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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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...
Niagara bauxite discovery grows to 12sqkm as latest drilling returns exceptional grades
Arrow Minerals Limited (ASX: AMD) is pleased to report more outstanding assays from its maiden 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 Managing Director David Flanagan said, “These latest assays provide more firm evidence that Niagara is a major discovery. We have identified high-grade mineralisation over a combined area of 12km2, and this is based on just three of the nine targets we have identified.” “The mineralisation is open; we have assays pending from another 39...
ABx to raise $1.8 million by way of a convertible note
ABx Group Limited is pleased to announce that it has received binding commitments for placement (the "Placement") of Convertible Notes ("Notes") to be issued by the Company to professional and sophisticated investors, each with a face value of $1.00. The Placement will raise $1.8 million through the issuance of approx—1.8 million Notes in two separate tranches. The raising was heavily supported by the Company's existing shareholders. Highlights: The issue of the Notes will occur over two tranches, with tranche two subject to shareholder approval. Directors will participate in the Placement for $230,000. Funds raised will be used for the continued development of the Deep Leads Rare Earth Project, ALCORE pilot plant construction, working capital, and Placement costs. Subject to obtaining...
Rio Tinto appoints new Chief People Officer
Rio Tinto has appointed Georgie Bezette as its new Chief People Officer, succeeding James Martin, who will retire at the end of this year. Georgie, who joined the organisation in 2008, is currently Chief Operating Officer, People, responsible for the transformation of the People function in support of Rio Tinto’s ambitious cultural change journey. She will start in her new role on 1 January 2025 and be based in London. Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: “As I have come to know Georgie, it is clear she is passionate about talent development, culture change, and creating inclusive environments that foster growth and innovation. This, combined with her operational experience, strong leadership capability and ability to make positive change a reality, will be a huge asset to the...
Management buy-out: Hertwich Engineering GmbH forging its own future path
Hertwich Engineering GmbH, a leading global supplier of technologies for aluminium foundries, is being acquired by the management team consisting of Gerold Keune (CEO), Jürgen Doblhofer (COO), Hubert Mayringer (Director Engineering), and Ludwig Manhartseder (Director Electrical & Automation) as part of a management buy-out. This will see 100 per cent of the company transferred from the SMS group to its new owners. The transaction was formally completed on December 16, 2024. Image Source: Hertwich Engineering “We are proud of our customers’ high satisfaction with Hertwich’s leading melting, casting and homogenising plants and technology, which is currently reflected in our record order backlog. As an independent company, we plan to significantly increase our investments in capacity...
Initiation of the process for a primary listing of METLEN Energy & Metals on the London Stock Exchange
METLEN Energy & Metals SA ("METLEN") (ATHX: MYTIL) (formerly MYTILINEOS), a leading global industrial and energy group, announces that a draft listing prospectus in connection with the listing of the shares of a newly UK-established company, METLEN Energy & Metals Limited (“METLEN Limited”), has been filed with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for their review. It is intended that METLEN Limited would become the ultimate parent company of the METLEN group, in line with similar precedents in the Greek market. This is the first step in the regulatory process required for a potential listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2025. The filing with the FCA follows the conclusion of a strategic review by METLEN, announced in April of this year, which considered a potential listing on an...
A global collaboration brings the first free online course on aluminium
The world’s first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) dedicated to aluminium, ‘Aluminium Unveiled: A Comprehensive Journey from History to Sustainability’, is now available for free on FutureLearn . This global initiative, led by European Aluminium, brings together leading academics and industry leaders to provide a comprehensive exploration of one of the world’s most versatile materials. Developed by professors from the University of Padova and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), this five-week course combines academic expertise with real-world insights. It features engaging content, including exercises, 30 articles, 24 video lectures, and 16 interviews with industry experts, offering participants a thorough understanding of aluminium’s history, properties,...
Rio Tinto progresses the development of a gallium extraction process in Quebec
As part of a research and development program, Rio Tinto is assessing the potential for extracting and valorising gallium, a critical and strategic mineral already present in the bauxite processed in its alumina refinery in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, the only one in Canada. When the preliminary phase of technology development is conclusive, Rio Tinto plans to build a demonstration plant in Saguenay for extraction technology that can produce up to 3.5 tonnes of gallium per year. The Government of Quebec has committed up to C$7 million for the demonstration phase. Eventually, the extraction potential of a commercial-scale plant could reach 40 tonnes annually, representing between 5 and 10 per cent of current world gallium production. Primary gallium is used in key sectors, including the...
Lighter, more durable, more environmentally friendly wind turbine nacelles
The expansion of renewable energies requires sustainable solutions in order to keep the industry's ecological footprint as small as possible. Whether for new installations or repowering – it is not only the technology that needs to be optimised for maximum energy yield; the material solutions used must also withstand a holistic life cycle assessment. This is where the aluminium recycler Speira and the construction specialist Bayards advocate light metal as a more environmentally friendly alternative for the construction of the nacelles of modern wind turbines. Compared to conventional materials such as glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GRP) or steel, aluminium scores with clear advantages for the environment and efficiency. "We see aluminium as a key material for the sustainable further...
DTE appoints finance heavyweight Auður Árnadóttir as new CFO
DTE, Iceland’s groundbreaking metals analysis innovator, announces the appointment of Auður Árnadóttir as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With a proven track record of guiding startups through complex growth phases, Auður brings a wealth of expertise in financial strategy, operational efficiency and international business - a crucial addition as DTE enters an accelerated expansion stage. Auður’s new position at DTE builds on her impressive track record of financial and executive roles in industries ranging from genetics to renewable energy. Most recently, she served as CFO at Icelandic plant-based biotech firm ORF Genetics, where she managed EU Horizon 2020 grant funding, led a successful bond issuance and supported ongoing scaling efforts. Auður has previously served as CFO for Avania...
