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.
Battery-powered Buquebus ferry is all set to break records in maritime transport
In a ground-breaking development poised to redefine the maritime industry, a remarkable battery-powered Buquebus ferry is taking shape in Tasmania. Picture: Incat Tasmania The 130-meter-long vessel is projected to carry 2,100 passengers and 226 cars, operating on routes connecting Argentina and Uruguay. With delivery scheduled for 2025, this pioneering project is set to transform ferry transportation in South America and inspire innovation worldwide. This aluminium-hulled ropax vessel is not just another addition to the maritime landscape; it's a record-setting innovation in every sense. The ferry, currently under construction at Incat Australia's Tasmanian shipyard, is set to break multiple records, setting new energy efficiency and performance standards. The most striking aspect of this...
The first boiler at Worsley Alumina shifts to natural gas
South32, a diversified mining and metals company, successfully converted the first coal-fired boilers to natural gas at its Worsley Alumina operation in Western Australia. This conversion is a significant step toward reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by the operation. The Worsley Alumina operation comprises a bauxite mine near Boddington and an alumina refinery near Collie. The alumina produced in the refinery is distributed to smelters worldwide, including South32's Hillside smelter in Richards Bay, South Africa, and the Mozal smelter in Mozambique. The operation relies on boilers to generate steam critical for the alumina refining process. The conversion work for the boiler began in May and successfully transitioned to a gas-fired boiler in late September. The formal...
Alcoa's Q3 2023 report: Increased shipments and progress amidst market challenges
In Q3 2023, Alcoa Corporation delivered noteworthy results, with increased third-party shipments, enhanced cash flow, and significant achievements. Highlights: They increased third-party alumina shipments by 11 per cent and aluminium by 1 per cent sequentially. A cash balance of $926 million was reached by the end of the quarter. A quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share, totalling $18 million, was paid. Progress was made in securing approvals for Western Australia mine plans. Multiple production records were achieved in the Canadian smelting system. A cost reduction program was initiated at the Kwinana refinery in Australia. Greater market penetration was achieved for Alcoa's Sustana™ line of low-carbon products. William F. Oplinger, Alcoa's President and CEO, emphasised their...
September’s China primary aluminium production surges amid strong demand and low inventories
In September, China produced 5.3 per cent more primary aluminium compared to the previous year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This increase is due to strong demand and low aluminium inventories. China, the world's largest aluminium producer, produced 3.58 million tonnes of primary aluminium last month. Production in September increased notably in the Yunnan province, the fourth-largest aluminium-producing region in China. This increase was because smelters increased their operations, and the hydropower supply improved. A year ago, production in the same region had to be reduced due to low rainfall and water levels, resulting in a 2 million tonne capacity reduction through the year's first half. Despite the higher production, aluminium stocks remained low, primarily...
Century Aluminum is back on track as the alumina dust issue is resolved in Goose Creek
In a small South Carolina town, the Mt. Holly plant of Century Aluminum recently found itself at the centre of the Goose Creek community concerns . It all began with a malfunction in the plant's baghouse, which emitted a fine, sandy material known as alumina dust into nearby neighbourhoods. The initial discovery of this issue on September 3 sent the plant into immediate action. Bob McAlister, the spokesperson for the Mt. Holly plant, stated that Century Aluminum had been "working around the clock" to address the problems that resulted in these emissions. He mentioned their collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) as they tackled the two issues that had caused this unique event. Their dedicated team, consisting of nearly sixty internal...
New battery recycling method allows 100% aluminium recovery
Chalmers University of Technology has unveiled an innovative battery recycling method designed to extract the maximum value from electric car batteries. This groundbreaking process recovers 100 per cent of the aluminium and 98 per cent of the lithium in these batteries, significantly reducing waste and costs. The method hinges on using oxalic acid, a critical component that helps minimise the reliance on harmful chemicals and boosts cost-efficiency. Martina Petranikova, Associate Professor at Chalmers' Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, emphasised the importance of alternatives to traditional inorganic chemicals in the recycling industry. She highlighted, "We need alternatives to inorganic chemicals. One of the biggest bottlenecks in today’s processes is removing residual...
A green transformation awaits at the European Green Aluminium Summit 2023
The European Green Aluminium Summit 2023, themed “Aluminium sustainable development”, is set to take place on October 18-19 in Frankfurt, Germany. This summit, organised by Shanghai ECV International Co., Ltd., is a platform that brings together experts and professionals from various sectors to discuss the pressing issue of greenhouse gas emissions within the aluminium industry. The summit is accessible through both in-person and online attendance options. Shanghai ECV International is a well-established organiser of international events, known for hosting more than 60 conferences across the globe every year. These conferences cover diverse topics such as automotive, energy, sustainability, and more, attracting a wide range of attendees, from established industry leaders to newcomers in...
Alpha HPA's battery anode plant is nearing completion
Alpha HPA, a key aluminium materials manufacturer, is close to finishing upgrades at its small-scale commercial high purity alumina (HPA) production facility in Gladstone, Queensland. These improvements are supported by a $15.5 million grant from the federal government's Critical Minerals Development Programme. The upgrades include the addition of an HPA circuit, which comprises an HPA tunnel kiln, five rotary kilns, a jet mill room, a rolls crusher, and a rooftop solar array. These new facilities will enable Alpha to meet product orders from various customers, such as the South Korean semiconductor industry and the production of sintered HPA tablets used in sapphire glass manufacturing. Sapphire glass is an exceptionally pure glass used in optical devices and mobile phone screens. Alpha...
WA government and Alcoa to uphold environmental standards to safeguard mining in Jarrah forest
In a recent development, the West Australian government has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding robust environmental standards in Alcoa's mining operations within the state's Jarrah forest. This commitment aims to prevent a potential legal issue impacting Alcoa's operations. This year, Alcoa faced challenges that prompted this proactive approach, including concerns about its impact on Perth's water supply, incomplete rehabilitation of cleared forest areas, and unauthorised construction near a vital drinking water dam. The state's environmental authority is set to decide by the end of the year whether to assess Alcoa's mining activities. By taking this step, the government is working to ensure that Alcoa can continue its operations without any legal impediments, thereby safeguarding...
AEM started expanding its plant in Quebec for high purity alumina production
Advanced Energy Minerals (AEM) is expanding its plant in Cap-Chat, Quebec, to make it larger. They're doing this to make more high-purity alumina. On 12 October 2023, the company's leaders and workers started the project with a special event. Local government officials, like Mayor Marcel Soucy and Prefect Guy Bernatchez, joined in. This plant expansion is a big deal for AEM. It will take two years to finish, and it will help them make more valuable aluminium products like high-purity alumina. The plant will have new technology and equipment to meet customer needs. AEM's CEO, Mick Adams, said, "This expansion will match our production with our growing demand and help us reach new markets." Charles Taschereau, the President of AEM Canada Group Inc., said, "This investment is proof of our...
Montreal Canadiens and Rio Tinto join forces to green the game with infinitely recyclable aluminium cups
The Bell Centre, home of the Montreal Canadiens, is teaming up with Rio Tinto to bring infinitely recyclable cups made from aluminium to sporting and entertainment events. This five-year partnership is part of the Montreal Canadiens' "The Goal is Green" initiative, presented by Banque Nationale. The initiative aims to reduce the organisation's environmental impact, promote the use of green and renewable resources, and encourage fans to do the same. Groupe CH's Executive Vice President and Chief Operations and venues Officer, Daniel Trottier, expressed the significance of the partnership. He stated that as fans head to the Bell Centre to support the Canadiens, they walk through La Cour Rio Tinto, where the team's history is celebrated. The partnership with Rio Tinto, their next-door...
Alpha makes strides in constructing the HPA circuit
Alpha HPA is getting closer to fully starting up their high purity alumina (HPA) circuit at their Stage 1 precursor production facility in Queensland. The company has reported that they are in the final stages of using a A$15.5-million grant from the Critical Minerals Development Programme. This grant will help them set up a small-scale commercial HPA circuit within the Stage 1 project. The HPA circuit will increase PPF production capacity for aluminium nitrate and aluminium sulfate, producing up to 15 tonnes per year of extra HPA, 15 to 25 tonnes per year of HPA trihydrate, and an additional 10 tonnes per year of high purity boehmite. It will also enable nano HPA production for semiconductor users and the creation of HPA tablets for synthetic sapphire glass growth. Furthermore, the...
Four aluminium giants unite to pioneer CO2 capture in France
Four major players in the aluminium industry have joined forces to create a groundbreaking carbon capture technology in France. The goal is to significantly reduce carbon emissions from aluminium production in France. The collaboration includes Aluminum Dunkerque, Trimet, Fives, and Rio Tinto, and their primary aim is to swiftly decrease the carbon footprint of aluminium, which plays a crucial role in the transition to cleaner energy sources. This industrial CO2 capture consortium project signals France's determination to remain a leader in aluminium technology. While specific details are still being worked out, the combined expertise of these four major players in the industry promises exciting developments in the near future.
Understanding Goose Creek's alumina dust issues: Insights from Century Aluminium
Residents in Goose Creek have been troubled by a white powder, alumina dust, in the air, which has covered their belongings and posed breathing difficulties. Health and environmental experts recently addressed the concerns and outlined a plan to resolve the issue in a meeting with Goose Creek residents. Representatives from Century Aluminium and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) also answered questions. Some residents sought transparency regarding the matter. The plant manager at Century Aluminium, Dennis Harbath, expressed regret for the issue, assured residents that they would address it, and explained that the alumina dust release occurred due to bag failures. They are replacing the failed bags and expect the issue to be resolved within 10 days....
Hindalco's ambitious plan: 2 MTPA alumina refinery to transform Odisha's industrial landscape
Hindalco Industries, the leading Indian aluminium manufacturing company, is set to establish a two million tonnes per annum (MTPA) alumina refinery plant in the Rayagada district of Odisha. In this context, the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindalco Industries to provide a long-term supply of raw materials for the alumina refinery project located in Kansariguda, Rayagada district. The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Balwant Singh (Managing Director of OMC), and Satish Pai (Managing Director of Hindalco). This agreement is expected to expedite and facilitate the progress of the two-million-ton alumina refinery in Rayagada, as announced by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). Notably, this marks...
Clemson University's Green Game, tackling zero waste at homecoming
Clemson University's 'Green Game' combines touchdowns with recycling aluminium, showing how orange passion can turn green for sustainability. Clemson University, known for its passionate fan base that proudly bleeds orange, is adding a shade of green to its homecoming celebration. Clemson is focusing on sustainability at the homecoming game against Wake Forest to secure its fifth annual GameDay Football Zero Waste Touchdown Challenge victory. This eco-conscious endeavour is part of the Campus Race to Zero Waste program, an initiative to inspire nationwide campuses to minimise waste generated during home football games. Clemson has already triumphed in this challenge four times in 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2021. Challenges and goals: The Campus Race to Zero Waste program evaluates...
Lam Dong Aluminium Company: Risk of bauxite ore shortage arises from land clearance issues
The Lam Dong Aluminium Company faces challenges in compensating and clearing sites, which could impact its future bauxite ore exploitation. The company's report reveals that, from 2020 to 2024, they planned to use 320.12 hectares of land, but only 248.8 hectares have been approved for land recovery. Out of this, 223.4 hectares are owned by individuals, and 25.4 hectares are forest land. Approximately 71 hectares, mainly forest land, remain uncompensated, managed by the Dam B'ri Protection Forest Management Board (13.4 hectares) and Vinh Tien Company and Vinh Loc Company (30.4 hectares). Currently, 7 out of 21 households have yet to accept the compensation and site clearance support plan, even though it was approved by the Bao Lam District People's Committee. In the 30.4 hectares of land...
MoU signed between Hindalco and Odisha Mining Corporation for long-term bauxite supply
Hindalco Industries Limited has officially inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Odisha Mining Corporation for long-term bauxite supply. This agreement marks the commencement of a sustainable partnership set to strengthen Hindalco's vision of excellence in the aluminium industry. Hindalco Industries, a powerhouse in aluminium production, unveiled its strategic plan to establish a cutting-edge 2 million-tonne alumina refinery and a state-of-the-art 150-MW power plant at Kansariguda in the Rayagada District. The heart of this collaboration lies in the long-term supply of bauxite ore, the lifeblood of aluminium production. Odisha Mining Corporation, renowned for its commitment to excellence, will play a pivotal role in fuelling Hindalco's ambitious venture. This MoU, a testament to...
