Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have developed an aluminium-based catalyst that could help make sodium–sulphur batteries last longer. The catalyst addresses a problem that has limited the technology: Sodium polysulphides can dissolve and move away from the cathode, reducing battery life. The research team, led by Professors Wang Hui and Zheng Fangcai at CAS's High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Hefei, changed the atomic structure of aluminium by replacing one oxygen atom with nitrogen. The team wrote in the press release, “This created an asymmetric structure with three oxygen atoms and one nitrogen atom around each Al atom.” It is an Al–O3N structure (three oxygen atoms and one nitrogen atom surrounding each aluminium atom). Explore AL Circle’s report ALuminium Wires &...
Europe's aluminium industry is facing mounting pressure from rising carbon costs, shifting trade policies and limited willingness among buyers to pay premiums for low-carbon metal. Yet, despite a series of crises since the Covid pandemic, producers remain committed to maintaining their presence in Europe and investing in decarbonisation, said Paul Voss, Director General of European Aluminium. In an exclusive interview with Fastmarkets at Aluminium Düsseldorf, Voss described the European aluminium industry's condition as bruised but resilient. He highlighted concerns over the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), the potential inclusion of indirect (Scope 2) emissions under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the treatment of aluminium scrap in carbon accounting. Reflecting on...
Grow with
AL Circle
Ball Corporation, the world's leading producer of circular aluminum packaging for global beverage and household brands, is reportedly selling its aerospace business to BAE Systems for $5.55 billion in cash. The news came on Thursday, August 17, after the company announced its agreement with BAE Systems, a British multinational arms, security, and aerospace company based in London, UK. The transaction is estimated to close in the first half of 2024, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions and adjustments. According to Reuters, BAE Systems successfully signed an agreement with Ball Corporation after competing with General Dynamics Corp and Textron, who also tried to buy the business. Once the deal is closed successfully, the combination of nearly half of the...
The Indian domestic aluminium alloy ingot market remained stable, thanks to several factors such as range-bound scrap, correction in futures contracts by US$50 to US$70 per tonne, and price cuts by primary producers by up to INR 3,750 per tonne ex-works. SteelMint's assessment showed that prices of ADC12 aluminium alloy ingots were steady at INR 188,000-190,000 per tonne exw-Faridabad, excluding GST. The market for ADC12 aluminium alloy ingots in India is currently experiencing moderate demand, which has resulted in price levels that have remained relatively stable. One of the main issues faced by the industry is a limited supply of aluminium scrap tense, a crucial raw material for ADC12 production. As a result, some buyers in the northern region are offering a premium on prices. Export...
Emirates Global Aluminium announced that its Al Taweelah alumina refinery received Aluminium Stewardship Initiative certification for its environmental, social and governance performance. With this, EGA's all operational assets around the world are certified to the ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) certification. Al Taweelah alumina refinery has the lowest greenhouse gas emissions in the global alumina refining industry due to its efficient production process and operation. Al Taweelah refinery is always committed to responsibly carrying out bauxite residue management. EGA's Research & Development team innovated viable ways to re-utilise bauxite residue which has always been a challenge for the alumina refining industry for over a century. The company found a revolutionary way of...
Scientists have warned us about the harrowing effects of Global Warming and pollution for the past few decades, but until it hits us hard and we start feeling the change in temperature, we are not bothered by such consequences. After experiencing the heat waves through the hottest month in human history, July 2023, the human consciousness was finally awakened, and we witnessed a sudden rise in sustainable initiatives all over the globe. From Coldplay concerts to heavy industries, all have released individual sustainability reports citing eco-friendly drives, which have helped them save enormous carbon emissions. The world is gradually stepping toward a Net-Zero future, where there would be no need to rely on carbon for electricity. Rather people would adopt greener or renewable sources to...
China's aluminium plate/sheet and strip exports in June 2023 recorded a month-on-month drop of 3 per cent and a year-on-year plunge of 34 per cent to reach 224,500 tonnes, found the China Customs data. The total exports during the year's first half came in at 1.3932 million tonnes, registering an annual downfall of 28 per cent from a year ago. Aluminium plate/sheet and strip exports have been declining since 2022, especially the products with tariff code 76061220 falling the most. In 2023, the global economic slowdown and aluminium production resumption in respective countries put Chinese exports before a stiff challenge, especially cans stock exports falling over 50 per cent for two consecutive months. In June 2023, Henan, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai were the leading...
Alinta Energy, an Australian energy business, has announced its plant to construct a 200MWh battery next to the Alcoa alumina plant to help stabilise the grid and supply backup power. On Thursday, Alinta said it hired Shanghai Electric Power Design Institute and Sunterra to construct the 100MW, two-hour (200MWh) battery at Alcoa's Wagerup alumina refinery in southwest Western Australia. The Wagerup battery is the second privately owned battery project to be awarded a contract by the Australian Energy Market Operator to resolve specific supply difficulties in WA's South West Interconnected System, the world's largest microgrid. The Wagerup battery, like Neoen's 219MW/877MWh Collie battery, will be paid to soak up sunlight in the middle of the day before discharging into the evening peak....
Designs Signage Solutions has introduced easy-to-store, reusable, and recyclable event solutions while also improving the quality of its 3D scanning procedures. And the emphasis on innovation is an essential aspect of the firm's development, resulting in 50 per cent growth as it marks its 30th anniversary, with the staff growing considerably. The business had to figure out how to re-engineer the aluminium used for the signage to be readily deconstructed and rebuilt for shipping. They also had to verify that the aluminium could endure the printing process and bad weather for its life. "We're in a very competitive market, and so we need to create our own niches and efficiencies to ensure we can continue to grow. That's why we do so much R&D work - and the money we receive gets put back into...
ACG, a global leader in integrated pharmaceutical manufacturing solutions headquartered in Mumbai, India, has recently acquired full shareholding ownership of Technical Aluminium Foil Company LLC (TAFC UAE), solidifying its expansion strategy in the Middle Eastern and African markets. Expressing enthusiasm for this milestone, the CEO of ACG Films & Foils, Shivshankar SR, said, "We are excited to be making our first acquisition in the UAE. This strategic collaboration will further support our work in bringing innovative and high-quality packaging products to market while reducing lead times and improving service levels. By joining forces, the companies will be able to leverage their combined strengths and expertise to propel the business forward in the Middle Eastern and African markets."...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,142 per tonne on Wednesday, with its high and low at US$2,151.5 per tonne and US$2,130 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,145.5 per tonne, an increase of US$3 per tonne or 0.19 per cent from the previous trading day. The London Metal Exchange , on August 16, experienced a minor spike in aluminium prices, with the LME aluminium cash bid price halting at US$2,088.50 per tonne, rising by US$3.50 per tonne or 0.17 per cent. The LME aluminium official settlement price too followed a similar price shift closing at US$2,089 per tonne. When the July 17 price is considered, one can sight a US$106 per tonne or 4.83 per cent decrease Month-on-Month, as the LME aluminium price was US$2,195 per tonne that day. LME 3-month bid price and LME 3-month offer price...
Fisker has introduced the Ronin, an electric sports vehicle with a cell-to-cell chassis idea. According to the release, the Ronin would have a "unique aluminium space frame with integrated battery cells." Aluminium being lightweight and durable, serves as a perfect metal for automobile manufacturers. As per the disclosure, only 999 Ronins will be constructed, according to fresh photographs released by Fisker. The Fisker Ronin Super GT Convertible is set to be delivered in the second part of 2025. The vehicle, as unveiled during the 'Product Vision Day,' is a five-seater convertible that is both a sports car and a Gran Turismo. The car is designed to be a sporty saloon when the hardtop is folded down. Fisker, named after the Danish Automotive Designer Henrik Fisker, is considered to be one...
thyssenkrupp Materials UK is pleased to announce its collaboration with ClearVUE.Business, a reputable net-zero consultancy, for a pioneering sustainability project aimed at energy monitoring. This initiative reflects the company's dedication to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 under the sustainability strategy "BEYOND," in line with thyssenkrupp Materials Services, its parent company. As a prominent supplier of materials and supply chain solutions in the Western world, thyssenkrupp Materials UK provides an array of materials, including steel, aluminium, titanium, and other products, as well as in-house capabilities for cutting, CNC machining, fabrication, and coil processing. The company plays a vital role in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing. The implementation of...
EIRA Water is quite vocal about its sustainability targets as the global retail industry is constantly trying to maintain an eco-friendly approach to save the world from the looming crisis of global warming and carbon emissions. EIRA has introduced various recycling drives along its flagship production line, obviating plastic waste with the use of 100% recyclable aluminium and recycling the glass scrap generated at the company's factory. The company is leading the sustainable movement in the water industry with its latest release for the middle of 2024. It has planned to promote an Aluminium Range filled with their water. This will definitely close the material loop, creating a circular economy along the company's flagship water line. The best part about aluminium is its 100%...
Awesome Screens, a renowned manufacturer and supplier of aluminium mesh, actuator and skylight honeycomb blinds, has joined AL CircleBiz. AL CircleBiz is a pioneering worldwide platform that facilitates transactions between several buyers and sellers operating within the aluminium value chain. The organisation's primary function is to simplify the connection between customers and merchants via searches conducted on listed items and business prospects. Talking about Awesome Screens, the company is known for offering retractable screen systems, mesh rolls, IG blinds (DGU blinds), skylight blinds, zip blinds, and actuators. Awesome Screens set off on its quest in 2006. It has effectively catered to the changing needs of its clientele via quality-assured goods and timely services since its...
Sustainaholics has designed The Alumini Collection, approved by British Airways for safe mid-air alcohol consumption. The company's shatterproof 5cl miniature bottles made with 100% post-consumer-recycled aluminium were unveiled in June and had the primary target of getting listed as airline condiments. The founder, David Mills, seems persistent in using 100% recyclable aluminium to pack this London-based spirit. He insists on supplying the cruise liners and the duty-free stores by 2023 end or the beginning of 2024. Thus, it is important to create a closed material loop around its flagship production line, which aluminium can help form. The Founder of Sustainaholics, David Mills, opened up in an interview: "This is an industry-first innovation for both the spirits industry and the travel...
In Europe (incl. Russia), alumina output during the second quarter of 2023 was recorded at 1.59 million tonnes, with an accumulated daily production for three months at 52,400 tonnes, found the International Aluminium Institute data. These figures indicate a sequential rise of 1.53 per cent in quarterly production compared to 1.566 million tonnes but a muted daily output against 52,300 tonnes. However, amid a rise in quarterly output, production in June 2023 edged a 6.25 per cent fall month-on-month from 560,000 tonnes to 525,000 tonnes. But the previous month saw a 3.96 per cent growth in alumina production from 505,000 tonnes. On a year-on-year basis, alumina production in Europe (incl. Russia) also registered a downfall of 19.19 per cent from 693,000 tonnes. Total alumina production in...
When it comes to automobiles, aluminium has a league of its own. Arcelor Mittal, a global steel company, has received a Fuso Canter 7C18 to deliver steel plates across North England from its Birkenhead location. The Fuso Canter, with its aluminium foundation platform, is an excellent match for the services required by the Luxembourg-based multinational corporation. Having an aluminium base, the light-duty commercial vehicle weighing only 7.5 tonnes, the Canter will be put to use for transferring goods between high-end manufacturers to customers, including the renowned Cammell Laird shipyard, which is a little over a mile away. As stated by Elliott Taylor, transport production coordinator: “These consignments include profiles cut from plate to exacting measurements, and the deliveries are...
In a noteworthy development, Xinjiang's aluminium production capacity has surged to 6.18 million tonnes, making up 15 per cent of China's total output and ranking third nationally. Thanks to abundant coal and low-cost electricity, the region boasts an impressive operational rate of over 99 per cent. With cumulative aluminium production hitting 3.5675 million tonnes by July 2023, Xinjiang emerges as a major aluminium hub. Xinjiang's dominance extends to aluminium ingot production, where it commands a substantial 46.17 per cent share of molten aluminium and an output nearing 1.9206 million tonnes. The logistical advantage of being distanced from key consumer areas contributes to the ease of aluminium ingot sales. Despite recent supply chain disruptions in other regions due to flooding and...
Century Aluminum, the US-based primary aluminium producer and new owner of Jamalco, has experienced a gain of $103.3 million on acquiring the alumina refinery. At the end of April 2023, Century Aluminum signed an agreement with Noble Group Holdings Limited (Noble) to obtain 55 per cent of ownership in Jamalco. This accession is described as a bargain purchase deal since Century Aluminum acquired the loss-making company Jamalco for only US$1. Jamalco converts mined bauxite into alumina, which is then used by Century Aluminum to produce primary aluminium at its smelters in the United States and Iceland. Century obtained 55 per cent of shares in Jamalco, replacing Noble Group of Hong Kong. The Government of Jamaica owns the remaining 45 per cent of Jamalco's shares through the holding...
