AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
Discharge from Atalco alumina refinery into Mississippi River prompts environmental concerns
As per news sources, a cloudy, rust-coloured plume, roughly the size of a football field, was discharged from the Atalco alumina refinery into the Mississippi River last week, raising fresh alarm over environmental oversight at the nation’s only operating alumina refinery. State records show the discharge was “dangerously caustic” and well above federal limits, extending a month-long trend of non-compliance at the facility. A pattern of persistent breaches Located around 45 miles west of New Orleans, Atalco converts bauxite into alumina for aluminium production. Even so, even with this critical industrial role, it has faced heightened scrutiny for repeated toxic discharges and workplace safety lapses. Aerial images taken on October 21, 2025, showed white alumina residue and swirling...
Crown Holdings is weighed down by the Latin America dip as rising aluminium costs pressure beverage can makers
After years of steady growth, beverage can makers like Crown Holdings and Ardagh Metal Packaging are facing headwinds from soaring aluminium costs and a demand slump in Latin America. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Crown Holdings said its beverage can volumes in the Americas slipped by about 5 per cent in the latest quarter, reversing the strong gains made last year. The fall was more pronounced in Brazil and Mexico, where sales were down around 15 per cent, according to Chief Executive Tim Donahue. Passing on aluminium price increases - reportedly up by 54 per cent globally - to customers through existing supply agreements, Donahue said he expects volumes to pick up again by 2026, noting that canned drinks continue to offer...
Market outlook remains bearish despite a price rise in Japanese aluminium ingots
The price of Japanese aluminium ingots has noted a 0.3 per cent increase in its price in late October 2025, mainly owing to the fact that the value of the Japanese yen (JPY) has depreciated against the rising dollar. Although the price has increased, the market still faces a downward trend as Japanese premium continues to fall, which in turn is affecting the aluminium ingot market in the fourth quarter of the year. The stock of heavy finished goods and the prudent customers’ purchasing behaviour tend to affect the overall prices of aluminium ingots in Japan. However, analysts maintain a bearish outlook for the near term. The increase in prices of Japanese aluminium ingots by 0.3 per cent is guided by several factors, including the high demand from downstream industries, along with the...
90 mining exploration permits cancelled in Mali due to non-compliance
Mali’s government has reportedly cancelled more than 90 mining exploration permits for minerals such as bauxite, uranium, rare earths, gold, iron ore, and more. The government decided that companies failing to meet new regulatory requirements would have their permits cancelled. The move, confirmed through an official decree seen by Reuters, affects local branches of well-known mining firms such as Harmony Gold, IAMGOLD, Cora Gold, Birimian Gold, and Resolute Mining. Exploration zones now open for new allocations According to a statement from the Ministry of Mines, permit holders were required to submit specific documents under recently introduced mining laws. After review, authorities found that many had not complied. “All rights linked to the revoked permits are now released,” the decree...
Ball Corporation strengthens board with the appointment of John E. Panichella
Global packaging leader Ball Corporation has announced the appointment of John E. Panichella, Chief Executive Officer of Solenis, to its Board of Directors. This is seen as a strategic move of Ball towards reinforcing its focus on leadership depth and sustainable growth. Image source: https://investors.ball.com/ Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Panichella has built a distinguished career in the water treatment and speciality chemicals sectors. As CEO of Solenis, he has led a global team developing sustainable process and water treatment solutions for water-intensive industries. Before joining Solenis, he actually led Ashland’s water technologies business, which was later spun off to form Solenis in 2014. In Solenis, he helped...
Western Yilgarn expands bauxite assets and bolsters critical minerals outlook
Western Australia-based explorer Western Yilgarn NL has released new estimates that mark a notable lift in its bauxite inventory. The update follows the completion of two fresh resource assessments at the New Norcia and Cardea 3 projects, bringing the company’s total JORC-classified bauxite resources to about 244 million tonnes. Growing potential of the critical minerals market The company said that preliminary assays indicate trace occurrences of gallium and cobalt within the same geological corridor. Both elements are considered vital in modern electronics and renewable-energy technologies, giving Western Yilgarn an additional foothold in the critical minerals market. According to industry analysts, the demand for low-carbon materials is increasing globally. As a result, companies like...
Mercuria ships 30kt of LME-grade aluminium from Malaysia to New Orleans
Global energy and commodity group Mercuria is shipping over 30,000 tonnes of aluminium from Port Klang in Malaysia to New Orleans, three market sources have revealed. They added that the trader probably needed the metal for its US customers. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The shipment is drawn from London Metal Exchange-approved warehouses in Port Klang, where stocks stood at 268,325 tonnes as of 29 October. Inventories have dropped by 74,700 tonnes, or 22 per cent, since late September, a sharp draw that points to tightening spot supply in Asia. Mercuria’s strategic metals push The recent aluminium trade is part of Mercuria’s wider strategic pivot into industrial metals, away from its core energy portfolio. News sources had...
Every Can Counts U.S. launches new recycling initiative at East Potomac Golf Links
Every Can Counts U.S., in partnership with National Links Trust, has launched a new aluminium beverage recycling initiative at East Potomac Golf Links. This initiative is the first golf course activation for Every Can Counts U.S., launched to help golfers and visitors recycle the aluminium beverage cans instead of throwing them away. The joint venture has introduced two DC-themed recycling cages, along with the recycling bins and various awareness signage, in the East Potomac Golf Links. These help visitors on the golf course to recycle the aluminium cans at every turn. Tim Ebner, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Can Manufacturers Institute and a lead organiser of the Every Can Counts U.S. chapter, said, “Public golf courses are green spaces where communities and...
Cameroon Aluminium output slumps 40.8% following technical failure
Cameroon’s aluminium production dropped sharply in the first quarter of 2025, falling by about 40.8 per cent, according to the Ministry of Finance’s recent report. The fall came after a major technical fault forced more than half of the country’s electrolysis cells to shut down. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain “Output of aluminium ingots and slabs fell by 40.8 per cent after over half of the electrolysis cells stopped working due to a technical issue,” the report confirmed. Despite the early setback, the industry recorded a 4.5 per cent rise compared with the same quarter last year. Officials expect production to climb by around 6 per cent over the full year as repairs continue and capacity is restored. The disruption...
Pahal Solar expands capacity with new solar cells and aluminium frame units
Gujarat-based solar module manufacturer, Pahal Solar, has started work on a new production facility in Surat. The upcoming complex will house a 2 GW solar cell plant and a 2 GW aluminium frame manufacturing unit, both expected to be operational by late 2026. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The establishment of the new production unit brings forth the company’s effort to boost India’s renewable manufacturing capacity. The company recently held a Bhoomi Poojan ceremony to mark the start of construction. The project is the materialisation of Pahal Solar’s extensive strategy to scale up production and strengthen its role in India’s renewable energy market. When finished, the expansion will lift the firm’s overall manufacturing...
Mineral and metal export prices of Australia fell by 0.9 % in Q3
The export prices in Australia have declined by 0.9 per cent in the third quarter of 2025, after a 4.5 per cent decline in Q2. This has marked the second time decline in the same year, owing to several factors influencing Australia’s trade scenario. The fall in the export prices was largely driven by a decline in the prices of alumina and bauxite. The price of alumina has declined from USD 375 per tonne in Q2 to USD 358 per tonne in Q3. In addition, the price of bauxite has also decreased from USD 95 per tonne in Q2 to USD 75.2 per tonne in Q3. The alumina and bauxite became more available with less shortage, leading to a drop in prices. The overall price of metalliferous ores and metal scrap declined by 0.5 per cent, primarily due to a decline in alumina and bauxite prices- key raw...
Hydro & the University of Michigan partner for research worth $2.5M
Hydro has signed up for its first formal research collaboration with the University of Michigan for USD 2.5 million to drive progress in aluminium recycling and alloy development. Image source: https://www.hydro.com/globalassets/ Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Eivind Kallevik, President and CEO of Hydro, and Karen A. Thole, Dean of Engineering at the University of Michigan, signed an agreement establishing the CREATe Partnership, short for Center for Recycling, Extrusion and Aluminium Technology. The initiative aims to strengthen the US supply chain by leveraging innovative development in sustainable materials. The programme will explore methods to maintain strength and performance across multiple recycling cycles, tackling...
Century Aluminium’s Jamalco refinery resumes operations after Hurricane Melissa
Century Aluminium’s Jamalco joint venture in Clarendon, Jamaica, has moved back into normal operations after a controlled suspension due to Hurricane Melissa. Production was reduced ahead of the storm as part of its preparedness plan. No injuries or material damage occurred at Jamalco’s refinery, mines or port operations, allowing a safe and quick restart. Jesse Gary, Century’s President and CEO, praised the safety-first approach. “I’m proud of the Jamalco team’s preparedness and pre-storm actions which kept our employees safe and helped mitigate the impact of Hurricane Melissa on our facilities,” he said. He added that the company is supporting affected local communities alongside the Jamaican Government and Clarendon Alumina Production Limited (CAP). Operations are now building back up....
RUSAL leverages AI yet again to improve alumina to aluminium production process
RUSAL, one of the world’s leading aluminium producers , has rolled out two new AI-powered systems designed to make its factories more efficient and reliable. The company has introduced machine hearing in alumina production and machine vision in aluminium melting. Both systems are part of RUSAL’s plan to modernise and automate its operations. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The machine hearing system analyses mill vibrations during bauxite ore processing. Recording these vibrations, AI can easily identify whether the mill is overloaded or underused. Accordingly, it can adjust the measurement of ore that is being fed to the machine. Thus, it helps to maintain an optimised load balance, which saves electricity and prevents...
US shutdown halts Hindalco’s AluChem acquisition
The US federal government shutdown that started on October 1, 2025, has stalled the review deadline of Hindalco Industries Ltd’s USD 125 million acquisition of alumina firm AluChem Companies Inc. The metal major’s deal is among several cross-border transactions affected. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has paused all statutory deadlines, putting the review process on hold until operations resume. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The company confirmed in a regulatory filing on October 23, 2025, that the CFIUS process for the AluChem acquisition remains on hold until normal operations resume. Once the agency formally reaccepts the filing, the review period may stretch up to 105 days, the filing...
Ashland recycling centre broadens services with new Recycleon facility
With the introduction of a new RecycleOn Centre, operated by Circular Action Alliance (CAA), the residents in Ashland now have additional options for the disposal of materials. The new facility was opened at the Ashland Recycling Centre, expanding its capabilities to accept items such as shredded paper, plastic bags, and other lightweight packaging materials. Ashland is among the first locations in Oregon to introduce this upgraded service. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The centre’s launch was celebrated on October 22 with a ribbon-cutting event attended by representatives from Recology, Southern Oregon Goodwill, Ashland City Councillor Derek Sherrell, and Oregon Senator Jeff Golden. The ribbon was officially cut by Marisa...
Guinea-Conakry: From bauxite powerhouse to West Africa’s next oil frontier
Guinea-Conakry, which is renowned among the world’s top bauxite exporters , is all set to script its new journey as a key player of West Africa’s emerging oil and gas landscape. Geologically, the nation sits within the MSGBC Basin (Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry), which is significantly emerging as a leading frontier for its untapped hydrocarbon reserves. As a result, Guinea is attracting interest from global investors. Regional momentum in energy development Neighbouring countries, Senegal and Mauritania, have already made strong progress in crude production in June 2024 from Woodside’s Sangomar field. Both nations commenced gas output later that year through bp and Kosmos Energy’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project. As these developments reshape the regional...
China’s CR450 train uses aluminium and carbon fibre to hit record speed
China has introduced a new high-speed train, the CR450, developed by CRRC Qingdao Sifang alongside the China Academy of Railway Sciences and China State Railway Group. The train is the next model in the high-speed network and has undergone extensive testing ahead of wider rollout. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain CR450 brings quicker long-distance travel The CR450 is intended to shorten journey times on mainline routes while providing comfortable travel conditions. The use of aluminium and carbon fibre makes the new CR450 highly energy efficient and almost 10 per cent lighter than the previous models, while improving its acceleration. Noise and cabin vibration are optimised, and interior spacing was adjusted according to the...
