AlCircle News Edited By "Sarnali Chakraborty"
Sarnali Chakraborty is a content writer with 2 years of experience. She has written articles on various genres like technical, creative, medical, to name some. Here in Alcircle she will be curating articles on the metal industry, writing newsletters and other online and offline content.
Caribe Cooler taps into the booming RTD market in US with 12 oz aluminium cans
During 2024 and 2025, the US alcoholic beverage market experienced dynamic shifts, marked by rising demand for premium spirits, flavoured beers, and the sustained popularity of ready-to-drink (RTD) options, especially among younger, health-conscious consumers. Tapping into these trends, Caribe Cooler, one of Mexico’s leading RTD alcoholic beverage brands, is set to make a bold entry into the US market. The launch begins in Southern California, a strategic region in the brand’s global expansion. With over 37 years of heritage and cultural resonance in Mexico, Caribe Cooler is cherished for its bold fruit flavours and laid-back appeal. US consumers will enjoy 12 oz 4-pack aluminium cans featuring two signature flavours, namely Peach and Tropical (Mango-Pineapple), each with 4.7 per cent ABV...
Ball Corporation’s Q2’25 results reflect rising aluminium packaging demand, defying tariff headwinds
Ball Corporation, the global leader in aluminium packaging for beverages, personal care, and household products, has released its financial results for the second quarter of 2025 (Q2 0225). The company has showcased solid growth in both sales and earnings. As per the data, on a GAAP basis, Ball posted net earnings of $212 million, or 76 cents per diluted share, on total sales of $3.34 billion for Q2 2025. That's a notable improvement from the same period last year, when the company reported $158 million in net earnings, or 51 cents per share, on sales of $2.96 billion. The company's total net earnings during H1 2025 (January to June) came in at 391 million compared to 3.84 billion during the same period last year. This data indicates an increase in H1 earnings, suggesting an overall...
Aluminium & titanium doping - the secret to enhanced lithium-ion battery lifespan
As the world pivots towards sustainable energy solutions, the demand for efficient and durable lithium-ion batteries has never been higher. Central to this demand is the performance of cathode materials, with NMC 111 (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) being a prominent choice due to its balanced capacity and stability. However, the longevity and efficiency of these batteries are often compromised by structural instabilities during charge and discharge cycles. A recent study by researchers Elong, Kasim, and Badar introduces a promising solution by doping NMC 111 cathodes with aluminium and titanium. This innovative approach aims to enhance the structural integrity and electrochemical performance of the cathodes, addressing the pressing need for longer-lasting and more reliable batteries. Why is...
How Volant Airlines $1.74B eVTOL aircraft deal will boost China’s domestic aluminium value chain
The recent RMB 12.5 billion (USD 1.74 billion) eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft order secured by a Sichuan-based Chinese manufacturer is a significant boost to China's domestic aluminium value chain. This large-scale deal of 500 eVTOL marks an important breakthrough for "Made in Sichuan" aircraft, signalling China's strong entry into the global low-altitude aviation market. Image Source : Shanghai Volant Aviation Technology Co., Ltd. (Volant) At the inaugural International Low Altitude Economy Expo, Shanghai Volant Aviation Technology Co., Ltd. (Volant) entered a tripartite cooperation with Thailand's Pan Pacific Limited and China Aviation Technology International Engineering Co., Ltd. (AVIC Engineering). It also signals global confidence in Chinese aerospace...
LME aluminium price opens the week with a surge of 1.17%; Live warrants closed at 452,225 tonnes
On Monday, August 4, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price surged by USD 30.5 per tonne or 1.19 per cent and USD 30 per tonne or 1.17 per cent to halt at USD 2,574.5 per tonne and USD 2,575 per tonne. As per the London Metal Exchange (LME) price graph, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price ascended by USD 22 per tonne or 0.86 per cent and USD 23 per tonne or 0.90 per cent to peg at USD 2,568 per tonne and USD 2,570 per tonne. December 26 bid price and December 26 offer price gained USD 25 per tonne or 0.96 per cent to settle at USD 2,618 per tonne and USD 2,623 per tonne. Also Read: LME aluminium cash price drops to $2,544; live warrants rise to 449,300 tonnes LME aluminium 3-month Asian Reference Price on the other hand lost USD 13 per...
Ongoing energy crisis dents Iran’s alumina powder production by 3.1% Y-o-Y
According to the data revealed by the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organisation (IMIDRO), the alumina powder production in Iran stood at 74,425 tonnes for March 21 to July 22 2025. Compared to the first four months of the previous Iranian Calendar year (1403), the amount closed at 76,885 tonnes, reflecting a 3.1 per cent fall Y-o-Y. Energy crisis - the reason for Y-o-Y decrease? One of the main reasons for the Y-o-Y decrease can be attributed to the ongoing energy crisis. Widespread electricity shortages triggered power outages, urging industries to curtail or suspend operations, directly impacting alumina output during the period. Not only this, PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum) had previously encountered persistent power supply challenges,...
Swisstek Aluminium backs Sri Lanka’s 2030 renewable energy goal
Swisstek Aluminium has committed to supporting Sri Lanka in achieving its 2030 renewable energy targets by providing advanced solar mounting solutions. As the nation accelerates its transition to clean energy, Swisstek offers modular, prefabricated systems specifically designed to endure Sri Lanka's diverse climate, from coastal humidity to high-wind zones. Sri Lanka is making significant strides toward its 2030 renewable energy targets, to generate 70 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources. The country is gradually shifting away from fossil fuels by expanding its solar, wind, and hydropower generation capacity. Manufactured from high-grade, corrosion-resistant aluminium, Swisstek's mounting systems are ideal for both residential and commercial use. They are compatible with a...
Australia-based Aluminium Industries unlocks real-time growth of 250% with SYSPRO ERP
Aluminium Industries (Ai), a Melbourne-based Australian manufacturer, has recorded an impressive 250 per cent surge in business growth after implementing the SYSPRO ERP system. SYSPRO Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software streamlines business and financial management with powerful, industry-focused solutions that automate core processes to drive efficiency and growth. Focused initially on aluminium supply, the Australian company expanded its footprint with the acquisition of Pivotech, a leading shower screen manufacturer. This growth highlighted the limitations of its existing finance software, QuickBooks, which lacked the capabilities to manage multiple business divisions effectively, prompting a strategic shift to SYSPRO for more robust, scalable operations. Aluminium Industries...
LQDX finalises sale of ACL™ IP to Toyo Aluminium, enabling next-gen semiconductor solutions
LQDX, formerly known as Averatek Corp. and a developer of high-performance materials for advanced semiconductor manufacturing, has announced the successful divestiture of its Aluminum Clad Laminate IP (ACL™) intellectual property to Toyo Aluminium K.K. Toyo Aluminium, a global leader in speciality aluminium products serving the consumer, electronics, and automotive industries, will acquire specific IP rights to support the scale-up and commercialisation of ACL™. "We are thrilled to complete this transaction with Toyo Aluminium. Toyo Aluminium K.K has made a deep investment in the development of ACL™ technology, and their unique aluminium expertise enables continuing innovation and scale-up in the critical fields of advanced semiconductor packaging and fine-line IC-substrates," said Simon...
LME aluminium price shrinks by $31/t; Alumina price inches down to $369.09/t
On Thursday, July 31, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price witnessed significant drop of USD 30.5 per tonne or 1.16 per cent and USD 31 per tonne or 1.18 per cent, compared to the previous day. This drop can be attributed to the ongoing economic concerns in China, where manufacturing activity shrank for the fourth straight month. As per the LME price graph, from Monday to Thursday, the prices have shown a fluctuating output. On the same day, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price also declined by USD 33 per tonne or 1.24 per cent and USD 33.5 per tonne or 1.28 per cent. The prices closed at USD 2,581 per tonne and USD 2,581.5 per tonne. December 26 bid price and December 26 offer price dropped by USD 33 per tonne to halt at USD 2,625 per...
Unifor Local members at Dajcor Aluminum go on strike
Unifor Local 127 members at Dajcor Aluminum have hit the picket lines after discovering the company’s plan to remove equipment and bring in replacement workers. Tensions flared when employees voted down a tentative agreement on Tuesday, July 29, prompting the union to extend the strike deadline and urge Dajcor to return to the bargaining table with a better wage offer. Instead of negotiating, Canada-based Dajcor Aluminum doubled down sparking outrage by moving forward with efforts to relocate machinery and enlist non-union labour. Unifor is ramping up its Protect Canadian Jobs campaign as a wave of new threats puts domestic manufacturing in the crosshairs. “Any attempt to remove equipment from a Unifor facility or bring in scabs will always be met with the swiftest possible response from...
US’ first zero-landfill aluminium production facility set to launch in Texas County
Aluminz Corporation has unveiled plans to establish the United States’ first zero-landfill aluminium production facility in Titus County, Texas. The project, developed in collaboration with the Mount Pleasant City Council and the Mount Pleasant Economic Development Corporation (MPEDC), will span a 155-acre site under a 30-year lease agreement. Once operational, the facility is expected to create more than 130 permanent jobs in the region. “This initiative isn’t only good for Titus County and Aluminz; it will help drive growth for a wide ecosystem of partners and customers,” said Richard Mayenknecht, CEO of Aluminz. The project is set to generate 130 full-time jobs across operations, maintenance, and administration, all offering above-market wages, in addition to 75 skilled construction...
Ghana’s land ministry refutes $1.2B Rocksure bauxite deal cancellation as false & misleading
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has firmly denied reports suggesting the cancellation of a $1.2 billion bauxite lease awarded to Rocksure International in favour of foreign companies, calling the allegations false, baseless, and misleading. In a statement released on July 30, the Ministry clarified that no valid lease ever existed with Rocksure International, as Ghana’s 8th Parliament never ratified the proposed agreement before its dissolution in January 2025. This statement directly challenges claims that Ghana followed Guinea’s lead in revoking mining licenses, particularly Rocksure’s, in a strategic shift toward foreign partnerships. “No official valuation has confirmed that figure, suggesting the claim is a deliberate distortion meant to stir public discontent. Further...
LME aluminium benchmark price declines by $23.5/t; Alumina platts price inches down by $0.26/t
On Tuesday, July 29, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price witnessed a significant decline of USD 25 per tonne or 0.94 per cent and USD 23.5 per tonne or 0.89 per cent. The prices closed at USD 2,607 per tonne and USD 2,609 per tonne from USD 2,632 per tonne and USD 2,632.5 per tonne. Image Source: London Metal Exchange As per the LME price graph, 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price also declined by USD 24.5 per tonne or 0.93 per cent and USD 24 per tonne or 0.91 per cent to halt at USD 2,607 per tonne and USD 2,608 per tonne. December 26 bid price and December 26 offer price lost USD 13 per tonne or 0.48 per cent to clock at USD 2,652 per tonne and USD 2,657 per tonne. LME aluminium 3-month Asian Reference Price dropped by USD 26 per tonne or...
Molson Coors reports bearish Q1’25 with net sales dipping by 11.3%
Molson Coors Beverage Company rang in Q1 2025 on a challenging note, reminding investors and beverage lovers alike that even a brewing giant can feel the chill when global headwinds hit hard. In its first-quarter earnings release (Q1 2025), the company reported an 11.3 per cent decline in net sales, down to USD 2,304.1 billion from USD 2,596.4 billion, along with a significant drop in volumes. Financial and brand volumes both saw steep declines of 14.3 per cent and 8 per cent respectively, primarily due to reduced shipments and a deliberate scale down of contract brewing across the US and Canada. Gavin Hattersley, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "The macroeconomic environment and its broad effects on the beer industry and consumer, as well as competitive pressures in EMEA and...
Leoben researchers unlock new recycling solution from used aluminium coffee-capsules
Pop in the capsule, press a button, and your coffee's ready, a quick, clean, and convenient process. But behind that ease lies an environmental challenge. In Austria, even with a dedicated collection system for used coffee capsules, only about 30 per cent make it to recycling. Because a high amount of leftover coffee grounds is compared to the aluminium packaging, this complicates the melting process in smelters and makes recycling both technically and economically difficult. To tackle this, a team at the Chair of Nonferrous Metallurgy at Montanuniversität Leoben (Technical University of Leoben), in collaboration with industry partners, is working on an innovative treatment process. Their goal is to recover aluminium from used capsules and turn it into a new material, helping close the...
Kolkata Metro joins international standards, replaces 38-years old steel line with aluminium third rail
In a bold move to align with global green transit practices, Kolkata Metro, one of India’s oldest metro networks, is transforming significantly to enhance its services, overall efficiency and is also stepping into a cleaner, more efficient future. As per the latest news, Kolkata Metro’s ambitious third rail upgrade marked a significant milestone over the weekend, with a critical section of the Blue Line successfully modernised in Phase I of the project . The replacement of the traditional steel third rail with a high-conductivity aluminium rail was carried out on the Down Line between Shyambazar and Mahanayak Uttam Kumar, and on the Up Line from Shyambazar to Park Street . The latest installation was executed on Saturday night in the Main Line segment near Mahanayak Uttam Kumar station....
April records a monthly surge of 2400 tonnes in US aluminium semis imports, with South Korea bagging the top position
According to the US Geological Survey data, the United States’ total imports of aluminium plates, sheets and bars in April 2025 closed at 101,000 tonnes, reflecting Y-o-Y downfall of 12,000 tonnes or 10.61 per cent from 113,000 tonnes. From January to April 2025, the amount of aluminium plates, sheets and bars imported by the US closed at 425,000 tonnes, reflecting a surge of 20,000 tonnes or 4.93 per cent Y-o-Y from 405,000 tonnes. Month-on-Month (M-o-M), US aluminium plates, sheets, and bars imports in April 2025 recorded a substantial surge of 2400 tonnes from 98,600 tonnes recorded in March. The data also highlighted fluctuation in overall M-o-M import volumes, which is further illustrated in the graphical representation below. Top 3 plates, sheets and bars exporters to the US – April...
