AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
MMP Industries posts 64% jump in Q4 FY26 net profit, announces maiden dividend
MMP Industries Limited has reported a strong performance for the fourth quarter of FY26, recording growth in revenue, operating profit and net earnings on both a quarterly and yearly basis. The company, which manufactures aluminium powder, aluminium pastes and atomised powders for industries including construction, infrastructure, defence and industrial manufacturing, also announced a maiden final MMP Industries currently has a market capitalisation of around INR 70.6 million (USD 82.4 million), while its stock was trading near INR 279 (USD 3.26) per share. During Q4 FY26, revenue from operations rose around 23 per cent quarter-on-quarter to INR 2.5 billion (USD 29.2 million), compared with INR 2.03 billion (USD 23.7 million) in Q3 FY26. On a yearly basis, revenue increased nearly 12 per...
RHB keeps Buy on Press Metal as aluminium prices support earnings outlook
Press Metal Aluminium Holdings is expected to enter a stronger earnings phase as higher aluminium prices and easing raw material costs support profit growth in the coming quarters, according to RHB Research. RHB maintained its “Buy” recommendation on Press Metal with an unchanged target price of RM10.50 (USD 2.66), implying about 18 per cent upside from current levels. The brokerage said the company is benefiting from stronger aluminium prices and softer alumina costs, which could support earnings through FY2026. Press Metal Aluminium Holdings is scheduled to announce first-quarter FY2026 results on May 28. Analysts expect net profit in the range of RM650 million to RM720 million (USD 164.45 million to USD 182.15 million). That would represent a 5 to 15 per cent increase from the previous...
Kaiser Aluminum revenue rises 42% as institutional ownership remains above 99%
Kaiser Aluminum Corporation, a US-based producer of semi-fabricated aluminium products, saw changes in shareholder holdings during the fourth quarter, with Systematic Financial Management LP reducing its stake by 2.2 per cent, according to its latest filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The investment firm held 258,210 shares in Kaiser Aluminum at the end of the quarter after selling 5,791 shares. The holding was valued at about USD 29.66 million and represented approximately 1.59 per cent ownership in the company. Several other institutional investors also reported changes in their holdings. Vanguard Group increased its position by 0.3 per cent in the fourth quarter and held 2,117,791 shares valued at USD 243.25 million after purchasing an additional 5,823 shares....
Vedanta awards ₹285.8 million alumina transport wagon contract to Texmaco Rail
Texmaco Rail & Engineering has received a letter of award worth INR 285.8 million (USD 3 million) from Vedanta Aluminium for the supply of one BTAP alumina transportation rake along with one brake van or guard vehicle. The company said the contract value includes taxes and will be executed within six months from the date of the Notice to Proceed. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” Texmaco also clarified that neither its promoters nor promoter group entities have any interest in the awarding company, and the contract does not fall under related-party transactions. The latest order follows another contract awarded earlier by Vedanta Aluminium worth INR 571.5 million...
Norsk Hydro stays in focus as aluminium markets remain volatile
Norsk Hydro has remained in focus after releasing recent quarterly results and updating investors on dividends, spending plans and market conditions.The company is still dealing with a mix of weaker aluminium prices, unstable energy costs and uneven industrial demand, while at the same time trying to strengthen its position in low-carbon aluminium and recycling. Norsk Hydro is one of the few aluminium companies that operates across almost the full chain of production. Its business includes bauxite mining, alumina refining, primary aluminium production, extrusion, rolling products and recycling operations. A big advantage for the company is its hydropower business in Norway. The electricity generated there supports its smelting operations and also helps Hydro market itself as a...
Vietnamese-funded alumina project receives visit from Lao lawmaker
A high-level delegation from the Lao National Assembly visited Xekong province on May 23 to review progress on the Dakcheung bauxite and alumina development project, one of the largest industrial ventures currently underway in southern Laos. The delegation was headed by Sounthone Xayachak, who travelled to Dakcheung district to assess the implementation of the project being developed by Viet Phuong Group. The large-scale initiative forms part of the broader economic, scientific, and technical cooperation framework agreed between the governments of Laos and Vietnam. During the visit, project representatives outlined both the industrial scope of the development and its intended contribution to the region’s long-term growth. Speaking on behalf of the investor, Dinh Xuan Hoang explained that...
Indian government approves ZAM-based structures for residential solar
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has revised the approved material list for module mounting structures (MMS) used in residential rooftop solar systems under the ‘PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’ (Prime Minister’s free electricity scheme). Among the latest additions is Zinc Aluminium Magnesium (ZAM) alloy, which can now be used alongside galvanised iron, aluminium, hot-dip galvanised mild steel, and conventional mild steel for the fabrication of these structures. The change was introduced through an official memorandum issued by the ministry after repeated representations from industry stakeholders. Recommendations and technical feedback from the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) also played a role in the decision-making process. The amendment applies to the...
How Audi’s aluminium experiment changed the auto industry - and why Ford followed
Aluminium began reshaping modern car manufacturing in the 1990s when Audi introduced an aluminium-bodied luxury sedan at a time when steel still dominated the industry. For decades, steel had remained the standard material for vehicle bodies because it was strong, widely available and easier to manufacture at scale. But Audi started looking for alternatives after engineers found that the company’s flagship Audi V8 had become too heavy compared with competitors such as the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. A major reason for the added weight was Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which increased the car’s mass by around 220 pounds. The company wanted to reduce weight without compromising comfort, safety or structural strength. Under Ferdinand Piëch, Audi turned its attention to...
China eyes coal waste as new source of critical metals for EVs, chips and defence industries
China is exploring how coal waste could become a new domestic source of critical metals used in batteries, semiconductors, electric vehicles and defence-related industries, as the country moves to secure supplies of strategic raw materials. A recent report said fly ash and gangue produced during coal mining, washing and combustion may hold recoverable amounts of germanium, aluminium, lithium and gallium. These metals are used in sectors ranging from electronics and optics to energy storage, advanced manufacturing and military equipment. The study suggested coal should no longer be treated only as an energy resource, as waste generated through mining and power generation can also contain valuable metallic elements. Fly ash left behind after coal combustion and gangue removed during mining...
Anheuser-Busch to distribute 1.5 million cans of emergency water to volunteer firefighters
Anheuser-Busch has announced a new partnership effort with the National Volunteer Fire Council to distribute more than 1.5 million cans of emergency drinking water to volunteer fire departments across the United States ahead of the summer wildfire season. This marks the eighth consecutive year of collaboration between the two organisations. The emergency water supply will be distributed to more than 630 volunteer fire departments across 45 states through Anheuser-Busch’s network of brewery and wholesaler partners. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” According to the company, more than 60 per cent of firefighters in the United States are volunteers, many of whom...
India rejects China’s move for WTO dispute panel on solar sector support measures
India has blocked China’s first request at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to establish a dispute panel over India’s support measures for solar cells, solar modules and information technology sectors. China had requested the formation of a dispute settlement panel earlier this month after bilateral consultations between the two countries failed to resolve the matter. The request was discussed during a meeting of the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body in Geneva on May 22. To gain insights into the the current aluminium extrusions market, explore our report The World of Aluminium Extrusions – Industry Forecast to 2032 China’s complaint, filed in December last year, challenges India’s tariff measures on certain technology imports and incentive schemes that encourage the use of domestically...
Thatchman rolls out aluminium welding certification for complex vehicle repair technicians
Thatcham Research has launched a new aluminium welding certification programme aimed at helping vehicle repair technicians work on modern aluminium vehicle structures, including megacast components. The certification has been introduced as vehicle manufacturers increasingly adopt aluminium-intensive designs and megacasting techniques to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce weight and support electric vehicle development. Megacasting involves producing large sections of a vehicle body as a single aluminium casting instead of using multiple steel components. The process, first associated with Tesla, is now also being adopted by companies including Toyota and Ford. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036:...
Italy records 92.8% aluminium beverage can recycling rate in 2025
CIAL said Italy’s aluminium packaging recycling rate reached 69.5 per cent in 2025, while aluminium beverage cans achieved a significantly higher recycling rate of 92.8 per cent. According to the consortium, the country’s overall aluminium packaging recovery rate stood at 72.9 per cent during the year. Although the recovery figure was slightly lower than the adjusted 2024 level, CIAL said this was mainly due to a 7 per cent increase in the volume of aluminium packaging placed on the market rather than weaker recycling performance. The organisation added that changes in calculation methods under updated European regulations also affected the figures, including adjustments related to aluminium content in composite packaging materials. Around 65,000 tonnes of aluminium were reportedly sent...
Century Aluminum faces earnings pressure from energy costs and aluminium price swings
Century Aluminum Company has returned to investor’s focus after its recent quarterly results showed how falling aluminium prices and high power costs are affecting profitability. The company is also continuing to spend on expansion and low-carbon projects, adding pressure to near-term earnings. The aluminium producer operates smelters in the United States and Europe and supplies primary aluminium products to industries such as automotive, packaging, construction and manufacturing. Its financial performance is closely linked to London Metal Exchange aluminium prices, while regional premiums, alumina costs and electricity rates also have a major impact on margins. Power remains one of the company’s most important cost factors because aluminium smelting consumes large amounts of electricity....
Red mud back in focus as Jamaica pursues mining expansion
Jamaica is once again turning its attention to an overlooked by-product of the bauxite industry that officials believe could hold substantial economic value. During his presentation in the House of Representatives for the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate on May 13, Floyd Green outlined fresh efforts to develop commercial opportunities linked to bauxite residue, more commonly referred to as Jamaican red mud. According to the minister, interest in the material is not new. More than ten years ago, Japanese company Nippon Light Metal collaborated with the Jamaica Bauxite Institute to investigate the composition of the residue. There was an unusual high concentration of rare earth elements in their findings, which is almost 25 times higher than those typically found within the upper continental crust....
The aluminium-built voyager 56 Fly makes its debut
Dutch yacht builder Van den Hoven Jachtbouw has unveiled the Voyager 56 Fly, a new aluminium adventure cruiser designed to expand outdoor living space while maintaining the long-range cruising capabilities of the Voyager series. Constructed with an aluminium hull and cabin structure, the Voyager 56 Fly is designed to be lighter than similarly sized fiberglass boats, helping improve fuel efficiency and speed. The yacht is powered by twin Volvo D6-600 diesel engines with straight shafts, delivering a cruising speed of about 18 knots and a top speed ranging from 22 to 25 knots. The new model is based on the Voyager 56 Coupe platform and introduces a discreet low-profile flybridge that nearly doubles the vessel’s open-air social areas. The flybridge includes an upper helm station, L-shaped...
Germany’s aluminium recycling output drops 3% Y-o-Y; Recovery looks lean in 2026
Aluminium Deutschland said Germany’s aluminium sector remains under pressure after production declined further during the first quarter of 2026, with most companies not expecting conditions to improve by the end of the year. According to the association, Germany produced 684,564 tonnes of recycled aluminium during the first quarter, down around 3 per cent compared with the same period last year. The industry continues to face major raw material challenges, with 85 per cent of surveyed companies reporting shortages of aluminium scrap. Within the recycled aluminium segment, refiners increased production by 2 per cent to 128,639 tonnes, while remelters recorded a 4 per cent decline to 555,925 tonnes, making them the main contributor to the sector’s overall weakness. Demand from key customer...
Gulf aluminium output falls 35% y-o-y as Middle East crisis disrupts smelters
Primary aluminium production in the Gulf dropped to its weakest level in more than a decade in April as the ongoing Iran war disrupted smelter operations and raw material supplies across the region, according to preliminary data released by the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) on Wednesday. The Gulf produced 330,000 tonnes of primary aluminium in April, marking a 35 per cent decline from the same month in 2025, the IAI said. The sharp fall highlights the growing pressure on aluminium producers in the region as the conflict continues to affect logistics and supply chains. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” The Gulf accounts for around 8 per cent of global...
