AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
Alleged iPhone 18 Pro Max’s aluminium frames reveal three possible colour options
iPhone 18 Pro Max i mages are leaked that claim to show aluminium frames in three colours — Dark Cherry, Cloud Blue and black. While the names have not been confirmed by Apple, the leak gives a closer look at the rumoured dark red finish that has been linked to the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in earlier reports. The shade appears similar to the "dark cherry" or "red wine" colour that has been the subject of speculation in recent months. The leaked images also show a light blue variant called Cloud Blue. The colour appears brighter than the pale blue finish seen on Apple's MacBook Air models, while the black option follows the darker finishes typically offered in the Pro range. The images reportedly show aluminium body frames, though their authenticity has not been verified. For forward-thinking...
Cameroon moves forward with rail project linked to Minim Martap bauxite development
Cameroon, Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and Camalco signed a memorandum of understanding in Yaoundé on June 4 for the proposed Edéa–Kribi–Lolabé–Campo rail corridor. The agreement establishes a framework for discussions on the railway project, which is intended to connect the country's rail network with the deep-water Port of Kribi and support future mining exports. The signing ceremony took place at the Starland Hotel under the patronage of Transport Minister Jean Ernest Massena Ngallè Bibehe. The MoU covers discussions related to feasibility studies, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the railway infrastructure. It does not constitute a final investment decision. The corridor has featured in Cameroon's railway development plans for several years. In 2021, authorities...
Guyana considers alumina refinery in Berbice as part of industrial expansion plans
The Guyana government is considering the development of an alumina refinery in Berbice as part of its broader plans for energy and industrial expansion in the region. Speaking at the launch of a special edition of the EH+ Energy and Hydrocarbon Magazine in Georgetown on Wednesday, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, said planned investments in energy infrastructure could create opportunities for large-scale industrial development. According to the minister, the expansion of power generation capacity in Berbice could support the establishment of an industrial and petrochemical complex at the mouth of the Berbice River, including an alumina refinery to process Guyana's bauxite resources. An alumina refinery converts bauxite ore...
Sasol invests $69.7m to expand advanced alumina production in Germany
Sasol, a major chemicals company, is investing EUR 60 million (USD 69.7 million) to expand advanced materials and specialty chemicals production capacity of its Brunsbüttel, Germany, plant. This makes their alumina production even stronger. They'll use this cash to raise capacity at their current alumina sites. The plan centres on spherical alumina supports for advanced catalyst systems and similar stuff. So, Sasol is ramping up its game in some key areas of the industry. The expansion comes as demand rises for high-purity materials required in next-generation processing technologies. Sasol confirmed that all construction approvals for the project have already been secured and procurement activities are underway. The company expects to appoint a general contractor later this month, while...
Venezuela's bauxite reserves draw India's attention as mineral talks expand
As India looks to secure supplies of critical minerals and industrial raw materials, Venezuela's large bauxite reserves are attracting attention alongside its deposits of gold, diamonds, coltan and iron ore. The issue came up during a conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in New Delhi on Thursday, where mining and mineral resources were being discussed. Speaking after the meeting, Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs, said the discussions covered the broader mining sector, including critical minerals and other natural resources. Venezuela is home to some of Latin America's largest bauxite deposits, with the Los Pijiguaos region alone estimated to contain billions of tonnes of the ore. Bauxite is...
US lawmaker introduces bill to review aluminium supply chains
Haley Stevens, Congresswoman of Michigan, introduced the Secure Aluminium Supply Chains Act, a bill that is going to require a review of US aluminium scrap exports and their impact on the manufacturing sector of the country. This bill requires the US International Trade Commission (USITC) to conduct an investigation into aluminium scrap shipments to countries considered strategic competitors by the United States. Stevens said that aluminium is widely used across automotive, aerospace and defence industries, which makes it an important material for US manufacturers. The bill would require the USITC to examine where aluminium scrap exports are going and assess any economic or national security concerns linked to those exports. "Michigan workers know that strong supply chains are the...
Alcoa operations continue as Western Australia updates regulatory arrangements
The Government of Western Australia is updating the regulatory framework that applies to Alcoa's mining operations in the state. Alcoa currently operates under an exemption order issued as part of the state government's transitional approvals framework. The order allows the company to continue operating while the Environmental Protection Authority assesses its proposed bauxite mining activities. The Department of Energy and Economic Diversification is finalising an updated Mining Management Program (MMP) in consultation with relevant government agencies. As part of the process, the existing exemption order must be revised to align with the updated MMP. The first step involves issuing a notice of intention to revoke the current order. The revised MMP and updated exemption order are...
Hindalco aims for INR 10 billion in revenue from aluminium window business by FY29
Hindalco Industries is aiming to generate over INR 10 billion (USD 119 million) in revenue from its aluminium window business within the next three years. The business operates under the Eternia brand, which manufactures aluminium window systems for residential and commercial buildings. According to the company, Eternia has recorded nearly 65 per cent compound annual growth over the past three years. Hindalco said the growth target will be supported by a wider partner network, increased production capacity and growing demand for aluminium windows in India. The company estimates that India's windows and facade market is worth around INR 400 billion (USD 4.19 billion). It added that the premium segment is growing at nearly 15 per cent annually. Satish Pai, Managing Director of Hindalco...
Aluminium can shortage hits Indian beverage makers during peak summer demand
Beverage companies are facing a shortage of aluminium can sheets at a time when demand for soft drinks and beer has surged due to extreme summer temperatures across India. Industry executives said some companies have reduced production, while others are increasing the use of PET and glass bottles to meet demand. The shortage has been linked to India's dependence on imported aluminium can sheets. A large share of supplies comes from countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and recent shipping disruptions in West Asia have added to supply pressure. Industry sources said import delays related to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements had already affected supplies earlier this year before the situation worsened. The issue has also highlighted a gap in India's aluminium industry. The...
Vedanta Aluminium’s hydrogeological plan focuses on groundwater recharge and runoff management
Vedanta Aluminium has developed a hydrogeological blueprint for the Sijimali region in Odisha, with the aim of improving water availability and strengthening long-term water security. According to scientific studies conducted for the project, local water availability could increase by up to 200 per cent through better capture of rainwater runoff and improved groundwater recharge. The plan proposes a range of soil and water conservation measures, including contour bunding, check dams, settling ponds, slope stabilisation structures and a 7,500-metre drainage network. These interventions are designed to improve rainwater flow into local catchments and water bodies. Vedanta has shared that the project has been planned with measures to protect groundwater resources. Studies indicate that...
AM Green signs deal for second green ammonia project in India
Indian green hydrogen developer AM Green has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the VO Chidambaranar Port Authority for developing a green ammonia project in southern India. The facility is going to be constructed in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, and is planned to produce one million tonnes of green ammonia annually. According to the company, the project is intended to support the development of green fuel trade routes linking India with markets in Europe and Asia. The agreement marks AM Green's second large-scale green ammonia project. The company is already developing a one-million-tonne-per-year green ammonia facility in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, which is expected to begin operations by 2028. Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report – Global...
China’s alumina and hydrochloric acid trends provide support for the PAC market
China's polyaluminium chloride (PAC) market remained stable during May. As of May 31, the mainstream market price for solid industrial-grade PAC with a content level of at least 28 per cent was around RMB 1,811.67 (USD 267.62) per tonne, unchanged from the beginning of the month. Raw material costs provide support Raw materials, mainly alumina and hydrochloric acid, account for more than 60 per cent of PAC production costs. During May, the upstream electrolytic aluminium market showed fluctuating downward trends. At the same time, hydrochloric acid prices rose temporarily as chlor-alkali producers adjusted operating rates. These factors provided some cost support for PAC prices. However, the commissioning of new alumina production capacity increased supply in the market, limiting the...
Canada plans to prolong steel and aluminium tariffs as CUSMA renewal talks advance
The Canadian government announced plans on Wednesday to extend key steel and aluminium tariff measures for another year as it seeks to protect domestic producers from global trade distortions and import diversion. Subject to final approval, Canada's steel tariff-rate quotas for countries outside the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) will remain in place until June 27, 2027. The government will also extend tariff relief measures for eligible US steel and aluminium products until June 30, 2027. Under the framework, imports that exceed quota limits will continue to face a 50 per cent tariff. However, Canada will maintain exemptions for its CUSMA partners, the United States and Mexico, from these quota restrictions. François-Philippe Champagne, Canada's Minister of Finance and...
Higher crude puts pressure on OMCs as upstream producers benefit from price gains
Rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia are continuing to support higher crude oil prices, while aluminium prices have climbed to four-year highs, creating different outlooks for India's oil and metals sectors. According to Bharat Subramanian, Vice President of Equity Research at BofA Securities, tensions in West Asia remain the biggest factor influencing crude oil prices. He said a lasting ceasefire or truce could ease prices, but without one, the upward trend is likely to continue. Pressure on oil marketing companies Higher crude prices are creating challenges for India's oil marketing companies (OMCs). Rising oil costs are reducing petrol and diesel marketing margins, while losses on subsidised LPG sales have exceeded INR 650 (USD 6.79) per cylinder. Although excise duty cuts...
Australian unions push for state-backed green power to support aluminium industry
Australian unions have called on the federal government to establish a state-owned renewable energy company to provide low-cost electricity to aluminium smelters and other energy-intensive industries, arguing that private power markets are failing to deliver affordable long-term energy supplies. The proposal, outlined in a report by the McKell Institute and backed by the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), would create a new government-owned entity called "Sovereign Power" to build, own and operate renewable energy and storage projects and supply electricity to major industrial users at cost. According to the report, Sovereign Power could provide electricity at around AUD 65-66/MWh, significantly below current market contract prices of about AUD 117/MWh. The lower cost would stem from...
EU unveils made in Europe plan for aluminium and clean-tech sectors
The European Commission has proposed a new law to increase the use of European-made aluminium, steel and clean-tech products in projects receiving public funding. Known as the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), the proposal covers sectors including aluminium, steel, cement, batteries, solar power and electric vehicles. Under the draft rules, a portion of the aluminium used in public procurement projects would need to be both low-carbon and produced within the European Union, while certain clean-tech products would face new sourcing requirements. The legislation would also seek to reduce dependence on a single overseas supplier for clean-tech products and key components. In certain public procurement projects, no more than 50 per cent of the value of a clean-tech product or its key...
GMDC partners with Cambridge to launch India's first AI-powered rare earth observatory
Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) has signed a partnership with the University of Cambridge to establish what it describes as India's first AI-powered Rare Earth Observatory. The project will be developed over two years with an investment of GBP 600,000 (USD 805,965) and will operate from GMDC's International Centre of Excellence in Mining (iCEM). According to the company, the observatory will monitor the rare earth value chain from mining and processing to downstream manufacturing. It will also track prices, processing capacity, supply disruptions and other developments affecting global rare earth markets. GMDC is collaborating with the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) at the University of Cambridge on the project. The company said the platform will provide businesses and...
Italian shipyard Baglietto launches first Fast50 aluminium superyacht
Baglietto has launched the first unit of its 50-metre Fast50 series, the all-aluminium flagship of the shipyard's Fast range. The yacht, which was unveiled in 2024 and sold shortly after its debut, will now undergo final outfitting and sea trials ahead of its scheduled delivery later this year. Designed by Francesco Paszkowski, with naval architecture by Pierluigi Ausonio and interiors developed by Paszkowski in collaboration with Margherita Casprini, the yacht reinterprets Baglietto's heritage of high-performance aluminium vessels while incorporating design elements from the shipyard's more recent T-line models. The 50-metre yacht remains below the 500GT threshold and is powered by four MTU 2000 M96L engines, giving it a top speed of 30 knots. Developed entirely in aluminium, the vessel...
