- Nalco posts strong Q1 growth on higher alumina sales
- Hindustan Copper, GAIL sign MoU for mining projects
At the close of trading on 8 August 2025, base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) saw positive trends w-o-w, with zinc witnessing the highest decline of 3.67% to $2,827/tonne (t). Meanwhile, LME warehouse stocks exhibited negative trends, except for zinc, which declined the steepest, by 19.19%.
On the LME, three-month aluminium prices stood at $2,609/t, up by 1.68%, while nickel increased by 1.13% w-o-w to $15,156/t. Copper prices were at $9,762/t, up by 1.36% w-o-w, and lead was up by 1.80% w-o-w at $2,008/t.
LME aluminium prices declined this week after hitting a four-month high, pressured by growing uncertainty around US tariffs and persistent macroeconomic concerns in China.
India’s imported aluminium scrap prices showed a mixed trend w-o-w, tracking the upward movement in LME prices. Strong global demand, a recent rise in LME prices to a four-month high, and ongoing supply constraints supported Indian tags, though subdued trading activity limited gains.
Domestic Tense scrap stood at INR 197,000/t ex-Delhi-NCR and INR 200,000/t ex-Chennai, backed by constrained availability and robust local demand.
Meanwhile, ADC12 alloy prices remained strong in both northern and southern markets, supported by consistent demand in the semi-finished segment.
Imported copper scrap prices in India registered a modest w-o-w gain, following a 1.37% rise in LME copper futures to $9,762/t. The uptick was driven by persistent supply constraints, though uncertainty continued around potential US import tariffs.
LME futures also remained below the recent three-month peak of $10,005/t (recorded on July 3), adding mild bearish pressure to domestic scrap pricing sentiment.
Secondary continuously cast rods (CCRs) (99.90%) were assessed at INR 852,000/t ex-Delhi, up by INR 8,000/t w-o-w. Meanwhile, primary CCR prices stood at INR 890,000/t, up by INR 2,000/t w-o-w.
India’s zinc scrap and dross market witnessed mixed trends this week, with prices moving in a narrow band.
BigMint assessed zinc diecast scrap (Middle East origin) at $2,290/t CFR west coast India, up $45/t w-o-w.
Prices of zinc ingots from Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) stood at INR 283,600/t ($3,255/t) ex-Chanderiya, down by INR 1,500/t w-o-w.
Lead
Domestic primary lead ingot prices stood at INR 201,000/t, up by INR 1,000 w-o-w, while re-melted ingots stood at INR 180,000/t, down by INR 1,000/t w-o-w.
Meanwhile, HZL lead ingots stood at INR 203,100/t ($2,316/t) ex-Chanderiya, down by INR 3,200/t w-o-w.
Other updates
Trump’s 50% tariffs hit US-India trade
President Trump has doubled tariffs on key Indian goods to 50%, citing Russian oil imports and escalating tensions. India condemned the move as “unfair” and vowed to protect its interests. The hike is set to raise costs, disrupt supply chains, and push India to diversify trade partnerships amid growing global trade frictions.
Nalco posts strong Q1FY’26 growth on higher alumina sales
NALCO delivered a robust Q1FY’26, with revenue up 33% y-o-y to INR 3,807 crore and PAT surging 77% to INR 1,064 crore, driven by a sharp rise in alumina production and exports alongside stable aluminium output. The integrated miner-smelter leveraged its cost-efficient operations and debt-free balance sheet while advancing capacity expansion plans, reinforcing its market position despite softer LME prices.
Hindustan Copper, GAIL join forces for mineral projects
Hindustan Copper Ltd has signed an MoU with GAIL (India) Ltd to jointly pursue copper and critical mineral block auctions, develop mining and processing projects, and collaborate across the value chain. The partnership will involve shared investments, risk-sharing, and potential use of HCL’s existing assets to advance exploration and production.
Delton opens third telecom cable plant in Haryana
Delton has commissioned its third manufacturing facility in Prithla, Haryana, to boost telecom cable production and meet growing demand from major operators. Operational since 7 June 2025, the new plant, set up on leased industrial land adjoining Plant II, expands capacity to serve the rapidly evolving telecom sector.
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