionately engaged in the intricacies of the recycling sector.
Bauxite and beyond: Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund 'Danantara' to invest $20B in key sectors
Indonesia has introduced a new sovereign wealth fund, Daya ‘Anagata Nusantara or Danantara’, with an initial commitment of US$20 billion. President Prabowo Subianto launched it last week. Danantara aims to serve as both an investment vehicle and a holding company for the country’s influential state-owned enterprises. While it has the potential to boost Indonesia’s economy significantly, its success will depend on effective management and adherence to international standards. Danantara will allocate $20 billion in its first investment round to more than 20 projects spanning bauxite, nickel, copper processing, artificial intelligence development, oil refineries, renewable energy, and food production. The president made the announcement before an audience of hundreds, including foreign...
UltraTech Cement enters wires & cables market, announces $200 million investment
The Mumbai-headquartered Indian multinational cement company UltraTech Cement has announced its foray into the wires and cables segment with a planned investment of around USD $200 million (₹1,800 crore) to establish a manufacturing facility in Gujarat. On February 25, 2025, the Aditya Birla Group's board approved a proposal to expand its presence in the construction value chain through its Building Products Division. The plant, set to be located near Bharuch, is part of the company's broader strategy to expand its presence in the construction value chain. According to UltraTech Cement, the facility is expected to be commissioned by December 2026. UltraTech stated that this aligns with its strategy to solidify its position as a leading provider of comprehensive building solutions. In...
South32 Worsley Alumina to explore CCS potential in landmark study with Pilot Energy
Pilot Energy, a leader in the clean energy transition, has partnered with South32 Worsley Alumina to conduct a feasibility study on carbon capture and storage (CCS) for its operations. Launched in the quarter of January-March 2025, the study aims to evaluate the supply chain for capturing and storing up to ~700,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. It will assess the onshore conditioning, transportation, and delivery of CO₂ from the alumina refining process’s flue gas streams to Pilot’s Cliff Head Carbon Storage project. However, the study is expected to be completed by Q3 2025. Depending on the findings, the study could serve as a foundation for deeper commercial and technical discussions on Worsley Alumina's decarbonisation strategies. Additionally, the results will support Pilot's...
Capacity surge, cost efficiencies, and market tailwinds—Metro Mining’s perfect storm for record margins
The Australian mining and exploration company Metro Mining announced its 2024 annual results, highlighting the successful commissioning of the Ikamba Offshore Floating Terminal (OFT) and port infrastructure upgrades. Following the commissioning in Q2, the Bauxite Hills Mine achieved a steady operational capacity aligned with the expansion target of 7 million wet metric tonnes (WMT) per annum in the final quarter. This milestone contributed to a total shipped production of 5.7 million WMT for the year, marking a 24 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Metro recorded 30 per cent year-on-year revenue growth, reaching $307 million, driven by record shipments and a strong pricing environment. Site EBITDA margins stood at $13.8 per WMT in Q3 and improved to $17.4 per WMT in Q4,...
Indian carbon market coming by 2026, will the aluminium sector fall under its scope?
India is set to launch its much-anticipated carbon market by 2026, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal announced on February 21, 2025. This initiative will be a game-changer for Indian industries, particularly exporters, as they strive to align with global carbon emission standards. By helping businesses curb emissions and transition away from fossil fuels, the move aims to strengthen India's position in the global marketplace while advancing its sustainability goals. Companies in industries like steel and cement are increasingly concerned about the impact of the European Union’s (EU) Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which imposes tariffs on high-carbon imports. To remain competitive in the EU market, manufacturers will need to adopt greener energy sources and reduce carbon...
EU targets Russian exports: Aluminium ban and new shipping controls
A new set of sanctions against Russia has been agreed upon between the European Union member states, diplomats confirmed on February 19, 2025. However, this latest package, set to be formally adopted by EU foreign ministers on February 24, 2025, aims to sustain pressure on Moscow ahead of the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine geopolitical crisis. Among the measures included is a ban on Russian aluminium imports. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, wrote on a social media platform, “The EU is clamping down even harder on circumvention by targeting more vessels in Putin's shadow fleet and imposing new import and export bans." "We are committed to keep up the pressure on the Kremlin." The EU has introduced its 16 th round of sanctions on Russia. At the same...
METLEN expands bauxite sourcing with 11-year Rio Tinto partnership
MYTILINEOS Energy & Metals, now known as METLEN Energy & Metals, has entered into two long-term strategic agreements with global mining and metal giant Rio Tinto to strengthen its bauxite and alumina supply chain. Under the first agreement, Rio Tinto will supply METLEN with approximately 14.9 million tonnes of bauxite from the CBG mine in Guinea over an 11-year period, spanning from 2027 to 2037. This bauxite supply will complement METLEN’s existing production from its local mines in Greece, ensuring a stable and diversified raw material source. Under the second agreement, METLEN will supply Rio Tinto with 3.9 million tonnes of alumina from its expanded Agios Nikolaos refinery over an eight-year period, beginning in 2027. The agreement also includes an option for a three-year extension....
Mercedes-Benz braces for profit dip, plans 10% production cost cut
The German multinational luxury automotive company Mercedes-Benz Group is bracing for a significant drop in earnings this year as it faces intense competition and fluctuating global demand. In response, the automaker is rolling out cost-cutting measures, aiming to slash production expenses by 10 per cent by 2027 while working closely with suppliers to lower material costs. Rising prices for key materials like chemical coatings and metals, including aluminium, have hit the company hard. Last year, its operating earnings hit 30 per cent, while the carmaking margin fell from 12.6 per cent to 8.1 per cent. The biggest blow came from its car division, where earnings plummeted by 40 per cent in 2024, largely due to sluggish sales in two of its most crucial markets: —China and Germany. The...
China’s green energy investments closing the gap with global fossil fuel funding
China is the world's second-largest economy after the United States and despite its recent challenges, China poured an impressive $940 billion into clean energy initiatives in 2024, bringing its investment close to the $1.12 trillion spent globally on fossil fuels. This substantial commitment underscores China's accelerating shift toward renewable energy and its pivotal role in reshaping the global energy landscape, as highlighted by a new analysis for the U.K.-based research organisation Carbon Brief. Note: Here’s the graph visualising China's clean energy investment growth and its contribution to GDP from 2023 to 2024. The green line represents the sharp decline in investment growth, while the black dashed line shows the sector's increasing share of GDP. Although there was a slowdown in...
“Australia is just killing our aluminium market,” says Trump's top trade adviser Peter Navarro
On December 4, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced that Peter Navarro, 75, will serve as Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing in his upcoming administration. In this role, Navarro will be responsible for advancing and effectively communicating Trump's Manufacturing, Tariff, and Trade Agendas, Trump stated in a series of posts on Truth Social. Navarro, a key trade advisor during Trump's first term, will once again play a pivotal role in shaping the administration's economic policies. Australia successfully negotiated an exemption when the first Trump administration imposed new tariffs on aluminium and steel imports in 2018. However, the US claims a verbal agreement was made, under which Australia pledged not to exploit its exemption by significantly increasing aluminium...
Will Trump go easy on Australian & Japanese aluminium and steel? Tariff talks heat up!
The newly re-elected President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, on February 10, 2025, signed executive orders to enforce a 25 per cent tariff on aluminium and steel imports starting March 12, 2025, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, escalating a long-anticipated trade war despite warnings from Europe and China. The orders eliminate specific exemptions from the duties, broaden their coverage to include more products and increase the tariffs on applicable aluminium goods from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. President Trump implemented Section 232 duties on steel and aluminium products in 2018, during his first term in office. The European Union promptly pledged to respond with decisive and proportionate countermeasures. Australian media reported that US...
Billions wiped off ASX as Trump announces 25% tariff on aluminium, steel
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has scheduled a call with U.S. President Donald Trump to advocate for Australia’s exemption from the newly imposed 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium. The announcement of these tariffs triggered a sharp market reaction, wiping *$15 billion off the ASX. The benchmark ASX200 dropped 0.5 per cent within the first hour of trading. During Question Time on January 10, 2025, Prime Minister Albanese confirmed the planned conversation with President Trump, emphasising that discussions on the matter would be conducted through diplomatic channels. The Prime Minister said, "Australian companies have significant investments in the US steel industry, creating thousands of jobs in both the US and Australia." "We will continue to make the case for...
Japan’s aluminium market in 2024: Rising imports, falling domestic demand
Japan’s aluminium industry in 2024 has been a tale of two contrasting trends—rising primary aluminium imports but weakening domestic demand. While imports grew by 1.9 per cent to 1.05 million tonnes, domestic consumption continued to decline, especially in key sectors such as construction and automotive. Changing import dynamics Japan’s import landscape saw significant shifts in 2024. Australia remained the country’s top supplier, exporting nearly 300,000 tonnes and accounting for over 28 per cent of total imports. Brazil followed with 170,000 tonnes, representing 16 per cent of imports. However, the most striking changes were in shipments from the UAE and India, which increased sharply, offsetting the steep drop in Russian supplies. India’s aluminium exports to Japan surged by 25 per...
South Africa designates coal as a critical mineral, cementing its strategic role
South Africa has officially endorsed coal as a critical mineral due to its substantial economic impact and strategic importance, according to Minister of Minerals and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe. Speaking in Cape Town, Mantashe highlighted the completion of a study on critical minerals, emphasising coal’s pivotal role in driving the nation’s economy. The minister highlighted Africa's vast critical mineral potential, stressing the importance of regional collaboration in value addition rather than independently exporting raw materials. Gwede Mantashe said, "For us, coal is a critical mineral because it generates substantial revenue. The coal sector remains highly attractive for new and expanded investments." "As a continent, we become vulnerable to exploiting critical minerals...
Aluminium Middle East: Focus 2025 – A glimpse into the future of the region’s aluminium industry
The Middle East has long been a powerhouse in the global aluminium industry, with its strategic location, abundant energy resources, and advanced technological infrastructure. As the world shifts towards sustainable production and decarbonisation, the region is embracing a new era of low-carbon aluminium production, renewable energy integration, and full operational capacity utilisation. In light of these developments, AL Circle is set to launch its latest e-Magazine, Aluminium Middle East: Focus 2025 , in mid-March 2025. This comprehensive industry publication will provide unparalleled insights into the latest trends, technological advancements, and investment opportunities within the Middle Eastern aluminium sector. Source: IAI, AL Circle Research Note: Production for Iran and Egypt in...
Bühler’s megacasting solutions set to enhance Honda’s EV production
Swiss technology leader Bühler Group delivered its first megacasting solutions to Honda Motor Company Ltd., marking a significant step in the Japanese automaker’s electric vehicle (EV) production push. Honda has invested in multiple Bühler Carat 610 die-casting machines to ramp up manufacturing across its North American network and meet growing customer demand. One of these advanced casting cells is being used for research and development in Japan, while the rest will be deployed at Honda’s Anna Engine Plant in Ohio, USA. Honda is investing in growing its EV production operation in North America to strengthen its supply system and its ability to prepare for a continued increase in demand in the region. The company is establishing an EV Hub in Marysville, Ohio, which will begin production...
Aluminium set to outshine in 2025: Supply deficit predicted
Aluminium is set to be the standout performer among London Metal Exchange (LME) base metals in 2025, with analysts predicting a supply shortfall this year that could drive prices higher. According to the latest Reuters January base metals poll, analysts expect zinc, copper, and tin to see higher average cash prices in 2025 than in 2024. On the flip side, nickel remains the clear bearish bet. After plunging nearly 22 per cent in 2024, no one anticipates a reversal, with oversupply projected to persist through this year and into the next. Reuters January 2025 poll of base metals analysts Source: Reuters base metals analyst poll median forecasts While supply dynamics will play a key role in determining winners and losers, global economic uncertainty continues to overshadow the broader...
Trump's tariffs may push US aluminium buyers toward Middle East, India
The United States metal companies and companies that import metals for their product manufacturing are likely to turn to the Middle East and India for aluminium supplies as they seek to bypass the extensive tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, according to industry sources. Trump's planned tariffs—25 per cent on imports from Mexico and most Canadian goods, along with 10 per cent on Chinese goods—lack precise details but are set to take effect on Tuesday, rattling markets. Analysts note that US consumers rely on Canadian aluminium producers like Alcoa and Rio Tinto for over half of their imported supply, prompting concerns about finding alternative sources. Primary aluminium production: North America, GCC & India (in million tonnes) Source: IAI Aluminium is crucial for the transport,...
