Century Nordural Aluminium Restart Moves Ahead After Iceland Potline Outage

Century Nordural aluminium

Century Nordural aluminium restart has begun at the company’s Grundartangi smelter in Iceland after an electrical equipment failure halted production on the second potline in October. Century Aluminum said the first pots have been energised and the remaining pots will be restarted on an accelerated schedule.

The Century Nordural aluminium restart is expected to bring the second potline close to full production by the end of July. The restart follows repairs to failed transformers, which are scheduled to be replaced with new units later this year.

Century Nordural aluminium restart timing is important because the global aluminium market remains sensitive to smelter outages, power reliability and regional supply disruptions. Any faster-than-expected return of capacity can ease some pressure on primary aluminium availability.

Century had previously expected to restart the second potline by the end of April and return to near full production by the end of July. The early restart suggests the repair programme is progressing ahead of schedule.

Iceland Smelter Recovery Could Support 2026 Output

Nordural’s Grundartangi smelter produced 275,000t of aluminium in 2025. Century said in February that it expected the Icelandic operation to produce 215,000t in 2026, down by 21.8% from the previous year because of the potline outage.

The early restart may improve this year’s production outlook. However, the final impact will depend on how quickly Century can re-energise the remaining pots and stabilise operations.

Primary aluminium smelters are highly sensitive to power and electrical infrastructure reliability. A transformer failure can remove large volumes from supply because restarting pots requires careful sequencing and operational control.

The restart also matters for European aluminium users. Icelandic aluminium is part of the broader Atlantic supply base, and any disruption can influence regional availability, premiums and procurement planning.

Century’s ability to bring the potline back ahead of schedule helps reduce uncertainty. Still, the planned transformer replacement later this year means electrical resilience will remain a key operational focus.

Century Expands US and Iceland Aluminium Supply

Century’s Iceland restart comes shortly after the company began production from its Mt Holly expansion project in South Carolina. The Mt Holly project is expected to lift that smelter to 229,000 t/yr by the end of June.

The two developments strengthen Century’s position across both North American and Atlantic primary aluminium supply. Nordural restores disrupted Icelandic output, while Mt Holly adds domestic US production capacity.

This is strategically relevant as aluminium supply chains become more policy-sensitive. The US has moved to support domestic primary aluminium production through trade measures, while European buyers remain exposed to power costs, smelter outages and regional premium volatility.

Century is therefore improving supply availability from two directions. The company is recovering lost production in Iceland and expanding output in the US.

For the market, the restart provides near-term supply relief. For Century, it reduces the earnings impact of the October outage and supports a stronger production base heading into the second half of 2026.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Century’s Nordural restart shows how quickly aluminium supply risk can turn on electrical infrastructure reliability. In a tight primary aluminium market, restoring idled pots ahead of schedule can matter almost as much as adding new capacity.

Century Hawesville Aluminum Smelter Sale Signals a Shift From Metal to Data Infrastructure

Century Aluminum

The Century Hawesville aluminum smelter sale marks a major shift in industrial land use in the United States. Century Aluminum sold its Hawesville, Kentucky, site to TeraWulf for $200mn. The property will be redeveloped into a digital infrastructure campus. As a result, the Century Hawesville aluminum smelter sale highlights a broader contest between heavy industry and AI data center infrastructure.

This transaction matters because Hawesville was not a minor industrial asset. The site includes Century’s largest aluminum smelter with 250,000 metric tonnes per year of capacity. Although the smelter has been idled since 2022, it remained a significant piece of dormant US aluminum capacity. Therefore, the Century Hawesville aluminum smelter sale removes a potential restart option from the domestic primary aluminum story.

The timing also adds strategic weight. Century had previously discussed the possibility of restarting the smelter as aluminum prices rose and global shortages persisted. However, the new sale changes that path completely. Consequently, the Century Hawesville aluminum smelter sale suggests that digital infrastructure value now exceeds the optional value of restarting some idled metal assets.

Hawesville Data Center Campus Reflects a New Industrial Priority

The Hawesville data center campus shows how quickly industrial priorities are changing. TeraWulf plans to redevelop the site into a high-performance computing and artificial intelligence data center complex. That means a former energy-intensive metal site will now support another type of energy-intensive industry. As a result, the Hawesville data center campus reflects the growing pull of AI infrastructure across US industrial real estate.

This shift is not only symbolic. Smelter sites already offer large industrial footprints, transmission access, and utility infrastructure. Those features can also make them attractive for data center development. Therefore, idled metals facilities may increasingly face competition from digital infrastructure buyers rather than industrial restart plans.

That creates a larger strategic question for manufacturing policy. The United States wants more domestic metals capacity, especially in energy-intensive sectors like aluminum. However, AI infrastructure is also drawing land, power, and capital into new uses. Meanwhile, both sectors depend on long-term electricity access and industrial-scale sites.

US Aluminum Capacity Loses Optionality as AI Infrastructure Gains Ground

US aluminum capacity does not shrink immediately because Hawesville was already idled. However, the sale changes the future option value of that capacity. Once the site is converted into a data infrastructure campus, the path back to primary aluminum production becomes far less likely. Therefore, the Century Hawesville aluminum smelter sale matters as a loss of industrial optionality.

This is especially relevant in a market where aluminum supply security still matters. Century had previously pointed to stronger aluminum prices and continued global shortages when discussing a possible restart. That indicates the smelter still had strategic relevance, even if it was not operating. As a result, the sale suggests market signals alone were not enough to bring the asset back.

The broader lesson is clear. Industrial competition is no longer only between global metal producers. It is also between different domestic sectors competing for the same power, land, and infrastructure. Consequently, the Century Hawesville aluminum smelter sale may become an example of how AI expansion reshapes the future of legacy industrial assets.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This deal is about more than one idled smelter. It shows that in today’s market, dormant industrial capacity can be worth more as digital infrastructure than as future metal production. That trend could become a bigger issue if the US wants to rebuild primary materials capacity while AI keeps absorbing premium industrial sites.

Century Aluminum Mt Holly Smelter Expansion Lifts US Primary Aluminum Output

Century Aluminum

Century Aluminum Mt Holly smelter production has begun from the company’s expansion project in South Carolina, adding new domestic primary aluminum capacity at a time when US trade policy is reshaping metal supply economics. The company expects the expansion to reach full production by the end of June 2026.

The expanded Century Aluminum Mt Holly smelter is expected to reach nameplate capacity of 229,000 t/yr. Century said the additional output will increase total US primary aluminum production by 10%.

Century Aluminum Mt Holly smelter output matters because the US has been trying to rebuild domestic primary aluminum supply after years of capacity pressure. Higher tariffs, energy costs and import dependence have made aluminum smelting a strategic industrial issue.

Section 232 Tariff Supports Domestic Aluminum Expansion

Century’s expansion follows the implementation of the 50% Section 232 aluminum tariff in June 2025. The tariff has improved the incentive structure for domestic primary aluminum production by raising the cost of imported material.

Primary aluminum smelting is highly energy-intensive, so producers need a combination of power competitiveness, policy support and long-term demand visibility. The Mt Holly expansion shows that tariff protection can influence production decisions when capacity is already available for restart or expansion.

The added output will not remove US import dependence. However, a 10% increase in domestic primary aluminum production is meaningful in a market where every operating smelter carries strategic value.

Domestic aluminum is important for packaging, transportation, construction, defense, electrical infrastructure and manufacturing. Greater local supply can reduce exposure to import volatility and support downstream users seeking more secure metal availability.

Century Extends US Aluminum Strategy With Oklahoma Project

Century is also pursuing a larger domestic growth strategy beyond Mt Holly. The company has teamed up with Emirates Global Aluminum to build a planned 750,000 t/yr primary aluminum smelter in Oklahoma.

That project would represent a much larger change to US aluminum supply if completed. It would add major greenfield smelting capacity and strengthen the country’s ability to supply downstream manufacturing from domestic primary metal.

The two projects show how US aluminum policy is moving from import management toward capacity rebuilding. Mt Holly provides a near-term production increase, while Oklahoma represents a longer-term industrial supply-chain bet.

For the US market, the key question is whether tariff protection, energy availability and industrial demand can support sustained investment in smelting. Without competitive power and stable policy, primary aluminum capacity remains difficult to maintain.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Century’s Mt Holly expansion shows that tariff policy is beginning to translate into real domestic aluminum output. The bigger test will be whether the US can turn short-term protection into long-term smelting competitiveness through power access, investment and downstream demand.

Century Aluminum 2026 Guidance Holds as US Smelter Restart Supports Supply

Century Aluminum

Century Aluminum 2026 guidance remains unchanged as the US primary aluminium producer continues to ramp idled and disrupted capacity in South Carolina and Iceland. The company maintained its full-year shipment target of 630,000t of primary aluminium.

Century Aluminum 2026 guidance is being supported by the restart of more than 50,000t of idled capacity at the Mt Holly smelter in South Carolina. The restart began on 16 April, and the plant is expected to return to full production by the end of June.

Century Aluminum 2026 guidance also depends on the recovery of the Nordural aluminium smelter in Iceland after an electrical equipment failure in October 2025. The company expects the facility to return to nearly full production by the end of July.

First-quarter shipments fell by 27% from a year earlier to 122,865t. However, revenue rose by 2.4% to $649.2mn, supported by stronger realised aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange and higher regional premiums.

Mt Holly Restart Adds Domestic Aluminium During Supply Disruption

Mt Holly produced 40,000t of aluminium in the first quarter, down 4.8% from a year earlier. The restart of idled capacity should increase output through the second quarter and strengthen domestic US supply.

The timing is important. The US-Israel war with Iran has disrupted Middle East aluminium production and exports, tightening supply availability for western buyers.

Century has already placed volumes from the Mt Holly expansion with US customers. This shows that domestic primary aluminium is gaining strategic value as buyers seek supply outside disrupted maritime and regional trade routes.

The Mt Holly restart also fits the wider US policy environment. Higher Section 232 aluminium tariffs have made domestic primary aluminium production more attractive and encouraged investment in US capacity.

For downstream users, additional Mt Holly volumes can support packaging, automotive, construction, aerospace and industrial supply chains that need reliable domestic metal.

Iceland Recovery and Oklahoma Project Shape Growth Outlook

Nordural remains the key recovery asset outside the US. The Icelandic smelter produced only 29,000t in the first quarter, down 61% from a year earlier after the October electrical equipment failure.

Century expects Nordural to return to nearly full output by the end of July. That recovery is essential if the company is to meet its unchanged shipment guidance.

The company is also moving toward a larger strategic expansion. It expects to make a final investment decision and break ground by year-end on its joint Oklahoma smelter project with Emirates Global Aluminium.

That project would strengthen US primary aluminium capacity at a time when domestic supply security is becoming more important to industrial policy. It also links Century to EGA, one of the world’s major aluminium producers.

Century’s first-quarter profit increased sharply to $337.5mn from $29.7mn a year earlier. The result was boosted by the $287.9mn sale of its Hawesville, Kentucky, site to data centre infrastructure developer TeraWulf and a $33mn insurance gain related to the Iceland equipment failure.

The financial result therefore includes major one-time benefits. The operating story remains focused on whether Mt Holly and Nordural can ramp smoothly and whether the Oklahoma project can move from planning to execution.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Century’s unchanged guidance shows how valuable restart capacity has become in a disrupted aluminium market. The strategic question is whether US primary aluminium can move from temporary supply support to a durable investment cycle built around power, tariffs and domestic industrial demand.

Century Aluminum Output Set to Dip in 2026 as Smelter Restarts Reshape Supply

Century Aluminum

Century Aluminum output is expected to decline slightly in 2026 as the company balances reduced Icelandic production with a restart of idled capacity in South Carolina. The outlook shows how primary aluminum supply remains sensitive to potline reliability, power infrastructure, and restart timing.

The US-based producer expects to ship 630,000t of primary aluminum in 2026, down 2.6pc from 647,112t in 2025. Shipments also fell 5pc in 2025 from the previous year, reflecting operational disruption and uneven production across the company’s smelter network.

Century Aluminum output was affected by an electrical equipment failure at its Nordural smelter in Iceland on 21 October. The incident stopped production at one of the site’s two potlines. The company expects to restart the second potline by the end of April and return close to full production by the end of July.

Iceland Disruption Weighs on Primary Aluminum Shipments

Nordural is expected to produce 215,000t of aluminum in 2026, down 21.8pc from 275,000t in 2025. This decline will be the main drag on Century Aluminum output, even as the company works to restore production during the first half of the year.

The disruption highlights the importance of electrical reliability in primary aluminum production. Smelters depend on continuous power and stable potline operations. Any equipment failure can reduce output quickly because aluminum smelting is capital-intensive, energy-intensive, and difficult to interrupt without operational consequences.

Fourth-quarter production already reflected that pressure. Century’s total aluminum production fell 15.9pc year on year to 140,257t in the fourth quarter of 2025. However, the company benefited from stronger aluminum prices as the LME three-month settlement rose 16.8pc during 2025 to $2,989/t.

Mt Holly Restart Supports US Aluminum Capacity Strategy

The Mt Holly smelter in South Carolina will partially offset the Icelandic decline. Century plans to restart more than 50,000t of idled production beginning in April and reach full production by the end of the second quarter. The site is expected to produce 200,000t in 2026, up 28.2pc from 156,000t in 2025.

This restart matters for US aluminum capacity because domestic primary aluminum supply remains strategically important for industrial resilience. Once the Nordural and Mt Holly projects are completed, Century expects average production capacity closer to 750,000 t/yr. That would improve the company’s supply position if execution remains on schedule.

Century is also positioning itself for longer-term US growth. The company confirmed that its $500mn US Department of Energy grant will support its joint development project with Emirates Global Aluminium to build a new primary aluminum smelter in Inola, Oklahoma. Meanwhile, the sale of its idled Hawesville, Kentucky, site to data center infrastructure developer TeraWulf reflects a shift in how legacy industrial power assets are being redeployed.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Century’s 2026 outlook shows that aluminum supply strategy is no longer only about price recovery. It is increasingly about power security, restart discipline, and whether the US can rebuild competitive primary smelting capacity.

Century Aluminum smelter restart advances with extended power deal

Century Aluminum

Century Aluminum smelter restart plans have gained critical momentum after the company secured long-term power for its Mt Holly plant in South Carolina. The renewed supply agreement with utility Santee Cooper gives Century Aluminum smelter restart efforts the stability they need to bring idled capacity back online. As a result, the move positions the Mt Holly site as a key pillar in US efforts to rebuild primary aluminum production and reduce import dependence.

Power deal anchors Mt Holly capacity recovery

Century Aluminum smelter restart economics depend heavily on predictable electricity costs at Mt Holly. The new agreement with Santee Cooper secures a stable power supply through 2031, giving the producer the visibility required to commit fresh capital. The company plans to invest $50mn to return the smelter to its full 229,000 t/yr operating capacity by 30 June 2026, subject to incentive support from county and state authorities.

This restart will add around 50,000 t/yr of primary aluminum output versus current levels at the site. Therefore, Century estimates that the incremental production will lift total US primary aluminum output by roughly 10pc. For downstream users in automotive, packaging and construction, the Century Aluminum smelter restart should marginally improve domestic supply security and reduce exposure to import disruptions.

Tariffs reshape trade flows but import reliance remains high

US trade policy has reshaped the backdrop for primary aluminum investment. Earlier decisions to impose a 50pc tariff on primary aluminum imports, particularly from Canada, have tightened traditional supply channels and encouraged new domestic projects. However, even with the Mt Holly expansion, the US remains structurally short of primary metal.

Recent figures underline the scale of the gap between consumption and domestic output. US producers delivered about 670,000 t of primary aluminum in 2024, while the country imported more than 2.2mn t of unwrought, unalloyed aluminum. As a result, buyers still lean heavily on overseas suppliers, leaving the market sensitive to tariff changes, trade disputes and logistics shocks. The Century Aluminum smelter restart is therefore best seen as an important but partial response to wider supply security concerns.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Mt Holly’s restart underlines how power pricing, industrial policy and trade measures now interact in primary aluminum. Long-term competitive electricity remains the decisive factor for keeping smelting viable in the US, even under high import tariffs. Unless more facilities can secure similar conditions, the country will continue to rely on foreign producers for most of its primary metal needs.

Century EGA Oklahoma Aluminum Plant Could Transform US Primary Supply

EGA

The Century EGA Oklahoma aluminum plant could become the most important US smelter project in decades. Century Aluminum and Emirates Global Aluminium will jointly develop a primary aluminum smelter in Inola, Oklahoma. Production is expected by the end of the decade. As a result, the Century EGA Oklahoma aluminum plant could reshape US primary aluminum supply.

The scale alone makes this project significant. The plant is expected to produce 750,000 metric tonnes per year of primary aluminum. That is higher than the earlier 600,000 t/yr estimate. Therefore, the Century EGA Oklahoma aluminum plant now stands out as a major capacity addition.

This matters because current US output remains limited. The United States produced only 670,000t of primary aluminum in 2024. In simple terms, the new Oklahoma aluminum smelter could exceed current annual domestic production. Consequently, the project could materially change the national supply balance.

Oklahoma Aluminum Smelter Depends on Power and Execution

The Oklahoma aluminum smelter still depends on one critical factor. Long-term competitive power must be secured before the project can succeed. The companies said discussions with the local utility and Oklahoma officials are progressing. However, power pricing will determine whether the plant can compete globally.

Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2026. That timeline suggests the partners want to move from concept to execution quickly. Meanwhile, both companies will focus their US greenfield efforts solely on this site. That concentration increases strategic importance and execution pressure at the same time.

Ownership structure also matters. EGA will hold 60pc of the project, while Century will own 40pc. This arrangement combines EGA’s scale with Century’s US market position. Therefore, the venture brings both industrial depth and domestic relevance.

US Primary Aluminum Supply Is Becoming a Strategic Priority

US primary aluminum supply now carries greater strategic importance. Domestic manufacturers need secure access to metal for transport, packaging, construction, and defense. Policymakers also want more local production of energy-intensive industrial materials. As a result, this smelter aligns with both market demand and industrial policy goals.

Federal support has already reinforced that direction. Century was selected in 2024 for up to $500mn in government funding support. That backing reflects a broader policy push to rebuild industrial capacity inside the United States. Therefore, the Oklahoma project is not only commercial. It is also strategic.

The wider aluminum market will watch this project closely. New primary smelters are expensive, power-intensive, and slow to build. Yet they can anchor supply chains for decades once they operate. Consequently, this plant could become a defining test for US aluminum reinvestment.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This project is bigger than a normal capacity announcement. It is a test of whether the United States can rebuild large-scale primary aluminum production with competitive power. If execution stays on track, Oklahoma could become a landmark site in the next phase of US industrial metals strategy.

Century Aluminum to restart South Carolina smelter

Century Aluminum

Century Aluminum to restart South Carolina smelter as market conditions improve under new US tariffs. The company will invest $50mn to restore more than 50,000t of idled capacity. As a result, Century Aluminum to restart South Carolina smelter strengthens domestic primary aluminum supply.

Capacity ramp and investment timeline

Century plans a full ramp at Mt Holly by 30 June 2026. The plant will rise to 229,000t/yr from roughly 75pc utilization today. Meanwhile, the $50mn program targets pot restarts, workforce additions, and reliability upgrades. Century Aluminum to restart South Carolina smelter will lift US output at one of four remaining smelters.

Policy tailwinds and market implications

Management links the restart to 50pc Section 232 tariffs on aluminum. The policy narrows import-driven price pressure and supports utilization. Therefore, Century Aluminum to restart South Carolina smelter could tighten regional billet and slab availability. Buyers should expect firmer Midwest premiums if restarts accelerate industry-wide.

The restart diversifies supply amid shifting trade flows and energy volatility. However, execution risks remain during the potline ramp. Consistent power access and stable logistics will determine delivery schedules and contract performance.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Century’s move signals confidence in tariff-backed pricing and domestic demand. Watch contract mix, premium trends, and any follow-on restarts by peers. A clean ramp at Mt Holly would materially improve US primary aluminum resilience.

Century Aluminum Sees Q2 Shipment Decline, Anticipates Q3 Recovery Boost

Century Aluminum, a leading producer of primary aluminum, reported a decrease in shipments for the second quarter, though it remains optimistic about a rebound in the third quarter. The company expects that higher aluminum prices and increased demand for domestic billet products will drive recovery, despite a drop in overall production.

In the second quarter, Century Aluminum's shipments fell to 167,908 metric tonnes (t), down from 173,649t during the same period last year. The decline was felt across all operations, including its key U.S. facilities in Sebree, Kentucky, and Mt. Holly, South Carolina. Combined, these facilities shipped 93,805t in the quarter, a decrease from 97,224t in the previous year. The company's Icelandic smelter at Grundartangi also saw a drop in primary aluminum shipments, falling to 74,103t from 76,425t a year ago.

Despite the downturn, Century Aluminum's Sebree facility operated at full capacity, producing at 100% of its 220,000t annual capacity. Mt. Holly operated at 75% of its 230,000t annual capacity, while the Grundartangi plant maintained 100% of its 320,000t annual capacity.

During the quarter, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed preliminary anti-dumping duties on billet imports from 14 countries, which Century Aluminum believes will spur domestic demand. The company’s Sebree and Mt. Holly plants have a combined billet and slab capacity of 295,000t annually, and the decision is expected to provide significant support to these operations.

In addition to market dynamics, Century Aluminum noted that alumina prices are currently at a two-year high, driven by supply disruptions in Australia and increased regulation in China. These factors have pushed the cost of alumina, a key input for aluminum production, to account for a higher percentage of production costs than usual.

In the third quarter, Century’s Jamalco alumina refinery in Jamaica faced disruptions due to Hurricane Beryl, though operations have since stabilized at 80% of the refinery’s 1.2 million lbs/year capacity. However, damage to the main export port in Clarendon Parish forced the company to reroute shipments and declare force majeure on alumina deliveries.

Financially, Century Aluminum reported a 2.5% drop in second-quarter revenue to $561 million, with a loss of $6.7 million, a sharp contrast to the $6.6 million profit recorded in the same period last year.

Century Resumes Rocky Point Aluminum Export Operations

Century Aluminum

Century Aluminum has resumed normal aluminum export operations from the Rocky Point port in Jamaica. The company had previously been forced to use alternative harbors in the region due to damage sustained at its primary shipping point, the Jamalco alumina refinery, following Hurricane Beryl. 

The Category 4 storm, which hit the region in early July, prompted Century to scale back production at the refinery. After the storm passed, Century restored its operations to the pre-hurricane production capacity of 1.2 million metric tonnes per year, and export activity at Rocky Point resumed. Although the port’s conveyor belt suffered damage, Century’s adjustments are expected to have limited impact on its financial results.

Sibanye-Stillwater Suspends Century Zinc Operations in Australia Following Bushfire Damage

Sibanye-Stillwater

South African mining giant Sibanye-Stillwater has announced the temporary suspension of its operations at the Century Zinc Mine in Queensland, Australia, due to damage caused by a regional bushfire. The company expects operations to remain halted until 16 November as extensive repairs are conducted.

The bushfire resulted in the destruction of critical surface piping infrastructure, including feed and water lines that connect the hydraulic mining system to the processing plant, as well as other essential service lines. Despite these setbacks, primary infrastructure such as the processing plant, hydro mine, underground slurry pipeline, airport, and camp facilities were successfully protected from fire damage.

Impact on Zinc Production

The suspension of operations is expected to result in a significant reduction in fourth-quarter zinc metal production. Sibanye-Stillwater estimates a loss of approximately 9,680 tonnes, impacting its ability to meet the 2023 production target of 87,000-100,000 tonnes of payable zinc.

In the first half of 2023, the Century Zinc Mine produced 42,000 tonnes of zinc, reaching the lower end of the company’s full-year guidance. Production earlier this year was already affected by heavy rains in the first quarter.

Looking Ahead

Sibanye-Stillwater's commitment to restoring operations swiftly highlights the challenges posed by natural disasters in the mining sector. With repairs underway and operations expected to resume mid-November, the company aims to mitigate further impacts on its annual production goals.

About Century Zinc Mine

The Century Zinc Mine is one of Australia's significant zinc producers, with its operations contributing significantly to the global zinc market. Owned by Sibanye-Stillwater, the mine employs advanced hydraulic mining techniques to extract ore for processing.

Stay tuned to The Metalnomist for updates on this developing story and other insights into the metals industry.

Oklahoma Aluminum Fabrication Plant Adds Downstream Ambition to Inola Smelter Plan

Oklahoma Aluminum

Oklahoma aluminum fabrication plant plans are emerging around the proposed Inola smelter, creating a potential downstream anchor for one of the most significant US primary aluminum projects in decades. EGA and Century Aluminum have signed an exploratory agreement with newly created US Aluminum to develop a fabrication facility near the planned smelter.

The Oklahoma aluminum fabrication plant would use liquid aluminum from the Inola smelter to produce fabricated products for aerospace, defense, automotive, and other industrial markets. This structure could reduce remelting needs, improve manufacturing efficiency, and create a more integrated domestic aluminum value chain.

The planned Inola smelter is expected to produce 750,000 t/yr of primary aluminum. That would more than double current US output capacity. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with first production expected by the end of the decade.

Downstream Integration Could Strengthen US Aluminum Supply

The Oklahoma aluminum fabrication plant concept signals a move beyond primary metal production alone. By placing fabrication capacity near the smelter, the partners could connect molten metal supply directly with higher-value manufacturing.

This matters because the US aluminum industry has long faced a gap between strategic demand and domestic primary supply. Aerospace, defense, and automotive manufacturers need reliable access to qualified aluminum products, not only commodity-grade metal. A colocated fabrication plant could help convert new smelter output into industrial products with stronger margins and shorter supply chains.

US Aluminum will lead development of the downstream facility. The company was incorporated in Oklahoma on 22 January and is backed by the Plotkin family, which owns M-D Building Products, an aluminum fabricator that produces extrusions. This background gives the new venture a logical link to fabricated aluminum markets.

Inola Project Highlights Industrial Policy and Capacity Rebuilding

The Inola smelter remains the strategic centerpiece of the plan. EGA and Century Aluminum are positioning the project as a major rebuild of US primary aluminum capacity at a time when domestic supply has become a policy and security concern.

No production capacity, start-up timeline, or offtake volumes have been disclosed for the fabrication plant. However, the concept already shows how the smelter could support a wider manufacturing ecosystem. The key question is whether the partners can align power supply, financing, permitting, and customer qualification before the end of the decade.

The project also reflects a broader shift in aluminum strategy. Governments and manufacturers increasingly want supply chains that combine raw material production, downstream processing, and end-market proximity. If executed well, Inola could become more than a smelter. It could become a new aluminum manufacturing cluster for strategic US industries.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The proposed fabrication plant is important because primary aluminum capacity alone does not guarantee industrial resilience. The real value comes when smelter output is linked to aerospace, defense, and automotive manufacturing through qualified downstream capacity.

Sibanye PGM Production Rises in South Africa as US Output Falls

Sibanye

Sibanye PGM production improved in South Africa during the first quarter, but the company’s US mine output weakened because of lower production quality at East Boulder. The mixed result highlights the company’s uneven exposure across primary mining, recycling, zinc and lithium.

Sibanye PGM production in South Africa rose by 2% year on year to 383,241oz of 4E metals, covering platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold. Growth projects supported the increase and helped keep the company on track with its full-year guidance.

Sibanye PGM production in the US moved in the opposite direction. Output of 2E metals, covering platinum and palladium, fell by 5% to 68,386oz, with regular production expected to resume by the end of June.

The company maintained full-year guidance for both regions. South African operations are expected to produce 1.65mn-1.75mn oz, while US operations remain guided at 280,000-300,000oz.

South African Growth Offsets US Mine Weakness

Sibanye’s South African PGM operations remain the stronger side of the portfolio. The 2% increase in first-quarter output shows that ongoing growth projects are helping offset broader pressure across the PGM sector.

This matters because South Africa remains the world’s most important primary PGM supply base. Stable output from large producers supports automotive catalysts, hydrogen technologies, chemicals, electronics and industrial applications.

The US Stillwater operations faced a weaker quarter. Lower production quality at East Boulder reduced output, although Sibanye expects normal production to return by the end of June.

The US decline is important because North American primary PGM supply is limited. Any disruption at Stillwater assets can affect regional availability of palladium and platinum, especially for customers seeking non-Russian and traceable supply.

Recycling helped offset the weaker US mine performance. Sibanye’s US recycled PGM output rose by 50% to 107,597oz, supported by better optimisation of material flows.

That increase reinforces the strategic value of secondary supply. PGM recycling can provide flexible metal units when mine output is uneven, while also supporting lower-carbon and circular supply chains.

Zinc Weakness and Keliber Progress Broaden the Portfolio Story

Sibanye’s Australian Century zinc operation produced 20,000t in the first quarter, down by 25,000t from a year earlier. Above-average rainfall reduced capacity and operating flexibility at the zinc operation.

The decline shows the weather sensitivity of tailings and zinc operations. Heavy rainfall can affect mining rates, processing efficiency, transport and operating continuity.

Century’s weaker output also matters because zinc remains important for galvanizing steel, infrastructure, construction, die casting and industrial manufacturing. Lower production from a major operation can tighten regional supply if weather disruption persists.

Meanwhile, Sibanye’s Keliber lithium project in Finland reached full completion during the first quarter. The first mining blast took place at the Syvajarvi mine in February.

Keliber gives Sibanye a strategic entry into Europe’s lithium supply chain. The project connects the company to battery materials demand and supports Europe’s effort to build more domestic critical mineral capacity.

Sibanye’s portfolio is therefore becoming more diversified. PGMs remain the core earnings and strategic base, but recycling, zinc and lithium all add exposure to different industrial cycles.

The first-quarter results show the benefits and risks of that structure. South African PGMs and US recycling improved, US mine output weakened, zinc suffered weather disruption, and lithium moved closer to future production.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Sibanye’s quarter shows why diversified metals exposure can protect a company from single-asset weakness, but also adds execution complexity. The strongest strategic signal is the rise in recycled PGM output, which could become increasingly valuable as customers seek secure and lower-carbon platinum and palladium supply.

Sibanye-Stillwater Sees Mixed PGM Output in 2024: US Down, Africa Up

Sibanye-Stillwater

US Operations Cut Output as Africa and Zimbabwe Deliver Gains

Restructuring and Metal Prices Shape Production Strategy

Sibanye-Stillwater, the South African platinum group metals (PGM) major, reported a slight decline in US PGM output in 2024 but growth in South Africa and Zimbabwe. The company’s US Stillwater and East Boulder mines produced 425,842oz of 2E PGMs for the year, down less than 1% year-on-year. In the last six months of 2024, US production dropped by 15.4% as Sibanye focused on lowering costs amid challenging metal prices.

Cost Management and US Restructuring Drive Changes

The average 2E PGM basket price in the US fell below the all-in sustaining cost, prompting Sibanye to restructure. The company put the Stillwater West mine on care and maintenance, while East Boulder and Stillwater East mines saw reduced output. Despite lower mine volumes, PGM recycling at the Columbus metallurgical complex rose by 2% to 316,470oz for 2024, including a 9.2% increase in the second half.

African and Australian Operations Report Output Increases

In South Africa and Zimbabwe, Sibanye’s 4E PGM production rose by 4.2% in H2 2024 and 4% for the full year, reaching 1.74 million ounces. Key operations are located in the Bushveld Complex, Kroondal, Rustenburg, Marikana, and Mimosa. Beyond PGMs, nickel output at the Sandouville refinery in France climbed 8.1% to 7,705 tonnes, and zinc production at Australia’s Century site increased by 8% to 82,000 tonnes.

Sibanye’s regional flexibility, ongoing cost discipline, and diversified asset base position the company to navigate volatile PGM prices and evolving market conditions.

France Fossil Fuel Roadmap Sets Clear Timetable for Energy Transition

Fossil fuel roadmap

France fossil fuel roadmap marks an important step in turning climate targets into a structured energy transition plan. The roadmap does not introduce new targets, but it brings France’s energy policies, electrification strategy and climate goals into one document.

France fossil fuel roadmap is significant because it gives a clear schedule for reducing fossil fuel dependence. France aims to cut fossil fuels from around 60% of final energy consumption in 2023 to 40% in 2030 and 30% in 2035.

France fossil fuel roadmap also sets long-term phase-out dates for coal, oil and natural gas. The government plans to phase out coal by 2030, oil by 2045 and natural gas by 2050, while targeting net zero emissions by mid-century.

The roadmap matters beyond France. It gives other governments a practical example of how fossil fuel transition planning can connect emissions targets, energy security, electrification and industrial strategy.

Electrification Becomes the Core of Fossil Fuel Reduction

France’s roadmap links fossil fuel reduction directly to electrification. The country’s new electrification plan, released in April, now sits alongside its national low-carbon strategy and wider climate targets.

This connection is important because fossil fuel phase-out cannot happen only through policy declarations. It requires more electricity, cleaner generation, stronger grids, electric heating, electric transport, industrial efficiency and lower-carbon manufacturing.

France also has an energy security reason to move faster. More than 95% of fossil fuels burned in the country are imported, exposing households and industry to external price shocks, shipping risks and geopolitical disruption.

Reducing imported fossil fuel use therefore serves two goals. It lowers emissions and reduces exposure to volatile global energy markets.

The roadmap reiterates France’s target to cut gross greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 compared with 1990 levels. It also supports the longer-term objective of net zero emissions in 2050.

France’s remaining two coal-fired power plants are scheduled to close or be converted by next year. This makes coal the easiest part of the transition, while oil and natural gas will require deeper changes across transport, buildings and industry.

For metals and materials markets, the roadmap points to rising demand for the physical infrastructure behind electrification. Copper, aluminium, electrical steel, transformers, batteries, rare earth magnets, grid equipment and power electronics will all become more important as France cuts fossil fuel use.

The policy also strengthens the case for clean energy investment. A clearer timetable can help utilities, manufacturers, grid operators and industrial users plan capital spending around future energy demand.

Fossil Fuel Transition Planning Gains Global Momentum

Think tanks welcomed the French roadmap because few countries address coal, oil and gas together under one transition framework. They noted that France did not raise ambition, but still provided a useful model by setting timelines and aligning policies.

This matters because global climate diplomacy is moving from broad pledges toward implementation. The first global stocktake agreed at Cop 28 called for a transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, but many countries still lack detailed national plans.

France’s roadmap gives that commitment a national structure. It shows how governments can translate climate summit language into domestic policy sequencing.

The document also creates pressure on fossil fuel-producing countries. If demand for fossil fuels declines over the coming decades, producer economies will need diversification plans, new industries and alternative sources of public revenue.

Colombia’s draft fossil fuel transition roadmap shows that this discussion is widening. The country aims to cut primary fossil fuel demand by 90% over 2026-50 while expanding energy access and managing dependence on oil and coal exports.

The EU is also moving in the same direction, even if its language focuses more on emissions reduction than explicit fossil fuel phase-out. The bloc targets net zero emissions by 2050, a 55% emissions reduction by 2030 and a 90% reduction by 2040 compared with 1990 levels.

The practical effect is similar. Deep emissions cuts cannot happen without a major reduction in fossil fuel use.

For industry, this creates a long-term signal. Companies should expect more electrification, stronger carbon rules, higher clean-energy investment and greater pressure to reduce fossil fuel exposure in operations and supply chains.

The strategic issue is execution. Roadmaps help, but governments still need permitting reform, grid investment, clean power capacity, financing, industrial incentives and raw material supply security.

The Metalnomist Commentary

France’s roadmap shows that fossil fuel transition is becoming an infrastructure plan, not just a climate slogan. The industrial winners will be countries that connect phase-out timelines with grids, clean power, critical minerals and manufacturing capacity.

SUPER METAL PRICE Launches 'The Metals Grade Atlas' eBook: A Definitive Handbook for the Specialty Metals Industry

eBook: 'The Metals Grade Atlas'

An 815-page authoritative guide to titanium, nickel, and iron alloys sets a new global standard in advanced materials selection.

SUPER METAL PRICE, a global intelligence platform specializing in metals markets, has officially released The Metals Grade Atlas, a comprehensive digital reference for high-performance specialty metals used in modern industries.

A Complete Guidebook for Extreme Industrial Conditions in the 21st Century

This 815-page volume presents a systematic overview of materials engineered to withstand extreme environments, including aerospace, power generation, chemical processing, medical devices, and offshore platforms.

The Metals Grade Atlas provides essential data for materials capable of enduring ultra-high temperatures, corrosion, and mechanical stress—such as jet turbine blades operating above 1000°C, or gas turbines in power plants that function under thermal extremes exceeding 1200°C.

Covering the Full Spectrum of Titanium, Nickel, and Iron Alloys

The publication categorizes cutting-edge alloys into three key material families:

◎ Titanium Alloys – Lightweight and corrosion-resistant innovations

• Core material in aerospace applications for airframes, engine components, and landing gear
• Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio enhances fuel efficiency and payload
• Proven durability in chloride- and H₂S-rich offshore environments
• High biocompatibility and long-term stability for medical implants

◎ Nickel-based Superalloys – Designed to conquer extreme temperatures

• Resilient beyond 1200°C with excellent thermal and mechanical stability
• Ideal for turbine blades, combustors, and disks in power generation systems
• High resistance to creep, oxidation, and thermal cycling in jet engine hot zones
• Key material in high-temperature petrochemical reactors and heat exchangers

◎ Special Iron Alloys – The structural backbone of industrial infrastructure

• High-strength steels for shipbuilding, construction, automotive, and renewable energy
• Covers a wide range from ultra-high-strength to abrasion-resistant grades
• Enhanced fatigue performance and weldability in marine applications
• Delivers both weight reduction and crash safety in automotive structures
• Specialized grades for wind turbine towers and heavy-duty bearings

A Practical Data Library for Industry Professionals

Each alloy in The Metals Grade Atlas includes:

• Chemical composition and mechanical properties
• Corrosion resistance and high-temperature performance
• Fatigue strength and weldability indexes
• Real-world application examples and selection criteria
• Cost-performance considerations to support design decisions

Supporting Engineering Decision-Making

Going beyond material specifications, the book offers a structured framework for material selection in actual engineering practice. It assists professionals in benchmarking, processability assessment, and cost-performance analysis to guide optimal alloy choices.

A Strategic Companion for Industrial Innovation

SUPER METAL PRICE stated, "We sincerely hope this publication becomes a trusted and indispensable reference for design engineers, material scientists, and quality professionals striving to make precise, performance-driven, and economically sound material decisions."

The company further emphasized, "This book aims to serve as a compass for understanding, developing, and applying advanced metals in the pursuit of next-generation industrial innovation."

Global Market Insights and Future Outlook

With net-zero targets and energy transitions accelerating worldwide, demand for high-performance specialty metals is rising sharply. Policies such as the EU’s CBAM and the U.S. IRA have further highlighted the strategic value of specialty alloys. Industry experts have praised The Metals Grade Atlas as a long-awaited professional handbook that offers both comprehensive coverage and practical utility in the field.

Publication Details

• Title: The Metals Grade Atlas (eBook)
• Publisher: SUPER METAL PRICE
• Release Date: June 1, 2025
• Language: English
• File Size: 12.9MB
• Length: 815 pages

Available at: www.supermetalprice.com

About SUPER METAL PRICE

SUPER METAL PRICE is a global intelligence platform delivering in-depth analysis and real-time news on the metal markets. Its coverage spans steel, non-ferrous metals, rare earths, and energy-transition materials, with expert insights into pricing trends, tariffs, trade policies, and technical innovations across major regions including the U.S., Europe, China, and India.

Following The Metals Grade Atlas, the company plans to expand its specialty metals portfolio with future publications, including a Rare Earth Handbook and a Recycling Technology Guide.

Contact

Website: www.supermetalprice.com

eBook Purchase: Visit the digital download page

This press release is based on publicly available information from SUPER METAL PRICE.

Tharisa underground chrome and PGM project extends Bushveld mine life

Tharisa

Tharisa underground chrome and PGM project plans mark a major shift in its South African operations. The Tharisa underground chrome and PGM project will replace the existing open pit mine as it depletes, securing long-term output from the Bushveld complex. This strategic move aims to stabilise chrome and PGM supply while leveraging stronger platinum prices and future demand growth.

Long-life strategy for Bushveld chrome and PGM supply

Tharisa will invest $547mn over the next decade to develop the underground complexes, Apollo and Orion. These underground units will enter first production in 2031, as the open pit approaches depletion. The Tharisa underground chrome and PGM project is designed to match and then exceed the current 5.6mn t/yr ore mining capacity.

As a result, Tharisa expects to maintain existing chrome and PGM concentrate output levels and create room for expansion. The underground expansion will extend the life of the overall operation by more than 50 years. This life extension is critical for downstream smelters, refiners and automotive PGM users planning long-term contracts.

Recent production trends highlight why the transition matters. PGM output fell by 6.5pc year on year in April–June, with chrome concentrate down by 3.9pc. However, quarter-on-quarter volumes recovered, with PGMs up 6.2pc and chrome concentrate up 3.9pc from January–March. The Tharisa underground chrome and PGM project therefore seeks to smooth volatility and anchor a more predictable supply profile.

Platinum price strength supports underground investment case

Platinum prices have recently surged to their highest level in 11 years. Benchmark assessments put platinum around $1,592/troy oz, with palladium at $1,285/troy oz. This price environment strengthens the economic rationale for deep, capital-intensive underground development.

Therefore, the Tharisa underground chrome and PGM project benefits from supportive revenue expectations, even as near-term production dips. Underground operations typically deliver higher resource recovery and better grade control than mature open pits. Over time, this can offset higher operating and capital costs.

Meanwhile, chrome concentrate remains a key revenue pillar for Tharisa, tied to stainless steel and alloy demand. The combined chrome and PGM basket from the Tharisa underground chrome and PGM project will help diversify risk across stainless, auto catalyst and emerging hydrogen-related applications. For global buyers, this project adds another long-dated node of supply in a market wary of concentration risk.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Tharisa’s move underground signals confidence in long-run PGM and chrome fundamentals despite short-term market noise. For downstream users, the key questions will be project execution, cost control and how this new supply interacts with other Bushveld and global expansions. If delivered on schedule, the project should reinforce South Africa’s role at the core of the PGM and chrome value chain well into the second half of this century.

US Sovereign Fund Could Boost Critical Minerals Investment, Says Ivanhoe Chief

Ivanhoe Mines

Long-term mine value undervalued in Western models, new funding approach may unlock investment in extended-lifecycle projects.

Ivanhoe Mines founder and executive co-chairman Robert Friedland urged the creation of a US sovereign wealth fund to support the critical minerals supply chain, arguing it could encourage deeper and longer-term investment in mining. Speaking at the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference, Friedland said traditional net present value (NPV) models fail to reflect the true economic potential of century-long mine lifespans.

Financial Models Discourage Long-Term Mining

"NPV models make mining look poor beyond 10 years," Friedland stated. He noted that discounting future cash flows leaves "almost nothing" of value after the first decade, despite mines often running far longer.

Shaun Usmar, CEO of Vale Base Metals, agreed, stressing that the industry regularly underestimates asset longevity. "We statistically undervalue the upside of mines extended two to three times their original life," he said.

This short-term financial lens causes many Western mining firms to overlook long-duration, high-reward mineral projects, especially in strategic supply chains for clean energy technologies.

US Government Eyes Policy and Project Support

Efforts to fix this gap are already underway. The US Export-Import Bank’s Supply Chain Resilience Initiative now provides financing for international critical mineral projects, contingent on long-term offtake agreements with US companies.

Moreover, Laura Lochman, acting assistant secretary at the US Bureau of Energy Resources, highlighted Washington’s role in coordinating global partnerships. She cited a recent collaboration between Umicore (Belgium) and Gecamines (Democratic Republic of Congo) on a germanium project as a model for future deals.

"Our job is to connect capable players and accelerate execution," Lochman said.

RBM Mineral Sands Expansion Extends Rio Tinto’s Zircon and Ilmenite Supply

Rio Tinto Blue Horizon

RBM mineral sands expansion approval gives Rio Tinto a longer supply runway for zircon and ilmenite from its Richards Bay Minerals operation in South Africa. The $473mn Zulti South project is designed to extend mined supply as ore grades and availability decline at the existing Zulti North lease area.

Rio Tinto owns 74pc of Richards Bay Minerals, while Blue Horizon holds 24pc. RBM currently operates four mines in the Zulti North lease area, alongside a mineral separation plant and smelting facility. Construction at Zulti South is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026 and take around 30 months.

RBM mineral sands expansion is expected to support production from the fourth quarter of 2028. The project aims to extend RBM’s operations to 2050, giving the business a longer-term role in global mineral sands supply.

Zulti South Restarts After Earlier Security and Community Delays

The Zulti South project was originally approved in April 2019, but Rio Tinto later suspended development because of security and community issues. The new approval shows that the company is prepared to move forward after a long delay.

This history matters because mineral sands projects depend not only on geology and capital, but also on stable operating conditions. Community relations, security, permitting, logistics, and site reliability can determine whether high-quality deposits become dependable supply sources.

RBM mineral sands expansion also reflects the need to replace declining ore supply at Zulti North. As mature ore bodies deplete, producers must invest in new mining areas to maintain feedstock availability for separation, smelting, and downstream customers.

Zircon and Ilmenite Supply Supports Industrial and Titanium Markets

Zircon and ilmenite are important industrial minerals with strategic downstream uses. Zircon serves ceramics, refractories, foundry applications, and specialty industrial products. Ilmenite and rutile are key feedstocks for titanium dioxide production, which is widely used in pigments, paints, coatings, plastics, and paper.

Titanium dioxide feedstock also connects the mineral sands market to titanium metal supply chains. While pigment remains the dominant demand driver, titanium-bearing minerals ultimately support industries tied to aerospace, chemicals, energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Rio Tinto’s approval therefore strengthens a long-term feedstock position in a market where mine life, jurisdictional stability, and processing integration matter. The expansion gives RBM a clearer path to remain a major supplier of mineral sands into the middle of the century.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Rio Tinto’s Zulti South approval shows that mineral sands supply security depends on long-cycle mine replacement, not short-term price movements. The strategic value lies in extending zircon and ilmenite availability before mature deposits tighten the feedstock pipeline.

Tariff Shock Forces IMF to Cut Global Growth Forecast

IMF

Trump’s Tariffs Trigger Global Economic Revisions, Says IMF

Focus Keyphrase: IMF global growth forecast 2025 tariffs

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has significantly lowered its 2025–2026 global growth outlook following steep new tariffs introduced by former President Donald Trump. The revised World Economic Outlook, released this week, shows a projected global GDP growth of just 2.8% in 2025 and 3.0% in 2026, down from 3.3% per year forecast earlier this year.

The revision stems from Trump’s across-the-board tariff policies, which include 10% on most imports, 25% on steel and aluminum, and a record 145% on Chinese imports. These levels, the IMF noted, mark the highest effective US tariff rates in over a century.

🇺🇸 North America Faces Sharp Downturn

The IMF warns that the United States, Canada, and Mexico will suffer the most due to both tariffs and retaliatory trade measures. The US growth forecast dropped from 2.7% to 1.8% for 2025, while Mexico is now projected to shrink by 0.3% instead of growing, and Canada’s growth falls to 1.4%.

The IMF cited heightened policy uncertainty and weakened demand as key factors eroding economic confidence and investment. Meanwhile, President Trump continues to defend the tariffs, claiming they boost American capitalism and would incentivize onshore manufacturing.

Markets, however, responded negatively. US stock indices fell over 2%, and fears of a broader economic slowdown intensified following Trump’s renewed attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for not lowering interest rates.

China and Eurozone Not Immune

The IMF also reduced its outlook for China, predicting a decline to 4.0% annual growth in 2025–2026, down from the previous forecast of 4.6%. The euro area will also see slower expansion at 0.8% in 2025 and 1.2% in 2026.

Although Trump asserts tariffs are bringing “billions” into the US economy, the IMF argues that the "unpredictability of the trade environment" is undermining global recovery efforts and long-term economic planning.