Metro Mining CEO Sees 2026 as Pivotal Year for Bauxite Hills Expansion

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Alpha HPA Limited (ASX: A4N) has secured a $75 million investment from the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) as a cornerstone commitment in its $225 million funding round. The NRFC backing catalyzed an additional $150 million from institutional investors, including continued support from Orica Limited and AustralianSuper, successfully completing the raise. The funds will support the HPA First Project in Gladstone, Queensland—a high-purity alumina (HPA) facility operating on 100% renewable electricity. Using Alpha HPA’s proprietary technology, the project achieves near-zero waste, low-emissions production, and a globally differentiated ultra-high purity profile.

[SMM Aluminum Morning Meeting Minutes: Aluminum Prices Edged Up Overnight as US-Iran Tensions Briefly Escalated] Overall, the short-term volatility risks in SHFE aluminum and nonferrous metals markets have increased significantly. Prices may continue to be affected by factors such as the US Fed's policy shift, and further amplification of fluctuations cannot be ruled out. It is essential to closely monitor market dynamics and regulatory policy changes, conduct trading rationally and in compliance, and prudently manage positions and risks.

[SMM Cast Aluminum Alloy Morning Comment: Primary Aluminum Spot Prices Decline for Three Consecutive Days, Marginal Improvement in Market Demand] Spot market-wise, A00 aluminum prices fell by another 410 yuan/mt from the previous trading day to 23,290 yuan/mt, while SMM ADC12 prices dropped by 200 yuan/mt to 23,650 yuan/mt. Futures continued their downward trend, and secondary aluminum market quotations generally followed suit, though the extent of price declines varied among producers. Demand side, purchasing sentiment showed slight improvement compared to earlier periods, but downstream buyers remained cautious amid expectations of further price declines. Coupled with heightened short-term market volatility, pre-holiday stockpiling willingness remained low. Supply side, as the Chinese New Year approaches, factors such as reduced orders and environmental protection-related controls have prompted some secondary aluminum plants to schedule early holiday shutdowns, with production expected to halt gradually starting from the 5th. Overall holiday durations are longer than the same period in previous years. In summary, continued weakening downstream demand and declining raw material costs have reduced fundamental support for prices, and secondary aluminum alloy prices are likely to remain in the doldrums in the short term.