French renewable energy company Neoen has secured AUD 1.8 billion (USD 1.26 billion) in debt financing from 13 lenders to support a 1.2 GW portfolio of solar, wind, and battery storage projects across Australia, marking its largest financing transaction to date. The financing package covers five operating and under-construction assets across New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia. The portfolio includes the 440 MWp Culcairn solar PV plant and its associated 215 MW/963 MWh battery storage project, alongside wind and storage assets in the other two states. Neoen said the transaction would strengthen its balance sheet and support further investment in new projects, as the company continues to expand its renewable energy footprint in Australia. “This transaction reflects the...
North America's aluminium Zorba-Zurik scrap trade is evolving as major recyclers invest in advanced metal recovery technologies and international buyers seek consistent supplies of specification-compliant non-ferrous scrap. From established exporters such as CMR America, GP Harmon Recycling, and Sims Global Commodities to traders offering different Zorba grades and shipment volumes, the market is increasingly shaped by material quality, processing capabilities, and global demand. While India and Southeast Asia remain important destinations for North American scrap, the region’s leading processors are also expanding domestic sorting operations to produce higher-purity, furnace-ready materials. This dual approach is reshaping the competitive landscape for aluminum scrap exporters and...
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In 2023, Africa's primary aluminium production reached 1.596 million tonnes, with an output of 133,000 tonnes in the last month of the year. According to the International Aluminium Institute survey, Africa's primary aluminium production in 2023 registered a fall of 1.48 per cent from 1.62 million tonnes in 2022. The decline in annual output during 2023 was primarily due to abysmally low production during February at 123,000 tonnes and April at 129,000 tonnes. The production in December stood at 133,000 tonnes, up by 1,000 tonnes from November 2023 but down by 8,000 tonnes or 5.71 per cent from 140,000 tonnes. Africa's daily average production in December was 4,300 tonnes, slightly less than in November despite the rise in monthly output. On a year-on-year calculation, the daily...
Lotte Aluminium Materials USA LLC and SMS group have joined forces in a strategic partnership to revolutionise the production of ultra-thin aluminium cathode foils for electric vehicle batteries. This collaboration, anchored in the heart of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, USA, signifies a pivotal moment in the aluminium industry, poised to meet the surging demand for electric vehicles. The collaboration capitalises on state-of-the-art technologies the SMS group provides, primarily focusing on digitalisation to enhance efficiency, quality, and customisation in the manufacturing process. Key Technological Advancements Lotte's ambitious goal is to produce 36,000 tons of cathode foils annually, responding adeptly to the growing demand in the electric vehicle market. The advanced digitalisation...
The Beer Institute, the longstanding national trade association dedicated to representing the beer industry, issued a response following the introduction of H.R.7078, known as ‘The False Claims Enhancement Act,’ by Rep. Ken Buck (CO-04). This proposed legislation aims to establish accountability for aluminium producers who impose tariffed prices on non-tariffed metal. The False Claims Enhancement Act explicitly outlines that it violates the False Claims Act for entities, such as aluminium producers, to inaccurately impose a tariff in a private contract where no tariff obligation exists and the funds are not directed to the government. This provision serves as a robust deterrent against individuals or organisations attempting to include a government-mandated charge when it is not warranted...
On winning the first position in the prestigious S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) rakings, Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, said that their commitment towards increasing resource efficiency, using more renewables in the energy mix and converting waste into wealth is now stronger than ever before. CEO John Slaven commented in a statement that Vedanta Aluminium had been partnering with its community members, prioritising energy and performance efficiency and inclusive development. Vedanta’s vision to sustainability goes beyond business compliance. They want to make positive impact on the environment, and their top rank in the S&P Global CSA testifies their commitment . John Slaven said, "We have embarked on a transformative journey where our commitment to...
Cymat Technologies Ltd. proudly talked about its inaugural order to supply AlusionTM stabilized aluminium foam panels for installation in the prestigious NEOM project, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's monumental endeavour backed by a staggering US$ 500 billion investment. Cymat's AlusionTM panels are set to play a crucial part in bolstering the aesthetic of the water park situated in the Sindalah district, the first region to be completed within NEOM. What is Saudi Arabia's NEOM project, and where does Cymat's expertise lie? The NEOM project, touted as the world's largest construction initiative, encompasses commercial, residential, recreational, and cultural domains. Acting as the gateway to this colossal development, Sindalah is poised to showcase the versatility and innovation of Cymat's...
The Vivalda Group has introduced MetSkin, a novel solid aluminium cladding system designed and manufactured in the UK, tailored explicitly for residential high-rise or municipal projects. This comprehensive and thoroughly tested system is produced in-house by MSP Façade Solutions, a subsidiary of the Vivalda Group located in Cumbernauld. MetSkin is available in three distinct configurations: Interlocking Plank (2mm thickness) Hook-on Cassette (3mm thickness) Tray Panel (3mm thickness) Systems Fabricated from a "premium grade" non-flammable solid aluminium sheet, the product undergoes a chrome-free powder coating process on-site to meet the Qualicoat standard. The powder coating is carried out by Prism Powder Coating, a sister company within the group that has earned the prestigious status...
On January 31, today, the SMM A00 aluminium ingot price in China has lowered by RMB 40 per tonne to close at RMB 18,970 per tonne, with the average prices hovering between RMB 18,950 per tonne and RMB 18,990 per tonne. On January 24, last week, the SMM aluminium price was RMB 18,980 per tonne, which has fallen by RMB 10 per tonne or 0.05 per cent Week-on-Week to halt at what it is today. China’s SMM A00 aluminium market trend in January If we consider the SMM aluminium price on December 29, we’ll find a Month-on-Month slump of RMB 600 per tonne or 3.06 per cent from RMB 19,570 per tonne recorded that day. Throughout the first month of 2024, China’s aluminium market flashed a declining trend, with the highest SMM aluminium price marked at RMB 19,480 per tonne on January 2. The low carbon...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,254.5 per tonne on Tuesday, with its low and high at US$2,247.5 per tonne and US$2,277.5 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,271.5 per tonne, up 0.91 per cent. On Tuesday, January 30, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price ascended by US$12.5 per tonne or 0.56 per cent to stand at US$2,226 per tonne and US$2,226.50 per tonne. As per the LME aluminium data , 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price hiked by US$15.5 per tonne or 0.68 per cent and US$14 per tonne or 0.62 per cent to stand at US$2,264.50 per tonne and US$2,265 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price gained US$14 per tonne or 0.56 per cent to stand at US$2,502 per tonne and US$2,507 per tonne. LME aluminium 3-month Asian...
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) data suggests that Canada and Mexico have emerged as two of the biggest aluminium scrap exporters to the USA. Firstly, the global emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices has encouraged increased recycling efforts. As aluminium is renowned for its recyclability without compromising quality, the demand for scrap as a raw material has witnessed a notable upswing. Additionally, the escalating costs of primary aluminium production have prompted manufacturers to explore cost-effective alternatives, making recycled aluminium an attractive choice. Furthermore, evolving trade relationships and market conditions have created a volatile scenario where importing aluminium scrap becomes a viable and strategic option for meeting USA's growing OEM...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), renowned for its technological prowess, has unveiled a path-changing innovation in the realm of metal 3D printing—Liquid Metal Printing (LMP). The technology employs a graphite crucible containing molten aluminium deposited through a three-dimensional ceramic nozzle. This molten metal interacts with a layer of tiny glass beads, maintaining its form until it cools and providing necessary support. Unlike traditional metal printing systems that suffer from impracticality, LMP boasts remarkable speed and scale, enabling the rapid production of large-scale objects, such as furniture, in just a few minutes. Why is additive manufacturing one of the most hyped production methods? In recent years, 3D printing technologies have revolutionised various...
According to the data shared by the Japan Aluminium Association, aluminium rolled product shipments in 2023 declined year-on-year by 6.5 per cent, reaching the lowest point in the past 20 years. The shipment volume through the year totalled 1,707,547 tonnes, falling below the levels observed during the COVID-19 disaster and the Lehman shock period in 2009, when the shipment volume was 1.72 million tonnes and 1.74 million tonnes, respectively. Over the past six years, Japan’s aluminium rolled products shipment stood below 2 million tonnes. The downfall in Japan’s rolled product shipment in 2023 could be attributed to the slow production of construction materials and materials used for electronic communication equipment. The surge in automotive materials production, surpassing 200,000...
MRAI's 11th IMRC 2024 Convention & Exposition in Kolkata opened with a startling discourse as stalwarts from the international materials recycling sector came together to commemorate the event. The Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) had arranged for a three-day seminar and exposition spanning from January 23 to 25 at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan in Kolkata. Day 1 saw heavy registrations as intrigued candidates from the downstream, and recycling industry started flooding the registration arrays. AL Circle had the opportunity to be present first-hand and to experience the mesmerising event unfolding slowly. There were five assorted sessions that had been planned by MRAI on January 23 (Day 1): Session on "Reimagine- Way we Produce, Consume and Dispose Plastics" Session on "Waste...
Vedanta Aluminium, the largest aluminium producer in India, proudly announces its top-ranking position in the prestigious S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) rankings for the aluminium industry during the 2023 assessment period. This significant achievement reaffirms Vedanta Aluminium as the world's leading sustainable aluminium producer, surpassing its global counterparts in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. The S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) stands as an annual litmus test for companies' commitment to sustainability, encompassing a vast array of over 10,000 global entities. Renowned for its rigorous evaluation, the CSA meticulously scrutinizes sustainability criteria that are both industry-specific and financially impactful, earning...
According to the International Aluminium Institute survey, world alumina production in December 2023 stood at 12.298 million tonnes, bringing the whole year output at 141.924 million tonnes, slightly down from 142.23 million tonnes in 2022. Further introspection into global production The decline in annual output was due to slow production in the first half of 2023. From January to June, the world alumina production stood below 12 million tonnes. July onwards, the output gained momentum and mostly stood above 12 million tonnes through H2 2023. The production in December experienced an increase of 3.4 per cent month-on-month from 11.894 million tonnes and rise of 3.5 per cent year-on-year from 11.878 million tonnes. The world’s daily average production in December 2023 was 396,700 tonnes,...
MetalX LLC, headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has unveiled ambitious plans for a cutting-edge aluminium recycling campus in Defiance, Ohio, spanning 190 acres. This innovative venture encompasses a state-of-the-art aluminium slab manufacturing plant, a sophisticated scrap shredding and advanced sortation facility, and a dedicated logistics hub. The company, in collaboration with Manna Capital Partners from Louisville, Kentucky, is set to invest over $200 million in a greenfield aluminium rolling slab facility. The chosen site, located in northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio, or southern Michigan, is part of MetalX's commitment to sustainable practices in the aluminium industry. Configurations and operational capacity of the emerging plant According to JobsOhio, the total investment is...
Henan Calgon Carbon Co., Ltd., the foreign trade department of Henan KFCC Carbon Co., Ltd, has recently joined the AL Biz, the world's 1st B2B online marketplace that connects millions of buyers and sellers across the entire aluminium value chain, showcasing its expertise as a leading supplier of graphite electrodes and calcined petroleum coke . Established in 2019 and situated in Anyang City, Henan Province, China, the foreign trade department boasts a dedicated team of 20 employees and a spacious facility spanning over 1100 square meters. As an integral part of KFCC, Henan Calgon Carbon specialises in exporting high-quality graphite electrodes and calcined petroleum coke. With an annual export capacity of 20,000 tons of graphite electrodes, their product series includes UHP, HP, and RP...
According to market predictions, most forward-looking commodities markets experienced declining profit margins in 2023. Navigating the uncertainty The tightening of global monetary policies has exerted pressure on the demand for metals, and the widespread supply chain disruptions experienced in 2022 have mostly subsided. While the renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) sectors, crucial contributors to metal demand, have exhibited resilience, they are only partially shielded from the broader global economic deceleration and are contending with their challenges. As the world enters 2024, a significant level of uncertainty continues to linger. Markets are haunted by issues such as conflict, energy security concerns, and uncertainties surrounding China's economic future, making it...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,261.50 per tonne on Monday, with its low and high at US$2,237 per tonne and US$2,268 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,251 per tonne, down 1.03 per cent. The LME aluminium official price chart on January 29 flashed a slight increase in rates, with the LME official cash bid price stopping at US$2,213.50 per tonne with a spike of US$2 per tonne or 0.09 per cent. The LME official settlement price parked at US$2,214 per tonne, having registered a similar rise. Comparison with December 2023 If the LME aluminium price on December 29 last year is taken into account, we can calculate a Month-on-Month slump of US$121.50 per tonne or 5.2 per cent. Throughout January this year, the LME aluminium price has shown a gradual decline, with the highest price...
