Giant art installation unveiled at Trafford centre for recycle week
Every Can Counts (ECC) has unveiled a giant art installation outside Trafford Centre to highlight the importance of recycling during Recycle Week 2026 (14th – 20th September). The Infinity Sculpture, made from more than 1,200 recycled drink cans, has been created to illustrate the life cycle of a drink can, highlighting that aluminium can be recycled time and time again. Shoppers and centre visitors can get a glimpse of the can-based artwork that will be on display by the Great Hall Entrance at Trafford Centre until Sunday 20th September to mark the occasion. This is the first time the Infinity Sculpture has been showcased in Manchester, where it will act as a physical reminder of the importance of recycling to the community. On Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September, visitors wanting to...
Aluminium Extruders Council launches “Look No Further” program
The Aluminium Extruders Council (AEC) today announced the launch of “Look No Further™,” a campaign promoting the capabilities, responsiveness, and innovation of US and Canadian aluminium extruder members of AEC. Developed for manufacturers, engineers, architects, designers, and procurement leaders, the campaign underscores the value of working with AEC extruder members to meet growing demand for aluminium extrusion solutions across transportation, building and construction, consumer products, electrical, machinery and equipment, and other critical markets. “Customers need domestic extrusion partners that can deliver more than shaped aluminium,” said Jason Weber, President of the Aluminium Extruders Council. “The Look No Further™ campaign will reinforce that AEC extruder members offer the...
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Calderys launches expanded product range of Fast Dry refractory solutions for improved dry-out of industrial furnaces
As a leading global provider for industries operating in high-temperature conditions, Calderys continuously strives to improve its processes to deliver the best possible solution offering to its customers. In the field of cement-bonded refractory castables, no matter the industrial process, furnace dry-out is a critical challenge due to its duration; one that cannot be ignored. Following the completed installation of refractory lining, furnaces are unusable for up to several days to allow for dry-out, which necessarily halts operations. Calderys is targeting this directly by expanding its product offering in the CALDE® FD (Fast Dry) range. This solution has been developed to integrate smoothly within the Calderys product range. Crucially, CALDE® FD products provide customers with enhanced...
FEHRMANN MaterialsX bridges the gap between academic research and industry with AI-powered MatGPT Classroom
FEHRMANN MaterialsX is reshaping the future of academic research by offering universities specialising in material science free access to its AI-powered platform, MatGPT Classroom. This isn't just about speeding up research—it's about connecting academic breakthroughs with real-world industrial applications. What sets MatGPT Classroom apart isn't just its AI capabilities. It's the bridge we've built between the knowledge gained in university labs and the practical needs of the industrial world. Many researchers are frustrated, seeing years of work left in the confines of academic journals, never translating into societal impact. MatGPT Classroom addresses this disconnect by providing access not only to a vast array of public data but also to proprietary, industry-relevant insights that...
North American Green Aluminum Summit 2025
As global attention intensifies on sustainability and carbon neutrality, North America is setting ambitious targets aimed at achieving significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The region aims to establish itself as a leader in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Aluminum, celebrated for its lightweight properties and recyclability, is positioned to play a pivotal role in this transformation, offering critical advantages across multiple sectors. However, achieving these objectives necessitates comprehensive efforts in establishing robust regulatory frameworks, advancing technology, facilitating energy transitions, and developing sustainable supply chains. The North American Aluminum Summit 2025 will explore aluminum’s vital role in carbon reduction, bringing together...
Aluminum extruder chooses Nitrex to drive quality for OEMs and tier suppliers
To meet the automotive industry’s growing demand for high-quality extrusions, a European manufacturer specialising in profiles for the automotive sector has integrated a Nitrex nitriding system into their production process. This addition optimises die treatment capabilities, improves operational efficiency, and enhances die and profile quality. The decision to invest in a Nitrex NX-815 batch-type nitriding system represents a strategic move to establish a modern die shop capable of nitriding extrusion dies weighing up to 500 kg (1,100 lbs). Replacing an outdated nitriding furnace, the advanced Nitrex system incorporates Nitreg® technology, renowned for its ability to extend die life and ensure nitriding consistency. These features are crucial for reducing die failures and maintaining an...
From production to recycling: the aluminium industry and its impact on net zero goals
As the UK accelerates towards its net zero targets, the aluminium industry is proving to be a critical player in the drive to reduce carbon emissions and build a sustainable future. With its crucial role in both the production and recycling of one of the most versatile metals, the UK aluminium industry has the potential to significantly impact the country’s path to achieving net zero goals. In this article, we will discuss the key reasons why the aluminium industry is vital towards the UK’s net zero ambitions, and how you can join the conversation at the Aluminium Federation (ALFED) House of Lords Lunch on Thursday 26th June 2025. Three key reasons highlight why the aluminium industry is vital in the UK’s fight towards net zero: Recycling and Circular Economy : Aluminium is one of the...
China's prebaked anode production slightly declined in December 2024, overall demand remained stable
According to SMM survey estimates, China's prebaked anode production in December 2024 was 1.9382 million tonnes, up 4.81 per cent Y-o-Y and down 0.17 per cent M-o-M. Among this, supporting prebaked anode production was 866,500 tonnes, and commercial prebaked anode production was 1.0717 million tonnes. The cumulative prebaked anode production in China for 2024 reached 23.6092 million tonnes, up 7.56 per cent Y-o-Y. Image Source: Made-in-China In December 2024, the operating conditions of domestic prebaked anode enterprises slightly declined. In some areas of Henan, Hebei, and Shandong, production was slightly reduced due to emergency controls for heavy pollution weather, with both calcination and baking processes affected to varying degrees. Additionally, some enterprises resumed...
Alba CEO unveils company's 2025 objectives at Annual 'Majlis' Event
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest aluminium smelter on a single site, is convening its Annual Majlis from 14 to 18 January 2025. This event serves as a platform to foster open dialogue, two-way communication between the Company's top management and employees through multiple live sessions conducted in a hybrid format – both in-person and virtually. At the inaugural Majlis session on Tuesday 14 January 2025 at Alba Oasis Hall, Alba's Chief Executive Officer, Ali Al Baqali, unveiled the Company's bold and inspiring Objectives for 2025: Be an Albawee, Tapping into Talent, Alba's Open Space, and e-Al Hassalah Year-2. The inaugural session was attended by Alba's Executives, Directors, and Managers, where the CEO presented key highlights of the Company's operational...
UAE President witnesses launch of world's first 24*7 Solar PV, battery storage Giga scale project in Abu Dhabi
In the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC—Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) today announced the launch of the world’s first large-scale ‘round the clock’ Giga scale project, combining solar power and battery storage in Abu Dhabi. The launch was announced by His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, and His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment and Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADQ. The launch marks a pivotal moment in the clean energy transformation, allowing renewable energy to be dispatched 24 hours a day, seven days a week, reaffirming the UAE’s position as a global pioneer in...
Overview of China's primary aluminium production in December 2024 and forecast for January 2025
According to SMM statistics, China's aluminum production in December 2024 (31 days) increased by 4.13 per cent YoY, with cumulative production from January to December up 3.89 per cent Y-o-Y. In December, multiple aluminum smelters in Sichuan and Guangxi reduced production. Specifically, in Sichuan, high alumina and electricity costs led to severe losses and production cuts, while in Guangxi, some smelters reduced production due to technological transformation, with plans to resume in Q4 2025. Resumption progress in Sichuan and Guizhou stalled during the month, mainly due to high alumina prices and weak demand and prices in the off-season, reducing the motivation for resumption. Projects in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Ningxia proceeded as planned. During the month, the proportion of...
Boosting e-mobility and circularity: Speira signs framework agreement for supplies with leading battery producer; aluminium for battery cells aims to increase recycling content
Speira’s position in the e-mobility business is growing: The aluminium recycler and roller has now signed a long-term agreement with the biggest prismatic battery producer from South Korea. The world-leading manufacturer’s advanced energy solutions also include lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. Its clear commitment to sustainability is now resulting in the collaboration with Speira. The agreement covers the supply of substantial volumes of aluminium strips, spread over the contract period, which will be processed into battery cans and then used in battery cells for electric vehicles. It includes further improvements to the sustainability of the product by further increasing the recycled content and, thus, reducing the carbon footprint of the processed alloy. The signing took...
Alexandre Robardey named Chairman; Philippe Brel appointed CEO of Sogeclair
Sogeclair's Board of Directors has decided to make the following changes, effective January 6, 2025. Alexandre ROBARDEY has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Philippe BREL has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Group. He succeeds Olivier Pedron. Alexandre ROBARDEY, a lawyer and asset manager, graduated from the IFA and joined the Board of Directors in 2020. His appointment makes him the third generation of the Robardey family (65 per cent shareholder in the Group) to hold the position of Chairman of the Board. Philippe BREL, a training engineer, has extensive experience in the aerospace and defence sectors, both in France and the United States. His career as Industrial Director, Director of Business Units for major groups and Chairman of the Management...
Government to hold Gram Sabha for Lanjigarh bauxite mines for Kalahandi’s development
Residents of Lanjigarh in Kalahandi district have urged Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi to immediately conduct a Gram Sabha for Lanjigarh Bauxite mines for the development of Kalahandi district of Orissa. Their appeal, submitted through the Collector and BDO, highlights the urgent need to start bauxite mining operations of the Lanjigarh Bauxite mines and drive sustainable economic growth in the Kalahandi district. Kalahandi district has witnessed remarkable progress since the establishment of the Lanjigarh alumina refinery in 2003, they said. Once labelled as one of India’s poorest regions, Kalahandi is now part of the Government of India’s ‘Aspirational District’ initiative, driven by development from the refinery. The villagers pointed out that the growth and development...
Overview of China's alumina production in December 2024 and forecast for January 2025
According to SMM data, China's metallurgical-grade alumina production in December 2024 (31 days) increased by 1.67 per cent M-o-M and 9.80 per cent Y-o-Y. As of December 31, China's metallurgical-grade alumina existing capacity was approximately 103.02 million tonnes, with actual operating capacity slightly down by 0.44 per cent M-o-M, and the operating rate was 86.30 per cent. For the full year 2024, domestic metallurgical-grade alumina production increased by 4.86 per cent Y-o-Y. During the month, environmental protection-related production cuts in Shanxi and maintenance at some capacities in Shandong led to a slight decline in operating capacity. However, as downstream aluminum production also saw reductions during the month, the slight surplus in alumina supply and demand persisted,...
Alba recognises 15 national employees with ‘Inspirational Employee of the Year’ Award
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world’s largest aluminium smelter on one site, held a special celebratory event on 07 January 2025 to honour 15 national employees with ‘Inspirational Employee of the Year’ Award for 2024. Notably, seven of the awardees were women, reflecting Alba’s commitment to gender diversity and inclusion. The event, held at the Oasis Hall, was led by Alba’s CEO Ali Al Baqali, who honoured the awardees for their outstanding contributions. The winners were selected based on a rigorous evaluation process considering various criteria to include dedication to Safety excellence, fostering a culture of learning through coaching and volunteering initiatives, and cultivating a positive and supportive work environment through strong teamwork and a spirit of camaraderie....
Green Hydrogen Summit to return to Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week to accelerate industry scale-up
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025, the global platform supported by the UAE and its clean energy leader Masdar, will again feature the Green Hydrogen Summit, bringing together industry leaders to advance the universal adoption of green hydrogen across a range of sectors. Reflecting Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become the global hub for green hydrogen and its derivatives through innovation and investments, the 2025 Green Hydrogen Summit aligns closely with Abu Dhabi’s Low Carbon Hydrogen Policy and the UAE's National Hydrogen Strategy 2050. Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: “Green hydrogen is a critical pillar in the transformation of energy systems,...
Niagara bauxite discovery grows to over 14sqkm as latest drilling returns exceptional grades
Arrow Minerals Limited is pleased to report more outstanding assays from its first drilling program at the Niagara Bauxite Project in Guinea. The project is located within trucking distance (~100km) of the multi-user Trans-Guinean Railway. Arrow has already completed the first pass of baseline environmental studies and community engagement. It has also started recruiting people from local communities to support the current operations. Arrow has already completed the first pass of baseline environmental studies and community engagement. It has also started recruiting people from local communities to support the current operations. Arrow Managing Director David Flanagan said, “We are extremely pleased with the outcomes of our first bauxite drilling programme at Niagara.” “This is all within...
Missing crew member from Rio Tinto marine vessel
It is with great sadness that Rio Tinto confirms that Mr Gel Aguaviva, a deck fitter on board its bulk carrier RTM Zheng He , was reported missing on 26 December 2024, while the vessel was traveling from China to Western Australia. An extensive and ongoing search and rescue operation to find Mr Aguaviva has been conducted over the past seven days, with Rio Tinto working in collaboration with RTM Zheng He ship and crew manager, Anglo Eastern, and relevant authorities. The Philippine Coast Guard is leading the search and rescue operation. Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: "Our thoughts are with Gel's family, friends and colleagues, and we stand with everyone affected by this distressing situation. We are focused on offering all possible support during this difficult time. “We...
Hindalco secures Meenakshi Coal Mine allocation to boost resource securitisation and deliver cost advantage
Hindalco Industries Ltd., the Aditya Birla Group’s metals flagship, has achieved a significant milestone with the allocation of the Meenakshi Coal Mine in Odisha through a vesting order by the Ministry of Coal. This development follows the successful signing of the Coal Mine Development and Production Agreement (CMDPA) on November 22, 2024, marking a pivotal step in the company’s journey towards resource securitisation, energy efficiency and sustainable growth. The Meenakshi coal mine, located in Odisha, is a fully explored block with a Peak Rated Capacity (PRC) of 12 million tonnes per annum and ~285.23 million tonnes of geological reserves. With a favourable coal-to-waste stripping ratio of less than 1, the G12 grade mine is poised to be a cost-effective and sustainable energy source...
