Constellium’s plans to expand aluminium recycling in the European Union could be put on hold if the region fails to secure enough aluminium scrap, with exports to overseas markets contributing to a shortage of raw material for European producers. The company is reviewing aluminium recycling projects across its packaging, automotive and aerospace divisions. CEO Ingrid Joerg told Reuters that the projects could be larger or smaller than the EUR 130 million (USD 148.82 million) recycling expansion at Constellium’s Neuf-Brisach plant in France. “We have several recycling projects in the pipeline that we are investigating. But if there’s no scrap, they’re not going to happen,” Joerg said. EU aluminium scrap policy under scrutiny The availability of aluminium scrap has become a key concern for...
Metlen Energy & Metals PLC is investing EUR 25 million in its recycled aluminium production facility EP.AL.ME. in Greece, targeting higher processing capacity and greater use of complex aluminium scrap streams. The investment will fund automated sorting, processing and melting equipment at EP.AL.ME., which Metlen describes as Greece’s largest independent recycled aluminium producer. The project will allow the facility to process more complex scrap, including post-consumer aluminium recovered from end-of-life products. The expansion will connect EP.AL.ME. more closely with Metlen’s Aluminium of Greece facility. EP.AL.ME. will manage the collection, sorting and pre-processing of aluminium scrap, while Aluminium of Greece will provide the production scale needed to incorporate recycled metal...
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The UK Aluminium Federation (ALFED), representing the entire aluminium supply chain in the UK, has officially submitted a response to the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Consultation. As the leading trade body for the aluminium industry in the UK, ALFED has encouraged its members to provide detailed consultation responses related to specific sector areas before the deadline on Thursday, June 13th. However, through ALFED Trade Committee discussions, two critical areas of concern were highlighted and deemed pertinent to the entire aluminium supply chain and all members. Firstly, ALFED has voiced concerns regarding the risk of trade diversion that may arise from the implementation of the EU CBAM without the simultaneous implementation of a UK CBAM. ALFED emphasises the...
The Chinese domestic alumina market has consolidated recently at a high level. Prices remain up around RMB3800/tonne, almost RMB1000 above where they were just a few weeks ago. There's little chance of prices going down, as demand is still strong and supply lines are still struggling. Imported ore is coming in at record levels, but domestic ore supply is still struggling. As well, a small handful of refineries has been running at reduced capacity while performing maintenance. The spot alumina market, which admittedly is not a major part of the picture, has been running very thin recently. In the meantime, the Shanghai index is starting to get some solid inventory numbers to back it up. Thanks to Ecolab for the use of this image.
Tuffman Equipment was acquired by General Kinematics in 2018 as part of its strategic move to enhance recycling systems. This acquisition aimed to diversify and expand General Kinematic's (GK) equipment offerings, particularly in the recycling sector. After the acquisition, General Kinematics evaluated and upgraded Tuffman's screens and conveyors to align with what a GK executive proudly refers to as "the GK standard." The enhanced robustness of the Tuffman line has significantly reduced downtime for recyclers handling metal and construction and demolition (C&D) materials. This improvement is a testament to General Kinematics' commitment to providing high-performance and reliable recycling solutions. Thanks to the upgraded Tuffman line, recyclers can now enjoy more efficient and...
In line with global efforts to combat climate change, the European Union has introduced a significant measure—the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), designed to regulate the import of carbon-intensive products, such as aluminium, by charging a tariff based on the emissions produced during their manufacturing. This tariff currently applies to six product categories – aluminium, iron and steel, hydrogen, electricity, cement, and fertiliser, irrespective of the product’s origin. The CBAM is set to come into effect in January 2026. In preparation, the European Union has already begun requesting reports on the carbon emissions of goods exported to the EU. India’s leading stainless steel producer, Jindal Stainless Limited, is taking proactive steps to reduce carbon emissions and...
The latest Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) data reveals a mixed scenario in the aluminium market with today’s price for A00 aluminium ingot showing a slight rise of RMB 50 per tonne to RMB 20,400 per tonnes . The average prices are estimated to range between RMB 20,380 per tonne and RMB 20,420 per tonne, with spot contract to be traded at a discount price of RMB 60-20 per tonne. However, a broader analysis over the past month and even weekly trend indicates a continuing downward track in prices . One of the primary reasons for the decline in aluminium prices is the weak purchase sentiment across China due to a traditional off-season and a massive 2-year hike in primary aluminium production to approximately 3.65 million tonnes. As of June 19, 2024, A00 aluminium ingot price has also increased...
In an important step towards modernising agricultural education, the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) and Papine High School have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), allowing the school to use a greenhouse for the school's agriculture program. The signing ceremony took place recently at the JBI headquarters in St. Andrew, where the greenhouse is located. This collaborative effort is designed to empower students with cutting-edge greenhouse growing techniques, aligning their skills with the dynamic needs of the modern agricultural sector. The JBI, in its commitment, will provide technical guidance, seedlings, and other essential resources to support the program. The maintenance and upkeep of the greenhouse will be a shared responsibility between the two entities, ensuring a hands-on...
On Tuesday, June 17, LME aluminium opened at US$2,508 per tonne, reached a high of US$2,520 per tonne, a low of US$2,470 per tonne, and closed at US$2,495.50 per tonne, down US$12 per tonne, a decrease of 0.48 per cent. On Tuesday, June 18, LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price increased by US$7.50 per tonne and US$7 per tonne, following a steep fall on the earlier day influenced by low consumption of metal in the Chinese market due to off-season. The LME prices on Tuesday stood at US$2,427 per tonne and US$2,427.50 per tonne. Conversely, on the same day, 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price unanimously dropped by US$4 per tonne to stand at US$2,481 per tonne and US$2,483 per tonne, respectively. December-25 bid price and December-25 offer price, on...
Rio Tinto will invest US$165 million (CA$226 million) in its Grande-Baie aluminium smelter to refurbish two anode baking furnaces that have reached the end of their useful life. The company will also carry out feasibility studies for the eventual replacement of the scrubbers and overhead bridge cranes at the anode production centre. The work to rebuild the concrete shell and refractory lining of the anode baking furnaces will be carried out over two years, in 2025 and 2026. The new equipment will ensure a competitive supply of anodes to the Grande-Baie and Laterrière plants for decades to come. Rio Tinto will offset the carbon emissions related to the construction project through various initiatives like planting trees near the aluminium smelter. Grande-Baie and Laterrière Operations...
In the upcoming free trade deal negotiations with the European Union, India is set to request a three-year exemption for its micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from a proposed mandatory tariff on carbon-intensive imports. Two sources familiar with the matter disclosed this stance, underscoring India's ongoing resistance to the carbon tariff, which it also opposed at the World Trade Organisation's ministerial meeting in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, as reported by Mint. The eighth round of free trade agreement (FTA) discussions is scheduled to take place in Brussels from June 24 to 28, 2024. During these talks, India plans to reiterate its concerns and seek relief for its MSMEs, which it argues would be disproportionately affected by the imposition of the carbon tariff. The...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative has successfully acknowledged HMT Höfer Metall Technik GmbH & Co. KG (HMT) with Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification for responsibly producing low-carbon emission aluminium profiles. Part of the Höfer group, HMT is a Germany-based, high-tech aluminium extrusion plant that manufactures semi-finished aluminium products. The extrusion plant is specialised in producing aluminium profiles. It produces up to thirty tonnes of aluminium billets daily, leveraging two fully automatic extrusion lines. The facility's processes include sawing, stamping, drilling, milling, and joining, with products serving the automotive and construction industries, amongst other sectors. HMT's commitment to responsible production was put to the test through a rigorous,...
Colleagues from Every Can Counts are gearing up for the upcoming Red Bull Soapbox Race on Saturday, June 22nd, at Alexandra Palace. With the aim to draw attention towards the topic of recycling and how aluminium plays a vital role in it, Every Can Counts will be competing against 55 other teams with its one-of-a-kind soapbox cart. Tom Giddings to sport aluminium cans suit Dubbed "Chitty Chitty Can Can" through a public poll on social media, their soapbox resembles a recycling collection truck with a stylish twist. Resembling a recycling collection truck with a style twist, their soapbox is a sight to behold. It boasts a striking paint job, chrome engine pipes, and a plush fur interior, all designed to make it a standout on the track. Every Can Counts has left no stone unturned to ensure...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey in early June, the accumulated inventory of alumina at aluminium smelters across China stood at 2.8815 million tonnes. The number of days of in-plant alumina stocks at Chinese aluminium smelters in early June was 12.78 days, considering that the national aluminium output was 3.632 million tonnes in May, with a daily output of 117,200 tonnes. Alumina stocks at smelters, region-wise In the Northwest Chinese regions, such as Ningxia, Qinghai, Gansu, and Xinjiang, some aluminium smelters had considerable alumina orders to deliver, which led to lower in-plant alumina inventories. Meanwhile, some smelters in the regions encountered a sluggish buying sentiment, leading to relatively stable inventory levels. Thus, the average days of in-plant alumina...
Powys County Council has launched a new campaign to boost kerbside recycling rates by encouraging households to recycle their metal packaging. This includes items such as food and drink cans, aluminium foil and trays, empty aerosols, and metal screw tops. The 'MetalMatters' programme, led by the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro), aims to spread awareness about the benefits of metal recycling through targeted social media and digital messaging, school visits, and community outreach initiatives. Starting in June, the six-week campaign aims to engage with the majority of Powys' 67,000+ households. Since its inception in 2012, over 121 local authorities have implemented MetalMatters, leading to improved recycling rates. As per AL Circle’s report, titled ‘Aluminium Foil and...
On June 18, 2024, the Shanghai Metal Market (SMM) has reported that the price of A00 aluminium ingot stands at RMB 20,350 per tonne, marking a slight dip of RMB 30 per tonne or 0.15 per cent from the previous trading session. In USD terms, this price is approximately $2,797.56, excluding VAT. This minor fluctuation indicates a stable market with balanced supply and demand. The average prices are expected to range between RMB 20,330 per tonne and 20,370 per tonne, with a spot contract being offered at a discount price of RMB 50-10 per tonne. The price range of aluminium ingot across different regions has varied like in Gong Yi, Foshan, Wu Xi, and Chong Qing regions, the prices stand at RMB 20,280, 20,160, 20,350, and 20,260 per tonne, respectively, experiencing a downfall of RMB 50, 40, 20...
The Deputy Premier of the Malaysian state of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, recently revealed that Sarawak has various valuable minerals estimated to be worth RM1.25 trillion. This discovery highlighted the state's potential to invest substantially in the mining industry and generate considerable economic returns. The high estimated value of these mineral resources positions Sarawak favourably in the global market. Gold, non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE), high-quality silica sand, and bauxite are among the minerals identified. Each of these resources plays a crucial role in various high-demand industries, from technology to construction. Global demand for these minerals clearly indicates the potential for Sarawak's economic growth and development. A report...
Indian auto components manufacturer Rockman Industries has grown into a globally acclaimed supplier of high-quality automotive components. Established in 1960 and headquartered in Delhi, the company has been successfully enlisted by AL Biz to its list of 2100+ sellers. Over the years, Rockman Industries has become an industry leader in aluminium die casting, machining, and painted assemblies, serving the needs of esteemed motorcycle manufacturers and automobile OEMs worldwide. Today, Rockman Industries is a trusted name in the production of alloy wheels for two-wheelers and four-wheelers, setting benchmarks for performance and reliability. Rockman Industries specializes in manufacturing a diverse array of mechanical components: Cylinder heads Cylinder blocks Crankcases Crankcase covers...
Swisstek Aluminium Limited, one of the leading commercial and industrial aluminium extrusion profile manufacturers in Sri Lanka, has received due honour for its outstanding managerial and leadership excellence at the “Companies with Great Managers 2023”. A report stated that five employees of Swisstek Aluminium received the honours at a recent event celebrating exemplary leadership across multiple industries. This latest recognition, followed by an award last month for brilliant management practices , exhibits nothing less than its zeal and commitment towards developing a great team of managers capable of driving the business with utmost care and dedication. Out of five coveted honours, two were received under the category Driving Results & Execution Excellence. The recipients were Head...
The Malaysian financial services firm Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad Research has upgraded the building materials sector to an 'Overweight' rating, primarily influenced by its recent reassessment of sector heavyweight Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd. Press Metal Berhad is a Malaysian-based aluminium company with a significant global presence. In a report released on June 18, 2024, the research house highlighted a marked improvement in earnings performance across the sector during the first quarter reporting season. Stocks under its coverage either met or surpassed expectations, prompting an optimistic outlook for the sector. Kenanga Research said, "We expect aluminium prices to stay firm on supply constraints while stable steel prices translate to stable steel product prices, reducing...
