AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
AL Circle x Dr Ashok Nandi: With the deteriorating domestic and imported bauxite quality, alumina refineries are slowly adopting the lower-grade ores for survival
Dr Ashok Nandi, President of the International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Society (IBAAS), in an exclusive interview with AL Circle, discussed how India’s aluminium industry is shifting from efficiency gains to systemic transformation. He highlighted key drivers such as decarbonisation, circular economy practices, digitalisation, and the potential of nuclear energy for green aluminium. Dr Nandi also emphasised IBAAS’s role in fostering collaboration, supporting emerging markets, and engaging young talent to advance sustainability across the aluminium value chain. AL Circle: Guinea continues to account for more than a quarter of global seaborne bauxite trade. What seems to be changing year-on-year for Guinea’s production, export volumes and capacity utilisation between 2023, 2024 and the...
Younan Company announces 880MW solar-plus-storage project in California
With plans for an 880 MW solar-plus-storage project in California, private equity firm Younan Company is entering the US clean energy market as it decides to diversify beyond its conventional real estate and hospitality portfolio. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 ". The Soleil Renewable Energy project, located in East Kern County, will combine large-scale solar generation with a 460 MW battery energy storage system (BESS),a pairing designed to improve grid reliability while maximising clean power delivery during peak demand. The project will be developed by a dedicated Younan subsidiary of the same name. Read More: Atlas Renewable Energy moves closer to 1 GW milestone in Colombia with new solar...
Cambio Roasters unveils recyclable aluminium pod in challenge to single-use coffee waste
Cambio Roasters has rolled out a new brand campaign that seeks to redefine the future of single-serve coffee for Keurig users, marking the introduction of what it describes as the first fully recyclable aluminium coffee pod designed specifically for Keurig machines. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 ". Developed in collaboration with creative agency Lipman Studio, the initiative places sustainability at the centre of the conversation, urging consumers to reconsider the environmental cost of convenience-driven coffee habits. The campaign is driven by the Cambio Roasters’ aluminium pod, which encourages consumers to embrace a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic K-Cups. The company says...
Uzbekistan's first aluminium can factory gets IFC support, promising 200+ jobs and import independence
In a major move to strengthen its industrial base and cut reliance on imports, Uzbekistan has secured support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for its first greenfield aluminium can production facility, a strategic investment that could reshape the nation’s packaging landscape and create valuable jobs. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 ". The project, led by East Can Solutions LLC and backed by up to USD 18 million in IFC financing, is coming up in Tashkent. It is designed to serve the fast-growing domestic beverage market with fully recyclable aluminium cans. By offering local producers a reliable supply alternative, the facility seeks to neutralise the challenges of volatile...
MPE backs CBAM extension from 2028 into downstream aluminium, steel & iron products
The European Commission’s proposed extension of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has gained the support of Metal Packaging Europe (MPE), advocating fairer carbon pricing in line with broader climate objectives and decisive action to address emissions across supply chains. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " CBAM, a policy tool, aims to put a fair price on carbon emissions produced during the manufacturing of carbon-intensive goods like aluminium, steel, cement, etc., imported into the European Union. The European Commission has proposed extending CBAM to include downstream products of iron, steel and aluminium, with the expanded scope to be implemented from January 1, 2028. Read...
Summit Global trims stake in Kaiser Aluminum while many other institutions rebalancing their positions
According to the latest regulatory filing, Summit Global Investments has significantly reduced its exposure to Kaiser Aluminum Corporation during the third quarter. The investment firm trimmed its holding in the industrial products manufacturer by more than half, selling 5,683 shares over the period. As a result, Summit Global ended the quarter with 5,347 shares of Kaiser Aluminum stock, a position valued at approximately USD 413,000 at the close of the reporting period. Kaiser Aluminum is a US-based manufacturer of semi-fabricated aluminium products traded on the Nasdaq under the ticker KALU. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 ". The move came amid broader portfolio adjustments by institutional...
Critical minerals to take centre stage in G7 talks
Senior officials from the G7 and allied economies are set to convene in Washington next week, placing critical minerals firmly at the centre of discussions as concerns grow over China’s dominance in global supply chains. Representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia and other partner nations will explore coordinated strategies to secure access to rare earths and other strategically vital raw materials. To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, book the report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 ". These minerals span a wide range of industries, from consumer electronics such as smartphones to advanced defence systems, making their availability a matter of economic security and geopolitics. With China holding a...
Brazilian Rare Earths reports progress in Amargosa Bauxite Project, strengthens balance sheet
Brazilian Rare Earths Limited has reported steady progress in the operational front of Amargosa Bauxite Project during the three months ended December 31, 2025, with significant growth achieved in the segments of project development, strategic partnerships and balance sheet strength. During the quarter, the company released a scoping study, outlining a large-scale direct-ship bauxite operation designed to prioritise simplicity and low capital intensity. The study outlines a 5 million tonne per annum export operation based on simple mining practice and road haulage to an established port offering a clear and efficient way to development. Amargosa is backed by a JORC-compliant mineral inventory of 568 million tonnes, of which only 98 million tonnes qualify as direct-ship bauxite. On a...
Rio Tinto-Chalco partnership targets growth with $902M CBA transaction
*** Rio Tinto and Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (Chalco) have agreed to jointly acquire a controlling stake in Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA), marking a major strategic move to expand their presence in low-carbon aluminium production. Under a definitive agreement with Votorantim, the partners will purchase 68.596 per cent of CBA through a newly formed joint venture, owned 33 per cent by Rio Tinto and 67 per cent by Chalco. The transaction is priced at BRL 10.50 per share (USD 2 per share), representing a 21.2 per cent premium to CBA’s recent 20-day average trading price of BRL 8.67 (USD 1.66). The deal values Votorantim’s holding at approximately USD 902.6 million, with Rio Tinto contributing USD 297.8 million on a pro-rata basis. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026...
Pakistan's aluminium ore exports to China hit record $14M
Pakistan’s aluminium ore exports to China hit a record USD 14.16 million in 2025, a stunning leap that underscores the shifting dynamics of bilateral trade and industrial demand. Data from China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) shows that aluminium ores and concentrates surged from just USD 0.29 million, marking an eye-popping increase of more than 4,700 per cent as Chinese industries ramp up production of electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and lightweight components. Don't miss out- Buyers are looking for your products on our B2B platform This boom in aluminium ore follows broader diversification in Pakistan’s mineral exports to China, where copper remains dominant, with copper and related products reaching USD 1.14 billion and copper ore concentrates over USD 11...
Aluminium hits $3,387/t as Trump's "Doing Great" dollar remark fuels metal rally
Global aluminium markets surged on Wednesday, pushing prices to their highest level in nearly four years as a sudden slide in the US dollar reignited risk appetite across base metals. The rally gathered pace after President Trump downplayed concerns over the greenback. Asked about the recent USD weakness, he told reporters it was “doing great,” reinforcing bearish sentiment on the currency and driving investors toward commodities. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain On the London Metal Exchange, aluminium futures (LMAHDS03:COM) jumped 2.3 per cent to USD 3,387 per tonne, while copper rose 1.5 per cent and zinc gained 1.9 per cent, underscoring a broad-based metals upswing. Read More: RUSAL deploys...
25% drop in Egypt Aluminium’s profit margin despite higher sales
Egypt Aluminium Company (Egyptalum) saw its profitability weaken in the first half of the 2025-26 financial year, even as turnover rose, according to unaudited figures released to the Egyptian Exchange on January 28. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain The government-owned aluminium producer posted net profit after tax of EGP 5.54 billion (USD 118.26 million) for the six months till December 2025, down 25 per cent from EGP 7.355 billion (USD 157.06 million) reported in the same period a year earlier. Read More: LME cash offer recovers with a 2.9% increase while inventories continue on with a slight dip Revenue, however, moved in the opposite direction. Sales rose 12.56 per cent year on year to EGP...
New 400 MW solar cell units boost Premier Energies’ manufacturing base
Premier Energies has brought a new 400MW solar cell manufacturing facility into operation at Maheshwaram in Telangana.The newly commissioned plant will manufacture solar cells based on mono passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) technology. With the site now operational, the Hyderabad-headquartered manufacturer has lifted its total solar cell capacity from 3.2GW to 3.6GW. To know the aluminium market outlook for 2026 and beyond, get an access to our report: Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2026 Funding for the expansion has been drawn from multiple sources. These include proceeds of approximately INR13 billion (USD141 million) raised through the company’s initial public offering last year, alongside an INR 22 billion (USD 240 million) loan facility arranged with the state-owned Indian...
Rodger Fuller to close his stint with Sonoco Leadership in February 2026
After shaping operations across continents, Rodger Fuller will retire from Sonoco Products Company, a leading packaging solutions provider across industries like beauty & personal care and food & beverages, at the end of February 2026. To know the aluminium market outlook for 2026 and beyond, get an access to our report: Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2026 Presently, serving as the Chief Operating Officer, Fuller has been a key figure in Sonoco’s operational strategy since 2020. His remit has included oversight of global consumer and industrial businesses, diversified operations, and information technology. Alongside these responsibilities, he was recently asked to take on additional leadership duties as interim chief executive officer of Sonoco’s Metal Packaging EMEA business. Sonoco...
Can Makers UK appoints John O'Maoileoin as its new chair
Can Makers UK, the influential trade association representing British beverage can manufacturers, has appointed John O’Maoileoin as its new chair, marking a strategic leadership shift at the heart of a dynamic and evolving packaging sector. To know the aluminium market outlook for 2026 and beyond, get an access to our report: Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2026 O’Maoileoin, who currently serves as Global Group Sustainability Director at CANPACK, succeeds Tim Conybeare, commercial director for UK & Ireland at Crown Bevcan EMEA, after Conybeare’s term concluded under the organisation’s rotating leadership system. With over 15 years of commercial experience spanning roles at CANPACK, Aldi, Dairy Crest and Tesco, O’Maoileoin brings a blend of sustainability insight and brand strategy...
Aluminium nitride drives a new performance frontier in GaN power Electronics
Scientists of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor have achieved a notable milestone in nitride semiconductor research by realising an exceptionally high two-dimensional electron gas density at room temperature in an aluminium nitride/gallium nitride heterostructure. Grown using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy, the structure employs a single-channel design with a 9 nm AlN barrier, enabling electron concentrations above 1 × 10¹⁴ cm⁻² - an outcome that places this material system at the forefront of reported performance levels. To know the aluminium market outlook for 2026 and beyond, get an access to our report: Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2026 Reported in Applied Physics Letters (Vol. 127, p. 243505, 2025), the work identifies how precise strain management and interface...
Emirates Global Aluminium garners Global Lighthouse Recognition from WEF
Image source: EGA Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has secured a place in the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse Network, a recognition reserved for manufacturing operations that have successfully embedded advanced technologies into day-to-day production. The announcement places the UAE-based producer among a small group of industrial players globally recognised for large-scale use of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) solutions. The designation carries particular significance for EGA. It is the first industrial company in the UAE outside the oil and gas sector to receive Lighthouse status, and the first aluminium producer worldwide to join the network. This recognition clearly marks the company’s shift in focus from pilot projects to enterprise-wide deployment of digital and...
NALCO plans to build 200–300 MW renewable power capacity for greener aluminium production
Intending to revamp energy configuration for aluminium operations , NALCO is making sincere efforts to reduce carbon emissions from its power-intensive industrial processes by minimising its dependence on coal-based captive power generation. Presently, the state-owned miner and metal producer is evaluating the development of 200–300 MW of renewable power capacity, supported by battery energy storage systems, to ensure a steady electricity supply for its smelters. NALCO currently operates 1,100 MW of captive coal-fired power plants, which contribute close to 80 per cent of its total carbon emissions. Coal-generated electricity is priced at around INR 3 to 3.5 (3.3 to 3.8 cents) and offers cost advantages, while renewable power remains extremely expensive, with tariffs ranging from INR 4.5...
