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.
Vinca's rosé in aluminium bottles redefines sustainability in the wine industry
When the sustainability of a company matches its innovation, it makes the aluminium packaging lead the way. Vinca, the award-winning 100 per cent Italian canned wines, have debuted its Province-style pale rosé in an aluminium bottle, which is available across the north of England across multiple supermarkets for the end users. This debut of this elegant rosé aligns with the firm's active red and white wines in 750ml aluminium bottles. The niche to incorporate the Italian canned wines in aluminium is simple: to gain a low-carbon alternative, removing the use of traditional glass. The firm's use of 100 per cent post-consumer recycled (PCR) aluminium bottles indicates sustainability and lightweight, whereas the traditional glass offered only 60 per cent. Moreover, with the aluminium bottles...
LME aluminium prices edge higher across cash & offer; Asian reference and alumina platts slip
As of Wednesday, August 27, the London Metal Exchange (LME)'s cash bid price and the offer price showed a surge, along with the 3-month cash bid and offer price. But, a dip is noticed concerning the 3-month Asian reference price and the alumina platts price. The LME aluminium cash bid price settled at USD 2,616 per tonne, a modest gain of USD 5 per tonne or 0.19 per cent, up from USD 2,611 per tonne the previous day. On the other hand, the LME aluminium offer price stood at USD 2,618 per tonne, gain of USD 6.5 per tonne or 0.24 per cent from the previous day, which was at USD 2,611.5 per tonne. The 3-month bid price also showed an upward movement by 0.34 per cent or USD 9 per tonne, where the recorded price stood at USD 2,616 per tonne on August 27 from USD 2,607 per tonne on August 26....
AL Circle x Sunit Kapur: Epsilon’s US facility secures sustainable, local anode supply for EV growth
Sunit Kapur is a seasoned business leader in the manufacturing sector with deep expertise in P&L management, supply chain, product development, and customer success. With extensive global and domestic experience, he brings strategic insights across diverse industries, including the automotive sector, driving operational excellence and business growth. In an interview for “ American Aluminium Industry: The Path Forward ” e-Magazine, Sunit Kapur discussed Epsilon Advanced Materials’ USD 650M North Carolina graphite anode facility, aimed at strengthening the US EV battery supply chain. He highlighted the plant’s 30,000 TPA production capacity, localising supply, reducing import dependence, and supporting EV OEMs in meeting clean energy incentives. Kapur also emphasised the integration of...
North India emerges as the backbone of India’s aluminium extrusion industry
North India, with its fast-growing industrial ecosystem, is expanding its industrial hub, which has now become the foundation of the country's aluminium extrusion sector. Cities like Delhi-NCR, Haryana's automobile hubs, Rajasthan's engineering clusters and rising real estate sectors spanning across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, are growing as a crucial part of India's aluminium supply chain. Major sectors like solar panel manufacturing, infrastructure and construction are the dominant consumers of India's aluminium extrusions. Alongside these sectors, the burgeoning real-estate market, especially in the Delhi-NCR area, is increasing the demand for aluminium extrusion for architectural profiles, likely doors, curtain walls and windows. The demand is also further spurring from...
Metro Mining powers towards 7MT bauxite milestone before 2025 ends
An Australia-based mining and exploration company, Metro Mining, have charted their ambitious target of ramping up its production to 7 million tonnes by the end of 2025. This plan has been drafted with consideration of the expansion capacity and lowering of the overall costs in the production process. Well known by all the industry experts, bauxite is a primary ore that is heavily used for aluminium production , which is deemed to be a lightweight and valuable metal and a vital aspect for the global energy transition. Moreover, the demand for aluminium is expected to double in the coming years, with sectors like transportation, clean energy, and electric vehicles being the key drivers. In Q2 FY2025, the mining company successfully delivered record-high bauxite shipments, which surpassed...
Novelis bags 2025 sustainability award with bold 3x30 vision
The name of the winner for the 2025 Sustainability Awards, given by the Business Intelligence Group, was announced on August 26, 2025. Novelis, the world leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, has received the award by earning the recognition under the Sustainability Initiative of the Year category for its outstanding company vision "Novelis 3x30". The traction of this award highlights the firm's continuous quantifiable impacts that help drive environmental progress, prompting strong business results. Moreover, Novelis 3x30 have enabled aluminium to be the choice of metal with attributable circular solutions which directly align with the firm's agenda of "Shaping a Sustainable World". With Novelis 3x30, the firm is trying to achieve three primary enterprising objectives, which are...
AL Circle x Alfiniti: Aluminium tubing innovation through precision, sustainability, automation & strong customer collaboration in evolving industrial markets
Steve James (also published as Richard S. James) is Managing Director of Alfiniti, Inc., steering the company’s aluminium-tubing operations to strong operational and financial results. A veteran of aluminium extrusions, heat-treated sheet and plate, and casthouse processes, he has driven growth and turnarounds across automotive, HVAC, aerospace, and distribution markets worldwide. Known for clear manufacturing plans and accountable teams, Steve focuses on delivering sustained value for customers and stakeholders alike. AL Circle: Alfiniti has carved out a unique niche in aluminium extruded tubing. How do your proprietary expertise and vertical integration give you a technological or competitive edge in today’s evolving industrial landscape? Steve James: We spend a lot of time upfront with...
Nalco bauxite mining project near Serubandha Hills, Odisha faces tribal rebuke
The tribals near the Serubandha Hills of Koraput district in Odisha, India, have been continuing their opposition to the bauxite mining project to be undertaken in the area by National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO). Concerning the opposition, public representatives for the residents residing in Semiliguda and Pottangi blocks of the district have come forward to save the Serubandha Hills. The protest includes voices and slogans stating "NALCO Go Back" with threats stating no kind of natural resource mining would be permitted, irrespective of whatever may come. NALCO received the permission to conduct the bauxite mining in the Serubandha Hills back in 2024, but had not commenced it yet. As of now, all the mining operations under NALCO in this region have been continuing under the...
US exempts refined copper from tariffs as aluminium faces 50% duty; Macquarie, Century Aluminum, USGS weigh in
As of August 2025, the US has doubled the tariff from 25 per cent to 50 per cent for both aluminium and steel, but in the same context has exempted import tariffs on refined copper, making a visible contrast between the metals. The exemption has been made with consideration of the key role of the higher electricity costs as well as the dynamics of lobbying pressure contributing to the US policy. Macquarie analysts, Century Aluminum and data from the US Geological Survey (USGS) have all weighed in on the implications of these tariffs for domestic production and global trade. The expansion of the tariff on aluminium and steel included hundreds of derivative products which contain the metals in question. This move was undertaken to close the circumvention loopholes in the tariff and boost...
Loftis Steel and Aluminium sets sights on North Alabama with $65 million investment for high-tech facility adding 20 new jobs
Loftis Steel & Aluminum, a family-owned steel and aluminium fabrication firm headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, has announced a USD 6.5 million investment to establish a new high-tech operation facility in Decatur, further strengthening its regional presence and growth strategy. This expansion will support the creation of nearly 20 new jobs for the people in North Alabama. The family-owned company specialises in delivering custom metal components tailored for diverse commercial and industrial applications. This upcoming Alabama facility will feature advanced manufacturing capabilities , incorporating state-of-the-art fibre lasers, nitrogen generation systems and precision cutting technologies to enhance production efficiency and quality. Tom Russell, President & CEO of Loftis Steel &...
EGA exits Guinea as mine seizure shakes global bauxite supply
In a significant move impacting the global bauxite supply landscape, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), a leader in global aluminium production, has confirmed the complete cessation of its bauxite mining activities in Guinea, following the government's expropriation of its mining assets. The firm's Guinea Alumina unit will wind down its bauxite mining operations, along with associated employee and on-site service contracts, in the Republic of Guinea. Tracing back to May 2025, the Republic of Guinea has initiated proceedings to revoke EGA's mining license for the Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC). This move follows a suspension of G AC's bauxite exports in October 2024 over customs duties concerns . It further includes the discussion upon finalisation, the revocation could significantly...
Habitat for Humanity Chico launches aluminium can drive to boost sustainability
Starting this August, Habitat for Humanity, a global non-profit organisation that partners with people to build affordable housing, sanitation facilities and more, have announced their acceptance of aluminium can donations via ReStore, a retail division of Habitat for Humanity in Chico, supporting sustainability initiatives and community development efforts. Habitat for Humanity's Butte County branch is leveraging the grant support attained from Novelis and Habitat International, aiding in launching an aluminium can collection initiative to advance recycling and repurposing efforts. A similar initiative has been previously taken by the non-profit organisation for its local branch in 2023, The Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity (Gihabitat), which has won its second "Novelis Can Grant"...
Arcade of Aluminium marks 15 years with innovation, partnerships and customer excellence
Arcade of Aluminium, one of Sri Lanka's leading suppliers and traders of premium aluminium extrusions and accessories, including products from Alumex, serving the construction and industrial sectors, recently marked a milestone by successfully hosting its 15th annual get-together under the theme "Champions of Arcade." The event recognised long-standing customers and key suppliers, appreciating their continued trust and support, while celebrating a shared journey of collaboration and progress towards greater milestones in the aluminium industry. The firm's managing director, Arcade of Aluminium, in the annual get-together, conveyed to the stakeholders about the company's growth journey, starting from its humble beginnings with a five-member team in 2010 to becoming a trusted market leader...
Aluminium takes centre stage in Apple’s iPhone 17, here's how & why
Apple is trading glass glamour for aluminium muscle in the iPhone 17 Pro and the industry is watching closely. A recent leak has provided a first look at the iPhone 17 Pro's production chassis, showcasing a significant design shift from previous models. Unlike the iPhone 16 Pro's glass-and-titanium build, the new chassis appears to be a milled all-aluminium frame with an integrated camera bump. The leaked image, shared by leaker Majin Bu, shows a chassis with a rear cutout designed to house a glass section around the Apple logo. This glass area would facilitate wireless charging, while the surrounding aluminium body offers improved durability. The integrated camera bump is notably larger and spans the width of the device, differing from the previous year's glass camera module attached to...
Economy Minister: Armenian exports of finished goods to EU surge
According to Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan, Armenian exports to the EU posted robust year-on-year growth in July, driven by three key sectors in the first seven months of 2025 versus the same period last year. Based on the report put forward by Papoyan, the July 2025 data versus July 2024 reveals exports of finished food products rose 56 per cent, alcoholic beverages increased 20 per cent and aluminium products grew 35 per cent. As per the Minister of Economy, the projected growth was supported by government programs, which compensate EU customs duties on finished goods. The latest Armstat data shows Armenia’s trade turnover with EU countries reached USD 1.2 billion in H1 2025, marking a 9.5 per cent increase year-on-year. Exports rose 1.8 per cent to USD 286.8 million, with the...
Hindalco charts $10B growth strategy alongside record FY25 performance
At its 66th Annual General Meeting, Hindalco Industries Ltd, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, announced plans for approximately USD 10 billion in global investments over the next five years, spanning aluminium, copper and speciality alumina, Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla informed shareholders. The metal flagship's expansion strategy features significant projects in India and abroad, including an INR 18,000 crore (USD 20.63 billion) capex in FY25, deemed as the highest in nearly a decade. As of now, the company is among the leading global players in aluminium, copper and speciality alumina and is embarking on an ambitious growth trajectory, as attributed by the Chairman. Moreover, the company is also boosting the upstream capacities with nearly 180,000 tonnes expansion at the...
US tariff expansion escalates costs for EV and aftermarket exhaust industries
A recent US ruling extending steep tariffs to include steel and aluminium-containing products is poised to drive up costs for both electric-vehicle components and aftermarket exhaust systems. This move is expected to significantly impact the cost structures of electric-vehicle components and aftermarket exhaust systems. Under the new rule implemented on August 19, 2025, the US Department of Commerce expanded its steel and aluminium tariffs, adding 407 product categories to the existing "derivative" list. These newly imposed tariffs on imports will face a 50 per cent duty on any steel and aluminium content, in addition to standard country-specific tariffs on non-metal components. Affected categories include appliances (such as refrigerators, freezers, dryers and air conditioners),...
Impact Minerals sharpens HPA edge with Alluminous pilot push
Tracing back to July 2025, Impact Minerals, an Australia-based mineral exploration company, is advancing its focus on high-purity alumina (HPA) with the Lake Hope Project in Western Australia, where a completed pre-feasibility study positions it as one of the world's lowest-cost potential producers. The organisation now, besides the Lake Hope Project, reinforces its strategic commitment to HPA through Alluminous, its 50 per cent-owned entity, which is advancing the HiPurA HPA pilot plant toward commissioning. Lake Hope Project at a glance The project, located about 500 km southeast of Perth , holds a maiden ore reserve of 1.7 million tonnes grading 26 per cent Al₂O₃, translating to around 450,000 tonnes of contained alumina and supporting a projected 33-year mine life. With plans to ramp...
