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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Alcoa provides update on transaction milestones for the acquisition of Alumina Limited
On June 11 2024, Alcoa Corporation announced that it had reached several key milestones in its acquisition of Alumina Limited (“Alumina”) and expects the transaction to be completed on or about August 1, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions. The milestones include: Alcoa filed its definitive proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 6, 2024, and scheduled the Special Meeting of Shareholders to vote on the transaction for July 16, 2024. Alcoa received regulatory approvals from Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) for the acquisition on May 13, 2024; and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which has indicated it does not intend to conduct a public review of the transaction. Alumina has registered its...
EGA launches Green Finance Framework, reveals first green loan facility
The Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, today published its Green Finance Framework to support decarbonisation projects and initiatives that contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy. The company also revealed that its recent acquisition of European speciality foundry Leichtmetall was fully funded with EGA's first green loan facility. A green finance framework defines eligibility and governance mechanisms for financing from third-party institutions and funds that prioritise sustainability in their capital allocation, among other sources. Publishing the framework advances EGA's sustainability goals by enabling access to a more diverse range of funding options for loans and bonds, potentially lowering...
Energy-efficient solutions for Arconic plant
Arconic Architectural Products contracted Fives, an industrial engineering group, to modernise its facilities due to increased energy costs and the carbon tax. Arconic, a leading manufacturer of prepainted aluminium for the construction industry, decided to invest in environmentally friendly technologies to reduce the energy consumption of its Merxheim plant in France. The modernisation project included replacing two old curing ovens and cooling sections to upgrade the existing coil coating line. ADEME, the French Agency for Ecological Transition, funded the project as part of the “France Relance” industrial decarbonisation plan. “We had the ambitious goal of finding a sustainable solution that would allow the plant to reduce its emissions and energy consumption. Our target was to reduce...
RUSAL publishes the 2023 Sustainability Report, emphasising environmental initiatives
RUSAL, one of the world's largest aluminium producers, has published its 2023 Sustainability Report. The report addresses the Company's key achievements in environmental protection, energy efficiency, and overcoming challenges associated with climate change. In 2023, the Company achieved a 92.5 per cent rate of recycled water use in the production of alumina, aluminium, and finished aluminium products. Specific greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 6.7 per cent compared to 2018 levels, and specific emissions from electrolysis production decreased by 11.4 per cent during the reporting period. The report also tracks the Company's progress in implementing its new sustainability strategy, launched in 2023. It aims to decouple the Company's environmental impact from its economic growth and...
GO2 Partners granted patent on high-temp RFID label for metals manufacturing
GO2 Partners, a leading supplier of products and services for metals and heavy industrial manufacturers, was recently awarded a new patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The patent reflects the innovation that the experts at GO2 Partners bring to asset and materials tracking throughout the demanding metals production cycle. The patent covers a new flag tag with a passive RFID inlay and adhesive. The specialised, high-temp materials and design of the label allow for application on metal coils and plates up to 700˚ F (371˚ C). These materials act as insulators, protecting the RFID inlay. Once the label is applied and the metal cools, the coils and plates can be tracked using a standard RFID receiver. The label can incorporate a variety of adhesives, depending on the...
Metal Exchange hires Boris Santosi as Managing Director for its European Operations
Metal Exchange (MX), a global leader in the purchasing, processing, and supply chain of aluminum materials and value-added products, is pleased to announce that Boris Santosi is joining the organization as Managing Director of Metal Exchange International (MEI). From the company’s Zürich office, Santosi will report to his predecessor Kevin Schmidt, Vice President of International and Business Development, and will be responsible for the organization’s European operations. This includes enhancing MEI’s presence in Europe, driving growth, and spearheading strategic initiatives. “I am excited to be a part of Metal Exchange team, and MEI specifically as it is a highly reputable and dynamic metals company that is well-positioned for growth in a fast-changing European aluminium market” Santosi...
EGA and Chinalco sign a framework agreement progressing cooperation on alumina refinery development in Guinea during UAE state visit to China
Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates, and Aluminium Corporation of China (Chinalco) have signed a framework agreement to progress their cooperation on developing an alumina refinery in the Republic of Guinea. The signing ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency Mohammad Hassan Al Suwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, His Excellency Ling Ji, Vice Minister and Deputy International Trade Representative of Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, and Mr Zhang Yujing, President of China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products. The framework agreement was signed by Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive...
Beymetal Alüminyum rethinks innovation to improve aluminium extrusion
There is a universal truth in business and life, "To stand still is to fall behind." This rings especially true for Beymetal Alüminyum, a dynamic player in the aluminium extrusion industry based in Türkiye. Recently, the company encountered limitations with an outdated gas nitriding furnace and saw this as an opportunity to innovate. Driven by its commitment to excellence and relentless pursuit of progress, Beymetal partnered with Nitrex to modernise its in-house nitriding capabilities, aiming for improved efficiency and scalability. The installation of a Nitrex batch-type nitriding/nitrocarburising furnace has opened new horizons in process efficiency and production capacity for the company, showcasing the power of forward-thinking in driving industry transformation. With a significantly...
Fostering economic ties: RUSAL participated at the 8th China-Russia Expo
From May 17 to 21, the 8 th China-Russia Expo was successfully held at the Harbin International Congress and Exhibition Centre. It is included in the list of major events organised in China in connection with the 75 th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. Within the framework of the China-Russia Expo, issues of trade, economic and investment cooperation, as well as the expansion of ties between Russian and Chinese companies were discussed. RUSAL, a global leader in the aluminium industry, significantly impacted the 8 th China-Russia Expo. The company's booth, a hub of activity, attracted over 2,000 visitors in just four days. RUSAL's showcase featured its cutting-edge technological innovations and their practical applications across various...
Cano Water moves production to the UK, reducing the climate footprint of its products by over half
Cano Water, the world's first canned water brand, has announced a significant change in its operations. It will move to UK production from its original source in the Austrian Alps. By relocating its production to the UK, Cano Water has achieved a remarkable milestone in its sustainability journey . The brand has reduced its carbon footprint by over half while maintaining the exceptional quality and purity of the water, which has become synonymous with the Cano Water name. Founded with a mission to combat the global plastic pollution crisis, Cano Water has been a pioneer in providing consumers with a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic water bottles since 2015. As the company continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to minimising its environmental impact by constantly...
EGA launches one of the region’s first digital manufacturing platforms to advance Industry 4.0 strategy
Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, on May 15 announced the launch of one of the first digital manufacturing platforms in the region to unlock additional value through Industry 4.0 applications. EGA developed the digital manufacturing platform with Microsoft as part of a strategic collaboration to progress EGA’s Digital Roadmap. The platform enables the integration of hardware, software, processes, and people throughout EGA’s global operations. The platform was built using the latest generation of Microsoft Azure hybrid cloud. It will use artificial intelligence at a significant scale across EGA’s global industrial operations, including Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah, to further improve industrial process efficiency,...
LRS advances aluminium can recovery with EverestLabs robot, funded by Can Manufacturers Institute
EverestLabs, developer of RecycleOS, the first AI-enabled operating system for material recovery facilities (MRFs) and recyclers, today announced its partnership with LRS, the nation's fifth largest independent waste diversion, recycling and portable services provider. With funding support from Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) members Ardagh Metal Packaging and Crown Holdings, LRS installed EverestLabs’ RecycleOS material sorting robot in its newly opened MRF, The Exchange, on the residual line to help increase revenue and ensure maximum efficiency, recovery, and recycling of used beverage cans (UBCs). The EverestLabs robot assists in LRS, maintaining quality control for over 350,000 pounds of recycled aluminium each month at The Exchange, which equates to approximately 12 million...
RUSAL implements artificial intelligence at its aluminium smelters
RUSAL, one of the world's largest aluminium producers, is set to implement machine vision technology to monitor electrolysis workshops at five aluminium smelters. The investment in this project, led by RUSAL's highly skilled specialists, will total approximately 1.6 billion rubles. This initiative, the first large-scale application of artificial intelligence in RUSAL's aluminium production, is a testament to their expertise and the company's commitment to technological advancement. By 2027, the machine vision monitoring technology will be integrated into the electrolysis workshops of the Krasnoyarsk, Bratsk, Novokuznetsk, Irkutsk, and Volgograd aluminium smelters of RUSAL, an investment estimated at $17.5 million. "The technology was developed by specialists from the RUSAL Engineering and...
Updates on the IBAAS-IIM 2024 Conference & Exhibition: Exploring the future of aluminium
Get ready to delve into the exciting world of aluminium at the 12th International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Society (IBAAS) Conference and Exhibition, set to take place September 25-27, 2024, in the vibrant locale of Goa, India. Hosted at the esteemed BITS Pilani Goa Campus, this year's event carries the appropriate theme, "Aluminium Industry – Vision 2030," promising insightful discussions and ground-breaking insights into the future of this dynamic industry. We are pleased to announce the release of the second conference circular, adding more depth and insights to the event. A platform for innovation and collaboration With a remarkable response of over 60 topics and abstracts spanning vital sectors such as Bauxite-Alumina, Aluminium Smelting, Aluminium Downstream, Sustainability &...
DTE celebrates growth with expansion into new HQ and 22% staff growth
DTE, the market-leading Icelandic chemical analysis innovator, announces its relocation into a new state-of-the-art headquarters on the outskirts of Reykjavik, marking a significant new growth phase. The company, a deep-tech innovator in the real-time analysis of molten metals, can now rely on new and enhanced facilities that provide ample space to expand production and accommodate the company's ambitious growth plans. The impressive new headquarters features a dedicated laboratory for molten metal testing, where the analytical ranges of DTE's state-of-the-art chemical analysers are continuously being expanded to cover additional elements and alloy types. Furthermore, the new facilities will allow DTE to intensify its research into aluminium melt kinetics in collaboration with industrial...
ALFED to host annual Sustainability Strategy Day at BMA House, London
The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) will once again host the annual Sustainability Strategy Day at BMA House, London, on Thursday, June 6 th , 2024. After a successful event at BMA House last year, ALFED is back with this year's theme of 'Next Steps for the UK Aluminium Industry'. With ALFED calling on the next Government to double down on policies promoting Net Zero emissions, this event will highlight the need to incentivise investment in aluminium manufacturing and product design, the benefits of harnessing green energy, and leveraging the UK's expertise in metals processing. The EnvironmentAl event invites ALFED members and the wider aluminium industry to present current sustainability strategies and showcase technologies. It also offers the opportunity to participate in engaging...
Bahrain's commitment to clean energy shines at Balexco solar power plant opening
Under the patronage of His Excellency Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, President of the Electricity and Water Authority, Bahrain Aluminum Extrusion Company (Balexco) held the inauguration ceremony of the 2.25 MW Solar Power Plant. His Excellency confirmed EWA's support for the Balexco solar energy project and appreciated Balexco's commitment to adopting and investing in alternative and sustainable energy sources. He encouraged other private sector companies looking to integrate sustainable practices into their operations to follow a similar approach, motivating them to contribute to achieving the Kingdom's goals for renewable energy. The journey of this project, which began with the signing of the Letter of Intent (LOI) in Partnership with Kanoo CleanMax, a leading developer of...
EGA completes acquisition of Leichtmetall, European speciality foundry in high-strength recycled aluminium
Emirates Global Aluminium, the world's largest 'premium aluminium' producer, today announced the completion of the acquisition of Leichtmetall Aluminium Giesserei Hannover GmbH. EGA announced its intention in March to acquire Leichtmetall from Leichtmetall Holding GmbH, a subsidiary of an investment fund managed by Quantum Capital Partners GmbH. The transaction has now cleared all required regulatory approvals and closing conditions. EGA's new German operation is a European speciality foundry that uses renewable energy to produce up to 30,000 tonnes per year of billets , with secondary aluminium as some 80 per cent of input material. Leichtmetall produces hard alloys and larger diameter billets up to 1,150 millimetres, which are used to manufacture high-load-bearing extruded profiles and...
