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India's coal power share declines to 65.7% as renewable generation hits record high

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:15:00 +0530

India's electricity mix underwent a notable shift in July as record renewable energy generation reduced coal's share of power production to its lowest level in a year, even as overall electricity demand continued to climb.

Government data showed renewable energy generated 36.25 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) during the month, marking a 30 per cent increase from July last year and raising its share in the country's power mix to 20 per cent. At the same time, coal's contribution declined to 65.7 per cent from 69 per cent in June, according to Reuters calculations based on daily data from Grid-India.

The changing generation pattern coincided with a rise in overall electricity production, which increased 10.4 per cent year on year to 181.79 billion kWh in July.

Solar and wind drive the demand

The momentum in renewable energy was supported by a milestone in solar and wind generation, which crossed 100 gigawatts for the first time and supplied a record 42.8 per cent of India's electricity on July 13, government data showed.

According to Manoj Kumar, an analyst with the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, a growing share of daytime peak power demand is now being met by solar energy, reflecting the increasing contribution of renewable sources to India's overall power generation.

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Coal output rises as weaker hydropower offsets renewable gains

Despite coal's declining share in the overall power mix, coal-fired generation increased 12.8 per cent year on year to 119.40 billion kWh in July.

Analysts attributed the increase to weaker hydropower generation and the effects of a strong El Niño pattern, with higher nighttime temperatures driving greater cooling demand after sunset.

Hydropower generation declined for a second consecutive month to 22.1 per cent following lower rainfall linked to El Niño, which significantly alters rainfall patterns and results in above-normal temperatures.

According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), reduced hydropower output combined with rising electricity demand could create a power generation gap of nearly 18 billion kWh, increasing reliance on coal-fired power in India.

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Aluminum Association applauds trump administration action to secure critical materials supply chains

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:34:00 +0530

The Aluminum Association today welcomed President Trump's memorandum calling for strengthened domestic supplies of recoverable critical minerals and materials. The memo directs the Commerce Secretary to take “all appropriate action under section 101 of the [Defense Production] Act” to “secure the supply of recoverable Critical Minerals and Materials.” Aluminium is one of only a handful of materials included on every government critical minerals list.

The Aluminum Association has called for targeted scrap export controls to keep more of this vital material in the United States. Aluminium scrap exports are growing, and much of this metal is ending up with strategic rivals including China, either directly or through third-party countries. The association encourages the Commerce Department to include aluminium scrap, specifically used beverage containers, in any implementation language or other action following this memorandum.

“President Trump’s call to action recognises an increasingly important reality: materials already circulating in our economy are strategic national assets," said Charles Johnson, president & CEO of the Aluminum Association. "Just as America must produce more critical materials, we must also ensure valuable recoverable materials are available to support US manufacturers, the defence industrial base and American workers."

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The presidential determination recognises that recoverable materials embedded in products and manufacturing scrap are strategic industrial resources essential to the nation's defence. The memo reinforces a principle that the association has long advocated for aluminium – the United States should pursue an all-of-the-above strategy to strengthen domestic supply by expanding both primary aluminium production, recycling and recovery. America will need both primary and secondary aluminium to meet growing demand from defence, transportation, energy infrastructure, packaging and other critical industries.

“Building a stronger domestic aluminium industry means investing in new primary production, expanding recycling capacity and ensuring strategically important aluminium scrap remains available to support American manufacturers," said Johnson.

Today, millions of tons of aluminium scrap are shipped overseas, a significant percentage of overall US aluminium supply. And these exports are growing as China seeks to dominate global aluminium recycling, helping fuel overseas production that competes directly with American manufacturers. As new aluminium industry investments come online in the coming years, demand for this material is only expected to grow.

"Aluminium scrap is not waste —it is a critical manufacturing input," Johnson said. "When clean, high-value aluminium scrap leaves the United States, we lose an opportunity to strengthen domestic supply chains, support American recycling investments and manufacture more aluminium products here at home."

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In addition to common sense recycling policies and infrastructure investment, the Aluminum Association is calling for targeted scrap export controls, including an immediate ban on the export of used beverage containers. Such action would reduce dependence on foreign sources of aluminium and reinforce the resilient manufacturing base needed to support both economic growth and national security.

“As the administration works to strengthen America's industrial supply chains, aluminium scrap must be part of that conversation," Johnson said. "An all-of-the-above approach to aluminium supply – one that supports domestic primary production while maximising scrap recovery and recycling – will help ensure the United States has the secure, resilient aluminium supply needed to compete and win, now and in the future."

Note: This article has been issued by Aluminum Association and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

Vedanta Aluminium opens post-demerger chapter with 205% profit surge and record 632 KT output

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:46:00 +0530

Vedanta Aluminium Metal Limited has opened its first full reporting chapter as an independent listed aluminium producer with record production and sharply higher earnings. For the quarter ended June 30, 2026 (Q1 FY27), the company reported profit after tax (PAT) of INR 65.97 billion, up 205 per cent year-on-year and 33 per cent sequentially, alongside its highest-ever quarterly aluminium production.

The numbers put both scale and profitability at the centre of Vedanta Aluminium’s post-demerger story. Revenue climbed 45 per cent year-on-year and 13 per cent quarter-on-quarter, supported by higher volumes and improved realisations.

EBITDA more than doubled from the year-ago period, surging 134 per cent. Compared with Q4 FY26, EBITDA increased 24 per cent. The company’s EBITDA margin consequently expanded to a record 50 per cent.

The results come shortly after Vedanta Aluminium Metal Limited began trading independently following the restructuring of Vedanta Limited, giving investors direct exposure to the group’s aluminium business.

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Production records add operational weight to the earnings jump

The financial performance was accompanied by new production highs across the aluminium portfolio.

Vedanta Aluminium produced 632,000 tonnes of aluminium during Q1 FY27, its highest quarterly output to date. This compares with around 605,000 tonnes in Q1 FY26, representing year-on-year growth of approximately 5 per cent.

More importantly for the company’s downstream and margin strategy, value-added product (VAP) production reached a record 389,000 tonnes during the quarter.

That means value-added products accounted for roughly 62 per cent of quarterly aluminium production, based on the reported production figures. The growing contribution of VAPs is significant because these products generally serve more specialised applications across industries such as automotive, electrical, renewable energy, infrastructure, packaging and advanced manufacturing.

The upstream side of Vedanta Aluminium’s integrated chain also expanded considerably.

Alumina production increased 41 per cent year-on-year to 826,000 tonnes in Q1 FY27, backed by expanded refining capacity and improved asset utilisation. Higher captive alumina availability is particularly relevant for an integrated aluminium producer because alumina represents a critical raw-material input for primary aluminium smelting.

The combination of higher alumina production, record metal output and rising value-added production therefore indicates that the company’s Q1 performance was not confined to stronger aluminium prices or realisations alone; operational volumes also moved higher.

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The quarter also unfolded against a supportive aluminium pricing environment. Reuters reported that elevated aluminium prices contributed to the sharp improvement in Vedanta Aluminium’s quarterly earnings.

The company itself attributed its record revenue to the combination of higher volumes and improved realisations.

Balance sheet strengthens as leverage drops to 0.9x

The quarter was not only about production and earnings.

Vedanta Aluminium’s Net Debt-to-EBITDA ratio improved to 0.9x, compared with 1.3x in the previous quarter, giving the newly independent company a stronger balance-sheet position as it pursues its next phase of expansion.

Credit rating agencies CRISIL and ICRA have also upgraded the company’s credit rating to AA+ with a Stable outlook.

The improvement follows the broader restructuring of Vedanta’s businesses. The demerger became effective on May 1, 2026, creating independent sector-focused entities spanning aluminium, power, oil & gas and iron & steel alongside the residual Vedanta Limited business.

Eligible Vedanta shareholders received one equity share of Vedanta Aluminium Metal Limited for every Vedanta share held on the record date. The aluminium company subsequently began independent trading in June.

The restructuring was designed to provide each business with greater operational and strategic independence, while allowing investors to assess the individual businesses separately rather than through Vedanta’s previous conglomerate structure.

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Vedanta Aluminium declares INR 8 per share interim dividend

Alongside the Q1 results, Vedanta Aluminium’s Board approved the company’s first interim dividend of INR 8 per equity share.

According to the company, this takes the cumulative dividend payout for the quarter to more than INR 30 billion.

The payout arrives unusually early in Vedanta Aluminium’s life as an independently listed company and coincides with the sharp improvement in profitability and leverage recorded during the quarter.

Rajesh Kumar, Whole-Time Director & CEO of Vedanta Aluminium Metal Limited, said, “Our first quarter as an independent company reflects disciplined execution, operational resilience and a clear long-term strategy. Our focus on resource security, integrated operations and value-added products continues to strengthen our competitive position and support sustainable growth.”

Chief Financial Officer Anup Agarwal added, “We begin this new phase with record financial performance, a stronger balance sheet and an improved credit profile. These provide a solid foundation to pursue growth opportunities and meet rising global demand for aluminium across energy transition, infrastructure, transportation, packaging and advanced manufacturing.”

Why the 389 KT VAP figure deserves attention

For the aluminium industry, perhaps one of the more strategically important numbers within Vedanta Aluminium’s Q1 performance is the record of value-added product output.

Primary aluminium producers globally are increasingly looking beyond commodity metal volumes towards differentiated products capable of addressing specific requirements in automotive lightweighting, electrical applications, renewable-energy infrastructure, packaging and other advanced manufacturing sectors.

Vedanta Aluminium’s VAP production during Q1 FY27 was equivalent to about 61.6 per cent of its total aluminium output for the quarter. Maintaining and expanding this mix could become increasingly important as the company attempts to capture more value from every tonne of metal produced rather than relying solely on primary aluminium price movements.

At the same time, the 41 per cent rise in alumina output provides another piece of the integration equation. Greater internal alumina availability can strengthen raw-material security as the company scales aluminium production, although future margins will continue to be influenced by aluminium prices, raw-material and energy costs, operating performance and broader market conditions.

A strong first test for the standalone aluminium business

Vedanta Aluminium’s first quarterly scorecard following the demerger has therefore delivered several records simultaneously: INR 211.05 billion in revenue, INR 104.99 billion in EBITDA, INR 65.97 billion in PAT, record aluminium production and 389,000 tonnes of value-added product output.

For the global aluminium market, the operational numbers may ultimately matter as much as the earnings headline.

The company serves customers across more than 60 countries and operates an integrated aluminium and alumina portfolio. Its ability to increase alumina availability, raise primary metal production and move a larger proportion of that metal towards value-added applications will determine how effectively the newly independent company converts its scale into longer-term competitiveness.

Q1 FY27 has provided Vedanta Aluminium with a record-heavy start. The next question is whether the company can sustain that momentum as its standalone strategy moves from its first quarter into a full financial year.

NALCO Q1 revenue climbs 39% as higher aluminium prices lift PAT to ₹20.02b

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:15:00 +0530

National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) reported a sharp increase in revenue and profit for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, driven by higher aluminium prices and improved operational efficiency. The state-owned aluminium producer also recommended a final dividend of INR 1 (USD 0.011) per equity share for FY26, taking the total dividend for the year to INR 11.50 (USD 0.12) per share.

On a standalone basis, revenue from operations rose 39.28 per cent year-on-year to INR 53 billion (USD 557 million) from INR 38 billion (USD 400 million), while total income increased 39.30 per cent to INR 54.8 billion (USD 575 million). Profit before tax climbed to INR 26.45 billion (USD 278 million) from INR 14.3 billion (USD 150 million) in the corresponding quarter last year, while profit after tax nearly doubled to INR 20 billion (USD 210 million) from INR 10.6 billion (USD 111 million). Earnings per share increased to INR 5.34 (USD 0.056) from INR 3.60 (USD 0.038).

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Aluminium business drives quarterly earnings

NALCO's aluminium segment remained the primary contributor to quarterly performance, generating revenue of INR 41.5 billion (USD 436 million) and a segment result of INR 26 billion (USD 273 million). The chemicals business reported revenue of INR 15.7 billion (USD 165 million) with a segment result of INR 2.7 billion.

The company also reported strong consolidated results, with revenue from operations rising 39.30 per cent year-on-year to INR 53 billion and total income increasing 39.35 per cent to INR 5,476 crore (USD 557 million). Consolidated profit before tax stood at INR 26.5 billion (USD 278 million).

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Final dividend takes FY26 payout to INR 11.50 per share

NALCO's board recommended a final dividend of INR 1 (USD 0.011) per equity share, representing 20 per cent of the INR 5 face value, subject to shareholder approval at the company's 45th Annual General Meeting scheduled for August 31.

The proposed payout is in addition to three interim dividends totalling INR 10.50 (USD 0.011) per share already paid during FY26, taking the total dividend for the financial year to INR 11.50 (USD 0.12) per share, or 230 per cent of the face value. The record date for the final dividend has been fixed as August 24.

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Joint ventures, captive power project and other developments

The board approved the appointment of M/s Tanmaya S. Pradhan & Co. and M/s S Dhal & Co. as cost auditors for FY27.

NALCO said revenue from its two wind power plants in Rajasthan has not been recognised since April 1, 2019, due to the absence of a renewed power purchase agreement, with the matter currently pending before the Rajasthan High Court.

The company also provided updates on its joint ventures, which include Angul Aluminium Park, GACL-NALCO Alkalies & Chemicals, Khanij Bidesh India, and Utkarsha Aluminium Dhatu Nigam Limited. NALCO confirmed that it has received approval from the Ministry of Mines to wind up Utkarsha Aluminium Dhatu Nigam Limited because of commercial unviability. Separately, the company has entered into a 50:50 joint venture with NLC India Limited to develop a 1,080 MW captive thermal power plant at Angul, Odisha.

Alba sets new benchmark for safety excellence as first aluminium smelter in the Middle East to join LEEA’s accredited training scheme

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:39:00 +0530

Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest aluminium smelter on one site, has achieved another significant safety milestone by becoming the first aluminium smelter in the Middle East to join the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) Accredited Training Scheme (ATS), cementing its position as an industry leader in workplace safety, operational excellence and workforce development.

The achievement places Alba among the region's pioneering organisations authorised to deliver LEEA-approved training programmes and issue internationally recognised certifications to employees who successfully complete the training. The programmes are designed to strengthen the competencies of crane operators and personnel involved in lifting operations while ensuring alignment with globally recognised safety standards and best practices.

Commenting on the achievement, Alba's Chief Executive Officer, Ali Al Baqali, said, “Safety is more than just a priority at Alba; it is a core value that underpins every aspect of our operations.

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Becoming the first aluminium smelter in the Middle East to join LEEA's Accredited Training Scheme reflects our commitment to developing highly skilled personnel, adopting international best practices and setting new benchmarks for safety excellence across the industry. This achievement further strengthens our capability to provide world-class training while ensuring the highest standards of safety for our employees and contractors.”

The Chief Executive Officer of LEEA Dr. Ross Moloney also commented, “Competence is at the heart of safe lifting operations, and Alba’s achievement of approval under LEEA’s Accredited Training Scheme demonstrates its commitment to developing the knowledge and capability of its workforce. Alba is the first aluminium smelter in the Middle East to receive this specific ATS approval, which permits the delivery of specified LEEA-approved training exclusively to its own employees and within the scope agreed with LEEA. We are pleased to support Alba’s investment in internal workforce development and its commitment to safety, competence, professionalism and continuous improvement in lifting operations.”

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This accreditation supports Alba's vision of embedding a proactive safety culture across its operations by enhancing workforce capability, reducing operational risks and elevating standards in critical lifting activities.

Note: This article has been issued by Alba and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

Arun Misra named Vedanta CEO as company posts 72% rise in June-quarter profit

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0530

Vedanta Ltd has appointed Hindustan Zinc Chief Executive Officer Arun Misra as its new Chief Executive Officer for a one-year term beginning August 1, as the diversified mining company reported a 72 per cent year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit for the June quarter, supported by higher metal prices across its key businesses.

Misra, who currently heads Hindustan Zinc, will step down from that role to lead Vedanta following the board's approval of his appointment.

The strong quarterly performance follows similar earnings growth across Vedanta Group companies. Hindustan Zinc recently reported more than a twofold increase in quarterly profit, while Vedanta Aluminium reported more than a threefold rise in profit for the June quarter, supported by higher aluminium prices.

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For the quarter ended June 30, Vedanta reported a consolidated net profit of INR 54.73 billion (USD 572.4 million), up 72 per cent year-on-year. Revenue rose 51 per cent year-on-year to INR 234.56 billion (USD 2.45 billion), while net profit margin improved to 22 per cent from 12 per cent a year earlier.

The company's performance was supported by higher prices for base metals during the quarter. According to Jefferies, spot zinc prices increased 31 per cent year-on-year, copper prices rose 40 per cent, and silver prices more than doubled between April and June. The brokerage attributed the gains to supply disruptions, steady demand and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which affected global supply chains.

Vedanta's India zinc and lead business recorded nearly 50 per cent growth in revenue during the quarter, while the copper business reported a 34 per cent increase. Revenue from the India silver segment more than doubled year-on-year.

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Raw material expenses increased 37 per cent during the quarter, contributing to a 33 per cent rise in total expenses to INR 175.58 billion (USD 1.84 billion). However, higher commodity prices offset the increase in costs and supported overall profitability.

Vedanta has been restructuring its business through the demerger of several operations, including its aluminium business, into separately listed entities. Misra's appointment comes as the company continues that transition.

Vedanta shares closed 1.1 per cent higher following the announcement of the quarterly results and leadership change.

Will domestic content rules reshape the future of US aluminium extrusion?

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:30:00 +0530

As the US strengthens domestic manufacturing under clean energy incentives, aluminium extrusion is becoming central to policy debates. In this exclusive interview, Aluminum Extruders Council President Jason Weber discusses domestic content rules, solar manufacturing, trade enforcement, sustainability, regional supply chains and how US aluminium extruders can strengthen competitiveness in the evolving global market.

Jason Weber is President of the Aluminum Extruders Council. He has more than 30 years of experience in the aluminium business, including senior sales, marketing, and executive leadership positions with several major extrusion companies. As President of AEC, Jason works closely with industry leaders on workforce development, technical education, trade policy and enforcement, market development, and initiatives that strengthen the competitiveness of the aluminium extrusion industry. He leads the Council’s efforts to address industry priorities, develop valuable programs and resources, and represent the interests of aluminium extruders throughout the broader aluminium value chain.

AL Circle: The AEC has argued that aluminium extrusion accounts for about 61 per cent of manufacturing costs and more than half of the capital investment in a solar frame. Why do you believe extrusion, rather than downstream fabrication, should determine a product's domestic origin under Sections 45Y and 48E?

Jason Weber: Extrusion should determine origin because it is the manufacturing step that creates the essential form and function of the solar frame. Aluminum billet does not have a predetermined end use. It is extrusion that creates the specific channels, grooves, walls and structural geometry required by the solar module. Cutting that profile to length and punching holes into it adjusts an already manufactured product, but they do not create its essential character.

More importantly, the applicable Buy America framework expressly recognises extrusion as a manufacturing process, while United States federal guidance has treated drilling and similar activities as assembly rather than substantive manufacturing. United States Department of Commerce aluminium extrusion trade rules also recognise that downstream operations do not fundamentally change the character of the extrusion. The domestic content incentive should therefore follow the location of the substantive manufacturing process, not simply the location of final cutting and punching.

AL Circle: Your joint white paper points to a loophole allowing imported extrusions to qualify for domestic content incentives after only minor fabrication in the US. How widespread is this practice, and what impact has it had on investment decisions by domestic extruders?

Jason Weber: The economic effect is significant. A US extruder has difficulty justifying dedicated dies, press time, material-handling equipment, finishing capacity, and additional employees when a foreign-extruded profile can receive the same domestic-content treatment after relatively minor processing in the United States. That ambiguity suppresses domestic orders and delays or discourages investment in the part of the process that requires the greatest capital, technical expertise and manufacturing employment.

AL Circle: If the Treasury adopts the AEC's recommendations, what tangible changes do you expect to see in terms of new extrusion capacity, employment and investment across the US aluminium industry over the next five years?

Jason Weber: The most immediate result would be greater utilisation of existing US extrusion capacity. The press sizes and alloys required to produce solar frames are already widely available, so substantial new capital investment would not be necessary. Most extruders could enter this market with relatively modest investments in dies, tooling and material handling, while supporting additional production and technical employment. If demand remains strong, some companies may choose to expand capacity over time. It is difficult to estimate the number of jobs this could create, but increased production would clearly support additional manufacturing activity.

AL Circle: The US extrusion industry has evolved significantly over the past decade, driven by demand from construction, automotive, renewable energy and now AI-related infrastructure. Which end-use sector do you believe will be the strongest growth engine for domestic extruders through 2030, and why?

Jason Weber: Building and construction will likely remain the industry’s largest underlying market through 2030. At the same time, recoveries in automotive and general transportation should continue to strengthen extrusion demand as manufacturers place greater emphasis on lightweighting, efficiency and material performance.

Energy, electrical infrastructure and renewable applications will also provide important growth opportunities. Rather than one market driving the industry, future demand will likely come from a broad mix of construction, transportation, power generation and industrial applications.

One of the most significant evolutions of the extrusion industry over the past decade has been the way aluminium extrusion has continued to expand and adapt across these end markets. Far from being a mature or static sector, it has proven to be an evolving marketplace where both the material and the process consistently demonstrate new and growing value in the products we use today.

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AL Circle: The industry continues to face competition from lower-cost imports while customers increasingly demand low-carbon, high-performance aluminium products. How are US extruders adapting their manufacturing strategies to remain globally competitive without compromising sustainability goals?

Jason Weber: Extruders are competing on more than price. Quality, reliability, delivery, engineering support and the ability to provide fabricated or finished components all contribute to the value they offer customers.

They are also investing in automation, process controls, more efficient equipment, improved metal recovery and greater use of recycled aluminium. These improvements can reduce both operating costs and environmental impact.

AEC members recently collaborated to develop an EPD generator tool that enables individual extruders to produce certified, facility-specific Environmental Product Declarations. This provides customers with more precise data on the environmental impact of the products they purchase and helps extruders meet increasing demands for sustainability reporting and transparency.

AL Circle: Trade remedies such as anti-dumping and countervailing duties have provided support to domestic producers, yet concerns over circumvention remain. Beyond stricter domestic content rules, what additional policy measures would most effectively strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the US extrusion industry?

Jason Weber: A key long-term priority is ensuring that existing rules are effectively implemented and consistently enforced.

It is also important to strengthen rules of origin so preferential treatment is tied to meaningful production in the United States or North America, not minor processing of imported aluminium. Together, stronger enforcement and clearer origin standards would create a more level and predictable market for extruders.

At the same time, AEC members continue to invest in their future through new equipment, technology and workforce development. That is why AEC leadership remains focused on expanding our Business Excellence, Workforce Development and Industry Promotion programs to help members improve productivity, develop their people and strengthen their businesses.

AL Circle: With governments across the US, Europe and Asia increasingly linking clean energy incentives to domestic manufacturing, how do you see global aluminium extrusion supply chains evolving over the next five to ten years? Will this lead to greater regionalisation of production, or will globally integrated supply chains continue to dominate?

Jason Weber: Supply chains will likely become more regional. Extrusions are often highly customised, tooling-intensive, and expensive to transport, which makes production closer to the customer more practical. Domestic content policies and stronger rules of origin will reinforce this trend across all extrusion end markets. Proximity and reliability are especially important for custom products and applications that require close collaboration.

Low-carbon production and recycled content will also become increasingly important as customers track emissions throughout their supply chains. Continued technological innovation will enable extruders to produce more complex shapes, reduce weight, integrate multiple components, and offer additional fabrication and finishing services.

Manufacturers should prepare by improving traceability from billet to finished component, investing in flexible and data-driven equipment, and building stronger design and engineering capabilities. They will also need to secure reliable sources of recycled and lower-carbon aluminium and develop the skilled workforce required to operate increasingly sophisticated plants. The companies that lead will be efficient, technically capable, transparent, and close enough to their customers to solve problems quickly.

AL Circle: As countries tighten rules of origin and domestic content requirements, what competitive advantages will determine the future leaders in the aluminium extrusion industry – cost competitiveness, low-carbon production, technological innovation, or proximity to end-use markets? How should manufacturers prepare for this shift?

Jason Weber: Manufacturers will need to watch where customer demand is moving and decide which opportunities fit their own capabilities. For some, that may mean adding fabrication or finishing. For others, it may mean improving traceability, strengthening engineering support, investing in automation, or developing access to recycled and lower-carbon aluminium. There will not be one approach that works for every extruder.

AEC’s role is to help members make those decisions with better information and practical resources. Through our Business Excellence, Workforce Development and Industry Promotion programs, we are expanding technical education, sharing best practices, helping members develop their people and promoting the value of aluminium extrusions in growing markets. The goal is to give members tools they can use as customer expectations and market opportunities continue to change.

LME aluminium reverses previous gains as alumina Platts rises 2.55%, inventories continue to fall

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:15:00 +0530

London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices moved lower on July 31 after recording gains in the previous session. Both cash and forward aluminium contracts declined, while warehouse inventories continued to fall. In contrast, the LME alumina Platts price increased.

The LME aluminium cash bid price fell 1.05 per cent to USD 3,195 per tonne from USD 3,229 per tonne on July 30, while the cash offer price declined 1.08 per cent to USD 3,196 per tonne from USD 3,231 per tonne.

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The three-month aluminium bid price also edged down 0.20 per cent to USD 3,178.5 per tonne from USD 3,185 per tonne. The offer price also edged down by 0.25 per cent, moving from USD 3,187 per tonne to USD 3,179 per tonne.

On the longer-dated contracts, both the Dec-27 bid and offer prices declined by around 0.32 per cent from the previous session. The bid settled at USD 3,108 per tonne, down from USD 3,118 per tonne, while the offer eased to USD 3,113 per tonne from USD 3,123 per tonne.

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The LME aluminium Asian reference price stood at USD 3,184 per tonne on July 31, down 0.36 per cent from USD 3,195.5 per tonne on July 30.

LME aluminium inventories continued to decline as of July 31. Opening stocks decreased 0.56 per cent to 266,300 tonnes from 267,800 tonnes.

Live warrants remained unchanged at 245,250 tonnes, while cancelled warrants fell 9.03 per cent to 19,150 tonnes from 21,050 tonnes.

Meanwhile, the LME alumina Platts price rose 2.55 per cent to USD 346 per tonne from USD 337.38 per tonne in the previous session.

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PBOC releases easing signals, aluminium price upside room limited amid supply-demand and geopolitical game

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0530

Futures: The most-traded SHFE aluminium 2609 contract closed at RMB 23,665 per tonne, unchanged from the previous day's settlement price, with a change of 0.00 per cent. The intraday opening was RMB 23,600 per tonne, and it fluctuated within a range of RMB 23,550-23,695 per tonne. The price traded above MA5 (23,519.00), MA10 (23,371.00), and MA30 (23,142.83), but below MA60 (23,787.83). The medium and long-term moving averages as a whole maintained a bearish alignment and continued to press downward. A consolidative repair structure at low levels emerged, with the 60-day moving average above acting as a key resistance. On the MACD indicator, the DIF (19.3006) stood above the DEA (-78.0446), and the MACD histogram bar value was 194.6903. Bearish momentum continued to weaken, while bullish repair momentum persisted. The suggested reference trading range for SHFE aluminium is RMB 23,400-24,000 per tonne. The LME aluminium 3M contract settled at USD 3,189.00 per tonne, down 0.19 per cent. The price traded above MA5 (3,180.40), MA10 (3,178.40), and MA30 (3,157.92), but below MA60 (3,366.95). The medium and long-term moving averages showed a bearish alignment and gradually pressed downward. Overall, a consolidative repair structure at low levels appeared, with the 60-day moving average above forming significant resistance. On the MACD indicator, the DIF (-24.4334) stood above the DEA (-39.6437), and the MACD histogram bar was 30.4207. Bearish momentum continued to fade, and the downward momentum slowed further. The suggested reference trading range for LME aluminium is USD 3,100-3,250 per tonne.

Macro front: The escalating US-Iran tensions took a dramatic reversal after a sharp rise. US President Trump stated that Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had requested a halt to attacks, and based on this request, he agreed to cancel military strikes. Trump said an agreement had been reached on the Strait of Hormuz, and denuclearization would also be agreed upon, with negotiations with Iran starting on Monday afternoon (Tuesday morning Beijing time). An Iranian military official called Trump's claim that Iran requested to stop attacks a "new lie." Iranian sources said the plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was purely a rumour. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said that Iran and Oman held productive discussions on common principles and operational mechanisms for managing safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, with talks now in the final stage and nearing completion. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei stated that the Strait of Hormuz would never return to its pre-war state, and the current negotiations between Iran and Oman on the waterway are unrelated to the opening or closing of the strait. The People's Bank of China held its 2026 H2 work conference. The meeting emphasised the need to implement appropriately accommodative monetary policy, fully leverage the effectiveness of existing policies, promptly plan and introduce practical and effective incremental policies, step up counter-cyclical adjustments, redouble efforts to expand domestic demand and optimise supply, and solidly carry out key tasks in the second half of the year to promote sustained, improved, and higher-quality economic development.

Fundamentals: In overseas markets, production resumptions and new capacity of aluminium outside China continued to ramp up as planned. Expectations of a shift from tight to loose in the global aluminium market over the longer term persisted, continuously limiting the upside room for aluminium prices. However, the US-Iran conflict continued to escalate, and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz extended. The market feared that regional inflows of aluminium raw materials and outflows of finished aluminium products would be hindered. Coupled with rising crude oil, which pushed up overseas smelting energy costs, the regional geopolitical risk premium remained elevated. Supply uncertainty persisted, providing some bottom support for aluminium prices in the short term. On the domestic front, on the supply side, the proportion of liquid aluminium in China kept rising. On the inventory side, the social inventory of aluminium in China built up by 5,000 tonnes from last Thursday to 958,000 tonnes, and destocked by 21,000 tonnes from last Monday, with the destocking speed of aluminium ingot slowing down. In terms of exports, the SHFE/LME price ratio continued to recover last week. As of July 30, the ratio had rebounded to 7.4, up 13.8 per cent from the previous low of 6.5. Import losses narrowed to around RMB 3,300 per tonne, down more than 45 per cent from the previous peak loss of RMB 7,604 per tonne.

Primary aluminium market: In early trading, the SHFE aluminium 2608 contract moved near yesterday's price centre. Downstream players feared high aluminium prices, but as it was Friday, there was some just-in-time procurement. Additionally, with inventory destocking continuing, some suppliers were unwilling to sell at lower prices, but overall transaction prices shifted lower. Today, spot premiums for SHFE aluminium were mainly transacted between RMB 8-20 per tonne and flat against the August contract. Today, the east China selling sentiment index was 3.09, down 0.04 D-o-D; the buying sentiment index was 2.84, down 0.04 D-o-D. After three consecutive days of gains in SHFE aluminium futures, and coinciding with the Friday stockpiling cycle, downstream processing enterprises in the central China market significantly reduced their willingness to stockpile. They mainly focused on just-in-time procurement and digesting inventories, with only a few firms considering stockpiling. Traders mostly took advantage of low premiums to purchase, but overall market transactions remained sluggish. The actual transaction prices in the central China market were eventually centred around discounts of RMB 160-180 per tonne against the SHFE aluminium August contract. Today, the central China selling sentiment index was 3.20, up 0.02 D-o-D; the buying sentiment index was 2.83, up 0.03 D-o-D. Today, the futures market stopped rising and edged lower, while the south China spot market remained weak. Absolute prices stayed at high levels. Although the spot-futures spread was expected to weaken, it also remained high. With the weekend approaching and month-end, suppliers briefly held prices firm but then stepped up selling due to the desire to cash in at high levels. Mainstream quotes were at discounts of RMB 30-10 per tonne, showing varying degrees of decline, and discounted cargo was abundant. On the demand side, downstream fear of high prices remained, and procurement was weak. Traders pushed for lower prices and purchased minimal amounts, showing no flexibility beyond fulfilling orders. The oversupply pattern persisted, and overall transactions were rather moderate. Spot transaction prices were concentrated at premiums of RMB 85-125 per tonne over the SHFE aluminium 2608 contract.

Secondary aluminium raw materials: Today, SMM A00 spot aluminium prices closed at RMB 23,630 per tonne, flat MoM from the previous trading day, with aluminium scrap prices generally stable across all regions. Regarding the price spread between primary and scrap, on July 33, the price difference between A00 aluminium and mixed aluminium extrusion scrap free of paint in Foshan stood at around RMB 2,070 per tonne, while the price difference between A00 aluminium and shredded aluminium tense scrap was approximately RMB 860 per tonne. Amid the traditional off-season for consumption, scrap suppliers' willingness to sell at lower prices was generally low, keeping aluminium scrap prices largely firm. On the demand side, with the arrival of high-temperature holidays, operating rates at downstream cast aluminium alloy enterprises declined, and orders shrank; while operating rates at secondary aluminium plate/sheet and strip enterprises remained moderate, overall raw material demand clearly weakened compared to Q2. In the short term, the tight supply of compliant, invoiced cargo persists, and suppliers' reluctance to sell at lower prices provides bottom support for prices. On the import front, the lagged effects of the UAE's export ban and the EU's tariff surcharge policy are expected to materialise gradually in the upcoming months, with port arrivals staying low from June to August. On the demand side, the sluggish downstream orders are unlikely to improve in the short term. Scrap utilisation enterprises are very likely to continue purchasing as needed and maintain low inventory strategies, making a significant improvement in purchasing sentiment difficult.

Secondary aluminium alloy: Spot Market: Today, ADC12 market offers were largely stable. The cost side has yet to show notable changes, still providing some support to prices. However, demand-side performance remains weak, and insufficient orders are exerting certain pressure on the market, with some enterprises showing a slight willingness to cut prices. Under the dual influence of cost support and weak demand, prices lack sufficient upward momentum for further increases in the short term and the market is consolidating at highs. Future price direction will still depend on primary aluminium price trends and the recovery of downstream orders.

Overall outlook: The macro front improved recently, with expectations for US Fed interest rate hikes’ marginal constraint on the nonferrous metals sector continuing to ease. The proportion of liquid aluminium in China kept rising, and the domestic central bank will implement a loose monetary policy, strengthen counter-cyclical adjustments, and boost efforts to expand domestic demand, promoting sustained, positive, and broad-based economic development. Persistent geopolitical risk premiums in the Middle East jointly underpinned aluminium price operations, significantly bolstering market confidence in the short term. However, factors including the ongoing release of overseas aluminium capacity in the long term, recently weak traditional end-use demand in China, coupled with fluctuating expectations for US Fed interest rate hikes and uncertainties from Middle East geopolitical disturbances, still exert certain pressure on the upside room for aluminium prices.

Note: This article has been issued by SMM and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

Why does a barrel of oil matter to aluminium producers? A hidden link between petroleum coke, prebaked anode and the metal itself

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 03:30:00 +0530

Oil price shocks are traditionally associated with their impact on transportation, aviation, paints and chemicals, tyres, rubber, and fertiliser industries, while the ripple effects on metallurgy often remain overlooked. The recent Middle East geopolitical crisis has renewed attention on aluminium’s strategic importance as a critical global metal supplier, but what about the impact of the oil price surge linked to the conflict on aluminium’s cost structure?

Indeed, the aluminium industry does not consume crude oil directly in the smelting process. Still, it does through petroleum coke and carbon anodes used in the smelting process, which creates a significant connection between global oil markets and aluminium production costs.

Between crude oil and aluminium – the petroleum coke connection

Green petroleum coke, also called raw petroleum coke, is produced as a byproduct during the delayed coking process in oil refineries. It is further processed at high temperatures of around 1,200°C to 1,300°C to produce calcined petroleum coke (CPC), a key raw material for manufacturing carbon anodes.

These carbon anodes are essential in the electrolytic reduction process that converts alumina into primary aluminium.

For producing 1 short tonne of petroleum coke, 5 barrels of heavy crude oil are required. On a weight basis, typical medium crude oil yields about 8 per cent of its mass as petroleum coke, while heavier crudes (such as those from Venezuela or oil sands) can yield 15 per cent to 20 per cent or more.

Since petroleum coke is a byproduct of oil refining, pet coke prices are directly related to the costs of crude oil. The higher the prices of crude oil more are the margins of refinery, and therefore, the increased prices of pet coke, which further ripples down to anode costs, given that calcined petroleum coke is the primary raw material of carbon anodes, accounting for 60 to 75 per cent of anode composition. So, if CPC price increases by USD 50 per tonne, an anode plant consuming 0.7 tonnes CPC per tonne of anode sees a USD 35 per tonne cost increase in anode production.

The image used in this article is generated with an AI tool

The final consequence is the increased aluminium smelting cost. On average, anode cost typically contributes 10 to 15 per cent of the total cost of primary aluminium production, albeit the exact share varies depending on energy prices, alumina costs, sourcing strategy, and smelter technology.

One tonne of primary aluminium production requires 400-450 kg of carbon anodes. So, going by the average prebaked carbon anode price between USD 700 per tonne and USD 900 per tonne, its cost contribution comes to USD 294-378 per tonne.

At present, the crude oil price is close to USD 84-90 per barrel. So, if 5 barrels of oil are required to produce 1 tonne of petroleum coke, then the cost would be around USD 420-450 per tonne.

To know the production, demand and consumption forecasts on bauxite and alumina, explore the report "Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook"

Why the Middle East crisis matters to aluminium producers?

One of the key reasons is the strong position of the Middle East as a global aluminium producer, accounting for about 10 per cent of the global output. Another no less important reason is the region’s crude oil exports, making developments in the region highly influential for global energy markets.

The renewed military escalation in the Middle East since early July 2026 has pushed up global oil prices, ranging between USD 84-90 per barrel. On Wednesday, July 29, oil prices climbed about 7 per cent. Suvro Sarkar, head of energy ‌research at DBS Bank, estimates Brent oil prices to grow up to USD 100 per barrel in the near term as the geopolitical conflict ebbs and flows in the Middle East.

According to a Reuters update, only a small number of commodity ships could transit the Strait of Hormuz last week. Five transited on Wednesday and 39 on Tuesday through the Bal el-Mandab, an alternative route for Saudi oil shipments to Asia. Speaking of Asia, the region is the highest destination of the Middle East’s oil exports, led by China, India, and Japan.

China’s petroleum coke and anode markets feel the pressure

China, as one of the world’s largest aluminium producers, provides a clear example of how energy market disruptions can flow into aluminium raw material markets.

As a ripple effect of oil price surge and uncertainty around the Middle Eastern supply routes, China, as one of the leading oil importers from the Middle East, has experienced increased pet coke and prebaked anode prices. Although this is one part of the story, reduced availability of certain grades, especially low-sulphur pet coke required for aluminium anode production, and changes in imported pet coke availability were the other half. As of July 30, the north-east China No.1 petroleum coke spot price index was RMB 4,415.73 per tonne, the Shandong No.2 petroleum coke spot price index was RMB 4,276.73 per tonne, the Shandong No.3 petroleum coke spot price index was RMB 3,738.11 per tonne, and the Shandong No.4 petroleum coke spot price index was RMB 2,093.05 per tonne.

The cost increase in pet coke, coupled with many other factors, contributed to the increased prebaked anode price. According to the data revealed by Mysteel, the July 2026 prebaked anode procurement benchmark price at a major Shandong-based aluminium smelter increased by RMB 30 per tonne month-on-month, with the set at RMB 5,683 per tonne by cash and RMB 5,707 per tonne by acceptance.

Notably, the price movement of anode in July was aligned with the upward pricing trends of upstream raw materials, petroleum coke and coal tar pitch, with rising feedstock costs successfully passed through to finished products. While the industry's overall cost faced mild pressure, it remained firmly above the breakeven line, with only marginal fluctuations.

Going by the latest prebaked anode price and taking into account that 400-450 kg of prebaked anodes is used for 1 tonne of primary aluminium production, then anode cost contribution would be around (RMB 5,683 per tonne anode × 0.42 tonne anode per tonne of aluminium) RMB 2,387 per tonne of aluminium.

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The second pressure point by oil – rising shipping costs

If the surge in oil prices has affected primary aluminium production cost, then the inflated maritime shipping cost cannot be ignored, which ultimately increases aluminium’s CIF price (cost, insurance, freight).

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the adoption of other alternative routes as a result have incurred higher shipping costs for aluminium producers and exporters. The Port of Sohar has emerged as an alternative shipping route, but it requires transshipment or inland transport from Gulf producers, raising shipment costs and delays.

Market indicators show marine insurance costs have risen sharply, with war-risk premiums increasing from around 0.25 per cent pre-conflict to as high as 3 per cent of vessel value. At the same time, tanker freight rates have surged amid reduced vessel availability and heightened risk.

Unlock key insights from leading companies and experts across the aluminium ecosystem with our e-Magazine "Mine to Market: Aluminium Producers & Manufacturers 2026"

Aluminium and oil connection reinforced

The connection between oil and aluminium is indirect but increasingly important. A rise in crude oil prices can influence petroleum coke markets, increase anode production costs and raise shipping expenses.

Senior Analyst with Price Futures Group, Phil Flynn, shares with Reuters that normalisation of oil flows from the Gulf will take about four to six months after the United States and Iran reach a durable ceasefire. He assumes full normalisation would be only possible by early 2027.

In this situation, the International Energy Agency (IEA) expects global oil demand to fall by 1 million bpd this year, before rebounding to rise 2 million bpd in 2027.

Note: This is exclusive coverage by AL Circle and may not be reproduced, republished or shared without prior permission.

Cita Mineral's H1 profit falls 62% as alumina JV earnings overshadow revenue growth

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0530

PT Cita Mineral Investindo Tbk recorded a strong rise in revenue during the first half of 2026, but the higher sales did not translate into stronger earnings. Instead, the Indonesian bauxite miner reported a sharp fall in profit as weaker returns from its alumina refining investment outweighed improvements in its core mining business. The results underline how the company's earnings are becoming increasingly dependent on its downstream aluminium investments.

According to the company's unaudited consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2026, net sales increased 36.9 per cent year on year to IDR 1.91 trillion (USD 106.1 million) from IDR 1.39 trillion (USD 77.2 million). Gross profit also edged higher to IDR 612.4 billion (USD 34 million) from IDR 595.1 billion (USD 33.1 million).

Despite the stronger revenue, net income attributable to shareholders dropped 62.1 per cent to IDR 625.8 billion (USD 34.8 million) from IDR 1.65 trillion (USD 91.7 million) in the same period last year. Earnings per share also declined to IDR 158 from IDR 417.

Downstream investment weighs on earnings

The biggest reason behind the profit decline was Cita Mineral's 12.5 per cent stake in PT Well Harvest Winning Alumina Refinery (WHWAR), its alumina refining joint venture with China Hongqiao Group and Winning Investment (HK). Because the company records its share of WHWAR's profit using the equity method, any change in the refinery's performance has a direct impact on Cita Mineral's earnings.

During the first six months of 2026, Cita Mineral's share of WHWAR's earnings fell to IDR 275.5 billion (USD 15.3 million) from IDR 1.34 trillion (USD 74.4 million) a year earlier. The decline of nearly IDR 1.06 trillion (USD 58.9 million) was the main reason behind the company's weaker bottom line.

Some parts of the business, however, showed improvement. The company recorded a net foreign exchange gain of IDR 86.8 billion (USD 4.8 million), compared with a IDR 0.9 billion (USD 0.05 million) loss a year ago, mainly due to movements in the Indonesian Rupiah against WHWAR's US dollar functional currency.

These gains were partly offset by lower interest income, which declined to IDR 29.7 billion (USD 1.7 million) from IDR 43.1 billion (USD 2.4 million). Selling expenses also rose to IDR 166.4 billion (USD 9.2 million) from IDR 104.6 billion (USD 5.8 million), while general and administrative expenses increased to IDR 92.1 billion (USD 5.1 million) from IDR 74.5 billion (USD 4.1 million) as business activity expanded.

To know the production, demand and consumption forecasts of bauxite and alumina, explore the report "Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook"

Dividend payout reduces cash reserves

As of June 30, 2026, total assets stood at IDR 8.54 trillion (USD 474.4 million), down from IDR 9.13 trillion (USD 507.2 million) at the end of 2025. Total equity also declined to IDR 8.10 trillion (USD 450 million) from IDR 8.77 trillion (USD 487.2 million).

Cash and bank balances fell sharply to IDR 795.4 billion (USD 44.2 million) from IDR 1.42 trillion (USD 78.9 million), mainly because the company paid a cash dividend of IDR 1.39 trillion (USD 77.2 million) in June 2026, equal to IDR 351 per share. The payout, approved at the company's Annual General Meeting in May, was higher than last year's dividend of IDR 328 per share.

Despite the lower cash balance, Cita Mineral generated stronger cash from its operations. Net cash from operating activities increased to IDR 428.0 billion (USD 23.8 million) from IDR 321.6 billion (USD 17.9 million), supported by higher cash receipts from customers.

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Growing exposure to the aluminium value chain

While Cita Mineral's core business remains bauxite mining through PT Harita Prima Abadi Mineral and other subsidiaries in West Kalimantan's Ketapang region, a growing share of its assets is now tied to downstream aluminium projects.

Its investment in WHWAR was valued at IDR 1.64 trillion (USD 91.1 million) as of June 30, 2026, after the company injected an additional IDR 99.1 billion (USD 5.5 million) in April to maintain its 12.5 per cent ownership. It also holds a separate advance for investment of USD 15 million (IDR 184.2 billion). During the first half, dividends received from WHWAR declined to IDR 419.5 billion (USD 23.3 million) from IDR 595.0 billion (USD 33.1 million) a year earlier.

Cita Mineral also owns a 16.00 per cent stake in PT Kalimantan Aluminium Industry (KAI), an aluminium smelter project. The investment was valued at IDR 927.0 billion (USD 51.5 million) and has been built through several rounds of funding, beginning with an initial IDR 330.6 billion (USD 18.4 million) investment in December 2022, followed by IDR 177.3 billion (USD 9.9 million) in November 2024 and another IDR 419.1 billion (USD 23.3 million) between June and August 2025.

The company also holds a 16.00 per cent interest in PT Kaltara Power Indonesia (KPI), which is expected to supply power for downstream aluminium processing. The investment increased to IDR 711.9 billion (USD 39.6 million) from IDR 612.8 billion (USD 34 million) after another IDR 99.1 billion (USD 5.5 million) capital injection in April 2026.

Together, WHWAR, KAI and KPI were valued at approximately IDR 3.28 trillion (USD 182.2 million) as of June 30, 2026, representing nearly 40 per cent of Cita Mineral's total assets. The company's dependence on its downstream operations is also evident in its sales, with about 77 per cent of first-half revenue coming from related-party WHWAR.

The first-half results showed that while Cita Mineral's mining business continued to generate stronger sales and cash flow, the performance of its downstream investments now plays a much larger role in determining overall profitability. Investors will therefore be watching closely to see whether WHWAR's earnings recover in the second half and how the KAI smelter and KPI power projects contribute once they become operational.

66% and counting: China leads aluminium extrusions as India’s demand nears 858,000 tonnes

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 09:29:00 +0530

The centre of gravity of the global aluminium extrusion market is increasingly difficult to locate anywhere but Asia.

China already sits at a scale that no other extrusion-producing country approaches. AL Circle's The World of Aluminium Extrusions – Industry Forecast to 2030 estimated China's aluminium extrusion usage at 20.94 million tonnes in 2023, against global consumption of approximately 31.5 million tonnes. That means, roughly two out of every three tonnes of aluminium extrusions consumed worldwide were used in China. The same study estimated that Chinese extruders had more than 30 million tonnes of annual capacity, while China's extrusion demand could approach 27.5 million tonnes by 2030.

On the other hand, India operates on an entirely different scale, but perhaps on a more interesting growth curve. Industry data available to AL Circle puts India's aluminium extrusion demand at approximately 795,000 tonnes in 2025, increasing to an estimated 858,000 tonnes in 2026 — a year-on-year rise of about 7.9 per cent.

China’s consumer sector is migrating away from dependence on traditional architectural profiles towards EV lightweighting, solar PV, energy storage, electrical systems, rail transit and thermal-management applications, while exporters increasingly target emerging economies as Western trade barriers rise. India, meanwhile, has substantial installed capacity but low utilisation, even as domestic requirements from infrastructure, renewable energy, transport and strategic industries accelerate.

Together, they are reshaping where aluminium profiles are produced, where they are consumed and increasingly which markets global buyers depend upon for value-added aluminium products.

China still sets the global extrusion benchmark

China's dominance has been decades in the making. AL Circle's extrusion industry study estimated worldwide extrusion capacity at approximately 49 million tonnes per annum in 2023, of which China alone accounted for about 64 per cent, or 31.07 million tonnes. Global extrusion usage stood at 31.5 million tonnes, with China representing approximately 66 per cent of consumption.

That concentration is projected to increase rather than disappear. AL Circle estimated China's extrusion consumption at 20.94 million tonnes in 2023, rising to 21.47 million tonnes in 2024 and approximately 27.52 million tonnes by 2030, implying a CAGR of about 3.98 per cent.

But China's 2026 extrusion market shows why headline tonnage alone no longer explains the industry.

According to SMM's H1 2026 aluminium extrusion review, traditional architectural extrusion demand remained weak during the first half of the year, while industrial extrusions linked to new energy, electricity infrastructure and heat dissipation provided the principal support to the industry. In early June, SMM put the operating rate among aluminium extrusion producers it tracks at 57.6 per cent. Demand remained firm in power systems, automotive lightweighting and photovoltaic frames even as the property market continued to weigh on architectural profiles.

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From windows to watts: China's consumption mix is changing

Construction remains enormous. AL Circle's report estimates that 57-60 per cent of Chinese extrusion consumption has historically gone into building and construction, with transportation accounting for roughly 15-16 per cent. Aluminium holds approximately 55 per cent of China's doors and windows market, supported by more than 8,000 companies involved in aluminium door and window manufacturing and supply and around 1,500 curtain-wall fabricators.

That exposure also explains the industry's current vulnerability.

China's prolonged property correction has weakened one of extrusion's largest traditional outlets. Yet industrial demand is filling part of the hole.

Transportation is particularly important. China accounts for an estimated 56 per cent of global aluminium extrusion usage in transportation, according to the AL Circle study. The country's dominance of electric vehicle production creates a large domestic market for aluminium profiles used in body structures, chassis components and other lightweight applications.

Electrical and industrial applications are another sizeable demand pool. In 2023, China was estimated to consume approximately 1.46 million tonnes of extrusions in electrical and electronics applications and another 2.09 million tonnes in industrial applications. China's position in solar manufacturing adds another layer: the country accounted for an estimated 71 per cent of global solar PV manufacturing capacity in the AL Circle report.

SMM's 2026 assessment suggests those structural trends are strengthening. Demand for power transmission and transformation equipment, energy-storage structural components, industrial heat sinks and rail transit profiles remained relatively resilient in H1. PV frames and mounting profiles also received a temporary Q1 boost as overseas customers brought orders forward before China's export tax rebate cancellation for PV-related products took effect on April 1.

China's extrusion exports stage a V-shaped recovery

The second pillar of China's dominance is trade.

Its extrusion exports went through an unusually volatile first half of 2026. SMM data shows exports at approximately:

2026	China aluminium extrusion exports
January	81,000 tonnes
February	64,000 tonnes
March	48,000 tonnes
April	76,000 tonnes
May	87,000 tonnes

March represented the H1 trough, with shipments down 32.8 per cent year-on-year, before April exports jumped 56.8 per cent month-on-month to 76,000 tonnes. May shipments subsequently reached 87,000 tonnes, up 20.1 per cent year-on-year.

SMM identified Southeast Asia, Australia, South America and Central Asia as four core growth markets. Chinese producers have increasingly used overseas warehouses, cross-border stocking arrangements and overseas processing strategies to capture demand as European and US markets become more difficult.

The broader aluminium-semifabricated trade reinforces that picture. China's aluminium semis exports reached 535,700 tonnes in April 2026, rising 20.9 per cent month-on-month and 9.8 per cent year-on-year. Cumulative semis exports during January-April reached 1.1555 million tonnes, 6.2 per cent higher year-on-year.

India is the smaller giant with a capacity problem

India presents almost the inverse picture. The country’s extrusion consumption remains a fraction of China's, but domestic demand is accelerating while the country possesses considerably more manufacturing capability than it currently uses.

Recent industry estimates cited by ALEMAI put India's installed aluminium extrusion capacity at around 3 million tonnes per year, while output is only around 1.2–1.3 million tonnes, implying capacity utilisation of roughly 40-43 per cent. At the same time, approximately 1.5 million tonnes of downstream aluminium products are imported annually, although this import figure covers downstream aluminium products rather than extrusions alone.

Meanwhile, India's extrusion challenge is that it needs to make the existing domestic downstream ecosystem more competitive.

ALEMAI has argued that imports of finished value-added aluminium products under FTAs can enter at zero or near-zero duty in some cases, while primary aluminium imported by Indian processors attracts higher duties. The association's Aluminium Bharat 2026 campaign consequently calls for tariff rationalisation, lower energy and financing costs, greater domestic billet availability and policies encouraging domestic consumption of value-added aluminium.

India's 858,000-tonne demand story is being built sector by sector

India's extrusion demand is estimated to rise from 795,000 tonnes in 2025 to 858,000 tonnes in 2026, equivalent to nearly 8 per cent annual growth.

The demand base is also becoming broader.

AL Circle's industry study estimated India's building and construction sector alone used approximately 280,000–300,000 tonnes of aluminium in 2023, with doors and windows representing an important demand source. The report expected India's construction industry to expand at around 8–10 per cent annually over the following five years, supported by infrastructure investment and consumption growth.

At the wider Asia-Pacific level excluding China, building and construction accounted for approximately 1.54 million tonnes of extrusion usage in 2023, transportation 431,000 tonnes, industrial applications 269,000 tonnes and electrical and electronics 189,000 tonnes. Transportation was forecast to grow the fastest among those major categories at 5.18 per cent CAGR through 2030, with India, South Korea and Southeast Asia among the growth markets.

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Defence and aerospace push India up the extrusion value chain

In June 2026, India laid the foundation stone for a 10,000-tonne aluminium extrusion press at Yantra India Limited's Ordnance Factory Ambajhari in Nagpur. The facility is intended to manufacture large and complex aluminium alloy profiles for defence platforms, aerospace and aviation structures, missiles, railways and other strategic applications.

India's extrusion expansion has traditionally been associated with buildings, general engineering and increasingly renewable energy. The Nagpur project moves the conversation towards high-strength, precision and large-section aluminium extrusions, where import substitution carries both commercial and strategic value.

But 2026 exposed India's supply-chain vulnerabilities

India's rapid downstream growth is occurring alongside a reminder that having installed presses does not guarantee uninterrupted production.

The West Asian conflict caused severe fuel shortages earlier in 2026. By March, at least 25 Indian extrusion units had completely shut operations, while nearly 200 were operating at sharply reduced capacity. Industry output dropped from approximately 70,000 tonnes per month to 45,000 tonnes, according to ALEMAI figures reported by Business Standard. The association represents around 250 companies out of an estimated 450–500 extrusion units nationally.

The disruption exposed extrusion's dependence on LPG and piped natural gas for heating and processing.

Raw material security produced another warning. India generates almost half of its roughly 4.2 million tonnes of aluminium through the secondary sector, while remaining heavily dependent on imported aluminium scrap. Around 30 per cent of those scrap shipments originate in the Middle East, according to Reuters. Following supply disruption from the conflict, some secondary aluminium plants cut production by 20–40 per cent, while scrap prices increased by almost 30 per cent.

This has direct downstream consequences because India's automotive sector consumes around 60 per cent of domestically produced secondary aluminium.

The episode highlights an uncomfortable reality: India may have the presses and demand, but billet, scrap, fuel and energy security determine how much of that extrusion capacity can actually become reliable supply.

The global supply chain is moving downstream — and east

The next phase of Asia's aluminium extrusion dominance may therefore look different from the last one. China built its position largely through enormous manufacturing scale and construction-led consumption. The emerging Asian model is more diversified — combining Chinese industrial extrusion expertise and export reach with India's infrastructure-led demand, renewable energy expansion and move towards strategic high-value manufacturing.

AL Circle Analysis: The new downstream aluminium investment map – where investors should watch

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0530

The aluminium industry's growth story is increasingly being shaped by value-added manufacturing rather than production volumes. Robust earnings, expansion projects and business diversification continued to strengthen confidence in downstream aluminium, with several producers raising their outlooks despite macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds. At the same time, global trade trends favoured economies with stronger downstream capabilities, while weaker exports in some regions and governance challenges highlighted that growth across the industry remains uneven.

Key takeaways

Constellium reported record quarterly results, with revenue rising 31 per cent to USD 2.7 billion and net income increasing to USD 148 million. The company raised its full-year 2026 guidance and brought its 2028 financial targets within reach ahead of schedule.
Maan Aluminium received shareholder approval to diversify into renewable and conventional power generation, expanding its business beyond aluminium manufacturing.
Nigeria's Aluminium Extrusion Plc had its shares suspended from trading on the Nigerian Exchange after failing to submit its FY2025 audited financial statements within the regulatory deadline.
Airbus signed a long-term agreement with SeAH Aerospace & Defense, making it the first Korean materials supplier to join the aircraft manufacturer's aluminium supply chain.
Primetals Technologies secured an order to supply rolling mill technology for Lidao New Energy's battery aluminium foil project in China, supporting EV and energy storage applications.
Kaiser Aluminum attracted fresh institutional investment after Jennison Associates LLC acquired additional shares, with institutional investors now holding 99.3 per cent of the company's stock.
ElvalHalcor completed a successful share capital increase, with the proceeds supporting its €855 million aluminium rolling mill expansion through 2030.
Ardagh Metal Packaging reported 18 per cent revenue growth and 14 per cent EBITDA growth in the second quarter, prompting the company to raise its 2026 EBITDA outlook.
Sonoco posted USD 1.9 billion in second-quarter sales, supported by improving demand for metal packaging alongside stronger industrial packaging performance.
Crown Holdings increased second-quarter revenue to USD 3.668 billion as aluminium beverage can demand strengthened globally, leading the company to upgrade its 2026 earnings outlook.

Trade trends highlight where global momentum is shifting

Global trade data presented a more selective growth picture. Countries with strong downstream manufacturing continued to strengthen their competitive position, while others faced weaker exports, softer industrial demand and increasing pressure from oversupply.

India reinforced its position as a leading supplier of aluminium alloy products worth USD 1.29 billion. The European Union also maintained healthy downstream export growth, with exports rising despite softer imports. In contrast, Bahrain recorded a sharp decline in aluminium exports, Türkiye's downstream imports weakened despite higher values, and China's aluminium rod market remained under pressure as shrinking export orders, slower destocking and falling processing fees reflected weakening market conditions.

Beyond trade, geopolitical tensions also continued to influence downstream industries.

Key takeaways

India exported 1.2 million tonnes of aluminium alloy products worth USD 1.29 billion, reinforcing its growing position in the global value-added aluminium market.
The European Union continued expanding its downstream trade footprint, with exports rising 6.8 per cent by volume and 15.2 per cent by value despite softer imports.
Türkiye's downstream imports declined 8.0 per cent by volume, pointing to softer domestic demand even as higher prices supported import values.
Bahrain's aluminium exports fell 14 per cent during January-May 2026, reflecting weaker international demand across multiple product categories.
China's aluminium rod market remained under pressure as weaker export orders, excess supply and declining processing fees continued to weigh on market sentiment.
The Middle East conflict exposed growing vulnerabilities in downstream supply chains, with aluminium can shortages already affecting packaging costs and consumer pricing in India.

Regional investment outlook

India – Positive: Record aluminium alloy exports and expanding value-added manufacturing continue to strengthen the country's long-term growth potential.
European Union - Positive: Strong downstream export growth reflects resilient global demand for processed aluminium products and reinforces the region's competitive position.
Türkiye - Neutral: Higher import values have partly offset weaker volumes, but softer domestic demand suggests near-term growth could remain moderate.
China - Cautious: Weak export demand, oversupply and declining processing fees continue to weigh on the aluminium rod market.
Bahrain - Cautious: Falling export volumes point to weaker external demand and a more challenging trade environment.
Middle East - Risk watch: Continued geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions remain key risks, with the potential to increase costs and volatility across the global aluminium value chain.

To know the production, demand and consumption forecasts of aluminium casting, explore our report "Global Aluminium Casting Market 2026-2032: Plant Economics, Alloy Segmentation, Pricing Intelligence, Supply Chain Analysis & Strategic Recommendations"

AL Circle Analysis: H1’26 bauxite export, softer alumina, new aluminium supply risks

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 03:30:00 +0530

The global aluminium value chain faced mixed signals in the first half (H1) of 2026, with production growth in key regions, evolving trade flows and emerging supply risks shaping the market. From Guinea’s record bauxite exports and China’s growing alumina and aluminium output to disruptions in Indonesia and the Middle East, offer important insights for producers, traders, suppliers and buyers.

Guinea’s exports rise, miners under pressure, Africa seeks value addition

During H1 2026, Guinea exported a record 114.8 million tonnes of bauxite, up 15 per cent year-on-year. Strong Chinese demand reinforced shipments despite rising operating costs for smaller mines.

However, weak global bauxite prices, higher fuel and freight prices owing to the Middle East conflict and heavy rains have squeezed smaller operators, forcing some to reduce or suspend production. Despite these challenges, expanding output from major producers and new mining projects are expected to keep Guinea’s bauxite sector on track through 2026.

To know the futuristic market and value proposition of red mud, explore the report A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue (Red Mud): Sustainability, Resource Recovery and Strategic Recommendations

Instead of exporting raw materials, African countries are ramping up efforts to process their mineral resources domestically at greater amounts. Leaders at the African Development Bank's Ministerial Forum adopted the Abidjan Declaration to back regional mineral processing, local beneficiation and cross-border value chains.

Africa accounts for about 16 per cent of global bauxite production, with Guinea holding around 30 per cent of the world's reserves. Africa is seeking to develop alumina refining and aluminium production to add greater value from its resources and enhance its standing in the global platform.

Jamaica’s bauxite and alumina export earnings are forecast to recover by 24 per cent to USD 760 million in 2026 as mining and refining operations recover from disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa. Although production and exports declined sharply in Q1, the government forecasts bauxite output would rise about 14 per cent to 6.4 million tonnes by year-end as repair work progresses.

Key takeaway:

Guinea’s bauxite exports of 114.8 million tonnes would provide buyers and traders with a better understanding of near-term raw material availability.

However, heavy dependence on a few supply hubs, i.e., Africa’s 16 per cent share in global bauxite production and Guinea’s nearly 30 per cent of the world's reserves, means any policy change, weather disruption or geopolitical event can quickly tighten markets and trigger price volatility.

For suppliers, maintaining operational efficiency and logistics flexibility would be critical to securing long-term contracts.

Explore buying and selling leads of alumina and trade opportunities on the AL Biz platform.

Global alumina trend: production and pricing

Global metallurgical-grade alumina output was broadly stable at 70.24 million tonnes in H1 2026, down just 0.04 per cent from 70.27 million tonnes a year earlier, despite regional disruptions. China offset global weakness by increasing output 1 per cent to 42.82 million tonnes, although oversupply pushed domestic alumina prices down 21.69 per cent Y-o-Y to RMB 2,697 (USD 399.25) per tonne.

Africa and Asia (excluding China) saw production fall 0.9 per cent to 6.93 million tonnes amid tighter bauxite supply from Guinea and weaker refinery margins. In comparison, North America recorded the steepest decline of 11.5 per cent to 747,000 tonnes due to reduced operations at the Gramercy refinery.

Europe's output slipped 1.8 per cent to 2.85 million tonnes as high energy costs continued to weigh on production, and Oceania declined 3.2 per cent to 8.19 million tonnes following Alcoa's Kwinana refinery closure.

South America was the only major region to post growth, with production rising 0.9 per cent to 5.55 million tonnes, supported by expanded output at Hydro's Alunorte refinery in Brazil.

China’s alumina imports surged in H1 2026, rising nearly 749 per cent Y-o-Y to 2.28 million tonnes, largely driven by Australian shipments, which accounted for 91.7 per cent of June imports. The increase was supported by favourable import economics, low comparison volumes from the previous year and shipping adjustments linked to Middle East tensions.

However, strong domestic production combined with higher imports has increased port inventories, keeping China’s alumina market under pressure. Meanwhile, China maintained steady alumina output through new capacity additions despite weaker refinery margins.

Indonesia is working to resolve regulatory uncertainty that has disrupted alumina and nickel exports after authorities raised concerns over trace rare earth elements found in some shipments. The absence of clear limits on permissible rare earth content has affected exporters, particularly alumina producers.

The LME alumina market has moved in the opposite direction to aluminium over the past three years. Alumina prices surged above USD 800 per tonne in late 2024 following refinery disruptions and bauxite supply constraints but declined towards USD 330 per tonne by mid-2026 as new refining capacity in China and Indonesia pushed the market into surplus.

The price correction has improved smelter economics by lowering raw material costs, even as aluminium prices remain firm. However, refiners are facing increasing margin pressure. Guinea’s bauxite policies, Middle East shipping risks and Chinese refinery decisions remain the major factors influencing the future alumina balance.

Key takeaway:

Expanding alumina capacities in China (42.82 million tonnes) and South America (5.55 million tonnes) would help identify the raw material markets to build a strong supply chain.

For traders, the gap in the alumina-to-aluminium price ratio of rising aluminium prices around USD 3,544 per tonne and softer alumina prices around USD 330 per tonne creates opportunities in market trading and inventory planning. At the same time, buyers can use the current oversupply to secure better raw material deals.

Unlock key insights from leading companies and experts across the aluminium ecosystem with our e-Magazine - Mine to Market: ALuminium Producers & Manufacturers 2026

Aluminium supply watch: Australia, China, Middle East

Australia’s aluminium exports remained heavily concentrated in unwrought aluminium during January-May 2026. Total aluminium exports reached 566,386 tonnes, up 1.98 per cent year-on-year, with unwrought aluminium accounting for 565,180 tonnes or 99.79 per cent of shipments.

In 2025, Australia exported 1.45 million tonnes of aluminium products, with unwrought aluminium representing 99.4 per cent of total exports. South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan and Malaysia remained its largest export markets.

China produced 22.34 million tonnes of primary aluminium in H1 2026, up 2.24 per cent year-on-year. If production follows seasonal trends in the second half, annual output could approach 46 million tonnes, exceeding the country’s 45-million-tonne capacity ceiling.

China continues investing in renewable energy, zero-carbon industrial parks and overseas smelting projects in Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Angola and Kazakhstan. However, coal still supplies around 34.5 per cent of domestic aluminium smelting power, creating challenges for balancing production growth with decarbonisation goals.

The renewed Middle East conflict has highlighted the aluminium industry’s exposure to geopolitical risks. Disruptions at Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) could potentially remove 3-3.5 million tonnes of aluminium supply in 2026, equivalent to around 5 per cent of global output.

Beyond production losses, higher war-risk insurance premiums, increased freight costs, Strait of Hormuz disruptions and declining LME inventories have supported aluminium prices. The crisis is also pushing buyers away from purely cost-driven sourcing towards diversified suppliers, strategic inventories and greater supply security.

Key takeaway:

China’s rising aluminium output (22.34 million tonnes in H1) continues to influence global pricing, trade flows and supplier strategies, while the Middle East conflict resulted in about a 5 per cent or 3-3.5 million tonnes of global aluminium supply deficit.

Producers and buyers need to closely track China’s capacity utilisation, import trends, energy transition policies and geopolitical developments to manage future supply risks.

Anytec unveils A28-T aluminium boat with redesigned hull and T-top option

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:25:00 +0530

Swedish aluminium boat manufacturer Anytec has launched the A28-T, a new model that succeeds its award-winning 860-T and builds on the company's A-series platform with updated styling, enhanced versatility and a new T-top configuration.

The A28-T features a fully welded aluminium hull derived from the proven A27 platform. Design enhancements include a higher freeboard, a revised sheerline and a newly engineered engine bracket capable of accommodating an outboard engine of up to 425 hp. According to the company, the boat is capable of reaching speeds of up to 55 knots.

The model retains Anytec's signature deep-V aluminium hull, complemented by a sharply tapered bow and a redesigned console aimed at improving both performance and handling.

To enhance onboard comfort, the A28-T offers an optional four-seat arrangement equipped with Öhlins-damped suspension seats. The cockpit has also been designed for greater flexibility, allowing owners to configure seating and storage layouts with optional features such as a refrigerator, folding table and stern door.

The company said the modular cockpit design, combined with the adaptability of aluminium construction, enables greater customisation to suit a range of recreational and practical boating requirements.

To know the aluminium casting demand forecast in the transporation sector, explore our report "Global Aluminium Casting Market 2026-2032: Plant Economics, Alloy Segmentation, Pricing Intelligence, Supply Chain Analysis & Strategic Recommendations"

July’s increase in aluminium’s proportion of liquid aluminium exceeded expectations, and August is expected to edge up

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:30:00 +0530

According to SMM statistics, China's aluminium production in July 2026 (31 days) increased 1.6 per cent Y-o-Y; and 3.5 per cent M-o-M. Domestic demand was weak, and combined with a pullback in export orders for some downstream products, all industry chain segments were under pressure; however, driven by high processing fees for aluminium rod and billet, downstream procurement demand for liquid aluminium rose, pushing the proportion of liquid aluminium output in China higher.

The proportion of liquid aluminium in the month rose 1.1 percentage points M-o-M to 78.3 per cent, slightly exceeding expectations at the start of the month, with core growth coming from strong processing profits for some products, leading to higher-than-expected demand for liquid aluminium.

Based on SMM's proportion of liquid aluminium calculations, China's aluminium casting ingot production in July fell 15.1 per cent YoY and 1.4 per cent M-o-M.

Capacity changes: As of month-end July, SMM statistics showed China's existing aluminium capacity was approximately 46.29 million tonnes, flat M-o-M.

Production forecast: Entering August 2026, the traditional off-season for downstream continues, and demand for most downstream products is expected to further weaken. However, some primary processed material orders are performing well, boosting downstream enterprises' willingness to purchase liquid aluminium directly. Overall, the proportion of liquid aluminium is expected to rise 0.2 percentage points to 78.5 per cent.

Note: This article has been issued by SMM and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

TRUNNANO highlights advanced ceramic crucibles for aluminium and high-temperature industries

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0530

TRUNNANO has released a comprehensive guide covering nine advanced ceramic crucible materials, aiming to help engineers optimise material selection for high-temperature industrial processes as aluminium, metallurgy and advanced manufacturing applications demand greater performance, durability and process efficiency, published in the company's advanced ceramics platform, www.ozbo.com

According to Roger Luo, Chief Executive Officer of TRUNNANO, selecting the right crucible material is becoming increasingly important as manufacturers seek higher product purity, longer equipment life and improved process efficiency.

"In high-temperature processes, a crucible is not merely a container - it is a critical factor determining product purity and process success," Luo said.

Material selection is becoming increasingly important

TRUNNANO said industries such as aerospace, speciality alloy production, semiconductor manufacturing and aluminium processing are placing greater demands on crucible materials as operating temperatures and chemical exposure continue to increase.

According to the company, conventional single-material crucibles often struggle to simultaneously provide thermal shock resistance, chemical stability, mechanical strength and cost efficiency, making material selection a key consideration for industrial users.

To know the futuristic market and value proposition of red mud, explore the report "A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue (Red Mud): Sustainability, Resource Recovery and Strategic Recommendations"

Alumina and advanced ceramics support aluminium processing

Among the materials highlighted, alumina remains the most widely used engineering ceramic because of its balanced combination of hardness, electrical insulation and high-temperature performance. TRUNNANO said alumina crucibles can operate at temperatures of up to 1,750°C, making them suitable for a broad range of industrial and laboratory applications.

The guide also highlights alumina-mullite, which combines the high-temperature stability of alumina with improved creep resistance and thermal shock performance. According to TRUNNANO, the material demonstrates significantly higher strength at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for demanding structural and thermal protection applications.

Another material identified as increasingly important is aluminium nitride, whose thermal conductivity of 170–200 W/m·K enables improved temperature uniformity during high-temperature processing. The company said these properties make it well suited for applications requiring efficient thermal management and consistent heating performance.

Beyond these materials, the guide also reviews silicon carbide, silicon nitride, boron nitride, boron carbide, fused silica and silicon carbide-bonded silicon nitride, each offering specific advantages depending on processing conditions and end-use requirements.

Longer service life and lower operating costs

The guide also examines the principal causes of crucible failure, including thermal shock, oxidation, chemical corrosion and melt penetration, noting that selecting materials suited to specific processing environments can extend service life while reducing contamination risks and overall operating costs.

TRUNNANO added that micro-structural defects, including pores introduced during manufacturing, can significantly affect mechanical performance, highlighting the importance of quality control and material inspection for high-temperature applications.

Applications extend across aluminium and advanced manufacturing

According to the company, the ceramic materials covered in the guide are already being used in high-purity metal smelting, aluminium and other non-ferrous metal processing, lithium-ion battery cathode material production, rare-earth permanent magnet manufacturing and semiconductor crystal growth.

Luo said TRUNNANO remains focused on expanding innovation in advanced ceramic materials while helping industrial customers improve production performance through better material selection.

"With this selection guide, we aim to systematise our years of application data and engineering experience across nine core ceramic materials, helping customers mitigate risks at the source and achieve cost reduction and efficiency improvement through scientific material selection," he said.

Explore buying & selling leads of alumina and trade opportunities on AL Biz

Brazil’s alumina ambition leaves a 13Mt red mud challenge: How effective is residue handling? The story behind one of aluminium's largest residues

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 19:00:00 +0530

Every year, Brazil produces more than 13 million tonnes of red mud, making it one of the world's largest generators of the aluminium industry's biggest industrial residue. Created during alumina refining, red mud is unavoidable-but the amount produced is never determined by the residue itself. It depends on everything that happens much earlier, from the quality of bauxite entering a refinery to how efficiently alumina is extracted.

In 2025, Brazil mined 33 million tonnes of bauxite. Around 27 million tonnes of that ore was refined domestically, producing 10.86 million tonnes of alumina and ultimately generating around 13.5 million tonnes of red mud.

The numbers appear straightforward, showing stable red mud generation alongside rising bauxite production. The explanation begins long before red mud reaches a storage facility.

The link between alumina and red mud

Red mud is produced only during the Bayer process, where alumina is extracted from bauxite. This means mining alone does not determine how much residue is created. Instead, red mud production closely follows alumina output, while alumina production depends on both bauxite quality and refinery efficiency.

Across the aluminium industry, producing one tonne of alumina generally requires 2.2-2.8 tonnes of bauxite, while every tonne of alumina leaves behind around 1-1.23 tonnes of red mud.

Brazil operates at the more efficient end of this range.

Its bauxite-to-alumina conversion ratio in 2025 stood at approximately 2.5:1, meaning around 2.5 tonnes of bauxite were required to produce one tonne of alumina. Around 40.2 per cent of the bauxite refined domestically was converted into alumina, compared with 42.5 per cent in 2022, showing that refinery performance has remained consistently high.

To know the futuristic market and value proposition of red mud, explore the report "A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue (Red Mud): Sustainability, Resource Recovery and Strategic Recommendations"

High-quality bauxite shapes Brazil's red mud generation

Not all bauxite deposits contain the same amount of recoverable alumina. Higher-grade ore enables refineries to extract more alumina while processing less material, improving efficiency throughout the Bayer process and ultimately influencing how much red mud is produced.

Brazil possesses 1.7 billion tonnes of bauxite reserves, accounting for around 6 per cent of global reserves. In 2025, the country produced 33 million tonnes, representing about 7 per cent of global output.

Its bauxite is predominantly gibbsite-rich, containing 52.4 per cent Al₂O₃, while its alumina yield reaches 92.77 per cent. As a result, Brazilian refineries generally require only 2.2-2.4 tonnes of bauxite to produce one tonne of alumina, compared with the global average of 2.2-2.8 tonnes.

Although Brazil increased bauxite production from 30 million tonnes in 2022 to 32 million tonnes in 2023, before reaching 33 million tonnes in both 2024 and 2025, that additional mining did not translate into significantly higher red mud generation because alumina production remained relatively stable.

A consistent pattern in Brazil's red mud generation

The production data clearly demonstrates the relationship.

Between 2020 and 2025, Brazil's alumina output fluctuated within a narrow range. Production stood at 10.17 million tonnes in 2020 before rising to 10.98 million tonnes in 2021. It remained virtually unchanged at 10.97 million tonnes in 2022, eased to 10.57 million tonnes in 2023, recovered to 10.71 million tonnes in 2024 and reached 10.86 million tonnes in 2025.

Red mud generation mirrored this trend almost perfectly. Output increased from 12.51 million tonnes in 2020 to 13.51 million tonnes in 2021, edged down slightly to 13.49 million tonnes in 2022, declined to 13 million tonnes in 2023 and recovered to 13.17 million tonnes in 2024 before reaching 13.35 million tonnes in 2025.

Throughout the six-year period, Brazil consistently generated around 1.2 tonnes of red mud for every tonne of alumina produced, reinforcing that residue generation depends far more on refining output than on mining volumes.

Also, Brazilian red mud is far from a uniform industrial residue. It contains 37.16 per cent iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) and 35.5 per cent alumina (Al₂O₃) by weight, together with 8.49 per cent sodium oxide (Na₂O), 6.18 per cent titanium dioxide (TiO₂), 2.34 per cent silica (SiO₂) and 1.23 per cent calcium oxide (CaO).

This mineral-rich composition has attracted increasing interest for recovering valuable metals while supporting circular economy initiatives. Explore our report - A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue (Red Mud): Sustainability, Resource Recovery and Strategic Recommendations.

The refinery network behind Brazil's red mud

The consistency of Brazil's red mud generation is also supported by its well-established refining industry.

The country's alumina refineries have a combined installed capacity of 11.35 million tonnes per annum.

The largest is Alunorte in Barcarena, Pará, operated by Norsk Hydro and its partners, with annual capacity of 6.30 million tonnes. It is followed by the São Luís (Alumar) refinery, jointly owned by Alcoa, South32 and Rio Tinto, with 3.86 million tonnes of annual capacity.

CBA's Alumínio refinery contributes 0.80 million tonnes annually, while Alcoa's Poços de Caldas refinery adds another 0.39 million tonnes.

Together, these facilities efficiently convert Brazil's high-grade bauxite into alumina, resulting in remarkably consistent red mud generation year after year.

Explore buying & selling leads of alumina and trade opportunities on AL Biz

How Brazil manages millions of tonnes of red mud

Producing red mud may be unavoidable, but managing it safely has become a central part of alumina refining.

At Hydro Alunorte in Barcarena, Pará, red mud undergoes press filtration before being placed in dry stacks. The refinery operates eight filter presses, producing residue with around 78 per cent solids. According to Hydro, modern press filtration can reduce moisture content to roughly 22 per cent, improving storage efficiency while reducing reliance on conventional wet disposal.

The filtered residue is transferred to dedicated dry storage facilities, including DRS2, one of Hydro's most advanced residue management systems.

A similar approach is adopted at Alcoa's Poços de Caldas refinery in Minas Gerais. Press filtration removes roughly 70 per cent of the moisture from red mud, allowing recovered water to be recycled back into the Bayer process before the remaining solids are transferred to dry disposal areas.

Across Brazil's major alumina refineries, press filtration and dry stacking have increasingly replaced traditional wet ponding, improving both environmental performance and long-term residue management.

Unlock key insights from leading companies and experts across the aluminium ecosystem with our e-Magazine - Mine to Market: Aluminium Producers & Manufacturers 2026

From industrial residue to future resource

Although red mud remains one of the aluminium industry's largest waste streams, perceptions are changing rapidly.

Its highly alkaline nature still requires careful management, including neutralisation with acidic flux before disposal. However, researchers have demonstrated its potential in road construction, landfill engineering, cement, ceramics and fly ash-based geopolymers.

Its greatest opportunity may lie in mineral recovery.

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials have developed a process that converts iron-rich red mud into CO₂-free iron using green hydrogen and an electric arc furnace. Designed for residues containing 30-40 per cent iron oxide, the technology could help prevent up to 1.5 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions from the steel industry.

Brazil's experience illustrates that red mud is shaped long before it reaches a storage facility. Driven by high-quality bauxite, efficient alumina refineries and modern residue management practices, the country has maintained remarkably stable red mud generation despite increasing mining activity. As new technologies continue to unlock its value, red mud is steadily evolving from an environmental liability into a strategic industrial resource.

Note: This is exclusive coverage by AL Circle and may not be reproduced, republished or shared without prior permission.

Beyond buying and selling: How AL Biz Assisted Trade joins the aluminium value chain

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:09:00 +0530

The aluminium industry is one of the most interconnected global supply chains, spanning bauxite miners, alumina refineries, smelters, recyclers, fabricators, traders and end-users. While each segment plays a critical role, businesses often operate with limited visibility in the market whenever the need arises to go beyond their immediate network, either for finding a new raw material source, reaching a global buyer or improving production efficiency. This is where a digital B2B marketplace is an important link in the aluminium ecosystem.

Enter AL Biz, the digital integrated B2B marketplace for the aluminium value chain.

Through its global platform, AL Biz brings together producers, suppliers, traders and buyers across the entire value chain, i.e., from bauxite and primary aluminium to scrap, secondary aluminium, cutting across the downstream vertical to consumables and equipment.

With over 4,500 verified suppliers and thousands of monthly enquiries, AL Biz provides a broader view of how the industry actually operates, revealing shifting business roles, evolving trade flows and the connections that often remain invisible within traditional supply-chain structures.

Explore primary aluminium suppliers, product listings and trade opportunities on the AL Biz platform.

A network of changing roles in the aluminium value chain

Companies frequently move between roles depending on market demand, geography and operational requirements. They are constantly shifting roles based on market conditions, supply requirements and business opportunities.

A secondary aluminium producer may be a buyer of alloying materials and scrap, a supplier of finished ingots and a customer seeking technical solutions — all at the same time.

AL Biz Assisted Trade activities uphold this interconnected reality, aiming to bridge these gaps by creating a searchable, structured and global marketplace. This helps companies discover opportunities faster and build relationships across the aluminium value chain.

Similarly, an aluminium ingot producer may be searching for selling leads. At the same time, an extrusion company is looking for the primary metal and posts its request for quotation (RFQ) on AL Biz.

Here, the B2B platform acts as a mediator and bridges the gap by connecting both sides based on key factors such as metal grade requirements, commercial terms, pricing benchmarks, and logistical convenience, enabling a suitable and mutually beneficial business partnership between verified users of the industry.

Connect with verified aluminium extrusion buyers and suppliers through the AL Biz marketplace.

What more does it offer?

For better visibility in the digital marketplace, AL Biz offers a Priority Listing provision. Acting as a VIP pass, it enables companies or products to appear at the top of search results and category pages on the B2B platform.

As soon as the requirement is posted, the B2B consultants take care of the rest, helping each part of the aluminium ecosystem discover the right connection at the right time.

While a seller’s requirement is fulfilled, the buyer receives the best quality products, be it raw material or an end-use item.

For instance, an aluminium extrusion manufacturer can come to the B2B platform with a three-fold requirement:

First, sourcing billets (procured via AL Biz)
Second, fabrication assistance (arranged for by AL Biz)
Third, selling requirements (to be sold via AL Biz)

In this manner, the buyer becomes a seller and a seller becomes a buyer.

If the seller is domestically based within India, AL Biz consultants make facility visits to inspect and verify content quality before connecting them with buyers.

Moreover, AL Biz provides an additional edge to the customers. With support from in-house metallurgists, technical experts and metal traders collaborating with the B2B platform, the customers are also provided with experts’ suggestions and suitable alternatives for improving operational efficiencies. They can consult them for the best fit for their requirement specifications as well as guiding them toward the optimised, most effective, profitable solutions.

From bauxite mines to the factory floor, AL Biz B2B platform’s role, in a nutshell, is releasing the two ends of trade from the hassle of identifying and connecting with the best buying or selling lead. Helping each part of the aluminium ecosystem discover the right connection at the right time, the platform offers a streamlined approach compared to other B2B marketplaces.

Vedanta Aluminium targets higher-value products as expansion shifts into growth phase

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:15:00 +0530

Vedanta Aluminium is entering a new phase of growth as major expansion projects near completion and the company shifts its focus towards higher-value aluminium products and lower production costs, prompting brokerages to reaffirm positive outlooks following a strong first-quarter performance.

Brokerages including ICICI Securities, CLSA, Citi, Nuvama and Emkay have maintained bullish views on the recently listed aluminium producer, citing rising production volumes, cost optimisation initiatives and ongoing capacity expansion as key drivers of future earnings growth.

ICICI Securities initiated coverage on Vedanta Aluminium with a 'Buy' rating and a target price of INR 520 (USD 5.54), highlighting the company's transition from a capital expenditure-intensive phase towards improving operational efficiency and profitability.

Expansion projects shift focus towards operational growth

Having completed much of its recent investment cycle, Vedanta Aluminium is now focused on maximising production from its expanded assets while improving product mix and reducing operating costs.

The brokerage expects aluminium production to grow at a rate of around 9 per cent through FY28, supported largely by capacity additions at the company's BALCO operations.

Alongside higher production volumes, Vedanta Aluminium is increasing its share of value-added aluminium products while expanding backward integration to produce more of its own raw materials, a strategy aimed at reducing production costs and improving margins over the longer term.

The company reported EBITDA of INR 102 billion (USD 1.07 billion) during the recent quarter, representing a 135 per cent Y-o-Y increase, driven by higher aluminium prices and improved production volumes.

To know the production, demand and consumption forecasts on bauxite and alumina, explore the report "Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook"

Strong quarterly performance reinforces investor confidence

Vedanta Aluminium's financial performance continued to improve during the first quarter of FY27 following its listing after the demerger from Vedanta.

Consolidated net profit increased more than threefold Y-o-Y to INR 56.29 billion (USD 589. 69 million), while revenue from operations rose 46 per cent to INR 213.93 billion (USD 2.24 billion).

Total income reached INR 217.02 billion (USD 2.27 billion), with operating profit margin improving to 45 per cent from 26 per cent a year earlier. Net profit margin is also more than doubled to 31 per cent, while the company's net worth increased more than 86 per cent Y-o-Y to INR 304.41 billion (USD 3.19 billion).

Alongside its quarterly results, Vedanta Aluminium announced its first interim dividend of INR 8 (USD 0.084) per share for FY27, with August 5, 2026, fixed as the record date.

Cost discipline remains central to long-term growth

While the outlook for aluminium producers remains broadly supportive, brokerages said Vedanta Aluminium's ability to manage production costs will remain a key factor influencing its long term performance.

ICICI Securities projects the company's cost of production to decline to around USD 1,682 per tonne by FY28, although fluctuations in raw material and energy prices could continue to affect profitability. Like other aluminium producers, the company also remains exposed to global commodity price cycles, which can influence earnings and margins.

Explore primary aluminium suppliers, product listings and trade opportunities on AL Biz