AlCircle News Edited By "Trisha Hazra"
Trisha Hazra is a rising digital marketing enthusiast who is passionate about writing and content creation. She is pursuing an MBA in Digital Marketing and is on a journey to blend creativity and aluminium with strategic insights.
Nigeria's bauxite boom: Is 2025 the turning point for the aluminium frontier?
Nigeria's bauxite mining sector is on the brink of a major transformation, setting itself up as a key player in the growth of the country's aluminium industry in 2025 and beyond. Bauxite, being the vital raw material for aluminium production, is crucial for a wide range of industrial uses, including aerospace, transportation, packaging and infrastructure development. In recent years, Nigeria stepped up as a key player in the global critical minerals supply chain, for its rich reserves, growing industrial sector and commitment to sustainable extraction practices. While the country has long relied on oil, it's now making a strong push towards economic diversification by tapping into its wealth of mineral resources found in states like Benue, Cross River, Kogi and Edo. This strategic shift...
AMAG’s CSO Victor Breguncci's mandate extended
AMAG Austria Metall AG has reaffirmed its dedication to strong commercial leadership with the supervisory board's decision to extend Chief Sales Officer Victor Breguncci's tenure until May 31, 2029. Supervisory Board Chairman Alessandro Dazza emphasised Breguncci's vital role in enhancing AMAG's customer-centric approach and pushing forward its commercial agenda. The extended tenure highlights the company's focus on maintaining robust sales performance and implementing market-driven strategies. Since joining the management board in June 2019, Breguncci has taken charge of sales, strategic sales development and market monitoring. Supervisory Board Chairman Alessandro Dazza stated, "The contract extension underscores our commitment to support AMAG's sales efforts and give continuity in...
Steel vs aluminium: Evaluating who’s more affected by US tariffs in 2025
The discussion considering the durability and lightweight of the most traded metals, that is, aluminium and steel, has been ongoing for years and is never-ending, but how is the current trade policy shaping the trade of these metals in 2025? With a 50 per cent steep tariff imposed by Trump, will these metals have broader trajectories to unfold trade dynamics in the coming years. To date, both aluminium and steel have their own unique trading dynamics, influenced by the volume and ways they are used, their pricing systems, and the global supply chains. Steel trade thrives on its strength and durability, making it a go-to choice for infrastructure projects, while aluminium is becoming increasingly popular due to its lightweight properties, especially in the automotive and aerospace...
Alcoa CEO “tremendously optimistic” despite tariffs
At the Fastmarkets International Aluminium 2025 conference in Barcelona, Spain, which took place from September 9 to 11, Alcoa’s President and CEO, William F. Oplinger, expressed that he feels “tremendously optimistic” about the company’s prospects in the coming years. Oplinger recognised the ongoing market uncertainty caused by tariffs, pointing out that these actions would not sway Alcoa’s investment choices. At the same time, he expressed his backing for the US government’s decision to implement tariffs as a way to bolster domestic manufacturing. He further highlighted the firm’s robust supply chain, underscoring how the team actively makes real-time decisions on global material shipments. He also maintained a positive outlook following discussions with US policymakers, who he noted...
Ardagh Group reveals 2024 ESG strides — are sustainability targets being outpaced?
Ardagh Group, a leading name in sustainable aluminium and glass packaging solutions worldwide, has just unveiled its 2024 Sustainability Report. The 2024 Sustainability Report emphasises Ardagh Group's two main divisions, Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) and Ardagh Glass Packaging (AGP). It reports on the company's ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability and making a positive impact on both the environment and society. Despite the challenge Irrespective of the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the related European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), not yet in effect for Ardagh Group, the company has proactively prepared its 2024 Sustainability Report, highlighting its key accomplishments across its three strategic ESG pillars:...
LME aluminium cash price rises 1.57% to $2,736/t on September 16
As of Tuesday, September 16, the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price inched up from the previous day, representing a steady upward movement and improved market conditions. The LME cash bid and offer price both showed a positive upward movement by USD 43 or 1.57 per cent, where the bid ramped up from USD 2,693 per tonne to USD 2,736 per tonne and the offer from USD 2,693.5 per tonne to USD 2,736.5 per tonne. The 3-month bid also moved up by USD 23 or 0.85 per cent, from USD 2,694 per tonne to USD 2,717 per tonne. A similar trend is seen in the 3-month offer price, climbing by USD 22.5 per tonne or 0.83 per cent, from USD 2,695 per tonne to USD 2,717.5 per tonne, Concurrently, both the December 26 bid and offer price gained in elevation by USD 12 per tonne or 0.44 per cent, where...
Indian scientists unveil foldable aluminium battery with safer, greener edge
Scientists in Bengaluru, India, have introduced an innovative aluminium-based battery, transforming the energy storage scene. This groundbreaking research was led by the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), in collaboration with the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). This new aluminium-based option is not only lightweight and foldable like paper but also safe to handle, making it a potential game-changer for industries in its energy technology. Why use aluminium in batteries? The battery makes use of aluminium along with a water-based electrolyte, creating a solution that is safe, cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The research team crafted a copper hexacyanoferrate cathode that's pre-loaded with aluminium ions and...
Oppo’s F31: Mid-range power meets aerospace-grade aluminium
Oppo has just broadened its F series lineup in India with the introduction of three exciting new models, the Oppo F31 5G, Oppo F31 Pro 5G and Oppo F31 Pro+ 5G. Aimed at the mid-range market, these smartphones are built to last, featuring three IP ratings and a frame made from aerospace-grade aluminium alloy. Oppo's broadened range of these devices is built with sturdy frames, durable glass, cutting-edge cooling systems and dependable connectivity, all tailored to meet the unique demands of the Indian market. Highlights on core features The F31 Pro+ runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, while the F31 Pro and F31 are powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 7300 Energy and Dimensity 6300 chipsets, respectively. All three models can handle up to 24GB of RAM (12GB physical plus 12GB virtual) and come...
Stone and aluminium define Kazakhstan’s bold new museum landmark
When stone meets aluminium at Kazakhstan's new Almaty Museum of Arts, it's not just about stylish design, it's a game plan for how architects and builders can rethink cultural landmarks through innovative materials. Kazakhstan's vibrant cultural centre has just welcomed the newly opened Almaty Museum of Arts, a stunning venue aimed at showcasing modern and contemporary art on a grand scale. The Almaty Museum of Arts, designed by the British firm Chapman Taylor, covers an impressive 10,060 square meters. It sits at the edge of the city, beautifully framing the Tian Shan mountains, which create a stunning backdrop that seamlessly connects urban life with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Nurlan Smagulov, a well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist, has established the...
LME aluminium rises USD 51/t, cash at USD 2,707/t
A drastic upward movement has been noticed in the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price on Friday, September 12. Both the LME cash bid and offer price alongside the 3-month bid and offer increased, and the opening stock, live warrants and cancelled warrants remained unchanged from the previous day. The LME cash bid rose by USD 50.5 per tonne or 1.90 per cent, where the final price stood at USD 2,706 per tonne, up from USD 2,655.5 per tonne. A similar trend has been seen in the LME cash offer price, which went up by USD 51 per tonne or 1.92 per cent to USD 2,707 per tonne from USD 2,656 per tonne. Concurrently, both the 3-month bid and offer price gained by USD 45.5 per tonne or 1.71 per cent to USD 2,695 per tonne and USD 2,695.5 per tonne respectively. A shared drift has also been...
Will India dodge Trump's 100% tariff suggestion to the EU? The Union's decision stirs the Indian stock market
The recent proposal by Trump to the EU to impose a 100 per cent tariff on India and China, which was a part of an effort by the Russian president to end the war in Ukraine, is on the verge of conclusion. The EU has turned down Trump's suggestion to impose a 100 per cent tariff on India due to its ongoing imports of Russian oil. The European Union has not made any official announcements about possible tariffs on India and China yet. Olof Gill, EU spokesperson for trade, stated, "We do not disclose details of political meetings due to the need for confidentiality when it comes to sensitive exchanges on sanctions work. In a wider sense, we can recall that the EU has engaged with all relevant global partners, including India and China, in the context of its sanctions enforcement efforts. This...
Rupee sinks to record low as US tariffs rattle investor confidence
The Indian rupee hit a new all-time low against the US dollar on Thursday, highlighting the growing strain from US tariffs on Asia's third-largest economy. The currency ended the day at 88.4425 per dollar, which is a drop of 0.39 per cent from the previous close of 88.1000, slipping past its earlier record low of 88.36 set last Friday. The US tariffs on Indian goods, which took effect last month, are shaking investor confidence and making the rupee one of the most at-risk currencies in Asia. So far this year, foreign investors have withdrawn a staggering net total of USD 11.7 billion from India's equity and debt markets. Washington's high tariffs are putting a damper on India's growth and trade outlook, creating additional pressure on the rupee. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rolled out...
From price surges to policy shifts: Key trends driving aluminium sustainability and recyclability
The global aluminium market is currently facing a tricky landscape filled with price fluctuations, changing trade patterns and an increasing focus on sustainability. From the rising scrap prices in China to India's growing influence in imports, along with policy changes in Europe and the energy hurdles in Australia, these regional factors are significantly impacting supply chains, costs and investment strategies throughout the aluminium industry. Weekly Recap: Recycled AL & Sustainability by AL Circle Pvt Ltd Aluminium scrap price on the rise, but what's fueling it? Aluminium scrap prices have recently gone up due to tight supply, and a direct reflection could be seen in the regional differences. In key areas like Shanghai, Jiangsu, Shandong and Henan, prices are going up by RMB 50 to 100...
Alcoa presents at Morgan Stanley's 13th Annual Laguna Conference; here's the full story
Alcoa presented at Morgan Stanley’s 13th Annual Laguna Conference, with EVP & CFO Molly Beerman highlighting financials, strategic initiatives, and market trends. Alumina prices remain stable at USD 360–370/t, aluminium demand is strong in Europe and steady in North America, and Q3 shipments are slightly lower but full-year guidance is unchanged. Alcoa is advancing smelter restarts, Western Australia mine projects, and maintaining a strong balance sheet, positioning the company to navigate market and regulatory challenges globally. Update focus: Alumina market Alumina prices eased from late-2024 highs due to supply issues, with China cutting 7–10 million tonnes of annual capacity in Q2, keeping prices steady at USD 360–370 per tonne. The market is expected to remain in surplus through...
Loopholes in CBAM risk EU aluminium competitiveness, warns Hydro
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a European Union (EU) regulation which is designed to put a price on carbon emissions in certain imported goods to subdue emissions, mirroring the EU's Emissions Trading System (ETS), will launch the definitive phase on January 1, 2026. With the launch, CBAM shall expand the market, especially between the domestic producers who are already subject to the EU's ETS, along with the international producers who are not under this. Hydro states certain loopholes to be looked at before CBAM comes into force. CBAM: Why take the plunge? CBAM aims to implement a carbon price on the emission of industrial products like aluminium, iron, cement, steel and fertilisers penetrating the EU. All importers of these products are deemed to undertake the CBAM...
Arrow Minerals halts operations amid Guinea’s regulatory shifts, following EGA’s move
Arrow Minerals, the West Africa-focused bauxite explorer, has announced that it's putting a hold on operations at its Niagara bauxite project in Guinea. The reason is the ongoing dispute about whether its mining permits are valid. The Australian miner reported this in its September 8 half-year update. The Guinean military-led government annulled 129 mineral exploration licenses to reclaim inactive permits and transfer rights to more active investors. The licenses were cancelled without prior discussion to tighten government control over resources. The move may shut down idle projects, cause losses for inactive license holders, and shift the regional mining investment landscape, creating opportunities for operators that actively engage and meet local development expectations. First EGA,...
Unplugged Performance launches forged CYBRNOVA wheels for Tesla Cybertruck
Unplugged Performance, the leader for high-quality, premium upgrades and customisation for Tesla Vehicles, has rolled out the UP Forged CYBRNOVA, a top-tier wheel explicitly crafted for the Tesla Cybertruck. With a design that draws inspiration from the cosmic energy of a supernova, the CYBRNOVA perfectly blends style and performance. Each wheel is meticulously forged to ensure maximum strength and is designed to fit seamlessly with the Cybertruck's stainless steel body, eliminating the need for spacers. The CYBRNOVA wheel takes its cues from the explosive force of a supernova, showcasing a radially reinforced design that not only offers impressive strength but also a bold visual appeal. Each spoke is supported by a mid-spoke reinforcement ring, which not only helps it handle heavy loads...
LME aluminium climbs to $2,623/t as alumina platts ease to $340.61/t
A positive upward movement has been witnessed in the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price on Wednesday, September 10. However, a slight negative downward movement has been seen in alumina platts price by USD 0.69 per tonne or 0.20 per cent. The LME cash bid price went up from USD 2,620 per tonne to USD 2,623 per tonne, reflecting a positive change of USD 3 per tonne or 0.11 per cent. A similar trend is seen on LME cash offer price when it inched up from USD 2,621 per tonne to USD 2,623.5 per tonne, showing an increase of USD 2.5 per tonne or 0.09 per cent. Uniformly, the 3-month bid price also moved up when it shifted from USD 2,616.5 per tonne to USD 2,620 per tonne, owing to a difference of USD 3.5 per tonne or 0.13 per cent. 3-month offer price replicated a similar bent when it...
