
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,...
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TOMRA launches AUTOSORT™ PULSE with dynamic LIBS technology
Global sensor-based sorting technology provider, TOMRA Recycling Sorting, introduces a new machine featuring dynamic laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Designed for high throughput sorting of aluminium alloys, AUTOSORT™ PULSE redefines industry standards and paves the way for green aluminium. Leveraging decades of experience in the metal recycling industry, the company celebrates its next milestone in the metal segment by introducing AUTOSORT™ PULSE to the market. Equipped with dynamic LIBS technology for high-precision aluminium scrap sorting by alloy types, the new sorting system can be used across various applications to create high-quality secondary metals. As the metals industry strives to increase recycling rates to reduce energy consumption and new materials, the use of...

Storvik wins Mosjøen aluminium smelter capacity expansion contract from Alcoa
Storvik Group has been given many significant and central contracts by Alcoa Mosjen, the American aluminium giant Alcoa's subsidiary. The contracts are in connection with previously announced investments targeted at increasing production capacity at the Mosjen smelter. Storvik believes the contract value is significant. The deliveries are specifically related to a complete refurbishment of nearly 8,000 anode yokes, which is a large and complex task as they are continuously used in the production of aluminium. The projects are already well underway and will continue in close collaboration with Alcoa Mosjøen until mid-2025. Stein Kjartan Vik, the CEO of Storvik, said, "We are humbled and proud that Storvik has been chosen as the supplier. We are highly motivated to ensure that the projects...

Equipment and Manufacturing West Africa Expo (EMWA) to be held in Nigeria, May 30 -June 1
The Equipment and Manufacturing West Africa Expo is a unique platform bringing together influential decision-makers, innovators, and suppliers from the region and beyond. The event allows attendees to network with 4000 industry peers and find the ideal products and solutions from local and international exhibitors. In its third edition, the exhibition, which has solidified its position as Nigeria's premier international manufacturing and industrial event, will bring together significant decision-makers, innovators, and suppliers from the locality and beyond for three days of business and networking opportunities. Trade shows are crucial for gaining access to this market and developing networking opportunities because the Nigerian market has enormous potential and offers enormous...

Foundry Ecocer driving towards zero emissions
Being attentive to protecting the environment and limiting our impact on the planet nowadays is not only an ethical and moral matter, but it is also a value-added to be competitive in the global market. Increasingly tightened legislation and more rigorous environmental standards force the companies to be able to combine quality, price and a reduced environmental impact, especially for those who work in the global market. Foundry Ecocer, the market leader in producing and selling products and machinery for the metallurgical treatments of non-ferrous alloys, has already started a process of reducing its environmental impact a long ago, starting to use self-produced photovoltaic energy in 2008. Over the years, investments have increased to become more efficient in energy levels. There are...

Portland Aluminium joint venture in Australia to reduce production
Alcoa Corporation announced that the Portland Aluminium smelter in the state of Victoria in Australia will begin to immediately reduce its overall production due to operational instability. Production at the smelter will be reduced to approximately 75 per cent of the site’s total consolidated capacity of 358,000 tonnes per year. Alcoa’s share of the total capacity is 197,000 tonnes per year. The smelter, which has a total of 408 pots, had previously been operating at about 95 per cent of its total capacity. The smelter has recently faced instability and challenges related to the production of rodded anodes, which are necessary to convey electricity into the smelting pots. “Our teams are focused on safely taking the production offline and working to restore stability across the facility,”...

Alutrade Ltd recovers 99% pure aluminium by installing TOMRA’s sophisticated new X-TRACT™ unit
Alutrade, the UK’s largest independent aluminium recycling company and extrusion specialist, is the first company in the world to reap the benefits of the sophisticated new sensor-based sorting solution. The new X-TRACT™, TOMRA’s most advanced x-ray metals sorting unit, has enabled Alutrade to achieve 99 per cent pure aluminium for secondary aluminium production. The new X-TRACT™ unit was installed in March 2021 at Alutrade’s Oldbury recycling plant in Birmingham, which processes 42,000 tons of waste annually. The plant’s infeed material comprises metal extrusions from different types of post-consumer construction waste, such as windows and doors and aluminium cans. A combination of mechanical and sensor-based sorting When the infeed material arrives at Alutrade’s Oldbury plant, it is...

Calderys merges with HarbisonWalker International to deliver world-class refractory solutions
Following the completion of HarbisonWalker International (HWI)’s acquisition by Platinum Equity through a merger agreement, the global investment firm confirmed Calderys and HWI would join forces to create a leading world-class refractories solutions provider. Michel Cornelissen, currently President and CEO of Calderys, is appointed Global CEO of the combined company, effective immediately. The CEO said, “We have a tremendous opportunity to bring together the best of both companies to create a high-growth, customer-centric refractories provider with a global scale. Our goal is to be the best partner for our customers anywhere in the world, to support them in their energy transition needs, and to set a new benchmark for the industry.” HWI’s headquarters will remain in Pittsburgh as the...

Silver Ecovadis Sustainability Rating awarded to Inductotherm Heating & Welding
Inductotherm Heating & Welding announced they had been awarded the Silver - Ecovadis Sustainability Rating. This new accolade follows hot on the heels of Inductotherm Heating & Welding’s triple BSI - ISO accreditation awarded in June 2022, which included ISO9001 for Quality, ISO45001 for Occupational Health & Safety and ISO14001 for the Environment. Inductotherm Heating & Welding are developing and improving their environmental and sustainability practices to ensure they are sensitive and responsible to the local and wider environment and implementing a wide range of changes in all areas of the business, from adopting renewable energy to changing to eco-friendly supplies and engaging with suppliers as an on-going commitment by the company. In addition to their commitment to social and...

AZ Global announces 'Online Global Aluminium Conference' from 8-10 November 2022
AZ Global Consulting will hold its new Online Global Aluminium Conference from 8 to 10 November 2022, sponsored by Tokai Cobex. This conference focuses on "how we can re-energize for our prosperous and sustainable future. Our sessions and panel discussions centred on green aluminium, sustainability, investment and growth opportunities. This conference will feature an A List of 50 speakers from around the world and across a wide array of industries. It is supported by the International Aluminium Institute, the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, The Gulf Aluminium Council, The Japan Aluminium association and the Russian Aluminium Association. Attracting people from all over the world to discuss the global aluminium industry and its future, and following the virtual conference's huge success...

Software solution enabler PSI Metals enters into a strategic partnership with Seresco to cover new local markets
PSI Metals signed a strategic partnership with Seresco, a Spanish software company, in July. Within this partnership, Seresco will support the distribution of the PSI Metals products and launch them into new local markets. With a worldwide presence in Europe and Latin America, Seresco forms an important service group for consultancy up to software development. With these years of know-how, the company intends to specialise in the aluminium and steel sector. Thus, PSI Metals will support Seresco in building a center of excellence where resources for PSImetals solutions will always be available to customers globally. Rubén Pérez Sobrino, the Head of Business Development at Seresco, explains: "PSI Metals is the best solution to support us in achieving this goal. As a global industry leader,...

EPIQ Machinery and DTA collaborate to serve aluminium producers better
The Chief Executive Officer of EPIQ Machinery, Éloïse Harvey, and the Chief Executive Officer of DTA, Miguel de Sebastian Merello, have announced their recent teaming agreement. This close collaboration between EPIQ Machinery and DTA is full of potential, bringing an array of AGVs possibilities to the international aluminium market. With over 20 years of experience in designing and supplying heavy-duty vehicles, EPIQ Machinery has an in-depth knowledge of the aluminium industry and its challenges. Since 2016, the company has been investing in Research and Development to design the safest and the most reliable Electrical auto-guided vehicle to be operated in aluminium smelter potrooms. Following the AGV TEAM prototype launch in 2018, the first North American electrical auto-guided Molten...

South Korea's fifth-largest corporation entrusts Achenbach with supplying high-tech machines for the first battery foil plant on the American continent
Achenbach Buschhütten, the specialist and world market leader for aluminium foil rolling mills and foil slitting machines, is pleased about a significant order from South Korea to deliver machines and equipment for a new battery foil production in the USA. Achenbach's long-standing customer Lotte Aluminium, a manufacturer of aluminium foil for various applications, has agreed to set up a joint venture with Lotte Chemical to build a production facility for battery cathode foil. The two companies are subsidiaries of the Lotte Group, one of South Korea's largest conglomerates with over 90 business units and more than 80,000 employees. The new battery foil plant, which will have an annual production capacity of 36,000 tonnes of foil and be able to equip about 4,000,000 electric cars and...

EPIQ Machinery: A successful first year
One year after its merger with Mecfor and Advanced Dynamics, EPIQ Machinery is concluding a successful first year that has seen solid growth for the company. Over the last twelve months, the company has recorded a 30% increase in sales and a 25% increase in its workforce in Québec. EPIQ Machinery's goal is to become the leader in providing global solutions for innovative equipment dedicated to the aluminium, pulp, paper, and rail industries to improve production processes and handling. The Quebec company established in Saint-Bruno and Saguenay builds its success from its strategy of constant innovation, multiple product lines, and the development of strategic partnerships. Innovation at the service of growth Through its versatility and the diversity of its activities in strategic...

Dynamic Concept and EPIQ Machinery enter into a partnership to promote an advanced robotic solution for aluminium casthouses
Dynamic Concept and EPIQ Machinery are proud to announce a breakthrough in robotic solutions. Indeed, the two Quebec-based equipment manufacturers have combined their forces to co-create robotic equipment that will improve the maintenance operations of molten metal furnaces for primary and secondary aluminium smelters. The critical elements of the complete system, for which the technology is patent-pending, were developed and manufactured by Dynamic Concept. The company has enlisted the help of the EPIQ MECFOR team, a brand known in the industry for its mobile equipment and Smart Casthouse Solutions. EPIQ MECFOR contributed to the components' engineering and manufacturing, providing the equipment's required mobility and tools for working in molten aluminium. This innovative,...

ICSOBA 2022 conference in Athens, Greece
As it has already been announced, the ICSOBA 2022 conference will take place in Athens, Greece under the host sponsorship of Mytilineos from 11 to 13 October. The Radisson Blu Park Hotel located right in the center of Athens was booked for the event. The hybrid format of the conference will allow you to participate whether you choose to travel to Athens or join the event online. As in the past years a classical conference format is planned with speakers physically attending and presenting their papers to the audience. The program will have over 120 technical presentations and 10 high profile keynote speakers from leading global companies and institutions. The ICSOBA 2022 will focus on sustainable development and carbon footprint reduction in several domains. Three streams (two streams...

IBAAS-JNARDDC 2022 scheduled from September 14-17, is fast approaching!
The response to IBAAS 2022 conference and exhibition is overwhelming as about 60 companies/organizations have already confirmed their participation. More than 50 abstracts and about 30 technical papers have been received so far for this mega bauxite, alumina and aluminium event. Organizers are expecting about 250 delegates from all over the world and arrangements are being made at Courtyard Marriott in Raipur for the 4 days conference and exhibition. Apart from the primary and secondary aluminium producers, technology suppliers, and equipment manufacturers, organizations like the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC) and Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) are...

MRAI’s premier event to highlight the importance of recycling
Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) to host the 9th IMRC conference from 5th – 7th May 2022 in Delhi at Leela Convention Centre, Shahdra, Delhi to address the growing concerns and discuss the roadmap to make India a green superpower by 2030. The conference is meticulously planned to focus on various topics and sessions: Circular Economy – the way forward; End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) the road ahead; Decoding the Secondary Steel market; A Paradigm Shift of BIS in Non-ferrous; Paper Recycling; EPR on Plastic Recycling; E-Waste – time to synergize & etc. The apex organization of the sub-continent representing the rapidly growing recycling industry, Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) announced their 9th IMRC conference from 5th – 7th May 2022 in Delhi. The 3-day event...

Alcoa advances sustainably with recycled aluminium, produced using renewable energy
At Alcoa, we are working on our vision to reinvent the aluminium industry. In some cases, that means transformative innovation that will fundamentally change the way we produce aluminium in the future. In other cases, it means important upgrades that can help advance sustainably today – the most recent example being our Mosjøen smelter. Nestled between mountain and sea in northern Norway, the site now boasts our company’s largest investment in recycling infrastructure. There, Alcoa has completed the installation of a new furnace that uses renewable energy to recycle scrap aluminium, saving energy and unlocking the infinite recyclability of our metal. Major investment for a growing green market The project stems from a collaboration between Alcoa and MMG Aluminium, a German-based metals...

