AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
Indonesia’s Alamtri targets mid-December for an aluminium plant commencement
Indonesia’s strategic move to expand its domestic mineral processing continues with PT Alamtri Minerals Indonesia Tbk (ADMR) planning to start its new aluminium plant in North Kalimantan in mid-December. The facility, situated on the Island of Borneo, is set to become one of Indonesia’s large aluminium operations. Alamtri director, Wito Krisnahadi, confirmed via text message that initial activities at the site would begin next month. Production will be scaled up gradually throughout next year, forming part of the planned commissioning phase. Krisnahadi added that the site is expected to reach its full annual output of 500,000 tonnes by October 2026. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Beyond the first phase, ADMR has outlined a...
Pakistan-Afghanistan border tensions cast uncertainty over PABC’s aluminium cans export
Disruptions at Pakistan’s major border crossings with Afghanistan have begun to weigh on the trading scenario of Pakistan Aluminium Beverage Cans Limited (PABC), which relies on Afghanistan and Central Asia for a significant share of its export business. Trade routes such as Torkham and Chaman, which are normally used to move food items, consumer goods and industrial packaging solutions, have been repeatedly shut in recent weeks. Reports of cross-border shelling and disagreements over transit procedures have also led to intermittent closures. It has not only affected a wide range of commercial flows but also seems to impact manufacturers dependent on cross-border trade links. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain PABC, the...
PPG launches “Sigma EcoCollect”: a recycling initiative in Netherland
PPG has recently launched a nationwide initiative named “Sigma EcoCollect” to ensure that professional painters can voluntarily return plastic and metal packaging for recycling purposes. The campaign has been launched in collaboration with FIRE-OFF (waste logistics provider) and Dijkstra Plastics (packaging manufacturer), with the primary goal of increasing the usage of post-consumer recycled metal content within the packaging. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The Sigma EcoCollect campaign would be spreading its operating base in 32 PPG Sigma Service Centres stores and 61 Sigma Coatings wholesalers to collect the metal packaging scraps. To support these initiatives, it would be supported by FIRE-OFF for its logistics and...
China Hongqiao eyes $1.5B from share sale in Hong Kong following aluminium price boom
China Hongqiao Group has announced its plan to raise HKD11.68 billion (USD 1.5 billion approximately) through a share sale. The largest private aluminium producer will use the accumulated funds to support projects and repay debt, as mentioned in their filing with the Hong Kong stock exchange on Tuesday. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The company intends to sell up to 400 million existing shares at HKD29.20 (USD 3.75 approximately) each, a 9.6 per cent discount to Monday’s closing price. The placed shares would represent about 4 per cent of the enlarged share capital. Hongqiao noted that the offer price is roughly 2.2 per cent above the average closing price of around HKD28.58 (USD 3.68 approximately) over the past 30 trading...
Major investors shift position in Century Aluminum amid market volatility
Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC has reduced its stake in Century Aluminum Company (NASDAQ:CENX) by 63.1 per cent in the second quarter, according to its latest filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm sold 33,907 shares during the period, leaving it with 19,859 shares valued at USD 358,000 at quarter-end. Other major investors have also adjusted their positions. Jones Financial Companies LLP has acquired a new holding in the first quarter worth USD 25,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its stake by 1,291.8 per cent in the second quarter and now holds 1,364 shares valued at USD 25,000 after adding 1,266 shares. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd lifted its position by 261.8 per cent in the first quarter, bringing its total to 4,020 shares worth...
Jamaica Parliament nods $400 Mn fund withdrawal for bauxite community development programme
The House of Representatives in Jamaica has approved the withdrawal of USD 400 million from the Capital Development Fund (CDF) to support Phase 8 of the Bauxite Community Development Programme, which will run from 2025 to 2028. The Bauxite (Production Levy) (Capital Development Fund Withdrawal) Order, 2025, was approved on November 11, enabling the release of the funds. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Speaking in the House, Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, explained that the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI), established in 1975, is the government agency responsible for oversight, planning and development of Jamaica’s bauxite and alumina sector. She noted that the Bauxite Community Development...
Ethiopia X RUSAL: A partnership to uplift the former’s aluminium sector
In a major boost to its industrialisation agenda, Ethiopia’s largest sovereign wealth fund, Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), has signed an initial deal with RUSAL to develop a high-capacity aluminium smelter. With a planned output of 500 thousand tonnes a year and an estimated USD 1 billion in initial investment, this agreement, led by Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), marks one of the country’s most significant new industrial ventures. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain A strategic investment with long-term ambition EIH said the project, covered under a memorandum of understanding (MoU), will take three to four years to complete. The plant is designed with a projected operating lifespan of around 50 years, underscoring...
India to train 5.7 million workers to develop a skilled workforce for critical minerals mining
As part of the plan to create a pool of 5.7 million skilled workers for mining by 2030, the Mines Ministry and the Skill Council for Mining Sector (SCMS) have jointly formed a committee to identify skill gaps and train 5.7 million workers focused on mining critical minerals. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The goal of this initiative is to create a pool of skilled workforce under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) to amplify the domestic mining of critical minerals for clean energy development and reduce import reliance on China. The skill gap assessment study for 2025-25 will come up with a comprehensive action plan to impart skills to millions of workers, while identifying workforce requirements across various job...
ASEAN’s nuclear push puts spotlight on Singapore’s public awareness drive
Southeast Asia is entering a new phase of its energy transition. Nuclear power, once a distant idea for the region, is now a serious option for several ASEAN governments. This shift makes public awareness, cross-border safety literacy, and regional cooperation far more urgent. Singapore, despite not having made a decision on its own nuclear deployment, recognises this shift. Its government has now placed nuclear education at the centre of future energy preparedness. Why Singapore says nuclear literacy matters Speaking in Parliament on November 6, Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Tan See Leng, stressed a simple but crucial point. “There is a need to build up Singaporeans’ knowledge and understanding on nuclear energy, even if the government eventually decides not to...
Ardagh’s founder Paul Coulson steps down as it finalises recapitalisation
Ardagh Group S.A. has reportedly made a final decision on a USD 5.8 billion worth recapitalisation that will reduce its debt position and extend loan maturities, with backing from financial support from almost all of its creditors. The restructuring includes a USD 4.3 billion debt-for-equity exchange, the issue of USD 1.5 billion in new first-lien senior secured notes maturing in 2030, and an extension of the company’s USD 0.5 billion asset-based lending facility to the same year. Following the transaction, the ownership has been transferred to the company’s lenders, consisting of major financial institutions and investment funds. Must read: Key industry individuals share their thoughts on the trending topics Reports in the Irish Independent state that the recapitalisation of the firm...
Ball Corporation supplies aluminium-canned water at COP30
Ball Corporation has supplied canned water made out of aluminium at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, underscoring the significance of the lightweight metal in a circular economy. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain In collaboration with HEINEKEN Spin and Amapura, Ball Corporation produced 2.5 million cans for COP30. Of these, almost 1.5 million were branded under Mamba Water and the rest under Amapura. Ball Corporation has upheld its commitment to sustainability by using 78 per cent recycled aluminium and being powered by renewable electricity. Tamires Silvestre, sustainability director for Ball in South America, commenced, “Being present at COP30 reinforces our purpose of positioning aluminium...
ELYSIS announces breakthrough with commercial-scale inert anode cell
ELYSIS has activated its 450 kiloampere (kA) inert anode cell, installed at the end of an existing potline at Rio Tinto’s smelter in Alma, Québec. The company described the development as a major step forward in the shift towards large-scale aluminium production with a lower carbon footprint. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The launch is a major innovation and marks the first commercial deployment of inert anode technology. The technology results from extensive research, development and industrial trials, and demonstrates aluminium production at high amperage without direct carbon emissions. According to ELYSIS, the technology will offer further advantages, including improved safety conditions for employees, potential cost...
Envestnet Asset Management expands its holding in Kaiser Aluminum
According to a recent filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Envestment Asset Management Inc. has increased its investment in Kaiser Aluminium Corporation by 62 per cent by acquiring 25,546 shares. So, compared to the earlier shareholding of 41,227, it now owns 66,773 shares. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Increased exposure of the institutional investors Alongside Envestment Asset Management Inc, other institutional shareholders of Kaiser Aluminum have also adjusted their positions: Third Avenue Management LLC purchased an additional 205 shares Cetera Investment Advisers expanded its holdings by 7.3 per cent Mirae Asset Global ETFs Holdings Ltd. expanded its position by 4.4 per cent Central Pacific...
GIADEC, under ministerial guidance, steps up industrial transformation, prioritising VALCO revamp
Under the guidance of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) has started making notable moves to fast-track the country’s industrial transformation. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain In line with this push, Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has established an investor selection committee tasked with identifying a strategic partner for the modernisation of the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) and the development of Ghana’s first alumina refinery. Driving Ghana’s industrial transformation In his speech, the minister explained that these two projects would mark a major shift from a raw bauxite-exporting model to a value-added processing economy. He underscored...
VisionF Yachts introduces its largest aluminium catamaran
VisionF Yachts, a fast-emerging Turkish shipyard known for its distinctive catamaran designs, has introduced its most ambitious product, the VisionF 101. Measuring 30.7 metres (almost 101 feet), it is the largest aluminium power catamaran ever produced by the company and the first of its size to meet the stringent RINA Commercial Class standards. Image for referential purposes only (source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/) Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain VisionF Yachts made its debut in 2020 with the VisionF 80. Despite being founded only a few years ago, VisionF has experienced rapid growth and introduced a series of models that have helped establish the brand as one of the futuristic builders in the multihull market....
Aluminium prices lifted by supply worries and improved purchase sentiment
Aluminium prices have witnessed a 0.09 per cent rise, amounting to USD 273.8 per kg, attributed to revived market sentiment by the support of China’s economy-boosting measures and the US government shutdown causing supply disruptions . Supply tightness builds globally Production issues at major smelters have also contributed to the price hike, amplifying concerns of a supply squeeze. The suspension of one potline at Iceland’s Grundartangi smelter, Alcoa’s decision to close the Kwinana alumina refinery in Australia, and output cuts at Century Aluminium’s Iceland plant due to electrical failures have all reduced global capacity. These developments mark a notable shift after years of consistent oversupply. Kedia noted as traders increasingly bet on a structural rebalancing of the market,...
Verdox achieves milestone with first all-electric CO₂ capture from aluminium emissions
Verdox, a US-based climate technology firm, has achieved a major leap in the race to decarbonise heavy industry. In collaboration with Hydro, one of the world’s leading aluminium and renewable energy producers, the company has completed a first-of-its-kind trial capturing carbon directly from aluminium smelting emissions. The two-month pilot took place at Hydro’s Sunndal plant in Norway, the largest and most advanced primary aluminium facility in Europe. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Verdox successfully removes carbon dioxide from exhaust streams containing just 1 per cent CO₂ concentration, a challenge long considered technically unfeasible and uneconomical. The process also proves resilient against impurities typically...
COP30 panel to highlight the vital role of waste pickers in aluminium recycling
At the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, a dedicated session will explore how waste pickers can play a central role in advancing aluminium recycling and supporting the transition to a circular economy. Scheduled for November 13, the discussion, titled “People Driving the Circular Economy: Integrating Waste Pickers in Aluminium Recycling,” will be jointly organised by the global organisations such as the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), and the Associação Brasileira do Alumínio (ABAL). Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Panel to explore inclusion of waste pickers in formal markets Marlen Bertram, director of scenarios and forecasts at the...
