[SMM Aluminum Express News] Arctial said its planned project targets annual aluminium production of ~610,000 tonnes, with a final investment decision (FID) expected in 2027, according to Chief Commercial Officer Maxime Vandersmissen.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Vedanta Limited reported its highest-ever production for FY 2025-26 (ended March 31, 2026). Alumina production rose 48% to a record 2.92 million tonnes. Aluminium output reached a record 2.46 million tonnes, up 1% from the previous year. The strong performance reflects improved operational efficiency and Vedanta’s growing position in the global aluminium value chain.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) estimates it will take up to 12 months to fully resume aluminium production at its Al Taweelah smelter in Abu Dhabi following the Iranian missile and drone attack. The attack caused power loss and an uncontrolled shutdown, with molten metal solidifying inside the potlines, resulting in significant damage to the smelter and casthouse. EGA CEO Abdulnasser Bin Kalban said the company is assessing the damage and will work closely with affected customers. He noted that while the smelter may take up to a year to restart, the Al Taweelah alumina refinery (2.4 million tpy) and recycling plant (185,000 tpy) could resume operations earlier.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle made landfall near Coen, Far North Queensland, Australia, around 7:30 AM on March 20, 2026, as a Category 4 system (after peaking as Cat 5 offshore). It brought winds >250 km/h, 200–500 mm rain, flash flooding, and storm surge—one of the strongest cyclones to hit the region in decades. Rio Tinto shut down its Weipa bauxite operations (including Amrun and Andoom mines) as a precaution against destructive winds, heavy rain, and risks to infrastructure. The Weipa area supplies key global bauxite for aluminium production. Emergency evacuations occurred in remote communities like Lockhart River.

In October 2024, Guinean customs authorities suspended bauxite exports from Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), a subsidiary of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), due to unresolved issues with the Guinean government, chiefly around concerns over GAC’s failure to progress on its commitment to build a domestic alumina refinery.

Emirate Global Aluminium’s recent announcement of setting up a primary aluminium smelter in Oklahoma, close to the Tulsa Port of Inola, is going to be the first new primary aluminium plant built in the US in 45 years.

[Vedanta Expands Value-Added Zinc and Aluminium Production] On May 13, 2025, Vedanta Limited announced a $1.5 billion expansion to boost value-added aluminium and zinc production. This includes a new 30 KTPA zinc alloy plant and a goal to raise value-added aluminium products to over 90% of its portfolio. Key products include billets and rolled aluminium used in aerospace, EVs, and solar sectors. Hindustan Zinc is introducing die-casting alloys (HZDA-3, HZDA-5) and exploring zinc battery technologies. Vedanta is also investing in critical minerals like copper and nickel, and expanding industrial silver output. The company continues to promote low-carbon metals through its Restora and EcoZen brands, aligned with India’s energy transition.

[Ma’aden Reports 48% Increase in Flat Rolled Aluminium Production] Saudi Arabian aluminium producer Ma’aden reported a 48% year-on-year increase in flat rolled products (FRP) output for Q1 2025, reaching 72kt compared to 57kt in Q1 2024. Alumina production rose by 9% to 478kt, and primary aluminium output grew slightly to 249kt from 246kt. The aluminium business unit, encompassing aluminium, alumina, and FRP, generated SAR2.71 billion ($722.5 million) in revenue, down 9% from the previous quarter. The company forecasts full-year primary aluminium production between 850kt and 1150kt, and FRP output between 250kt and 310kt. EBITDA increased 4% quarter on quarter, driven by stronger aluminium and FRP prices. FRP sales volumes rose 26% year on year. Ma’aden noted that proposed US tariffs are expected to have limited direct financial impact but may cause short-term trade disruptions. The company emphasized its globally competitive cost structure and plans to closely monitor developments.

[Ma’aden Reports Surge in Flat Rolled Aluminium Production] On May 8, 2025, Saudi Arabian aluminium producer Ma’aden reported a 48% year-on-year increase in flat rolled products (FRP) output for Q1, reaching 72kt compared to 57kt in Q1 2024. Alumina production rose 9% to 478kt, and primary aluminium output edged up 1% to 249kt. Despite a 9% drop in aluminium business unit revenue to SAR 2.71 billion ($722.5 million) from the previous quarter, EBITDA rose 4% quarter-on-quarter, supported by stronger FRP and aluminium prices. FRP sales volumes grew 26% year-on-year, aided by improved pricing. Ma’aden expects to produce 850–1150kt of primary aluminium and 250–310kt of FRP in 2025. The company noted that proposed US tariffs would have limited direct financial impact but could temporarily disrupt trade flows. It emphasized its competitive cost structure and diversified customer base, and said it would monitor developments closely.

On April 17, at the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminium Conference & Aluminium Industry Expo - Aluminium Industry Chain Sustainable Development Forum , hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), SMM Metal Exchange Center, and Shandong AIS Information Technology Co., Ltd., and co-organized by Zhongyifeng Jinyi (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Lezhi County Qianrun Investment Promotion Service Co., Ltd., Guo Qi, ASI Assurance Manager of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), shared insights on the implementation of global sustainable standards for the aluminium industry chain and the progress in building a sustainable aluminium value chain. The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) is a global non-profit standard-setting and certification organization. Vision, Mission, and Values Vision: Maximize the contribution of aluminium to a sustainable society. Mission: Recognize and collaboratively promote responsible production, sourcing, and stewardship of aluminium. Values: Ensure inclusivity in work and decision-making processes by promoting the participation of all relevant stakeholders. Encourage broad participation across the entire aluminium value chain, from bauxite and alumina to aluminium (from mining to downstream users). Promote shared responsibility for material management throughout the aluminium life cycle, from extraction, production, and use to recycling. The presentation also covered the brief history of ASI, reasons for its establishment, governance structure, global consistency documentation system, membership growth, ASI today, and its core work. Core Work: ASI collaborates with producers, users, and other stakeholders to promote responsible aluminium production, sourcing, and stewardship, driving transformation in the global aluminium value chain through the following means: • Standard Setting and Certification • Auditor Certification • Training and Capacity Building • Multi-Stakeholder Governance • Indigenous Peoples Advisory Forum (IPAF) • Promoting Collaboration through Partnerships and Mutual Recognition • Impact Assessment and Monitoring ♦ Strategic Evolution… ♦ Joining ASI Be part of a global effort to drive positive change. Enhance performance through focused actions and expand progress on key environmental, social, and governance issues. The presentation also elaborated on ASI certification. ♦ ASI and Climate Climate responsibility of the aluminium industry: Accounts for 2% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂ equivalent) and 4% of global CO₂ emissions. ASI requires certified entities to: Develop greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction plans and use ASI-approved methodologies to ensure that the GHG emission reduction pathway aligns with a 1.5-degree Celsius warming scenario. ♦ ASI's GHG Pathway Methodology… Proven Methodology • It is a method for measuring the long-term GHG emission intensity performance of specific entities, in line with the industry's 1.5-degree scenario. • Respect the 1.5-degree scenario carbon budget for the industry • Warn that the slope may/will change if action is delayed • Forward-looking methodology • Not a measurement standard for "low-carbon," "green," or "net-zero" aluminum ♦ Parallel recognition ♦ Value brought Value to members: • Demonstrate leadership and commitment in responsible production, sourcing, and management of aluminum within the industry • Enhance performance in key Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues through collective action, accelerating the sustainable development process • Access specialized learning resources on ASI aluminum sustainability • Advance the ASI certification process for both the enterprise and its suppliers • Participate in ASI's ongoing work projects from a strategic corporate perspective • Join ASI's governance system, including the operation of various specialized working groups • Utilize ready-made sustainability management tools to efficiently address challenges in the aluminum value chain • Gain the right to use the ASI membership logo and a dedicated display page on the official website Value to ASI: • Promote widespread collaboration and the widespread application of ASI standards within the aluminum value chain • Infuse your professional voice and industry influence into our mission • Create a demand boost for ASI-certified products in downstream markets • Enhance industry awareness of sustainable aluminum • Share your valuable experiences in other responsible sourcing projects 》Click to view the special report on the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Conference & Aluminum Industry Expo