Algeria has inaugurated a 300-megawatt-peak (MWp) solar power plant in El Oued Province, marking a major step in its renewable energy expansion. The El-Foulia solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, spread across 600 hectares in northeastern Algeria, is the country’s largest solar park to date and forms part of its 3.2-gigawatt (GW) national renewable energy programme. The project will feed solar-generated electricity into the national grid, helping meet rising power demand while reducing natural gas consumption for electricity generation. To learn about the market potential of aluminium dross, explore "ALuminium Dross Processing: Generation, Recovery & Strategic Roadmap" 300 MWp facility strengthens Algeria’s solar capacity The inauguration took place on October 26, 2026, in the presence of...
Singapore is exploring solar photovoltaic (PV) roof tiles that could allow heritage buildings to generate clean electricity without compromising their traditional appearance, as the Energy Market Authority (EMA) steps up efforts to advance solar technologies through partnerships with public and private sector organisations. EMA will collaborate with Swiss technology innovation centre CSEM and the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) to pilot the use of solar PV roof tiles on heritage State buildings. Designed to resemble traditional clay roof tiles, the technology could enable more roof space to generate clean electricity while preserving the overall appearance of historic properties. Traditional clay-tile roofs are an integral part of the character of Singapore’s heritage precincts....
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Image credits: Waaree Energies Ltd Waaree Energies has started operations at a 3,000 MW per year solar module facility in Gujarat, marking the addition of capacity to its portfolio. The plant, located in Samakhiali in Kutch, has been set up through its subsidiary Sangam Solar One Private Limited. It runs on four lines of 750 MW each, together taking total output to the 3,000 MW mark. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026" The expansion fits into a larger plan. Back in March, the company cleared a capital expenditure of INR 39 billion (USD 468 million) to build a glass manufacturing unit with a capacity of 2,500 tonnes per day under Waaree Green Glass Private Limited. That move is aimed at tightening control...
India is increasing its focus on renewable energy further, owing to the rising tensions in the Middle East, which create concerns about fuel supply. The country depends on imports for about 80 per cent of its oil and gas, now exposed to global risks. It also relies heavily on imports of key minerals required for clean energy technologies. India aims for 500 GW in renewables, including solar, wind, and hydro, by 2030. It is also scaling up battery storage and electric vehicles. The current climate goal of the nation aims for 60 per cent of power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2035, which will further increase demand for minerals. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " While India produces some materials...
In FY2025-26, India hit its record wind power addition of 6.05 GW. This represents a 46 per cent increase compared to the previous year and exceeds the earlier peak recorded in FY2016-17. With this, the country’s total installed wind capacity reached over 56 GW. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " India’s wind capacity growth aids its drive for non-fossil fuels. The 2030 goal is 500 GW, with wind joining solar and other renewables. The government is supporting the wind sector through several measures. It lowered customs duties on turbine parts and raw materials. It offered phased waivers on inter-state transmission charges (ISTS) until June 2028. There is a usage of competitive bidding for project...
Shares of RITES Limited moved higher after the company received a revised contract from National Aluminium Company Limited, linked to coal mine infrastructure in Odisha. The stock rose 6.7 per cent to INR 213.90 (USD 2.31), up from the previous close of INR 200.41 (USD 2.17). Despite the jump, the stock remains down 4.6 per cent over the past year, with a current market capitalisation of around INR 98.65 billion. The updated contract relates to a railway siding project at Sankerjang, part of Phase I of NALCO’s Utkal-D coal mines. RITES is providing detailed engineering and project management consultancy (PMC) services under a deposit work, cost-plus turnkey model. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026" The key...
Global oil prices have fallen sharply and stock markets jumped after the US and Iran agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire deal that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement triggered an immediate sell-off in oil markets, with prices slipping below USD 100 per barrel as concerns over prolonged supply disruptions eased. The global benchmark fell as much as 15 per cent to just under USD 92 per barrel before recovering slightly, while US-traded oil dropped to around USD 96 per barrel. Brent crude declined by as much as 16 per cent before stabilising near USD 94 per barrel, and WTI recorded its steepest fall in nearly six years. Lower oil prices also weighed on aluminium, with LME cash bid prices falling 2.24 per cent to USD 3,519 per tonne and offer prices down...
Pioneer Minerals, a US-based critical minerals explorer, has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mineral Technologies USA, a technology-based company that is into developing, producing and marketing a broad range of speciality minerals, mineral-based and synthetic products. The main aim of this MoU is to push forward development efforts at the Springfield Critical Minerals Project in Idaho. As per the agreement, both firms will be exploring the possibilities of developing domestic tungsten beneficiation capabilities in the US territory and hold the goal to boost the supply chain in sectors like defence, aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. With this agreement, the focus will be mainly on evaluating the production of commercial scheelite...
This Monday, the Government of India announced amendments to its mining concession rules. It would allow expansion of existing leases and licences for critical minerals exploration to improve India’s mineral output, particularly for deep-seated minerals that are frequently left unexplored. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain According to the Ministry of Mines, the updated framework introduces a simpler, time-bound process for leaseholders to apply for a one-time expansion. The changes will enable mining companies to include adjacent or contiguous areas within their current lease boundaries. The added area, however, will be capped at 10 per cent of the existing mining lease and 30 per cent of a composite...
The severity of the ongoing energy crisis due to the Middle East conflict was evident this week as an unusual shift in the global oil benchmarks was noticed. The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, generally trading at a lower mark than that of the Brent crude , briefly traded over the North Sea-focused benchmark. Although market participants attributed this to immediate supply tightness, expectations of relief later in the year remain uncertain, compounded by the mounting concern that the situation could escalate into widespread demand destruction. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Governments around the world have begun implementing regulations to introduce fuel consumption controls. In Asia,...
In order to solidify the domestic supply chain, US Critical Metals Corporation (USCM) has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with REalloys Incorporated. The move is aimed at advancing rare earth and critical mineral independence in the United States. The partnership brings together USCM’s mineral resource base and process technology with REalloys’ downstream and metallisation capabilities. A key aspect of the collaboration includes potential offtake agreements and access to the facility of REalloys in Ohio, which is supported by the US Department of Defense and is equipped for rare earth processing and metal production. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain The MoU outlines a broader...
India’s Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, has emphasised the importance of recycling for attaining self-reliance in the critical minerals sector. He urged the creation of a strategic approach for sustainable resource management during his recent visit to LOHUM Research and Development Centre and Lithium Cobalt refineries in Greater Noida, Delhi. He met the research team of LOHUM facilities on Wednesday, April 2, and discussed the development of sustainable policies to recycle and extract key minerals. He also reviewed the advanced recycling technologies designed to recover critical minerals from used batteries and electronic waste. Reddy praised LOHUM’s work in extracting lithium from recycled materials. Lithium is a versatile mineral added to aluminium to produce...
On the sidelines of a World Trade Organisation ministerial meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on March 28, the European Union’s trade commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič, held talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that he later described in notably upbeat terms. According to Šefčovič, the discussion was “very positive”, with both sides indicating a willingness to keep moving forward on shared economic priorities despite a somewhat unsettled global backdrop. Must read: Key industry individuals share their thoughts on the trending topics One area that received particular attention was cooperation on critical minerals. The importance of these materials had increased across a range of sectors, including clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Both parties agreed on the scope to build on...
India’s mining industry has made a groundbreaking achievement, where 30 mineral blocks have been officially made operational in the financial year 2025–26. The achievement marks the first time for the country to achieve such a high number of blocks starting its operations in a single fiscal year, showcasing a significant shift in the sector. This achievement directly aligns with the country’s government’s dedication to speeding up the shift from mineral auctions to actual production on the ground. During this time, as stated by the Ministry of Mines, more than 200 mineral blocks were auctioned off. This highlights a strong momentum and a concerted effort to get these blocks into production quickly. Coordination & reforms that made it possible The Ministry of Mines, for facilitating the...
Germany, the wider European Union and South Korea are increasingly finding themselves on the back foot in securing rare earth supplies, even as countries like the United States and Japan move quickly to lock in access through strategic deals and investments. The imbalance is becoming more visible amid China’s prolonged restrictions on rare earth exports, which have tightened global availability over the past year. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain “The EU and, in particular, Germany, and Korea are quite exposed, right? Where are they going to get their supply from?” stated Darryl Cuzzubbo, CEO of Arafura Resources, emphasising the urgency of the situation. While Western economies are increasing their...
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has been getting strong demand for its Ginhawa Solar Energy Loan (GSEL), recording over 1,200 applications worth nearly PHP 400 million (USD 7.2 million) within 24 hours of launch. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The loan is for government employees to reduce electricity costs while promoting renewable energy adoption. It is aligned with Executive Order 110, the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport. GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso said the initiative translates national policy into member benefits. Also Read: Vedanta chairman, Anil Agarwal calls for greater entrepreneurial participation to unlock value in India’s...
India is planning to increase its domestic production of rare earth permanent magnets, like lithium, with a target of reaching 5,000 tonnes by 2030. The idea is to reduce dependence on imports and slowly build a stronger base for critical minerals within the country. At the moment, demand is around 4,000 tonnes, but that number is expected to rise quite a bit. Some estimates suggest it could go up to nearly 8,000 tonnes by 2030, which is why there’s a push to expand production. To get things moving, a pilot project for neodymium-iron-boron magnets has already been started. At the same time, a samarium-cobalt magnet plant in Visakhapatnam is now operational, with an initial capacity of 500 tonnes per year. The scale-up is expected to happen in steps. First to around 2,000 tonnes, and then...
Lyra Energy has started building the Thakadu solar power plant in South Africa. The project is worth about USD 238 million and will have a capacity of 255 megawatts. It is located between the Free State and North West provinces. The project will be built in two phases. Part of the electricity output has already been sold to three private buyers through power purchase agreements. These agreements allow companies to buy electricity directly from the plant. The first phase is expected to start operating in the first half of 2027. Construction of the second phase will begin in the second half of 2026. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The project will be funded through equity and project debt, with 80 per...
The government of Egypt has signed three agreements covering renewable energy and battery storage projects with a combined capacity of 5.62 GW. The agreements were concluded under the supervision of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. Minister of Electricity Mahmoud Esmat said the developments are in line with the country’s energy roadmap. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The deals span wind and solar power installations alongside a standalone battery storage system. The projects will be implemented through collaborations between domestic and international developers. Wind project anchors first agreement One of the key agreements involves a land lease for a 900 MW wind power project in Ras Shukeir. The...
As per a recently released statement, the 7th Tranche of Auction of the Critical and Strategic Mineral Blocks will be launched by the Union Coal and Mines Minister G Krishan Reddy on Monday. To date, 6 tranches of auctions have been conducted by the Ministry of Mines, where 46 critical and strategic mineral blocks were successfully auctioned. This marks the country’s robust participation in the industry and a growing confidence in the mineral sector. Why are leaders focused on critical minerals? Concerning the country’s economic growth and ensuring mineral security, the critical minerals are deemed to be highly vital. This is more so because the world is shifting towards clean energy and cutting-edge technologies, raising the demand for minerals like lithium, graphite, rare earth elements...
