NALCO Launches Pilot Plant to Extract Valuable Materials from Coal Fly Ash and Red Mud

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries (RIL) is evaluating an entry into aluminum production as part of a broader expansion into metals, although the plan remains at an exploratory stage. Reliance is considering linking aluminium production with its planned coal gasification operations in Andhra Pradesh, where it has secured the Recherla and Chintalpudi coal blocks. The company has proposed investing ₹2.73 trillion over 30 years in an integrated underground coal gasification complex, with metals production potentially providing an additional use for the fuel produced. Reliance’s interest has already extended upstream into bauxite, with the company participating in the recent auction process for Odisha’s Karlapat bauxite block, which contains more than 200 million tonnes of resources across over 3,100 hectares. Reliance did not secure the block, with Vedanta-owned BALCO emerging as the preferred bidder at a 175% auction premium, but its participation provides a concrete indication that the group has been assessing an integrated aluminum value chain rather than only downstream manufacturing.

[]Geopolitical Tensions in the Strait Ease, Aluminum Prices Consolidate on a Subdued Note Amid Tug-of-War Between Sellers and Buyers. On a comprehensive basis, macro sentiment fluctuates as new progress emerges in US-Iran talks; Iran and Oman plan to establish a secure maritime corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, easing market concerns over geopolitical tensions. On the fundamentals side, China's aluminum ingot inventory destocking trend continues, providing bottom support for aluminum prices. However, outside China, the daily average aluminum production is expected to keep rebounding, driven by new capacity and production resumptions. The SHFE/LME price ratio is being repaired, and as orders on hand are digested, export demand is pulling back MoM but short-term resilience remains. On the domestic demand side, the transition period between slow and peak seasons has not yet been clearly defined, and the market has certain concerns about peak-season demand; in the short term, aluminum prices are expected to consolidate on a subdued note.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Hindalco’s Baphlimali Bauxite Mine in Odisha has become India’s first bauxite mine to receive Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard V3.1 certification. The certification, announced on August 13, covers mine planning, bauxite extraction, onsite crushing and conveyor transportation. Operated by Hindalco subsidiary Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL), Baphlimali has an annual bauxite production capacity of 8.5 million tonnes and is the primary bauxite source for UAIL’s alumina operations. UAIL produces approximately 2.67 million tonnes of alumina annually, making the certification relevant across Hindalco’s integrated bauxite-to-alumina supply chain. The certification brings Hindalco’s total number of ASI-certified operations to 11, spanning mining, smelting and downstream manufacturing. The independent audit assessed environmental, social and governance requirements including biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, community engagement, human rights and occupational health and safety.