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.
China’s aluminium alloy wheel export drops 9.6% MoM; This trend likely to extend ahead
According to Shanghai Metals Market, China’s aluminium alloy wheel export in April dropped 9.6 per cent month on month. In March 2019, the country’s aluminium alloy wheel export was around 63,642 tonnes, while in the last month it pegged at 70,400 tonnes. On the yearly basis, the export amount is down by 11.6 per cent. As per the SMM research, overseas demand and trade tensions were the two primary factors that extended weakness in China’s aluminium alloy wheel export for the month of April 2019. In January 2019, China’s aluminium alloy wheel export had come in 90,200 tonnes after rising 11.63 per cent from December 2018. In February, the export amount dropped to the lowest monthly exports in the last five years amounting at 53,700 tonnes, down 40.5 per cent month-on-month. Compared to...
Bundaberg Port Authority to aide ABx to explore bauxite export opportunity in bulk tonnages
The Port Authority of Bundaberg will reportedly support Australian Bauxite Limited (ASX: ABx) in investigating the opportunity to export bauxite in bulk tonnages through the port itself. On May 29, the Port Authority and ABx signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that gives an access to the latter to a vacant block of land to investigate its suitability for storage and loading large carrier ships at an annual volume of around 1 million tonnes per year. ABx has already worked with landholders, local government, state government, port authorities, mining contractors, and logistics companies to develop a viable strategy for this. Bulk sampling has also begun, according to the report, at the Binjour Project area, which ABx considers to be the best source of gibbsite-trihydrate (THA)...
Aluminium billet inventories extend downfall on improved downstream consumption
Shanghai Metals Market found aluminium billet inventories to further shrink today, on May 30, by some 1,200 tonnes week-on-week, as lower processing fees buoyed downstream consumption. Last week, on May 23, the billet inventories were at 79,700 tonnes after declining by some 13,900 tonnes from 96,500 tonnes on May 16, while today the stocks are at 78,500 tonnes. This indicates that billet inventories this week have recorded a slower plunge. In Foshan, Guangdong, the aluminium billet inventory has dropped by some 1,900 tonnes from the last week to stand at 34,900 tonnes, while that in Wuxi, Jiangsu has declined by some 2,800 tonnes to stand at 13,200 tonnes. In Huzhou, Zhejiang, and in Nanchang, Jiangxi, the inventory, however, has inched up by some 1000 tonnes and 3,400 tonnes to clock at...
China’s alumina import to rise in coming months on tight local supply due to Xinfa refinery shutdown
China’s alumina import is estimated to rise in the coming months as the shutdown of Xinfa alumina refinery in early May could affect the local supply. Market sources said on Tuesday, May 28, that the amount of import may range between 60,000 tonnes to 160,000 tonnes. An Australian refinery source estimated that around 2 million tonnes per year of alumina output was cut, which was equivalent to 160,000 tonnes per month, resulting in increased inquiries for spot Australian alumina. General Administration of Customs data showed that China in April had imported 56,786 tonnes of alumina, double the 27,156 tonnes of imports in March. The country’s average alumina import during January-April had amounted to 53,985 tonnes per month. Chinese and Australian alumina refinery, aluminium smelters, and...
Capral eyes for partnerships with Asian aluminium extrusion manufacturers
Australia-based aluminium extrusion producer Capral is reportedly eyeing to develop partnerships with Chinese and Southeast Asian fabricators and extrusion manufacturers, as aluminium is becoming a common choice for Asian architects to construct modern and sublime homes and buildings. Capral is the largest aluminium extrusion and distribution business in Australia, with expertise in producing building systems products such as doors and windows, shower enclosures, and wardrobes. Managing director Tony Dragicevich said, “Our systems are built for Australian climate conditions, which are very similar to conditions in southeast China and Asia.” He further said, “Our proprietary systems are designed and tested in our own laboratories to withstand weather conditions such as strong winds and...
London studio Doshi Levien produces a collection of lamps using automotive aluminium
London studio Doshi Levien has reportedly produced a collection of lamps called ‘Earth to Sky’, using automotive aluminium. The collection includes two table lamps, one ceiling light, and a series of wall-hung lights designed as pieces of art, as well as to provide illumination. Each piece features at least one element of aluminium shaped using the technique employed to make and repair cars. For the first time, Doshi Levien has produced a collection entirely itself, starting from its conception to production. "The reason we started this project was to have complete freedom," said studio founders Nipa Doshi and Jonathan Levien. The series of wall-hung lights features a vertical rod of brass that stands over a metre high with interlocking concave and convex pieces of solid and perforated...
Hulamin Extrusions mulls to close its Olifantsfontein facility due to rising overhead costs
According to a recent report, Hulamin Extrusions on Tuesday, May 28, circulated retrenchment notifications among its personnel. In a letter, Hulamin said it was considering closing the Olifantsfontein facility and restructuring the Pietermaritzburg plant and supporting services operations. In two of the facilities, the subsidiary of Hulamin Limited employs about 400 staff, which equates to about 20% of total group employment. An anonymous source said the company could lay off as many as 200 employees. However, the news could not be verified with Hulamin as attempts to get a comment from the firm were not successful. According to one of the letters issued to the employees, the consultation over the retrenchments will start from Wednesday, May 29, and will expectedly come to a conclusion by...
Alumina price records decline after more than a month to RMB3119/t; A00 aluminium ingot price extends downfall
According to Shanghai Metals Market, the average spot price of alumina has recorded a dip today, May 29, to RMB 3,119 per tonne, after being remained restraint at RMB 3,163 per tonne from May 23 to May 28. After more than a month, the average alumina spot price has registered a decline. Since April 17, the price began to rise incessantly with no interim downfall, ranging between RMB 2,665 per tonne and RMB 3,163 per tonne. Only it showed some intermittent restraints on April 19 at RMB 2,665 per tonne, on May 6-9 at RMB 2,778 per tonne, on May 20 at RMB 3,087 per tonne, and on May23-28 at RMB 3,163 per tonne. In the east and central, the alumina spot price is standing at RMB 3,110 per tonne and RMB 3,120 per tonne after declining by RMB 40 per tonne and RMB 50 per tonne, while in the north...
Scientists at National University of Science and Technology produce new aluminium alloy
Scientists at the National University of Science and Technology (MISIS) have reportedly discovered a simple and efficient way to strengthen aluminium-based composite materials. By doping aluminium melt with nickel and lanthanum, scientists have produced a new aluminium alloy that has benefits of both composite materials and standard alloys, including flexibility, strength, and lightness. Torgom Akopyan, one of the authors and researchers at NUST MISIS Department of Metal Forming said, “Our research group, led by Professor Nikolai Belov, has worked on the creation of aluminium-based composites for many years. Al-Ni-La composite is one of such projects, aimed at creation of “natural” aluminium-based composite material with more than 15% vol. of doping elements. A feature of the new...
Tadweer acknowledges EGA for its successful and cost-effective recycling model
Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre Tadweer has reportedly acknowledged four companies that annually generate over 250 tonnes of waste in a bid minimise waste production at source. One of the honorees is Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) that has developed a successful and cost-effective waste recycling model. Since 2010, EGA is in collaboration with the UAE-based leading cement manufacturers to reutilise spent pot lining, a major waste stream of aluminium smelting. In 2018, EGA provided cement companies with more than 41,000 tonnes of spent pot lining for use as an alternative fuel and raw material. Use of SPL as an alternative feedstock reduced CO2 emissions from cement manufacturing. Overall, last year EGA had achieved a 15 per cent reduction in waste generation, while its recycling...
Production at JISCO Alpart plant paused due to residents protest
According to a report, Jamaica’s largest alumina refinery JISCO Alpart lost several hours of production time as residents from surrounding communities blocked the entrance early yesterday to protest against environmental pollution and related issues. The protest continued until the JISCO Alpart management agreed to meet residents, community leaders, and political representatives. It was only then the employees who arrived early morning for the start of their day-time shifts could enter the plant. Around 50 residents, mostly women, attended the meeting, along with political representatives and community leaders. The meeting concluded with an agreement for the setting up of a monitoring committee which would meet fortnightly and report to residents on the progress of efforts by the company...
East Hope Group eyes to develop aluminium facility, red mud research centre and recycling project in Abu Dhabi
China’s manufacturing firm East Hope Group has reportedly entered into an agreement with Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) to explore the feasibility of setting up a project in that region by investing $10 billion. Samir Chaturvedi, CEO of KIZAD, and Meng Changjun, president of Investments, East Hope Group signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the presence of His Excellency Rashed Matar Alsiri Alqemzi, Consul General, United Arab Emirates Consulate General in Shanghai and Yongxing Liu, Chairman of East Hope Group. The potential project may take place in three phases over 15 years, occupying more than 7msqkm within KIZAD. In phase one, there could be the development of an aluminium facility, while in phase two and three, there could be a red mud research centre, a...
Canada takes first initiative to formalise North American Trade Deal with US & Mexico
On May 27, Canada took the first step towards formalising a new North American Trade Agreement. Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland presented what is known as a “ways and means motion” to the House of Commons, which leads the way to the formal presentation of a bill. However, the USMCA deal, which would replace the 25-year old North American Trade Agreement, is yet to be approved by legislatures of the three participating countries – Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The administration of US President negotiated the deal but some US Democratic lawmakers demanded stronger enforcement provisions for USMCA's new labour and environmental standards. The US on May 17 struck deals to exempt aluminium and steel imports tariffs from Canada and Mexico, removing a major obstacle to legislative...
Queensland woman recycling containers to fund her wedding
A Queensland woman recycling containers to raise money for her dream destination wedding has taken the internet by storm. Leonie Starr from the Sunshine Coast has already reportedly recycled 51,455 containers at the TOMRA Recycling Centre in last five months, while she needs to recycle about 810,000 bottles and cans to generate money for the wedding. Of those total numbers of cans she has recycled by now, 20,970 cans are of aluminium, 14,264 glass bottles, 9644 plastic bottles, 581 poppers and 14 steel cans. “Hundreds of beautiful humans donating their containers to help me get married,” Ms. Starr said. The 28-year-old has earned just over $5000 through the scheme that gives keen recyclers 10 cents per container. On her Facebook page called 'A Recycled Wedding', Ms. Starr had shared that...
Metal Packaging Europe’s study on aluminium cans lifecycle shows significant reductions in CO2 emission
Metal Packaging Europe conducted a study called the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on 25cl, 33cl, and 50cl volumes of aluminium beverage cans. As the name suggests, the study covered the entire life cycle of aluminium beverage cans produced in Europe, starting from raw materials extraction to manufacturing and end-of-life. The observation of the study records significant reductions in CO2-equivalent emissions, compared to 2006 data. The carbon footprint has been reduced by 31 per cent on average for the three volumes, ensuring the industry’s commitment towards lowering carbon emissions and separating production growth from the environmental footprint. The factors that made this progress possible were the continuous improvements in the aluminium production and can manufacturing processes,...
Japan’s aluminium structures export likely to dip 12% in 2019; Philippines to be the leading importer
Japan’s aluminium industry has stepped up its efforts to have the light metal used more in bridges and other infrastructure, taking advantage of new design standards to boost stagnant demand. Therefore, the country has increased the use of aluminium in the building and construction sector, and also ramped up the downstream manufacturing of aluminium structures within the country. After catering to the indigenous demand, it has been exporting the surplus amount of metals structures to the international market. According to global export-import data, Japan’s export of aluminium structures had a sweeping growth of 98 per cent from 2,134 tonnes in 2017 to 4,235 tonnes. However, the export this year is likely to stand down at 3,719 tonnes, 12 per cent lower from 2018 but 74 per cent higher...
Turkey reduces import tariffs on US products by half
Turkey has reportedly lowered tariffs by half on some US imports in response to the United States’ move to halve tariffs on Turkish aluminium and steel imports. The news came after the official gazette revealed on Wednesday, May 22. Turkey Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan wrote on Twitter, “Reciprocally we decided to reduce by half the additional duties levied on 22 products originating in the US.” She said the duties levied on US originating products would be reduced from $521.2 million to $260.6 million. Those products include passenger cars, alcohol drinks, tobacco, cosmetics, and PVC. Last week, the White House decided to lower the metal tariffs on Turkey. Steel imports have been decided to reduce from 50 per cent to 25 per cent. But at the same time, the US administration terminated...
Canyon Resources divides high-grade aluminium at Minim Martap Bauxite Project
According to the latest report, Canyon Resources Limited has divided high-grade aluminium up to 50 per cent at its Minim Martap Bauxite Project in Cameroon, where drilling is continuing to identify profiles with an increased depth of mineralisation. In some locations, drilling is being carried out up to 100 per cent deeper than past drilling results. Drilling intersections include 6 metres at 58.19 per cent aluminium oxide and 0.92 per cent silicon oxide from surface. Canyon’s chief geologist Alexander Shaw said, “The remainder of the assays from the 250-metre by 250-metre grid drilled on the Beatrice plateau have continued the very high-grade assay results that were recorded in the first batch of assays.” He added, “We are also seeing significant increases in the depths of the...
