US Antimony feedstock sourcing expands to secure smelter supply

US Antimony feedstock

US Antimony feedstock sourcing broadened across the US and overseas to stabilize operations. The company moved to secure inputs for its Montana and Mexico smelters. As a result, it advanced domestic mining claims and lined up new international suppliers. However, it also flagged issues with Australian material quality and logistics.

Domestic expansion: Alaska and Montana

US Antimony feedstock sourcing grew with new Alaska claims, including a 150-acre site near Fairbanks. The firm expects faster permitting since the land is neither federal nor state. Meanwhile, reacquired claims beside its Montana smelter should deliver stibnite within months. Therefore, domestic ore should lower supply risk and trucking distances.

International diversification: Bolivia and Chad

Bolivia will supply up to 150 t/month of antimony flake starting in early 2026. A 10 t pilot shipment arrives at the Montana smelter in August. Additionally, two sources in Chad will feed the Madero smelter, starting with 80 t. Subsequent deliveries should reach 100 t/month to support steady throughput. Canada also lifted feedstock to 857 t year-to-date, up 121 percent.

Australian sourcing faces setbacks following a 50 t shipment held 82 days by Chinese customs. Concurrently, incoming ore showed elevated arsenic and iron, pressuring processing costs. However, broader sourcing and scrap blending can offset penalties and maintain recoveries. Therefore, the portfolio approach underpins more reliable antimony supply for strategic markets.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Diversification is the right hedge as geopolitics and impurities raise feedstock risk. Watch ramp discipline in Bolivia and Chad and impurity management in Montana. If logistics hold, US Antimony can claw back margin despite uneven market conditions.

Rytoriacap acquires Blossburg Foundry to expand US metals recycling

ASC Engineered Solutions

Rytoriacap acquires Blossburg Foundry in Pennsylvania to scale metals recycling and processing. The deal includes facilities formerly owned by ASC Engineered Solutions. Through a lease-back, ASC will keep operating the site until end-2025. Meanwhile, Rytoria launched a phased integration plan with 2025 operational targets.

Scope and materials focus

The acquisition broadens Rytoria’s non-ferrous and ferrous footprint. It covers aluminum, copper, brass, and selected steel lines. As a result, the company strengthens domestic circular economy flows. It also supports US buyers seeking diversified foundry supply.

Timeline and supply chain impact

The lease-back ensures continuity while equipment and workforce plans mature. Therefore, Rytoria can phase upgrades without disrupting customer deliveries. In parallel, relocation of ASC production within Pennsylvania reduces logistics risk. For stakeholders, Rytoriacap acquires Blossburg Foundry signals stable transition and service reliability.

Rytoria targets recycling-led growth as demand for copper and aluminum rises. Meanwhile, OEMs prioritize regional sourcing to cut lead times. Consequently, Rytoriacap acquires Blossburg Foundry becomes a catalyst for US foundry consolidation. The move also aligns with industrial policy favoring resilient supply chains.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This transaction tightens a regional loop for non-ferrous scrap and cast products. Execution risk sits in integration pace and capital scheduling, but the lease-back cushions near-term disruption. If Rytoria meets its 2025 targets, margins should benefit from material yield and logistics savings.

European Aluminium Industry Pushes for Scrap Export Restrictions

Al scrap

Rising Pressure for Scrap Export Controls

The European aluminium scrap market is facing mounting pressure as supply tightness collides with strong export demand. Industry groups such as European Aluminium and Aluminium Deutschland have intensified lobbying for export tariffs to secure domestic scrap supply. Their push comes as the US raises tariffs on primary aluminium imports, potentially boosting American demand for European scrap.

Exports of European aluminium scrap surged in recent years, particularly to Asia. The EU and UK together shipped 1.57mn tonnes in 2024, a 23pc increase compared with 2022. India and China accounted for the bulk of these flows, while exports to the US, though smaller, grew sharply. European Aluminium warned that rising US interest, combined with current supply shortages, risks creating a “full-blown scrap crisis.”

Industry Debate and Market Risks

However, not all stakeholders agree that restrictions are the solution. Scrap merchants argue that supply shortfalls are driven more by weak industrial activity than by exports. Low production in automotive, construction, and machinery has reduced available grades like aluminium turnings, which are essential for European secondary smelters. They caution that tariffs may not address these structural issues and could trigger reciprocal trade barriers, complicating Europe’s own scrap imports.

At the same time, many producers identify high energy costs as the bigger threat to smelter viability. Merchants note that no smelter closures have been directly tied to scrap shortages, while escalating electricity prices have forced cutbacks. Despite this, calls for restrictions continue to gain traction, reflecting a broader trend of resource nationalism as countries prioritize domestic recycling over exports.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The debate over aluminium scrap export restrictions underscores a critical tension between free trade and industrial security. While tariffs may stabilize domestic availability, they risk distorting markets and inviting retaliation. The EU must weigh these risks carefully, especially as global competition for low-carbon feedstock intensifies. Energy costs, more than scrap scarcity, remain the sector’s existential challenge.

Constellium Recycles Aluminum from Aircraft for New Aerospace Use

Constellium Recycling

Constellium Advances Circular Economy in Aviation

French aluminum producer Constellium has successfully recycled aluminum scrap from retired commercial aircraft into new aerospace-grade materials. The company announced that the process produced 2024 aluminum alloy that meets strict performance standards for new plane manufacturing. This milestone strengthens efforts to build a circular economy in aviation, reducing reliance on emissions-intensive primary aluminum.

Constellium partnered with Tarmac Aerosave, an aircraft dismantling company formed by Airbus, Safran, and partners, to carry out the trial. The company now plans to scale operations and improve throughput rates, extending the recycling process to additional alloys used in aircraft construction.

Recycled Aerospace Alloys Meet Industry Demands

The 2024 aluminum alloy produced in the project is widely used in fuselage skins, wing structures, and engine nacelle coverings. Its composition includes 4.4% copper, 1.5% magnesium, and 0.6% manganese, with the balance aluminum. These properties make it essential for aerospace applications requiring strength and durability.

Historically, recycling aerospace-grade alloys posed challenges because coatings and attachments distorted the chemistry during remelting. Constellium claims its new process overcomes these barriers, making aircraft aluminum recycling technically and commercially feasible. As a result, the company’s innovation could reshape supply chains by reducing waste and lowering carbon emissions.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Constellium’s breakthrough highlights a critical step toward decarbonizing the aerospace sector. By demonstrating that high-performance alloys can be recycled without compromising quality, the company positions itself as a leader in sustainable metals innovation. Scaling this process could significantly cut emissions and create a new standard for closed-loop manufacturing in aviation.

European Aluminium Renews Call for Aluminium Scrap Export Restrictions

European Aluminium Scrap

US Tariff Hike Intensifies Scrap Supply Pressures in Europe

European Aluminium has renewed its push for export restrictions on aluminium scrap following US president Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on EU steel and aluminium imports to 50%. The association warns that the move could accelerate scrap outflows to the US, worsening an already tight supply situation in Europe.

The industry group first raised the proposal in 2018 when the US imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports. Scrap aluminium was excluded from the sanctions, making it an attractive alternative for US buyers seeking to avoid higher costs on primary aluminium. With the latest tariff hike, European Aluminium says the outflow has intensified, threatening domestic recycling and semi-fabrication operations.

Rising Global Demand for Aluminium Scrap Fuels Competition

Strong demand from buyers in India and other Asian markets has already strained European scrap supply. These buyers offer higher prices, benefiting from lower labour and energy costs and weaker environmental regulations. Additionally, primary aluminium producers in Europe are increasingly using higher-grade scrap to meet automotive customers’ sustainability goals.

European Aluminium reported that scrap exports to the US surged 273% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, already accounting for two-thirds of total exports in 2024. Without swift EU intervention, the association warns that the situation could escalate into a “full-blown scrap crisis,” jeopardizing the viability of Europe’s aluminium recycling and semi-fabrication industry.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The surge in US demand for European aluminium scrap highlights the vulnerability of supply chains to trade policy shifts. For the EU, balancing open trade with the need to safeguard strategic raw materials will be critical. Without targeted restrictions or incentives to retain scrap domestically, Europe risks undermining its own circular economy and low-carbon manufacturing goals.

Geomega to Complete Rare Earth Magnet Recycling Plant in Quebec

Geomega Resources

Advancing Sustainable Rare Earth Supply Through Recycling

Geomega Resources is on track to complete its rare earth magnet recycling plant in Quebec by the end of 2025. The Canadian rare earth elements (REEs) technology provider aims to produce recycled rare earth oxides from a variety of waste feedstocks, including neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets, bauxite residue, and sulphide tailings. This initiative supports the growing demand for sustainable and secure rare earth supply chains.

Construction of the demonstration plant began in February 2024, with an expected timeline of two years. Originally, the project was scheduled for completion within six months after securing $1.2mn in a 2019 private placement. However, delays extended the timeline, partly due to permitting and development challenges. Geomega has already submitted its environmental permit request and awaits regulatory approval to proceed with commissioning after construction.

In 2019, chief executive Kiril Mugerman estimated operating costs at $3/kg for rare earths, with capital expenditure of $2.6mn to process 1.5 tonnes per day of magnet waste. Once operational, the facility is expected to contribute meaningfully to the recycling of critical materials, reducing dependence on primary mining and addressing environmental concerns related to waste disposal.

Strengthening the North American Rare Earth Ecosystem

The Quebec recycling plant aligns with broader North American efforts to secure rare earth supply chains amid global market concentration. By converting industrial waste into high-purity rare earth oxides, Geomega can help diversify sourcing away from dominant producers and improve regional self-sufficiency. This capability is increasingly vital as industries such as electric vehicles, wind energy, and electronics require stable and sustainable REE supplies.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Geomega’s Quebec project represents a critical step toward a circular economy for rare earths in North America. By recycling high-value magnets and other waste sources, the company not only reduces environmental impacts but also enhances supply chain resilience. If successful, this facility could become a model for scaling rare earth recycling across the region.

EMR and Ionic Technologies Partner on Rare Earth Magnet Recycling Supply Chain

Ionic Technologies

UK Magnet Recycling Gains Momentum with EMR-Ionic Technologies Agreement

EMR and Ionic Technologies partner on rare earth magnet recycling, marking a key development in the UK’s circular economy for critical materials. EMR, a leading UK-based metals recycler, has signed a non-binding supply agreement with Ionic Technologies to deliver end-of-life magnets to its Belfast facility. These magnets will serve as feedstock for Ionic’s rare earth oxide (REO) extraction and separation process.

The Belfast demonstration plant, supported by a £1.7 million grant from the UK’s Advanced Propulsion Centre in 2022, can process 30 tonnes per year of waste magnets to yield up to 10 tonnes of high-purity REOs annually. These include critical materials like neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium—essential for electric motors, wind turbines, and defense systems. As EMR and Ionic Technologies partner on rare earth magnet recycling, the project aims to secure domestic REO supply and reduce reliance on Chinese imports.

This latest deal builds on Ionic Technologies’ earlier agreement with South Korea’s DNA Link, which could lead to future REO offtake arrangements. Ionic Technologies, a subsidiary of ASX-listed Ionic Rare Earths, is positioning itself at the forefront of rare earth recycling innovation in Europe. As demand for sustainable and secure REO sources accelerates, EMR and Ionic Technologies partner on rare earth magnet recycling to help meet future supply chain needs.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The EMR-Ionic partnership reflects the strategic pivot toward localised, sustainable sourcing of rare earths. With growing geopolitical tension around REO supply, vertically integrated recycling chains like this one could offer both economic and national security advantages.

South32 to Study Steam Electrification at Worsley Alumina Refinery

South32 Alumina emissions

The Australian miner aims to cut emissions using electric steam solutions at its largest alumina facility.

South32 to Study Steam Electrification at Worsley Alumina Refinery

South32 has launched a pre-feasibility study to explore steam electrification pathways at its 3.7mn t/yr Worsley alumina refinery in Western Australia. The study is supported by A$4.4mn ($2.85mn) in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Arena) and will assess four decarbonization options, including mechanical vapour recompression and electric boilers.

The alumina industry is Australia’s largest consumer of process heat and emitted 15mn t of CO2e in 2021, with 70% of these emissions resulting from fossil-fuel-powered steam generation. South32 has already shifted part of Worsley’s energy mix from coal to gas due to local coal supply issues, but steam electrification could drive further emissions reduction.

South32 aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and reduce operational emissions by 50% by 2035 from 2021 levels. Arena’s funding aligns with its Industrial Transformation Stream program, designed to help existing industrial facilities lower emissions while boosting technological readiness. Notably, Worsley produced 3.18mn t of CO2e in FY2023–2024, earning 117,189 safeguard mechanism credits (SMCs) for staying below its emissions baseline.

The Metalnomist Commentary

South32’s Worsley decarbonization study marks a critical step in Australia’s broader industrial emissions strategy. As steam generation accounts for the majority of alumina refining emissions, electrification could set a precedent for the global sector’s low-carbon transition.

Aurubis Faces Copper Concentrate Challenges as Recycling Output Rises

Aurubis

Copper concentrate tightness impacts European smelters

Aurubis, Europe’s largest copper producer and recycler, reported a 6% drop in earnings before taxes (EBT) in the first half of its fiscal year, citing lower copper concentrate throughput and rising costs. The Focus Keyphrase Aurubis copper concentrate throughput reflects the core challenge affecting its primary smelting operations.

Recycling division offsets smelter downturn

Aurubis EBT fell to €229 million ($259 million) for the six months ending March, mainly due to reduced copper concentrate throughput and weaker treatment and refining charges. The Hamburg smelter saw a 14% throughput drop, while Pirdop declined 1%. Global demand—especially from Chinese smelters—tightened the concentrate market, pushing Aurubis overall primary throughput down 7% year-on-year to 1.2 million tonnes.

However, copper cathode production remained steady at 557,000 tonnes for the October–March period. While smelting output declined 1% to 301,000 tonnes, the recycling division grew 1% to 256,000 tonnes. Lunen's plant in Germany led the recycling surge with an 18% output jump. This partially offset a 5% decline at Olen in Belgium.

Outlook and planned maintenance

Aurubis expects stable demand for copper cathodes going forward. However, upcoming planned maintenance at Pirdop (mid-May to mid-July) and at Lunen this month could slightly constrain short-term output. Still, the company continues to rely on its recycling performance to mitigate supply-side risks from the copper concentrate market.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Aurubis’ earnings decline underscores the vulnerability of traditional smelting operations to concentrate supply shocks. Yet the firm’s recycling assets are proving resilient. This highlights the strategic importance of secondary copper sources in a tightening global supply landscape.

GEM Expands Critical Mineral Recycling to Strengthen China’s Supply Chain Independence

GEM

High-Purity Germanium and Tungsten Recycling to Double by 2027

Chinese battery materials producer GEM is expanding its critical mineral recycling capacity to support China’s supply chain independence. In its 2024 annual report, GEM announced significant investments in germanium recycling and high-purity refining, driven by Beijing’s resource localization strategy. The company aims to rapidly scale its recycling of gallium, indium, and scandium, all of which are subject to China’s recent export restrictions.

Strategic Metals and Battery Materials Drive Growth

GEM will also broaden recycling operations for minor metals such as molybdenum, tantalum, and niobium. These materials are essential for defense and electronics manufacturing. The company currently recycles over 20 metals from waste batteries, electronics, vehicles, and plastics across its eight Chinese plants and international sites in South Korea, South Africa, and Indonesia.

Doubling Output of Tungsten and Platinum Group Metals

To support industrial demand, GEM plans to double its output of tungsten powder and electronic metals to 20 tonnes by 2027. Tungsten’s high conductivity and melting point make it ideal for semiconductors and photovoltaic thin-film cells. In addition, GEM will build a demonstration plant for platinum, palladium, and rhodium refining, targeting similar output growth by 2027.

Core Battery Material Output Set for 46% Growth in 2025

The company expects a strong rise in core product output—nickel, ternary precursors, cobalt, cathode materials, and recycled batteries—with a projected 46% increase in 2025. From 2025 to 2027, the annual growth rate is forecast to moderate to 36%, still reflecting robust demand for EV and energy storage materials.

The Metalnomist Commentary

GEM’s expansion underscores China’s push for mineral sovereignty in a geopolitically constrained environment. By scaling critical mineral recycling, GEM reduces import dependence while reinforcing its leadership in the global circular economy for strategic metals.

Cyclic Materials Invests $20mn in REE Recycling Facility

Cyclic Materials

Canada-based recycler expands rare earth recovery efforts with new Arizona plant to boost North American REE supply chain

Building a U.S. Rare Earth Recycling Hub

Cyclic Materials has committed $20mn to a new REE recycling facility in Mesa, Arizona. The investment marks a pivotal step in scaling rare earth element (REE) recovery from end-of-life components. The new plant will target waste streams from vehicles, electronics, and industrial devices. It will help process 155,000 metric tonnes annually across the U.S. Southwest.

Rare Earth Supply Chain Independence

The Mesa facility reinforces the company’s REE recycling strategy. Cyclic Materials aims to reduce reliance on foreign rare earth supplies, especially from China. CEO Ahmad Ghahreman emphasized the importance of circular supply chains for stable and sustainable access to critical materials. The company recovers REEs from EV motors, MRI equipment, wind turbines, and data centers.

Strategic Partnerships and Market Outlook

Cyclic Materials collaborates with major players like Solvay, Vattenfall, Synetiq, and Vacuumschmelze. These partnerships enhance its ability to extract permanent magnets from complex components. As a result, the project supports the U.S. ambition to localize clean tech materials and reduce REE import dependency.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Cyclic Materials’ $20mn investment signifies a long-term bet on REE recycling amid rising global demand for magnets used in EVs and wind energy. With strategic partnerships and domestic processing, this move strengthens North America's critical minerals security while aligning with decarbonization and supply chain goals.

IperionX Targets Mid-2025 Expansion for Titanium Powder Production

IperionX

Focus Keyphrase: IperionX titanium powder expansion

IperionX titanium powder expansion is now expected to occur earlier than planned, with output capacity set to rise by mid-2025. The US-based company has accelerated its guidance due to improvements in its modular HAMR furnace process.

In January, IperionX projected increased output later in 2025. However, operational efficiency and technology upgrades have moved the timeline forward. Though the firm didn’t disclose exact numbers, capacity will rise above the current 125 metric tonnes per year.

Downstream Manufacturing Systems and Aerospace Demand Fuel Growth

The company also launched its first-phase downstream manufacturing systems in Q1, enabling production of semi-finished and near-net-shape parts. It validated its hydrogen sintering and phase transformation (HSPT) process and installed a cold-isostatic press for titanium tubes and rods.

IperionX is collaborating with eight partners on pilot production and qualification programs. Customer interest expanded to aerospace firms, indicating strong market potential for its advanced titanium materials.

Focus on Efficiency and Scrap Reduction in Titanium Products

Initial production will prioritize titanium parts with traditionally high scrap rates and low material yield. Target applications include fasteners, luxury electronics housings, and premium enclosures, areas with high value-added demand.

The company plans to announce its full growth strategy by mid-2025, aligned with its IperionX titanium powder expansion roadmap. This includes optimization across product types, refining capabilities, and scaling supply for strategic sectors.

The Metalnomist Commentary

IperionX’s early expansion highlights a shift in titanium manufacturing toward efficiency and localized supply. Its traction with aerospace clients signals growing demand for precision titanium parts in high-performance applications.

Novelis Opens Aluminium Recycling Facility in South Korea to Boost Low-Carbon Supply

Novelis

Ulsan Plant Increases Novelis’ Regional Recycling Capacity by 100,000 t/yr

Novelis has opened a new aluminium recycling facility in Ulsan, South Korea, increasing its regional capacity by 100,000 tonnes per year. The facility, fully funded by Novelis with a $65 million investment, is a joint venture with Japan’s Kobe Steel. This expansion underscores Novelis commitment to low-carbon aluminium and a circular economy across Asia’s industrial sectors.

The new Ulsan aluminium recycling facility complements Novelis' existing Yeongju plant, bringing total Korean capacity to 470,000 t/yr. It will recycle used beverage cans, as well as automotive and industrial scrap, producing sustainable aluminium sheet ingot.

As a result, the project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 470,000 t/yr, aligning with global decarbonization goals.

Sustainable Aluminium Demand Rising in Asia

Novelis Asia president Sachin Satpute emphasized that the Ulsan aluminium recycling centre is a response to growing demand for sustainable materials. Key sectors such as beverage packaging, automotive, and specialty products increasingly require low-carbon aluminium supply chains. Meanwhile, regional policy and ESG pressures are accelerating investment in closed-loop recycling infrastructure.

The aluminium recycling facility in South Korea highlights Novelis’ strategic intent to lead in sustainable aluminium production. With Asia as a major consumption base, this move positions Novelis competitively in both environmental and industrial performance.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Novelis’ investment in Ulsan reflects the industry's pivot toward regionalized, sustainable aluminium production. With policy and market aligning on carbon goals, such facilities are not just environmental assets—they're strategic imperatives.

Jubilee Partners to Process Surplus PGM Feedstock

Jubilee Metal Group

Jubilee Expands Processing Without Capital Investment

Jubilee Metals has partnered with an unnamed producer to process its surplus PGM feedstock. The deal allows Jubilee to start delivering 18,000t/month of chrome and PGM-bearing material, with the option to increase volumes to 30,000t/month.

Jubilee’s chrome production has surged, hitting a record 950,000t of chrome concentrate in the six months to 31 December. This growth stems from new processing units at its Thutse site in South Africa. However, its existing PGM processing capacity has already reached its limits.

Strategic Collaboration Boosts PGM Output

Rather than invest in expanding its own capacity, Jubilee opted for a collaborative strategy. The move is expected to raise its effective production capacity by up to 32%, without additional capital. According to CEO Leon Coetzer, the partnership enables immediate processing of PGM material, with project earnings split evenly between both parties.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Jubilee’s move highlights the pragmatic shift many miners are making — scaling up through partnerships rather than capital-heavy expansions. In an environment where PGM demand remains strong and processing capacity is constrained, strategic alliances may define the next phase of growth in the South African metals sector.

European Aluminium Calls for EU Scrap Export Limits

European Aluminium Scrap

Aluminium industry group urges EU action to protect regional scrap supply amid rising export demand and U.S. tariff pressure

Rising Exports and U.S. Tariffs Put Pressure on EU Scrap Supply

European Aluminium has urged the EU to implement export limits on aluminium scrap. This follows increased competition from Asian markets and new U.S. trade measures. In 2024, the EU exported 1.5mn tonnes of aluminium scrap, with over 500,000t going to India alone. Meanwhile, U.S. buyers are now expected to shift toward scrap after Washington imposed a 25% tariff on primary aluminium.

Industry Pushes for Regulation Through the WSR and Circular Economy Act

The association proposed using export fees and tightening the Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR). This 2023 revision now includes scrap metal, offering a legal pathway for restrictions. European Aluminium also called for a new Circular Economy Act to ensure long-term scrap availability and quality. Furthermore, it recommends a dedicated emissions benchmark for recyclers.

Scrap Now Central to Primary Production and Green Goals

Sustainability targets have pushed primary aluminium producers to use more scrap. Improved technologies also enable the use of lower-grade material. As a result, competition for European scrap has intensified. German trade body Aluminium Deutschland previously appealed to its government for similar EU-wide restrictions.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Aluminium scrap is no longer a marginal byproduct—it’s become a strategic resource. With decarbonization and tariffs converging, Europe faces a policy choice: export profits or internal supply security. The latest moves by industry groups show momentum for regulatory intervention.

Germany Pushes EU to Impose Aluminium Scrap Export Tariffs

Aluminum Scrap

Rising US demand sparks supply concerns and threatens Europe’s circular economy framework

Aluminium Deutschland Warns of Scrap Outflow Risk

Germany's aluminium industry group, Aluminium Deutschland, has urged the EU to impose aluminium scrap export tariffs. This demand follows the United States’ decision to implement a 25% tariff on primary aluminium imports, while keeping aluminium scrap exempt from the tariff.

As a result, US buyers are likely to switch from importing primary aluminium to sourcing cheaper scrap — particularly from Europe. This shift could lead to a serious shortage of scrap for European recyclers, who rely on stable domestic supply for their operations.

US-EU Price Gap Accelerates Market Arbitrage

The arbitrage between US and EU aluminium prices has widened sharply in recent months. According to market data, the premium gap surged from $110/t in November to nearly $700/t in early May 2025. This creates a strong incentive for exporters to redirect scrap to the US market, further tightening EU supply.

Aluminium Deutschland emphasized that this trend could undermine Europe’s recycling industry. President Rob van Gils called for “swift and decisive action” to avoid dismantling years of progress in circular economy infrastructure.

Europe Faces Growing Scrap Scarcity

Europe's aluminium scrap supply is already strained. Sluggish industrial activity has lowered fresh scrap generation, while Asian demand remains strong, forcing EU recyclers to compete globally. If the EU does not act, companies could face escalating shortages, threatening decarbonisation goals and raw materials security.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Germany’s call for aluminium scrap export tariffs reflects a growing geopolitical competition over raw materials. As secondary aluminium becomes a substitute for tariffed primary metal, the EU risks losing strategic feedstock to global arbitrage. Scrap policy will increasingly define the success or failure of Europe’s industrial climate goals.

 

Toyota Launches UK Battery Recycling Plant to Advance Circular Economy Goals

Toyota, UK Battery Recycling

Burnaston Facility Will Recover Key EV Battery Materials and Support EU Carbon Neutrality Targets

Toyota Builds First Circular Factory in the UK

Toyota has announced plans to open a new battery recycling plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire, UK. The site will process end-of-life electric vehicles and recover critical battery materials such as nickel, cobalt, lithium, and graphite. This project marks the automaker’s first “Toyota Circular Factory,” aimed at promoting material reuse and sustainability.

The new facility, built on the grounds of Toyota’s existing Corolla production plant, will process up to 10,000 vehicles annually during its initial phase. In addition to batteries, the factory will recycle other vehicle parts to minimize waste and environmental impact.

Expansion Across Europe and Net-Zero Ambitions

Toyota Motor Europe’s Vice President of Circular Economy, Leon van der Merwe, confirmed that the UK facility is just the beginning. “As a next step for the Toyota Circular Factory concept, we plan to roll out similar operations across Europe,” he said. He also stressed the company's openness to collaborating with other organizations focused on circularity and carbon neutrality.

The initiative aligns with Toyota’s broader sustainability commitments. The company aims to achieve full carbon neutrality across all operations by 2040 and reduce vehicle carbon emissions in Europe by 100% by 2035. This recycling plant will play a crucial role in achieving these targets by closing the loop on electric vehicle battery materials.

Blue Whale Materials and Call2Recycle Join Forces to Strengthen U.S. Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling

Blue Whale Materials (BWM)

Strategic partnership ensures consistent battery feedstock for BWM’s 50,000t facility in Oklahoma

BWM and Call2Recycle Partner to Secure Sustainable Battery Feedstock

Blue Whale Materials (BWM), a prominent U.S. battery recycler, has entered a partnership with Call2Recycle to ensure steady access to end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. Through this agreement, BWM will process batteries collected across the country via Call2Recycle’s well-established collection network. This collaboration is expected to support domestic supply chain resilience for critical battery materials.

Robert Kang, CEO and co-founder of BWM, emphasized the strategic value of partnering with North America’s leading battery collection organization. He stated that reliable feedstock access is vital to advancing the company’s long-term goal of building a secure and sustainable battery supply ecosystem.

New Facility in Oklahoma to Process 50,000t Annually by Mid-2025

BWM is set to launch its large-scale battery recycling facility in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, in the second quarter of 2025. Once fully operational, the facility will be capable of processing up to 50,000 metric tonnes of spent lithium-ion batteries per year. The location is strategically positioned to serve a growing network of battery sources, reinforcing domestic battery recycling infrastructure at a time when demand for critical minerals continues to rise.

This move supports broader efforts to reduce dependence on imported battery materials and aligns with the U.S. government’s clean energy and sustainability targets. Furthermore, it underscores the vital role of collaboration between recyclers and collectors in closing the battery lifecycle loop.

US Tariffs Pressure Copper Prices and Curb China’s Scrap Imports

China Copper

US tariffs, introduced by President Donald Trump on April 2, have significantly impacted global copper prices. The tariffs, set at a minimum 10% tax on all foreign imports, have caused concerns about weakened copper demand, particularly from key industries that rely on copper, such as automobiles and home appliances. China’s copper scrap imports are also under pressure due to retaliatory tariffs, which will be implemented by China on April 10.

Impact of Tariffs on Copper Prices

Following the announcement of tariffs, copper prices saw a dramatic decline. As of April 7, London Metal Exchange (LME) three-month copper prices fell to a one-year low of $8,105 per ton, a significant drop from $9,721 per ton on April 2. Similarly, Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) prices also plummeted to a three-month low of 73,640 yuan per ton from 79,890 yuan per ton during the same period.

Although copper itself is not directly affected by the new tariffs, the downstream sectors, such as automotive manufacturing and home appliances, face substantial tariffs. This will likely depress demand for copper, as these industries represent significant end-users of copper products.

US Tariffs on Cars and Appliances Affect Copper Demand

A 25% tariff on imported cars and trucks came into effect on April 3, with a further 25% tax on auto parts set to follow in May. The US light vehicle market saw significant growth in 2024, with sales climbing to 16.8 million units. Similarly, the US imported $23.5 billion worth of home appliances from China in 2024. These appliances, including cooling devices and electronics, represented 23% of global copper demand in 2023. The imposition of tariffs on these goods will likely lead to a reduction in copper demand from the US.

On a positive note, lower copper prices may drive copper fabricators to restock in the short term, especially after a significant price drop in late March. Data from the SHFE shows that copper stocks fell from 256,328 tons on March 21 to 225,736 tons by April 3, as downstream buyers rushed to purchase copper cathode in response to falling prices.

China’s Retaliatory Tariffs and Copper Scrap Imports

China’s planned tariffs on US copper scrap, set to take effect on April 10, will impact copper supply in the country. In 2024, China imported over 440,000 tons of copper scrap from the US, accounting for nearly 20% of its total copper scrap imports. However, market participants predict that some traders will attempt to bypass the tariffs by sourcing US-origin copper scrap from other countries.

In February, US copper scrap exports fell by 10% compared to the previous year, with China seeing the largest drop in imports. This decrease in exports can be attributed to tariff expectations, which have made it difficult for US exporters to remain competitive. The large spread between CME and LME prices has further strained export options, leaving US dealers with excess scrap volumes.

Limited Impact on Copper Concentrate and Cathode Supplies

China’s retaliatory tariffs are expected to have a minimal impact on its domestic copper concentrate and cathode supply. In 2024, China imported just 460,000 tons of copper concentrate and 1,575 tons of copper cathode from the US, representing only a small fraction of its total imports. Therefore, the retaliatory tariffs are unlikely to cause significant disruptions to these supply chains.

US Titanium Scrap Imports and Exports Decline in 4Q Amid Supply Chain Disruptions

US Titanium Scrap

Titanium Scrap Trade Faces Challenges as US Imports and Exports Fall in the Fourth Quarter

US titanium scrap imports and exports experienced a decline in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to recent US customs data. Weaker demand, especially triggered by a seven-week strike at Boeing, led to disruptions in supply chains, significantly affecting titanium scrap trade volumes. Imports fell by 5% to 6,779 metric tonnes (t), marking the lowest total since the first quarter of 2024.

Factors Behind the Decline in US Titanium Scrap Imports

The 5% decrease in imports can be attributed to reduced demand for titanium scrap. Boeing's strike had a substantial impact on supply chains, particularly in aerospace, which is a major consumer of titanium. As a result, the overall import volume dropped. The UK remained the top source of titanium scrap to the US, increasing shipments by 21% to 1,235t, which accounted for about 18% of US imports. On the other hand, imports from Canada fell by 27% to 588t, while shipments from Germany and Japan also decreased by double digits.

US Exports and Shifting Global Markets

US titanium scrap exports also declined, albeit slightly. Total exports fell by 1% to 2,701t. This was primarily driven by reduced prices from overseas markets and the typical seasonal slowdown in manufacturing during the holidays. India emerged as the top destination for US titanium scrap, with exports rising by 59% to 689t. Conversely, exports to Canada fell by 23% to 599t, while shipments to the UK rose by 24% to 397t.

Exports to Mexico surged by 590%, reaching 352t, while exports to South Korea and Germany dropped significantly. Exports to South Korea fell by 77% to 56t, and shipments to Germany declined by 59% to 41t. Despite these fluctuations, US titanium scrap exports for the full year saw a significant increase, rising by 18% to 11,756t, the highest in four years.

Conclusion: A Mixed Outlook for US Titanium Scrap Trade

The fourth-quarter data reveals both challenges and opportunities in the US titanium scrap trade. While imports faced declines due to supply chain disruptions, export volumes saw a notable rise for the full year. The shift in export destinations, particularly the rise in demand from India and Mexico, suggests evolving global market dynamics for US titanium scrap. Going forward, the US titanium scrap trade will need to navigate these changes while adjusting to the impact of global supply chain and economic conditions.