AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
DERCHI advances aluminium picture window security with six-point lock system
DERCHI Doors and Windows has introduced its patented six-point locking technology for aluminium picture windows as demand increases for more secure and energy-efficient building materials across residential and commercial projects. The company said picture windows are increasingly being designed not only for panoramic views but also for stronger structural performance, particularly in regions exposed to extreme weather conditions or where enhanced security is required. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” DERCHI compared its Four-Side Six-Point Lock system with conventional window hardware that typically secures the frame at only one or two positions, often along the...
ASA strengthens Syracuse, New York, operations with a new 50,000-sq-ft manufacturing facility
American Steel and Aluminum (ASA) has opened a new 50,000 square-foot integrated contract manufacturing facility in Syracuse, New York. The new site is the company’s second facility in the city and is aimed at increasing production and processing capacity. The expansion comes as demand rises from sectors such as data centre infrastructure, defence, renewable energy, and industrial manufacturing. ASA said the additional facility will help increase output, reduce delivery times, and add more processing capabilities closer to customers. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” Sam Blatchford, President of ASA, said, "This expansion is a direct response to what we're hearing...
ReLid’s leak-proof innovation transforms traditional aluminium packaging
ReLid’s newest aluminium can design has redefined beverage packaging by combining resealability with full recyclability, addressing long-standing trade-offs between plastic bottles and conventional cans. Developed by ReLid USA, the innovation features a patented sliding tab mechanism that allows consumers to open and reseal the can multiple times. Unlike standard cans, which once opened are prone to spillage, the new design enables users to “lift the tab end and slide it open to drink” and then reseal it by sliding the tab back into position. The company states the mechanism can support at least 14 reseals without compromising functionality. The technology originated in 2020 at Re-Lid Engineering AG, with ReLid USA serving as its exclusive North American licensee. The development focused...
G7 focuses on critical minerals as US-EU tariff tensions test unity
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, trade ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) convened in Paris to advance discussions on securing supply chains for critical minerals, even as renewed tariff tensions between the United States and the European Union threatened to test the bloc’s unity. The talks build on earlier discussions held in Washington in February 202 6, where G7 and allied officials prioritised securing critical minerals amid rising concerns over China’s dominance in global supply chains. At the time, participants, including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and Australia, explored coordinated strategies to ensure access to rare earths, vital for technology and defence. They also considered market support measures despite Washington’s reservations about price guarantees....
Japanese carmaker Nissan plans to merge two production lines into one and cuts 900 jobs
Nissan has announced plans to streamline its operations in Europe, including cutting around 900 jobs and merging production lines at its UK plant in Sunderland. The company said it will combine two production lines at the Sunderland facility, where the Leaf, Juke and Qashqai models are built. It clarified that this change will not result in huge job losses at the plant, but will trim down a small number of UK-based office roles (though the estimated figure is 900) as part of broader European cuts . 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 planned reduction represents about 10 per cent of Nissan’s European workforce. The restructuring also includes closing part of its...
Egyptalum partners with Trafigura to build $900M aluminium smelter with EFG Hermes as advisor
EFG Hermes has been appointed as the sole financial advisor to Metallurgical Industries Holding Company (MIH) and Egyptalum on a new partnership with Trafigura to build a primary aluminium smelter in Egypt. The project will be developed through a newly created company, NewCo, which will be majority-owned by MIH and Egyptalum. Trafigura will take a minority stake and also act as a debt provider, as well as a long-term partner for supplying raw materials and purchasing output. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” EFG Hermes will advise on both equity and debt financing for the project. The signing of the term sheet marks an important step forward for the partnership....
EGA restores bauxite supply agreement with Guinea
EGA has agreed with the Republic of Guinea on the supply of bauxite and resolving other disputes between them, representing progress in ensuring stability in the supply of its raw materials. The agreement provides for the renewal of bauxite supply contracts under mutually agreed commercial terms. EGA, the Government of Guinea, and Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC) confirmed that the settlement addresses disruptions in bauxite shipments, including issues linked to Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée (CBG). The dispute escalated after Guinea revoked GAC’s mining license over regulatory and export-related issues, subsequently seizing and transferring its assets to a state-backed firm without compensation. EGA termed the move illegal, halted operations, and pursued legal action while seeking...
Ball Corporation posts a 14.5% rise in net earnings, plans $800M shareholder return
Ball Corporation, one of the leading supplier of aluminium packaging reported higher earnings in the first quarter of 2026, helped by slightly higher shipment volumes and better operating performance. The company posted net earnings of USD 205 million, up from USD 179 million a year earlier. Diluted earnings per share rose to USD 0.77 from USD 0.63. On an adjusted basis, earnings per share increased to USD 0.94 from USD 0.77, about a 22 per cent rise. Sales reached USD 3.60 billion in the quarter, compared to USD 3.10 billion in the same period of 2025. Comparable operating earnings also increased to USD 387 million from USD 352 million. Global aluminium packaging shipments grew by 0.8 per cent. Growth came from North and Central America and Europe, while South America saw lower volumes....
Indonesia records 28-month high in March aluminium exports as US offtake strengthens
Indonesia’s unwrought aluminium exports rose to their highest level in 28 months in March 2026, rising by over 100 per cent month-on-month, amounting to 88,554 tons against February’s 33,490 tons, based on data by Statistics Indonesia and Trade Data Monitor. This surge is attributed to the availability of new supplies from the expanded smelting facilities and a change in shipping flows, which include an unusual shipment to the United States. Analysts attribute the rise to the constrained global supply situation amid persistent geopolitical instability in the Middle East that has affected aluminium logistics. A key contributor to the March export spike was the first dispatches from the Weda Bay industrial complex on Halmahera Island. The smelter, backed by China’s Tsingshan Holding Group...
Bauxite Hills output grows as Metro Mining maintains shipment outlook
Metro Mining Limited said its Bauxite Hills Mine produced 563,000 wet tonnes of bauxite in April, up 33 per cent from the same month last year. The increase occurred despite disruptions caused by Tropical Cyclone Narelle and some maintenance work that limited shipping capacity. 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 higher production allowed the company to build stockpiles. This comes ahead of an expected rise in shipments after its offshore floating terminal, Ikamba, returned to service. Shipments in April were 416,000 wet metric tonnes, slightly lower by 2 per cent year-on-year. The decline was mainly due to operations running with only one transhipper for part...
BoS contract rolled out for NTPC’s 900 MW solar facility
A new tender has been put forward by NTPC Renewable Energy Limited, calling for bids to deliver the Balance of System (BoS) package for a large-scale, grid-connected solar installation in Kurnool. The planned capacity totals 900 MW, divided into two segments of 500 MW and 400 MW, with submissions due by 5 June 2026. Rather than limiting the contractor’s involvement, the brief assigns comprehensive responsibility across nearly the entire project lifecycle. The successful bidder will oversee everything from detailed design and engineering through to procurement, logistics, installation, testing and final commissioning. The only major exclusion from this remit is the provision of solar modules themselves. Preparation of the site forms a substantial part of the assignment. This includes...
Libya–Brazil trade sees export spike led by aluminium scrap
Trade between Libya and Brazil has shifted noticeably in early 2026, with contrasting movements on each side of the exchange. Libya’s export to Brazil soared, driven by a surge in aluminium scrap shipments during the January–March period. The value of these exports rose sharply, climbing by 347.4 per cent compared with the same quarter a year earlier to reach approximately USD 1.7 million, based on figures from the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce. Must read: Key industry individuals share their thoughts on the trending topics Brazil’s exports to Libya, on the other hand, declined by 57.2 per cent, amounting to USD 94.19 million over the same timeframe. Despite this drop, Brazil continued to post a substantial trade surplus in its favour. A closer look at Brazilian exports shows a...
Crown Holdings posts a rise in net sales as global shipments increase 5% in Q1 2026
Crown Holdings, Inc. reported a solid start to 2026, supported by higher beverage can shipments and improved adjusted earnings, despite a slight decline in net income. Net sales for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, rose to USD 3.26 billion, compared to USD 2.89 billion in the same period last year. The increase was driven by a 5 per cent rise in global beverage can shipments, along with the pass-through of higher input costs and favourable foreign exchange movements. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” Timothy J. Donahue, Chairman, President and CEO of the company, said, “Global beverage can volumes advanced 5 per cent, led by robust shipments throughout...
Press Metal earnings may hit record highs in 2026-27, anticipates RHB
Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd may see further upside despite a strong rally in its share price, according to RHB Research. The research firm expects the company’s earnings to reach record highs in 2026 and 2027, supported by firm aluminium prices and a continued gap between supply and demand. It has raised its target price for the stock to RM10.50 (USD 2.65), the highest among major brokerages, while maintaining a “buy” rating. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” Shares of Press Metal have risen about 24 per cent so far this year, driven by global supply concerns and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Disruptions, including constraints around the Strait...
AISTER bags $4.3M contract to build an aluminium catamaran for Saint-Pierre et Miquelon
Galician shipyard AISTER has secured a contract to build an all-aluminium passenger catamaran, “Jeune France II”, for the French territorial community of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, with delivery scheduled for September 2027. The vessel will replace the existing “Jeune France” operating between Saint-Pierre and Langlade Island. The project, valued at nearly EUR 4 million (USD 4.3 million), centres on a 22.5-metre-long catamaran with a 7.5-metre beam. Designed for a full-load displacement of 75 tonnes, it will accommodate up to 100 passengers. A key design challenge stems from the limited port infrastructure on Langlade Island. To address this, the vessel will feature beach-landing capability, allowing the bow to make controlled contact with the seabed. A hydraulic bow ramp is also included...
Egypt Aluminum net profit reaches $195.2M in nine months
Egypt Aluminum Company reported a 6 per cent year-on-year increase in net profit after tax for the first nine months of fiscal year 2025-26, according to its unaudited financial results filed with the Egyptian Exchange on May 3. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” Net profit rose to EGP 10.447 billion (USD 195.16 million) for the period ending March 31, 2026, compared to EGP 9.894 billion (USD 183.83 million) in the same period last year. The growth reflects steady operational performance despite broader market fluctuations. Revenue also rose during the period to EGP 36.731 billion (USD 686.17 million), from July 2025 to March 2026. That was higher than EGP 32.062...
Japan and Australia boost critical minerals cooperation to counter supply risks
Japan and Australia have agreed to deepen cooperation on energy security, defence and critical minerals amid growing global supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House during her first official overseas visit after taking office. The leaders discussed regional security, supply chain risks and geopolitical tensions, including developments in the Strait of Hormuz. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” Australia currently supplies around half of Japan’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) needs, while Japan exports refined fuels such as petrol and diesel to...
JKL completes exit from Sama Aluminium with $47.4 million
JKL Investment has fully exited its investment in Sama Aluminium, recovering around KRW 70 billion (USD 47.4 million) and more than doubling its initial investment. In January 2023, the firm invested about KRW 32.1 billion (USD 21.8 million) in the company. It did this through equity and convertible bonds under its ESG Future Mobility Value Chain fund. The deal included more than 700,000 shares and bonds worth KRW 10 billion (USD 6.77 million). It was meant to support growth in electric vehicles and secondary battery materials. To know the long-term bauxite market forecast, book our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” JKL started selling part of its stake after the lock-up period ended, offloading some shares between...
