AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
India plans to scale rare earth magnet production to 5,000t by 2030
India is planning to increase its domestic production of rare earth permanent magnets, like lithium, with a target of reaching 5,000 tonnes by 2030. The idea is to reduce dependence on imports and slowly build a stronger base for critical minerals within the country. At the moment, demand is around 4,000 tonnes, but that number is expected to rise quite a bit. Some estimates suggest it could go up to nearly 8,000 tonnes by 2030, which is why there’s a push to expand production. To get things moving, a pilot project for neodymium-iron-boron magnets has already been started. At the same time, a samarium-cobalt magnet plant in Visakhapatnam is now operational, with an initial capacity of 500 tonnes per year. The scale-up is expected to happen in steps. First to around 2,000 tonnes, and then...
Nothing phone (4a) Pro: Aluminium build, triple camera and snapdragon 7 Gen 4 at the core
The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro sits in the mid-range segment, with a strong focus on its aluminium build. It features a 6.8-inch display (2800×1260), a 5,080 mAh battery, and is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, with base variants starting at 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. Design-wise, this is probably where the phone shines the most. The aluminium unibody makes a real difference. Both the frame and the back panel use aluminium, and it gives the device a sturdier, more premium feel compared to older models. The display is a 6.83-inch AMOLED panel with a 1260×2800 resolution and roughly 440 ppi. It supports a 144Hz refresh rate and can hit up to 5,000 nits of peak brightness. The device features a triple rear camera setup, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP periscope lens with 3.5x...
Leadrive begins mass production of EV0062 controller with integrated aluminium capacitor
Leadrive Technology has moved into mass production of its EV0062 hybrid dual motor controller, bringing into focus a design that incorporates a dual-channel water-cooled aluminium capacitor to manage thermal performance under demanding conditions. The unit, confirmed on March 23, 2026, is being integrated into Schaeffler’s next-generation DHT assembly and will support both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) platforms for a major European automaker.n Production has initially started with a plug-in hybrid platform, targeting multiple B-segment vehicles. The controller is designed to serve across both PHEV and HEV configurations, with a platform approach that enables more than 95 per cent parts commonality between the two. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026...
Gas crunch hits India’s brewers, disrupts aluminium can supply and raises costs
Brewers in India are grappling with rising costs and supply disruptions as a gas shortage-linked to geopolitical tensions around the Iran-US conflict-hits the supply chain. The shortage has pushed up prices of glass bottles and has also slowed aluminium imports used for cans. With gas supply tightening, some glass manufacturers have either cut back or temporarily stopped production. This has led to a roughly 20 per cent increase in glass bottle prices. At the same time, aluminium can suppliers have warned that supply could tighten further, just as the peak summer season approaches and beer demand usually picks up. Paper carton costs have also doubled, and other packaging materials are becoming more expensive. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “...
Rio Tinto targets global aluminium expansion with AP60 low-carbon technology
Rio Tinto is increasing its focus on aluminium as part of a long-term strategy, driven by rising demand for low-carbon metals. The company is now looking beyond its long-established base in Canada to expand across Europe, Asia and Latin America. Jérôme Pécresse, Chief Executive of Rio Tinto, said, “It was clear that aluminium was becoming more important for Rio Tinto and there was more willingness to put capital in the business.” For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " A key part of this strategy is the AP60 smelter technology. It is more energy efficient and produces lower emissions. When used with hydropower in Canada, it generates about one-seventh of the industry’s average emissions per tonne of aluminium,...
BIS mandates ISI certification for aluminium utensils and cans from October 1
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made ISI certification mandatory for aluminium utensils used in food and beverage applications, effective October 1, 2026. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " G. Bhavani, senior director and head of the BIS Coimbatore branch, said the move aims to ensure safety and quality. The mandate covers IS 1660:2024 for wrought aluminium utensils and IS 14407:2023 for aluminium beverage cans. Also Read: Aluminium anode EV battery achieves high efficiency and fast charging at -25°C Parameters under the standard include thickness, size, handle strength, load-bearing capacity and resistance to temperature variations. Aluminium utensils must also contain a minimum of 99.5 per cent...
Aluminium price falls as Alvance raises output at UK smelter
Aluminium prices remained low, dipping by 0.12 per cent to settle at USD 330.9 per kilogram, as mixed supply developments and demand concerns kept the market range-bound. However, output has picked up in some regions, with Alvance British Aluminium increasing production at its Lochaber smelter by around 10 per cent, supported by improved export opportunities to the US following tariff changes. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain The current production disruptions in the Middle East, such as partial shutdowns at Aluminium Bahrain and reduced operations at Qatalum, have offered some support. However, public opinion still varies. Global inventories have risen above 1.3 million tonnes, the highest since...
Industrial Accelerator Act proposes EU-origin necessities with inferences for trade & supply chains
On 4 March 2026, the European Commission presented its Proposal for a Regulation on establishing a framework of measures for accelerating industrial capacity and decarbonization in strategic sectors, which aims at “improving the functioning of the internal market by establishing a framework to support the development, competitiveness and resilience of the Union’s manufacturing sector, with a focus on selected strategic sectors”, in order to contribute to the EU’s “climate objective, economic security and the creation, retention of, and transition into high-quality jobs." Among other things, the Industrial Accelerator Act would establish a framework for the application of EU origin and low-carbon requirements for certain products and services within strategic sectors in the context of...
Lyra Energy’s 255 MW Thakadu Solar Project to support South Africa’s power supply
Lyra Energy has started building the Thakadu solar power plant in South Africa. The project is worth about USD 238 million and will have a capacity of 255 megawatts. It is located between the Free State and North West provinces. The project will be built in two phases. Part of the electricity output has already been sold to three private buyers through power purchase agreements. These agreements allow companies to buy electricity directly from the plant. The first phase is expected to start operating in the first half of 2027. Construction of the second phase will begin in the second half of 2026. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The project will be funded through equity and project debt, with 80 per...
Pilbara is at the centre of Australia’s green metal transition, including iron ore and aluminium
Australia is considering a shift to ‘green’ aluminium and iron production using renewable energy. This could increase iron ore export earnings from about USD 116 billion to around USD 386 billion a year by 2060. Metal production uses large amounts of energy. Producing aluminium and steel without fossil fuels could reduce emissions and increase export value. Aluminium production currently accounts for about 2 per cent of global carbon emissions, while iron and steel add about 6-8 per cent. Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of aluminium and iron ore, with about 55 per cent of the global supply. Most of this comes from the Pilbara region. However, Pilbara ore has lower iron content (55-62 per cent) and contains impurities (mostly in silica and alumina). This makes it...
Egypt signs 5.6 GW renewable energy and storage agreements
The government of Egypt has signed three agreements covering renewable energy and battery storage projects with a combined capacity of 5.62 GW. The agreements were concluded under the supervision of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. Minister of Electricity Mahmoud Esmat said the developments are in line with the country’s energy roadmap. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The deals span wind and solar power installations alongside a standalone battery storage system. The projects will be implemented through collaborations between domestic and international developers. Wind project anchors first agreement One of the key agreements involves a land lease for a 900 MW wind power project in Ras Shukeir. The...
Hulamin signals declined earnings from aluminium ahead of annual results
Hulamin has indicated that it will post a loss for the 2025 financial year, pointing to a combination of operational setbacks and unfavourable currency movements ahead of its full-year results due on Monday. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain The aluminium manufacturer, headquartered in Pietermaritzburg, explained that a prolonged shutdown of its integrated plant formed part of a major project to expand its wide can body capacity. However, this interruption made it challenging to restore consistent mill performance once operations resumed. Conversely, the disruption presented difficulties in re-establishing stable mill operations upon the resumption of activity. As indicated in the company's SENS...
Tomago Aluminium in finalisation of a model for low-carbon industrial transition
The Tomago aluminium smelter is planning to shift to renewable electricity, with an expectation of targeting 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2035, while also strengthening the case for government-backed financial support. To know how the Middle East crisis is affecting the smelters worldwide, read the report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 ” Last December, the Australian and New South Wales governments announced their support to ensure the continued operation of the Tomago smelter. As part of this support, they will ensure electricity infrastructure development and offer a fixed-price, long-term power purchase agreement that allows the smelter to remain internationally competitive. The smelter is a major employer and energy consumer in NSW. It is the...
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Chris Latham-Warde, Every Can Counts: 59% of Gen Z, 66% of Millennials, 75% of Gen X, and 77% of Boomers support for Deposit Return Scheme
In an exclusive conversation with Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager of Every Can Counts a not-for-profit communications programme delivered by Alupro across the UK and Ireland. According to Mr Chris, deposit return scheme (DRS) is a great way to encourage people to partake in aluminium cans recycling. He shared 70 per cent of respondents are supportive of DRS in a consumer research conducted in 2025. Every Can Counts programme is a mission to inspire, encourage and empower people to recycle their empty drink cans, wherever they are. Chris joined Alupro in 2017 and worked on a variety of campaigns encouraging consumers to recycle their aluminium packaging before becoming Every Can Counts Programme Manager in 2019. He now oversees the delivery of Every Can Counts in the UK and Ireland,...
Aluminium anode EV battery achieves high efficiency and fast charging at -25°C
A research team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) performed a field evaluation of an aluminium-based lithium-ion battery designed for wide temperature ranges in Heilongjiang Province. At -25 °C, the battery attained more than 92 per cent discharge efficiency in practical urban driving and reached 90 per cent state of charge in around 20 minutes during charging at low temperatures. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The battery uses an aluminium-based anode combined with alloying elements to broaden its range of operating temperatures. Laboratory results show performance consistency from extremely low to high temperatures (-70 °C to +80 °C). This evaluation marks the inaugural integration of this...
Geopolitical disruption raises costs for India’s real estate: aluminium price weighs in
India’s real estate sector is facing pressure due to rising construction costs and supply disruptions owing to the Strait of Hormuz and the Middle East’s ongoing tension. Developer margins potentially decline by about 5 per cent in the short term. Overall construction costs have increased by 10-15 per cent. The main causes are higher raw material prices and supply constraints. Prices of key materials have increased. Since March, aluminium prices have risen by around 4 per cent, while steel prices have increased by nearly 9 per cent. These materials are important in most construction activities, especially in high-rise and urban projects. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Tile production in Morbi,...
China Hongqiao Group down more than 12 per cent on weaker-than-expected 2025 earnings
Shares of China Hongqiao Group declined more than 12 per cent in Hong Kong trading, after opening 8.41 per cent down and hitting HKD 30.18 (USD 3.86). The stock was last at HKD 30.24 (USD 3.87), down 12.35 per cent, with a turnover at HKD 2.246 billion (USD 288 million) and volume of 72 million shares. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain The decline comes after the company’s 2025 results, where revenue rose 4 per cent year-on-year to RMB 162.35 billion (USD 22.73 billion), while net profit increased 1.2 per cent to RMB 22.64 billion (USD 3.17 billion). Overall gross profit margin fell by 1.4 percentage points to 25.6 per cent, due to weaker alumina margins. Also Read: WEEKLY: China's alumina prices inch...
Kiran Bedi visits Vedanta Jharsuguda, addresses employees and women leaders
Vedanta Aluminium hosted Kiran Bedi at its Jharsuguda plant, where she addressed over 1,000 participants at a town hall held as part of the company’s Women’s Day initiatives. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Bedi, India’s first woman IPS officer, spoke on leadership and inclusivity, emphasising integrity and continuous learning. The session was attended by employees, business partners and community members. Addressing the participants, Kiran Bedi said, “Vedanta Limited is a diamond of this country, and the nation needs more institutions that use resources responsibly and drive growth with purpose. Stay committed to learning, lead with empathy, and connect with people by listening and understanding...
