Aluminium is a vital element of the global economy, and the rising demand for the green metal underscores its enduring importance. Although the industry faces occasional challenges and disruptions, the push for sustainable aluminium continues to gain momentum. This week, top companies like Hydro, Vedanta, and Metlen Energy and Metals released their financial result, reflecting significant changes.
To begin with, Hydro announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, highlighting the positive impact of higher alumina and all-aluminium prices on its performance during the period. In the first quarter of 2025, Hydro reported revenues of NOK 57,094 million, marking a 20 per cent increase from NOK 47,545 million in the same period the previous year. Not only this, the company also updated about the impact of US tariffs – to know more about it, click here.
Talking about Vedanta, a key player in the metals and mining industry, the company has reported strong performance across both financial indicators and production levels for the fourth quarter of FY2025. Driven by favourable commodity prices and a focused expense reduction strategy, Vedanta posted its highest-ever quarterly profit after tax (PAT), soaring 118 per cent year-on-year to INR 4,961 crore (USD 591.5 million). Click here to read more.
Metlen Energy and Metals began Q1 2025 with a remarkable upswing in performance, reporting total sales of EUR 1.50 billion—a 31 per cent increase from EUR 1.143 billion in Q1 2024. This growth was driven by strong double-digit gains across its key segments: Metals rose by 11 per cent, Energy grew by 31 per cent, and the Infra and Concessions division delivered an exceptional 171 per cent surge. Know more about Melten’s financial results here.
Another significant event was how the widespread power outage that struck Spain on April 28 impacted Alcoa’s San Ciprián complex. The outrage disrupted both its aluminium smelter and alumina refinery. The incident sent shockwaves through the business community, industry observers, and investors, highlighting how a single power disruption can jeopardise millions of dollars in business for both the company and the country.
On Thursday, May 1, US aluminium giant Alcoa Corporation announced that its order book for the second quarter remained stable despite the imposition of US tariffs. CEO William Oplinger noted that the company has not seen any adverse effects on bookings; however, he cautioned against optimism for the coming months, citing customer feedback pointing to possible challenges ahead. Adding to the company’s growing list of challenges, CEO William Oplinger shared an update about its refinery in Kwinana, Australia, which was shut down last year. To know more, read here.
Rio Tinto has raised concerns about the future of its Bell Bay aluminium smelter in Tasmania, following six years of failed negotiations with Hydro Tasmania over a renewable power supply agreement. With just eight months remaining on its current agreement with the state-owned utility, the company’s future operations are uncertain. This could result in significant job loss and lots more.
Indian conglomerate Vedanta, which operates across sectors from metals to oil, has announced plans to boost its capital expenditure for the current financial year. According to Chief Financial Officer Ajay Goel, the company intends to increase its spending to between $1.5 billion and $1.7 billion, up from $1.5 billion in the previous fiscal year. To know how much the aluminium division will receive, click here.
On May 2, 2025, National Aluminium Company (NALCO) recorded a 3.01 per cent gain, marking a trend reversal after two straight days of losses. While the company’s year-to-date performance remains in decline, its long-term trajectory over the past five years shows an upward trend.
In April 2025, Russian aluminium producer United Co. RUSAL (Rusal) threatened to take legal action against Germany following the disruption of a currency-hedging deal caused by a government takeover of a bank. The bank involved, VTB Bank (Europe) SE—Frankfurt-based subsidiary of Russia’s state-owned VTB Bank—was effectively taken over by German authorities in April 2022 in response to EU sanctions on Russia. To know more, click here.
The Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) called on the Indian government to extend the RoDTEP scheme to aluminium exporters, citing the financial strain on domestic producers. In its submission, FIMI emphasised the need to create a level playing field in international markets. The RoDTEP scheme is designed to enhance export competitiveness by reimbursing unclaimed taxes.
On April 27, 2025, Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) announced the adoption of the AI-powered analytics platform Seeq, becoming the first aluminium smelter in the Middle East to implement this advanced technology. The move comes through a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Crucial Solutions and Services (CSS) to ensure seamless integration.
Other significant events are:
Uzbekistan and Russia have strengthened their cooperation in the aluminium sector, using the 5th International Industrial Exhibition “Innoprom. Central Asia” in Tashkent as a platform to initiate agreements on standards harmonisation, collaborative projects, and the development of advanced materials, including aluminium-zirconium alloys.
The SMM Aluminium Industry Conference & Expo (AICE) 2025 is set to return as Asia’s leading platform for aluminium industry innovation, strategic partnerships, and global market growth. Held alongside CLNB 2025 (China International New Energy Industry Expo), this year’s event expands its focus to include both aluminium and renewable energy sectors, delivering exceptional value for exhibitors and attendees alike.
In a move to strengthen Maryland’s tech infrastructure, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has been named the anchor tenant for the ‘Bauxite I’ data centre project, located on the former Alcoa Eastalco Works site near Buckeystown. Led by Rowan Digital Infrastructure, the project aims to revitalise the long-idle 2,100-acre industrial site into a vibrant hub for digital innovation.
In April 2025, Lindian Resources announced it had secured full ownership of the Lelouma Bauxite Project in Guinea, West Africa, marking a significant step in its strategy to expand its aluminium resource portfolio. The acquisition was completed through the issuance of 40 million fully paid shares to the vendors, in line with the agreed terms.
Metro Mining Limited, a Queensland-based mining and exploration company in Australia, has reported a record bauxite shipment of 184,000 wet metric tonnes (WMT) for Q1 2025, generating USD 9 million in FOB (Free on Board) revenue. For 2025, the company aims to ship between 6.5 and 7 million WMT of bauxite. Click here to learn how the company will achieve this.
Conclusion
The aluminium industry is experiencing dynamic changes, with several major companies reporting strong financial results in early 2025. Hydro, Vedanta, and Metlen Energy and Metals all saw significant growth, driven by favourable market conditions and strategic efforts. However, the sector is not without its challenges, including disruptions caused by power outages, tariff impacts, and strained negotiations. Despite these challenges, innovations in technology and strategic investments are shaping the future of the industry, as evidenced by moves like Alba’s adoption of AI-powered analytics and AWS’s involvement in Maryland’s tech infrastructure. The sector continues to be marked by volatility, but the ongoing push for sustainability and strategic development signals a positive trajectory for aluminium’s role in the global economy.