Phinergy and electrical contractor Rosendin Electric have published a second white paper examining how aluminium-air generators (AAGs) could support data centre power needs beyond conventional backup systems. The paper outlines three potential uses, including providing power for AI and cloud facilities, increasing available grid capacity and supporting renewable microgrids. Titled “From Backup Power to Grid Enabler: Use Cases for Aluminum-Air Generator (AAG) in AI-Era Data Centers,” the paper compares aluminium-air generators with diesel generators and lithium-ion battery systems. The report comes amid growing pressure on electricity infrastructure from data centre expansion. In Northern Virginia, more than 9,000 backup diesel generators serve data centres, according to Virginia Mercury....
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 &...
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The primary aluminium sector was quite busy last week, with unstable production all around the globe. Aluminium producer Alro's H1 2023 revenue fell to 1.55 billion RON due to lower prices and the ALUM refinery's temporary closure. The company also recorded a net loss of 164 million RON, compared to a net profit of 15.3 million RON in H1 2022. Glencore is a big player in natural resources, providing vital commodities. They're prominent in alumina and aluminium, trading and processing products from third-party producers. Despite challenges, they're optimistic about the future, especially in China. CEO Gary Nagle sees China's commitment to its economy as a positive sign for commodities, though not necessarily a bonanza. If we consider last week's Friday, August 4, the LME aluminium price...
The USA unraveled a very interesting occurrence on Tuesday, August 1, when Nasa's distant Voyager 2 probe sent a "heartbeat" signal to Earth after mission control unexpectedly cut contact. The intriguing part about Voyager 1 and 2 is that these space probes were packed in aluminium before being sent to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). In 1977, Voyager Mission was launched to explore outer planets and represent humanity to the universe. It is currently more than 12.3 billion miles (19.9 billion kilometres) away from Earth and has left the solar system. The Voyager Golden records were gold plated by James G. Lee record-processing centre in Gardena, California, before they were attached to aluminium containers and sent to JPL for final scrutiny. The records are made of gold-plated...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced the joining of Guangdong Golden Aluminium Co., Ltd as the new Production and Transformation member. Guangdong Golden Aluminium Co., Ltd. began operations in 1999. It is a comprehensive enterprise that combines R&D, production, sales, and services in the deep processing industries of aluminium alloy ingot, moulds, extrusion, surface coating, high-quality construction aluminium profiles, industrial aluminium profiles, doors and windows, and all aluminium furniture. It is also one of China's top 20 construction aluminium profiles firms, with a strong brand, technology, goods, channels, and talent pool. Its interests are distributed across Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia. As a green champion and practitioner, Golden has urged the...
AL Technology Co. Ltd. is a reputable company that was established in 2018 in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China. The company has a specialisation in serving the aluminium processing industry, and it benefits from Foshan's significant aluminium production hub, which provides them with access to advanced production technology and equipment. With their solid production and trade background, AL Technology Co. Ltd. can offer dependable production equipment and top-notch technical services to the processing industry worldwide. AL Technology Co. Ltd. operates a factory that produces a comprehensive range of aluminium melting casting auxiliary materials and aluminium slag processing equipment. These products include slagging agents, refining agents, granular refining agents, and aluminium...
Sustainability awards inspire innovation and drive positive change across various sectors. These prestigious accolades recognise organisations and individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainable practices, encouraging others to follow suit. They are essential for companies that want to showcase their dedication to a greener future. Awards like the Effective Sustainability Communicator Award and others enable companies to establish their credibility via an external, independent validation process and recognition in a variety of areas of sustainability. And when talking about sustainability, aluminium is one such metal that tops the list. Top companies, including those in the aluminium sector, are working diligently to create a roadmap towards a greener future. It's...
Australian lithium and renewable energy producer Vulcan Energy (VUL) has disclosed a newly sanctioned method to create a much more sustainable loop around its lithium brine project in Germany's Upper Rhine Valley region. In a major breakthrough, the company announced using aluminium-based 'sorbent' that might eliminate the need for acid washes making the production process greener. Vulcan Energy has adopted the Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) process for the extraction of lithium from feedstock. This is a well-established and widely used approach in the industry. According to Darcy Partners, a reputable advisory firm, DLE is gaining popularity in downstream lithium processing, partly due to its alignment with ESG targets and decarbonisation strategies. Vulcan Energy has opted for the...
The Russian aluminium giant and global leader in low-carbon aluminium production, Rusal, recently unveiled its interim results for H1 2023. Amid a complex economic backdrop, the company's performance, market insights, and strategic direction come to the forefront. Rusal operates through four distinct segments – aluminium, alumina, energy, and mining and metals – each a strategic pillar contributing to the company's vitality. The aluminium and alumina segments hold particular significance, driving the core of Rusal's operations. In 2022, Rusal represented 5.6 per cent of global aluminium production, 4.5 per cent of alumina production, and nearly half of its production involved value-added products. Notably, Rusal's low-carbon aluminium, ALLOW, boasts a carbon footprint five times lower...
Oddbox, a green organisation that aims to reduce food waste from active farms, has recently partnered with Penrhos Spirits to launch a refreshing new spirit flavoured with cucumber and apple. In an attempt to induce sustainable practices, Oddbox’s Cucumber and Apple Gin will be packed in 100% recyclable aluminium bottles by Penrhos. Oddbox excels in collecting waste elements from country firms all over London, the South and the Midlands. The company then runs those items through special processes to extract brand-new edible products. The Cucumber and Apple Gin contains Oddbox’s collected farm fruits, which have been cleaned, distilled and packed in sustainable aluminium bottles by Herefordshire-based Penrhos Spirits. This alliance is by far one of the most commendable accomplishments in...
Hydro Alunorte has signed a wind power purchase agreement (PPA) in addition to using solar energy for aluminium manufacturing, which aims to bolster the decarbonisation plan of the Norwegian Aluminium Company. The newly signed project is called the Ventos de São Zacarias project. Investments in renewable sources have bolstered Hydro's decarbonization plan via the Ventos de São Zacarias project. Hydro's objective of attaining NetZero in its operations by 2050 is critical, as is reducing at least 30 per cent of its worldwide emissions by 2030. To reach this goal, the business has implemented many changes in the energy sources employed in the alumina refinery of Hydro Alunorte in Pará, out of which one is the Ventos de São Zacarias project. The project, which will be developed in one of...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,197 per tonne on Thursday, with its high and low at US$2,220.5 per tonne and US$2,195.5 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,203.5 per tonne, an increase of US$6.5 per tonne or 0.3 per cent from the previous trading day. London Metal Exchange on August 10 marked a decent increase of US$9 per tonne or 0.42 per cent in LME aluminium cash bid price, which stood at US$2,161 per tonne. The LME aluminium live price chart also showed a US$8.50 per tonne or 0.39 per cent rise in the LME aluminium official settlement price, with it closing at US$2,161.50 per tonne. If we consider the LME aluminium market on July 10, the price stood at US$2,096 per tonne, which has jumped US$65.50 per tonne or 3.125 per cent Month-on-Month to arrive at what it is today. LME...
Henkel, the world's largest manufacturer of adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings, has joined the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative . The nationwide campaign, spearheaded by Alupro, strives to raise awareness and education to boost aerosol recycling rates. “We’re delighted to be partnering with the UK Aerosol Recycling Initiative and supporting its mission to further improve aerosol recycling rates across the UK. At Henkel, we’re committed to contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future and fostering innovation to embrace the circular economy. Together, alongside businesses from across the aerosol value chain, we can work to make a lasting impact, promoting responsible consumption and best practice recycling,” said Claudia Berto, head of R&D operations (UK/IE) at Henkel. Henkel...
According to SMM data, China's metallurgical-grade alumina output during July was 6.869 million tonnes, with a daily production average of 222,000 tonnes, a surge attributed to the phased release of newly added capacity and the conclusion of maintenance in several Guangxi region companies, leading to a gradual resumption of production and an uptick in daily production. Year-on-year data reveals a 1.5 per cent increase in alumina production this July relative to the same period last year, primarily due to the input from newly commissioned alumina production capacities. As of the end of July, China's built alumina capacity reached a volume of 100 million tonnes, with an operational capacity of 81.08 million tonnes, culminating in a nationwide utilization rate of 81.1 per cent. In Shanxi...
According to a report on Thursday, August 10, Russian aluminium stocks have posted an 81 per cent growth on the London Metal Exchange-approved warehouses for July 2023 compared to an 80 per cent increase in June. At the end of July 2023, Norsk Hydro wrote a letter to the London Metal Exchange to warn them that a large volume of aluminium from Russia weighed on the LME benchmark price. Hydro also requested the exchange to reconsider the decision not to ban Russian aluminium from its warehouse network. Russian aluminium stocks recorded steady growth on LME since the year began. For instance, Russian stocks increased by 41 per cent in January, 68 per cent in May and 80 per cent in June. In response to the letter, LME replied that it would closely monitor the arrivals of Russian aluminium to...
TricorBraun is ready to take over the existing operations of aluminium cans packaging supplier CanSource for an unquoted amount of money. CanSource was established in 2011 with the sole intention of manufacturing shrink-sleeved, brite and printed cans for both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks market. CanSource’s aluminium cans are suitable for craft beer, wine, spirits and other premium drinks. The brand has four separate production lines spread around the US, with its head office in Denver, Colorado. This new attachment might help in expanding TricorBraun’s beverage packaging expertise, uplifting its outreach in the North American beverage packaging sector. TricorBraun will reign over all the employees of CanSource as they won’t be leaving their individual duties in the plant, and...
Superior Aluminum Products recently held an eye-catching ceremony for the expansion of its facility in Russia, a small village in Ohio. The company very interestingly converts end-of-use aluminium into aluminium extruded products. The expansion will add 50,000 square feet of space for manufacturing and administrative offices, as well as engineering, design, research and development, and customer service functions. This represents a 45% increase in the facility's existing size. Superior Aluminum Products is known for its line of recycled-content aluminium railings, fencing, columns, and column wraps. These products often contain 50% or more recycled material, which makes buyers eligible for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building credits. The Dayton Development...
The Vietnamese government's decision to initiate bauxite mining in the northern region, focusing on three previously unexplored sites, marks a significant step towards resource diversification. This strategic move aims to harness the potential of these untapped locations and underscores the importance of sustainable resource management in driving economic growth. As the demand for aluminium continues to rise, this endeavour could contribute to local development and the broader industrial landscape. On August 9, 2023, the Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that the intention is to establish one location in Lang Son Province and two others in Cao Bang Province by 2030. However, the combined ore capacity will range from 1.55 to 2.25 million tonnes per year. Furthermore, two currently...
Ma'aden Misr is one of the most advanced industrial complexes in Egypt and the Middle East, having been created in 2008 and beginning production in 2012. The company has been successfully registered under the world's first B2B platform with 1200+ certified aluminium product sellers. AL CircleBiz is the world's first global marketplace, connecting millions of buyers and sellers along the aluminium value chain. To know more about the products offered by Ma’aden, you can visit the world's first b2b market for the global aluminium industry, AL CircleBiz's official website. The brand has consciously allied with our team to maintain a profound position in the metals market. Ma'aden’s production capacity is predicted to be 25,000 tonnes per year, with a planned increase to 30,000 tonnes per year...
Hindalco Industries Limited, one of India’s biggest aluminium manufacturing companies and the world’s largest flat-rolled products player, has announced an alliance with Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd., a specialised engineering company, to develop and manufacture aluminium railway wagons and coaches. Hindalco and Texmaco have come together to support Indian Railways in its new ‘Mission 3000 MT’, through which Indian Railways strives to double its freight capacity to reach 3,000 million tonnes by 2027 and holds 45 per cent market share in freight. Indian Railways is actively inviting wagon manufactures to help them design improved wagons, enhancing overall capacity and life of railway assets. Hindalco will provide profiles, and sheets and plates of unique alloys, along with fabrication...
