AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
Jamaica’s mining sector fuels economic growth with $612M earnings from bauxite, alumina exports
Jamaica’s government said the mining sector remains a major contributor to the national economy, accounting for around 2 per cent of GDP while generating roughly 85 per cent of the country’s traditional export earnings. Speaking during the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in Parliament, Floyd Green said export earnings from Jamaica’s bauxite and alumina sector reached USD 612 million in 2025. He added that investment in the mining sector increased from USD 251 million to USD 326 million last year. Green said the sector continues to attract investment despite operational disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa, which affected mining infrastructure and production capacity in late 2025. According to the minister, Windalco completed a new haulage road project in St. Ann worth around USD 29 million,...
Recycling contest backed by CMI drives over 3 million aluminium beverage can recycling
The aluminium packaging industry has wrapped up the 2025–2026 Million Cans Recycling Contest, an initiative spearheaded by the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) to strengthen supplies of used beverage cans (UBCs) while encouraging practical recycling education in schools and communities. During this latest edition of the programme, pupils from 56 primary schools spread across 14 US states collected and recycled more than 3 million aluminium drinks cans. Over the past three years, the competition has now recovered upwards of 6.5 million cans in total. That volume represents roughly 188,000 pounds of aluminium diverted away from landfill sites, approximately the same weight as the airframe of a commercial Boeing 737. Expansion through a new non-profit model A major development for the...
Hydro and Parsons Healthy Materials Lab partner on low-carbon aluminium research for buildings
Hydro has partnered with Parsons Healthy Materials Lab to examine how recycled and low-carbon aluminium can support more sustainable building and construction practices. The collaboration will explore how advances in recycling technology and renewable energy-powered aluminium production are reshaping aluminium’s role in the built environment and influencing material choices across the construction sector. Aluminium has traditionally been viewed as a carbon-intensive construction material because of emissions linked to primary production. However, increasing use of recycled aluminium and cleaner energy sources is helping lower the material’s carbon footprint significantly. According to Hydro, recycled aluminium is increasingly being recognised as a lower-emission option for...
Indonesia targets bauxite miners with heavy penalties over processing setbacks
Indonesia is tightening oversight of its downstream mineral policy after several bauxite miners failed to complete refining projects required under national regulations. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) said a number of companies had been penalised for not proceeding with smelter and processing plant construction linked to Indonesia’s push for value-added mineral production. Speaking during a hearing with Commission XII of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Director General of Minerals and Coal Tri Winarno said the penalties imposed on some operators reached as high as USD 10 million. He confirmed that more than one company had been sanctioned but did not identify the firms involved. Explore- Most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report — Global...
Novelis reports weaker FY26 earnings after Oswego fires disrupt production and shipments
Novelis reported lower earnings for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2026 after production disruptions caused by two fires at its Oswego, New York facility significantly affected shipments and profitability. The company posted a net loss attributable to shareholders of USD 84 million in the fourth quarter, compared with net income of USD 294 million in the same period last year. Excluding special items, quarterly net income stood at USD 227 million, down 13 per cent year-on-year. For the full fiscal year, Novelis reported net income attributable to shareholders of USD 15 million, down 98 per cent from USD 683 million in fiscal 2025. Excluding special items, annual net income declined 38 per cent to USD 476 million. The company said production interruptions at the Oswego plant...
Hindustan Zinc showcases technology-driven mining and smelting operations during ministerial visit in Rajasthan
Hindustan Zinc hosted G. Kishan Reddy at its Rajpura Dariba Complex in Rajasthan, where he visited the Sindesar Khurd Mine and Dariba Smelting Complex. The visit focused on the role of the mining and metals sector in supporting India’s infrastructure, manufacturing and energy transition requirements. Hindustan Zinc has an annual refined metal production capacity of more than 1.1 million tonnes and produces zinc, lead and silver used in galvanised steel, renewable energy, electric vehicles, electronics and defence applications. Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused upcoming report " A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue (Red Mud): Sustainability, Resource Recovery and Strategic Recommendations " G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, said,...
European Commission considers tighter controls on alumina exports linked to Russia
The European Commission is preparing tighter restrictions on goods that could support Russia’s military production, amid growing pressure within the European Union to curb alumina exports linked to the Russian defence sector. EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan said the bloc will continue efforts to limit Russia’s access to commodities that could be processed for military equipment production. 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 comments follow scrutiny over alumina exports from Aughinish Alumina in County Limerick, Ireland. Reports stated that the refinery has continued shipping large volumes of alumina to Russian smelters after the invasion of Ukraine....
Middle East supply disruptions push aluminium prices higher amid tightening global market
Aluminium prices closed higher, rising 0.62 per cent to INR 381.2 (USD 3.94), as supply concerns linked to the Middle East conflict continued to support the market. The ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, along with restrictions on shipping movement through the Persian Gulf, have increased worries over global aluminium supply disruptions. Before the conflict, Gulf countries accounted for nearly 9 per cent of global aluminium supply and around 25 per cent of aluminium production outside China. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” Supply concerns intensified after attacks on refining facilities in the region. Operations at Aluminium Bahrain were...
Trivium reports sharp emissions cuts in latest ESG performance update
Trivium Packaging has reported significant progress on its sustainability targets, including major reductions in carbon emissions and increased sourcing from suppliers with stronger ESG performance. In its 2025 ESG KPI summary, the company said Scope 1 and 2 carbon dioxide emissions were reduced by 36 per cent compared with its 2020 baseline. Scope 3 emissions were also down 24 per cent over the same period. According to Trivium, the results keep the company on track toward its 2030 Science Based Targets initiative goals, which call for a 42 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 25 per cent cut in Scope 3 emissions. The company also said 52 per cent of its purchasing spend during 2025 went toward suppliers rated average or above average on ESG performance metrics, up from 49...
AMP upgrades Madrid plant with two-stage emissions treatment technology
Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) is increasing output at its Spanish beverage can facility through the introduction of an advanced emissions treatment installation at its plant outside Madrid. The project, delivered by environmental engineering company [Dürr CTS], represents an investment worth several million euros and is intended to support both production growth and tighter environmental performance standards. The newly commissioned setup has been designed to manage emissions from AMP’s current manufacturing line, as well as an additional line being introduced at the site. With higher production capacity, the facility is expected to create a larger flow of exhaust air with higher solvent concentrations, which requires a more advanced treatment process. The global aluminium packaging market...
EMS acquires American Metals Supply to expand US aluminium distribution network
EMS, a distributor specialising in value-added aluminium products and backed by Wynnchurch Capital, has confirmed the acquisition of American Metals Supply (“AMS”), strengthening its position across the patio and industrial aluminium markets. AMS was founded in Tampa, Florida, more than 25 years ago and has since grown its presence across the United States. The company supplies aluminium products used in residential, commercial, industrial and patio applications, and is recognised for maintaining strong inventory levels and dependable delivery services. EMS Chief Executive Mike Swedick said the two companies share a similar operating approach focused on service, responsiveness and supporting manufacturers and contractors with reliable supply. He added that the acquisition would extend...
China offers limited rare earth relief as US supply concerns persist
The White House said China has agreed to address US concerns over shortages of rare earths and critical minerals following last week’s leaders’ summit in Beijing, although existing Chinese export controls are expected to remain in place. Washington did not call for the removal of restrictions that have disrupted supply chains linked to aerospace, semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries in the United States. China introduced tighter export controls on several rare earths and critical minerals in April 2025 following tariff measures announced by US President Donald Trump. According to the White House summary released after the summit, China agreed to address concerns related to shortages of minerals including yttrium, scandium and indium, which are used in high-tech and...
At Forward Africa Forum in Nairobi, President Doumbouya links aluminium to Africa’s economic transformation
In his speech at the Forward Africa Forum held in Nairobi, Kenya, President of Guinea, General Mamadi Doumbouya called upon African nations to rethink their place within the international economic arena and to shift from relying solely on selling raw materials towards industrialisation. Addressing participants at the forum, President Doumbouya said, “Africa can no longer be a mere supplier of raw materials to feed the world's industries,” drawing applause from the audience. Participate in our upcoming report - A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue (Red Mud): Sustainability, Resource Recovery and Strategic Recommendations The statement underscored growing concerns over Africa’s long-standing dependence on exporting natural resources, including bauxite, gold, oil, lithium and cocoa,...
Tsingshan asks Indonesian nickel producers to cut output to support aluminium operations
Tsingshan Group has reportedly asked several nickel pig iron (NPI) producers operating at Indonesia’s Weda Bay industrial park to curb production in June as the company prioritises electricity supply for aluminium operations. According to sources familiar with the matter, the request was made last week to producers of NPI, a key material used in stainless steel manufacturing. The move reflects growing pressure on power availability at the Weda Bay complex, where Tsingshan has expanded into aluminium production through a joint venture with Xinfa. Industry sources said Tsingshan has increasingly shifted focus toward aluminium after prices for the metal rose sharply following disruption linked to the Iran conflict and shipping uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz. Explore our e-magazine...
Assam pushes rare earth exploration with focus on sustainable mining
Assam has begun moving towards rare earth and critical mineral exploration as the state looks to align itself with India’s broader push to secure strategic mineral resources for future industries. At a recent review meeting of the Mines and Minerals Department, state officials discussed plans to start exploration work for rare earth reserves in coordination with central government policies. The state government said Assam already has identified reserves of rare earths and other minerals considered important for advanced manufacturing, clean energy systems and Industry 4.0 technologies. Officials also reviewed exploration activity for other minerals across the state. According to the government, several of these projects have already attracted investment commitments worth more than INR...
Premier Energies reports 64% rise in Q4 FY26 profit on strong solar cell demand and expansion push
Premier Energies Limited reported strong growth in revenue and profit during the fourth quarter of FY26, supported by higher-margin solar cell sales and increased production utilisation. The company’s revenue for Q4 FY26 rose 37.6 per cent year-on-year to INR 22.3 billion (USD 232 million). Profit after tax increased 64.45 per cent to INR 4.57 billion (USD 47.5 million) during the quarter. On a sequential basis, revenue increased 15.17 per cent, while net profit rose 15.34 per cent, indicating continued momentum heading into FY27. Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking upcoming industry-focused report ALuminium Dross Processing: Generation, Recovery & Strategic Roadmap The company said stronger operating leverage, favourable product mix and silver price hedging supported...
Skuld files patent application for scrap-to-wrought aluminium casting process under DARPA programme
Skuld has filed a patent application for a process that enables wrought-grade aluminium alloys to be cast directly from scrap metal, marking a significant development in advanced recycling and field-based manufacturing technologies. The US-based manufacturing company is leading a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Rubble to Rockets (R2R) programme aimed at converting scrap metal into structural components using advanced casting techniques and artificial intelligence-assisted analysis. According to the company, the patent application covers the ability to cast wrought-grade aluminium alloys such as 6061 and 7075 directly from scrap feedstock. The process could eliminate the need for traditional rolling or forging steps typically required to achieve wrought-equivalent...
Japan’s primary aluminium imports rise 6.6% in March 2026 as auto demand recovers
Japan’s primary aluminium imports increased by 6.6 per cent year-on-year and 16 per cent month-on-month to 89,497 tonnes in March 2026, supported by improving automotive demand and higher domestic production of aluminium products. Data from Japan’s Finance Ministry showed stronger activity in flat-rolled and extruded aluminium products during the month, while vehicle production also continued to recover. The Japan Aluminium Association said shipments of flat-rolled products used for can stock increased by 3.6 per cent year-on-year to 33,639 tonnes, supported by seasonal beverage product launches. Deliveries to the automotive sector also rose 1.2 per cent to 16,105 tonnes in line with higher domestic vehicle output. Extrusions output and domestic shipments turned positive for the first...
