India's hidden urban mines are going to landfills: Why e-waste needs a second life
As smartphones, laptops, televisions, electric vehicles, and household appliances become an integral part of modern life, electronic waste (e-waste) is emerging as one of the world's fastest-growing waste streams. Yet, every discarded electronic device contains more than just obsolete technology—it...
Coal-heavy Australian aluminium vs renewables-led New Zealand: How Oceania is balancing decarbonisation
Oceania’s primary aluminium industry is facing a fragmented energy transition. While Australia, the leading aluminium producer of the continent, has abundant renewable resources and a well-established aluminium value chain, its smelters remain significantly more dependent on fossil-fuel-based...
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Key highlights from the global aluminium industry, June 2024
In June 2024, the global aluminium industry saw slight price positivity on both the LME and SHFE platforms at the beginning of the month. However, these gains were short-lived, and prices soon declined again. This reminds us again that AL Circle's industry-focused report, "Global Aluminium Industry...
Chinalco Materials Institute and partners achieve patent success in Microcrystalline Aluminum Foil development
Chinalco Materials Institute, Chinalco high-end, and Chinalco Aluminum Foil's affiliated enterprises have recently received official authorisation from the China National Intellectual Property Administration for three patents related to microcrystalline aluminium foil. Microcrystalline aluminium...
Alcoa announces agreement on industrial-scale demonstration of ELYSIS™ carbon-free smelting technology
On June 28, 2024, Alcoa Corporation announced further progress on ELYSIS technology, with Rio Tinto planning to launch the first industrial-scale demonstration of the breakthrough technology. This technology eliminates all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the traditional smelting process and...
Hydro secures NOK 83.3 million for testing green hydrogen technology at Høyanger
Hydro will conduct a three-year industrial-scale pilot at Hydro Høyanger, Norway, and test green hydrogen technology in their new recycling unit. This initiative aims to replace fossil energy, particularly liquid natural gas, in the remelting process of 100 per cent post-consumer scrap aluminium....
Hupfer’s green initiative: Launches buy back guarantee programme for aluminium shelving
Hupfer, in its commitment to foster sustainability and a circular economy, has innovatively introduced a 'buy back guarantee' programme for aluminium and stainless steel shelving. This unique initiative allows Hupfer to repurchase eligible products at the end of their lifespan, with the scrap value...
China-based Lanzhou Aluminum announces groundbreaking ceremony of its PV project
China-based Lanzhou Aluminum on June 12 announced the groundbreaking ceremony of its distributed photovoltaic (PV) project in the southern factory area, signifying a pivotal advancement for the company in the realm of new energy. During the ceremony, Mao Zhiqiang delivered a passionate speech...
Macquarie acquires 49.9% of Hydro’s renewable energy subsidiary in a landmark deal
Hydro has finalised the sale of 49.9 per cent of its renewable energy subsidiary, Hydro Rein, to Macquarie Asset Management. Initially announced in October 2023, this transaction marks a significant milestone in Hydro's strategy to expand its renewable energy portfolio. The transaction has assigned...
Africa's biggest floating PV project debuts in Ghana; Renewables set to drive aluminium demand
The Bui reservoir in Ghana is now home to the continent's largest floating solar photovoltaic (PV) project. This remarkable achievement underscores Ghana's commitment to sustainable solutions and sets a precedent for the region facing escalating environmental challenges. The 5-megawatt floating...
China advances towards 2030 carbon emissions goal, cutting 4.3% thermal power consumption in May 2024
China's progressive transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, harnessed from sunlight and water for power generation, is instilling a sense of optimism. This shift, by the world's largest polluter, is a promising step towards achieving net-zero emissions, offering a beacon of hope for the...
India’s Vedanta Aluminium has its plan ready to face the EU’s CBAM challenge
In line with global efforts to combat climate change, the European Union has introduced a significant measure—the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), designed to regulate the import of carbon-intensive products, such as aluminium, by charging a tariff based on the emissions produced during...
Shipping gets a green upgrade with ABB's 'Optimal Speed Routing' technology
ABB, the technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future, has launched a groundbreaking feature within its Routing Services portfolio designed to facilitate vessel owners to manage fuel costs more effectively throughout their voyages....
Milestone unlocked: Ball Corporation leads with 100% renewable energy in its Brazilian operations
Ball Corporation, the global leader in innovative aluminium packaging, has unlocked another significant milestone by powering its Brazilian operations with 100 per cent renewable energy, six years ahead of its global deadline. About the accomplishment This was accomplished by purchasing renewable...
RUSAL will help Turkey achieve its 2050 decarbonisation targets
RUSAL, one of the world's largest aluminium producers, gathered over 250 leaders from Turkey's aluminium industry at the Company's annual Istanbul seminar to discuss the latest market trends, introduce new products and client services, and explore cooperation opportunities to further decarbonise...
End user weekly recap: Riding towards sustainability with the world’s first bicycle rim featuring Hydro CIRCAL 100R
Aluminium has increasingly become pivotal across diverse industries due to its versatility, lightweight properties, and sustainability. From cans to bicycle frames, aluminium's adaptability and capacity to enhance product performance underscore its critical role across various end-use sectors....
Leading aluminium shipbuilder to deliver four 27m Z-Bow CTVs to Europe & Asia
Strategic Marine, a leading aluminium shipbuilder, has announced a significant advancement in the maritime industry. Partnering with the renowned design firm BMT Limited, Strategic Marine is set to construct four state-of-the-art 27m Z-Bow Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) for Ventus Marine, serving the...
ANDRITZ powers up new surface treatment line for AMAG's aluminium strip production
ANDRITZ, an international technology group, has successfully delivered, installed, and commenced operations of a new continuous surface treatment line along with an integrated wastewater treatment plant at AMAG rolling GmbH in Ranshofen, Austria. This advanced installation, distinguished by its...
Global aluminum consumption climbs 6% in early 2024, AZ Global finds
Research carried out by AZ Global shows that aluminium consumption grew strongly in the first four months of this year. Our research indicates a growth rate of 6 per cent globally. In terms of major regions, Asia has the highest consumption growth rate. From January to April 2024, Asia's primary...
Pedalling towards net zero with world’s first bicycle rim featuring Hydro CIRCAL 100R
A partnership that began in 2023 has finally yielded results this year. Hydro, the Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company, joined forces with London-based bicycle manufacturer Brompton to incorporate Hydro's low-carbon aluminium into Brompton's bicycle lineup. Finally, in 2024, Brompton...
