AlCircle News Edited By "Debanjali Sengupta"
Debanjali Sengupta is a passionate content writer with 10 years of experience in Business writing, Web Content writing, Blogging, Editing and Research. She is responsible for generating and editing content for AlCircle Newsletter and other online and offline content for enhancing the brand value and its visibility among global users.
Stew Hamilton steps down as Chief Executive of Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter
Stew Hamilton has reportedly stepped down as Chief Executive and General Manager of the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter to join one of New Zealand’s big power companies. Stew Hamilton has been associated with Rio Tinto, the smelter’s majority owner, for the past 22 years. In 2018, he took over as chief executive of the Tiwai smelter. "The smelter has been going through a very public period of transition, and Stew's commitment and leadership has been hugely valued throughout this time," said Rio Tinto acting managing director of Pacific operations Daniel van der Westhuizen. The smelter was due to shut this year. But after entering a new power deal with suppliers, the smelter has been given a lifeline until at least 2024. Hamilton has had to face the pressure to tackle the disposal of...
LME aluminium price rose 1.25% to US$2476.50/t; SHFE price soared above US$3000/t
Three-month LME aluminium increased 2.55 per cent to close at US$ 2,510 per tonne on Thursday, May 6. It is expected to trade between US$ 2,450-2,520 per tonne today. LME aluminium cash (bid) price and LME official settlement price surged on Thursday, May 6, by US$ 30.50 per tonne or 1.25 per cent to settle at US$ 2,476.50 per tonne. 3-months bid price and 3-months offer price came in at US$ 2,476 per tonne, gaining US$ 36.50 per tonne from US$ 2,439.50 per tonne on May 5. Dec 22 bid price and Dec 22 offer price stood at US$ 2,454 per tonne on Thursday, increasing by US$ 26 per tonne from US$ 2,428 per tonne. The LME aluminium opening stock continued to decline from 1810550 tonnes to 1802175 tonnes. Live Warrants rebounded to 1231600 tonnes, while Cancelled Warrants totalled 570575...
Aluminium billet inventories in China inch up by 5,100 tonnes on May 6 after eight consecutive weeks of decline
According to the Shanghai Metals Market, 6063 aluminium billet inventories in China have increased by 9 per cent or 5,100 tonnes after eight consecutive weeks of decline. On May 6, 2021, aluminium billet inventories are standing at 139,100 tonnes compared to 134,000 tonnes last week on April 29. The rise in inventories could be attributed to the less purchase enthusiasm in the market owing to the continued rise of A00 aluminium ingot price to a new high of RMB 19,150 per tonne as of May 6. The fear of high prices aggravated in the downstream but shipments of aluminium billets out of warehouses increased 5,000 tonnes to 67,000 tonnes, as downstream aluminium processing enterprises restocked demand before the Labour Day Holiday. The chart below indicates the current status of aluminium...
US aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports to Mexico reflect 9% decline in February 2021
The United States aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports to Mexico stood at 21,800 tonnes in February 2021, reflecting a downfall of 2,100 tonnes or 8.79 per cent month-on-month. In January 2021, the exports came in at 23,900 tonnes, up 2,600 tonnes or 12.21 per cent from 21,300 tonnes in December 2020. On a year-on-year calculation, the US aluminium flat rolled products exports to Mexico in February 2021 stood down as well by 2,600 tonnes or 9.54 per cent from 24,100 tonnes. In the first two months of 2021, the United States aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports to Mexico totalled 45,700 tonnes, which were 4,500 tonnes or 8.96 per cent less than 50,200 tonnes during the same period last year. Mexico’s total aluminium imports (including aluminium crude metals and alloys and...
China’s A00 aluminium ingot price exceeds RMB19000/t amid improved input costs; Prekabed anode price jumps by RMB205/t
On Thursday, May 6, A00 aluminium ingot price in China has crossed RMB 19,000 per tonne after resuming the market from the Labour Day Holiday. According to Shanghai Metals Market data, the primary aluminium ingot price has gained over RMB 300 per tonne to come in at RMB 19,150 per tonne, marking the third consecutive growth since April 29. The average prices are expected to range between RMB 19,130 per tonne and RMB 19,170 per tonne, with spot contract to be traded at a premium price of RMB 70-30 per tonne. In Foshan, A00 aluminium ingot price has jumped by RMB 330 per tonne to settle at RMB 19,170 per tonne on May 6, followed by the surge of RMB 325 per tonne in Shenyang to RMB 19,105 per tonne, according to SMM. Gongyi, Chongqing, and Tianjin have seen a hike of RMB 320 per tonne to RMB...
Century Aluminum sees a net loss of $140 million in 1Q2021 despite increase in net sales & marginal rise in shipments
On Wednesday, May 5, Century Aluminum Company posted its quarterly reports announcing that its primary aluminum shipments in the first quarter ended on March 31, 2021, grew marginally by 757 tonnes to 195,697 tonnes. In Q4 2020, Century Aluminum’s shipments clocked in at 194,940 tonnes. Despite the marginal rise in shipments, the Company saw a 14 per cent increase in its net sales from $ 389.1 million in Q4 2020 to $ 444 million in Q1 2021. But on the other hand, Century reported a net loss of $ 140 million for the first quarter of the year - $ 104.50 million higher sequentially. First quarter results were negatively impacted by $ 87.4 million of exceptional items, in particular $92.7 million of unrealized losses on forward derivative contracts (net of tax). Thus, Century reported an...
Hydro certifies eleven companies in Paragominas under its Supplier Development Program
Hydro has reportedly certified eleven companies in Paragominas under its Supplier Development Program, which included training in Strategic Management, Commercial Intelligence, Operational Management, and Industry 4.0. Local companies that serve Mineração Paragominas SA were selected on criteria like performance, techniques and purchases. Mineração Paragominas SA is located in BARCARENA, Brazil, and is part of the Metal Ore Mining Industry. There are five companies in the MINERACAO PARAGOMINAS SA corporate family. The program was conducted in partnership with REDES - Innovation and Economic Sustainability Initiative of the Federation of Industries of the State of Pará (Fiepa). Eduardo Kaiser, Hydro's Supplier Governance and Quality Manager, said: “We believe that more-qualified suppliers...
NALCO’s aluminium ingot price grows for the fourth time in a row by INR1800/t with effect from May 1
National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) grew its aluminium ingot and aluminium products prices for the fourth time in a row with effect from Saturday, May 1, 2021. NALCO’s aluminium ingot price witnessed a hike of INR 1,800 per tonne or 0.88 per cent to INR 206,850-210,350 per tonne. Earlier on April 27, NALCO’s aluminium ingot price stood at INR 205,050-208,550 per tonne, reflecting an increase of INR 3,800 per tonne. With the latest hike, NALCO’s aluminium wire rod price came in at INR 210,350-214,700 per tonne, which also registered a growth of INR 1,800 per tonne from INR 208,550-212,900 per tonne on April 27. NALCO since May 1, 2021, is selling its aluminium billets at INR 210,300 – 212,950 per tonne compared to INR 208,500-211,150 per tonne on April 27. NALCO, like any other...
Hong Kong aluminium scrap imports from US record a Fivefold growth YoY in February 2021
Hong Kong imported 20,300 tonnes of aluminium scrap from the United States in February 2021, which was the same as the imports in January 2021, according to the US Geological Survey. However, on a year-on-year calculation, the imports edged 15,800 tonnes or 351 per cent higher than 4,500 tonnes. Hong Kong’s aluminium scrap imports from the US in January 2021 saw a hike of 9,100 tonnes or 81.25 per cent from 11,200 tonnes in December 2020. Hong Kong’s aluminium scrap imports from the US in the first two months of 2021 totalled 40,600 tonnes, up by 297.04 per cent from 10,200 tonnes during the same period last year. The United States total aluminium scrap exports in February this year amounted to 160,000 tonnes, registering an increase of 7,000 tonnes or 4.58 per cent from 153,000 tonnes in...
Vietnam decides to continue anti-dumping duties on Chinese aluminium products
On Tuesday, May 4, Vietnam announced its decision to keep anti-dumping duties on Chinese aluminium products imports. The news came after the Ministry of Industry and Trade said that it decided to continue imposing anti-dumping duties with a tax rate from 4.39 per cent to 35.58 per cent on certain aluminium products originating from China. Earlier in September, the tax decided was 2.49 per cent to 35.58 per cent when the Ministry issued the decision of imposing anti-dumping duties on aluminium products from China, following an anti-dumping investigation started in January 2019 that found an impact on the domestic aluminium industry. But many domestic aluminium producers in Vietnam suffered losses, many production sites had to close their operations, while a large number of workers lost...
LME aluminium price edged 0.43% lower to $2434.50/t post-holiday; SHFE market remained closed for Labour Day Holiday
LME aluminium benchmark price recorded a decline of 0.43 per cent on Tuesday, May 4, from US$ 2,434.50 per tonne on April 30. The market was closed on May 3 for Early May Bank Holiday. LME aluminium cash (bid) price and LME official settlement price decreased by US$ 10.50 per tonne to close at US$ 2,434.50 per tonne on Tuesday, May 4. 3-months bid price and 3-months offer price stood at US$ 2,428 per tonne, down by US$ 10 per tonne from April 30. Dec 22 bid price and Dec 22 offer price came in at US$ 2,420.50 per tonne on Tuesday, declining by US$ 12 per tonne from US$ 2,432.50 per tonne. The LME aluminium opening stock plunged from 1835150 tonnes to 1827800 tonnes. Live Warrants totalled 1231600 tonnes, while Cancelled Warrants stood at 596200 tonnes. LME aluminium 3-months Asian...
US aluminium plates, sheets & bars exports to Canada decline by over 6% in February 2021
The United States exported 23,500 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and bars to Canada in February 2021, down by 1,700 tonnes or 6.75 per cent month-on-month, found the US Geological Survey data. In January, the United States’ exports to Canada stood at 25,200 tonnes by remaining flat compared to 25,400 tonnes in December 2020. On a year-on-year calculation, the US aluminium flat rolled products exports to Canada in February 2021 stood 25.40 per cent lower from 31,500 tonnes. In the first two months of 2021, the United States aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports to Canada totalled 48,700 tonnes, reflecting a downfall of 21.96 per cent from 62,400 tonnes during the same period last year. From Canada, the United States aluminium plates, sheets and bars imports also stood down in...
Rio Tinto's ISAL Aluminium Smelter bags ASI Performance Standard Certification with Provisional Status
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative has certified Rio Tinto's ISAL Aluminium Smelter in Iceland (ISAL) against its Performance Standard certification with Provisional Status. Aluminium billets produced at ISAL is destined for use in buildings and construction, automotive, printing, and packaging. ASI said it certified Rio Tinto's ISAL Smelter for responsible production, sourcing, and stewardship of aluminium. ISAL annually produces around 204,000 tonnes of aluminium with a relatively low carbon footprint based on hydropower. The certification is achieved by Rio Tinto under the ASI Interim Policy regarding Audits, Audit-Related Travel and Coronavirus, which clarifies the reasonable accommodations that can be made to audit plans in consideration of the current COVID-19 situation. Fiona...
Alufluoride commences new expanded aluminium fluoride plant at Visakhapatnam
Alufluoride Limited has reportedly started the commercial production of Aluminium Fluoride plant at Visakhapatnam with effect from Saturday, May 1. The news came after the company informed the exchange regarding the commencement of its business operations. Alufluoride confirmed that it would commence the commercial production of the new expanded Aluminium Fluoride plant at Visakhapatnam. Alufluoride Limited is engaged in producing aluminium fluoride, making continuous efforts to conserve energy at various levels of operations. At around 10:50 AM on May 3, Alufluoride traded at INR 248 per share, up by INR 3 or 1.22 per cent from its previous closing of INR 245 per share on Sensex. A the end of December 2020, Alufluoride recorded net sales of INR 8.84 crore, down 60.72 per cent from INR...
LME aluminium price rose 0.53% to close at US$2,445/t; SHFE market is closed for Labour Day Holiday
LME aluminium benchmark price edged 0.53 per cent higher on Friday, April 30, from US$ 2,432 per tonne on April 29. LME aluminium cash (bid) price and LME official settlement price continued to rise by US$ 13 per tonne to stand at US$ 2,445 per tonne on Friday, April 30. 3-months bid price and 3-months offer price grew to US$ 2,438 per tonne from US$ 2,429.50 per tonne on April 29. Dec 22 bid price and Dec 22 offer price came in at US$ 2,434 per tonne on Friday, increasing by US$ 1.50 per tonne from US$ 2,432.50 per tonne. The LME aluminium opening stock declined from 1838950 tonnes to 1835150 tonnes. Live Warrants totalled 1231700 tonnes, while Cancelled Warrants stood at 603450 tonnes. LME aluminium 3-months Asian Reference Price inched up on April 30 from US$ 2426.17 per tonne to US$...
Rio Tinto reports 36,000 tonnes more spent cell lining found at Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter
Rio Tinto has reportedly estimated about 217,000 tonnes of spent cell lining at the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter, around 20 per cent more than the previously reported amount of 181,000 tonnes. This additional amount was found in a report audit, which was part of the smelter’s annual financial reporting process. New Zealand Aluminium Smelters chief executive and site general manager Stew Hamilton said “We want to make sure the community is aware of the adjusted quantity.” He also said the company is committed to removing all SCL containing concentrations of fluorides and cyanides. Irrespective of the amount of waste material, sufficient financial provisions have been made to ensure responsible management of all SCL material stored onsite. Stew Hamilton added, “I want to be very clear that...
Long-running rally of Chinese aluminium prices is turning into a disadvantage, nonferrous metal body warns
Aluminium producers in China have been reportedly generating the best profits in years due to the long-running rally of metal prices, driven by global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and rising demand. But amid this positive impact, the incessant surge in prices, on the other hand, is prompting many users such as home appliance manufacturers looking for alternatives, said China’s nonferrous metal body on Thursday, April 29. "The price increase has many positive effects on the industry, but there are also some negative effects," Jia Mingxing, secretary general of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA), told a quarterly press conference. He pointed out that the most adverse impact is found on downstream companies, which process aluminium metal into products....
Hindalco expands its aluminium ingot price for the third consecutive time by INR2250/t with effect from April 30
Hindalco Industries Limited has further expanded its aluminium ingot and aluminium products prices for the third time in a row. The last hike was a week ago, on April 23, by INR 2,750 per tonne. This week the prices have witnessed a hike of INR 2,250 per tonne with effect from Friday, April 30. Therefore, Hindalco’s aluminium ingot price is standing at INR 208,250 per tonne compared to INR 206,000 per tonne on April 23. Hindalco’s aluminium wire rod price has come in at INR 219,350 per tonne, also up by INR 2,250 per tonne from INR 217,100 per tonne last week. The company is now selling its aluminium billets at INR 215,350 per tonne compared to INR 213,100 per tonne on last Friday. Hindalco links its aluminium products and aluminium ingot prices to the three-month futures of aluminium on...
