The aluminium industry has witnessed a lot of significant events throughout the week, with achievements on one end and unexpected setbacks on the other. The dynamic contrast makes it one of the most captivating sectors to follow today. Let’s unlock what kept the week on its toes.

To begin with, Vedanta Chairperson Anil Agarwal has urged the Indian government to impose a 12 per cent safeguard duty on aluminium imports following the recent introduction of a similar measure on steel. Agarwal argues that this step is crucial to shield India’s domestic aluminium industry from a flood of cheap imports. He emphasises that as India’s economy grows rapidly, it becomes increasingly vulnerable to such imports, making the safeguard duty a necessary protection.

Guinea, a West African nation whose economy heavily depends on its bauxite mining sector, has taken a bold step to assert control over its natural resources. In May 2025, the government announced the repossession of 51 mining licenses, including several tied to bauxite, due to companies’ failure to meet development deadlines and operational obligations. Among those affected are Kebo Energy SA and Emirates Global Aluminium, penalised specifically for not following through on commitments to build local alumina refineries. Read more

Switzerland has officially banned the sale and import of unwrought aluminium from Russia, effective Thursday, May 15. The ban also includes Belarusian aluminium and includes fresh restrictions on specific exports. This decision aligns Switzerland with the European Union’s 16th sanctions package, introduced in February 2025, which targets imports of aluminium, military goods, and vessels transporting Russian oil. To know more, click here.

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), a major aluminium producer from the UAE, has announced plans to build a new aluminium smelter in Oklahoma, USA. This would be the first new primary aluminium plant in the U.S. in 45 years and represents a significant $4 billion investment to boost domestic aluminium production and strengthen the supply chain. But what about the challenges like high electricity cost, competition power, etc. Read to know more.

While some companies worry about losing rights and concessions, Australian mining firm Lindian Resources remains confident in its position within Guinea’s mining sector. So, what fuels this sense of security? The answer comes down to three key names: Lelouma, Gaoual, and Woula. To know more, click here.

In a week marked by bold announcements, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) revealed two major investment moves that signal a strong push toward diversification and localisation despite growing geopolitical tensions in its upstream supply chain. Click here to learn more about the deals unlocked.

Talking about the brighter side, both Mingtai Aluminum and Yunnan Aluminum reflected robust growth in their Q1 results. In mid-May, Mingtai Aluminium published an investor relations update highlighting a strong performance in the first quarter. The company achieved a new record in production and sales of aluminium plate, sheet, strip, and foil, with sales volume nearing 380,000 tonnes—an 11 per cent year-on-year increase. To know more, click here.

Yunnan Aluminum Co., Ltd. has released its Q1 2025 performance report, revealing a mixed financial picture. The company posted total revenue of 14.411 billion yuan for the quarter, marking a 26.89 per cent year-on-year increase. However, net profit attributable to shareholders declined by 16.26 per cent year-on-year, falling to 974 million yuan. Click here to know more

Canyon Resources Limited has secured a significant boost with a USD 24.5 million investment from its major shareholder, Eagle Eye Asset Holdings, through the exercise of 350 million options. This investment will increase Eagle Eye’s stake in the company to 54.7 per cent and significantly enhance Canyon’s cash reserves, paving the way for faster advancement of the Minim Martap Bauxite Project.

Other important events

Rio Tinto is preparing to kick off early works and final engineering studies for a major expansion of its Amrun bauxite mine on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, aiming for its first production by 2029. The project, named Kangwinan at the request of the Wik Waya people, the Traditional Owners of the land, represents a major milestone for Rio Tinto’s Weipa Southern operations. Click here to read more.

In April 2025, global primary aluminium production saw a 3.27 per cent month-on-month decline despite stable daily average output. According to the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), daily production in April stood at 201,100 tonnes, virtually unchanged from 201,200 tonnes in March. On a year-on-year basis, however, overall output rose by 2.25 per cent, reflecting a steady upward trend in annual production. This marks the third consecutive year of a production dip in April, with similar 3 per cent declines observed in both 2023 and 2024 – is this a trend, or are some factors driving this? Read to understand.

Hindalco Industries, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has acquired full ownership of EMIL Mines and Mineral Resources Ltd. (EMMRL). This strategic acquisition aims to secure a dependable, long-term coal supply for Hindalco’s aluminium smelters, helping to guarantee uninterrupted production in an industry that is both highly competitive and energy-intensive. Read more.

ADNOC and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) have signed a landmark five-year supply agreement valued at $500 million (AED 1.84 billion), securing up to 1.5 million tonnes of calcined petroleum coke (petcoke), a vital material used in aluminium production. Read more here

Customs data reveals that China’s imports of unwrought aluminium and aluminium products in April 2025 declined by 3.8 per cent year-on-year but rose 8.82 per cent compared to the previous month. In April, imports totalled 370,000 tonnes, down from 380,000 tonnes in April 2024. For the first four months of 2025, China imported a total of 1.32 million tonnes of unwrought aluminium and aluminium products, marking an 11.4 per cent decrease compared to 1.49 million tonnes during the same period in 2024. Read more here.