AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
LME aluminium cash offer price slips 1.51% to $3,797/t on June 3; opening stocks decline to 335,450t
After the spike in the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices on the June 2 session, June 3 closed with an easing trend. The LME aluminium cash bid price declined to USD 3,796.5 per tonne on June 3 from USD 3,854 per tonne on June 2, marking a decrease of around 1.49 per cent. The LME aluminium cash offer price also eased 1.51 per cent to USD 3,797 per tonne on June 3 from USD 3,855 per tonne in the previous session. In the three-month contract segment, the LME aluminium 3-month bid price stood at USD 3,721 per tonne on June 3, down 0.83 per cent from USD 3,752 per tonne recorded on June 2. The 3-month offer price fell 0.79 per cent to USD 3,723 per tonne from USD 3,752.5 per tonne. Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report – Global Bauxite &...
BYD says new aluminium frame cuts weight and improves strength in Yangwang U8L
Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD says its new aluminium frame technology has reduced vehicle weight while improving structural performance in the Yangwang U8L SUV. According to the company, the frame is around 56 kg (more than 120 lbs.) lighter than a comparable steel structure and has passed a 12-tonne lifting test. The U8L project focused on developing a full-size vehicle frame capable of delivering high strength and corrosion resistance without the weight penalty associated with conventional steel-intensive designs. BYD engineers evaluated multiple material options, including advanced steel and titanium alloys, before selecting aerospace-grade 6-series and 7-series aluminium alloys. A key part of the project was the adoption of a low-pressure casting process jointly developed with...
Europe’s aluminium sector hit by rising costs, lower output and weak demand
High energy prices continue to pressure the European aluminium industry, with market participants warning that costs could rise further if disruption risks around the Strait of Hormuz persist. Europe’s summer energy restocking season could add further strain to supplies and increase the risk of additional price spikes, market analysts said. Aluminium production is heavily dependent on electricity. The International Aluminium Institute estimates that producing one tonne of aluminium requires around 14–15 megawatt-hours of electricity. The European Commission said on May 8 that there were no immediate concerns regarding EU energy security, although it warned that “global price spikes remain a concern.” High power prices continue to affect aluminium producers across Europe. According to...
Meadow launches aluminium-based refill system for consumer goods market
Meadow has unveiled a refill system built around aluminium packaging, aimed at consumer goods companies seeking to reduce waste and comply with new packaging regulations. The launch comes as businesses prepare for stricter packaging requirements under the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and California’s Senate Bill 54 (SB54). Aluminium plays a central role in the system’s design. The company said the metal’s durability and recyclability make it suitable for repeated use, while its protective properties help preserve product quality. According to Meadow, the refill solution has been designed for retail and commercial environments with a focus on operational efficiency, product protection and waste reduction. Explore: The most comprehensive and...
US DOE backs rare earth recovery projects with $134M funding
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced USD 134 million in funding for two projects focused on recovering rare earth elements from waste materials. The funding will support projects being developed by the Colorado School of Mines and Phoenix Tailings as part of efforts to increase the availability of rare earth materials within the United States. One of the projects will be built near the Gramercy alumina refinery in Louisiana. The facility will process red mud, a waste product generated during alumina production from bauxite. The project aims to recover rare earth oxides from the material and convert them into rare earth metals that can be used by industry. The Colorado School of Mines is carrying out the project with support from ElementUSA, Pacific Northwest National...
Gulf aluminium producers accelerate overseas acquisitions amid geopolitical and supply chain risks
Aluminium producers in the Gulf are increasing overseas acquisitions and investments as they seek to strengthen supply chains, expand market access and reduce exposure to regional risks. The trend comes as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz highlight the vulnerability of regional supply chains. Gulf producers currently account for close to 10 per cent of global aluminium output. The expansion drive also coincides with expectations of rising global aluminium demand. Industry forecasts project demand to exceed 92 million tonnes by 2031, supported by growth in electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure and sustainable packaging. According to Jamal Banoun, manager of the Riyadh-based SMS Economic Consulting Centre, overseas...
Proposed Oklahoma aluminium smelter project becomes key issue in governor’s race
The proposed aluminium smelter in Inola, Oklahoma, has moved to the centre of the state’s gubernatorial race after Oklahoma Attorney General and governor candidate Gentner Drummond filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the project. Drummond said his concerns relate to the facility’s potential impact on local electricity and water supplies, possible effects on air quality and the involvement of foreign ownership in the project. The proposed facility would occupy more than 350 acres at the Port of Inola and has been under development for the past year. The project also received support from Oklahoma lawmakers, who approved a USD 255 million incentive package to help attract the investment to the state. Not all candidates share the same view on the proposal. Governor candidate Mike Mazzei voiced...
Capral Aluminium expands Victorian footprint through new Geelong facility
Establishment of the new trade centre at Geelong is another way of consolidating Capral Aluminium’s presence in regional Victoria. This marks a significant development for the company as it seeks to extend its reach to serve the needs of regional Victoria. This is just one more step taken by the company in investing in the Australian manufacturing industry. The Geelong aluminium trade centre has been established to improve access to a comprehensive range of aluminium products for local businesses, manufacturers, fabricators and tradespeople. Customers will benefit from a wide selection of aluminium extrusions, sheet, plate and rolled products, supported by expert local assistance and Capral’s extensive national supply network. The expansion also builds on Capral’s earlier efforts to...
Neom wraps up hybrid dive boat acquisition with fourth and final aluminium vessel delivery
The final boat in a four-vessel order for Saudi Arabian urban developer Neom has now been delivered by Spanish shipbuilder Moggaro Aluminium Yachts, bringing the project to completion. According to Moggaro, the latest handover took place after a period of uncertainty caused by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. In a social media update, the company said the vessel had safely reached its destination and was prepared to enter service. The contract covered the manufacturing of four hybrid-powered dive boats, each measuring 16 metres in length. The first of the series entered service in 2025 and is based at Neom’s Sindalah Sports Complex. Neom commissioned the hybrid aluminium-inclusive vessels to support both scuba-diving operations and a range of recreational outings. Alongside...
Ireland reviews Aughinish’s 80% alumina export data with further scrutiny
Irish authorities are examining export data submitted by Aughinish Alumina after questions were raised over the volume of alumina shipped from the Limerick-based refinery to Russia. The review follows reports that more than 80 per cent of Aughinish’s alumina exports during the first quarter of 2026 were destined for Russia. However, Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, said the figures may not accurately reflect the company’s actual export distribution. According to Burke, the proportion of exports sent to Russia was closer to 45 per cent, with a similar share supplied to European and other international markets. Ireland’s Department of Enterprise confirmed it had been informed of a discrepancy in export volumes reported by the company and said Aughinish...
Victura Group names automotive lighting industry veteran Vineet Sahani as CEO
Automotive industry executive Vineet Sahni has joined Victura Group as Chief Executive Officer, a few weeks after stepping down as CEO and director of Fiem Industries. Headquartered in Faridabad, Victura Group manufactures precision components, sub-assemblies and systems for automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in domestic and international markets. Its product portfolio includes sheet metal stampings, sheet frames, exhaust system components, forged and machined parts, pressure pipes, aluminium castings and other engineered products used in passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, commercial vehicles, electric vehicles and off-highway equipment. Sahni brings more than two decades of experience in the automotive components industry. Over his career, he has held leadership positions at Fiem...
Aluminium and copper price hike expected to lead Indian cable and wire sector towards 30% revenue growth
India’s cable and wire industry is expected to report revenue growth of 28-30 per cent in FY27, supported not only by infrastructure demand but also by tighter global supplies nd increasing prices of aluminium and copper, according to a report by Crisil Ratings. The sector is expected to benefit from an investment pipeline of INR 10-12 trillion (USD 105-126 billion) across power transmission, renewable energy, real estate, data centres and smart meter projects. The growth forecast comes after the industry recorded more than 20 per cent volume-led growth in FY26. Crisil’s analysis covers 17 cable and wire manufacturers that account for nearly 70 per cent of the organised sector’s revenue of around INR 1 trillion (USD 10.5 billion). Organised companies contribute nearly two-thirds of the...
Chalco, China Hongqiao among aluminium firms to gain share value amid tighter Guinea bauxite supplies forecast
Shares of major aluminium producers in Hong Kong moved higher, supported by rising alumina prices and concerns about future bauxite supplies from Guinea. Among the gainers, China Aluminum Corporation rose 3.4 per cent to HKD 11.25 (USD 1.44), while China Hongqiao Group gained 3.36 per cent to HKD 29.52 (USD 3.77). Shares of Nanshan Aluminum International were also up 1.27 per cent at HKD 36.70 (USD 4.68). The move followed a recent increase in alumina prices. According to industry data cited by China Nonferrous Metals Network, alumina prices have climbed above CNY 2,800 (USD 413.88) per tonne, reaching their highest level in recent months. Market sentiment has been influenced by reports of Guinea introducing new export controls on bauxite beginning in June. Guinea is one of the world's...
Canovation, CANPACK team up to advance resealable aluminium can technology
Canovation and CANPACK have announced a collaboration to support the next phase of development for CanReseal, a resealable aluminium can-end system. The partnership is intended to help move the technology from late-stage development toward pilot-scale deployment and future commercial applications. Under the agreement, the two companies will work on the remaining development and manufacturing activities needed to prepare CanReseal for implementation on pilot production lines. Canovation said the collaboration combines its proprietary resealable can-end technology with CANPACK’s manufacturing expertise and global presence in the beverage packaging sector. The companies aim to bridge the gap between product development and large-scale manufacturing by focusing on technical validation and...
New Zealand opens safeguard investigation into aluminium extrusion imports
New Zealand has opened a safeguard investigation into imports of certain aluminium extrusion products, according to a notification circulated by the country to the World Trade Organization Committee on Safeguards on May 28, 2026. The investigation was initiated by New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and relates to aluminium alloy profiles, bars and rods manufactured using extrusion processes. The products under review fall under tariff classifications 7604.21.00 00B, covering hollow profiles, and 7604.29.09 00F for other aluminium extrusion products. According to the notification, the investigation covers extrusions produced from alloys belonging to the 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 series under the Aluminium Association classification system. For forward-thinking...
Chalco clears third unlocking phase under 2021 restricted share incentive plan
Aluminum Corporation of China (Chalco) has confirmed that the conditions for the third unlocking period of restricted A shares issued under its 2021 restricted share incentive plan have been met. The company said the latest unlocking follows a series of earlier adjustments made to the scheme, including the repurchase and cancellation of restricted shares that did not meet vesting requirements. Previous rounds of share unlockings and listings have also been completed as part of the programme. The incentive scheme is designed to link employee compensation with company performance while helping retain key personnel. The latest unlocking indicates that the relevant performance and vesting conditions have been achieved for the eligible participants. Explore: The most comprehensive and...
200 companies join Johannesburg roadshow to bolster EU’s critical minerals and energy cooperation with South Africa
Around 200 companies attended a European Union investment roadshow in Johannesburg on June 1 as the bloc moved forward with plans to invest EUR 12 billion (USD 13.98 billion) in South Africa’s critical mineral endeavours. The event was held as competition continues to grow globally for access to critical minerals used in clean energy, defence and artificial intelligence. Hosted at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the roadshow was the first major effort to mobilise investment under the 2025 EU-South Africa Clean Trade and Investment Partnership. South Africa used the meeting to reiterate its position that mineral-producing countries should gain more value through local processing and industrial development instead of only exporting raw materials. Trade Minister Parks Tau said, “Our...
Canpack partners with Art of Packaging to boost aluminium can design innovation
Canpack has partnered with Art of Packaging to encourage young designers, students and emerging creative talent to explore new possibilities in aluminium can design. The collaboration aims to position aluminium cans as a creative platform while helping designers understand how bold concepts can be translated into commercially viable packaging solutions. Through the initiative, the two organisations will encourage participants to rethink conventional design limitations and develop ideas that combine creativity with real-world production requirements. Canpack said its expertise in eight-colour dry offset printing and decorative effects would help bridge the gap between creative ambition and execution, enabling more advanced and production-ready can designs. “Partnering with Art of Packaging...
