Europe holds 10% of global aluminium extrusion demand, supported by Germany’s Constellium, France’s Hydro Extrusions & Italy’s Metra
Across Europe, aluminium extrusion has become closely woven into some of the region’s biggest industrial and construction markets. From automotive and transport to buildings and industrial applications, extruded profiles are finding demand across a wide range of sectors. This is reflected in Europe’s position in the global market: the region accounted for 12 per cent of global aluminium extrusion capacity, making it the second-largest regional contributor after China. At the same time, Europe represented 10 per cent of global aluminium extrusion usage, out of total global usage of 35.35 million tonnes . With production capacity and usage shares relatively close, Europe’s extrusion capacity and consumption are broadly at par. If we break down Europe’s 10 per cent share of global aluminium...
H1 2026 sees more renewable energy than ever: Here’s a region-by-region guide to renewable energy supply in the recent past
In the first half of 2025, humanity generated more electricity from renewables than from coal for the first time ever. What led to it? It was possible only because of two decades of falling solar panel prices, taller wind turbines, and governments finally treating clean power like an economic opportunity instead of a favour to the planet. But the renewable energy scenario cannot be portrayed as a single global story. To get the full picture, one has to connect dozens of regional stories moving at wildly different speeds. Some countries are already powered almost entirely by sun, wind and water. Others are still warming up. Here is a tour of how renewable energy supply looks across the world’s regions right now, and who is actually leading the charge. The global scorecard: Renewable energy...
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South America outpaces North America in primary aluminium production growth rate for July 2024
According to the International Aluminium Institute's data, primary aluminium production in the Americas totalled 464,000 tonnes, of which 71.98 per cent was contributed by North America and 28 per cent by South America. On a month-on-month basis, the total output in the Americas marked an increase of 2.88 per cent from 451,000 tonnes, while that on a year-on-year calculation recorded a growth of 2.2 per cent from 454,000 tonnes. Interestingly, the month-on-month and year-on-year growth rate was higher in South America than in the North, despite the latter region being a crucial hub for primary aluminium production. To delve deeper into this observation, continue reading our detailed analysis. Production Overview - South vs North America In July 2024, primary aluminium production in South...
Italy pushes for early review of EU's 2035 combustion engine ban
Italian officials are calling for an early review of the European Union's plan to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin criticised the policy as "absurd" and driven by an "ideological vision," arguing that it imposes a rigid, state-controlled approach to policymaking within the bloc. Speaking at the TEHA business forum in Cernobbio, Italy, Pichetto Fratin highlighted the significant challenges of the EU's decision, particularly in light of the ongoing slowdown in the European auto industry. He stressed that the ban should be reassessed to reflect shifting market realities. Italy's Industry Minister Adolfo Urso also weighed in, suggesting that the planned mid-point review of the legislation, currently scheduled for 2026,...
“JS Group and later Uniseven have many firsts; in fact, it has grown with the growth of the primary aluminium industry in India,” Kamal Prakash, Director, Uniseven Engineering & Infrastructure
Kamal Prakash is passionate about aluminium and is the director of Uniseven Engineering & Infrastructure, part of the 124-year-old JS Group, which has been servicing the global aluminium value chain for the last 50 years. JS and Uniseven have pioneered introducing a number of technologies and technological products to the aluminium industry, helping process improvements, CAPEX and OPEX reduction, CO2 emission reduction, and enhanced recycling. Also, he is involved in the fields of education and health, especially mental health and economic and environmental sustainability initiatives, especially with an economically weakest section of society. He is also an avid gardener. He holds a degree in Business Management and brings 44 years of global experience working with partners across the...
“Asian industry is gaining traction in aluminium production due to growing demand from many industries,” Isabelle Gaudreau, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, EPIQ Machinery
Isabelle Gaudreau manages Marketing and Communication for EPIQ Machinery. She has managed all marketing-related activities since the merger between Mecfor and Advanced Dynamics. Isabelle's journey in the industry began in 2006 when she played a pivotal role in assisting the MECFOR sales team develop standards, marketing, promotional materials, and general sales activities. Her background in professional writing, creative design work, and administrative services offers a balanced mix of insights into the industry and observation of new trends and opportunities. AL Circle: What is your perspective on the current state of the Asian aluminium industry? How do you see the demand for aluminium evolving in Asia over the next decade? Isabelle Gaudreau: The Asian aluminium industry, despite facing...
Ghana's President invites Chinese investors to power economic transformation
Ghana's President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has invited Chinese business leaders to participate actively in the country's ongoing economic transformation. Speaking at the China-Ghana Business Forum in Shenzhen, the President emphasised the strong and long-standing relationship between the two nations and highlighted Ghana's vast investment opportunities. With the country aiming to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on traditional exports like gold and cocoa, President Akufo-Addo stressed that Chinese investment would be pivotal in driving this shift. He noted that China, as one of Ghana's largest trading partners, plays a key role in the country's development strategy, and the active participation of Chinese investors can significantly shape Ghana's economic future. Ghana and...
“Alumina refineries and aluminium smelters are increasingly realising the need for real-time process information,” Petra Mühlen, Partner and CEO, SpectraFlow Analytics
After working for 14 years in the family business Mühlen Sohn, which manufactures technical textiles and is also used in the aluminium smelters in sales and management roles, Petra started with the newly founded SpectraFlow Analytics in 2014. She has a master’s degree in mathematics and economics, which strengthens her quick technical as well as economic understanding. Her initial focus was on sales and technical implementation of the SpectraFlow product range over various industries. In 2020, she took over the CEO role as well. AL Circle: Please describe how SpectraFlow quantifies Gibbsite or Kaolinite content in bauxite ore. Does this technology ensure enhanced quality of bauxite? Petra Mühlen: SpectraFlow uses near-infra-red (NIR) technology to perform the real-time chemical analysis...
“The Asian aluminium extrusion market is steadily growing, especially in countries and regions such as China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia.” Wang Xingyao, Founder of GLD ALLOYS (M) SDN BHD
Wang Xingyao is a seasoned veteran in the aluminium manufacturing industry with over 25 years of experience. He has successfully led several high-profile aluminium companies across Asia, producing various products including aluminium sheets, extrusions, and alloy wheels. Mr Wang’s expertise in supply chain management and operational efficiency has positioned him as a key player in the market. His leadership style is characterised by a keen focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship, ensuring long-term profitability while adhering to global best practices. Mr Wang’s vision and strategic acumen have consistently delivered impressive results, making him a valuable asset to the company. AL Circle: What motivated the founding of GLD ALLOYS (M) SDN BHD in 2024, mainly focusing on...
“The opportunities in Asia are still tremendous if one compares the aluminium consumption per capita of different countries and regions,” Dr-Ing. Oliver Moos, Managing Director, CETAG – Casthouse Engineering and Technology AG
Oliver started his professional life as a mechanical draftsman at a leading supplier of casthouse equipment in 1985. He worked in various technical and commercial positions for the same company after further education at the University of Applied Sciences in Konstanz, Germany, and the University of Brasov in Romania. Oliver became the Managing Director of CETAG in 2016. With its small but dedicated workforce, CETAG provides consulting services, project management, site services, and equipment to the aluminium industry worldwide. AL Circle: Please brief us about your services and solutions to the aluminium casthouse. How do you help casthouse enhance production while reducing carbon emissions? Dr-Ing. Oliver Moos: CETAG of Switzerland is an expert adviser in aluminium casthouse technology,...
“The mining industry has seen a surge in the adoption of drone technology in recent years.” Mughilan Thiru Ramasamy, Co-founder and CEO of Skylark Drones
Mughilan holds a master’s degree in Aerospace Systems from Purdue University, Indiana (USA). Mughilan designed over 8 Un-Manned Aerial Vehicles, all of which were successfully test-flown; he led the team to win the NASA Systems Engineering Award for engineering a holistic UAV-based solution. Mughilan is also on the R.V. College of Engineering board and helps them design industry-relevant courses. He has given over 100 talks and workshops. AL Circle: Please brief us on the functionalities of Spectra and their usage in bauxite mining. Mughilan: Spectra is a worksite intelligence platform that harnesses drone data to provide actionable insights. By using drone images, Spectra generates accurate 3D models at a centimetre scale, aiding in precise planning and monitoring. It runs on the cloud,...
“Asia is the largest and most important region in terms of aluminium supply in the world,” Dr Yanchen Wang, Managing Director, SMM (Shanghai Metals Market) GLOBAL UK Ltd.
Dr Yanchen Wang is the Managing Director of the SMM UK office, which was established in May 2021. Currently, he focuses on base metals, battery metals market research, and overseas business development for SMM. Dr Yanchen Wang has a PhD in Engineering from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and is a well-known analyst in the global commodity industry. His expertise includes the base metals market, the coal and power industry, and the carbon emission market. He has recently extended his research into the battery metals markets. He has visited more than 100 base metals assets around the world. Dr Yanchen Wang has more than 19 years of commodity market research experience. He also often attends technical and market conferences and gives presentations as a keynote speaker, like AABC, Cobalt...
China’s alumina production continues an upward trajectory in August, marking a 2.8% Y-o-Y rise
After surpassing 7 million tonnes in July 2024, China's metallurgical-grade alumina production continued its upward trajectory in August, showing a month-on-month increase of 0.67 per cent, according to the Shanghai Metals Market. On a year-on-year basis, the output in August registered a hike of 2.82 per cent. According to SMM data, China's alumina production in August 2024 stood at around 7.22 million tonnes versus 7.173 million tonnes in July. At the end of August, China's metallurgical-grade alumina capacity stood stable at around 100.6 million tonnes, with the operating capacity up by 0.81 per cent M-o-M. The operating rate was 84.63 per cent, compared to 83.5 per cent in July. From January to August, China's total alumina production amounted to approximately 54.686 million tonnes,...
Big wheels, bigger results: Cat 992 Loaders drive Bauxite Hill output to the maximum
Metro Mining Limited has significantly increased throughput rates at its Bauxite Hills operation in Western Australia. One of the biggest reasons was commissioning two new Cat 992 Wheel Loaders and installing a new screening system. The company introduced a new apron/wobbler feeder screening circuit in May, marking a key step in its expansion strategy. The integration and optimisation of the expansion are already yielding results, with Metro achieving a record monthly shipment of 720,000 tonnes (wet) in August 2024, a 13 per cent increase from July and a 29 per cent rise compared to July 2023, which AL Circle has already reported on September 6, 2024. This milestone came despite a two-day shutdown for conveyor belt replacements at the barge loading facility and planned transhippers...
“The aluminium market is global, and Asia is already a key region for aluminium production and consumption,” Vincenzo ZINNI, CEO & Maël de la BELLIERE, Co-Head of Sales and Marketing, Niche Fusina
Vincenzo ZINNI, Chief Executive Officer, joined Fusina in 2022 when Dada Holding and Invitalia acquired the plant. With a background in metal trading, he manages the group and drives the team to excellence, quality, and reliability. Under his management and focus, the plant is on track to regain its position in the marketplace. This is the result of a series of new investments and production improvements. Fusina, under its new leadership and ownership, has been able to be considered as one of the best suppliers for marine, road transportation, silos or defence applications. Maël de la BELLIERE, Co-Head of Sales and Marketing, joined Fusina in 2017. With a background in flat-rolled products at Alcoa and in the coil coating industry with Euramax, he is steering the development of markets...
“Aluminium has become the metal of choice for sunrise sectors,” John Slaven, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium
John Slaven is the Chief Executive Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, India's largest producer of aluminium and among the top producers globally. He is a reputed leader in the industry with over three decades of rich experience in the metals, mining and modern manufacturing industries. Through diverse positions in industry-leading companies within these sectors, John has helped shape the overall domain in transformative ways. He previously held key leadership positions at Alcoa, BHP, and The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in roles across the industry value chain from exploration, development, operations, strategy, finance, and sales & marketing. Over the years, he has lived and worked in countries across the globe, including South Africa, the USA, China, Singapore, the Netherlands, Australia,...
China’s aluminium processing industry PMI hovers below 50% in August despite M-o-M growth
China’s comprehensive Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the aluminium processing industry witnessed an increase of 1.8 percentage point month-on-month, yet stood below the 50 per cent mark during August 2024, owing to the persistent traditional off-season in the domestic market. According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, China’s PMI for the domestic aluminium processing industry was recorded at 43.6 per cent, with a few sectors standing as an exception above the 50 per cent mark. While the PMIs for China’s domestic construction aluminium extrusion and plate/sheet, strip and foil segment were below the 50 mark, the industrial extrusion segment and aluminium wire and cable sector witnessed PMIs of 51.97 per cent and 50.5 per cent. Although certain sectors recovered from the...
July 2024: Alumina production in Africa & Asia grows 4.5% Y-o-Y, raising its share of global output to 9.95%
In July 2024, alumina production in Africa & Asia (ex-China) recorded a month-on-month decline of 1.95 per cent, yet stood above 1.2 million tonnes, unlike in April and May when the region's alumina output was at 997,000 tonnes and 1.117 million tonnes, respectively. However, on an annual basis, the output grew by 4.49 per cent, leading to a greater contribution to the world alumina production, accounting for 9.95 per cent in July 2024 versus 9.5 per cent in July 2023. According to the International Aluminium Institute, alumina production in Africa & Asia (ex-China) during July 2024 was 1.209 million tonnes versus 1.233 million tonnes in June and 1.157 million tonnes in July 2023. The daily average production in July 2024 was 392,100 tonnes, down by 2.37 per cent from 401,600 tonnes a...
“The sustainability goals of the Indian aluminium industry are gaining momentum, with large players deploying a multi-pronged approach to reduce emissions.” Mayank Chauhan, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LogicLadder Technologies
As the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LogicLadder Technologies, Mayank Chauhan is a sustainability and Net Zero leader who empowers enterprises to navigate the climate economy. From envisioning to executing innovative solutions, he has meticulously crafted the growth narrative of India’s first climate tech company, LogicLadder. Today, the company’s climate action platform, The Sustainability Cloud, is used by 1000+ customers worldwide to measure, track, and report their carbon emissions, manage ESG initiatives, and drive their sustainability goals toward a Net Zero future. In his role, Mayank strategises product development and collaborates closely with local leadership in international markets to spearhead the continuous expansion of LogicLadder. With a wealth of experience in...
Brazilian miner MRN gains preliminary license for bauxite project lifespan extension
Brazilian mining company Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN), a joint venture between Glencore, Rio Tinto, and South32, announced on September 3, 2024, that it has received an initial license from the Brazilian environmental agency, Ibama. This approval marks a significant step towards extending the operational lifespan of its bauxite mining activities in northern Brazil. The license will enable MRN to continue extracting bauxite, a critical raw material in aluminium production, as the company seeks to maintain and expand its operations in the resource-rich region. Brazil's position in global bauxite production is noteworthy. It ranks among the top countries. However, as reported by USGS, Brazil's bauxite production stood at an impressive 31 million tonnes in 2023. Shareholding Structure of MRN...
