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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Reliance Industries, Vedanta and Adani Group are among a number of companies that have expressed interest in setting up rare earth processing facilities in Andhra Pradesh, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move comes as India looks to expand its capabilities in critical minerals and reduce its reliance on imports for materials used in sectors such as electric vehicles, electronics and clean energy. Sources said around 10 companies have shown interest in developing facilities in the state, which holds significant rare earth mineral reserves. The plans are outlined in a draft government document and form part of a broader effort to build a complete rare earth supply chain, covering mining, processing and magnet manufacturing. In February, the federal government identified...
China is marking its footprint as the world's leading processor of critical minerals, extending its influence well beyond mining into the refining stage, which highlights modern technologies. The country currently dominates refined production for 19 of the world's 20 key critical minerals, including gallium, graphite, rare earths and lithium that are driving growth across the sectors of electric vehicle (EV), artificial intelligence (AI) and defence, amongst others. China’s refining dominance is especially manifested in battery and electrification supply chains. It accounts for nearly 96 per cent of global refined graphite production and 95 per cent of manganese refining capacity, both essential for EV batteries and energy storage systems. Discover: The Gulf aluminium market risks, China...
Battery maker CATL expects energy storage systems to account for 50 per cent of its total sales by 2030, up from about 25 per cent currently, according to Kevin Tang, the company's Director for Energy Storage Systems in Europe. Tang said the growth reflects rising demand for battery storage as countries continue investing in renewable energy. Battery storage is gaining greater importance for industries that require a continuous power supply, including aluminium production. As renewable energy use grows, batteries can store electricity generated from solar and wind projects and supply power when generation is unavailable, such as during night-time hours or periods of low wind. As Europe, China and other regions continue investing in solar and wind power, battery storage has become an...
Oil prices have climbed following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, but Fitch Ratings believes the market could look very different once the key shipping route reopens. In its latest report, the ratings agency said the current disruption is affecting the movement of oil rather than permanently reducing global production capacity. Fitch expects the Strait of Hormuz to reopen by the end of July 2026. Based on that assumption, it forecasts an average Brent crude price of USD 87 per barrel for 2026. The agency said oil prices have risen because supplies are facing temporary transport disruptions. Once shipments resume, prices could come under pressure again. Fitch expects global oil markets to return to surplus from September 2026. The outlook is based on a recovery in Middle Eastern...
India and the United Kingdom have formally launched the Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO), a joint initiative aimed at improving cooperation, information-sharing and technology collaboration in the critical minerals sector. The observatory was officially launched on June 5, 2026. It was first announced during the visit of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to India in October 2025 as part of efforts to “expand mineral coverage, integrate advanced technologies and unlock new bilateral investment opportunities.” The GSCO will be jointly operated by the Technology Innovation in Exploration & Mining Foundation (TEXMiN), the Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad and the University of Cambridge. The platform will function as a data-driven system for monitoring and...
Indian green hydrogen developer AM Green has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the VO Chidambaranar Port Authority for developing a green ammonia project in southern India. The facility is going to be constructed in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, and is planned to produce one million tonnes of green ammonia annually. According to the company, the project is intended to support the development of green fuel trade routes linking India with markets in Europe and Asia. The agreement marks AM Green's second large-scale green ammonia project. The company is already developing a one-million-tonne-per-year green ammonia facility in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, which is expected to begin operations by 2028. Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report – Global...
As the market continues to track Vedanta’s demerger exercise, the company has taken another step toward its proposed business separation. Vedanta Limited announced on June 3, 2026, that its power subsidiary, Talwandi Sabo Power Limited, has officially been renamed Vedanta Power Limited , following approval from the Registrar of Companies (RoC) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The name change came into effect on June 3, positioning the power business under a unified Vedanta brand ahead of its anticipated standalone listing. Discover: The Gulf aluminium market risks, China impact, alumina supply, carbon costs, and logistics disruptions shaping pricing and trade in Gulf Disruption Roadmap Demerger roadmap enters a crucial phase Vedanta’s demerger remains one of the most closely...
India’s crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports have shown signs of recovery in May 2026 after supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict affected inflows during March and April. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies have largely improved, outpacing the pre-conflict levels. Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerge as the top suppliers to the nation. Crude oil imports rose to around 4.9 million barrels per day (mbd) in May, indicating a month-on-month surge of 8.89 per cent compared to the 4.5 mbd (approx.) sourced during March and April. However, import volumes remained below the 5.2 mbd recorded in February, indicating that supply chains are yet to fully return to pre-conflict levels. Discover: The Gulf aluminium market risks, China impact, alumina supply,...
Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) has signed a partnership with the University of Cambridge to establish what it describes as India's first AI-powered Rare Earth Observatory. The project will be developed over two years with an investment of GBP 600,000 (USD 805,965) and will operate from GMDC's International Centre of Excellence in Mining (iCEM). According to the company, the observatory will monitor the rare earth value chain from mining and processing to downstream manufacturing. It will also track prices, processing capacity, supply disruptions and other developments affecting global rare earth markets. GMDC is collaborating with the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) at the University of Cambridge on the project. The company said the platform will provide businesses and...
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced USD 134 million in funding for two projects focused on recovering rare earth elements from waste materials. The funding will support projects being developed by the Colorado School of Mines and Phoenix Tailings as part of efforts to increase the availability of rare earth materials within the United States. One of the projects will be built near the Gramercy alumina refinery in Louisiana. The facility will process red mud, a waste product generated during alumina production from bauxite. The project aims to recover rare earth oxides from the material and convert them into rare earth metals that can be used by industry. The Colorado School of Mines is carrying out the project with support from ElementUSA, Pacific Northwest National...
In the latest update on the Middle East conflict, Iran has reportedly intensified regional tensions with plans to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, shortly after suspending indirect negotiations with the US. The closure of a narrow trade route of the Strait of Hormuz soon shook the global market, sending oil prices soaring past USD 100 per barrel . Now, Iran’s latest move to block another crucial trade corridor is likely to further aggravate the present market trend. Discover: The Gulf aluminium market risks, China impact, alumina supply, carbon costs, and logistics disruptions shaping pricing and trade in Gulf Disruption Roadmap The development, reported by Iran’s state-affiliated Tasnim News Agency, comes amid growing friction linked to ongoing military developments in Lebanon and Gaza....
Around 200 companies attended a European Union investment roadshow in Johannesburg on June 1 as the bloc moved forward with plans to invest EUR 12 billion (USD 13.98 billion) in South Africa’s critical mineral endeavours. The event was held as competition continues to grow globally for access to critical minerals used in clean energy, defence and artificial intelligence. Hosted at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the roadshow was the first major effort to mobilise investment under the 2025 EU-South Africa Clean Trade and Investment Partnership. South Africa used the meeting to reiterate its position that mineral-producing countries should gain more value through local processing and industrial development instead of only exporting raw materials. Trade Minister Parks Tau said, “Our...
India’s push to secure access to critical minerals and strengthen regional connectivity featured prominently during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President Gen Min Aung Hlaing in New Delhi, alongside discussions on security cooperation and Myanmar’s political situation. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said rare earths and critical minerals were part of the discussions as both countries explored ways to deepen cooperation in the sector. “Issues relating to critical minerals and rare earths did come up during the discussions today,” Misri said after the meeting. Myanmar holds sizable rare earth deposits, particularly in Kachin state near the Chinese border and in regions close to Thailand, although access to many of these areas remains difficult due to ongoing...
India and the US have signed a new framework agreement focused on rare earths and critical minerals as both countries push to strengthen supply-chain security and reduce dependence on China. The agreement was signed during the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting and covers cooperation across the full critical minerals chain, including mining, processing, refining and recycling. The framework also includes plans for joint investment, infrastructure development and financing support tied to strategic mineral projects. Officials said the partnership is intended to support industries such as clean energy, semiconductors, electric vehicles and defence manufacturing. The deal comes after China’s export restrictions on rare earth magnets in 2025 exposed vulnerabilities across global technology and...
Sunkind India is set to take its next step in the renewable energy business by beginning the manufacturing of solar modules. The company has already installed a 1 GW production line near Jaipur in Rajasthan. The facility is expected to start commercial operations in June, once the ongoing trial phase is complete. Until now, the firm has mainly worked on solar EPC projects along with independent power producer projects for commercial and industrial customers. According to the company, manufacturing modules in-house will help improve project execution and reduce dependence on outside suppliers. Managing Director, Hanish Gupta, said the company has also secured the supply of solar cells needed for the new manufacturing business. Sunkind has signed an agreement with a domestic manufacturer...
Rising aluminium prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East are increasing costs for the US solar industry, adding fresh pressure on developers already dealing with higher silver prices, tariffs and policy uncertainty. Commercial solar companies in the United States are reporting higher installation costs as disruptions linked to the Iran conflict affect aluminium supply chains and increase the cost of solar mounting systems. Aluminium is widely used in rails, clamps and brackets that support solar panels. Damage to refining facilities in the Gulf region and shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz - a route that handles more than 5 million tonnes of aluminium annually - have pushed aluminium prices sharply higher in recent months. London Metal Exchange aluminium prices...
Rare earth companies in the United States are seeing new investor interests after the Trump administration rolled out a broader strategy to strengthen domestic critical minerals supply chains. The initiative, called “Project Vault”, was formally introduced in February 2026, and it mainly focuses on reducing US dependence on foreign rare earth supplies. Under the plan, the federal government has started taking direct stakes in selected domestic rare earth companies, supported through financing from the US Export-Import Bank and measures linked to the Defense Production Act. USA Rare Earth has emerged as one of the main beneficiaries of the policy shift, with investors closely watching the company’s upcoming magnet manufacturing operations. The move marks a major change in the government’s...
India has blocked China’s first request at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to establish a dispute panel over India’s support measures for solar cells, solar modules and information technology sectors. China had requested the formation of a dispute settlement panel earlier this month after bilateral consultations between the two countries failed to resolve the matter. The request was discussed during a meeting of the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body in Geneva on May 22. To gain insights into the the current aluminium extrusions market, explore our report The World of Aluminium Extrusions – Industry Forecast to 2032 China’s complaint, filed in December last year, challenges India’s tariff measures on certain technology imports and incentive schemes that encourage the use of domestically...
