Aluminium
Aluminium is a lightweight, silvery-white metal and the most abundant metallic element in the Earth's crust, widely used across transport, construction, packaging and electrical applications. The metal is prized for its low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance and excellent conductivity. Primary aluminium is produced by smelting alumina (refined from bauxite ore) in an energy-intensive electrolytic process, making access to affordable electricity a key competitive factor for smelters. Major producing regions include China, the Middle East, Russia, Canada and Australia, while significant consumption centres span Asia, Europe and North America. The industry is organised around integrated producers that mine bauxite, refine alumina and smelt metal, as well as downstream fabricators that roll, extrude and cast semi-finished products. Benchmark pricing is set on the London Metal Exchange, with regional premiums reflecting freight, supply tightness and trade flows. Aluminium's recyclability without loss of properties underpins a substantial secondary market, reducing the carbon footprint of supply. Demand is driven by lightweighting trends in automotive and aerospace, urbanisation in emerging markets, and the energy transition's need for transmission cable and renewable-energy components. Environmental pressures are prompting smelters to shift toward low-carbon power and adopt inert-anode technologies. The sector faces cyclical swings in capacity utilisation, geopolitical trade restrictions and volatility in energy costs, all of which shape investment and operating decisions.
Aluminium Updates
South African exports to US face new 25% tariff, but with exemptions
By: Terence Creamer 24th July 2026 The US has, from July 24, imposed new tariffs of 12.5% on South African products for the country’s “failure to impose and effectively enforce a... →
New South32 CEO sees strong growth ahead in zinc, lead, silver, copper 
By: Martin Creamer 3rd July 2026 Being a premier base metals-focused business with strong growth potential is the vision for South32 of new CEO Matt Daley. “We've got around 55%... →
Alcoa sees South Africa’s Hillside Aluminium being 'cash flow accretive immediately'
By: Martin Creamer 2nd July 2026 This asset adds scale to our smelting portfolio in a way that is expected to be cash flow accretive immediately, Alcoa Corporation President and... →
Alcoa is well positioned to operate South Africa’s Hillside Aluminium, says Pillay
By: Martin Creamer 1st July 2026 As a global producer of materials across the aluminium value chain, Alcoa Corporation is well positioned to operate South Africa’s Hillside... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, at the South32 Hillside Aluminium anniversary (07/05/2026)
8th May 2026 When President Nelson Mandela opened the smelter in April 1996 he said: “The ultimate yardstick by which we must measure our efforts is the extent... →
New electricity solution being advanced for South Africa’s Hillside Aluminium
By: Martin Creamer 28th April 2026 A new, long-term electricity solution for South Africa’s Hillside Aluminium Smelter in KwaZulu Natal has been advanced, which marks a crucial step... →
Eskom confident of meeting winter demand, Minerals Council South Africa indicates
By: Martin Creamer 10th April 2026 Amid the expectation of Eskom publishing its winter outlook later this month, the State-owned power utility has meanwhile expressed confidence that... →
World Bank, IMF, IEA to coordinate response to Middle East war's economic, energy impact
By: Creamer Media Reporter 2nd April 2026 The heads of the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have announced in a joint statement... →
AGOA changes add to Africa’s rollercoaster ride of US tariffs
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 13th March 2026 AGOA was designed to give investors predictability – yet its benefits are now threatened by the turmoil of shifting US trade rules. Like most of... →
South32 targeting Arctic project in Alaska with joint venture partner
By: Martin Creamer 22nd January 2026 Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed South32 is targeting the copper-dominant Arctic project in the Ambler mining district of north-western Alaska... →
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