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.
Celebrating AL Circle's refreshed look with a limited-period offer for all registered users
In celebration of its new brand identity, AL Circle announces an exclusive limited-period offer for its valued existing members and newcomers joining the AL Circle community. This offer provides valuable insights and benefits to individuals and companies alike. The Executive Summary of Global Aluminium Industry Outlook, absolutely FREE Individuals registering with AL Circle will receive complimentary access to the Executive Summary of Global Aluminium Industry Outlook. This invaluable resource offers key insights into the global aluminium industry's latest trends and developments, ensuring you stay well-informed about the sector's future. Upon registration, the users will receive this Executive Summary in their inbox. A flat 25% discount on all AL Circle products Apart from the Executive...
AL CircleBiz is now AL Biz with a new look and enhanced features for aluminium businesses worldwide
AL Circle Biz is now AL Biz ! We have unveiled our revamped global aluminium marketplace platform, ushering in a new era of efficient and accelerated business transactions for companies worldwide. With over 1500 suppliers from 110 countries already on board, AL Biz aims to become the ultimate destination for global buyers and sellers seeking faster and more streamlined business interactions. The upgraded platform introduces several innovative features to enhance the user experience and facilitate seamless trade between businesses. Here are some of the exciting new additions: Trending products: AL Biz now showcases trending products, keeping businesses informed about the latest market trends and popular items. Trending leads: Businesses can access trending leads to identify potential...
India's domestic non-ferrous metal demand to grow 9% over the next two FY: ICRA
On the supply side, there are indications of an increase, notably in China, which is expected to lead to an excess metal balance for the current calendar year. As a result, metal prices are unlikely to see significant improvements in the near term and the profit margins of the industry are expected to remain under pressure in the face of a weak global environment, Jayanta Roy, Senior Vice-President and Group Head, Corporate Sector Ratings, ICRA, commented. The estimates for the operating profitability of Indian domestic players stand at 17 per cent for both FY2024 and FY2025, reflecting a contraction of nearly 150 basis points when compared to the levels of FY2023, as per Roy. According to ICRA, the domestic demand growth rate in India for non-ferrous metals is expected to remain 9 per...
AL Circle unveils a refreshed look with enhanced services and products
In a significant milestone for the AL Circle community, the platform has embarked on a transformative journey, unveiling its fresh and revitalised identity on 5 October, 2023. A decade of progress: The evolution of AL Circle from its inception in 2010 to its latest look showcases an unwavering commitment to providing valuable resources and insights to its users. The journey began in 2010 when AL Circle became a dedicated hub for aluminium enthusiasts and professionals. Over the years, it has continued to evolve and expand its offerings, becoming a trusted source of information and knowledge within the aluminium industry. In the next year of its launch, AL Circle started its journey by offering newsletters to its subscribers, providing them with the latest updates and trends in the...
SGM Magnetics launched XRF-BS, an advanced technology for aluminium alloy sorting
SGM Magnetics, an Italian leader in X-ray sorting technologies for metal recyclers, is introducing its latest proprietary technology, XRF-BS. This innovation combines X-ray fluorescence (XRF) with X-ray backscattering, offering an alternative to laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for sorting aluminium alloys. X-ray backscattering is an underlying phenomenon of fluorescence, often considered a rumour in XRF spectrographic sorting analysis. Unlike X-ray transmission (XRT), which performs a read-through analysis, both XRF-BS and LIBS conduct surface analysis. This means the accuracy of readings for both LIBS and XRF-BS can be affected by surface contaminants such as dirt, paint, or oxidation. The accuracy depends on the contamination's thickness and the reading's penetration depth....
China's green tech investments in the Southeast Asian aluminium industry balance growth and geopolitics
In the scenic Bintan Island of Indonesia, a new industrial complex is emerging near a bustling seaside resort, marking a significant shift from traditional tourism and fishing to aluminium. At its core is an alumina refinery led by Bintan Alumina Indonesia and partially owned by China's Shandong Nanshan Aluminium. The next phase includes an aluminium smelter launching soon, with a game-changing aluminium factory set for completion by 2028, aiming to supply aluminium ingots for the growing electric vehicle (EV) industry. While this development offers economic growth and job opportunities, it brings some environmental concerns like wastewater pollution and emissions from the coal-fired power station. Residents have had to relocate due to the refinery's expansion, causing mixed feelings....
Coup, bauxite, and iron ore: The unusual international dynamics in Guinea
Two years following the military coup in Guinea, there are few indications of a return to democratic governance. Interestingly, the current junta overseeing this West African nation has managed to evade international condemnation. This unique situation can be attributed to the country's substantial bauxite and iron ore reserves. In late April, Guinea's foreign minister, Morissanda Kouyaté, posed a question in the National Assembly: "We’re the [world’s] second-largest bauxite producer; why would we grovel before the international community?" Meanwhile, the National Committee of Reconciliation and Development (CNRD), led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya since the coup on September 5, 2021, appears to have little urgency in organising elections. Officially, these elections are slated for 2024, at...
Skyportz drives waterfront vertiport concept with aluminium monocoque structure
Skyportz, Contreras Earl Architecture, and Pascall+Watson Architects are set to release a concept for an innovative e-mobility hub on the Australian waterfront. The proposal involves the transformation of an existing heliport situated along the Yarra River in Melbourne into a state-of-the-art vertiport, purpose-built to facilitate the integration of clean, quiet electric air taxis. CEO Clem Newton-Brown, Skyportz, emphasises the safety and practicality of waterfront locations for electric air taxi operations, citing the advantage of clear approach and departure paths as per aviation requirements. In addition to serving as a hub for electric air taxis, this project envisions a multimodal transport centre for electric scooters, bicycles, ferries, and rental boats. A waterfront cafe will...
Ural scientists revolutionise bauxite processing that reduces red mud emission and increases alumina recovery rate
Scientists at the Ural Federal University have introduced a ground-breaking modification to the Bayer technology, significantly enhancing the efficiency of aluminium oxide (alumina) extraction from bauxite, the primary raw material for aluminium production. In traditional processing, alumina extraction rates typically reached 80-85 per cent. However, this innovative approach now permits the extraction of 95-98 per cent of alumina from bauxite while simultaneously reducing the generation of red mud, a byproduct of bauxite processing, contributing to sustainable and environmentally friendly production. According to Andrei Shoppert, Associate Professor at the Department of Non-Ferrous Metallurgy at UrFU, "For every tonne of bauxite, the standard Bayer process produces 0.7 to 1 tonne of red...
Delayed RODTEP rates for SEZs And EOUs cause 2-3% profit drop in Indian aluminium industry
The aluminium industry in India is currently experiencing a 2 to 3 per cent decline in its profits, primarily attributed to the delay in releasing the Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Product (RODTEP) rates for special economic zones (SEZs) and export-oriented units (EOUs). In the fiscal year 2023, India successfully exported 2.5 million tonnes of aluminium valued at USD 5 billion. However, following the discontinuation of the previous Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), aluminium exporters are facing economic pressure, as noted by Himanshu Singh, a member of the governing council at the Aluminium Association of India (AAI). Singh emphasised that the AAI has already submitted a formal request to the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, urging immediate action to notify...
Imported aluminium scrap prices experience minor fluctuations in India
In the Indian imported aluminium scrap market, minor fluctuations were observed in line with movements in the futures exchanges, which displayed a week-on-week divergence but generally showed an upward trend. Sources within the industry have disclosed that the availability of raw materials in Europe, the UK, and the US remained limited, thereby keeping prices resilient. Consequently, a noticeable market gap exists between bid and offer prices, with bids remaining on the lower side. As a result, trade activity has been relatively subdued. Additionally, concerns regarding liquidity have had an impact on booking activities. Meanwhile, aluminium alloy manufacturers have already adjusted their production rates in response to the prevailing market conditions. A source from a UK-based recycling...
Chinalco Group added several national standards for aluminium alloys
Chinalco Group, a renowned player in the aluminium industry, has played a pivotal role by introducing multiple national standards for aluminium alloys. In a recent development, the General Administration of Market Supervision and the National Standards Committee jointly issued an announcement regarding National Standard No. 9 in 2023. This announcement included the release of five national standards pertaining to aluminium alloys, all spearheaded by Chinalco Group enterprises. These standards encompass various aspects such as forgings, extruded materials, plates, and strips. The effective date for their implementation is set for April 1st of the following year. Among the five newly introduced national standards, the one titled "General Requirements for General Industrial Aluminium and...
Epsilon Carbon becomes the first Indian exporter of liquid coal tar pitch
Epsilon Carbon Pvt. Ltd., a prominent player in India's specialty carbon product manufacturing sector, achieved a significant milestone. They proudly became the first Indian company to venture into the export of liquid coal tar pitch, with an impressive initial consignment of 8,000 tonnes departing from Mangalore port. This achievement was realised through a strategic partnership with Anagha Refineries, a state-of-the-art oil refinery committed to adhering to global standards encompassing safety, quality, distribution, and operational excellence, which facilitated the establishment of dedicated liquid pitch tanks with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes. This shipment serves as a testament to Epsilon Carbon's unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier products from their Integrated Carbon...
CMPDI expands expertise into non-coal exploration with impressive bauxite exploration
Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), a Mini Ratna Company and subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has ventured into non-coal exploration activities, marking a significant expansion of its expertise. They have recently submitted a comprehensive geological report for bauxite exploration. In this effort, CMPDI undertook the "Preliminary Exploration (G3) of Bauxite in Madua Pat I Bauxite Block, Lohardaga District, Jharkhand" project and successfully delivered the geological report to the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET). This project received full funding from the National Mineral Exploration Trust, under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. The results of the exploration are promising, with a total estimated net in-situ bauxite resource of 1.40 million tonnes and...
"We are driving through an aspiration to be the lead in the integrated aluminium industry in Africa with the view to adding value to our raw materials" - Michael Ansah, CEO of Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC)
AL Circle had the pleasure of talking to Michael Ansah, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC). GIADEC is a wholly owned Government of Ghana entity that has been established with a mandate to promote and develop Ghana’s Integrated Aluminium Industry. He is also a member of the Volta Aluminium Company (Valco) Board of Directors (a wholly-owned subsidiary of GIADEC. Prior to his appointment as CEO of GIADEC, Michael was Senior Vice President (SVP) at Dell Technologies, with responsibilities for Global operations across over 180 countries. In a career spanning over 30 years, he has held a number of senior executive leadership roles. He was a Director/Associate Partner at PWC Consulting/IBM Business Consulting Services. He was also...
Adbri awards bauxite supply contract to ABx Group
Adbri has granted ABx Group a contract to provide 90,000 – 120,000 tonnes of bauxite to its Birkenhead, South Australia, cement plant over a period of five years starting in early 2024. According to the source, the estimated value of the contract is reported as 'conservative,' totalling US$5.4 million. The source of bauxite supply for this contract will be ABx Group's DL130 mining project, which boasts 13.7 million tonnes of bauxite reserves distributed across three deposits. Mining operations are scheduled to commence in October 2023. The initial shipment of bauxite under this contract will be priced confidentially as agreed upon by the parties involved. Mark Cooksey, the managing director and CEO of ABx Group said, “This represents a significant milestone for ABx and endorses the...
Compensation disparities in Jamaica's bauxite-alumina industry: A call for reform
The report, Compensation Disparities in Jamaica's Bauxite-Alumina Industry, by the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) provides a comprehensive analysis, shedding light on the compensation framework within Jamaica's bauxite-alumina industry. The study reveals a range of challenges, including legislative gaps, disparities in compensation, and a pressing need for reform to address the power imbalances between companies and affected communities. Jamaica's bauxite mining and processing industry is primarily regulated by the Mining Act of 1947. While this legislation governs compensation for surface rights disturbance and property damage, it falls short in addressing health impacts and social disruptions arising from mining activities. This report synthesises the key findings from JET's 2023...
EU Carbon Mechanism spurs steel import costs, shifts focus to alternative metals like aluminium
The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is poised to significantly increase the costs of steel imports from countries such as India and China. Set to be introduced next month, this carbon scheme is expected to shift its attention to other metals, including aluminium. Starting in 2026, importers of steel products derived from iron ore will be obliged to cover the carbon emissions associated with their shipments. According to consultancy Wood Mackenzie, iron and steel account for nearly 6 per cent of the EU's total emissions, amounting to approximately 2.72 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually. Projections suggest that CBAM fees could raise the cost of steel arriving at EU ports by approximately 56 percent for India and 49 per cent for China by 2034. Given that China...
