AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
Auto manufacturers to use aluminium recycling to cut emissions and costs
In 2026, leading automakers like Toyota Prius, Ford Focus, BMW i3, Volvo XC60, Honda Civic, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Renault Zoe, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Leaf, and Peugeot 208 use aluminium in the manufacturing process to ensure its recyclable status, and also to help reduce the overall weight of the cars, increasing their efficiency. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain As the global automotive industry is starting to take a significant role in the recycling of aluminium, the car manufacturers are also shifting their design philosophy toward a modular assembly using standardised fasteners. This allows them to manufacture parts separately, which helps the recyclers to quickly and easily separate clean...
From renewable energy to critical minerals - India and Brazil are strengthening their ties
Last time, during the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Brazil in July 2025, the two nations sealed a renewable energy partnership , and now, on the occasion of the Brazilian President's visit to India, they exchanged words over critical minerals supply, alongside setting an ambitious USD 20 billion bilateral trade target by 2030. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Narendra Modi met on Saturday in New Delhi and talked about enhancing their collaboration on rare earth elements and essential minerals, which Brazil boasts of having the world’s second-largest resources. For India, it is a strategic deal as the country has been looking for alternative suppliers to...
NALCO strengthens digital connectivity with BSNL 4G BTS launch at Koraput alumina refinery
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a premier government-undertaking leading aluminium company in India, welcomed the BSNL Base Transceiver Station (BTS) at its alumina refinery in Koraput, Odisha. This BTS is equipped with Swadwshi 4G technology, India’s first fully indigenous 4G (5G-ready) technology developed through collaboration between Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), Tejas (Radio Access Network), and TCS. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " Amarendra Kumar Mishra, the Executive Director of the M&R Complex Alumina Refinery, with the Chief General Manager of BSNL Odisha Circle, Rudra Narayan Palai and other officials, was present at the ceremony. The network is cloud-native and...
Turkey, Saudi Arabia deepen energy ties with multi-billion solar pact
A fresh phase in relations between Saudi Arabia and Turkey is taking shape through a major renewable energy partnership that officials say will transform Turkey’s electricity landscape. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain At the heart of the new arrangement is a commitment to construct solar power facilities capable of supplying electricity to more than two million households. The agreement was formally concluded on Friday during a ceremony held at an Ottoman-era palace overlooking the Bosphorus in Istanbul. It follows a wider intergovernmental energy accord valued at USD 2 billion, signed during a significant visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Riyadh on February 3. Also Read: ACME signs...
15% duty prevails post US Supreme Court ruling, as uncertainty lingers for aluminium & auto industry
The US President Donald Trump has issued a new 15 per cent global tax using Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 on February 21. It is a response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on Trump’s previously imposed tariffs. Vehicles and parts, already under motor vehicles tariffs, are spared from the new duties. On February 20, 2026, Trump announced a 10 per cent worldwide tariff, shortly after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that many of his earlier import taxes were illegal. It was supposed to take effect on February 24. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The new 15 per cent tariff does not apply to imports of steel, aluminium, and copper. Goods from Canada and Mexico that follow North American...
Egyptalum to modernise cold rolling lines with €19 million investment
Egyptalum, the largest aluminium producer in Egypt and one of the largest in Africa, has allocated EUR 19 million (USD 22.4 million) for the modernisation of its cold rolling line. The company produces a wide range of products, including billets, wire rods, foundry alloys, ingots, T-bars, and slabs, totalling 320,000 tonnes. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " As of early 2026, the company has expanded its operations, including opening a new 60,000 tonnes per annum aluminium wire production line in partnership with Italy’s Properzi, bringing total wire output to 120,000 tonnes per annum. And now with the current investment, the firm marks its broader growth strategy, which focuses on strengthening market...
AL Circle x Shubhra Thakur from LDES Council: “Long-duration energy storage (LDES) makes high renewable energy penetration technically feasible for aluminium”
In this interview, Shubhra Thakur, the Director - Policy and Markets, Asia- Pacific and Country Director- India at LDES Council, has elaborately explained the critical contribution of long-duration energy storage (LDES) systems for making a seamless availability of renewable electricity for the aluminium production process. Shubhra Thakur has championed transformative solutions at the intersection of energy, health and social equity and crafted trailblazing policy frameworks that advance gender-responsive climate action and universal energy access. She is an Executive MBA graduate in Strategy and Marketing from Delhi University and a recipient of the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women scholarship. Previously, Shubhra headed Corporate Affairs at ReNew and led Policy and Government...
GMDC shares climb 4.4% after India targets strategic mineral expansion, Pax Silica
Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd (GMDC) shares went up by 4 per cent on Friday. This happened after India officially joined the Pax-Silica Coalition with the United States, focusing mainly on important supply chains and critical minerals. GMDC is a government-owned mining company, and it may benefit from this new alliance. The stocks increased by 4.4 per cent and reached INR 585.15 (USD 6.45) on BSE. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " In the 2025 budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a scheme for rare earth permanent magnets and stated mineral-rich states like Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu will be supported to create special rare earth corridors. The...
Industrial Physics names Andrew McCauley as the new CEO
Industrial Physics, a US-headquartered company known for driving quality assurance and innovation in the aluminium packaging value chain, announced on February 19 that Andrew McCauley would be succeeding Barry Lyon as the Chief Executive Officer. Brandon Brahm, Partner at KKR, said, “We want to thank Barry for his leadership and contributions to Industrial Physics. During his tenure, the Company built a strong foundation and a differentiated global platform. We look forward to working with Andrew to continue building on that foundation and are confident in his ability to lead Industrial Physics through its next phase of growth.” Andrew McCauley will bring over 30 years of leadership experience in the field of technologies and in providing industrial solutions to Industrial Physics . He...
Bevan Group named as JPM Group’s exclusive UK distribution partner
JPM Group, a French manufacturer, has expanded its presence in the UK commercial vehicle market by selecting West Midlands-based Bevan Group as its exclusive UK distributor. Alongside, JPM formally announced hiring as part of its expansion strategy. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain The agreement enables UK operators of light tippers and dropsiders to access JPM’s aluminium and steel bodywork with what Bevan describes as ‘ultra-quick’ turnaround times. Initially, with at least six weeks’ notice of a chassis arrival, Bevan can fit a JPM body and have the completed vehicle ready for collection the following day. The company plans to hold stock bodies in the future, further reducing delivery windows,...
ACME signs a PPA deal with SECI for a 190 MW wind-solar hybrid project
On Wednesday, February 19, ACME Solar Holdings entered into a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for a 190 MW wind-solar hybrid project. The deal lifts ACME’s total PPA-backed capacity to 5,820 MW. Executed through its subsidiary ACME Urja One Private Ltd, the agreement strengthens revenue visibility while expanding its integrated hybrid portfolio.The project is ISTS-connected and part of a broader 380 MW allocation, with the initial 190 MW now contractually secured. Importantly, the tariff has received approval from the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), and the associated power procurement plan has been cleared by the concerned State electricity regulatory authority. Also read: US threatens to leave International Energy...
OHISAMA: Japan’s 2026 satellite mission to transmit wireless solar energy from space
Japan is planning to launch Ohisama, a satellite intended to convert sunlight into microwaves and send them back to Earth wirelessly. The launch is planned for 2026, orbiting 400 km above Earth. Solar energy is planned to be received by 13 antenna stations in Suwa, located in central Japan. This project will test the concept of space-based solar power, initially capturing 1 kilowatt of energy. The broader goal is to set up a 1 Gigawatt orbital solar array within 25 years, aiming to capture energy that will run thousands of houses. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " In space, sunlight is constant; therefore, the solar power generation will be at its full potential. The satellite is made to carry a 2 square...
Trivium secures WorldStar Award for Budweiser NFL aluminium bottle
Trivium Packaging has bagged a WorldStar Global Packaging Award 2026 from the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), taking top honours in the Labelling and Decorations category for its Budweiser NFL Aluminium Bottle. The 330ml bottle was produced for Budweiser in Brazil to celebrate the brand’s sponsorship of the first NFL game to be staged in São Paulo. Its design references the meeting between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers, with artwork created to mark the occasion and appeal to supporters as a limited-edition collectible. To achieve the final look, Trivium used advanced aluminium forming and printing techniques. The container allows for detailed, multi-colour graphics in high resolution, finished with varnish and enamel to give added depth and durability. The result...
Unlocking Africa’s critical mineral potential through regional cooperation under AfCFTA
Africa holds about 30 per cent of the world’s critical minerals reserves and plans to gain advantage from the rising global demand with strategic regional cooperation. The mineral reserves include platinum group metals, manganese and chrome. With countries like South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia being the major producers, Africa acts as a key actor in emerging global supply chains. Yet Africa’s intra-continental trade remains limited, responsible for only about 16 per cent of total trade. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The critical minerals are essential for electric cars and renewable energy. With the rising global demand, African governments are now working more closely...
India moves to build a domestic rare-earth magnet industry
India expects to begin producing rare-earth permanent magnets at home before the end of 2026, announced Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, adding the initiative is intended to expand domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. The decision follows Cabinet clearance last November for a dedicated scheme to support local production. The programme sets a target of 6,000 tonnes per year and carries funding of INR 72,800 million (USD 800.8 million). Such magnets are essential components in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, renewable energy equipment, aerospace systems and defence applications. Also read: CME Group plans first Rare Earth Futures Contract to reduce western dependence on China India currently has only modest capacity in this segment. Raw materials are...
Green energy to the rescue: Ust-Chorna keeps the lights on amid Ukraine’s energy crisis
Although conflict with Russia has largely impacted most of Ukraine’s energy supply, Ust-Chorna, a district made up of four small villages in the western mountains has kept the lights on with the help of none other than the renewable energy. Petro Kostyak, the head of Ust Chorna, said that other regions that rely on fossil fuels are still experiencing blackouts and might be envious of them. One of the three hydro-electric power stations was built in 2014 by Rener, a Ukrainian renewable energy company. Government estimates suggest that the country’s electricity generation capacity is reduced to 33 per cent by Russian attacks, evidences are the frequent blackouts and weakened centralised power system. But Ukraine’s strategy shifted when it focused on green energy and decentralisation of...
Maruti e‑Vitara and MG Windsor EV on each side of the balance scale
The two electric vehicle models, namely the Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara and the MG Motor India Windsor EV, are two budget-friendly electric SUVs that have been launched in India. In recent times, customers are looking for environmentally friendly car solutions without spending a huge amount on them. These two vehicles with zero emission criteria serve the best requirements for the consumers in the present scenario. Both the models, Maruti e-Vitara and MG Windsor EV, mostly use aluminium in their construction, specifically for components like wheels and potentially structural reinforcements to reduce their average weight factor. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The price Comparison The Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara...
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AL Circle x Raffmetal: “Reducing energy intensity is a key priority for us, given the inherently energy- intensive nature of aluminium melting”
We welcome you to our conversation with Mr Ruggero Zambelli and Mr Paolo Gamberini of Raffmetal, the Europe’s leading producer of aluminium alloys from recycling. Mr Zambelli serves as Quality Manager and Head of Alloys Development, and Mr Gamberni is Sales Responsible for Foundry Alloys from Recycling. Sharing their outlook on the aluminium casting market, both Mr Zambelli and Mr Gamberini underline that lightweighting is a long-term strategic priority for the automotive sector, which continues to offer strong growth prospects to the aluminium casting market beyond 2026. While acknowledging near-term challenges, particularly the increasing outflow of aluminium scrap from Europe, they note that Raffmetal is working closely with government authorities to address these concerns. When asked...
