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.
Castool Canada establishes in-house nitrocarburizing operation
Castool Tooling Systems, part of Exco Technologies and a top tooling provider for extrusion and die-casting companies, has upgraded its capabilities. They added a Nitrex nitrocarburizing system to their facility in New Market, Canada. This expansion involved collaborating with various furnace suppliers. Nitrex is a global leader in surface treatment solutions, serving customers in over 20 countries. With 35 years of experience, they offer turnkey heat-treat systems, reliable technologies, proprietary instrumentation, digital controls, and surface treatment services to help customers achieve higher quality and profitability. The new nitrocarburizing furnace, called NX-1625, can handle up to 6000 kg of materials, measuring 1550 mm in diameter and 2500 mm in height. It uses Nitreg®-C...
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Industry associations’ call to include aluminium in the EU’s Strategic Raw Materials List
European Aluminium, in collaboration with 11 other industry associations representing the raw materials, aerospace & defence, and clean tech sectors, has joined forces to advocate for the formal recognition of aluminium's strategic significance. The shared objective is to secure the inclusion of aluminium in the Strategic Raw Materials list of the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). The CRMA signifies a pivotal step toward recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach to safeguard Europe's strategic resilience and promote sustainable growth. It identifies materials of paramount importance to the twin transitions (Green and Digital) and the defence sectors, taking into account projected global supply/demand imbalances. The associations have jointly sent a letter addressed to...
MOU signed between Lindian Resources and CBG for Gaoual bauxite project
Lindian Resources Limited has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée (CBG) to explore the possibility of supplying bauxite from its Gaoual project to augment CBG's annual bauxite production through a potential sales contract. The MOU outlines the following key objectives, emphasizing collaboration and exploration: Lindian and CBG will explore various methods of operating, processing, and transporting ore from the Gaoual project to CBG's infrastructure. The MOU facilitates the assessment of procurement, quantity/quality determination, selling prices, selling price adjustment mechanisms, penalties/bonuses, and payments between the Parties. Lindian commits to completing a Feasibility Study for the Gaoual project within two years, aligning...
Aluminium ingot price in Japan to remain stable for Oct-Dec'23
According to Japan Metal Daily, the loading price (base price) of aluminium ingots equipped with large strings, which serves as a crucial indicator for determining the prices of Japanese rolled aluminium products available in retail outlets, has been firmly set at JPY 390 per kilogram (equivalent to $3 per kilogram) for the period spanning from October to December 2023. Notably, this price remains unaltered when compared to the preceding quarter (July-September). It is significant to mention that the base price had experienced a continuous decline for four consecutive quarters, commencing from a value of JPY 480 during the July-September 2022 period. However, it appears that this downward trend has temporarily stopped. The pricing dynamics of rolled aluminium products, including plates...
“The concept here is that you start with an aluminium foil, and the way to think about this is when we charge and discharge the battery, the lithium ions are actually moving into the aluminium foil and then moving out of the aluminium foil, and you want that to be as reversible as possible”, Prof. Matthew McDowell, Georgia Institute of Technology
A research team led by Prof. Matthew McDowell at Georgia Institute of Technology has recently introduced an aluminium foil that could revolutionize solid-state lithium battery cells, potentially extending the range of electric vehicles and advancing battery technology. Collaborating with aluminium producer Novelis, the researchers are scaling up battery sizes to understand how the foil behaves and exploring cost-effective materials for integration. Matthew McDowell is an Associate Professor and Woodruff Faculty Fellow at Georgia Tech with appointments in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and the School of Materials Science and Engineering. He received his Ph.D. from Stanford University in 2013 and was a postdoc at Caltech from 2013 until 2015. McDowell’s research focuses on...
Councilman initiates resolution to address red dust issue in Gonzales
Pelican Crossing residents, a Gonzales neighbourhood, have been struggling with a persistent problem for the past four years: red dust, identified as bauxite, continuously blankets their homes and surroundings. This issue stems from the former Lalumina Burnside Refinery site and has significantly impacted the quality of life for the local community. The red dust issue has become increasingly problematic due to dry weather conditions, causing it to spread further and affecting homes, yards, and vehicles. Residents have expressed their frustration, noting that dust infiltrates garages and patios and necessitates frequent cleaning. In addition, it poses safety hazards, including reduced visibility when it covers the roads and school closures when it drifts towards educational institutions....
CBG's impact in Guinea leading to community transformation
The Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée, also known as CBG, has emerged as a global leader in the metallurgical bauxite sector, redefining the industry and the socio-economic fabric of local communities. With a commitment to excellence, CBG stands as a backbone in Guinea's metallurgical bauxite industry. Year after year, this powerhouse produces and exports an astonishing 16 million tonnes of top-tier bauxite, elevating the nation's profile on the global economic stage. Yet, it is not just the mineral wealth that CBG enriches; it is the lives of those it touches. Since its inaugural operations in 1973, the company has transcended conventional mining practices, pioneering community development and localised empowerment. Testament to its impact, CBG contributed over 5,000,000,000 US dollars to...
Chandrayaan-3 mission reveals essential lunar elements, including aluminum
The Chandrayaan-3 mission has marked a significant breakthrough with the discovery of vital elements in the vicinity of the lunar south pole. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reported that the moon rover, equipped with the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument, has successfully identified the presence of aluminium along with other elements in the lunar region near the southern pole. This momentous finding sheds light on the elemental composition of the Moon's surface and opens avenues for further scientific exploration. The initial analysis of the data collected from the LIBS measurements has unveiled the existence of a diverse array of elements on the lunar surface. These include aluminium (Al), sulphur (S), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and...
Italy's packaging industry navigates economic turmoil
In the shadow of economic turmoil, Italy's packaging sector has emerged as a symbol of resilience, leaving a lasting impact on the global economy. This is not just a tale of recovery; it's a testament to the industry's adaptability, innovation, and commitment to sustainability. While many major industries struggled to weather economic uncertainties, Italy's packaging sector stood strong, showcasing remarkable resilience. Specialized companies in food packaging and luxury goods have driven the industry's ability to bounce back and surge ahead. This resurgence is reflected in the market size, which GlobalData valued at 82.5 billion units in 2022. Moreover, a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 1 per cent during 2022-2027 speaks to the sector's promising trajectory. In the...
“Aluminium is a clear favourite, given its versatility and wide-ranging applications, particularly in emerging sectors such as renewables, electric vehicles, hi-tech manufacturing and even space exploration, lending it the sobriquet of ‘the metal of the future’”, Dr. Amit Chatterjee, Chief Research and Development Officer at Vedanta Ltd - Aluminium Business.
Dr. Chatterjee, with 33 years of Industrial R&D experience and expertise, is a visionary leader in innovative Research and Development, driving new product development, process improvement, beneficiation of minerals, wealth from waste and decarbonization efforts in the aluminium industry. His leadership sparks open innovation and effective collaborations that translate research into real-world applications and sustainable business solutions. Dr. Chatterjee is an eminent force in the field with a rich background encompassing upstream and downstream aluminium processes, process intensification by modelling and simulation, and valorization of waste by chemical processing. AL Circle: Can you elaborate on the key enablers driving aluminium's increasing adoption in various industries? Dr. Amit...
Emirati engineer Alia Al Hashimi breaks gender barriers in heavy industry
Alia Al Hashimi's commanding presence at the controls of a massive crane overseeing scorching aluminium smelters sends a resolute message to young women: They can carve out a place on the factory floor. At 24, Al Hashimi, a chemical engineer, defies gender stereotypes by skillfully navigating the crane, hoisting her above the sprawling Kizad facility of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the UAE's foremost industrial giant beyond oil and gas. Despite her family's initial concerns about entering a male-dominated sector, Al Hashimi's unwavering commitment to her dream career has driven her forward. "They said it was a difficult job and a job that a man does," she shared. With her gaze set on inspiring others, Al Hashimi, an American University of Sharjah graduate, emphasizes the importance of...
Downstream weekly recap: The global aluminium foil market is poised for strong growth; The US witnessed a continuous rise in aluminium imports
The downstream aluminium sector witnessed various events in the week started from August 21, 2023. The global aluminium foil market is expected to grow from $26.3B in 2022 to $42.3B in 2032 due to its effective packaging properties. The US witnessed a continuous rise in aluminium imports, reaching 407,000 tonnes in May 2023. China's Innovation New Material invests $197M in a Mexican factory for aluminium alloy bars. The global aluminium foil market is poised for strong growth, predicted to rise from $26.3 billion in 2022 to $42.3 billion in 2032, mainly due to its effective barrier properties that cater to packaging needs. The United States and Europe, with a 2022 market value of $8.69 billion, are expected to maintain a 5 per cent CAGR till 2030. To know more: https://bit.ly/45ljgxm The...
India's aluminium scrap market showing mixed trends with moderate transactions
The landscape of India's imported aluminium scrap market showcased a blend of trends this week, with nuances across different regional sectors. The infusion of offers remained constrained, predominantly attributed to the roller-coaster ride in the future, a factor that played into the reduction of buying inquiries. Consequently, transactions were in a state of moderation, primarily concentrated within specific geographic pockets. The subdued demeanour of the metal futures platform cast a shadow over the enthusiasm of market participants. Nevertheless, a subtle revival in the futures arena has begun to make its presence felt in recent times, potentially casting its influence over both the ebbs and flows of trading volumes and the trajectory of price trends. The global aluminium arena...
Hindalco's Kuppam Works achieves ASI Performance Standard certification
In a significant milestone for sustainable manufacturing practices, Hindalco Industries Ltd's Kuppam Works has been awarded the ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification for its extrusions plant situated in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The achievement marks Hindalco's second extrusions facility and the sixth within its portfolio to secure ASI certification. The Kuppam facility, known for its production of aluminium alloy extruded products, currently boasts an annual production capacity of 15,000 tonnes. The certification underscores the facility's commitment to environmental preservation, social responsibility, and strong governance, reinforcing its position as a responsible player in the global aluminium market. The recognition pertains to the facility's...
Dongxing Aluminium's strategic moves boost revenue through smart buying and selling
Amid shifting market dynamics and a tempered macro outlook this year, Dongxing Aluminium has harnessed the power of proactive tactics. With its "three grasps and three promotions" strategy as a cornerstone, the company has focused on maximizing gains while minimizing costs. This dual-pronged approach, centred on elevated marketing efforts and streamlined procurement strategies, has yielded promising results, enhancing operational efficiency and profitability. Dongxing Aluminium's efforts exemplify a thriving synergy between smart procurement, strategic selling, and value-driven waste management, underscoring their commitment to elevating their financial prowess in a dynamic market landscape. The company's market analysis has guided its purchasing decisions, aligning them with price...
Hangzhou leads the advancement of high-performance aluminium alloys in the new material industry
Hangzhou is gearing up to lead the charge in advancing premium alloy materials, with high-performance aluminium alloys taking the spotlight. A recent mandate from the General Office of the Hangzhou Municipal People's Government outlines steps to accelerate research, innovation, and industrialization in the new material industry. The directive aims to fast-track R&D, guide large-scale implementation, and elevate the new material sector's growth. Hangzhou's focus will be on pioneering high-end alloy materials, including high-performance aluminium alloys, specialized aluminium foils for power batteries, superalloys, and advanced magnetic materials like rare earth magnets. Additionally, the city aims to enhance semiconductor technology using better solder and welding materials. The directive...
NITREX strengthens its global foothold in the surface treatment industry
NITREX, a global player in the surface treatment industry, has achieved yet another milestone by successfully commissioning two cutting-edge nitriding systems for Alumil S.A., Greece's largest extrusion company and a major architectural systems producer. This collaboration reinforces NITREX's position as an industry leader, with over 35 years of experience, a widespread global presence, and a portfolio of ground-breaking solutions. The nitriding system installation in Serbia was completed in October 2022, followed by the successful installation in Greece in November 2022. These two pit-type nitriding systems, strategically placed at separate locations, not only signify a stronger global presence for NITREX but also validate the industry's confidence in NITREX's expertise to optimize die...
Canyon Resources secures EEA subscription agreement for A$59.7 million investment
In a strategic move to propel its flagship project forward, Canyon Resources Limited, a bauxite development and exploration company, has unveiled a subscription agreement with Singapore's Eagle Eye Asset Holdings (EEA). The agreement bears the potential for an investment of up to A$59.7 million, indicating a significant financial boost for the company. Canyon Resources is laser-focused on advancing the Minim Martap Bauxite project situated in central Cameroon. This project managed through its subsidiary Camalco, has already gained momentum with a promising Bank Feasibility Study confirming its profitability and long-term viability over an initial 20-year mining period. Bolstered by a sizable high-grade mineral resource estimate, the project's potential was underscored by a defined Life of...
