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...
Grow with
AL Circle
John Slaven, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, has submitted his resignation from the post, effective September 30, 2024, according to an exchange filing on September 14. Slaven, who took on the role in October 2023, is stepping down citing personal reasons. However, the company has not yet named his successor. John Slaven brings over three decades of expertise in the metals, mining, and modern manufacturing industries. Before joining Vedanta Aluminium, he held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Alcoa, where he was responsible for the company's Bauxite, Alumina, and Aluminium operations. He has also held prominent executive roles at BHP Billiton, The Boston Consulting Group, and The De Beers Group of Companies. Earlier in his career, he served as a...
China's primary aluminium production and supply remained stable in August 2024 without being affected by power shortages in Sichuan, found the Shanghai Metals Market survey. According to SMM data, China's primary aluminium production in August marginally grew month-on-month from the previous month's high by 0.16 per cent, indicating a steady operational scenario. At the end of August, the domestic operating capacity was 43.49 million tonnes versus 43.42 million tonnes a month ago. SMM further showed China’s primary aluminium production volume stood at 3.689 million tonnes in August versus 3.683 million tonnes in July 2024. Annually, the August output recorded an increase of 18 per cent. From January to August 2024, China's total primary aluminium production amounted to 28.545 million...
The use of aluminium to bind phosphorus in sediments is a well-established method for mitigating eutrophication in lakes with high nutrient storage. Eutrophication is the process in which a water body is excessively enriched with nutrients, which leads to an overgrowth of simple plant life. The rapid proliferation of algae and plankton often marks this process. Aluminium posed no threat to aquatic life A new study revealed that the aluminium treatment applied to the formerly eutrophic bay, Björnöfjärden, posed no significant threat to humans, animals, or vegetation. While aluminium levels briefly increased in the water, fish, and algae following the treatment, the impact was temporary, and aluminium transport to nearby areas remained minimal. This technique was tested on a large scale for...
On Thursday, LME aluminium opened at US$2,377.5 per tonne, reached a high of US$2,427.5 per tonne, a low of US$2,374.5 per tonne, and closed at US$2,414 per tonne, up US$34.5 per tonne, an increase of 1.45 per cent. As per the data, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price have continued to grow for the third consecutive day, fuelled by signs of demand recovery as the market approaches its typical peak season. Consumption is steadily picking up, suggesting a potential turning point in inventory reduction. The prices arrived at US$2,390 per tonne and US$2,390.50 per tonne on Thursday, September 12, following a growth of US$36.5 per tonne or 1.55 per cent and US$36 per tonne or 1.52 per cent. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price hiked by US$45.5 per...
Shyam Metalics and Energy anticipates significant growth through FY2029 based on strategic expansions in product lines and advanced technology integration into operations. The company’s entry into the aluminium and stainless-steel business is also expected to contribute to the anticipated growth as it continues to move up the value chain. In the last five years, Shyam Metalics has experienced momentous growth in revenue and EBITDA. While the former elevated at a CAGR of 24.7 per cent, from INR 4,376 crore in FY2020 to INR 13,195 crore in FY2024, EBITDA increased to INR 1,569 crore at a CAGR of 19.9 per cent. Aluminium accounts for 4 per cent of the company’s total sales, and stainless steel constitutes 4.5 per cent, underscoring the success of Shyam Metalics’ diversification efforts. For...
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited and India's largest aluminium producer, has reportedly launched two new ranges of wire rods at PowerEdge 2024. One is AL59 Ingot, and the other is an electrical conductor (EC) grade wire rod. The AL59 Ingot is ideal for remelting as it offers superior electrical conductivity, while the EC grade wire rod is suitable for winding strip applications with a balance of strength and formability. These products are made for high-precision use, such as fine drawing, conforming, and enamelling in transformer and winding applications. Vedanta Aluminium, in response to the escalating electricity demand in India, has meticulously developed these products, aiming to develop the necessary infrastructure for optimum electricity utilisation from generation...
On Wednesday, LME aluminium opened at US$2,342 per tonne, reached a high of US$2,379.5 per tonne, a low of US$2,337 per tonne, and closed at US$2,379.5 per tonne, up by US$37.5 per tonne, an increase of 1.60 per cent. As per the LME data, both cash bid price and official settlement price gained US$31.5 per tonne to clock at US$2,353.50 per tonne and US$2,354.50 per tonne, on Wednesday, September 11. On the same day, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price added US$21 per tonne or 0.89 per cent to settle at US$2,364 per tonne and US$2,365 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price ascended by US$20 per tonne or 0.81 per cent to settle at US$2,477 per tonne and US$2,482 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at 827850 tonnes. Live warrants and Cancelled...
According to the International Aluminium Institute's data, primary aluminium production in the Americas totalled 464,000 tonnes, of which 71.98 per cent was contributed by North America and 28 per cent by South America. On a month-on-month basis, the total output in the Americas marked an increase of 2.88 per cent from 451,000 tonnes, while that on a year-on-year calculation recorded a growth of 2.2 per cent from 454,000 tonnes. Interestingly, the month-on-month and year-on-year growth rate was higher in South America than in the North, despite the latter region being a crucial hub for primary aluminium production. To delve deeper into this observation, continue reading our detailed analysis. Production Overview - South vs North America In July 2024, primary aluminium production in South...
One regular feature of the primary aluminium group in China is the preparation for winter. If your aluminium smelter is a thousand miles from anywhere, such as those in places like Xinjiang, you want to make sure you are well covered in terms of alumina supply. Those plants rely on alumina coming by train from refineries in Shanxi and other eastern and central provinces. The snow and blizzards that come with winter can shut down those railway lines. So, the AZ Global team has been monitoring the alumina inventory levels at those far-flung plants and discovered that so far, the inventory levels are not building. It's down to the price stand-off in the market right now. Alumina prices are high, underpinned by bauxite shortages. Smelters are reluctant to build inventory right now and prefer...
According to data from the London Metal Exchange (LME) released on September 10, 2024, the proportion of aluminium stocks of Russian origin in LME-approved warehouses increased to 67 per cent in August, up from 65 per cent in July. The share of aluminium originating from India dropped to 31 per cent from its previous 33 per cent, according to the data. In August, China held the largest share of copper inventories at 56 per cent, with Russian material making up 16 per cent of the total. The share of Russian aluminium stocks on the London Metal Exchange-approved warehouses continued to increase in July 2024, accounting for 65 per cent of the total stocks reported in August, 2024. In June, the share of stocks of Russian origin on the London Metal Exchange was 50 per cent after rising from 42...
On Tuesday, LME aluminium opened at US$2,364 per tonne, with a high of US$2,375 per tonne and a low of US$2,332.5 per tonne, closing at US$2,342 per tonne, down US$20.5 per tonne (-0.87 per cent). The LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price ascended by US$5 per tonne or 0.21 per cent to halt at US$2,322 per tonne and US$2,323 per tonne as of Tuesday, September 10. As per the LME graph, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price added US$10 per tonne or 0.42 per cent and US$10.5 per tonne or 0.40 per cent to settle at US$2,343 per tonne and US$2,344 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price increased by US$9 per tonne or 0.36 per cent to clock at US$2,457 per tonne and US$2,462 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at 831350...
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the 26 th edition of AL Circle's e-Magazine, titled " Aluminium Industry: Focus Asia ." In this edition, we dive deep into one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic regions in the global aluminium sector: Asia. This issue brings together expert insights, market trends, and exclusive interviews with industry leaders, offering an in-depth analysis of the trends, innovations, and outlook of the aluminium industry in Asia. The Asian aluminium industry: A powerhouse of growth As a critical pillar of the global aluminium market, Asia has cemented its position as a leader in aluminium production and consumption. From primary aluminium smelting to downstream processing, the region plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global aluminium...
Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd, a Malaysia-headquartered integrated aluminium producer, reported that its smelter in Samalaju Industrial Park caught fire. The accident broke out at the Phase 3 smelter, affecting 100 out of the 300 pots, and thankfully bypassed Phases 1 and 2. Press Metal also reported that the unprecedented incident caused no fatalities or injuries. The company said: "We are grateful that swift evacuation procedures ensured there were no injuries or fatalities." About 9 per cent of the total smelting capacity across Samalaju and Mukah was affected by the fire breakout, said Press Metal. Three to four months are anticipated to complete the restoration of the pots, which will lessen 3 per cent of the company's smelting capacity on a full-year basis. Press Metal further...
On September 6, Altor, a private equity fund, exercised its put option, obligating Hydro to acquire an additional 20 per cent stake in Vianode. This transaction results in both Altor and Hydro holding equal 50/50 ownership stakes. Why the put option 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 before the option's expiration date. After Elkem's exit from Vianode in March 2024, Altor and Hydro became the remaining shareholders, holding 70 per cent and 30 per cent stakes, respectively. Their shareholder agreement includes a put-and-call option, allowing either party to adjust ownership to an equal 50/50 split and share...
On Monday, LME aluminium opened at US$2,344.5 per tonne, reached a high of US$2,365 per tonne and a low of US$2,326.5 per tonne before closing at US$2,362.5 per tonne, up US$21 per tonne, a 0.90 per cent increase. The LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price dwindled by US$50.5 per tonne or 2.13 per cent and US$50 per tonne or 2.11 per cent to settle at US$2,317 per tonne and US$2,318 per tonne. As per the LME price graph, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price contracted by US$55 per tonne or 2.30 per cent to dock at US$2,333 per tonne and US$2,333.50 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price declined by US$49 per tonne to peg at US$2,448 per tonne and US$2,453 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at 834850 tonnes. Live...
Vedanta Limited’s demerger process has progressed further, with the company submitting its plan to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) after receiving approval from 75 per cent of its secured creditors, said Chairman Anil Agarwal. He also said the company expects to accomplish the demerge process by the end of FY204-25. The demerger will separate Vedanta’s six business units into individual entities, each focused on specific areas like aluminium, oil and gas, power, steel, and base metals. Only the existing zinc business and newly started ventures will remain under the wings of Vedanta Limited. On accomplishing the demerger, Vedanta’s shareholders will get one new share in each of the five companies, strengthening the company’s business model and economy. Also, this demerger will...
At the opening ceremony of the 2024 Global Energy Transformation Conference on September 7, Huang Runqiu, Minister of Ecology and Environment, emphasised the need to accelerate green and low-carbon development in China. By the end of the year, key emission industries, including aluminium, steel and cement, will be integrated into the national carbon emissions trading system alongside the power industry. What is carbon trading market A national carbon trading market is a carbon pricing system that facilitates the buying and selling of carbon credits and renewable energy certificates. It aims to meet climate goals and advance climate actions in a cost-efficient manner. Adopting carbon emissions trading is a vital policy tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide,...
Last Friday, LME aluminium opened at US$2,384 per tonne, hit a high of US$2,394 per tonne and a low of US$2,340 per tonne, and closed at US$2,341.5 per tonne, down US$36.5 per tonne or 1.53 per cent. On Friday, September 6, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price moved up by US$2 per tonne or 0.08 per cent to clock at US$2,367.50 per tonne and US$2,368 per tonne. As per the LME graph, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price added US$7 per tonne or 0.29 per cent and US$6.5 per tonne or 0.27 per cent to settle at US$2,388 per tonne and US$2,388.50 per tonne. On the same day, December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price increased by US$4 per tonne or 0.16 per cent to dock at US$2,497 per tonne and US$2,502 per tonne. LME aluminium opening...
