
Lanka Aluminium Industries PLC has expanded its retail footprint in Sri Lanka with the opening of its 10th fully owned outlet at Central Junction in Nagoda, Kalutara. The new outlet brings the company's aluminium extrusion products and related services closer to customers in and around Kalutara. The opening was attended by Lanka Aluminium Industries staff, contractors, engineers, doctors, fabricators, and other invitees from the area. The company said its growing network is designed to improve customer access not only to aluminium products but also to technical support and related services. Dinal Peiris, Chairman of Lanka Aluminium Industries PLC, said the company plans to continue expanding its retail presence across Sri Lanka. To know the global production, demand and consumption...
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...
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On June 11 2024, Alcoa Corporation announced that it had reached several key milestones in its acquisition of Alumina Limited (“Alumina”) and expects the transaction to be completed on or about August 1, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions. The milestones include: Alcoa filed its definitive proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 6, 2024, and scheduled the Special Meeting of Shareholders to vote on the transaction for July 16, 2024. Alcoa received regulatory approvals from Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) for the acquisition on May 13, 2024; and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which has indicated it does not intend to conduct a public review of the transaction. Alumina has registered its...

The Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, today published its Green Finance Framework to support decarbonisation projects and initiatives that contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy. The company also revealed that its recent acquisition of European speciality foundry Leichtmetall was fully funded with EGA's first green loan facility. A green finance framework defines eligibility and governance mechanisms for financing from third-party institutions and funds that prioritise sustainability in their capital allocation, among other sources. Publishing the framework advances EGA's sustainability goals by enabling access to a more diverse range of funding options for loans and bonds, potentially lowering...

As of June 12, 2024, China’s latest aluminum price data reveals minor movements across the market. According to the Sanghai Metals Market (SMM), A00 aluminum ingot price has experienced a drop of RMB 20 per tonne followed by a plunge of RMB 360 per tonne on the previous day, settling at RMB 20,790 per tonne. The latest downfall in China’s domestic A00 aluminum ingot price has demonstrated a week-on-week decline of RMB 280 per tonne from RMB 21,070. This drastic decline in one week suggests a cautious market. The average range for aluminum ingot is between RMB 20,770-20,810 per tonne, with a spot contract to be offered at a discount price of RMB (-50)-(-10) per tonne. Aluminum ingot price in Foshan is at RMB 20,650, averaging between RMB 20,630 and 20,760, showing a decrease of RMB 40 per...

The previous trading day, LME aluminium opened at US$2,575.5 per tonne, reached a high of US$2,589 per tonne, a low of US$2,529 per tonne, and closed at US$2,544 per tonne, down US$38 per tonne, a drop of 1.47 per cent. On Tuesday, June 11, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price declined by US$40 per tonne or 1.59 per cent and US$40.5 per tonne or 1.61 per cent to clock at US$2,474.50 per tonne and US$2,475 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price also slumped by US$41 per tonne or 1.59 per cent to dock at US$2,533 per tonne and US$2,534 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price dropped by US$25 per tonne or 0.93 per cent to settle at US$2,658 per tonne and US$2,663 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in at...

The United States has expanded its list of companies barred from importing goods into the country due to alleged involvement in forced labour practices associated with the Uygur population in China, as reported by the South China Morning Post. According to a notice published online by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on June 11, 2024, the latest additions include Dongguan Oasis Shoes Co, a shoe manufacturer; Xinjiang Shenhuo Coal and Electricity Co, a producer of electrolytic aluminium; and Shandong Meijia Group Co, also known as Rizhao Meijia Group, a food processing company. This action underscores the US government's ongoing commitment to addressing human rights abuses and labour exploitation in global supply chains. The inclusion of these firms reflects heightened scrutiny...

In collaboration with Wema Bank, the pioneer of Africa's first fully digital bank, TLG Capital, a private investment firm, has reportedly confirmed a structured private credit facility worth $10 million for one of the largest aluminium recyclers in Nigeria. According to TLG Capital, this investment will build Nigeria's most significant and first industrial-scale aluminium recycling facility. However, the identity of the fund's recipient is not being disclosed by TLG. The recycling facility, once operational, is poised to make a significant environmental impact. It is projected to reduce the carbon footprint over the next five years, equivalent to removing 100,000 passenger vehicles off the road. In comparison to solar PV energy in the region, this initiative is expected to deliver twelve...

A partnership that began in 2023 has finally yielded results this year. Hydro, the Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company, joined forces with London-based bicycle manufacturer Brompton to incorporate Hydro's low-carbon aluminium into Brompton's bicycle lineup. Finally, in 2024, Brompton utilised Hydro's CIRCAL 100R in its bicycle rims. This innovative move brought bicycle wheel rims crafted entirely from 100 per cent post-consumer aluminium scrap to the market. The CIRCAL 100R is a product renowned for its weight reduction benefits, batch-by-batch transparency, and nearly zero CO2 footprints. "We are excited to collaborate with innovative sustainability leaders such as Brompton to develop new low-carbon products that meet consumer expectations. By providing full transparency of...

The latest data revealed by the US Geological Survey indicates a sequential increase in the United States’ aluminium crude metals and alloys imports during the first quarter of 2024. On an annual basis, the imports also recorded an upswing, showed the USGS data. In Q1 2024, the United States imported 911,000 tonnes of aluminium crude metals and alloys, up by 5.81 per cent Q-o-Q from 861,000 tonnes and 1.12 per cent Y-o-Y from 901,000 tonnes. The United States Q1 imports recorded an uptrend, both on a sequential and annual basis, despite a drop in March 2024. In the said month, the United States imports of aluminium crude metals and alloys amounted to 270,000 tonnes, down by 19.48 per cent from 344,000 tonnes in February 2024 and 12.34 per cent less than 316,000 tonnes in March 2023. In...

EEASY Lid, the world's first aluminium lug jar lid developed by Consumer Convenience Technologies (CCT), will be displayed at the KeHE Holiday Show on June 12-13 in Chicago by Chilau Foods. Through a simple button press on the lid, users can effortlessly open vacuum-sealed jars, reducing the required twisting force by up to 50 per cent. This material choice not only enhances sustainability over traditional steel lids but also upholds equal levels of durability. About Chilau Foods At the upcoming KeHE Holiday Show, Chilau Foods, a flourishing brand recognised for its Southern-inspired stew and boil bases, will feature the EEASY Lid. Last year, Chilau Foods collaborated with CCT to incorporate the EEASY Lid into its product line, elevating customer accessibility. "Accessibility should not...

We are thrilled to announce the launch of AL Circle's newest e-Magazine edition, " Aluminium Extrusions: Shaping the Future ." This publication dives deep into the innovative world of aluminium extrusions, exploring how this versatile material is revolutionising industries and shaping the future of manufacturing. Aluminium extrusions have long been at the forefront of innovation, offering a wide array of benefits ranging from lightweight durability to exceptional flexibility in design. In this publication, we uncover the latest advancements and trends in aluminium extrusion technology, showcasing how it is being utilised across various sectors. What sets this edition apart is its comprehensive coverage of the cutting-edge techniques and applications driving the industry forward. From the...

As technology advances rapidly, industries globally, including the aluminium industry, are undergoing significant transformations. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an emerging technology and a game-changer for numerous sectors, including aluminium and the deep-down aluminium extrusion segment. AI's role in optimising the extrusion process, reducing material waste, and enhancing product quality is significant. Aluminium extrusions are made from solid aluminium cylinders called billets, which are continuously cast from molten aluminium. The extrusion process involves aluminium metal being forced through a die with a shaped opening. Aluminium billet is pre-heated to its plastic state and is forced to flow under applied pressure through a die opening to form an elongated shape or tube. During...

Kaiser Aluminum Corporation, an American aluminium producer, has reportedly confirmed the permanent closing of its Sherman facility this summer. The news followed a statement from Kaiser Aluminum representative Anne McGuinness that stated the decision was due to business challenges at the Sherman location. About two years ago, Kaiser Aluminum faced a mishap at Sherman plant for a furnace explosion causing a fire outbreak. Following the accident, Kaiser Aluminium had to prepare for a production cut. McGuinness commented, “Any impacted customers have been or are in the process of being relocated to other Kaiser facilities to continue serving them in line with Kaiser’s corporate value to be a preferred supplier.” Currently, the facility’s 75 employees are working on termination benefits and...

Realme has entered the Indian budget smartphone market with its latest offering, the Realme NARZO N63, featuring a premium vegan leather design and leading-edge specifications. Available in three variants—premium vegan leather, sparkle design, and aluminium camera deco—the device offers a sleek 7.74mm ultra-thin design in two colour options: Leather Blue and Twilight Purple. This new device boasts a 90Hz display and supports up to 45W fast charging, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience. Additionally, Realme has officially announced the launch date for its upcoming Realme GT 6 in India, set for June 20, 2024, further solidifying its presence in the smartphone arena. The global smartphone user base has been on a steady rise, increasing from 3.73 billion in 2020 to 4.74 billion in...

The project team involved in implementing an integrated economic cluster for aluminium in Suhar paid a visit to Suhar Industrial City and discussed comprehensive action plan for developing the aluminium industry cluster. The team looking after the project includes representatives from OPAZ, the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates “Madayn”, the National Programme for Economic Diversification “Tanwee”, the National Programme for Investment and Exports Development “Nazdaher”, and the Industrial Innovation Academy. During the visit, the team met the executive management of Sohar Aluminium, a key player in the Sultanate’s aluminium industry, and toured several downstream aluminium manufacturing factories to understand their day-to-day challenges and identify investment opportunities...

The London Metal Exchange (LME) has experienced a dramatic surge in the wait time for aluminium deliveries, which has surged from zero to over five months following a significant influx of metal from Trafigura Group in May. Recent exchange data reveals that as of the end of May, the waiting period for aluminium at Istim Metals' warehouses in Port Klang, Malaysia, has extended to 159 days. This is a stark contrast to April when there was no queue. This development underscores the impact of substantial deliveries on the logistical dynamics within the LME. The recent queue at the Istim warehouses in Port Klang, Malaysia, marks the longest wait in the LME system since June 2021, when a 168-day delay occurred. This queue followed a substantial delivery last month, triggering a flurry of metal...

An innovative project near Nubbin Slough, spearheaded by Curt Cramer of NuQuatic Advanced Water Technologies, is utilising aluminium and copper to extract phosphorus from the water. About the process This process employs a galvanic reaction initiated by the electrical connection of aluminium and copper in water. This reaction releases a small amount of aluminium, which then reacts with the phosphorus, forming aluminium phosphate that precipitates out of the water. The resulting solids are subsequently removed and disposed of in a landfill. The NuQuatic process is covered by 59 U.S. and foreign patents and applications. The project at Nubbin Slough is the world's first and only full-scale galvanic phosphorus removal initiative. Galvanic cells, which operate without an external power...

In a notable shift within the global aluminium market, the share of available aluminium stocks of Russian origin in London Metal Exchange (LME) warehouses experienced a dramatic decline, dropping to 42 per cent in May'24 from a dominant 89 per cent in April. Concurrently, aluminium stocks of Indian origin surged to occupy 50 per cent of the stocks, a significant rise from the previous 9 per cent, according to the latest LME data released on June 10, 2024 and published by Reuters. This substantial redistribution in aluminium stock origins underscores the evolving dynamics of global metal trade, potentially influenced by geopolitical factors and shifting economic alliances. The marked decrease in Russian aluminium's presence could indicate broader market adjustments or regulatory impacts,...

On the previous trading day, LME aluminium opened at US$2,576 per tonne, reached a high of US$2,586.5 per tonne, a low of US$2,550.5 per tonne, and closed at US$2,582 per tonne, up US$6 per tonne, an increase of 0.23 per cent. On Monday, June 10, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price dwindled by US$63.5 per tonne or 2.46 per cent and US$63 per tonne or 2.44 per cent to clock at US$2,514.50 per tonne and US$2,515.50 per tonne. As per the LME price graph, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price contracted by US$54 per tonne or 2.05 per cent to dock at US$2,574 per tonne and US$2,575 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price descended by US$54 per tonne to peg at US$2,683 per tonne and uS$2,688 per tonne. LME aluminium opening...