AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
Siemens partners with DrinkPAK to automate US canned beverage facility
Siemens is working with DrinkPAK to automate a new can manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, Texas, as the drinks company looks to scale up production and improve efficiency. DrinkPAK already runs large contract manufacturing sites in Santa Clarita and Fort Worth, handling batching, filling and distribution for beverage brands, with lines capable of producing up to 3,000 cans per minute. A third site in Philadelphia is also planned for early 2027, which would give it a coast-to-coast network in the US. The Fort Worth project is where Siemens comes in. The company is providing a mix of automation systems, energy infrastructure and financing support, rather than just one piece of tech. That includes integration of its BRAUMAT system, which is used for recipe-based production and helps keep...
Century Aluminum begins expanded production at Mt Holly Smelter
Century Aluminum has begun producing its first hot metal following the expansion of its Mt Holly plant in South Carolina , marking a milestone in its capacity ramp-up. The company expects the project to reach full production by the end of June 2026, increasing total US primary aluminium output by around 10 per cent. The expansion has already created more than 125 jobs in South Carolina. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " “We’re so proud to be doing our part to increase domestic production of this critical mineral and expand on our position as the largest producer of primary aluminium in the United States,” said Jesse Gary, President and CEO of Century Aluminum. The development follows the company’s...
Alcoa sees $55M gain in the aluminium segment in Q1, while alumina faces $15M hit
Alcoa boosted Q1 2026 profits (about USD 212 million net income) with higher aluminium prices (around USD 3,600-3680 per tonne) despite falling revenue. The company reported Q1 2026 revenue of USD 3.2 billion, down from USD 3.4 billion in Q4 2025. Net income rose to USD 425 million, or USD 1.60 per share, compared with USD 213 million in the fourth quarter of 2025. Adjusted net income stood at USD 373 million, while adjusted EBITDA reached USD 595 million. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Despite lower shipments, higher aluminium prices supported earnings (USD 425 million in Q1). Results also benefited from a USD 158 million gain linked to shares in Saudi mining company Ma’aden. But lower volumes, weak...
LME index peaks as aluminium gains 15%, copper up 11%
Industrial metals reached a record high on the London Metal Exchange, supported by strong gains in aluminium and a recent rise in copper prices. The LME index , which tracks six major metals, has climbed nearly 12 per cent in the past four weeks and closed at an all-time high on Thursday. Aluminium prices have risen about 15 per cent since the start of the Iran war. Around 9 per cent of global aluminium output comes from the Middle East, making the market sensitive to disruptions in the region. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Aluminium has the largest share in the index, and along with copper, the two metals account for almost three-quarters of its value. JPMorgan Chase & Co. warned that the aluminium...
Polygon expands Collosus T aluminium range with new T5, T6 and T8 trail models
Polygon has expanded its trail line-up with three fresh additions to the Collosus T aluminium range: The T5, T6, and T8. Built on an established aggressive trail platform, the models combine IFS Compact suspension with integrated storage, adjustable geometry and 29/MX compatibility. Produced entirely in-house, the range aims to make high-level trail capability accessible to a broader spectrum of riders. Design and frame concept The aluminium Collosus T series mirrors the travel and geometry of its carbon counterpart, carrying over the same intent: confident performance across demanding terrain. Up front, 160mm of suspension travel is paired with a 64.5-degree head angle, adjustable to 63.75 degrees via supplied headset cups for a more aggressive stance on descents. A 77-degree effective...
Deutsche Bank trims Norsk Hydro to ‘hold’ as aluminium rally stretches valuations
Deutsche Bank has downgraded Norsk Hydro to “hold” from "buy", as it raised its price target to NOK100 (USD 9.3) from NOK88 (USD 8.2), citing stretched valuations after a sharp rally in aluminium prices. Shares of the Norwegian producer closed at NOK107.60 (USD 10), marking a record high. The stock has doubled over the past year and gained nearly 40 per cent in 2026 so far, supported by firm aluminium prices . For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Analyst Liam Fitzpatrick said the bank remains constructive on the company’s long-term outlook. He noted that current valuations reflect aluminium prices beyond sustainable levels. According to Deutsche Bank, Norsk Hydro’s share price implies aluminium prices in...
Ekta Joshi named key managerial personnel at Hind Aluminium Industries
On the resignation of Ms Ankita Vishwakarma on April 15, 2026, Hind Aluminium, the manufacturer of aluminium & alloy conductors and aluminium wire rods, initiated a smooth leadership transition process and named Ms Ekta Joshi as her successor and designated her as Company Secretary and Compliance Officer. On the same day at the board meeting, the directors even gave a green signal for the appointment of Ms Joshi. Professional background and leadership transition Being an associate of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (membership number A80059), Ms Joshi, in her position, brings a combination of secretarial and legal expertise. She is all set to take on the responsibilities as she is a Commerce Graduate and has hands-on experience in corporate compliance and governance. For the...
Rolls-Royce unveils the Nightingale concept as its first electric convertible
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has revealed its Project Nightingale concept, marking the brand’s first fully electric convertible developed through its coachbuild division. Production will be limited to 100 units, with deliveries expected to begin in 2028. The name “Nightingale” ties back to "Le Rossignol," a residence linked to founder Henry Royce on the French Riviera, and the design leans heavily into that coastal influence. The car itself is long, about 5.76 metres, and sits on 24-inch wheels styled after yacht propellers, which gives you an idea of the direction they’re going with the design. The front features a reworked Pantheon grille with more slats than usual, paired with vertical headlights and stainless steel detailing that runs along the body. There’s also a single continuous line...
South32 takes Siemens to court over turbine failure linked to software issue
South32 is suing Siemens over a turbine failure at its Worsley alumina operation in Western Australia, claiming a software flaw led to the generator being destroyed. The case goes back to an incident in October 2015, when a steam turbine generator at the site overheated during operation. According to South32, the damage was severe enough that the unit was “effectively destroyed.” At the centre of the dispute is a programmable logic controller (PLC) tied to the generator. South32 says a key piece of code was missing, something that should have triggered a shutdown by activating the circuit breaker before temperatures got out of control. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026" “That code, had it been included and...
Hydro reduces shipping emissions by 35% on major aluminium routes
Norsk Hydro has managed to cut emissions by roughly 30-35 per cent on one of its main European shipping routes, using upgrades on two cargo vessels, Trans Sol and Trans Hav, operated by Sea-Cargo. The ships are used to move low-carbon aluminium from Norway into European markets, so this is basically about reducing emissions in the logistics part of the value chain, not production itself. Most of the gains come from a mix of changes rather than one big switch. The vessels now use wind-assisted propulsion through rotor sails, along with onboard solar panels, around 1,600 square metres, plus battery storage, upgraded propellers and smarter power management systems. There’s also shore power capability, so they can plug into electricity while docked instead of running engines, and NOx...
Rio Tinto launches 1.1 km Alumina conveyor at Kitmat smelter
Rio Tinto has started a new alumina conveyor system at its BC Works smelter in Kitimat, Canada. The 1.1-kilometre conveyor will move about 800,000 tonnes of alumina each year, helping ensure a steady supply of this key raw material for aluminium production. The system is designed to run for 50 years and replace older infrastructure that has been in use since the 1960s. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The new setup also improves environmental performance. It uses a sealed pipe design, which helps reduce dust and material loss. The company said this has cut particulate emissions by about 40 per cent. The design also reduces transfer points and uses dust collection systems. Also read: Runaya reports...
The US allocates $5.4M to boost domestic gallium supply, plans to cut import reliance
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced about USD 5.4 million in funding for five projects to support a domestic supply of gallium, a key material used in defence and semiconductors. The US is currently fully dependent on imports for gallium and has not produced it domestically since 1987. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " China controls about 98 per cent of global production and has introduced export restrictions in recent years, including a ban on exports to the US in December 2024. These limits were later eased for about one year, starting in November 2025. The funding comes under the Technology for Recovery and Advanced Critical-mineral Extraction Gallium (TRACE-Ga) programme, which focuses...
India replicates solar sector strategy for its battery ecosystem, approves list of battery manufacturers
India has launched an Approved List of Battery Manufacturers (ALBM) with the aim to establish a national battery ecosystem. The goal is to boost domestic battery production so that reliance on China can be reduced. In addition to promoting the goal of energy storage projects supported by government funding, ALBM will also encourage the use of locally manufactured batteries and strengthen the national energy self-reliance and industrial capabilities. This new initiative follows the existing solar sector strategy, where approved vendor lists help in ensuring stable demand for domestic producers. With China accounting for nearly 85 per cent of global battery cell manufacturing and a dominant share in critical mineral processing, India’s strategy aims to reduce external dependence. For the...
SAGA metals to acquire Wolverine REE project to expand rare earth portfolio
SAGA Metals Corp. has entered into an agreement to acquire the Wolverine rare earth project in Labrador from Catalyst Rare Metals Ltd., a deal that would give it full ownership of the asset. The project is about 50 km from Hopedale and covers a bit over 230 sq. km. Access is by air mostly, then helicopter. Not unusual for that region. The company has been adding different minerals to its portfolio over the past year, lithium, uranium, vanadium, and this one adds rare earths. CEO Mike Stier said it fits into supply chain needs for energy and defence, which is the usual angle companies are taking right now. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026" Geology is tied to the Flowers River Igneous Suite. Same broader...
New MXene composite extends aluminium battery life and cuts material loss
A team of researchers in Bengaluru is trying to fix a problem that has held aluminium batteries back for years, they don’t last very long. The work was led by Kavita Pandey from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, along with collaborators from Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence. Aluminium is often considered a potential alternative to lithium-ion batteries because it is widely available, low-cost and can store more charge per atom. However, its use has been limited by the way battery materials degrade over repeated charging and discharging cycles. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026" A lot of this comes down to the cathode material, usually vanadium oxide. It works, but not for long. In water-based...
BRP halts FY27 outlook as US tariff shift triggers $500M cost hit
BRP Inc. has decided to pause its full-year FY27 guidance after recent changes to US tariffs on steel, aluminium and copper imports. The shift came into effect on April 6 and changes how duties are applied. Instead of taxing just the metal content, the new setup applies a 25 per cent tariff on the full value of imported snowmobiles and most off-road vehicles. Earlier, the rate was higher, 50 per cent, but only on the metal portion. That difference matters. For BRP, it means a much bigger cost base. The company estimates the added tariff impact could go beyond USD 500 million for the rest of the year, before any adjustments or cost controls. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026" CEO Denis Le Vot didn’t sound...
Canyon Resources begins CEO search after Secker’s resignation Cameroon bauxite project nears production
Canyon Resources is looking for a new chief executive, with Peter Secker stepping down just as its key bauxite project in Cameroon moves closer to production. Secker hasn’t left immediately though. The company said he will stay on for the next few months to manage the transition, which comes at a pretty critical time for the Minim Martap project. The mine, set to be Cameroon’s first bauxite operation, is expected to begin production in Q2 2026, with initial shipments planned for Q3 2026. Secker, who took over in July 2025, has been closely involved in pushing the project forward to this stage. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026" His departure is being attributed to personal reasons, but the timing means the...
Chalieco signs EPC update for 1 million tonne alumina project in Indonesia
China Aluminum International Engineering Corporation (Chalieco) has announced that it has signed an updated EPC contract for a 1 million tonnes per year alumina project in Indonesia with PT Inalum. The project has now been split into two parts. The alumina plant was completed on February 11. The second part includes the tailings system. It started on March 1 and is expected to continue until June 30, 2027. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The company said that if the project progresses as planned, it could support its financial performance. However, it also noted that there are several risks during execution and said it will manage these risks and provide updates when needed. Chalieco is expanding its...
