[SMM Aluminum Flash News] Skuld Files Patent for Direct Casting of Wrought Aluminum from Scrap

The European Commission is considering tighter restrictions on alumina exports linked to Russia as part of efforts to limit materials that could support Russian military production. The discussions follow scrutiny over alumina shipments from Ireland’s Aughinish Alumina refinery to Russian smelters. EU officials said European businesses should not indirectly support Russia’s military-industrial sector. Alumina is currently not included in EU sanctions against Russia, but European lawmakers have proposed adding it to the next sanctions package. Markets are closely watching whether tighter restrictions could further affect European alumina trade flows and Russia’s aluminum supply chain.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia has frozen more than 50 mining permits (IUP) for mineral and coal companies that failed to submit their 2026 RKAB work plans and budgets. According to Director General of Minerba Tri Winarno, companies were issued three warning letters before suspension and have 90 days to submit RKAB documents or risk permanent revocation of their mining licenses.