AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
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...
Chalco enters into a joint venture with Chinalco, Yunnan Copper & other partners
Chalco, a major global producer of alumina and aluminium, has recently announced that it has entered into a capital contribution agreement with Yunnan Copper, Chihong Zinc & Germanium, and Chalco Capital. According to the contract, all the participants have agreed to contribute capital for the joint venture for developing downstream rare metal industries. Chalco is one of China’s largest aluminium producers and as a key subsidiary of Chinalco Group. This joint venture would serve as an extended platform for the Chalco Group’s rare metals industrial chain. Through this agreement, Chalco is expanding beyond primary aluminium into rare metals to produce high-end rare metal products. It would help to focus on the downstream industries of rare metals, along with the promotion and development...
Ball Corporation celebrates 90 years of the beverage can
At Drinktec 2025 , held to mark the 90th anniversary of the beverage can in Ball Corporation, Jag Bains, Commercial Director of Ball, spoke on the theme ‘ Design for Life’ , emphasising how modern lifestyles, shifting consumer habits, and rising sustainability demands are shaping the future of global beverage packaging. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain In his speech, Bains underlined the lasting relevance of aluminium, the core material in Ball’s cans. She highlighted aluminium’s intrinsic property of infinite recyclability, which makes it central to the company’s innovation strategy. Bains, who joined Ball six years ago after two decades in the FMCG sector, said the packaging industry is undergoing a period of rapid...
CHALCO reports strong performance for first 9 months of FY25
Aluminium Corporation of China Limited (CHALCO), a global enterprise in the aluminium industry, has announced robust earnings for the nine months ended September 30 2025, signalling stable progress despite volatile market conditions. The company reported sales of RMB 17.65 billion (approx USD 2.48 billion), up from RMB 17.38 billion (approx. USD 2.44 million) a year earlier. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Net income of Chalco climbed to RMB 10.872 billion (USD 1.48 billion), compared to RMB 9 billion (USD 1.23 million) in the previous year, reflecting a notable year-on-year improvement in profitability. Basic earnings per share from continuing operations rose to RMB 0.635 (USD 0.087) from RMB 0.525 (USD 0.072), while diluted...
AAF enhances aluminium finishing capabilities with advanced technology upgrades
Australia’s leading independent architectural aluminium finisher, Australian Aluminium Finishing (AAF), has announced a major upgrade to its aluminium finishing operations. Following the introduction of the latest powder coating technology, the company is now focused on expanding its decorative finish ranges, which are more sustainable for architectural and industrial applications. Latest powder coating technology promises premium finishes AAF has reportedly made a major investment in modernising its powder coating application systems with top-notch equipment to deliver premium-quality aluminium finishes. The upgrades feature high-density powder flow technology, which is typically reserved for vertical lines. Leveraging the same, AAF has adapted it to align with its flexible horizontal...
Tournaire launches next-generation aluminium bottles to advance circular packaging
Tournaire, a French aluminium packaging solution provider, has unveiled its new Omni Plus aluminium bottle range. The launch sets a new benchmark for sustainable packaging as it combines strength with sustainability. Each bottle features a mono-bloc aluminium construction, extruded from a single piece of metal. Tournaire says the design eliminates weak points found in material joints. It also provides better protection against leaks, cracks and contamination. The Omni Plus bottles are 7 per cent lighter than conventional versions, thanks to a precision deep-drawing process that micro-adjusts wall thickness to achieve what the company calls the perfect balance between strength and weight. The closure system also supports easy dismantling after use, allowing the collar, cap and body to...
Iranian copper–alumina Nanocomposite extends electrode life in resistance welding
Alireza Jaanabadi, the Managing Director of an Iranian nanotechnology company, unveiled a significant step forward in welding material technology, copper–alumina nanocomposite tips designed to replace conventional copper alloys in resistance welding. Image for representational purposes only Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Jaanabadi stated that the nanocomposite structure used in the product has been able to provide a more stable and resistant alternative to conventional alloys in resistance welding . He explained that one of the biggest challenges in traditional copper alloys is their loss of strength at elevated temperatures. The softening of the crystal structure often limits electrode performance in high-heat industrial...
Novelis accelerates repairs at fire-damaged Oswego plant-plans to restart this year
After the unfortunate fire incident in its Oswego aluminium plant, the renowned aluminium producer Novelis experienced a massive production setback. However, the aluminium producer, Novelis, now expects to restart operations in the same facility before the end of 2025, which is several months earlier than originally anticipated. Image source: https://images.wsj.net/ Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The company had initially warned that the outage could continue into the first quarter of 2026. However, Chief Executive Steve Fisher said repair work had progressed faster than expected, and teams on site were now working extended hours to complete the rebuild by December. “We have a lot of confidence in that,” Fisher said in a...
Evonik launches its very first fumed alumina plant in Japan
Evonik has launched Alu5, the business’s first fumed alumina manufacturing plant in Yokkaichi, Japan. It is a remarkable step forward for the company’s expansion across Asia, strengthening its ability to deliver high-quality aluminium oxide solutions for a wide range of industrial applications. The facility, backed by a bulky investment, highlights Evonik’s ongoing commitment to innovation, dependable supply chains, environmental responsibility, and closer collaboration with customers throughout the region. Image source: https://thebamabuzz.com/ Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Strengthening access to advanced aluminium oxide products In the words of Emmanuel Auer, Head of Evonik’s Smart Effects business line, “The launch of...
Bauxite industry safety expert Reginald Thorpe honoured for 37 years of service
Reginald Thorpe, a veteran safety expert in Jamaica’s bauxite industry, has been honoured for 37 years of service. Losing his mother and grandfather at six, the Clarendon native overcame early adversity. Moving to Brown’s Town, St. Ann, he attended Brown’s Town Secondary School and later pursued agriculture at Brown’s Town Community College. Image source: https://jis.gov.jm/ Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain “I must say categorically, I am, indeed, first of all thankful to God because I am a firm believer in God. Secondly, I am humbled by the fact that the Government can recognise the contribution that I have given over these years. For me to be singled out to receive this award, I am very much honoured. I am very grateful, and...
Aluminium as fuel: Found Energy begins real-world test of zero-carbon reactor
Found Energy, a Boston-based startup, is making waves with the largest aluminium–water reactor ever built, aiming to turn scrap aluminium into a zero-carbon industrial fuel. The experiment, led by Peter Godart (CEO of Found Energy), marks the biggest real-world test of aluminium as a fuel source. Image for representational purposes only Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Harnessing aluminium’s hidden power In the company’s Boston lab, Godart demonstrated the process by dropping a piece of aluminium into water. “I can just keep this reaction going by adding more water,” he said. “This is room-temperature water, and it’s immediately boiling.” The reaction reportedly produces steam and hydrogen, both crucial for clean energy...
Rio Tinto finalises board reshuffle to conclude transitional phase
Rio Tinto has recently announced a set of board changes, effective from 23 October 2025. According to the company spokesperson, this reshuffle brings an end to a transitional period in which the board briefly ran at 14 directors to preserve continuity while newer members settled in. The company said the adjustments fulfil its disclosure obligations under UK listing rules. Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/ Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Leadership updates mark a new phase in governance alignment and sustainability focus The new board also consists of several old members who have been long-time associates of the company and have excelled in terms of expertise and experience. Simultaneously, the company has welcomed...
Commodity backlog builds at Chinese Ports as China’s retaliatory ship fees take effect
US-bound tankers and bulk carriers that are queued off the Chinese ports are facing long waiting times due to the ongoing friction between Beijing and Washington, which has started unsettling global shipping routes. The waiting time has increased this year after 19th October, when ships were forced to wait on an average of 2.66 days before securing a berth (a notable rise from earlier averages), according to Bloomberg’s analysis of data from ship-tracking service Kpler. Image source: https://www.gocomet.com/ Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain This delay has resulted in a roughly 17 per cent rise in vessel backlogs at major Chinese ports compared to previous weeks, according to port monitoring data. Fees and sanctions add to...
Ford curtails profit forecast following Novelis fire incident
Following a fire at the Novelis factory that disrupted the production of various high-margin vehicles, Ford Motor Company has lowered its annual profit forecast. Novelis is one of Fords’ key suppliers, supplying aluminium for Ford’s F-150 pickup trucks. As a result, the carmaker has cost itself USD 1.5 billion to USD 2 billion without taxes and interest. Image source: https://www.ford-trucks.com/ Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Ford said it anticipates recovering around USD 1 billion of those losses next year. Chief Executive Jim Farley stated he had personally visited the site to coordinate recovery efforts. He added, “We have made significant progress in a short time to reduce the impact in 2025 and restore full output by...
Rio Tinto considers asset swap to reduce Chinese shareholding
Global mining giant Rio Tinto is reportedly exploring an asset-for-equity swap with Aluminium Corp. of China, Chinalco. News sources reported, citing sources close to the matter, that this move aims to reduce Chinalco’s current 11 per cent stake by up to 2 percentage points, potentially down to around 9 per cent. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain This strategy would provide Rio Tinto with more flexibility. As sources highlighted, it allows the company to end governance constraints and allocate capital to mergers, acquisitions, and share buybacks. Rio Tinto Group did not provide a comment when contacted by a national media organisation. Meanwhile, Aluminium Corp. of China did not immediately respond to the inquiry. Implications...
Alcoa invests $60M in US aluminium smelter & signs 10-year energy pact at the same time
Alcoa Corporation has recently announced two significant developments for its Massena Operations in New York. One is the new 10-year energy pact with New York Power Authority (NYPA), and the other is an investment of USD 60 million, a grant from Empire State Development (ESD) in the facility’s anode baking furnace. It would help to strengthen the aluminium production in the United States through a more sustainable method. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain This pact of 10 years would provide the Massena Operations with almost 240 megawatts of renewable energy. It would be effective from April 1, 2026, comprising a possibility of extending the pact for almost two more additional five years. Alcoa Corporation is a leading...
Steel Dynamics’ earnings rise on record aluminium shipments and recycling gains
Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI), based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has reported strong third-quarter 2025 results. The leading industrial metals company achieved another milestone by recording a net sales of USD 4.8 billion and net income of USD 404 million, equal to USD 2.74 per diluted share. While record steel shipments drove Q3 earnings, SDI’s recycled aluminium ventures are beginning to gain traction, with new mills in Mississippi and Mexico set to produce 650,000 tonnes annually. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain “Our teams performed exceptionally well in the third quarter, achieving strong financial performance and hitting several operating milestones while continuing to prioritise the safety and well-being of one another,” said...
The administrator earned £ 2.8M from the sale of this Anglesey Aluminium site
The sale of the former Anglesey Aluminium site in Holyhead involved a hefty fee of around GBP 2.8 million to the administrator for the sale of the site. The former Anglesey Aluminium site in Holyhead was an aluminium smelting plant that was closed in 2009 after the end of its power contract. Both Orthios Eco Parks (Anglesey) and Orthios Power (Anglesey) Ltd were part of the same group called “Orthios”, located on the former Anglesey Aluminium site in Holyhead, Wales. Craig Ridgley was appointed administrator of these assets. While the paycheck of Craig Ridgley in this deal amounts to 2.765 million pounds for his work, the solicitors, Howes Percival LLP, working for him received 755,000 pounds. The fee structure of Craig Ridgley in this deal consists of 5 per cent of the first 25 million...
