PV frame makers maintain stable operations; Aluminium prices to consolidate amid mixed macro signals
PV aluminium extrusion: According to an SMM survey, operating rates at sampled PV frame enterprises remained stable overall this week, with some large frame producers maintaining high operating loads. A large frame enterprise in Anhui reported that October production was basically flat M-o-M, while export orders increased, accounting for around 20 per cent of its total production. Regarding processing fees for PV aluminium frames, most long-term contract orders have seen processing fees fall below RMB 2,000 per tonne, operating essentially near the cash cost line. Downstream at the module end, October module production estimates were revised down by 500-700 MW from the beginning of the month. China's November production is expected to fall by another 1 GW, with the December decline...
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,...
Grow with
AL Circle
Alcoa announces leadership transition
Alcoa Corporation announced today that William F. Oplinger has been elected to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and as a member of its Board of Directors. Oplinger succeeds Roy C. Harvey, effective September 24, 2023, who will serve as Strategic Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer until December 31, 2023. Oplinger, 56, has served as the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer since February 2023 and previously served as the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from November 2016 to February 2023. Harvey has served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer since November 2016 and President since May 2017. The President and CEO roles transition reflects the Company’s succession planning process. “Roy has guided...
International Aluminium Associations release action plan ahead of G7 trade ministers meeting
The Aluminium Association of Canada, The Aluminium Association, European Aluminium and the Japan Aluminium Association released a joint briefing to Group of 7 (G7) trade ministers ahead of meetings in Osaka, Japan this October. The briefing, Aluminium Supply Chain Pathways to Net Zero GHG Emissions and Fair Global Markets : Priority Action Areas, highlights aluminium’s essential role in the transition to a low carbon economy while laying out pathways to decarbonise the sector while addressing distortions in the marketplace driven by non-market economies like China. “Global demand is expected to increase up to 80 per cent by 2050; as much aluminium will need to be produced in the next decade as in the last one hundred years,” the report notes. “Making the transition to net zero greenhouse...
International Aluminium Institute strengthens collaboration with ICSOBA as conference partner for technical matters
The International Aluminium Institute (IAI), the only body representing the global primary aluminium industry, has announced a collaboration to promote technical development with the International Committee for Study of Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium (ICSOBA). The partnership with ICSOBA aligns with IAI’s commitment to share best practices and demonstrate aluminium’s role in a sustainable world. Speaking on the partnership, Miles Prosser, IAI Secretary General, said, “We are thrilled to partner with ICSOBA. The IAI is committed to working collaboratively with the industry to develop solutions and forge powerful relationships to make a real difference. I’m confident that the fantastic work already being done by ICSOBA and other industry partners will inspire our industry to think about...
Century Aluminium Company reports second quarter 2023 results
Century Aluminium Company, the owner's primary aluminium capacity in the United States and Iceland, announced its second quarter 2023 results. The company's net sales for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023, increased by 4 per cent sequentially, primarily due to higher realized aluminium prices. Century reported net income attributable to Century stockholders of $7.5 million for the second quarter of 2023, a $46.1 million improvement sequentially. Second quarter results were impacted by $8.2 million of net exceptional items, in particular $6.6 million lower of cost or net realizable value adjustment, net of tax, $3.6 million in curtailment costs related to the Hawesville plant, $1.6 million in share-based compensation costs and $0.7 million related to one-time transaction costs...
Unveiling boundless opportunities: Odisha Mining & Infrastructure International Expo 2024
The 2 nd Odisha Mining and Infrastructure International Expo is set to take place from 15th to 18th February 2024 at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. This prestigious event, organized by Futurex Trade Fair and Events Private Limited, is an exclusive international B2B trade show that serves as a platform for showcasing the latest innovations, technologies, and services in the mining sector. The Odisha Mining & Infrastructure International Expo is the largest mining exhibition of its kind in India, bringing together major international companies, PSUs, government agencies, and nodal agencies to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry. The event is designed to cater to the diverse needs of the mining community and provide opportunities for networking, knowledge...
El-Watch to supply world-leading Norwegian technology to Hydro in new investment worth millions
Technology company El-Watch has signed the biggest contract in its history and notes that IoT sensors are in demand as never before. The record order was placed by the Hydro Karmøy technology pilot, which will now roll out the use of the wireless sensors on a major scale in its production. This project is about monitoring the temperature in cathode bars in aluminium cells. The partnership between El-Watch and Hydro has been extremely rewarding for many years, and this multi-million deal is a result of extremely successful development work to which both parties have contributed. Over time, as a result of this partnership, the El-Watch sensors have been integrated into Hydro’s cloud solution, which ensures secure and efficient use of the data. Hydro Karmøy is the very first company to roll...
IBAAS-JNARDDC 2023: 11th International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Conference 2023
We are delighted to announce the much-anticipated 11 th International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Conference 2023, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts from around the world. This Aluminium Conference and Exhibition is being organized in Nagpur, India, during December 7-9, 2023. The theme of the IBAAS-JNARDDC 2023 conference is “Latest Technological Developments in Alumina & Aluminium Production”. The conference and exhibition will be held at VCA Recreation Club, Nagpur, India. This prestigious event promises to be a remarkable platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and insights into the dynamic world of aluminium. Key highlights of the International Aluminium Conference (IBAAS-JNARDDC 2023) are as follows: Distinguished speakers: Hear from renowned industry...
Calls to ban or sanction Russian aluminium seem an oligopolistic attempt to turn Europe into a captive market
Federation of Aluminium Consumers In Europe, BWA - German Federal Association For Economic Development And Foreign Trade, AMAFOND - Italian - Foundry Suppliers’ Association, ASSOFERMET - National Association Of Steels, Metals, Scrap, Hardware and ASSOFOND - Italian Foundry Association have written to the LME to denounce current calls for bans and sanctions on Russian primary aluminium made by major metal producers, direct competitors of Rusal, or by bodies of industry associations who appear to be heavily influenced or controlled by the same producers. “These calls for bans and sanctions seem one more oligopolistic attempt to easily eliminate a competitor with non-market practices and to turn Europe into a captive market, with full knowledge of the devastating impact any restriction of...
Aluminium packaging recycling soars in Q2, but PRN prices remain high
According to recent data published on the National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD) by the Environment Agency (EA), aluminium packaging recycling volumes rocketed in Q2. Showing an impressive uplift compared to the same period in 2022, this puts the industry firmly on track to once again exceed annual recycling targets. In Q2 2023, 38,829 tonnes of aluminium packaging were collected for recycling – a 5 per cent increase year-on-year. Of this volume, 26,749 tonnes were recycled through kerbside, bring and on-the-go systems (69 per cent of total volume, +5 per cent YOY), while 11,791 were recovered from incinerator bottom ash (IBA), with tonnages up +5 per cent compared to 2022. So far this year, a total of 79,922 tonnes have been captured across the UK, representing 58 per cent of the...
Alcoa announces new Chief Commercial Officer
Alcoa Corporation today announced that it has named Renato Bacchi as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, effective August 1, 2023. The company’s current Chief Commercial Officer, Kelly Thomas, will leave to pursue a career opportunity outside of Alcoa. Bacchi will lead the Company’s sales and trading, marketing, supply chain, commercial operations, procurement, and transportation. He previously served as Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer. He will continue to supervise Alcoa’s global energy assets and oversee Alcoa’s breakthrough technology programs. “We will miss Kelly’s strong leadership, and we will build on the work that she accomplished with the signing of numerous supply contracts, including for our SustanaTM suite of products,” said Alcoa President and CEO Roy...
A new VALCO beacons: Govt. seeks strategic investors to galvanize the integrated aluminium industry
The Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) was established as a collaborative venture between the Government of Ghana and Kaiser and Reynolds of the United States of America. VALCO started operations in 1967, with ownership then vested in Kaiser Aluminium and Chemical Corporation (Kaiser) and Reynolds Metals Corporation (Reynolds). Kaiser owned 90% of the shareholdings and the remaining 10% by Reynolds, but Reynolds sold its shares to Aluminium Company of America (Alcoa) before the Company began operations in 1967. Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, identified the Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI) as the starting point for Ghana’s industrialization agenda. With Ghana already having an operational bauxite mine in Awaso, Nkrumah saw the proposal by Kaiser Aluminium to establish a refinery...
Tech Summit 23: Unveiling the Future of Technology
The highly anticipated Tech Summit 23, the premier technology event of the year, is set to take place in Lahore, Pakistan. This transformative event will bring together tech enthusiasts, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world for an immersive experience like no other. Tech Summit will showcase the latest advancements, trends, and breakthroughs in the world of technology. From artificial intelligence and robotics to blockchain and virtual reality, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the cutting-edge innovations shaping our future. The event will feature a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, providing invaluable insights and connections for professionals in the tech industry. Attendees will...
New developments for the 2nd day at the 12th ALUMINIUM TWO THOUSAND World Congress and 7th ICEB
The 12th ALUMINIUM TWO THOUSAND World Congress and the 7th ICEB (International Conference on Extrusion and Benchmark), to be held at Bologna (Royal Hotel Carlton), Italy, 19-23 September 2023, have some more new developments for its participants. Since its 6th edition, the Aluminium Two Thousand Congress also hosts the International Conference on Extrusion and Benchmark (ICEB), a meeting point for researchers from many different countries and the biggest event in Europe regarding the most recent developments in extrusion technology and its analysis through FEM simulation. On Wednesday, 20 September, one of the morning sessions will be entirely dedicated to such advancements: the benchmark session represents the most reliable way to compare FEM codes applicable to the simulation of the...
12th ALUMINIUM TWO THOUSAND World Congress and 7th ICEB set the stage for an exciting first day
A first day full of novelties is taking shape at the 12th ALUMINIUM TWO THOUSAND World Congress and the 7th ICEB (International Conference on Extrusion and Benchmark) in Bologna (Royal Hotel Carlton) September 19-23, 2023. After the introduction by Walter Dalla Barba, Interall and Aluminium Two Thousand president, the plenary session will dive right into hot topics for the aluminium industry, but not only. Mario Conserva, FACE (Federation of Aluminium Consumers in Europe) General Manager, will talk about “Decarbonisation and its impact on the use of aluminium for e-mobility”. Professor Carmine Garzia (University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland) will follow with his presentation on “Global economic outlook. The evolution of manufacturing and building sectors”. In the...
Two Thousand World Congress partnered with ICEB World Congress
Join us at the Two Thousand World Congress in collaboration with ICEB World Congress, offering a remarkable occasion to enhance your expertise and engage in business endeavours. Set in the enchanting city of Bologna, Italy, specifically at the prestigious Royal Hotel Carlton, this event will occur from 19th to 23rd September 2023. Take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to broaden your horizons and foster fruitful connections. More than 80 highly qualified “aluspecialist” speakers from companies, universities and associations all over the world are coming together (as they have been doing every two years since 1990) to introduce the most innovative technologies and applications in the aluminium field to the specialized, international public. Aluminium Two Thousand has become an...
SAMI and EnPot sign intention to cooperate agreement in Beijing
On June 28, 2023, Shenyang Aluminium and Magnesium Engineering and Research Institute Co. Ltd. (SAMI) and New Zealand-based EnPot Ltd inked an Intention to Cooperate Agreement in Beijing in an official ceremony with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in Beijing. The agreement signals the companies' joint desire to seek the opportunity for the application of EnPot's patented deep modulation technology on aluminium smelters featuring SAMI's renowned patented pot technology. Karyna Young, the CEO of EnPot, said, " EnPot technology enables smelters to flex their energy use up or down by 30 per cent to take advantage of more renewable electricity. This is a priority for emissions-intensive aluminium smelters when their power supply is generated from fossil fuels." "SAMI is one of the...
Qatalum's journey to becoming a leading global aluminium smelter: Sustainability and safety in focus
Qatalum achieved notable accomplishments in 2022, has a positive outlook for 2023, and is progressing towards sustainable aluminium production. Qatar Aluminium Limited (Qatalum) was formed by QatarEnergy and Norsk Hydro in 2006, bringing proven, energy-efficient aluminium smelting technology to Qatar. Today, the company prioritises sustainable operational excellence to deliver its mission and vision. Located in Mesaieed Industrial Area, Qatar, Qatalum is committed to reducing the carbon intensity of its products and pursuing robust safety and sustainability management. Record-setting performance in 2022 Qatalum had an exceptional year in 2022, setting out record highs in terms of financial results and operational performance. This included achieving the highest production volume in...
Enriching society through aluminium products: Jindal Aluminium upholds its No.1 position as India's largest aluminium extrusion company
Jindal Aluminium, India's largest aluminium extrusion company, has produced a record 1,06,000 tonnes of extruded Aluminium products. The company has maintained its position as India'a largest Aluminium extruded products manufacturer since its inception. Its dominant position in Aluminium Extrusion is a testament to its commitment to delivering high-quality products in the shortest lead time using best-in-class technology. The company witnessed a year-on-year growth of 16 per cent in its revenue for FY22-23. By prioritizing innovation and value, the company has maintained its position as a prominent player in the industry while striving toward a prosperous, sustainable future. Jindal Aluminium has used 100 per cent renewable energy at its manufacturing units in Bengaluru (Bangalore) and...
