Aluminium’s decarbonisation challenge extends beyond the electricity powering its smelters. Inside the reduction cell, electrode quality influences how efficiently that electricity is used, how much carbon is consumed and how consistently the process performs. Improving electrodes therefore offers producers a practical opportunity to address operating costs and emissions together. For Switzerland-based R&D Carbon , understanding the relationship between raw materials, electrode quality and industrial performance has been a focus for four decades. Founded in 1986 by Werner K. Fischer, the company built on carbon research previously undertaken at Swiss Aluminium Ltd., or Alusuisse. Today, it operates from Granges, near Sierre, with a team of 30 specialists serving more than 150 customers...
Mexico’s aluminum industry is looking to capitalize on rising demand from artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, electric mobility, automotive manufacturing, and aerospace. Expanding technology investments and international market opportunities are expected to support sales growth, while the country’s reliance on imported aluminum highlights the importance of strengthening domestic processing capabilities. Ramón Beltrán, president of Mexico’s National Chamber of the Aluminum Industry (Canalum), expects the country’s domestic and international aluminum sales to gain momentum in 2026, supported by demand from advanced technology applications and established manufacturing sectors. “We expect to close out this year with growth of between 7.5% and 7.8% in domestic and international...
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On the occasion of America Recycles Day, The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) restate to remind Americans that recyclable substances are sustainable, resilient and vital to our everyday lives and the global economy. Here, the significance of the recycled elements that include aluminium, steel, copper, paper, rubber etc was brought forth to the citizens' notice by the officials. "From the coffee cup we are using to the cars we drive and the bridges we cross—recycled materials are a part of virtually everything around us," says ReMA President Robin Wiener. "It's impossible to go a day—or even an hour—without using a product made at least in part with recycled materials. On America Recycles Day, we celebrate how the recycled materials industry is continuously innovating to recycle more...
Amidst the worldwide urge to shift toward sustainable aluminium production practices, on November 28 2024, The Federation of Aluminium Consumers in Europe (FACE) has arranged a crucial daylong (9 am to 3 pm) conference to address the pressing matter. The event, titled 'Conference on a Green Competitiveness Agenda for Europe', will be held at Ara Pacis Augustae (via di Ripetta 190), Rome. Image Source: https://www.archeoroma.org/ The day's event will commence with the renowned journalist — Giancarlo Loquenzi's opening ceremony, followed by an engaging presidential address on 'FACE and the strategic challenges of aluminium for the European Green Economy' by Mario Conserva (President of FACE). The event will also be moderated by Mr Loquenzi, known for being one of the founders of Giuliano...
Major aluminium producers have set ambitious net-zero decarbonisation targets for 2050 and beyond. However, despite a modest reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the past five years, significant progress remains limited, as noted by ING Think. Image credit: Metal Supplies On September 30, 2024, the World Economic Forum’s publication stated that the global aluminium industry, responsible for approximately 2 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and generating 1.1 billion tonnes of CO 2 e annually, faces mounting pressure to decarbonize. Scientific evidence, extreme weather events, and evolving consumer expectations underscore the urgent need for change. With aluminium demand projected to surge by 40 per cent by 2030, emissions could rise even further, intensifying...
China Hongqiao Group Limited, one of the world’s leading aluminium manufacturers with a production capacity of more than 6 million tonnes and 11 major production bases around the world, has acquired Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard V2 (2022) Certification from the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative. Image Source: Aluminium Stewardship Initiative The company has received the certification for its Zouping Hongfa Aluminum Technology Co., Ltd facility and subsidiary Zouping Dingrui Renewable Resources Co. Ltd. While the former is involved in the research, development, production, and sales of aluminium alloy rolling products, including can body material, can cover material, aluminium foil blanks, and other products, the latter is responsible for non-ferrous metal processing and treating metal...
Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited (JBM) and the Agro-Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to repurpose former bauxite mining lands for agricultural development in an initiative that will revolutionise Jamaica's agricultural sector. This landmark agreement, executed on November 7, supports the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining's ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable agribusiness practices and strengthening climate resilience. The MoU outlines plans for a significant agricultural transformation on 670 acres of JBM's former mining land in Lydford, St Ann. This site will serve as the foundation for an innovative, technology-driven agro-park designed to boost investment in the sector and advance modern farming practices. The...
From smartphones to smart shoes, every gadget that we use daily is enhanced with aluminium. The demand for this versatile metal is skyrocketing, but so is its toll on the environment. The time for action is now. Image Source: Hydro The aluminium production industry is unified on decarbonisation. And the industry giants have taken baby steps towards the goal. According to the 2023 Aluminum Paradox report by the Environmental Integrity Project, global aluminium production resulted in 1.2 billion tonnes of global greenhouse gases in 2021. Now, the initiatives are to significantly reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to keep the subsequent global warming under 2 °C (vs pre-industrial levels, i.e. the Beyond 2 Degrees Scenario, or B2DS). Whereas it should ideally be below 1.5 °C....
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), the global organisation known for setting industry standards and certification in the aluminium value chain, has recently announced the certification of Daiki Aluminium. The Japanese manufacturer, known for producing secondary aluminium alloys used in high-pressure die casting, casting, and rolling, has achieved the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification. This certification applies to Daiki Aluminium's production of secondary aluminium alloys in both molten and ingot forms at its Shiga Plant. Image Source: ASI The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced the certification, highlighting the facility's use of aluminium scraps as the primary raw material to produce recycled scrap ingots and recycled liquid metal. The Shiga Plant...
Alumil India, the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Alumil Group, has launched Loop 80, a groundbreaking certified aluminium product containing 80 per cent recycled material, setting a new global standard for sustainability. This follows the success of Loop 60, the company's first certified recycled aluminium, introduced in 2023. Image Source: Alumil The advancement represented by Loop 80 leads to an impressive 87 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the carbon footprint of primary aluminium production. Alumil is driving substantial energy and resource savings by reusing existing aluminium and significantly decreasing reliance on bauxite mining. “The introduction of Loop 80 sets a new benchmark in the architectural systems industry, both domestically and globally. This follows the...
Australia's largest aluminium extruder, Capral, has successfully completed a trial using recycled-content billets supplied by Rio Tinto at Boyne Smelters Limited (BSL) in a significant stride towards sustainable manufacturing. This innovative process involved remelting 50 to 100 tonnes of post-production aluminium scrap sourced from Capral's Bremer Park extrusion plant in Southeast Queensland. As a result, billets containing at least 20 per cent recycled content were produced, signalling a sustainable step forward in local aluminium manufacturing. The trial highlights a closed-loop system that embodies waste minimisation and a marked reduction in the carbon footprint associated with aluminium extrusions. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Australian Government's Future Made in...
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world's largest producer of premium aluminium, has announced the extension of its CelestiAL-R supply agreement with the BMW Group for the coming years. CelestiAL-R is notable for being the world's first aluminium blend made using solar power and recycled metal. The BMW Group incorporates EGA's CelestiAL-R in the production of high-quality aluminium components for its vehicles. To commemorate the renewal of this significant agreement, Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW AG, visited EGA's facility in Jebel Ali and Dubai Electricity & Water Authority's Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. EGA's partnership with the BMW Group began in 2013, and the BMW Group became the first customer to source CelestiAL solar aluminium in 2021....
Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) have formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration aims to enhance opportunities in talent acquisition, professional development, scientific research focused on sustainability, and initiatives in digital transformation. Image Source: HBMSU The MoU was signed by Khalid Essa Buhumaid, Senior Vice President of EGA, and Athba Al Kamdah, Vice Chancellor of Institutional Resources & Services at HBMSU. The signing ceremony was attended by college deans, university administrators, and key representatives from EGA. About the partnership The partnership also includes sponsoring talented learners and innovators and supporting the development of...
Flow Aluminum, an innovative Albuquerque-based startup at the forefront of energy storage technology, has announced the appointment of Dr Scott Gordon-Wylie as Senior Scientist and Luke Soule as Senior Research Chemist to its expanding team. Known for its groundbreaking aluminium-CO 2 battery technology, Flow Aluminum is attracting top-tier scientific talent. Gordon-Wylie and Soule are joining the company as part of Albuquerque’s growing reputation as a hub for clean energy innovation. Gordon-Wylie and Soule bring a wealth of expertise in chemistry, electrochemistry, and energy storage, strengthening Flow Aluminum’s mission to transform the energy landscape. Building on promising recent test results from the Battery Innovation Centre in Indiana, the two scientists are collaborating in...
The aluminium industry is committed to curbing greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with global scientific targets and national policies. The International Aluminium Institute (IAI) has provided an update on the progress of its Aluminium Industry Greenhouse Gas Initiative, showcasing its member companies' ambitions, technological investments, and reporting strategies. The International Aluminium Institute launched the Aluminium Industry GHG Initiative at COP28 in Dubai in 2023. As part of the initiative, the IAI commits to reporting global GHG emissions for the aluminium industry annually to track sector progress and collate the targets of all IAI member companies based on publicly available information. Major aluminium producers have already backed this initiative as the sector...
On the evening of November 7, 2024, the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) hosted its prestigious annual Awards Gala Dinner at Optus Stadium in Perth. The event drew a full house, including distinguished guests such as the WA Premier, Hon Roger Cook; Minister for Mines, Hon David Michael; Leader of the WA Liberal Party, Libby Mettam MLA; and Director General of DEMIRS, Richard Sellers, alongside AMEC members and industry leaders. The gathering was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate mining and exploration companies' notable achievements and often underappreciated contributions nationwide. Warren Pearce, AMEC Chief Executive Officer, said, “These awards are all about ‘Celebrating Industry Excellence’, and without a doubt, there are plenty of incredible...
An internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle generally has engine blocks, transmission housings, wheels, suspension systems, body panels, interior trim, headlights, and taillights made to some extent of aluminium. Meanwhile, in electric vehicles (EVs), the battery pack, the majority of the chassis, battery enclosures, and charging stations have aluminium as the primary building material. Image Source: Hydro Despite being lighter, the metal holds high durability and can resist extreme forces thus making aluminium a superior preference for structural pieces of EVs. Adverse environmental conditions such as contact with salt water and road salt are likely to cause corrosion in such automobiles, making it necessary to apply resistant materials. Aluminium is known for its corrosion-defying...
Alumetal, a Polish recycling company, has successfully taken the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for its recycled foundry alloy aluminium products. Image Source: Hydro "By applying industry-leading practices, Alumetal is able to turn trash into treasure. The product declaration not only validates Hydro's and Alumetal's commitment to driving sustainability and responsibility in the aluminium industry but also provides our customers and partners with exact knowledge of the environmental impact of their supply chain," voiced Hanne Simensen, Executive Vice President in Hydro Aluminium Metal. Alumetal has been owned by Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy enterprise Hydro since 2023. Recycling aluminium requires just 5 per cent of the cumulative energy needed to produce primary...
With the rising demand for hydropower as an alternative to fossil fuels, Iceland undertook the development of the Kárahnjúkar hydropower plant in the eastern Highlands to support the Alcoa aluminium smelter, built simultaneously. Image source: Stantec Iceland's largest industrial development Together, these projects represent Iceland's largest industrial development to date. With an annual output of 4,600 GWh, this $1.2 billion (€1.1 billion) venture took five years to complete. The construction includes 73 kilometres (45 miles) of tunnels, five dams, and three reservoirs. The Icelandic government strongly supports hydropower, seeing it as essential to its economic growth strategy, particularly for powering energy-intensive industries. While investors explore new hydropower projects,...
The Aluminium Company of Egypt (Egyptalum) has achieved ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification for its production and supply of primary aluminium products. This certification encompasses a range of products, including ingots, wire rods, billets, T-bars, slabs, primary foundry alloys, flat-rolled products, and extrusions. Image source: ASI Egyptalum’s certified processes at its Nag Hammadi facility include casting, rolling, and extrusion. The certification also covers raw material and finished product transportation at the Safaga port, along with carbon anode manufacturing and industrial gases and compressed air production. With an annual production capacity of 320,000 tonnes of primary aluminium, Egyptalum’s facility also supports downstream activities, including producing flat...
