AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
India-EU FTA targets CBAM compliance support for aluminium exporters and SMEs
India has said that its free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union includes a dedicated roadmap to address concerns over the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), with officials expressing confidence that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will not face significant difficulties in complying with the new rules. Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce Darpan Jain said the CBAM was a major focus during the India-EU trade negotiations, resulting in a separate annexure within the agreement that outlines measures to deal with the mechanism. He said, "The first pillar is that, in case of flexibility in future, that will be available to India. So there is an obligation in that." Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report —...
Impact advances Lake Hope HPA project, reports A$2.08m cash balance in June quarter
Impact Minerals has advanced its Lake Hope High Purity Alumina (HPA) Project in Western Australia during the June quarter, completing key processing studies, progressing engineering work and commencing a pilot plant programme. The company reported further progress in producing high-purity alumina for semiconductor, battery and advanced technology applications, while expanding customer engagement and technical testing. The project is designed to produce 10,000 tonnes per year of HPA with a Pre-Feasibility Study estimating an NPV10 of AUD 1.2 billion (USD 844 million). Lake Hope project advances toward DFS Engineering work during the quarter focused on refining the project's processing flowsheet. CPC Engineering shortlisted technology options for the alumina calciner and identified two...
ALCOA announces quarterly dividend, set for August 27, 2026
Alcoa Corporation has declared a quarterly cash dividend of USD 0.10 per common share, with the payment scheduled for August 27, 2026 , as the global alumina and aluminium producer continues its shareholder returns programme. The dividend was approved by the company's Board of Directors and will be paid to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 11, 2026. The announcement applies to Alcoa's common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: AA) and Chess Depositary Interests (CDIs) traded on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: AAI). The ex-dividend date has been set for August 10, 2026. To know the futuristic market and value proposition of red mud, explore the report "A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue (Red Mud): Sustainability, Resource Recovery...
LA Metals to invest in laser cutting and expanded aluminium production following management buyout
LA Metals, a UK company that supplies and fabricates aluminium extrusion products, is moving into a new growth stage after a management buyout. The deal will help fund higher production capacity, new manufacturing capabilities, and further expansion. The Smethwick-based company, which supplies aluminium extrusion products to customers including Next, Burger King and the UK Ministry of Defence, has been acquired by Finance Director Justin Bates and Operations Director Chris Grierson through a management buyout. Founded in 1987, LA Metals initially operated as a business-to-business supplier of aluminium extrusion products and custom fabrication services. In 2022, the company expanded its offering by launching Aluminium Online, enabling customers to purchase standard and bespoke aluminium...
Majority stake sale is not the only path to modernise VALCO, industry analysts argue
Industry analysts have argued against allowing a strategic investor to acquire up to a 70 per cent stake in the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), stating that Ghana's estimated USD 48 billion bauxite reserves could provide an alternative route to financing the state-owned aluminium producer's modernisation. They have argued that Ghana should explore financing options backed by its mineral resources rather than relinquishing majority ownership of VALCO in exchange for a proposed USD 600 million investment. "We are sitting on bauxite worth USD 48 billion, yet we claim we cannot raise USD 600 million. Isn't that strange?" they said. According to the analysts, the country's aluminium industry has the potential to become a cornerstone of Ghana's industrialisation strategy, making it important...
Environmental group questions aspects of Alcoa's Western Australia gallium project
An environmental advocacy group has raised questions about Alcoa Corporation's planned gallium production project in Western Australia, citing concerns over the proposed expansion of mining activities and the suitability of the region's bauxite resources for gallium extraction following the project's final investment decision. The comments were made by the Jarrahdale Forest Protectors (JFP) after Australia, Japan and the United States, together with Alcoa, confirmed plans to establish a gallium production facility at the company's Wagerup alumina refinery in Western Australia. According to the organisation, expanding gallium production from the region could result in additional mining activity across the Northern Jarrah Forest and the Darling Range if legislative changes are introduced to...
A2MP takeover bid casts doubt over Cameroon bauxite project's expansion plans
Cameroon's flagship Minim-Martap bauxite project has come under fresh scrutiny after majority shareholder A2MP Investments launched a takeover bid for Canyon Resources, arguing that rising freight costs, lower marketing premiums and higher operating expenses could undermine the project's economics in its current form. A2MP, which already owns 55.56 per cent of Canyon Resources, is seeking full control of the Australian mining company through an unsolicited off-market takeover offer. If successful, the company plans to reassess the scale of the Minim-Martap Bauxite Project, potentially replacing Canyon's original development strategy with a smaller operation integrated into A2MP's broader African aluminium value chain. Higher costs put Minim-Martap economics under scrutiny At the centre of...
AMAG raises 2026 EBITDA guidance after H1 profit jumps 74%
Austrian aluminium producer AMAG Austria Metall AG has upgraded its full-year earnings outlook after delivering a strong first half of 2026, supported by higher aluminium prices, record shipments from its Rolling Division and a successful production ramp-up at its Ranshofen facility. While geopolitical tensions and working capital requirements continued to weigh on cash flow, stronger operational performance across the business helped offset market uncertainties and reinforced the company's confidence for the remainder of the year. AMAG reported a solid improvement across its key financial indicators during the first six months of 2026, reflecting stronger pricing conditions and improved operational execution. Revenue: EUR 850.7 million (USD 978.3 million), up 8.2 per cent year on year...
Alurion begins independent journey as A$50m IPO accelerates Amargosa bauxite-gallium project
Alurion Resources Limited has begun trading on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) after raising AUD 50 million (USD 35 million) through its initial public offering (IPO), providing fresh capital to advance the Amargosa Bauxite-Gallium Project in Bahia, Brazil. This is the start of a new chapter for the standalone explorer, which will focus exclusively on developing one of Brazil's emerging bauxite and gallium assets as demand grows for aluminium raw materials and critical minerals. The company commenced quotation on July 31, 2026, following its admission to the Official List on July 29. The proceeds from the IPO are expected to accelerate exploration and early-stage development of the USD 119 million Amargosa project, positioning Alurion to independently pursue opportunities in both...
Vedanta Aluminium eyes 194.7% Q1 profit growth as higher aluminium prices strengthen earnings
Vedanta Aluminium Metal Ltd (VAML) is expected to report a strong set of results for the June quarter (Q1 FY27), with analysts forecasting a 194.7 per cent year-on-year rise in net profit, supported by higher aluminium prices, increased production and continued progress in backward integration. The recently demerged Vedanta Group company is also declared its first interim dividend of INR 8 (USD 0.084) per equity share for FY27. Kotak Institutional Equities estimates the company will report a net profit of INR 5,693.5 crore (USD 595 million), nearly three times higher than the INR 1,932.3 crore (USD 202 million) recorded in the corresponding quarter last year. Revenue is projected to increase 37.5 per cent year-on-year to INR 20,013.7 crore (USD 2.1 billion), compared with INR 14,556 crore...
Bell Bay Aluminium faces uncertain future amid stalled power deal and subsidy debate
The Rio Tinto -owned aluminium smelter is still negotiating a new power supply agreement with state-owned Hydro Tasmania. The current agreement expires on December 31, and industry sources indicate Rio Tinto has set the end of August as the deadline to reach a new deal before considering closure of the facility. The uncertainty comes shortly after the closure of the Liberty Bell Bay manganese smelter, raising concerns about the future of heavy industry in northern Tasmania. Bell Bay Aluminium consumes around 355 megawatts of electricity, accounting for approximately 25 per cent of Tasmania's total power demand. Beyond its role as a major aluminium producer, the smelter also helps maintain stability in the state's electricity network by adjusting its power consumption under the System...
Metro Mining achieves record 1.8m WMT Q2 bauxite shipments despite cyclone disruption
Metro Mining has reported record quarterly bauxite shipments for the three months ended June 30, 2026, despite operational disruptions caused by Tropical Cyclone Narelle and the temporary dry-docking of its Offshore Floating Terminal (OFT) Ikamba. The company shipped 1.8 million wet metric tonnes (WMT) of bauxite during the quarter, up 7 per cent from the corresponding period of 2025, while maintaining its full-year shipment guidance of 6.6-7.1 million WMT. Chief Executive Officer Simon Wensley said, “In June, we demonstrated proof of concept of our new integrated planning and operating system and aligned management structure, thanks to focused efforts from Metro and contractor teams.” He added, “Achievement of record Q2 output was pleasing given the post-cyclone recovery and the absence...
VBX shifts from explorer to developer as Wuudagu gains funding momentum
VBX is entering a new phase in the evolution of its flagship Wuudagu Bauxite Project, with the company moving beyond exploration after securing preliminary funding and offtake pathways while advancing the technical studies needed to develop the Western Australian asset into a producing bauxite mine. The transition comes as Wuudagu continues to build momentum through resource growth, improving project economics and commercial discussions, positioning the project closer to a fully funded development pathway. Funding marks next step towards development The latest milestone came after VBX signed a non-exclusive framework agreement with the Hong Kong subsidiary of a major Chinese aluminium group, creating a pathway for both project investment and long-term bauxite sales. Under the proposed...
Metlen lands landmark US gallium supply deal as Europe builds alternative critical minerals chain
Europe's efforts to build an alternative supply chain for critical raw materials have taken another step forward after Metlen signed a landmark long-term agreement to supply a leading US technology company with approximately 25 per cent of the annual gallium output from its planned production facility in Greece. The agreement, described by Metlen as the first major commercial gallium supply agreement between a European producer and a leading US technology company, will draw material from the company's planned Greek facility, which is expected to produce 50 tonnes of gallium annually from 2028. Gallium forms alloys with metals including aluminium, gold and silver, making it an essential raw material for artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced renewable energy infrastructure,...
Constellium defies market uncertainty with record quarterly EBITDA, raises 2026 outlook
Constellium has delivered its strongest quarterly operating performance despite economic and geopolitical uncertainty, prompting the aluminium products manufacturer to raise its full-year 2026 guidance and bring its 2028 financial targets within reach two years ahead of schedule. The record quarter was driven by stronger performance across all operating segments, supported by improving aerospace and transportation markets, supply shortages in North America's automotive rolled products sector, robust recycling operations in Europe and North America, and disciplined cost control. Record operating performance across businesses Second-quarter shipments totalled 381 thousand metric tonnes, down 1 per cent compared with the same period last year. However, revenue climbed 31 per cent year on...
Vedanta expands accessibility initiative across Odisha, supporting people with disabilities and the elderly
Vedanta Aluminium has expanded its assistive support initiative across Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts in Odisha, extending accessibility support to people with disabilities and elderly residents as part of its wider community development programme. The latest phase of the initiative covered Jamkhani, Girisima, Jharpalam, R&R Colony Mendra, Garjanjore, Bileimunda, Chhatabar and Ghogharpalli, where 19 wheelchairs were distributed to identified beneficiaries. Similar support had previously been provided in Kuraloi. 49 beneficiaries supported With the latest distribution, 49 beneficiaries have now received wheelchairs and hearing aids aimed at improving mobility, accessibility and participation in everyday life. Vedanta Aluminium Coal Mines CEO Amaresh Kumar said the initiative reflects...
Rio Tinto's aluminium business remains key earnings driver as H1 EBITDA rises 28%
Rio Tinto reported a strong first half of 2026, with its aluminium business remaining one of the company's key earnings drivers alongside copper and lithium. Together, the three commodities contributed more than 50 per cent of the Group's underlying EBITDA during the period. The miner posted an underlying EBITDA of USD 14.8 billion, up 28 per cent year-on-year, while free cash flow increased 75 per cent to USD 3.8 billion. Underlying earnings rose 43 per cent to USD 6.85 billion, allowing the company to declare an interim dividend of USD 3.4 billion, up 43 per cent from a year earlier. Rio Tinto said its aluminium operations maintained strong performance during the first six months of the year, with primary aluminium production remaining steady at 1.68 million tonnes. Higher output from...
Middle East export ban disrupts aluminium scrap trade, pushing India toward new markets
India's aluminium scrap importers are looking beyond the Middle East for supplies after several Gulf countries imposed a ban on aluminium scrap exports from June 10, disrupting shipments from one of the country's key sourcing regions. The restrictions have prompted importers to explore alternative suppliers in Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia as they seek to secure raw material for India's secondary aluminium industry. Aluminium scrap is the primary feedstock for secondary aluminium production, which supplies metal to the automotive, electrical, construction, packaging, consumer durables and engineering sectors. India depends heavily on overseas supplies, with around 80 per cent of its aluminium scrap requirement met through imports. To know the aluminium...
