India’s renewable energy transition is gathering pace, with installed renewable power capacity surpassing 300 gigawatts (GW) in 2026, almost quadrupling over the past decade. The country has also achieved its target of sourcing 50 per cent of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources five years ahead of schedule, strengthening its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing clean energy markets. The expansion is beginning to deliver measurable energy security benefits by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, while competitive renewable power costs and expanding domestic manufacturing are opening new investment opportunities. However, sustaining this momentum will require substantial improvements in electricity transmission, storage infrastructure and...
Glencore has defended its progress on the Aurukun bauxite project in Queensland, saying it has met all commitments under its licence conditions, as calls for greater scrutiny mount over its proposed sale to Rio Tinto. Queensland MP Robbie Katter, a member of the Parliamentary Primary Industries and Resources Committee, is seeking an inquiry into the deal. The reported sale value has been put at USD 250 million, though this figure has not been confirmed. Katter questioned why a multinational company should hold a public resource without developing it and then sell its interests. He said, “That resource is owned by the people of Queensland, it’s not the government’s to play around with, or for any of these global mining companies to just trade.” Explore the production, demand and...
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SRF, the Indian multi-business chemical conglomerate, announced that its board of directors has decided to establish a new facility that would include SRF Altech Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the firm. The new factory, expected to cost INR 425 crore, would produce aluminium foil. As per the reports, the project's cost is expected to rise to INR 530 crores owing to modifications in machine configuration to improve production, product portfolio, and quality, as well as increases in civil and preparatory expenditures. The overall feasibility is projected to stay the same. In January 2022, the board of directors of SRF held a meeting for the construction of the aluminium foil plant. The company mentioned that the anticipated capacity expansion of 21000 MTPA would be added by September...
According to the Shanghai Metals Market survey, China’s aluminium smelters operating rates in primary production hubs, including Shandong, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia, stood robust in March 2023. The amalgamated installed aluminium capacity in these three provinces was 20.65 million tonnes, nearly half of China’s total. As of April 20, China witnessed 930,000 tonnes of aluminium capacity resumption and 212,000 tonnes of newly commissioned. Combining the two, China had an aluminium capacity of 1.14 million tonnes, which could almost negate the effects of the 1.2 million tonnes of aluminium capacity cut. China’s aluminium production in March (31 calendar days) also showed an improvement of 10.35 per cent M-o-M from 3.09 million tonnes to 3.41 million tonnes. Total output in the first...
Mercedes-Benz recently shared the outcomes of their low-carbon technology roadmap, which was developed in partnership with aluminium producer Hydro. They successfully tested a low-carbon aluminium that contains at least 25% post-consumer scrap and is now incorporating this more sustainable material into their structural cast components for production this year. The tested aluminium has a carbon footprint of only 2.8 kg CO2 per kg of aluminium. Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement, notified: "On our path to achieving a net carbon neutral vehicle fleet along the entire value chain by 2039, we are reaching the next milestone: Together with our strategic partner Hydro we are bringing low carbon...
In the midst of expanding innovations and experiments in the packaging business, the rising demands for aluminium due to its unique attributes are increasing effectively. As clients choose eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions, innovative aluminium applications in the packaging sector are expanding. The Italy-based luxury packaging company for makeup and skincare products, Lumson, launched Techno Airless Aluminium (TAL), an aluminium airless packaging with a bag, in 2021 and was a massive hit in the market. As per the latest reports, the sustainable product is returning in a greener version. Beginning this year, a TAL version manufactured from post-consumer recycled aluminium (PCR) will be available. Given that aluminium is already a sustainable material since it is 100 per...
India’s aluminium scrap, finished and semi-finished products exports in March 2023 reflected month-on-year and year-on-year growth of 11 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively, to reach 213,960 tonnes. A month ago, India exported 193,214 tonnes of aluminium and a year earlier, the country shipped 185,687 tonnes. Turkey was the largest importer from India in March as the former relies heavily on imports for having minimal domestic production. Turkey hauled 31,224 tonnes in March, followed by the Netherlands importing 30,288 tonnes and South Korea 22,326 tonnes. India’s exports of aluminium semi-finished products in the said month were 180,394 tonnes, up by 8 per cent M-o-M from 166,308 tonnes. Of the total semi-finished exports in March, aluminium ingots accounted for 146,040 tonnes,...
UK-based Creed Foodservice Company, a catering services provider, has plugged into a noble initiative wherein the company would give preference to environmentally conscious suppliers as a part of their initiatives to achieve net zero by 2035. The company has set a goal of attaining carbon neutrality by 2025, and for that, it has laid out sustainable approaches to the cause. Creed has claimed it would scrutinise the sustainable policies of both prevailing and potential suppliers. Creed has worked side by side with corporate climate action consultants ClimatePartner to get better perspectives in their efforts to get environment-friendly. Philip Creed, the sustainability director of Creed, commented: "Where possible, we are looking to stock products from suppliers with clear and defined...
Santelmo, a startup known for developing sustainable and eco-friendly yachts, recently released a series of revolutionary models made of aluminium alloy and driven by green hydrogen, with over 90 per cent of the materials recyclable. Santelmo picked the Fuorisalone in Milan, from April 17 to 23, for its debut and will provide a unique work. The art, which includes a scale model of a boat, will be shown in the shop of Richard J. Brown, a premium denim company. Fuorisalone is a Milan-based communication and concept design company. The brand shares a sustainable strategy with Santelmo, which likewise tries to instil a feeling of responsibility for sustainability concerns across the supply chain and with customers. The F50P, a 15-metre yacht with a configuration that responds to the rising...
Century Aluminium, a US-based primary aluminium producer with smelters in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Iceland, announced its first quarter 2023 financial and operational results on Monday, May 8, 2023. The company released that its net sales increased by 4.25 per cent quarter-on-quarter from $529.9 million to $552.4 million, in line with the growth in shipments by 11,694 tonnes. According to the data revealed, shipments in Q1 2023 hiked from 169,471 tonnes to 181,165 tonnes, sequentially. Century reported a net loss of $38.6 million for Q1 2023, improved by $74.9 million from the previous quarter. The company’s finances were affected by $27.3 million of net exceptional items, in particular $47.8 million of unrealized losses on derivative instruments, and $5.4 million in curtailment...
The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced their upcoming free scrap metal recycling drop-off events for May 2023. From April through November, a range of metal objects, from home appliances to gutters and sheds, are accepted at two countywide collection locations in Cranford and Rahway. Items like air conditioners, aluminium scrap , aluminium siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tyre rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass) and wire hangers are all acceptable items for recycling. "These free drop-off sites provide our residents with a convenient way to dispose of old, broken or...
HMD Global has achieved extreme durability with its recent Nokia smartphone launch. The company claims its ¨ultra tough¨ Nokia XR21 will negate all kinds of ‘phone anxiety’ with its highly robust 100% recycled aluminium chassis. The Nokia XR21 is immune to any outer damage because its body has been safeguarded with durable materials. Some of the specifications are as follows: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus display; designed to handle the sudden impact Two-day battery life; ensures hiking activities 100% recycled aluminium framework; sustainable yet strong Nokia XR21 is impact, dust and water resistant to ensure it can be compatible with people prone to dropping their phones. While addressing the reporters during the launch, Brenden Folitarik, HMD Global ’s Country Manager for Australia, New...
Copper ground wires have long been the industry standard for underground wire installations in distribution networks. NKT, the leading cable and cable accessories supplier to the energy sector, has developed an option made of corrosion-resistant aluminium. NKT is ready to deliver AX PRO after ten years of development, including multiple trial installations and patent work. AX PRO is an aluminium ground wire with a low total cost of ownership and enhanced corrosion resistance while maintaining good reliability and performance. AX PRO is made up of seven separate coated aluminium wires. All wires are cabled to a single coherent product that requires no additional material to hold it together. Spreading the wires apart is only beneficial because the contact surface to the ground rises,...
According to a report on Monday, May 8, Zurich Cantonal Bank reduced its shareholding in Kaiser Aluminium Co. by 28.8 per cent in the fourth quarter. As per the disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the bank shed off 743 shares during the said quarter and owned 1,835 shares of Kaiser worth $139,000. Other hedge funds and institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of Kaiser Aluminium. National Bank of Canada FI acquired new shares in Kaiser Aluminium worth $58,000 and Point72 Hong Kong Ltd bought a stake of nearly $80,000. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its shares by 76.1 per cent, owning 1,016 shares worth $96,000. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio grew its position in Kaiser Aluminium by 14.2 per cent by purchasing 206 new shares. The...
DWK Life Sciences has successfully acquired the US-based packaging solutions maker Assem-Pak | Aluseal, located in Vineland, New Jersey. The company has not publicised the acquisition amount. Assem-Pak manufactures premium quality rubber stoppers and aluminium seals for clients in the pharmaceutical sector and life-science organisations. The firm also provides state-of-the-art facilities like cleaning, washing, assembling and kitting of primary packaging materials. The CEO (North America) at DWK Life Sciences, Jeff Schempp, explained: “The combination of Assem-Pak’s manufacturing capabilities in rubber stoppers and aluminium seals combined with DWK’s global market access makes this a perfect fit for both companies. “We’re happy to have a great team join the DWK Group to help us achieve...
According to a recent report, Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba)’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Shaikh Daij bin Salman bin Daij Al Khalifa, welcomed Mr Ni Ruchi, the Ambassador of People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Bahrai, at Alba's premises on May 7, 2023. Alba’s Chief Executive Officer Ali Al Baqali and the officials from the Chinese Embassy in Bahrain, like Mr Li Baoan, Economic and Trade Counsellor and Mrs Wang Zhen, Second Secretary, were also present during the meeting. Commenting on this occasion, Alba’s Chairman of the Board of Directors said, “We are pleased to welcome HE Mr. Ni Ruchi and shed light on Alba’s role in the global aluminium industry and contribution to Bahrain’s economy. We look forward to boosting further cooperation and developing new commercial...
Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) and Crown Holdings have allied to fund a new grant under the keen eye of Washington-based Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) to further facilitate the rigorous efforts of mounting aluminium can-capturing modules in material recovery facilities (MRFs). AMP is a Luxemburg-based beverage can manufacturing company, while Crown Holdings is a similar firm based in Philadelphia. CMI will partner with both firms to lay out the transactions, though it has not released any statement about the amount pledged by AMP or Crown. The Recycling Partnership, a Virginia-based organisation, will be responsible for working with the grant winners to understand the chronology of each project. After reviewing, they would issue the grants and channelise the upgrades and costs. CMI has...
Panellists at the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) 2023 Convention & Exposition (ISRI2023) Spotlight on Aluminium session discussed investments in the North American aluminium value chain and potential impacts on aluminium scrap trade between the United States and India. "Unprecedented investment was occurring. And it's remarkable to see that the aluminum industry continues to evolve, change and grow as it continues its history. The market was precariously balanced as of mid-April. That's not good news. That's not bad news. It's just where we are at this point in time," said Steve Williamson, North America research manager for London-based CRU Group. Steve Williamson also said that secondary aluminium demand peaked from 2020 until the summer of 2022. Due to limited supply,...
Ball Corporation announced its first quarter 2023 results on a US GAAP basis, revealing sales of $3.49 billion compared to $3.72 billion during the same period last year. That reflected a year-on-year drop of 6.18 per cent owing to lower demand and shipments. As a result, the company's net earnings declined significantly by 60.31 per cent from $446 million in 1QCY2022 to $177 million in 1QCY2023. Ball Corporation also reported that its comparable net earnings were $217 million or 69 cents per diluted share in 1QCY2023 compared to $252 million or 77 cents per diluted share in 1QCY2022. The year-on-year downfall in Ball’s financial results could be partly attributed to its Russian beverage packing business sell to Arnest Group . However, from the beverage packaging unit in North and Central...
The Alba Calciner and Alba Smelter in Bahrain have received Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard V2 (2022) Certification. This is the first Middle Eastern entity to be certified against the new CoC Standard V2, released in May 2022 after a multi-year review process. Alba was certified to the ASI Performance Standard V2 in January 2020. Aluminium Bahrain has been successfully certified against the ASI CoC Standard V2 (2022) for producing and marketing primary aluminium from alumina, petroleum coke calcination, water desalination, and anode manufacturing, smelting, casting, and captive power generation at the Alba Calciner and Alba Smelter in Bahrain. Alba is one of the world's biggest smelters, producing around 1.56 million tonnes of primary aluminium...
