Paradoxically, energy-intense aluminium is becoming a crucial material in the race to achieve net zero emissions. This should support prices that have jumped recently on input cost rises. A big increase in net profit at state-owned Aluminum Corp of China [[KRKT]] will be no flash in the (aluminium) pan.

Carmakers are already using a lot more of the white metal in vehicle bodies and engine parts. Battery companies also put aluminium in lithium-ion batteries, which are used for electric vehicles, and are hoping to develop substitute power cells in which it is the key ingredient.

Aluminium prices are surging amid disruption to supplies of energy and bauxite. They rose to a more than 13-year high on Thursday, with the most-traded October aluminium contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange selling at $3,478 a tonne.