Aluminium inventory shrinks as futures dip

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Hydro will supply General Motors with Hydro CIRCAL high-recycled aluminum for the front bumper system of the 2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, marking one of the first structural, safety-critical automotive applications of the material in the United States. The aluminum contains at least 75% post-consumer scrap and has a carbon footprint of 1.5 kg CO₂e per kg of aluminum or lower, representing an estimated 70% reduction compared with the North American average for primary aluminum production. Hydro will produce the recycled aluminum at its Cassopolis, Michigan recycling facility, while Shape Corp. will engineer and assemble the bumper system for General Motors. The partnership supports GM's efforts to increase material circularity, reduce embedded carbon emissions and strengthen domestic aluminum supply chains by using locally sourced recycled aluminum.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Vedanta Aluminium has secured a ₹13,500 crore (approximately US$1.6 billion) syndicated bank loan to refinance debt inherited following the group's demerger, strengthening the company's long-term capital structure. The loan carries tenors of 6.5 to 7 years with interest rates of 7.9%–8.0%, and was arranged by a consortium of lenders including Axis Bank, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank. The refinancing follows Vedanta Aluminium's separation into an independently listed company and is intended to replace existing debt transferred under the demerger, rather than fund new capital expenditure. The transaction is expected to improve the maturity profile of the company's borrowings while supporting its standalone operations after the restructuring.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Australian Vanadium and Alcoa of Australia have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to evaluate the deployment of a 50–80 MW vanadium flow battery energy storage system at Alcoa's alumina refineries in Western Australia. The proposed system would provide 6–8 hours of storage, with the potential to extend beyond eight hours, to support refinery operations, reduce peak electricity demand and increase renewable energy utilisation. The scoping study will assess the technical and commercial feasibility of the project, including battery design, cost estimates, electrolyte supply, financing options and potential government funding. If the study is successful, the parties may progress to detailed feasibility studies and explore commercial arrangements, including potential energy offtake agreements.