AL Circle Analysis: Guinea’s 150Mt bauxite cap, China’s import swings, US tariffs draw aluminium Q4’26
The global aluminium supply chain is facing a series of changes that extend from bauxite mines and alumina refineries to smelters, regional premiums and finished-metal trade. In 2026, the market’s direction is being shaped not only by production volumes but also by freight costs, export restrictions, shifting Chinese demand and tariffs. Developments across Guinea, Australia, China, Europe and North America point to a market where access to supply is increasingly as important as the availability of raw materials. Bauxite supply: Guinea’s cap meets a well-stocked China, but is it stable? Guinea remains central to the seaborne bauxite market, with its shipment connections to China demonstrating the importance of reliable logistics. A new sea-rail route has enabled a Guinea bauxite shipment...
EU approves Germany’s power relief instrument: Could aluminium producers save €459m annually?
Germany’s aluminium industry could receive some relief from persistently high electricity costs after the European Commission, under the European Union (EU) approved the country’s industrial electricity price scheme for 2026–2028. The measure is intended to ease the burden on energy-intensive businesses, strengthen industrial competitiveness and support Germany’s position as a manufacturing hub. The stakes are particularly high for aluminium producers. Electricity can account for 30–40 per cent of primary aluminium production costs, making power prices a critical factor in operating margins and investment decisions. Explore- Most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report — Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook...
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Crown Holdings expands Mexican footprint with fourth beverage can plant in Monterrey
US-based metal packaging products supplier Crown Holdings will build a new beverage can plant in Monterrey, Mexico, its fourth in the country, to address the growing demand. Crown will construct the new plant at the site which was a part of assets recently purchased by the company, previously belonging to Empaque. Crown president of the American division Djalma Novaes said: "In addition to completing the acquisition of Empaque, the leading beverage can producer in Mexico, we are excited to further expand in this key strategic region of the country and meet our customers' increasing demand." Capable of producing two billion cans every year, the facility's design will enable further expansion and will be equipped to produce two-piece aluminum cans in multiple sizes. Production of beverage...
Ball Corp to buy British drinks can maker Rexam for $6.9 bln
U.S. drinks can maker Ball Corp agreed to buy British rival Rexam Plc in a sweetened 4.43 billion pounds ($6.9 billion) deal, creating an industry giant that can better manage capital spending and costs as aluminium premiums rise. The cash-and-stock deal would merge the world's two largest beverage can makers by volume into a combined entity that could serve as a single supplier to customers across diverse markets. It would also reduce warehousing and transport costs for the can makers, which are contending with record-high premiums, the surcharge they must pay to traders on top of cash metal prices to obtain aluminium. Shares of Rexam, which makes cans for Coca-Cola Co and Anheuser-Busch InBev SA, rose more than 6 percent to 571.5 pence in early trading before falling back, and were...
Noranda expects third rod mill to be completed by end of 2015
Noranda Aluminum will complete a third redraw rod mill at its New Madrid, Missouri facility by the end of 2015, chief executive Kip Smith said in a conference call on Wednesday to discuss the company's fourth-quarter 2014 earnings. Noranda said in November it had suspended construction on the mill, which the company had previously expected to begin production by the second quarter of 2015, after its request for an electricity rate cut was denied. The third rod mill will increase Noranda's redraw rod capacity to 220 million pounds annually, up more than 40 percent from its current capacity of 155 million pounds, the company said in its 2013 annual report. Spokesman John Parker confirmed those figures were still accurate. Redraw rod, used to make electrical wire and cable, accounted for 28...
Altech Chemicals produces competitive high purity alumina results
Highlights · Analysis of Altech’s high purity alumina (HPA) samples confirmed lower levels of impurities compared to leading HPA competitors. · Results of test work incorporated into process design for further optimization Altech Chemicals Limited is pleased to announce that as part of the Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) for its high purity alumina (HPA) project, it has successfully completed a further series of laboratory pilot plant test work program (test work), which simulated the proposed HPA processing plant. The test work was completed by its BFS team members, Simulus Engineers/Laboratories and TSW Analytical in Perth, Australia. The test work involved bulk wet processing of the Meckering aluminous clay; calcination; acid leaching; crystallisation of aluminium chloride; two stages...
Hindalco inches up on securing Gare Palma coal mine
Shares of industry leader in aluminium and copper, Hindalco Industries have inched up in today’s trade and are trading higher by 1.4% to Rs 154 on the BSE after it won the Gare Palma coal mine in Chhattisgarh by outbidding companies like BALCO, Sesa Sterlite, Ambuja Cements, which were also vying for the same block. "Gare Palma coal mine was won by Hindaco Industries at INR 3,502 per tonne today. The mine was put on offer yesterday and the bidding for the block lasted for over 12 hours," a senior Coal Ministry official said. Hindalco has secured two mines out of the 13 put on offer to date.
Montana Governor joins the fight to put the abandoned Columbia Falls site in the Superfund List
The long shuttered Columbia Falls Aluminium Co. is in the running to be on the Superfund National Priorities List with support from Gov. Steve Bullock. Superfund is the federal environment program that is especially reserved for the cleanup of abandoned, hazardous waste site. The Environment Protection Agency had recognized the 120-acre site as a valid Superfund contender but wanted to take public opinion before proceeding with it. The site was first operated by Anaconda Co. who started an aluminium plant way back in 1955. After which it has changed many hands the last of which was Glencore who closed the plant in 2009. Toxic elements from the site like cyanide, arsenic, lead and fluoride polluting the groundwater in and around the site according an EPA study. "I am concerned that if this...
GARMCO launches new website showcasing versatile, global application of its high quality aluminium products
The Bahrain-based international aluminium rolling mill and one of the largest downstream aluminium facilities in the Middle East, announced today the launch of its new group website to better showcase its versatile and high quality aluminium products to its global customer base and the introduction of a new vision, mission and values statement, and refreshed corporate branding. GARMCO’s website has been completely re-engineered and redesigned in line with its refreshed corporate branding and a refocused vision and mission for the group. The new site provides for improved navigation and functionality incorporating the latest communications technology and is fully compatible with all main browsers and the latest mobile devices to ensure ease of access for GARMCO customers around the world....
Anomatic announces availability of anodized aluminum stock caps
Anomatic, a full-service manufacturer of anodized aluminum packaging solutions for some of the world's most recognized retail brands announced the immediate availability of its anodized aluminum stock caps line. The line includes six types of customizable caps (tube caps, slip caps, tri-corner caps, rollerball caps, jar covers and spirits tamper evident caps) in a variety of sizes. Anomatic specializes in color anodizing for customers in the beauty, personal care, spirits, and other industries. Stock caps can be customized in any color to match their brand. Customers may also choose in-house added value services like laser engraving, embossing, debossing and screen printing. Anomatic manufactures the stock caps line according to precise standards at its own facilities and has the products...
ISRI details contributions of Shredders to the Recycling Industry in a video
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has released an educational video entitled The Shredder Story: A Revolution in Recycling. This thirteen-and-a-half-minute video shows viewers how industrial shredders work and details the impact they have made in the recycling industry. “Scrap recycling is the first link in the manufacturing supply chain providing 130 million net tons of feedstock for manufacturers, steel mills, foundries, and refiners around the world each year,” said ISRI President Robin Wiener. “Today’s shredder is one of the industry’s most important tools, allowing our industry to lead the way in the conservation of natural resources, the reduction of energy consumption and the prevention of valuable materials from entering the waste stream.” The video’s messaging...
Indian Govt. plans to ease export duties to boost mining
In a bid to promote mining as a stronger business in India, the Government is planning to rationalize custom as well as export duties for major minerals like iron, manganese and bauxite ore once the coal mine auctions are concluded. The new reforms to the duty rates would most likely be announced in the 2015-16 Budget. The power sector participants are hoping that the 2.5% custom duty on coal imports imposed in the last Budget will also be rolled back. Meanwhile the domestic mining industry is hoping finance minister, Arun Jaitley, will ease the export duties so that the mining can prosper as a standalone business. The government is now keen to boost the mining industry and has already started auctioning of mines to make materials more available. The slashing of export duty rates will...
Sumitomo Corporation to participate in 3rd phase of aluminium smelters in Malaysia
Sumitomo Corporation (“SC”) (President and CEO: Kuniharu Nakamura; Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo) and Press Metal Berhad (“PMB”) (President and CEO: Dato’ Poh Keong Koon; Head Office: Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia), the leading aluminium smelting and extrusion company in Malaysia, will expand their aluminium smelting capacity by 320,000 metric ton per year (“Phase 3”) through their joint venture company, Press Metal Bintulu Sdn. Bhd. (President and CEO: Dato’ Poh Keong Koon; Head Office: Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. As SC already participates 20% in the 1st and 2nd phases of the aluminium smelting project in Malaysia (annual production capacities of which are 120,000 metric ton and 320,000 metric ton respectively) (“Phase 1” and “Phase 2” respectively), it will hold a 20% equity in the...
The 2015 AHR Expo rouses interest in aluminium solutioins
Known as the world’s largest HVAC&R marketplace, the 2015 AHR Expo lived up to its billing this year, setting an all-time high with more than 62,000 attendees. The hot news is that the interest in aluminium solutions is on the rise. The recent three-day trade fair in Chicago brought together more than 2,100 exibitors from the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry. One was Sapa. At its stand, Sapa gathered a diverse team from sales, research, application development and business development to meet with current and potential customers interested in the company’s range of HVAC&R offerings, from extruded aluminium round tubes to multi-port extrusions to welded tube manifolds. In addition, Sapa underlined its ability to deliver tailored aluminium solutions and...
ThyssenKrupp Aerospace to build aerospace materials plant in India
ThyssenKrupp Group's subsidiary ThyssenKrupp Aerospace is reportedly planning to build its first facility in Bengaluru, India. Planned to be located at Aerospace Special Economic Zone near the international airport, the 3,300m² plant will process materials and source various metals such as titanium, aluminium, steel and alloys for the aerospace segment. ThyssenKrupp business area materials services chairman Joachim Limberg was quoted by Business Standard saying: "We will process and stock here, and supply to tier-1, tier-2 and tier-3 vendors. "This facility will play a critical role in developing a system in India for the growth of aerospace manufacturing." The plant will feature machining centres, cutting and milling units, and testing facilities to produce cut-to-size and machine-ready...
Hindalco announces Q3FY 2014-15 standalone results
Hindalco the Aditya Birla Group flagship company announced its unaudited results for the quarter ended 31 December 2014. Financials Net sales stood at Rs.8,603 crore as compared to Rs.7,273 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Profit before Interest, Depreciation and Tax (PBITDA) was Rs.1,135 crore versus Rs.834 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. However, finance cost and depreciation were significantly higher compared to Q3FY14 due to progressive capitalisation of the company’s greenfield projects. As a result, net profit was only 7.5 per cent higher at Rs.359 crore vs. Rs.334 crore in Q3FY14. Higher sales reflect increased volume and better realisation in both Aluminium and Copper Businesses. PBITDA for the quarter improved by 36 per cent to...
Noranda reports fourth quarter results, sequential and year-over-year profit improvement
Fourth Quarter 2014 Highlights • Excluding special items, earnings per share ("EPS") was a $0.14 profit compared to a $0.15 loss in fourth quarter 2013; reported EPS was a $0.02 profit compared to a $0.26 loss in the fourth quarter 2013 • Total segment profit was $49.6 million compared to $36.6 million in third quarter 2014 and $20.8 million in fourth quarter 2013 • Average realized Midwest transaction price per pound shipped was $1.12 compared to $1.08 in third quarter 2014 and $0.90 in fourth quarter 2013 • Net Cash Cost was $0.80 per pound compared to $0.90 per pound in third quarter 2014; fourth quarter 2013 Net Cash Cost was $0.78 per pound • Cash and cash equivalents totaled $20.5 million and total available liquidity was $158.3 million as of December 31, 2014 Full Year 2014...
Lotus Evora 400 cuts down weight by 22kg with aluminium
The new Lotus Evora 400 is the latest pure and focused supercar from Lotus, combining high performance with the legendary Lotus benchmark handling. It is faster and dynamically more capable than the previous Lotus Evora leading to greater agility and a more involving drive. Following the core values of the company, not only is the new Lotus Evora 400 faster than the previous model, it is also 22 kg lighter, achieved through careful and clever design and attention to detail. This weight reduction is even more impressive considering that the supercar has more power and a higher standard specification than before. Over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 is new, including its supercharged and charge-cooled mid- mounted 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque. A new...
Rolls-Royce officially confirms development of all-new aluminium ‘SUV’
A high-riding Rolls-Royce crossover vehicle with an all-new aluminium architecture is in development, the company today confirmed. Rolls-Royce is calling the decision to develop a crossover “a seminal moment” in its 111-year history. The decision follows years of industry speculation that such a vehicle was in the pipeline, while more recently the company has confirmed significant customer interest. Just last week, senior management told CarAdvice a decision was imminent. In a statement released to shareholders today, one that pointedly avoided using the term ‘SUV’, the company said the new model would define “exceptional presence, elegance and purpose”. It will be the fourth Rolls-Royce model, which has grown from the Phantom in 2003 — the first model developed under BMW ownership — to...
Rusal might waive off Talco’s $375 million debt
Talco, the company behind Tajikistan’s largest factory, is nearing a deal that would end an eight-year legal battle with the world’s largest aluminum maker, the company says. The state-owned Talco aluminum smelter is controlled directly by Tajikistan’s strongman President Emomali Rakhmon, whose family has appeared to benefit disproportionately from the plant’s revenues. But a history of troubled deals with Russia’s Rusal and its subsidiaries saw Talco lose in arbitration hearings in Switzerland and the British Virgin Islands in 2013 and 2014. According to Rusal, as of May 2014 the Tajik company owed $363 million, including interest. With interest accruing at nearly $45,000 per day, the total would be roughly $375 million today. Now Talco says it has made a proposal that satisfies Rusal...
