【SMM Aluminum Flash News】Tomago Aluminium in finalisation of a model for low-carbon industrial transition

On 4 March 2026, the European Commission presented its Proposal for a Regulation on establishing a framework of measures for accelerating industrial capacity and decarbonization in strategic sectors, which aims at “improving the functioning of the internal market by establishing a framework to support the development, competitiveness and resilience of the Union’s manufacturing sector, with a focus on selected strategic sectors”, in order to contribute to the EU’s “climate objective, economic security and the creation, retention of, and transition into high-quality jobs."

Hulamin has indicated that it will post a loss for the 2025 financial year, pointing to a combination of operational setbacks and unfavourable currency movements ahead of its full-year results due on Monday. The aluminium manufacturer, headquartered in Pietermaritzburg, explained that a prolonged shutdown of its integrated plant formed part of a major project to expand its wide can body capacity. However, this interruption made it challenging to restore consistent mill performance once operations resumed.

On Wednesday, March 25, Australia announced it will invest A$2 billion (US$1.4 billion) over 10 years to support the continued operation of Rio Tinto's Boyne smelter, the country's second-largest aluminum smelter. Federal Industry Minister Tim Ayres stated that the investment, shared equally by the federal and Queensland governments, will bring nearly A$7.5 billion in new investment to Queensland, with Rio Tinto covering the energy asset investment. This financial support will ensure that Boyne Smelters Limited, majority-owned by Rio Tinto, continues aluminum production after its existing power contract expires in 2029, and at least until 2040.