AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
Century Aluminum sees higher demand, restarts capacity, and plans 750,000-tonne smelter
Century Aluminum Company (CENX) is seeing support from strong demand for aluminium. Demand is linked to industrial activity and use in key sectors. Prices are influenced by the London Metal Exchange and regional premiums, which remain firm. The company operates smelters in the United States and Iceland. Its total production capacity is about 770,000 tonnes per year. In 2025, it produced about 638,000 tonnes of primary aluminium, and shipments reached over 647,000 tonnes. Its main plants include Grundartangi in Iceland, Sebree in Kentucky, and Mt. Holly in South Carolina. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The Mt. Holly smelter is being brought back to full capacity. Production is expected to be restored...
Clean Cult scales refillable aluminium packaging with new product expansion
Clean Cult, the US based cleaning brand has reinforced its commitment to aluminium-based packaging with a major expansion of its fragrance lineup across laundry detergent, dish soap and hand soap, now available through online channels like Amazon. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The purpose of the rollout is the introduction of the brand’s refillable aluminium bottles as an alternative to single use plastic packaging in their home care segment. The durable circular aluminum containers are designed for repeated use and are provided with refill solutions, supporting a trend where brands seek alternatives to plastic bottles. Clean Cult claims its aluminium bottles with paper-based refill cartons can...
Heesen unveils 50m aluminium superyacht Sophia, delivery set for June 2026
Image credit - Heesen Dutch shipbuilder Heesen, owned by entrepreneur and investor Laurens Last, has launched its 50-metre, all-aluminium superyacht Sophia at its Oss facility, with delivery scheduled for June 2026. Weighing only 499GT (gross tonnes), the lightweight yacht has a top speed of 23 knots and complies with IMO tier III regulations of emitting 70-80 per cent less nitrogen oxide (NOx) compared to tier II vessels. It features a shallow draft of 2.15 metres enabling it to cruise in some of the world’s most attractive cruising grounds, like the Bahamas. It also includes a hard-chine hull with recessed propeller tunnels which allows for navigation in shallow waters with 12 per cent more hull efficiency than traditional designs. Must read: Key industry individuals share their...
US–Brazil critical minerals deal hinges on Brasília’s go-ahead
The United States is awaiting policy clarity from the government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil, to advance a bilateral agreement on critical minerals. The US Embassy has identified Brazil as a key “friend-shoring” partner to reduce dependence on China. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain The proposal spans more than 50 mining projects, with Brazil holding 21 million tonnes of rare earth reserves. Financing support is provided by the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and EXIM Bank, over USD 600 million in credit lines for strategic minerals. Discussions between the two sides are centred on ensuring project viability and long-term value creation focus on pricing mechanisms to...
GMDC–NMDC sign MoU for rare earth development at Ambadungar deposit
Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NMDC to collaborate in the rare earth elements (REE) sector, on March 16, 2026. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The agreement aims to develop an integrated rare earth value chain in Gujarat, covering exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing and downstream applications. The focus will be on GMDC’s Ambadungar rare earth deposit to support India’s critical minerals push. Rare earth elements can be extracted from the byproduct of bauxite “red mud” through hydrometallurgical techniques such as acid leaching, or pyrometallurgical methods like smelting. Also Read: Camimex pushes for critical minerals in...
CPCB releases guidelines for safe handling and storage of solar panel waste as volumes rise in India
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) released new guidelines in March 2026 for handling and storing waste from solar panels. These rules are issued under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. The aim is to manage the rising amount of solar waste in a safe way. As solar energy use has increased over the years in India, more panels reach the end of their life. Solar panels contain useful materials like glass and aluminium. They also contain deleterious substances such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic. If not handled properly, these can pollute soil and water. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Under the new rules, solar waste is placed in the category CEEW 14. CEEW stands for “Category of Electrical and...
Camimex pushes for critical minerals in USMCA review amid supply chain and investment concerns
Camimex, the Mexican Mining Chamber, said it wants mining and critical minerals to be included in the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Early talks have started this week as North American countries look at how to strengthen supply chains. Camimex President, Pedro Rivero, said the sector is in discussions with Mexican authorities. He said there is interest from the United States and Canada in talking about critical minerals. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Rivero noted that the current agreement does not have a mining section. The chamber believes mining should be included because it supports many industries. It has shared its position with Mexico’s Economy Ministry during...
After US tariffs, aluminium price surge due to Middle East conflict causing concern to Coca-Cola
The ongoing geo-political conflict in the Middle East has risked the supply chain disruption of aluminium due to the Strait of Hormuz blockage, the key shipping route for metals. This phenomenon has raised a concern for the US-based beverage brand Coca-Cola since the country relies heavily on aluminium imports from the Middle East. Nearly 22 per cent of total primary aluminium imports of the United States comes from the GCC countries, amounting to 607,200 tonnes as of November 2025. Overall, the Middle East (especially the Gulf countries) produces roughly 8-9 per cent of the global aluminium with around 6 to 6.5 million tonnes of primary aluminium output, with Emirates Global Aluminium being the GCC’s biggest smelter. Most of the smelted metal gets exported from this region, accounting...
Alliance formed in Europe to improve small aluminium packaging recycling
A new industry initiative, re-alu (Recycling Alliance for Small Aluminium Packaging), has been launched in Europe to improve the recycling of small aluminium packaging. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 ”. The alliance has been established under AMS Europe e.V. and brings together companies from across the aluminium packaging value chain. Its goal is to raise the recycling rate of these formats to 55 per cent by 2035, in line with targets under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). While aluminium beverage cans already achieve high recycling rates across Europe, smaller aluminium packaging formats remain less consistently recovered. These include coffee capsules, confectionery...
Polytag urges digital tracking in EPR to strengthen aluminium recycling accountability
Growing consumer preference for sustainable packaging is driving increased adoption of metals such as aluminium and steel across industries including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and more. Against this backdrop, Polytag has released a report calling for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems to place greater emphasis on verified recycling data and digital tracking to accurately measure packaging recovery. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The study "EPR That Works: Incentivising Real Recycling with Data and Innovation," which was released at the RECOUP Summit in February 2026, highlights the need for enhanced measuring tools to link producer payments to actual recycling results....
Russia pitches nuclear power and aluminium investment to West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Russia proposed cooperation with West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia, on nuclear power development, aluminium processing and education during a visit by Ambassador Sergey Tolchenov to the Indonesian province in early March 2026. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The discussions explored potential investment in a nuclear power plant and an aluminium processing facility supported by West Kalimantan’s bauxite reserves. “Our purpose in visiting West Kalimantan is to introduce the nuclear power plant construction technology we possess while exploring potential cooperation,” Tolchenov said. Governor Ria Norsan said the provincial government has already identified a site for the project. Also Read:...
UNCLOS questions Trump’s offshore critical mineral mining orders in the international seabed
In April 2025, the US government issued an executive order focused on offshore critical minerals. The order encourages the development of mineral deposits on the seabed. It refers to minerals located both inside US waters and in ocean areas outside national control. Resources found within the nation’s maritime zones belong to it. However, minerals located in international seabed regions are not owned by any single country. Even so, the Trump administration suggested that companies could receive permission to mine in those international areas. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The policy is connected to the rising demand for the critical minerals used in modern technologies. Metals such as nickel,...
Glencore in hope of talks to restart the $240 billion merger with Rio Tinto as coal price climbs
Glencore Chief Executive Officer Gary Nagle expects the recent rise in coal prices to revive merger discussions with Rio Tinto. Earlier this year, the two companies talked about creating a USD 240 billion mining group. The deal would have combined Glencore’s trading business and copper assets with Rio Tinto’s large-scale mining operations. They aimed to form the world’s largest mining company and strengthen supply for the growing demand for copper. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Negotiations ended in February, and the companies failed to agree on valuation. Under UK takeover rules, Rio Tinto cannot resume formal talks for six months. Simon Trott, CEO of Rio Tinto said, “Ultimately we formed the view...
Novelis partners with LINEAS for the rail transport of aluminium across Europe
Novelis has partnered with LINEAS to transport aluminium ingots, coils and scrap by rail between its European production sites. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Rail accounts for about 95 per cent of intercompany shipments between Novelis’ European facilities, making it the company’s primary mode of internal material transport. Roland Leder, Vice President of Supply Chain for Novelis Europe, said, “In total, Novelis, in cooperation with LINEAS, moves over 1,000 trains per year across the rail network in Germany, ensuring freight transport between the company’s European production sites.” “Compared to road transport, rail transport is estimated to save approximately 78 per cent of CO₂e emissions.”...
Constellium authorises $300M on share buyback authorised by the board till December 2028
Constellium SE announced their approval of a new share repurchase programme of up to USD 300 million for its outstanding ordinary shares. The board of directors said that it will take effect after the company’s 2026 Annual General Meeting of shareholders, scheduled to be held on May 21, 2026, till December 31, 2028. Chief Executive Officer of the company, Ingrid Joerg, shared the news by saying, “I am excited to announce today that our board has authorised a new share repurchase programme of up to USD 300 million.” For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " This new authorisation will replace the current share repurchase programme, which was approved in February 2024. Until the new programme becomes effective,...
Rio Tinto, Prysmian launch trial of low-carbon aluminium cables for data centre infrastructure
Rio Tinto and Prysmian have started an industrial trial to produce low-carbon aluminium cables for the data centre sector. The project combines aluminium production and cable technology to reduce the carbon footprint of IT infrastructure. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " For the trial, Rio Tinto produced an aluminium rod using a mix of low-carbon aluminium from its hydropowered Alma smelter in Quebec, Canada and aluminium made with ELYSIS technology. This technology removes direct greenhouse gas emissions from aluminium smelting and releases oxygen instead of carbon dioxide. The two companies signed a five-year supply agreement in 2023. The partnership combines their technologies and research...
India: Rare earth exploration intensifies in Andhra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu
On March 11, 2026, the government told Parliament that efforts to explore rare earth minerals are being expanded across coastal and inland regions. Ongoing surveys in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu are being conducted by the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) to assess monazite deposits in Konaseema, Puri and Thoothukudi districts. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " In inland hard-rock regions, survey areas include Jodhpur, Balotra and Udaipur in Rajasthan; Chhota Udepur in Gujarat; Salem in Tamil Nadu; and Warangal and Suryapet in Telangana. One of the main rare earth minerals found in India is monazite, which is found in deposits of beach sand together with other...
Lynas and Japan’s JARE sign rare earth supply deal to reduce reliance on China
Lynas Rare Earths and JARE have revised their supply agreement. The deal secures a long-term supply of rare earth materials and introduces a price floor. Under the agreement, JARE will buy 5,000 tonnes of neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) each year from Lynas. The contract runs until 2038, and the price floor is USD 110 per kg. JARE will also purchase 50 per cent of Lynas’ heavy rare earth production. This includes dysprosium and terbium, commonly used in permanent magnets and advanced electronics. Lynas became the first producer of separated heavy rare earth oxides outside China in May 2025. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Analyst Reg Spencer said the revised agreement reduces the influence of Chinese...
