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.
EPD certification is yet another testament to Vedanta Aluminium's sustainable production practices
International Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) has reportedly verified Vedanta Aluminium’s range of products, confirming that India’s largest aluminium producer is committed to achieving the highest industrial standards in sustainable production. Vedanta’s primary aluminium products scored well in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on parameters like energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste generation. This achievement testifies the company’s advanced manufacturing practices ensuring sustainability across the value chain. The primary products verified by EPD included billets, primary foundry alloy (PFA), wire rods, and all categories of aluminium ingots. All these products have high-end applications in vital industrial sectors like aerospace, infrastructure,...
Primary aluminium inventories in China recorded a 5-year low last week at 525,000 tonnes
According to the Shanghai Metals Market data, social inventories of aluminium ingot totalled 525,000 tonnes across eight major Chinese consumption areas, including SHFE warrants, as of Thursday, August 3. On a week-on-week basis, the inventories dropped by 11,000 tonnes, and on an annual basis, they fell by 153,000 tonnes, coming to a five-year low. Cargo arrivals in major markets remained low than expected as August began, while cargo pick-up from warehouses stood stable, allowing stocks to drop. Gongyi, Tianjin, and Hangzhou primary contributed to the weekly drop, while other provinces recorded no change in inventories. To know more about the current status of primary aluminium inventories across China, refer to the chart below: In Gongyi and Tianjin, primary aluminium inventories...
Novelis reports a 20% fall in net sales during Q1 FY2024 on lower shipments of 879,000 tonnes
Last week, Novelis Inc. announced the first quarter results of the financial year 2023-24 ended June 30, reporting a 19.61 per cent decline in net sales year-on-year from $5,089 million to $4,091 million, driven by lower average aluminium prices and reduced flat rolled products shipments, although offset by favourable product mix. As per Novelis’ report, the company’s aluminium flat rolled products shipments stood at 879,000 tonnes in Q1 FY2024, down by 9 per cent Y-o-Y due to decreased beverage can shipments and a little faded demand for value-added products required in the building & construction sector. Novelis’ net income attributable to common shareholders in Q1 FY2024 was recorded at $156 million – 49 per cent less than $306 million during the same period of the last year. Adjusted...
Alumina output in Africa & Asia (ex-China) records a 4% sequential growth to 3.358 Mt in Q2 2023
According to the International Aluminium Institute, alumina production in Africa & Asia (ex-China) during the second quarter of 2023 totalled 3.358 million tonnes, registering an increase of 4.38 per cent from 3.217 million tonnes a quarter ago. But on a year-on-year basis, the output in Q2 2023 stood 4.87 per cent lower than 3.530 million tonnes. In June 2023, Africa & Asia’s (ex-China) alumina production was recorded at 1.115 million tonnes, down by 4.13 per cent M-o-M from 1.163 million tonnes, following a rise of 3.24 per cent in May from 1.080 million tonnes. Compared to June 2022, Africa & Asia’s (ex-China) alumina production edged a fall of 2.28 per cent from 1.141 million tonnes. In the first half of 2023, Africa & Asia (ex-China) churned out 6.575 million tonnes of alumina in...
Sustainability Recap: Capral obtaines first ASI’s Chain of Custody-certified cargo from Alba
Sustainability initiatives are no longer an occasional phenomenon in the aluminium industry, as ESG goals have become a prime focus for all companies, big or small. This week the top news that caught our eyes were Capral’s first ASI’s Chain of Custody-certified cargo from Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), CRU’s newly launched protocols for sustainability and emissions service, and Ardagh Packaging won ASI Performance Standard Certification for material stewardship. Capral Aluminium marked a significant milestone in sustainable sourcing this month with the receipt of the first Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Chain of Custody (CoC)-certified cargo from Aluminium Bahrain (Alba). The accreditation ensures that the aluminium in its products is ethically sourced and processed by the highest...
End-user recap: Humanoid warehouse worker DigitⓇ featuring aerospace-grade aluminium took ProMat tradeshow by surprise
Innovative applications of aluminium in the end-use sector know no bounds. Week comes and week goes, but we never fall short of surprising products made of aluminium. One such was DigitⓇ displayed at ProMat, one of the leading tradeshows in the US known for showcasing newest industry advances. DigitⓇ is a humanoid warehouse worker who walked erect on goatlike legs and plucked containers off shelves with strong arms fashioned of aerospace-grade aluminium. This technology, developed by Oregon-based Agility Robotics, can do a wide range of jobs and adapt to a wide range of processes; a fleet of Digits will be able to switch between applications based on current warehouse demands and seasonal changes. To know more: rb.gy/y1adp We also came across a gaming keyboard made of aluminium this week....
US aluminium plates, sheets and bars exports in May 2023 recorded the highest growth of this year
In May 2023, the United States exported 72,300 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and bars compared to 66,500 tonnes in April 2023 and 40,700 tonnes in May 2022, found the US Census Bureau data. That reflected a month-on-month rise of 5,800 tonnes or 8.72 per cent and a year-on-year hike of 31,600 tonnes or 77.64 per cent. The increase in monthly exports of the United States aluminium flat rolled products had been continuing since late Q1, but May saw the highest growth of all the months earlier. While exports grew by 2,100 tonnes in April, they rose by 3,400 tonnes in May. In the first five months of 2023, the United States exported 327,000 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and bars – 77.72 per cent higher than 184,000 tonnes during the same period last year. The United States exports...
Rio Tinto's bauxite output slows down in H1 2023 due to equipment downtime; Target is to produce 54-57 MT at the year-end
Rio Tinto announced its operational and financial results for the first half of 2023 ended June 30, revealing the bauxite and alumina production standing at 25.6 million tonnes and 3.7 million tonnes, respectively. On a year-on-year basis, Rio’s bauxite output edged an 8 per cent downfall as Weipa operations were affected by higher-than-average rainfall during the wet season, resulting in reduced pit access and longer haul distances. Production was further impacted by equipment downtime at both Weipa and Gove. The company’s alumina production, on the other hand, was relatively less affected as there was an ongoing improvement in operational stability at Yarwun and Vaudreuil refineries; however, offset by unplanned plant downtime at Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL). By the end of 2023, Rio...
LME aluminium price falls for the second day by US$29.5/t but stands 1.9% M-o-M higher; SHFE gains US$15/t
LME aluminium opened at US$2,213 per tonne on Thursday, August 3, with high and low at US$2,233 per tonne and US$2,197 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,232.5 per tonne, up by US$22 per tonne or 1.02 per cent. The LME aluminium price chart shows a continued downfall in closing prices, with LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price losing US$29.50 per tonne to settle at US$2,146.50 per tonne and US$2,147 per tonne, respectively, as of Thursday, August 3. However, despite the back-to-back downfalls, the LME aluminium benchmark price stood month-on-month higher by 1.90 per cent than US$2,107 per tonne. 3-month bid price contracted by US$33 per tonne to US$2,193 per tonne, and 3-month offer price plunged by US$32 per tonne to US$2,195 per tonne....
“The adoption of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) by the EU poses a substantial challenge to India's aluminium industry and has the ability to influence the worldwide price of aluminium,” Abhijit Pati, Chief Transformation Officer, Aluminium Business, Vedanta Ltd.
Mr Abhijit Pati is the Chief Transformation Officer of Aluminium Business in Vedanta Limited. He is a name to reckon with, who owns a bag full of rich experience and illustrious career in the aluminium industry for over 30 years. An Alumni of Calcutta University, Abhijit Pati started his career as an engineer with Indian Aluminium Company (a subsidiary of ALCAN, a major Canadian aluminium Producer) in 1989. As a young and budding professional in his early career, he was awarded the 'Exceptional Contributor Award' by Group Chairman Mr Kumar Mangalam Birla for his significant contribution to the turnaround story of the Hirakud Aluminium Smelter in the year 2006. Also, he bagged the Prestigious British Sword of Honour for Hirakud Smelter in 1999.Now, with his enriching knowledge, he is...
Top 5 aluminium cans manufacturing companies driving the sector's global market growth
Growing efforts towards achieving sustainability, a circular economy, and plastic waste reduction in the packaging sector have led to significant growth in the aluminium cans market in the recent past. Besides, the ability to preserve the quality and flavour of contents has boosted the popularity of aluminium cans as packaging containers. According to Statista Research Department, the global aluminium cans market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% to reach US$87.1 billion during the forecast period from 2021 to 2030. To encash this colossal market, aluminium can manufacturers are striving to accelerate their production. By 2030, the global output of aluminium cans is forecast to reach 627 billion units. In 2022, the aluminium cans market was valued at US$57.23 billion, contributed by...
US primary aluminium production in May 2023 recovers from the loss of 3% and returns to 65,000 tonnes
In May 2023, the United States' primary aluminium production stood at 65,000 tonnes, reflecting a month-on-month increase of 2,000 tonnes or 3.17 per cent from 63,000 tonnes, found the US Census Bureau data. The data also indicated that the monthly output recovered from the loss of 3 per cent occurred in the previous month. However, on a year-on-year calculation, the output in May edged a sharp fall of 19,000 tonnes or 22.62 per cent from 84,000 tonnes. The United States' average daily production of primary aluminium in May was 2,090 tonnes, restrained compared to 2,100 tonnes a month ago . On an annual basis, the average daily output plunged by 22.59 per cent from 2,700 tonnes, learned USGS data. Total aluminium recovered from scrap in May 2023 was 272,000 tonnes – 0.74 per cent more...
Italy to host ADDAM’s first AM Tech Day event to showcase additive manufacturing applications in aluminium
ADDAM, specialised in providing volume-flexible metal processing and production solutions applying high-pressure die-casting and fluid technology, is organising its first AM Tech Day at Durst Kraftwerk in Brixen, Italy. Scheduled on September 21, 2023, the event will focus on exploring the current application of Additive Manufacturing and also its potential development in the future in volume-flexible manufacturing of complex aluminium products. This event will be ideal for learning the latest AM technologies and applications in making complex aluminium products and their aftermarket in the automotive and machine engineering industries. Expert presentations and panel discussions will be organised at the event to give visitors deep insights into the AM value chain. Guests will also be...
Ardagh Metal Packaging wins ASI Performance Standard Certification for material stewardship at Manaus facility
Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP), a leading global supplier of sustainable, infinitely recyclable metal beverage cans, has reportedly acquired the Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification from Aluminium Stewardship Initiative. The certification is for material stewardship for beverage can ends production at Manaus facility and centralised operational functions, global support functions, and quality assurance at regional central organization in Sao Paulo, Brazil. ASI Performance Standard Certification focusing on ‘material stewardship’ addresses issues like product design, life cycle assessments, management of process scrap and collection, and recycling of products at end-of-life. ASI has presented the certification to Ardagh after getting done the independent, third-party audit by DNV...
Japanese buyers resist escalation of aluminium shipment premium and agree to pay $127.50/t for Q3
Japanese buyers have reportedly agreed to the premium of $127.50 per tonne for aluminium shipments for the third quarter of 2023, close to $125-130 per tonne range in the previous quarter ended June 30. The premium remains restrained for the September quarter due to ample stocks and sluggish domestic demand. The premium for Q3 is decided after extensive negotiations whereby producers demanded higher premiums than the previous quarter but buyers sought to cut levels, said the sources directly involved in pricing talks. The negotiations began in late May between Japanese buyers and global suppliers, including Rio Tinto and South32. One of the sources even said that some buyers wanted to fix the premium at $110-110 per tonne but ran out of time in negotiations. Japanese aluminium producers...
World alumina production in Q2 2023 grows 4% sequentially to reach 34.613 million tonnes
The world alumina production in June 2023 stood at 11.310 million tonnes, bringing the Q2 output to 34.613 million tonnes. Compared to 33.372 million tonnes in Q1 and 35.556 million tonnes in Q2 2022, the world alumina production in Q2 2023 edged a quarterly increase of 3.72 per cent and an annual fall of 2.65 per cent, respectively, found the International Aluminium Institute survey. On a month-on-month calculation, the world alumina production in June 2023 decreased by 4.78 per cent from 11.878 million tonnes, and on an annual basis declined by 4.4 per cent from 11.830 million tonnes. During the first half of 2023, world alumina production totalled 67.985 million tonnes, down by 1.63 per cent from 69.112 million tonnes a year ago. In China, alumina production during June 2023 was 6.735...
Manaksia Aluminium witnesses a Y-o-Y 17% decline in revenue and 68% plunge in net profit during Q1 FY24
On Saturday, July 29, Manaksia Aluminium Company, one of the leading producers of aluminium sheet and coil, announced its quarterly financial results for the period ended June 30, 2023. The company reported a 24.32 per cent quarter-on-quarter downfall in total income from INR 121.1212 crores to INR 91.6667 crores. On a year-on-year calculation, the total income of Q1 FY2024 stood 17.20 per cent lower than INR 110.7086 crores. Manaksia also declared in its financial results a 47.97 per cent Q-o-Q plunge in net profit. In Q1 FY2023-24, the company yielded a net profit of INR 1.1019 crores as compared to INR 2.1180 crores in Q4 FY2022-23. On an annual basis, the net profit nosedived by 68.17 per cent from INR 3.4623 crores. Manaksia’s EPS also fell quarter-on-quarter during Q1 FY2023-24 by...
Alumina Ltd appoints Alistair Field as a new Non-Executive Director to the Board
Alumina Limited, a leading Australian company focused on investing in long-life, low cost bauxite and alumina assets, announced the hiring of Mr Alistair Field as a Non-Executive Director with effect from January 15, 2024. Mr Field has retired from Sims Limited as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. Before working with Sims Metal, he held a number of executive and senior management positions in the mining and metals industry, including Ma’aden Aluminium’s Project (Saudi Arabia) Director in Operations, Rio Tinto’s Chief Operating Officer of Bauxite Alumina Pacific and Alcan’s Vice President of Operations Pacific Bauxite and Alumina. So, for having a diversified work experience in top-most positions in the metal and mining industry, Mr Field is expected to bring extensive...
