As the global aluminium supply chain continues to swing between shifts and crunches, how has Europe fared on the production front in the 2026 year-to-date calendar? Substantially well, going by the output figures. Between January and September 2026, the European continent, including Russia, has produced a total of 5.56 million tonnes of primary aluminium, building a significant year-on-year growth chart. The nine-month growth chart Set against the same period of 2025, the first nine months of 2026 show a clear lift in output. From January to September 2026, Europe, including Russia, produced 5.56 million tonnes of primary aluminium, raising the annual growth rate by 5.69 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) over the 5.26 million tonnes produced in 2025. Explore the production, demand and...
The proposed $4 billion Oklahoma Primary Aluminum (OPA) smelter, a joint venture between Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Century Aluminum, is targeting civil works in the second quarter of 2027, with first hot metal expected between mid- and late 2030. Realization of the 750,000-metric-ton project would render it the first new US primary aluminum smelter in nearly 50 years. However, local restrictions, environmental permitting and ongoing legal hurdles clouded its path towards maintaining the construction timeline. A local moratorium and an April 7 ballot sit on the same calendar. Explore the production, demand and consumption forecasts of bauxite and alumina in our report: “ Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook ” A...
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Qingxin Carbon recently secured authorisation for its latest innovation focussing on the electrolytic aluminium industry from China National Intellectual Property Administration invention patent. This latest patent is for an "Electrolytic Aluminum Cathode Side Corner Scratching Machine." Image Source: ResearchGate The invention primarily addresses technical challenges in processing cathode side corner blocks within the electrolytic aluminium industry. By utilising a sliding device, the scratch machine eliminates safety risks associated with traditional manual pushing, significantly enhancing work efficiency and reducing operator labour intensity. Additionally, the scratch machine is equipped with a pressing mechanism that, driven by a swing arm, continuously squeezes and guides the side...
The International Committee for Study of Bauxite, Alumina, and Aluminum (ICSOBA) 2024 commenced on October 27, 2024, with a remarkable opening address by Dr. Frank Feret, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Treasurer, ICSOBA. The event has already made waves, with over 570 in-person registrations and 18 exhibitors showcasing their innovations and services. Held in the picturesque city of Lyon, the conference commenced with a delightful cocktail reception sponsored by Tokai Cobex, setting a vibrant tone for the days ahead. This year's conference has attracted diverse professionals from across the primary aluminium ecosystem, including bauxite and alumina experts. With environmental and economic sustainability as the central themes, ICSOBA 2024 promises to be a pivotal gathering for industry...
The fifteenth session of the National Dialogue on Climate Ambition (NDCA) held by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) at Emirates Global Aluminium headquarters in Al Taweelah focused on the innovative solutions that advance the decarbonisation of the aluminium sector in line with the growing demand for sustainable metal worldwide. The NDCA is a 2-year-old platform dedicated to addressing sector-wise climate ambition and fostering all-inclusive participation to drive 2050 net-zero carbon emission goals in the United Arab Emirates. The platform organises a monthly meet-up to discuss requirements, priorities, and action plans to amplify contributions towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions targeting a specific industrial sector. This latest assembly was for aluminium...
Aluminum plays a crucial role in the global economy, and the increasing demand for this green metal highlights its enduring importance. Despite occasional setbacks or fluctuations, the market for aluminium remains resilient. The upstream aluminium sector, which includes bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminium, has recently experienced several noteworthy developments. To begin with, South32 Limited, a mining and metals company based in Perth, Western Australia, reported increased production across its operations in the first quarter of the 2024–25 financial year (Q1 FY25). The company, which follows the Australian financial year from July 1 to June 30, has maintained its production guidance. Norsk Hydro, the Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company, has announced its third-quarter...
According to the General Administration of Customs, China's primary aluminium import receded from its monthly high in September 2024, marking a sequential decline of 16 per cent. Even on an annual basis, the import volume decreased by 31.7 per cent, astonishing the industry for the unprecedented downtrend. The Shanghai Metals Market cautioned about the high chances of an interim fall in China's primary metal imports due to limited arbitrage opportunity because of the narrow price gap between LME and SHFE since the beginning of September. China's domestic imports of primary aluminium mainly relied on long-term contracts from Russia and parts of Southeast Asia. Malaysia's contribution to China was also affected in September due to 100,000 tonnes of production cut because of an accident....
In a significant upward revision, the leading global investment banking, securities, and asset and wealth management firm, Goldman Sachs, has enhanced its 2025 price forecasts for aluminium and copper, driven by increased demand potential in China, the world's largest consumer of these metals. The investment banking giant has adjusted its 2025 average aluminium price outlook to $2,700 per tonne, up from the previous forecast of $2,540 per tonne. Meanwhile, the average copper price forecast has also seen a rise, now set at $10,160 per tonne, an increase from $10,100. These changes come as the London Metal Exchange (LME) reports aluminium trading near $2,634.50 a tonne, following a peak of $2,715—the highest level since May 31. LME copper is currently trading at $9,510.50 a tonne. Goldman...
Norsk Hydro, a Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company, has released its third quarter and nine-month results, reporting a satisfactory fiscal performance driven by increased alumina and aluminium prices. Meanwhile, the downstream sectors are navigating challenging core markets, offering a glimmer of hope for improvement to Hydro. Sneaking into the results, revenue appears at NOK 50,089 million for the third quarter, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 12.05 per cent from NOK 44,702 million, while it edged a slight fall quarter-on-year by 2 per cent from NOK 50,944 million. Total revenue in nine months has exceeded the past year's record, reaching NOK 148,579 million compared to NOK 146,865 million. The company's adjusted EBITDA has inflated by 89 per cent through the third...
Global metals and mining company focused on bauxite, alumina, and aluminium, Century Aluminum, commends the Biden Administration for finalising the guidance on the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (Section 45X of the Inflation Reduction Act). This pivotal move strengthens U.S. production of critical minerals, including primary aluminium, reinforcing the nation's leadership in sustainable manufacturing, and securing the supply chain for essential materials. Jesse E. Gary, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director at Century Aluminum, said, "We are pleased the final rules include certain raw materials as part of our production costs in calculating the tax credit that we, along with many other stakeholders, requested. This reinforces the administration's steadfast support of...
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has taken significant steps toward exploring a potential merger with the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden), appointing several top-tier advisors to guide the due diligence process. In a disclosure to the Bahrain Bourse, Alba confirmed the appointment of Moelis & Company UK LLP as its financial advisor, Hatch as its technical advisor, and McKinsey & Company to provide commercial guidance. PricewaterhouseCoopers Bahrain Ltd. will serve as financial and tax advisors, while Teneo will handle public relations. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP has been named the legal advisor for the process. Alba reiterated its commitment to transparency and adherence to all regulatory requirements, assuring that updates will be provided as the evaluation progresses. With...
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest aluminium smelter outside China, has expanded its leadership team by appointing a new Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO). Fahad Mohamed Abdulla Danish, joining on October 27, 2024, will spearhead Alba's human resources strategy, supervising talent acquisition and recruitment. Alba's new Chief Human Resources Officer - Fahad Mohamed Abdulla Danish Fahad will bring a pool of knowledge and success in human resource management acquired from 15+ years of experience. He will also oversee workforce planning and succession planning, ensuring fitting compensation and benefits are provided. Before joining Alba, Farhad held senior leadership positions at prominent Bahraini companies, including Beyon (Bahrain Telecommunications Company), Bahrain...
In a significant partnership aimed at transforming India's B2B eCommerce landscape, Accel and IFC-backed Bizongo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) and one of the country's largest producers of bauxite, alumina, aluminium, and power. Purpose of the MoU signed Through its advanced B2B eCommerce platform, BizongoBuy, and embedded finance solutions, BizongoFin, Bizongo will distribute a variety of non-ferrous products from NALCO, including ingots, T. ingots, sows, billets, and wire rods. This partnership aims to meet the growing demand for aluminium across industries such as power, engineering, transportation, construction, wires and cables, and extrusion. Sachin Agrawal,...
Qatar Aluminium Manufacturing Company (Qamco) posted a 21 per cent increase in profits for the first nine months of 2024 despite rising raw material costs. By the end of September, the company's profit reached QR427.7 million ($117.3 million), up from QR353.5 million during the same period in 2023. According to figures released by Qamco and posted on the Qatar Stock Exchange on October 23, 2024, earnings per share rose to QR0.077 in the third quarter of 2024, compared to QR0.063 in the same quarter last year. Although the company's average selling prices slightly declined compared to 2023, it successfully boosted profits by optimizing operational costs and increasing sales volumes. Qamco, which is 51 per cent owned by QatarEnergy, with the remaining 49 per cent publicly listed, ranks...
Hydro has decided to reduce its stake in Vianode, a synthetic graphite producer based in Norway, from 30 per cent to 19.9 per cent. On September 6 , private equity fund Altor exercised a put option requiring Hydro to buy an additional 20 per cent of Vianode. However, this transaction did not proceed. Instead, Hydro and Altor reached an agreement to cancel the put option, and Hydro subsequently sold 10.1 per cent of its shares in Vianode to Altor. As a result, Hydro now holds 19.9 per cent of Vianode and will be stepping down from its position on the company's Board of Directors.A put option is a financial contract that grants the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to sell a specified quantity of an asset at a set price, known as the strike price, within a predetermined time frame...
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has entered into a 15-year lease agreement with South32 Hillside Aluminium, ensuring the continued operations of South Africa's sole primary aluminium producer at the Port of Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. Hillside, the largest aluminium smelter in the southern hemisphere, produces high-quality primary aluminium for both domestic and international markets. "The Hillside Aluminium 15-year lease agreement is facilitated through a process stipulated in Section 79 (1) of the National Ports Act No 12 of 2005, which empowers TNPA to control land use within the port in alignment with the Port Development Framework Plan (PDFP)," said the company. TNPA stated that the premises are designated for commercial and industrial use, aligning with strategic...
In September 2024, primary aluminium production globally experienced a month-on-month fall, mirroring the trend seen across all the major primary metal-producing countries/regions. However, the monthly fall in September posed no impact on the growing trend through the third quarter of the year, as demonstrated by the data from the International Aluminium Institute. According to the data revealed, the world’s primary aluminium production decreased by 3.19 percent from August but maintained the 6 million tonnes level. Amounting to 6.007 million tonnes compared to 6.205 million tonnes in August, the output in September registered a fall after two consecutive months of rise. Total production worldwide in Q3 2024 stood at 18.416 million tonnes, marking a continued Q-o-Q rise of 2.36 per cent...
Amidst the chances of importing from intensively limited sources, the European Union (EU) is reconsidering banning Russia as its aluminium supplier. The immediate result? Small and medium-sized business entities, which rely on close to 70 per cent of turnover and 92 per cent of employment in the European aluminium sector, dissolve within a short period; simultaneously, prices spike roof-high due to the demand-supply gap. The European Union imports over 90 per cent of its aluminium, of which 8-9 per cent comes from Russia. Speculations about a probable ban on low-carbon aluminium from Russia to the European market have, in the meantime, pushed prices up by 15 per cent so far this year, and prices are forecasted to rise in a steep graph if the ban is imposed. Why the sanction? Based on the...
In a significant decision by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), Tapas Kumar Pattanayak has been selected for the role of Director (Human Resources) at the National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO). The appointment follows a PESB meeting held on October 21 st , 2024. Currently serving as the Executive Director (HR) at the Refineries Headquarters in New Delhi under the Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Pattanayak brings a wealth of experience in human resource management to his new position at NALCO, one of India's premier aluminium producers. His selection to the post of Director (HR) at NALCO is subject to the necessary vigilance clearances and final approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Once these...
A recently held meeting between Davron Vakhobov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, and Atif Al Khaja, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bahrain, witnessed discussions on trade development and economic cooperation between the business circles of two countries, emphasising on mutual visits and joint events. Both parties gave special attention to cooperation in aluminium production, considering Bahrain’s expertise in the sector. Davron Vakhobov was particularly interested in building a strong relationship with Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C (Alba), a blue-chip asset of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the world’s largest aluminium smelter outside China with a production of more than 1.548 million tonnes per annum. At the end of the meeting, Davron...
