AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
Hydro and solar project in Kyrgyzstan with Chinese backing
Work has started on a new energy project in Kyrgyzstan’s Jalal-Abad region, where a mix of hydropower and solar generation is being developed with support from SINOMACH. The plan isn’t massive in scale, but it’s meant to address local shortages. One part of it is a 5 MW small hydropower plant, expected to generate around 20 million kWh a year. Alongside that, there’s a smaller 1 MW solar unit, which should add roughly 1.6 million kWh annually. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026" A ceremony to mark the start of construction took place on April 28, with regional officials present along with Akylbek Japarov, who is involved in overseeing the project. The total investment is estimated at USD 259.8 million, and...
Hydro acquires long-term power supply contract from Statkraft for aluminium plants
Norsk Hydro has acquired a long-term electricity arrangement with Statkraft to provide power supply for its aluminium plants in Norway well into the next decade. The agreement starts from 2029, up until 2038. Over that period, the total volume adds up to 12.3 terawatt hours, out of which 8.8 TWh will be for NO2, and 3.5 TWh for NO3, to accommodate for varying power pricing across Norway. As per the agreement signed, Statkraft will supply 0.9 TWh annually in 2029 and 2030, while from 2031 to 2038, it will deliver 1.3 TWh per year For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026" Aluminium production depends heavily on electricity, and securing it early helps avoid cost swings later especially when energy markets have been...
South Africa’s Hillside aluminium smelter eyes renewable power under Eskom-South32 plan
Eskom and South32 have moved forward with a long-term renewable energy plan for the Hillside Aluminium smelter in KwaZulu-Natal, to keep it running past 2031. The proposed solution, currently under discussion, is expected to begin when the smelter’s existing electricity contract expires in 2031, subject to regulatory approvals. Both companies have formed a joint working group to explore ways to integrate competitively priced renewable energy into the national grid, supported by firming capacity within existing frameworks. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The initiative is intended to enhance the competitiveness of the Hillside operation, support regional economic stability, and align with South Africa’s...
Guinea’s bauxite exports surge 25% early 2026, led by China’s growing demand
Guinea’s bauxite sector started 2026 on a strong note, with output and exports rising sharply in the first quarter, even as the government moved toward restricting shipments later in the year. Data from the mines ministry shows exports reaching about 60.9 million tonnes between January and March, up from 48.6 million tonnes a year earlier, an increase of just over 25 per cent. The surge appears to be largely tied to continued demand from China, which takes in more than 70 per cent of Guinea’s bauxite. According to SMM, in March alone, China imported 18.12 million tonnes of bauxite from Guinea , up 29.6 per cent M-o-M and 27.9 per cent Y-o-Y. Production has been on an upward trend for some time. The country, already the world’s largest exporter of the ore, recorded around 183 million...
Pallavi Bhatia joins Vedanta to lead HR for the aluminium division
Vedanta Limited appoints Pallavi Bhatia as Chief Human Resources Officer for its aluminium business to boost leadership in this key area. In her new job, Bhatia will be head of HR strategy for the aluminium unit. She will target talent growth, leadership training, staff involvement, and workforce change. She will also back the company's aims in expansion, output gains, and skills for the future. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " She brings nearly two decades of experience across manufacturing, industrial and consumer sectors. Her expertise includes talent management, industrial relations and organisational development in large operational environments. Also read: Nanshan Aluminium mentions profitability...
Technology Minerals unlocks new innovation and revenue stream with copper and aluminium recovery
The scrap sitting idle at a Recyclus battery recycling plant in Wolverhampton is being given a second look and, potentially, a second life, by Technology Minerals by reprocessing around 180 tonnes of previously treated battery material to enhance copper and aluminium recovery. This follows the installation of new equipment that is capable of isolating copper and aluminium as distinct outputs. In earlier operations, both metals were effectively incorporated into the broader recovery process, yielding little direct commercial return. Now, they are being pulled out cleanly and positioned as standalone revenue lines. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The technical shift lies in how “black mass” is handled....
US and EU seal critical minerals pact to strengthen supply chains
The United States and the European Union have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on critical minerals, targeting stronger production, supply chain security and coordinated trade policies. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič formalised the agreement alongside a joint action plan. The move highlights concerns among Western economies over concentrated mineral processing, dependence on China (though was not named), and its implications for industrial resilience. Also Read: The critical role of critical minerals in shaping India’s future in energy and geopolitics Critical minerals serve as key components for semiconductors, electric vehicles and military weaponry, hence play a strategic role in geopolitics. Both the US and the EU share a...
China begins construction of 4 GW renewable transmission project in Inner Mongolia
Construction of a 4-million-kilowatt new energy transmission project began on April 15 in Jungar Banner, located in Ordos, North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, according to State Grid East Inner Mongolia Electric Power Co. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The project is part of the Mengxi–Tianjin South ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission corridor. It will run from the 500-kV Dalu Substation to the 500-kV Buertao Substation, and further connect to the 1,000-kV Ordos UHV Substation. The development includes two new 500-kV substations at Dalu and Buertao, along with 279 kilometres of transmission lines and 340 towers. The total investment for the project is RMB 1.94 billion (around USD 283...
NALCO to decide on interim dividend in its upcoming board meeting, potentially shifting fully to digital payouts
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)declared that its Board of Directors will meet on April 30, 2026, to consider the declaration of a third interim dividend for the financial year 2025-26. The board meeting is scheduled for Thursday. The main agenda is focused on evaluating the proposed dividend payout. The final decision will be notified after the meeting. Shareholders are advised to follow official updates from the company for confirmation. NALCO has also introduced a key change in its dividend distribution process. The company will now use only electronic payment methods. Physical dividend warrants and cheques are now discontinued, following new regulatory rules. Shareholders will get payments straight via electronic bank transfers. Also read: Nanshan Aluminium mentions...
Nanshan Aluminium mentions profitability impact in Q1 due to 41% drop in alumina price
Nanshan Aluminium International Holdings Limited has released updates based on the unaudited Q1 2026 results of its controlling shareholder, Shandong Nanshan Aluminium Co Ltd. Nanshan Aluminium, which holds about 56.97 per cent of the company’s issued share capital, disclosed its quarterly performance in line with regulatory requirements. The financials are prepared under the People's Republic of China Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (PRC GAAP), which may differ from Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards, potentially resulting in variations in future consolidated results. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The update covered overseas alumina market shifts. Q1 2026 saw alumina prices swing big...
Ardagh Metal Packaging Q1 revenue up 19% while EBITDA rise 15%
Ardagh Metal Packaging SA reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, showing revenue growth and improved earnings despite ongoing aluminium supply chain challenges. Revenue rose to USD 1.504 billion, up 19 per cent from USD 1.268 billion a year earlier, supported by higher input cost pass-through and favourable volume mix. Adjusted EBITDA increased 15 per cent to USD 179 million, exceeding the company’s guidance range. However, the company reported a net loss of USD 5 million, unchanged from the previous year. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Global beverage can shipments declined by 1 per cent during the quarter. The Americas saw a 2 per cent drop, including a 5 per cent...
Crown Holdings to set up an aluminium can manufacturing facility in Northern India
Leading American multinational packaging company, Crown Holdings, is planning to establish a two-line state-of-the-art aluminium beverage can manufacturing facility in Northern India. Its operations are said to start in the second half of 2027 with full capacity of 2.2 billion cans annually. Don’t miss out- Buyers are looking for your products on our B2B platform This facility is likely to meet India’s increasing demand for aluminium cans for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, in line with the shift in consumer preferences and sustainability goals. The facility will incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies and adhere to global sustainability standards, representing Crown Holdings’ commitment to environmentally responsible packaging solutions. Also, the project will be backed by...
Alcoa reviews plan to revive Warrick operations
Alcoa is weighing up whether to bring a fourth production line back into operation at its Warrick aluminium plant, a move that would come with a significant price tag of around USD 100 million. The facility, located in Newburgh, Indiana, currently operates three lines, but adding another could lift output by roughly 50,000 tonnes. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Despite that potential gain, the state of the idle line presents a challenge. According to chief executive Bill Oplinger, its condition has deteriorated, meaning any restart would require substantial work. Speaking during a recent call with investors, he explained that the process would not only demand a sizeable financial commitment but could...
Fujian Minfa Aluminium reports $4.3M FY2025 loss as revenue declines and earnings reverse
For the year ending December 31, 2025, Fujian Minfa Aluminium Inc. experienced a downturn in its financial performance compared with the previous year. Revenue came in at CNY 1896.75 million (USD 277.44 million), marking a decline from the CNY 2229 million (USD 326 million) recorded in 2024. The company also moved from profitability into loss, posting a net loss of CNY 29.71 million (USD 4.3 million), whereas it had achieved a net profit of CNY 20.77 million (USD 3.04 million) the year before. This shift was reflected in its per-share figures. Basic loss per share from continuing operations stood at CNY 0.03, in contrast to basic earnings of CNY 0.02 per share in the prior year. On a diluted basis, the company likewise reported a loss of CNY 0.03 per share, compared with diluted earnings...
Al-Kaabi bids farewell to former Qatalum CEO Khalid Laram
Saad bin Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and president and CEO of QatarEnergy, hosted a farewell reception for Khalid Mohammed Laram, former CEO of Qatar Aluminium (Qatalum). Don’t miss out- Buyers are looking for your products on our B2B platform Al-Kaabi said, “For over 10 years, Mr Khalid Laram was the steady hand that ensured the continued success of Qatar’s renowned world-class aluminium smelter. I would like to express my deepest gratitude for his remarkable accomplishments and valuable contributions both at Qatalum and QatarEnergy and its group companies.” Also Read: Temporary dip in the aluminium prices reverses as supply tightness outweighs Hormuz reopening optimism Laram began his career with QatarEnergy in 1985. He was involved in the early development of...
Chongqing Shunbo Aluminium posts strong FY2025 results with revenue and profit surging Y-o-Y
Chongqing Shunbo Aluminium Co., Ltd. witnessed an impressive increase in its financial performance in the fiscal year 2025, owing to considerable growth in both income and profits as compared to the previous year. For 2026 aluminium market outlook, download our report TOC: Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2026 The firm recorded total sales of CNY 15,985.4 million (USD 2,238 million) as compared to sales worth CNY 13,976.81 million (USD 1,956 million) recorded by the firm in 2024. Total net income for the year was recorded at CNY 221.64 million (USD 31 million) as against CNY 55.7 million (USD 7.8 million). Also Read: Scrap takes control: Inside aluminium’s shift to a circular, volatile market Basic earnings per share from continuing operations stood at CNY 0.33 (USD 0.046), rising from...
Gulf tensions affect alumina supply chains and trade, with China emerging as a crucial raw material importer
The geopolitical tension involving Iran has disrupted alumina markets, not only by limiting exports through the Strait of Hormuz but also by restricting the inflow of raw materials into the Gulf region, thereby tightening supply chains and raising operational risks for smelters dependent on imported alumina. Aluminium smelters in the Gulf depend heavily on imported alumina, the intermediate product between bauxite and aluminium. The region has six smelters but only two alumina refineries. One of them, operated by Emirates Global Aluminium at Al Taweelah, has been damaged, forcing shutdowns. Other smelters are running at reduced capacity. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Now, disrupted demand from the...
Australia tests nickel-aluminium bronze production via 3D printing for marine
An Australian research collaboration is exploring whether nickel-aluminium bronze (NAB) can be produced via 3D printing for maritime spare parts. Backed by Charles Darwin University and supported through the Queensland Defence Sciences Alliance, the initiative brings together James Cook University, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and manufacturing firm SPEE3D. The emphasis is on a widely used alloy found in propellers, pumps, valves, and bearings, as well as components that are currently not manufactured at scale in Australia through traditional means. According to lead investigator Professor Kannoorpatti Krishnan of Charles Darwin University, the effort is intended to cut operational delays, improve reliability at forward bases, and maintain effectiveness in demanding...
