AlCircle News Edited By "Ishita Ganguly"
With a content marketing journey spanning over a decade, Ishita Ganguly currently works at AL Circle as a Content Strategist. When she's not crafting strategies, you'll find her lost in the musical world of post-rock and black metal.
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): India's varied perspectives at COP28
The European Union plans to implement the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) starting January 1, 2026, a carbon tax on specific imported goods, prompting varied perspectives from across the globe, including India. The United Nations 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai has discussed the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a carbon tax on imports of carbon-intensive sectors, including aluminium. Despite the Indian government labelling it as "unfair" and seeking intervention from the World Trade Organization (WTO), industry leaders are expressing a more pragmatic stance at the climate conference. Seema Arora, Deputy Director General at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), recognised the need for a proactive approach, dismissing the idea of...
Vedanta Aluminium clinches the 'Best Exporter Award' from the Government of Odisha!
Vedanta Aluminium, the biggest aluminium producer in India, has been honoured with the prestigious 'Best Exporter Award' by the State Government at the 'Odisha State Export Awards' event. The award recognizes the outstanding performance of Vedanta Aluminium's smelter plant in Jharsuguda, which has been the largest exporter in the state for the fiscal years 2020-21 and 2021-22. The award was presented by Shri Pratap Keshari Deb, Minister of Industry, MSME, and Energy, Odisha. Vedanta Aluminium had previously received the same award for the fiscal years 2018-19 and 2019-20. Mr. Sunil Gupta, COO of Aluminium Business, expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting Vedanta's commitment to Odisha's socio-economic progress through significant contributions to GDP, employment, and quality...
Vedanta's journey to Net Zero: A pivotal role in climate action at COP28
In the ongoing global effort to combat climate change, COP28 has emerged as a pivotal moment, marked by significant commitments towards a sustainable future. At the forefront of this movement is John Slaven, the Chief Executive Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, who actively participated in this year's Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA) Roundtable. Vedanta Aluminium seized this opportunity to spotlight the vast potential of aluminium in driving decarbonisation and spearheading the global energy transition. The company also underscored its commitment to this cause through impactful initiatives addressing crucial material issues. In a LinkedIn post, John shared a glimpse into Vedanta's relentless journey toward Net Zero: Mitigating emissions with clear timelines: Vedanta Aluminium has set...
Aluminium industry's net zero ascent: Insights from WEF's 2023 Industry Tracker
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released its Net Zero Industry Tracker 2023, the report's second edition. The report holds significant implications for the aluminium industry, particularly its efforts to achieve sustainability and reduce emissions. Focusing on heavy industrial and transport sectors, which contribute over 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the report emphasises the need for multifaceted solutions, accelerated technology development, supportive infrastructure, and increased capital to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Key highlights of the report: The aluminium industry strives for net-zero emissions through clean power, recycled aluminium, and low-emission technologies. Adopting low-emission technologies with a potential 40 per cent increase in production...
Nalco bags the prestigious CII-EXIM Business Excellence Award 2023
National Aluminum Company Ltd. (Nalco)'s Alumina Refinery at Damanjodi has been honoured with the CII-EXIM Bank Business Excellence Award 2023, the most prestigious recognition for outstanding business practices. The announcement was made at the CII Quality Summit 2023 in Bengaluru. The refinery's commitment to business excellence and continuous efforts towards quality has led to this esteemed award. Prior to this, the Refinery Plant had received Gold Plus and Platinum recognitions in previous years. From 2019 to 2022, they secured the CII-EXIM Bank Business Excellence Platinum Award. In 2018, the Alumina Refinery of NALCO received the CII-EXIM Bank Business Excellence Award in the Gold Plus category. In 2018, Nalco's Panchpatmali Mines was awarded the Gold Plus at the CII National...
BMW's sustainable drive for a greener future at COP28 UAE
In anticipation of COP28 , from November 30 to December 12, 2023, BMW Group is gearing up to play a pivotal role as the VIP E-Mobility Provider for the UN climate action summit. BMW is steering the course towards a more sustainable future, emphasising innovation, circular design, and responsibly sourced materials. At the heart of this commitment is BMW's deployment of a cutting-edge fleet for COP28, featuring the BMW i7, BMW iX, and the BMW iX5 Hydrogen. These vehicles will exclusively serve VIP guests and officials during the summit, showcasing the latest e-mobility technology. Sustainability crafted in the UAE: The BMW i7 The flagship BMW i7 leads the fleet, a beacon of Middle Eastern innovation. This vehicle's luxurious design, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to sustainability...
Unite. Act. Deliver: The common motto of COP28 and the aluminium industry
Unite. Act. Deliver. Isn't that what we all want when tackling climate change and its impact on our planet? The aluminium industry stands at a critical juncture, making it imperative for the sector to participate in, monitor, and support COP28 . With the industry contributing 2 per cent of global anthropogenic emissions, COP28 represents a unique opportunity for the aluminium sector to align its strategies with international efforts to combat climate change. While aluminium is inherently sustainable, its production is associated with a substantial carbon footprint. The industry's annual emission of 1.1 billion tonnes of CO2 necessitates collective efforts to find solutions. According to an AL Circle report , in bauxite mining, the concern about CO2 emissions is relatively low compared to...
Only 7 days to go for IBAAS-JNARDDC 2023. Have you registered?
The 11th edition of IBAAS-JNARDDC 2023, hosted by the International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Society (IBAAS) and Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC), is just 7 days away. Taking place from December 4 to 6 in Nagpur, India, this conference focuses on the "Latest Technological Developments in Alumina and Aluminium Production." Conference highlights: Post-conference visit: To the HINDALCO Mouda Plant Abstract submissions: Exceeding 60 in number Company engagement: Involving over 80 prominent firms Expected delegates: Anticipating a turnout of over 200 participants The aluminium industry has witnessed remarkable growth in countries like China, India, Guinea, and Brazil, with Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia gearing up for substantial investments...
EGA's Turba: Transforming bauxite residue into innovative soil for a sustainable UAE
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has initiated the construction of a first-of-its-kind pilot plant to convert bauxite residue, a waste stream generated during alumina refining, into a specially engineered soil known as 'Turba.' EGA's Turba, created from bauxite residue, offers a promising alternative to address the country's soil scarcity. Moreover, early studies indicate that Turba may possess up to 10 times better carbon dioxide absorption properties than natural soil in the UAE. The significance of this project lies in its potential to address one of the most challenging waste streams in the aluminium industry. The pilot plant, believed to be the first of its kind globally, is the culmination of five years of scientific research and development conducted by EGA in collaboration with a...
EU Parliament takes on green packaging
The European Parliament gears up for a significant legislative battle as a text promoting sustainable packaging faces amendments after intense corporate lobbying. With packaging waste reaching 188.7 kg per person in 2021, the proposed legislation aims to reduce per capita packaging waste by 10 per cent by 2035, with a target of 15 per cent by 2040. Here are the highlights and key focus: The legislation emphasises a shift from recycling to reuse, imposing binding levels for various sectors like e-commerce, catering, and alcoholic beverages. However, potential exemptions, especially for drink bottles, are under discussion, depending on amendments adopted by MEPs. A significant legislative project aspect is maximising recycling through targeted waste collection. States may be obligated to...
Insights from APCO's Australasian Recycling Label Consumer Report 2023
In the ever-evolving sustainability landscape, the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) Consumer Insights Report 2023 by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) sheds light on the current recycling practices in Australia and New Zealand. Source: APCO With a focus on the impact of packaging materials on the environment, this report delves into consumer perceptions, behaviours, and the role of the ARL Programme in guiding informed choices. As concerns about packaging sustainability persist, the report aims to comprehensively understand consumer attitudes and behaviours toward recycling. Recycling remains a crucial part of the sustainable commitment for Australians despite challenges faced by the domestic recycling industry. Recycling is perceived as a vital daily action for...
EGA initiates construction of UAE’s largest aluminium recycling plant
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world's leading producer of 'premium aluminium,' has officially begun the construction of the largest aluminium recycling plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The facility, set to process 170 thousand tonnes of aluminium annually, will be adjacent to EGA's existing smelter in Al Taweelah. Industry analysts foresee a significant surge in global demand for recycled aluminium, projecting an increase from 27 million tonnes per year in 2022 to 57 million tonnes by 2040. This growth is expected to constitute approximately 60 per cent of the global aluminium supply increase between 2022 and 2030, and around 70 per cent between 2030 and 2040. The recycling plant is designed to transform post-consumer aluminium scrap, including used window frames, and...
Dubai Hosts COP28: Unveiling solutions for a sustainable tomorrow
From November 30 to December 12, 2023, the world will turn its attention to Dubai, where the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP28, will be held at Expo City. COP28 in the UAE is poised to be a significant turning point, serving as a moment when the world collectively evaluates its advancements under the Paris Agreement. Marking a crucial step, the inaugural Global Stocktake (GST) will thoroughly evaluate the strides made since the adoption of the Paris Agreement. This assessment aims to streamline global efforts on climate action, pinpointing the necessary measures to address gaps in progress. Under the COP28 UAE presidency, there is a commitment to ensuring that the world responds to the findings of the GST with a clear and actionable plan. This proactive...
GMG and Rio Tinto's Graphene Aluminium-Ion batteries project update
The partnership between Graphene Manufacturing Group (GMG) and Rio Tinto, announced in May 2023, has set its sights on advancing the development of graphene aluminium-ion batteries, focusing on applications within the mining and minerals industry. "The world needs more batteries, and a lot of technologies need to be in the race because many different applications need different batteries– Unfortunately, batteries are not as versatile as petrol and diesel. and we believe GMG has a technology that could deliver the next generation battery with the versatility the world desperately needs," says Craig Nicol, GMG’s Chief Executive Officer. GMG's cutting-edge batteries, strategically crafted for heavy mobile equipment and grid energy storage in mining operations, have shown significant progress...
Rusal-owned Aughinish Alumina in Ireland faced a $167 million loss
Aughinish Alumina, a bauxite processing firm at Limerick in Ireland owned by the Russian aluminium giant Rusal, reported a loss of 167 million U.S. Dollars in the last year, as per the newly filed accounts. This is a decrease from the 378 million U.S. Dollars loss in 2021. The Irish operation on the Shannon Estuary faced challenges, losing key customers in Europe and expressing concerns about its ability to continue due to the impact of the geopolitical crisis in Ukraine. Despite a rise in revenue to 853.5 million U.S. Dollars from $784.5 million U.S. Dollars, the plant's output declined by 13 per cent. The accounts reveal that Rusal's business suffered from E.U. and U.S. sanctions following the geopolitical issues between Russia and Ukraine, leading to higher production costs,...
European Aluminium applauds sanctions against Russian aluminium imports
In a recent move, the European Commission proposed its 12th package of sanctions against Russia, receiving a cautious welcome from the European Aluminium. The proposed sanctions target specific aluminium products, such as wires, tubes, pipes, and aluminium foil. While European Aluminium appreciates this initial step, it calls for a more robust and expeditious approach to restrict Russian aluminium imports. The sanctions, covering only 12 per cent of EU imports of aluminium products from Russia, are considered insufficient by European Aluminium. The association emphasises the need for a more comprehensive scope, including major categories like ingots, slabs, and billets, which constitute over 85 per cent of the EU’s imports from Russia. Paul Voss, Director General of European Aluminium,...
Sepalumic invested 30 million euros to modernise its Genlis facility
Sepalumic invests 30 million euros to inaugurate a new extrusion plant and modernise its Genlis facility, aiming to address transition challenges and establish the site as its industrial core in the building industry. Sepalumic, a leading aluminium systems designer and distributor for the building industry, marked a significant milestone on November 16 with the inauguration of its new extrusion plant and the modernisation of its finishing facility in Genlis, Côte-d'Or. Investing 30 million euros in this venture, the company aims to address current transition challenges and solidify the Genlis site as its industrial hub. Olivier Cros, the General Director of Sepalumic, cited the evolution of the historic Genlis site, stating, "It has evolved over time, and we are inaugurating the last...
Alupro rejected digital deposit return schemes (DRS) for aluminium cans
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....
