US-based combustion technology provider Bloom Engineering has highlighted the growing role of advanced combustion systems in improving efficiency and reducing emissions across the aluminium industry. Its technologies are used in aluminium melting, holding, homogenising, reheating and heat-treatment processes, where precise temperature control is critical to production efficiency and product quality. Founded in 1934 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Bloom Engineering provides industrial burners, combustion systems, controls engineering and technical services through operations in the US, Germany, India and China. The company’s solutions support the use of natural gas, hydrogen, biofuels and other fuels while helping customers reduce CO₂ and NOx emissions, improve temperature uniformity, increase production capacity and lower fuel consumption. As aluminium producers accelerate decarbonisation efforts, advanced combustion technologies are expected to play a key role in supporting low-carbon and energy-efficient manufacturing.

[Explosion at a US Molybdenum Smelter] SMM January 30: According to foreign media reports, on the evening of January 29, 2026, US local time, an explosion occurred at The Langeloth Metallurgical Facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is understood that one person has been taken to the hospital. The enterprise primarily produces molybdenum oxide and ferromolybdenum, with a molybdenum oxide production scale of approximately 1,200 mt/month and a ferromolybdenum production scale of approximately 500 mt/month. Based on information from 2024, its potential total capacity was approximately 40 million pounds of molybdenum products.

SMM Report, February 12 Since January, the domestic molybdenum market in China has seen a slight rebound. At the beginning of January, domestic mines shipped goods intensively. Against the backdrop of low industry inventories, the focus of mine auction prices moved upward, driving a mild rise in market prices early in the month. However, the price increase was constrained by poor profitability of downstream steel mills and the weak import molybdenum oxide market in the middle of the month.

Alcoa is considering the sale of an aluminum smelter, despite expecting to receive approximately €90 million (about 69 million yuan) in government aid. The group forecasts that the primary aluminum production plant will record losses ranging from €90 million to €110 million (approximately 690 million to 843 million yuan) this year. Starting in 2027, if the plant becomes profitable, continued operation will be considered; otherwise, a sale will be pursued. The future of Alcoa's San Ciprián industrial park in Cervo once again faces significant uncertainty. The US multinational has raised the possibility of selling the primary aluminum smelter while also evaluating another, more concerning option: closing the alumina refinery. These details were disclosed during the company's investor day event held last week, which aimed to present its future strategy to investors. If either plan materializes, implementation will occur after 2027—coinciding with the expiration of the job protection agreement reached with employees in 2021, which safeguards them from layoffs. Despite discussions of sale and closure, the Pittsburgh-based company also plans to significantly increase the amount of public aid it receives from the government.

U.S. Steel, a steel company based in Pittsburgh, has announced a US$75 million investment to install a new premium thread line at its Fairfield tubular products manufacturing plant. The Fairfield plant specializes in producing steel pipes and tubular products, primarily serving customers in the oil, gas, and other energy sectors. The plant is equipped with an advanced electric arc furnace. This upgrade aims to enhance production efficiency and reliability in delivering high-quality, American-made tubular products. The investment is also expected to support the energy sector's needs and create new jobs in the region.

【SMM Steel】Pittsburgh-based steel producer U.S. Steel has announced a $75 million investment to install a new premium thread line at its Fairfield tubular products manufacturing plant. The facility specializes in producing steel pipes and tubular products primarily serving oil, gas and energy sector customers, equipped with an advanced electric arc furnace. The upgrade aims to enhance production efficiency and reliability in delivering high-quality American-made tubular products, with the investment expected to support energy sector needs and create regional jobs.

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