
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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Vedanta Limited, an Indian multinational mining company, has increased its aluminium selling prices with effect from Friday, June 14, following a cut on June 12. This move is in line with the global aluminium benchmark price on the London Metal Exchange (LME), which escalated on June 13. With effect from June 14, Vedanta has expanded its aluminium ingot price by INR 2,250 per tonne or 1 per cent to stand at INR 245,500-265,500 per tonne versus INR 243,250-263,250 per tonne on June 12. The price movement is aligned with the LME price growth of 1 per cent on June 13 from US$2,476 per tonne to US$2,498 per tonne. With the latest change, Vedanta’s aluminium wire rod and billet prices have come in at INR 255,000-264,000 per tonne and INR 256,000 per tonne, respectively, also up by INR 2,250...

The Roboverse Expo, a collaboration between Manorama Online and Jain University, has captivated attendees of all ages, especially children. Held at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Kadavanthra, Kochi, the event showcased intriguing exhibits, prominently featuring playful robot dogs. Each 15 kg robot dog, a unique blend of aluminium alloy and robust engineering plastic, was a standout at the Roboverse Expo. These dogs, with their 12 knee joint motors, showcased a wide range of movements, from jumping and sitting to waving, circling, and even standing on their hind legs. About the robots Powered by an 8-core high-performance CPU, these robots boast a battery capacity of 8000 mAh, with an option to upgrade to 15000 mAh. These robotic canines proved to be a favourite among young visitors,...

The winners of the esteemed 'Tube of the Year 2024 Award' by the European Tube Manufacturers Association (ETMA) have been revealed. The selection occurred on May 23, 2024, during ETMA’s annual conference in Warsaw. A panel of seven jurors from member companies identified the top tubes across five categories: aluminium, plastic, laminate, prototypes, and sustainability. ETMA’s Secretary General, Gregor Spengler, stated, ‘European tube manufacturers have once again demonstrated their strong innovative strength and creativity in this year’s competition. This is demonstrated not least by the large number of tubes submitted for the competition in the prototypes category. I am particularly pleased about this, as I see it as an indicator of the wealth of ideas of our member companies, which is a...

Ball Corporation, the world's leading supplier of sustainable aluminium packaging solutions for beverage products, has announced the appointment of Dr Mandy Glew as the Senior Vice President and President of the EMEA and Asia regions. This leadership change follows Dr Glew's promotion in March to President of EMEA and Asia, succeeding Carey Causey, who has taken on the role of Chief Growth Officer at Ball. Dr Glew, who joined Ball Corporation in October 2020, brings a wealth of experience to her new position. With over two decades of expertise in commercial operations, sales, marketing, and manufacturing within the fast-moving consumer goods and consumer electronics sectors, she is well-equipped to lead in this capacity. Before her tenure at Ball, Dr Glew held various senior management...

Through the continuous dedication of all personnel at Tianjin Zhongwang’s second hot rolling plant, the project "Reducing Power Consumption in the Rolling Workshop" has yielded remarkable outcomes. By April, electricity consumption had decreased by 15.3 per cent compared to the previous year, resulting in savings approaching nearly RMB 4 million from this single initiative. About the second hot rolling plant The second hot rolling plant, in its commitment to the company's lean management principles, has taken a unique approach. It has tailored initiatives to its specific production and operational realities, with a focus on reducing consumption, enhancing efficiency, and optimizing yield. At the heart of these strategies are various lean improvement projects that have been meticulously...

The US aluminum scrap market has kicked off 2024 with a significant momentum of 2.06 per cent rise in exports and 6.04 per cent rise in imports during the first quarter of 2024, reflecting a broader economic trend and strategic shifts in trade policies. The first quarter of the year has seen a notable increase in both imports and exports driven by rising global demand. Top destination countries of US aluminium scrap exports As of Q1 2023, US exported aluminium scrap mostly to Malaysia (100,000 tonnes) and India (96,700 tonnes), followed by South Korea, Thailand, and China. Whereas in Q1 2024, the list remained unchanged, except for South Korea and Thailand's positions as importers. In the said period, Thailand emerged as the third largest importer, sourcing 78,800 tonnes. Q-o-Q analysis...

According to the International Aluminium Institute survey, Africa & Asia (ex-China), the world’s third-largest alumina-producing spot after China and Oceania, witnessed a sharp month-on-month fall of 19.25 per cent, standing below 1 million tonnes for the first time in the past three years. The last time Africa & Asia’s alumina output stood below 1 million tonnes was in April 2020, standing at 978,000 tonnes. In April 2024, the production reached 997,000 tonnes, up by 1.94 per cent from the same period in 2020 On a year-on-year basis, Africa & Asia’s alumina output in April 2024 decreased by 6.38 per cent from 1.065 million tonnes. The daily average output in April 2024 was 33,200 tonnes, down by 16.58 per cent M-o-M from 39,800 tonnes and 6.48 per cent less Y-o-Y than 35,500 tonnes. From...

Scandium Canada Ltd. has announced notable advancements in creating a fully integrated scandium supply chain, from mining to various downstream applications. Since 2021, Scandium Canada has partnered with McMaster University to innovate the 3D printing process using aluminium-scandium powders. Advancements in 3D printing These proprietary powders, developed by Scandium Canada, are specifically designed to produce parts that are difficult to manufacture using conventional methods. The company is pleased to announce the successful 3D printing of two aluminium alloys enhanced with scandium. Previous challenges related to solidification cracking have been effectively addressed. The company prioritises integrating these innovations into industries characterised by rapid adoption cycles....

In the age of digital transformation, companies are increasingly outsourcing their computing power to external data centres rather than maintaining in-house servers. These expansive facilities, filled with powerful servers, offer a more efficient and secure data processing and storage solution. One of the key challenges for these data centres is managing server heat and maintaining their buildings' architectural integrity. Many are embracing the innovative solution of ventilated aluminium wall cladding to tackle these concerns. This cutting-edge cladding not only regulates temperature, preventing servers from overheating, but also elevates these massive buildings' aesthetic and structural quality, sparking curiosity and interest. By incorporating ventilated aluminium wall cladding, data...

Kolkata Metro, India's oldest metro network, is transforming significantly to enhance its services and overall efficiency. Metro Railway has laid out comprehensive plans to upgrade its infrastructure and assets as part of an ambitious modernisation initiative. This initiative is set to substantially improve the commercial operations of Kolkata's rapid transit system, promising a more reliable and advanced commuting experience for its passengers. The changes will mark a new era for the Metro, aligning it with global standards and reinforcing its pivotal role in the city's public transportation landscape. India's first Metro system is upgrading its steel third rail to aluminium third rail, aiming to reduce energy loss by around 84 per cent. This change, occurring after 38 years, will save...

Estathé, the iconic Italian tea beverage brand from the Ferrero Group, has teamed up with Crown to roll out a refreshing summer promotion in infinitely recyclable aluminium cans. The promotion features a sleek 330ml aluminium can, Crown's lightest, with an optimised weight. The vibrant campaign showcases a variety of humorous and relatable beach characters, posing the question to consumers: "Which beach type are you?" To bring this promotion to life, Estathé collaborated with Crown's beverage team in EMEA to produce cans locally in Parma, Italy. The vibrant and creative designs result from a sophisticated manufacturing technique and flawless printing execution, showcasing the expertise of Crown's teams. Crown's Colorful Accents technology By leveraging its Colorful Accents technology,...

National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Mines, has reportedly signed a mining lease deed with the State Government of Odisha. The mines are located in Pottangi Tehsil, Koraput District, and cover an area of 697.979 hectares. The bauxite mines , with their estimated reserves of 111 million tonnes and a mine life of 32 years, are a testament to NALCO's long-term vision and commitment to growth, expected to annually produce 3.5 million tonnes of bauxite. The mines will become operational once the remaining statutory clearances are obtained. The bauxite excavated at the mines will be transported to NALCO's refinery at Damanjodi through an 18.5-kilometre overland conveyor. Through this lease, NALCO secures a steady supply of bauxite for its existing...

The market for aluminium ingot has experienced a major adjustment across various regions in China on Friday, June 14. According to the Shanghai Metal Market (SMM) survey, A00 aluminium ingot price has recorded at RMB 20,560 per tonnes, reflecting a decrease of RMB 100 per tonne following a downfall of RMB 130 per tonne or 0.48 per cent from the previous day. This decline is attributed to weaker market sentiment and increased inventories. Region-wise price change As per the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM), the aluminium ingot prices in Foshan and Chongqing have slumped by RMB 140 per tonne to halt at RMB 20,380 per tonne and RMB 20,500 per tonne, followed by a drop of RMB 120 per tonne in Linyi to reside at RMB 20,620 per tonne. In Gongyi, Wuxi and Hangzhou, the prices have slipped by RMB 100...

In April, the Eurozone's industrial production experienced a slight decline, falling by 0.1 per cent compared to March. This marks a significant downturn, with production now standing 3 per cent lower than it did a year ago. Despite the persistent risks to the economic outlook, particularly from political uncertainties, there are early signs that the decline may be reaching its nadir. Analysts suggest a cautious recovery could be on the horizon for the year's second half, offering a glimmer of hope for the region's industrial sector. Since early 2023, the Eurozone industry has been experiencing a slowdown, with recent data showing no signs of an imminent recovery. Although the broader economy has shown signs of improvement since the beginning of the year, the industrial sector continues...

According to a Japanese integrated trading and investment business conglomerate, Marubeni Corporation, aluminium stocks at Japan’s three major ports stood steady in May 2024 compared to the previous month, but recorded a sharp fall from a year ago. Stocks increased in May following M-o-M downfall of 2.3 per cent in the previous month , totalling 308,100 tonnes. It is to be noted that Japanese stocks have maintained stability, remaining above 300,000 tonnes. As per the data revealed, aluminium stocks at Japanese ports totalled 308,700 tonnes in May 2024 compared to 308,100 tonnes in April 2024. On a year-on-year calculation, aluminium stocks in May marked a plunge of 12.8 per cent from 354,000 tonnes. The major ports in Japan with highest aluminium trading include Yokohama, Nagoya, and...

LME aluminium opened at US$2,566 per tonne in the previous trading day, with the highest point at US$2,591 per tonne, the lowest point at US$2,528.5 per tonne, and closed at US$2,544.5 per tonne, a drop of US$24.5 per tonne, or 0.95 per cent. On Thursday, June 13, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price gained US$20.5 per tonne or 0.82 per cent and US$22 per tonne or 0.88 per cent to settle at US$2,496 per tonne and US$2,498 per tonne. As per the LME data, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price also hiked by US$28 per tonne or 1.10 per cent and US$27.5 per tonne or 1.08 per cent to settle at US$2,557 per tonne and US$2,557.50 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price expanded by US$28 per tonne or 1.05 per cent to clock at...

BigMint's latest assessment indicated a slight decline in spot prices for aluminium ADC12 alloy ingots in Delhi NCR, now at INR 215,000 per tonne, week-on-week. Additionally, tense scrap prices fell by INR 3,000 per tonne to INR 185,000 per tonne ex-Delhi, with the scrap-to-ADC12 spread recorded at INR 29,000-30,000 per tonne. In Chennai, tense scrap is priced at approximately INR 186,000 per tonne. Meanwhile, spot prices for ADC12 alloy ingots range between INR 216,000 and INR 217,000 per tonne ex-works, excluding GST. The price difference between tense scrap and ADC12 in Chennai stands at INR 30,000 per tonne. Additionally, 3-Month LME aluminium prices have decreased by 4 per cent week-on-week to approximately $2,522 per tonne at the time of the latest report. According to BigMint's...

In May 2024 (31 calendar days), China's domestic aluminium production was 3.637 million tonnes, an increase of 3.47 per cent M-o-M from 3.515 million tonnes and a hike of 4.61 per cent year-on-year. The rise in output during May 2024 was primarily driven by the resumption of aluminium plants in Yunnan and Inner Mongolia. However, the proportion of aluminium liquid saw a slight drop due to the reduction in aluminium billet production, down by 0.7 percentage points M-o-M and 2.3 percentage points Y-o-Y to around 73.27 per cent. According to SMM's aluminium liquid proportion data, the volume of aluminium ingot production in May rose 14.24 per cent year over year to approximately 971,000 tonnes. Production capacity According to SMM statistics, China's domestic aluminium capacity at the end of...