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.
Women in Aluminium: The challenges behind progress and the milestones that followed
In the first part of the “ Women in Aluminium: Real Stories. Real Shifts ” article series , we explored the beginnings of these women’s journeys, starting from their first jobs to the roles they occupy now, highlighting the pivotal moments that led them into this field. Now, as we dive into the second part of the series, the story unfolds about the challenges they faced along the way as well as the projects and milestones that not only signify progress but also embody their sense of purpose. One theme is the common and uncommon challenges faced by these women and how they overcame them. The journey within the global aluminium industry, be it a leadership position, operational success or taking a strategic decision, is always built on a fundamental question that often goes unasked: What...
Vedanta Ltd., flags aluminium cost pressure as West Asia tensions cloud FY27 outlook
The concern for new pressure for FY27 has been flagged by Vedanta Ltd., which is the result of the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. Due to this, aluminium production costs may push up by USD 50 to USD 100 per tonne in the first half of FY27. The firm raised this concern while projecting the annual aluminium production costs, which were deemed to be between USD 1,650 and USD 1,700 per tonne. Base metals prices saw an uptick in the quarter ending on March 31, mainly because of the supply disruption associated with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The firm's aluminium, which is deemed to be one of the largest in India, is said to hold around 40 per cent of its revenue stream. Also read: Pallavi Bhatia joins Vedanta to lead HR for the aluminium division Firm’s AL...
LME aluminium gains momentum to $3,604/t cash offer, but Asian reference and inventories slip
After witnessing a slight ease on April 28, the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price again rose on April 29. However, the 3-month Asian Reference Price and the LME inventory continued to decline from the previous close. On April 29, the cash bid rose by USD 4.5 per tonne or 0.13 per cent, shifting from USD 3,599 per tonne to USD 3,603.5 per tonne. Similarly, the cash offer also rose by USD 4 per tonne or 0.11 per cent, rising from USD 3,600 per tonne to USD 3,604 per tonne. Don’t miss out- Buyers are looking for your products on our B2B platform The upward trend continued in the LME 3-month bid, increasing by USD 20 per tonne or 0.6 per cent, from USD 3,535 per tonne to USD 3,555 per tonne. Concurrently, the 3-month offer finally settled at USD 3,556 per tonne, up from USD 3,537...
High purity alumina market by 2036: Supply shifts, price volatility and future growth drivers
Within the global aluminium industry, where demand is rapidly growing, especially from the advanced technology sectors, high purity alumina (HPA) is deemed to emerge as a high-value material. Because of characteristics like ultra-high purity levels and requirements based on application-specific, unlike conventional alumina products, HPA is making significant input within the industries, like optical materials, energy storage and electronics. AL Circle's latest report, " Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036 ", states that in comparison to the bulk alumina industry, the HPA market remains small but holds higher strategic value and role in enabling the next-generation technologies. The market dynamics are influenced by strict quality standards, evolving end-use applications and...
LME aluminium cash offer dips to USD 3,662/t as inventories slide further
On April 27, the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price inched down, showing an easing trend from the previous day’s close. However, the longer dated contracts continued to rise with a significant decline in the inventories. The LME cash bid and offer inched down by USD 23 per tonne or 0.6 per cent, where the bid shifted from USD 3,683 per tonne to USD 3,660 per tonne and the offer from USD 3,685 per tonne to USD 3,662 per tonne. Don’t miss out- Buyers are looking for your products on our B2B platform At the forward contracts, the 3-month bid declined by USD 10.5 per tonne or 0.3 per cent, changing to USD 3,587.5 per tonne from USD 3,598 per tonne. At the same time, the 3-month offer also decreased by USD 12 per tonne or 0.33 per cent, from USD 3,600 per tonne to USD 3,588 per tonne....
South 32’s Hillside Aluminium smelter reached 30 years: The story behind scale, impact and resilience
South32's Hillside Aluminium smelter in Richards Bay is celebrating 30 years of operations, marking a major milestone in the global aluminium industry. The achievement came after the firm's ongoing commitment to boost regional industrial growth, creating jobs and enhancing export competitiveness. Being one of the largest aluminium smelters, this facility reflects that large-scale primary aluminium operations can play a vital role in strengthening supply resilience while also supporting broader economic and community development goals in South Africa. From inauguration to today Since its inception back in 1996, the smelter has focused on achieving a bigger vision, by showcasing a strong belief in South Africa’s future, local industries and the promise that large-scale investments can...
Discovery Bauxite to develop 2.5-million-gallon pond for St Ann farmers
In the Muir House district and the surrounding areas of northwest St Ann, farmers will be receiving benefits from a new storage pond with a capacity of 2.5 million gallons. This project is being initiated by Discovery Bauxite in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Mining, along with the Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA). For the project, the ground was broken on April 10 in the presence of the government officials and other related stakeholders. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Franklin Witter, appreciated that the bauxite firm is taking an active role in contributing to the initiative. He also added that the new water storage facility will create additional value to the agriculture sector of the region. Owing to this,...
Temporary dip in the aluminium prices reverses as supply tightness outweighs Hormuz reopening optimism
A temporary dip in the aluminium prices has been noticed when the traders got the ray of hope of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which continued to show an upward trend due to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf. However, the production data and evolving dynamics of the Chinese markets are deemed to boost both the aluminium and copper markets. Nudged because of the possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the key shipping area, aluminium slipped and bounced back as concerns about supply continue to loom large. Last Thursday, the aluminium prices hit a new four-year high, reaching nearly USD 3,700 per tonne. Post that, the prices saw a slight dip, recording USD 3,450 per tonne, before it bounced back again. In the London Metal Exchange (LME) 3-month aluminium price, it expanded to USD...
Aluminium industry faces pressure as the Middle East conflict drives production decline and supply uncertainty
The rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are impacting the global aluminium market, with early indications of production disruptions and tighter supply conditions. Although the initial effects seem to be under control, forecasts are hinting at a much more significant shift on the horizon, prompting concerns about how much the supply chain could be impacted in the months ahead. The global bauxite and alumina industry is on the brink of a major shift by 2036 due to Guinea's becoming the key player in seaborne supply , China’s ongoing reliance on imports and the launch of new mining and refining projects in crucial areas. This indicates that future supply growth will depend heavily on factors like resource security, geopolitical tensions, infrastructure readiness and...
Women in Aluminium: From early struggles to shaping the industry’s future
It has been over a month since we released our special magazine, “ Women in Aluminium: Real Stories. Real Shifts ”, where women working in the aluminium industry across roles and domains have come together and shared their stories. Be it navigating the industry upon entering or thriving through the challenges, they have done it all. The participants not only talked about their challenges, but also shared the projects and milestones that shaped their journey while maintaining both their professional and personal lives. In the debut edition, the esteemed participants include Angelica Papageorgiou from Allumforce; Muna Abdullah Mohammed Al Nofali from Sohar Aluminium; Véronique Dufour from EPIQ Machinery; Carla Vierhout from Gouda Refractories BV; Dr Yashuang Gao (Song) from EnPot; Julie...
Aluminium prices edge higher on LME, cash offer reach $3652/t; stocks continue to fall
The upward trend in the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price continued on April 22, irrespective of the US ceasefire on Iran. A significant rise has been seen in the cash offer as well as the longer-dated contracts. On the contrary, there has been a slight dip in the LME inventory. On April 22, the cash bid rose by USD 38 per tonne or 1.1 per cent, shifting from USD 3,612 per tonne to USD 3,650 per tonne. Similarly, the cash offer also shifted from USD 3,613 per tonne to USD 3,652 per tonne, resulting in a difference of USD 39 per tonne or 1.2 per cent. Must read: Key industry individuals share their thoughts on the trending topics The upward swing continued in the LME 3-month contract, where the bid changed from USD 3,568 per tonne to USD 3,604.5 per tonne, showing a change of USD...
Fizz under pressure: Aluminium supply crunch leaves Diet Coke high and dry in India
In the ongoing supply chain disruption, which is directly linked to the tension with Iran, Diet Coke is said to be the next victim. Why so? In many Indian cities, stock shortages are being faced by consumers because of the lack of availability of aluminium cans. Other than Diet Coke, this impact is also seen majorly in the Indian beer industry. Mumbai was the first city to face the supply issue, which has now reached Bengaluru, Pune and parts of Delhi-NCR. With the rising temperature, there is a surge in cola and beer demand and sales, where the retailers are reporting that their shelves are being emptied as soon as new stock arrives. Owing to this supply shortage, Coca-Cola India has not responded to inquiries, but industry insiders suggest that the shortage is particularly severe for...
Behind Metro Mining’s strong financial results for 2025, showing a deeper strategic shift
Metro Mining, an Australian mining and exploration company, has recently shared its financial performance for the year 2025 in its Annual General Meeting 2026. As per the firm's report, it has shown exceptional financial recovery, operational growth and has significantly positioned itself in the global bauxite supply chain by delivering quality bauxite to its consumers. Throughout the year, the firm has been focused on refining its operational model, adhering to the environment and the communities by reinforcing the culture of safety, especially for the people who are working with them or visit their sites. Overall financial performance In 2025, the total revenue reached USD 378 million, showing a year-on-year increase of 23 per cent. The net profit also rose to USD 142 million, marking...
China alumina inflow hits two-year high amid global disruption
In March 2026, China's import of alumina, which is the essential raw material for aluminium production, reached a two-year high. The surge is mainly owed to the shipments, which were originally planned to reach the Middle East smelters, but changed the route to the world's largest producer. As per the report shared by Bloomberg, the Persian Gulf conflict has nudged the redirection of alumina to China, which results in increased domestic surplus but also bolsters strong smelting margins. Higher aluminium production in China The rerouting of alumina into China has increased the country's aluminium production and the exports are also expected to follow the trend. This, however, offers much-needed relief to producers who are grappling with rising domestic inventories and a slowing economy....
LME aluminium prices ease as cash offer tumbles by $70/t, amid Strait of Hormuz shipping relief
With the recent opening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels, the London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium price is starting to ease even further from the last day’s close. The declining trend continued at the longer-dated contracts as well as at the inventory level. The LME cash bid rose by USD 69 per tonne or 2 per cent, shifting from USD 3,658 per tonne to USD 3,589 per tonne. Similarly, the LME cash offer finally settled at USD 3,590 per tonne, down from USD 3,660 per tonne, showing a difference of USD 70 per tonne or 2 per cent. Must read: Key industry individuals share their thoughts on the trending topics At the longer-dated contracts, the declining trend was followed by the LME 3-month bid and offer, where the bid settled down at USD 3,552 per tonne, declining from USD...
Indian beer industry faces ‘major trouble’ as aluminium costs surge, pricing curbs tighten grip
According to the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of United Breweries Ltd (UBL), Vivek Gupta, a "major trouble" is currently being faced by the Indian beer industry as it continues to grapple with the rising input costs caused by the conflict, supply shortages and pricing restrictions imposed by the state. The UBL CEO and Managing Director requested government intervention, making a strong appeal that without proper regulatory support, the sector, in the coming years, may face mounting hurdles, especially in terms of growth and innovation, making it tough to fulfil its commitments. Gupta told PTI, "I think the beer industry is in major trouble right now because of the conflict and the financial impact it has on input costs and the inability to take pricing without government...
New partnership for Warrington Youth Zone and Novelis drives next-gen talent development
A new emerging partnership that not only takes the industry forward but also the rising youth, shaping their career with various opportunities. Warrington Youth Zone, a new state-of-the-art Youth Zone providing a safe, inspiring place for young people, shared that it has partnered with Novelis, a leading sustainable aluminium solutions provider and the world leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, for two years, which began on April 1. Novelis, with this collaboration, aims to provide the Youth Zone with financial support, opportunities for volunteering and active involvement in the centre’s employability programme. Warrington Youth Zone’s head of fundraising, Jamie Paterson, noted that they are excited to welcome Novelis as one of their newest partners. He added that receiving support...
Oman gears up for aluminium scrap recycling symposium on April 22 organised by Sohar Aluminium
Organised by Sohar Aluminium in partnership with the Environment Authority, the third Aluminium Scrap Recycling Symposium is going to take place on Wednesday, April 22, at the JW Marriott Hotel in Muscat. The event will be conducted in the presence of the esteemed patronage of Dr Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, the Chairman of the Environment Authority. As a part of the ongoing efforts to boost the aluminium scrap recycling industry's efficiency in Oman, the symposium is being conducted. In this, the major focus is made upon improving operational processes, fine-tuning regulatory frameworks and revisiting suggestions from past events. More than 100 participants are expected to attend the symposium. This shall also include representatives from government agencies and private companies involved...
