President Donald Trump’s second term has brought a fresh wave of aggressive trade policies, and aluminium is once again in the crosshairs. The recent hike in tariffs on Canadian aluminium—from 25% to a staggering 50%—has sent shockwaves through the industry. Officially, the move is positioned as a way to protect domestic production, but its impact […]
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Rethinking ore beneficiation for a greener industry
In my previous article, I talked about transformation. I shall go deeper into understanding how transformation will make aluminium and sustainability go hand-in-hand. The transformation will begin with processes about ores containing the target mineral phase and desired crystalline phases for the best response to process chemistry. It will be adopted to recover alumina by […]
Continue readingHedging with Jorge #Episode 39: Understanding Call Options – To Exercise or Abandon?
Introduction Our previous discussion explored the fundamentals of call options and how they grant you the right (but not the obligation) to buy aluminium at a predetermined price. Now, let’s dive deeper into decision-making: When should you exercise a call option, and when is it better to abandon it? Options are vital tools in hedging […]
Continue readingHedging with Jorge #Episode 38: Understanding Call Options vs. Futures
Introduction Understanding financial instruments like options and futures is crucial for risk management in commodity trading. In this episode of Hedging with Jorge, we explore the fundamental differences between call options and futures, particularly in aluminium trading. What is a call option? A call option gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to […]
Continue readingFrom governments to companies to consumers, the ultimate power lies with us
Aluminium is everywhere; from the cans in our refrigerator to the vehicles on the street. But what is the effect when governments impose tariffs on aluminium imports? The new U.S. tariff of 25% on imported aluminium is going to shake up businesses, and while companies such as Coca-Cola are weighing in on raising prices or […]
Continue readingWomen in aluminium: Breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry
Aluminium stands at the core of global manufacturing, along with other sustainable metals, presenting an essential material for everything- from sophisticated aircraft to everyday consumer products we rely on. It’s one of the pillars of today’s industrial revolution, combining innovation in engineering and supply chain advancements. Behind this gleaming metal and the outstanding production figures, […]
Continue readingHedging with Jorge #Episode 37: Call Options Explained: A Simple Car Insurance Analogy
When discussing futures contracts, we often focus on outright buying and selling. But what if, instead of purchasing the commodity directly, you had the right rather than the obligation to buy it? That’s where options come into play, offering flexibility in trading strategies. A call option gives the holder the right to buy a commodity […]
Continue readingLow-carbon aluminium: The race towards net-zero emissions
Aluminium is a chief raw material that supports the growth of various industries like construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Regrettably, aluminium production emits almost 270 Metric tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere, which contributes to 3% of the world’s direct industrial carbon emissions.1 Increasing carbon emissions has been creating a catastrophic impact on the global environment […]
Continue readingHow AI and Automation are Transforming the Aluminium Industry
The aluminium industry is undergoing a revolution powered by AI and automation. From extrusion to smelting and rolling, cutting-edge technologies drive efficiency, sustainability and cost-effectiveness. This blog explores three case studies highlighting how industry leaders leverage digital transformation to optimise operations and reduce environmental impact. Granco Clark: Adaptive Technology in Aluminium Extrusion Granco Clark is […]
Continue readingHedging with Jorge #Episode 36: Understanding Options in the LME from a Speculator’s Perspective
Introduction When analysing the world of options trading, it’s crucial to approach it from a speculator’s mindset. Unlike hedging, which focuses on risk management, speculation is taking positions based on market expectations. To put it simply: This approach is fundamental to trading futures and options on the London Metal Exchange (LME), particularly in aluminium markets. […]
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