The Canyon Resources’ subsidiary has acquired 42.8 per cent of Douala Port Timber Terminal, adding a port interest to its existing railway stake as it develops a planned route for Minim-Martap bauxite. Camalco Cameroon is extending its position in the logistics network being planned for the Minim-Martap bauxite project, acquiring a 42.8 per cent stake in Douala Port Timber Terminal (TBPD). The investment adds a port-related interest to its existing shareholding in Camrail, the railway operator expected to form part of the project’s transport route. The acquisition was completed through a capital increase at TBPD, rather than the purchase of shares from existing shareholders. Camalco invested XAF 347.447 million (USD 604,000), subscribing to newly issued shares reserved entirely for the...
The aluminium industry is entering another phase of supply-chain repositioning. Across bauxite, alumina and primary aluminium, companies are investing in new resources, consolidating strategic assets and expanding processing capacity, while governments are increasingly treating domestic supply as a strategic priority. The latest developments from Australia, Guyana, Guinea, Indonesia, the US and India point to a market where resource security, processing location and control over supply chains are becoming as important as production growth. At the same time, new trading mechanisms and changing investment patterns are beginning to influence how aluminium and its raw materials reach the market. Bauxite supply expands, but securing the right tonnes is becoming harder In Western Australia, VBX...
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The 8th International (Sanya) Aluminium Industry Chain Green Development Summit Forum occurred in Sanya, Hainan, on November 9th. During significant scientific advancements in Weiqiao Aluminium Alloy, the Shandong Weiqiao Entrepreneurship Group introduced six new aluminium alloy materials that own autonomous intellectual property rights and have attained a prominent global standing. The summit conference was watched by a collective of leaders, guests, industry experts, and business representatives, marking a significant time in history. During the press conference, Zhang Hai, the President of Weiqiao Lightweight Research Institute, provided insights on the newly introduced WQAL ® WHS 340, 370, 400 high-strength corrosion-resistant aluminium alloy, WQAL ® CHF 110, 130 anti-fatigue cast...
On November 15, 2023, the global mining and metal giant Rio Tinto dismissed the services of Ivan Vella with immediate effect, the former head of its aluminium division, according to an email sent to all employees by CEO Jakob Stausholm and as reported by Reuters. Rio Tinto had previously announced in June 2023 that Vella, who had been with the mining giant for two decades, was scheduled to depart in December 2023. However, his next role was expected to be the CEO of IGO Ltd, an Australian battery minerals producer. He maintained his leadership in the aluminium business until Jerome Pecresse, his successor, assumed the role on October 23. Leading up to the contract termination date on November 15, Vella assisted Pecresse in transitioning to his new position. According to Reuters, the...
The recently released real (adjusted for inflation) United States Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the third quarter (Q3) exceeded expectations. According to the advanced estimates by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the GDP exhibited a growth rate of 4.9 per cent annually in Q3 2023. This slightly surpassed the consensus estimate of 4.7 per cent and marked more than a twofold increase compared to the 2.1 per cent growth in the previous quarter. The growth was primarily driven by upticks in consumer spending, private inventory investment, federal government spending, residential fixed investment, and exports. Joe Pickard, the Chief Economist of ISRI, said, "We're encouraged by the economy's overall growth but remain concerned about the manufacturing sector. This concern is...
In an extraordinary feat achieved by design consultant UNStudio, Dubai is about to house a 64-storey building clad in 100% recyclable aluminium. The Wasl Tower is set to become the world's tallest construction that uses ceramic fins for energy conservation. Dubai's skyline welcomes another impressive addition to its collection of architectural wonders, and it is estimated that the construction will be complete by Q3 2024. The news is already generating excitement in the global architectural community. Once completed, the Wasl Tower will stand tall at 302 metres, becoming one of the world's tallest structures. The UAE's Year of Sustainability has inspired the tower's innovative approach, which aligns with the country's commitment to climate goals. The ceramic fins, made from a combination...
On November 7, China's Department of Energy Conservation and Comprehensive Utilisation brought together representatives of relevant research institutions and key enterprises to hold a symposium on red mud. The purpose of the symposium was to discuss and promote the research, development, and application of green, low-cost utilisation technology of red mud. The goal is to encourage the large-scale comprehensive utilisation of red mud, which is a byproduct of the aluminium industry. During the symposium, the participants discussed the comprehensive utilisation path of red mud, key process technologies, typical product application scenarios, and the difficulties and obstacles faced in promoting and applying these products. The responsible comrades of the Department of Energy Conservation and...
Alupro, Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation Ltd., a UK industry group, has rejected digital deposit return schemes (DRS) for aluminium cans , deeming them unproven. They emphasised the success of aluminium drink cans in the circular economy, being fully recyclable with an impressive UK recycling rate of 82%. While the metal industry aims to achieve 100% can recycling by 2030, Alupro insists that a 'well-designed' DRS, similar to those in Finland or Denmark, is essential for this goal. They expressed reservations about a digital version using mobile technology and unique codes, deeming it less optimal. "They have proven simply that the public appear, quite understandably, supportive of recycling initiatives that they can participate in by using an app at home," Alupro mentioned....
Vedanta Aluminium leads in eco-responsibility, sending the first batch of Restora, low-carbon 'green' aluminium. Vedanta Aluminium, India's leading aluminium producer, takes a giant leap in environmental responsibility by dispatching its first batch of Restora, the nation's groundbreaking low-carbon 'green' aluminium, to Telangana-based Global Aluminium Pvt Ltd. This milestone, involving 300 metric tonnes of Restora Billets, marks a turning point in India's aluminium industry's quest for sustainability. Vedanta Aluminium's revolutionary low-carbon aluminium, Restora, crafted with renewable energy, not only meets global low-carbon standards with its GHG emission intensity but goes further with Restora Ultra, an exceptionally sustainable variant drastically reducing carbon footprint....
On November 15, announcements emerged from low-carbon aluminium maker Hydro's headquarters that the company will now aid Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) in manufacturing their flagship electric vans. The commercial electric van startup will be exploring the feasibility of the Norwegian giant's recycled and low-carbon aluminium. Hydro produces its low-carbon aluminium using renewable energy from the power grid and flaunts a CO2 footprint of 4.0 kg per tonne in comparison to the conventional 16.7 kg average CO2 emissions. Hydro and WEVC are determined to use the former's recycled aluminium for materialising low-carbon electric vans in the UK. This would be fundamental in levelling down the carbon footprint of its eCV1 electric van by a whopping 50 per cent. Also, the company has...
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In the face of escalating global climate challenges, the urgency for sustainable development and the widespread adoption of clean, renewable energy is more apparent than ever. China, a key player in this global movement, actively promotes green power to achieve sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. Overview: This year's China Corporate Renewable Electricity Summit, happening in Shanghai, China, from 16 to 17 November, both in-person and online, is a pivotal gathering to accelerate the transition to green energy. With a focus on "Energy Management and Carbon Trading Market under Double-Carbon Target," the summit brings together government agencies, industry experts, and corporate executives from diverse sectors like manufacturing, energy, chemicals, automotive, and steel. The...
During a recent gathering between the European Commission and representatives from Japanese industry to deliberate on the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Measures (CBAM) pertaining to steel and aluminium, the Japan Iron and Steel Federation (JISF) emphasised the apprehensions within the industry. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a system designed to impose a levy on imported goods originating from countries and regions that demonstrate reluctance towards global warming countermeasures. The European Union (EU) initiated a reporting system in October 2023, laying the groundwork for its comprehensive implementation scheduled for January 2026. This mechanism applies to six categories of imported products, encompassing items such as steel, aluminium, and cement. In...
SUS Corporation, a prominent supplier of aluminium frames and die-cast components for the automotive and other manufacturing sectors, has been able to overcome workforce shortages and restore production with the help of ABB YuMi cobots (collaborative robots). As global supply chains continue to face major disruptions, SUS Corporation opted for domestic production in Shizuoka, Japan, to better manage lead times and introduce greater flexibility. The Managing Director of ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line, Joerg Reger, asserted: "Reshoring is increasingly viewed as a way to address the challenges of disruptive supply chains and uncertainty, but it can introduce complexities of its own." "Our range of flexible automation solutions can help resolve these, and we're delighted to see that...
In a recent incident at Alcoa's Pinjarra refinery, five workers were affected by a chemical spill, drawing emergency crews to the alumina refinery in Pinjarra, Western Australia. The spill, involving a caustic solution integral to the alumina extraction process from bauxite ore, occurred around 4 pm on a Tuesday. Two of the five affected workers were taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital for treatment, while the others received on-site medical attention. The injured workers, a man in his 30s and another in his 60s, were reported to be in stable condition by 6 pm that evening. Alcoa, a leading aluminum producer, has pledged full cooperation with authorities and is committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The company expressed deep concern for the well-being of the...
Ghana's efforts to enhance the value of its bauxite mining industry have taken a significant stride forward with the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and its partner, Rocksure International, revealing the results of the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for Nyinahin Block B to President Akufo-Addo. Photo: GIADEC This specific block, covering Hills 4, 5, and 6 in the Ashanti region, plays a crucial role in Ghana's aspirations to improve its bauxite mining sector. President Akufo-Addo, recognizing the completion of the MRE, emphasized its pivotal role in advancing the establishment of a bauxite mine with a refining solution. The initiative aligns with Ghana's national objective of adding value to the bauxite mining industry. He commended the collaborative efforts of...
The average alumina spot price in China has slumped by RMB 4 per tonne, closing at RMB 3,002 per tonne. Alumina price in Shandong has negated RMB 10 per tonne to rest at RMB 2,965 per tonne. Alumina prices in Shanxi and Guangxi have both toned down by RMB 5 per tonne to park at RMB 3,010 per tonne and RMB 3,015 per tonne. On November 15, the Shanghai Metals Market witnessed a widespread surge in aluminium prices, with the SMM A00 aluminium ingot price levitating by RMB 70 per tonne to close at RMB 18,980 per tonne. The average aluminium prices have hovered between RMB 18,960 per tonne and RMB 19,000 per tonne. The eight major provinces in China have all seen escalating aluminium prices today, with the SMM A00 aluminium price rising the highest in Chongqing by RMB 90 per tonne to rest at...
LME aluminium opened at US$2235 per tonne in the previous trading day, with its low and high at US$2214 per tonne and US$2244.5 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2224 per tonne, down US$6 per tonne or a decrease of 0.27 per cent. On November 14, the LME aluminium live price chart experienced declining aluminium prices, with the LME aluminium cash bid price and the LME aluminium official price discarding US$26.50 per tonne or 1.19 per cent to officially close at US$2,193.50 per tonne and US$2,194 per tonne. London Metal Exchange graph displayed that the 3-month bid price and the 3-month offer price dwindled by US$4 per tonne or 0.18 per cent and US$5.50 per tonne or 0.25 per cent to stop at US$2,218 per tonne and US$2,218.50 per tonne, respectively. The December 24 bid price...
On November 14, 2023, European Aluminium unveiled its latest report titled "Net-Zero by 2050: Science-based Decarbonisation Pathways for the European Aluminium Industry" at a high-level event featuring Kerstin Jorna, Director-General at the European Commission's DG Grow. This report presents a thorough and practical framework to realise net-zero emissions throughout the entire aluminium value chain, encompassing primary production, semi-fabrication, and recycling. The European aluminium industry, marked by its high energy consumption and challenging emissions reduction, accounts for around 24 million tonnes of CO 2 equivalent emissions yearly. Despite this, aluminium plays a crucial role in advancing the transition to a fully decarbonised economy by supporting various clean technologies...
BMW has officially ceased the production of combustion engines at its primary facility in Munich. This strategic move, which had been anticipated for an extended period, aims to repurpose the Bavarian plant to manufacture electric vehicles. In November 2020, BMW made a significant announcement about the complete relocation of combustion engine production. The manufacturing of these engines has now shifted to Steyr in Austria and Hams Hall in the UK. The symbolic conclusion of this transition occurred in November 2023 when the last eight-cylinder engine was assembled at the Munich plant. This marks a pivotal moment for Bayerische Motorenwerke, concluding 60 years of engine production in Munich. The conversion for producing electric vehicles (EVs) is underway, focusing on transforming the...
In October, the Ministry of Equipment and Energy conducted a screening process to prepare the "green aluminium evaluation and trading guidelines" and carbon footprint verification, in line with the requirements set by the Beichuan Industrial Park Management Committee for applying provincial foreign trade development funds. To enhance the distribution channels for product sales, fulfil the prerequisites for accessing the European market, and comply with the carbon footprint verification requirements set out by downstream clients for primary liquid aluminium. The organisation has delegated the task of verifying the carbon footprint of aluminium alloy rod A356.2 to the China Quality Certification Centre. Following a review by the Beichuan Industrial Park Management Committee, both projects...
