China Sept bauxite imports climb 18.7% M-o-M; elevated freight costs hit non-mainstream imports
According to data released by the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC), China's total bauxite imports reached 18.33 million tonnes in September 2026, up 18.7 per cent month-on-month and 15.4 per cent year-on-year. Over January-September, cumulative bauxite imports totalled 173.9 million tonnes, up 10.3 per cent year-on-year, with overall imported ore supply remaining at elevated levels. According to Mysteel's data, Chinese alumina producers consumed approximately 128.79 million tonnes of imported ore on a cumulative basis from January to September 2026. Actual imported ore consumption significantly lagged total imports over the same period, indicating that the imported bauxite market remains surplus for now. Among China's bauxite imports in September,...
Technical rebound combined with destocking support; Marginal supply increase limits aluminium price upside
Futures: SHFE aluminium closed at RMB 23,300 per tonne, up 1.44 per cent. Prices broke firmly above MA5 (23,057) and MA10 (23,082), but upside remains capped by MA30 (23,802) and MA60 (23,772), with the overall move representing a strong rebound after oversold conditions. Although the MACD lines (DIF=-265.99, DEA=-229.00) remain below the zero axis, the green bars narrowed sharply to -73.98 (previous day -156.23), indicating a significant decline in bearish momentum and the initial emergence of a technical bullish divergence. Trading volume reached 102,100 lots, reflecting active bottom-fishing. The suggested core trading range for SHFE aluminium is 23,000-23,800. LME aluminium closed at USD 3,037.5 per tonne, up 0.35 per cent. Prices have stabilised above MA5 (3,026.7) and MA10...
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Technip Energies endorses IB2 technology: Paving the way for a sustainable alumina industry
Technip Energies, a global leader in industrial innovation, has announced its support for the groundbreaking IB2 technology developed by the French tech company IB2. This innovative process has the potential to revolutionise alumina refining by making it more efficient and environmentally friendly, addressing key challenges in the aluminium industry. Aluminium’s strategic role in the energy transition Aluminium, celebrated for its lightweight, durable, and recyclable properties, is crucial to the shift toward greener economies. It enables lighter electric vehicles with enhanced battery range and contributes to the development of more fuel-efficient aircraft. However, meeting the increasing demand for aluminium comes with challenges—particularly in the energy-intensive and waste-generating...
José Berasategui appointed CEO of GHI and leads new 2025-2027 strategic plan
José Berasategui has been appointed as the new CEO of GHI Smart Furnaces, marking a new chapter for the company. After more than a decade as General Manager, Berasategui assumes the executive leadership position, reinforcing GHI's commitment to innovation and excellence. Iñigo Guinea, a member of the founding family and CEO since 2017, is leaving operational management to focus on providing strategic support to the industrial projects of Guiar Group, the holding company of GHI Smart Furnaces. Berasategui's appointment coincides with the 2025-2027 strategic plan launch, an initiative aimed to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable, digital, and connected aluminium industry. A renewed mission for a sustainable future With a focus on the environmental and technological demands of...
Indigital and Rio Tinto launch ‘Caring for Country’ programme to combine Indigenous knowledge and technology for biodiversity conservation
Indigenous company Indigital and Rio Tinto have partnered on an initiative that combines traditional knowledge with digital innovation to protect and restore Country and strengthen culture, while advancing sustainable mining practices for the energy transition. Image Source: Rio Tinto Initially focused on communities in Far North Queensland, the Caring for Country program enables Indigenous communities to harness conservation technologies, such as AI-driven data analysis, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) for mapping land features, and “Internet of Things” environmental sensors to monitor soil and water health. The program also uses Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality to capture and preserve cultural knowledge and languages for future generations and, by integrating technology with...
DTE appoints veteran CEO Jakob Asmundsson to ignite bold new growth phase
Icelandic metals analysis pioneer DTE has appointed Jakob Asmundsson as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), marking a pivotal step in the company’s growth journey. A seasoned executive with a proven track record of transformative leadership, Asmundsson will steer DTE’s strategy as it scales up operations to become an integral partner to the aluminium industry. With DTE set to expand into new markets, Asmundsson will leverage his success in guiding businesses through major growth phases to cement the company’s position as the leading industry supplier of real-time molten metal analysis. Drawing on his past experience, he will focus on optimising DTE’s operational performance and resources to meet the company’s ambitious growth targets. Meanwhile, Asmundsson will bolster DTE’s product...
Leicestershire residents encouraged to recycle their metal packaging
A new campaign promoting metal packaging recycling has been introduced by Leicestershire County Council. In a bid to improve recycling rates, households across the county are being encouraged to recycle their metal packaging including food and drink cans, aluminium wrapping foil and foil trays, as well as empty aerosols and metal screw tops. Spearheaded by the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro), the ‘MetalMatters’ programme will use targeted social media and digital messaging to communicate the widespread benefits of recycling metal household packaging. Starting in January, it is hoped that within the six-week long campaign, Leicestershire County Council can engage with the majority of the 316,000 households in Leicestershire. Since its launch in 2012, more than 128 local...
December aluminium extrusion exports fell over 40% M-o-M, likely to remain weak in the short term
According to customs data, China's aluminium extrusion exports (HS codes 76041010, 76041090, 76042100, 76042910, 76042990) in December 2024 totalled 74,100 tonnes, down 40.04 per cent M-o-M and 16.58 per cent Y-o-Y. The decline was mainly due to the Ministry of Finance's announcement on November 15 to cancel the aluminium semis export tax rebate policy starting December 1, leading to a rush to meet deadlines in November that overdrew subsequent export volumes. Among export registration locations, the top three provinces in December were Guangdong, Shandong, and Jiangsu. Chongqing saw a surge in export volumes, while other provinces experienced significant declines. For export destinations, Vietnam ranked first in December, accounting for 10 per cent of exports, followed by Israel at 8 per...
Alba joins Tamkeen’s Open Innovation Program to obtain Innovative solutions from Bahraini startups and SMEs
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world’s largest aluminum smelter on one site, has joined the Open Innovation Program, backed by Bahrain’s Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and managed by Brinc MENA. This Program connects leading enterprises with innovative Bahraini startups and SMEs to develop cutting-edge solutions that address the enterprises’ challenges and requirements, and enhance operational efficiency, drive sustainability, and foster economic growth. Alba is the first company in Bahrain to participate in this initiative. The agreement was co-signed between Tamkeen’s Chief Executive, HE Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Alba’s Chief Executive Officer Ali Al Baqali, and Brinc’s Managing Director Husain Haji at Tamkeen’s headquarters. Under this agreement, Alba will collaborate with selected...
apt Group Starts 2025 with successful production optimisation at its Monheim and Cheb Locations
At the start of the new year, apt Group launched a new billet oven with preheating capabilities for the extrusion line P35 at its Monheim location . Despite the challenging market conditions, the apt Group has used this economically demanding time to implement comprehensive modernisation measures at its production sites in Monheim and Cheb. The new system optimises the heating process of aluminium billets in three cutting-edge steps: Preheating : Aluminium billets are preheated to 90°C using residual heat in a closed-loop system, minimising evaporation losses. High-Convection Preheating Zone : The billets are heated to 200°C before entering the main oven. Final Tempering : In the main oven, the billets are further heated to approximately 400°C. An induction module ensures precise head...
Etihad Rail launches region's first carbon emission avoidance and reduction certificates
Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Railway Network, has introduced the region's first-ever "CO 2 Emission Avoidance and Reduction Certificates," an innovative initiative that highlights the environmental benefits of rail transport for its customers. This significant milestone reinforces Etihad Rail's role as a key contributor to the UAE's climate change agenda, aligning with the nation's Net Zero by 2050 Strategy through a transparent Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The certificates - powered by EcoTransIT, a globally recognised tool for assessing the environmental impact of transport - quantify and validate the carbon savings businesses achieve by choosing rail over alternative transport...
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...
