AL Circle analysis: Germany’s aluminium trade surplus, Novelis’ US expansion, Asia’s EV demand & India’s underutilised downstream capacity
Aluminium’s next growth phase is increasingly being shaped by downstream processing, supply-chain resilience and demand from specialised applications. Germany continues to generate a substantial trade surplus in flat-rolled products despite a shrinking primary aluminium base, while North America is investing in recycling and rolling. Across Asia, new manufacturing capabilities and growing demand from electric vehicles, railways and batteries are creating further opportunities. However, declining exports, underutilised capacity and uneven profitability show that investment alone does not guarantee success. For industry leaders, the challenge is to identify where demand is shifting, develop products that meet customer requirements and ensure that new investments translate into sustainable...
AL Circle Analysis: From Guinea to Gulf, how bauxite, tariffs and logistics redraw aluminium map
Aluminium markets in late 2026 are being shaped by more than the headline LME aluminium price. Bauxite security, alumina availability, geopolitical disruptions, tariff negotiations, logistics diversification and regional premiums are increasingly determining where metal moves and what buyers pay. From RUSAL reassessing Caribbean assets and Vedanta securing Odisha bauxite to Brazil extending mine life and EGA rebuilding its Guinea supply chain, producers are strengthening control over critical raw materials. At the same time, the US remains heavily dependent on imported bauxite and alumina, while Europe and Asia are experiencing sharply different premium dynamics. These developments point to a market where physical availability is becoming a regional factor even as aluminium itself remains...
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EU preps 16th sanctions package against Russian aluminium. Which side of the table to witness a void, and who will fill it?
The European Union is contemplating the release of its 16th sanctions package against Russia in February 2025, when the Russia-Ukraine geopolitical conflict will mark a third anniversary. A preliminary draft has been outlined for the forthcoming package, restricting aluminium imports, military equipment, and all those vessels transporting Russian oil. The 16th sanctions package is also likely to impose limitations on international payment systems SWIFT, said the people involved in the bloc committee discussion. All these actions are specifically aimed at undermining Russia's revenue streams and limiting its ability to fund the war. A month ago, ten European Union member states even appealed for stricter sanctions on Russian aluminium , recognising the metal as a critical source of income...
December 2024: Aluminium industry at a glance to guide your 2025 planning
The year 2025 has begun, and along with it, a lot of speculations and anticipations for the global aluminium industry's headway as the metal is furthering towards becoming one of the most widely used components in various industrial sectors while at the same time navigating many challenges and also adapting to sustainability initiatives and the circular economy. Especially after a year of tight raw material supply, enthusiastic volume of primary aluminium production, increasing demand, and numerous efforts across the value chain aimed at net-zero emission goals, it is inevitable to have a spirit of inquiry. This article, containing a comprehensive overview of the key events and updates from December 2024, will help you understand the industry's current position. Ghana’s bauxite mining...
Annual updates from 2024: Top 10 aluminium recycling initiatives
The aluminium recycling industry is stepping into a new era in 2025, driven by ambitious projects announced and commenced in 2024 that combine innovation, sustainability, and community impact. From high-tech facilities to grassroots initiatives, these efforts are reshaping the way we recycle this infinitely reusable metal. Here’s an in-depth look at the top 10 aluminium recycling initiatives making headlines the past year. 1. Governor Tim Walz unveils $71 million recycling plant expansion Minnesota’s industrial landscape has been transformed with the $71 million expansion of Spectro Alloys’ recycling facility in Rosemount. Launched under the leadership of Governor Tim Walz , the state-of-the-art facility integrates pioneering technology to deliver an astounding 90 per cent reduction in...
AL demand surges substantially in Q3 across the US and Canada — industry agility weighs in
The Aluminum Association, Arlington, Virginia, has disclosed initial estimations of the domestic as well as transnational demand for the aluminium industry in North America (US and Canada) increased by 4.6 per cent through the first three quarters of 2024. The association’s ‘Aluminum Situation’ report stated that the non-ferrous metal’s demand across the US and Canada (shipments by domestic producers plus imports) totalled approximately 20,712 million pounds from January to September of 2024 when compared with 19,798 million pounds in the identical months of 2023. Sheet and plate products witnessed a considerable Y-o-Y growth at 6.9 per cent, while foil, extrusions and electrical products showed descents. Among the AL products, the semi-fabricated, or ‘mill’ variants market leapt 2.5 per...
Decline in aluminium can recycling linked to youth drinking less?
The aluminium industry must cut its emissions intensity by 30 per cent by 2030 and 9 per cent by 2050 compared to 2022 levels to align with the International Aluminum Institute’s (IAI) 1.5-degree benchmark. To achieve this, absolute carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for aluminium (both primary and secondary) need to be reduced to 810 million tonnes in 2030 and further to 53 million tonnes by 2050. Image Source: Can Manufacturers Institute The industry has reduced emission intensity by 13.6 per cent from 2019 to 2023 which is primarily driven by improvements in reduced reliance on coal, increased secondary production and energy efficiencies. The absolute emission for aluminium (primary and secondary combined) was 1.13 gigatonne of CO2 e in 2019, decreasing to 1.12 gigatonne of CO2 e in 2023....
Exploring Alaska’s critical mineral potential is a whopping $9.4 million federal-funded programme
Alaska boasts deposits of 49 of the 50 minerals deemed critical to the United States economy, national security, and clean energy ambitions. Yet, many of these vital resources do not reside within traditional ore deposits. Instead, they are often byproducts of conventionally mined metals such as copper, gold, silver, and zinc or are associated with vast coal and carbon ore reserves scattered across the state. Image Source: https://www.ey.com/ To unlock Alaska’s potential as a major domestic supplier of critical minerals, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated $7.5 million to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). This funding will support regional-scale assessments of critical minerals across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, which includes the states of Oregon and...
Top 5 downstream aluminium projects of 2024 to redefine the value-added product industry
The ever-increasing demand for value-added aluminium products has left no nook of the world untouched for new projects. From India to China to the United Kingdom, aluminium product manufacturing plants have cropped up in many parts of the world. While some manufacturers have expanded their capacities by building new phases, some have debuted with new facilities to tap into the potential business opportunities. Let's explore the top downstream aluminium projects that commenced in 2024, aiming to meet global demand, mainly from the automotive, renewable energy, and packaging sectors. Alro's advance precision cutting facility - Cutsmart Systems Alro Slatina, one of the largest vertically integrated producers in Europe, commissioned a new cutting-edge aluminium processing facility, Cutsmart...
Europe's primary aluminium production drops 3% M-o-M in Nov’24, but full-year outlook remains positive
According to the International Aluminium Institute, primary aluminium production in Europe (including Russia) during November 2024 stood at 590,000 tonnes, reflecting a downfall of 2.96 per cent from 608,000 tonnes a month ago. Of the output in November, Russia & Eastern Europe accounted for 59.66 per cent, and Western & Central Europe 40.34 per cent. However, despite the monthly fall in November, Europe’s primary aluminium output looks positive this year, with only about 341,000 tonnes short of matching last year's record of 6.729 million tonnes. Production in Russia & Eastern Europe: In November 2024, Russia & Eastern Europe produced 352,000 tonnes, down by 2.76 per cent from 362,000 tonnes in October, attributed to one less operational day because the daily average output showed no...
US primary aluminium production shows a 4% monthly rebound in October, but no positive change seen in YTD output
According to the latest data from the US Geological Survey, the United States' domestic primary aluminium production showed a month-on-month rebound in October 2024. Aluminium scrap recovery also grew in the same month, suggesting an overall boost in aluminium operations nationwide. However, the question remains: does this monthly improvement signal a silver lining in the backdrop of sluggish performance of primary aluminium production in the United States, or has it translated into a positive shift in year-to-date output? Growing by about 4.4 per cent M-o-M, the United States' October output stood at 57,000 tonnes in October, following a 2.5 per cent drop in September from 56,000 tonnes to 54,600 tonnes . But unfortunately, this monthly hike was not enough to lead to an increase in the...
Top 5 bauxite mining projects uncovered around the world in 2024
As the global demand for aluminium continues to surge, the noteworthy advancement of bauxite mining projects has never been more prominent. In 2024, several groundbreaking initiatives around the world are reshaping the landscape of this critical industry. From Vietnam’s ambitious circular economy ventures to Guinea’s high-grade mineralisation, these projects underscore innovation, sustainability, and strategic development. Let’s dive into the top five bauxite mining projects making waves this year. 1. THACO’s US$ 4.1 billion Lam Dong 2 aluminium complex (Vietnam) THACO, a frontrunner in Vietnam’s automotive industry, is embarking on an extraordinary journey with its Lam Dong 2 aluminium complex. Set in the bauxite-rich Central Highlands, this $4.1 billion project exemplifies the future of...
Shaping the future: Key projects under the primary aluminium industry in 2024
Aluminium projects in 2024 are centred on innovation, sustainability, and enhancing the material's applications across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy. Aluminium's unique combination of strength, lightness, and recyclability makes it a pivotal material in the automotive, aerospace, construction, and renewable energy sectors. Key projects include investments in low-carbon production, advanced casting facilities, and integrating renewable energy technologies. These projects aim to enhance product performance, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainability. By innovating new ways to use aluminium, from improving manufacturing processes to recycling, these projects contribute to more efficient and eco-friendly solutions, supporting a circular...
Norway, a trendsetter in EV market, is upping the game with zero-emission goals. Aluminium reaping benefits!
Norway has established itself as the world's leading consumer of electric vehicles, driven by continuous strategic planning, government policies, and incentives designed to promote EV adoption as part of the country's carbon reduction goals. Among all the electric vehicle variants, Norway particularly boasts the highest market share of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) worldwide, thanks to tax exemptions for making BEVs financially attractive over traditional combustion engine vehicles. A few years later, after BEV consumption exceeded expectations, the government removed some incentives and even reduced tax benefits. But fortunately, nothing dampened the enthusiasm for electric vehicle purchases. That's because, beyond economic incentives, the net-zero carbon emissions goal from the...
Guyana eyes bright bauxite future after years of struggle, says President Ali
Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, has proudly commented during a Sunday statement on the substantial improvement of bauxite production in the country during his tenure. In his statement, he mentioned the distressful time before his tenure wherein both bauxite and forestry suffered immaculately owing to the APNU+AFC administration's poor management. Image Source: Wikipedia Guyana has bauxite reserves exceeding 350 million tonnes, which are among the richest deposits in the world. However, after the government nationalised the industry in the 1970s, bauxite production experienced a sharp decline. By the mid-1980s, annual output stagnated at 1.5 million tonnes, which was only half of previous levels. Inefficient management, falling global bauxite prices, and labour strikes...
Role reversal: Thailand replaced Malaysia as the second-largest aluminium scrap importer in September 2024
The latest data from the US Geological Survey reflects a shift in the market dynamics for aluminium scrap in Thailand and Malaysia. Thailand, which usually happens to be the third-largest aluminium scrap importer from the United States, ranked second in September, beating Malaysia’s import volume. According to the USGS data, Thailand accounted for 18 per cent of the United States aluminium scrap exports, while Malaysia contributed 17 per cent. On a month-on-month basis, the United States aluminium scrap exports to Thailand grew by 20.45 per cent, but exports to Malaysia decreased by 4.5 per cent. Thailand imported 31,800 tonnes of aluminium scrap from the United States in September, compared to 26,400 tonnes in August. On a year-on-year basis, the import in September 2024 increased by 37...
Metro Mining missed its 2024 bauxite shipment target by a narrow strip. What lies ahead in 2025?
Metro Mining has achieved a new annual high with 5.7 million tonnes of wet bauxite shipment. The consistent growth month-on-month since August 2024 has led to a yearly shipment increase of 24 per cent. But despite the growth, the Australian mining company has failed to achieve its annual target of 6 million tonnes. The company’s growth pattern In August 2024, Metro Mining's bauxite shipment was 720,000 tonnes , recording a month-on-month growth of 13 per cent. In the subsequent month, the shipment volume reached 780,000 tonnes, bringing the total shipment in Q3 to 2.13 million tonnes. The Australian mining company shipped more bauxite in October, achieving 69.5 per cent of the annual target with 793,420 tonnes. On a month-on-month basis, the shipment volume in October rose 1.72 per cent,...
The true story behind aluminium being more than just a lightweight wonder in the aerospace sector
There is an increasingly urgent need for lightweight components in the aerospace industry, with aluminium (Al) alloys being the preferred material for aircraft structural parts since their use in the Junkers F.13 aircraft in the 1920s. Compared to other metals, Al alloys have a lower density, which helps reduce the total weight of the aircraft, improving fuel efficiency and load capacity. An article on ScienceDirect, backed by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Science and Technology Development Program of Jilin Province, and the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing, details the use of non-ferrous metals in the aviation industry. The strength and hardness of Al alloys can be significantly enhanced through alloying and heat treatment, making them suitable for...
Circularity in action: Recycling sector dominates aluminium dross output
Aluminium dross is a by-product formed during the melting and processing of aluminium. When aluminium is in its molten state, it undergoes oxidation on the surface, forming a ‘skin-like’ layer known as dross. In the past, aluminium dross was disposed of in landfills, a practice deemed hazardous to the environment. In addition, valuable aluminium content and other elements were lost in landfills. In recent years, with the aluminium industry’s growing focus on sustainability and environmental issues, there has been significant improvement in dross processing technologies, enabling higher metal recovery from dross than conventional methods. Discover in-depth insights into aluminium dross processing technologies, key players in the industry, their groundbreaking projects, and regional trade...
Aluminium industry at a crossroads: Baby steps won't work anymore to achieve sustainability amidst emission challenges
Aluminium production, one of the most energy-intensive metal industries, poses a nerve-wracking challenge for global mitigation efforts. A recent study published by Nature sheds light on the evolving dynamics of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the aluminium sector and highlights the urgent need for innovative technologies and policy interventions to achieve net-zero goals. Despite advancements in technology, such as the adoption of more efficient and higher amperage cells, the proportion of aluminium production powered by fossil fuel-based captive power units rose from 37 per cent in 2012 to 49 per cent in 2021. The study reveals that retiring these power plants ten years ahead of schedule could reduce emissions intensity by 5.0–10.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) per tonne of...
