AlCircle News Edited By "Nilanjana Banerjee"
Nilanjana Banerjee is a new leaf on this branch of AL Circle. is a spontaneous author and she writes on inspiration and purpose, not by design. Her penmanship is replete with sensitivity and depth.
Impact Minerals welcomes Scott Phegan as new Executive Director, anticipates HPA boost
Impact Minerals Limited (ASX: IPT) appointed its new Executive Director, Scott Phegan, on December 12. A chemical engineer with over 30 years of experience in alumina, bauxite, and speciality materials, and global expertise in technical work, operations and project development, he is expected to contribute to the HiPurA® HPA processing technology and succeed in high-purity alumina extraction. Image source: https://au.linkedin.com/ Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Having spent a large part of his career at Alcoa, he fulfilled roles of senior leadership and operations across Australia, Brazil and the US. These included multibillion-dollar technology upgrades, refinery expansions and operational turnarounds. Consequently, he...
Novas Minas project: newfound bauxite deposit in Pará marks a new era of Brazilian mining
The fourth-largest bauxite deposit in Pará State, Brazil, is expected to set a new course for Brazilian mining history. Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN) has announced that the discovery is of key strategic importance and the operations are soon to begin in the following years. Image for referential purpose only (source: https://www.alcircle.com/) Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain MRN has greenlit its New Mines Project on this major bauxite deposit spanning Oriximiná, Terra Santa, and Faro in Pará state. The initiative will receive an investment of BRL 5 billion, and Ibama has granted it preliminary environmental licenses. Its primary aim is to meet the rising demand of industries by boosting the global supply of durable,...
Government to rescue the largest Australian aluminium smelter, chalks out long-term plans
On December 12, Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, announced that Australia’s largest aluminium smelter at Tomago, Newcastle, which is majority-owned by the mining corporation Rio Tinto, is to remain open beyond the expiration of its contract in 2028. Image source: https://www.alcircle.com/ Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Located in New South Wales (NSW), north of Sydney, Tomago Aluminium, which employs over 1,000 full-time workers and 200 contractors in the connected area, faced the potential risk of a shutdown post its inability to secure an affordable long-term energy supply. Moreover, in October, Rio Tinto warned that without new energy deals, the smelter was likely to shut down by 2025. The government...
EU’s EV policy whiplash: Ford CEO worried about European automotive future
Ford CEO, Jim Farley has expressed his concern that the shifting EV rules and industrial policies as imposed by the European Union (EU) are highly steep and extremely stringent, leaving no room for flexibility or realistic approach for the European automakers to the market. He warns the European Commission against undermining its own automakers and jeopardising the future of the European automotive industry. Image for representational purpose only Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The EV landscape of Europe is shaped by ambitious environmental goals and equally stringent directives that are being thrust upon the European market of automobiles. These range from CO2 targets to End-of-Life vehicles regulations. Corporate Average...
Vidya Wires make mute market debut, secure a miniscule premium over issue band
On December 10, Wednesday, Vidya Wires IPO made a flat debut at the stock market, settled at INR 52.13 on BSE, and sold the shares with a microscopic premium of 0.25 per cent from the issue price of INR 52 apiece. The stock is to embark on its maiden trade session on its very issue price on NSE. Image for representational purpose only (source: https://www.alcircle.com/) Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The Gujarat-based wire manufacturer has been listed much below the lines of expectation, indicating an underperformance. Prior to the debut, in the unofficial market, the IPO commanded the grey market premium (GMP) of INR 4 apiece. This initially indicated the listing price to be around INR 56, fetching a premium of 7.69 per...
China succeeds in 10-month tech revolution in critical mineral production
The partnership of French-Swiss firm IB2 and Shanxi Senze Energy Technology Group results in a breakthrough technology of converting low-grade bauxite into high-quality feedstock that can be applied in aluminium production. This innovation will not only revive exhausted bauxite mines but also enable the extraction of rare earth elements and critical minerals used in electric vehicles, semiconductors, and national defence. Image for referential purpose only (source: https://www.mindat.org/) Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain A paper published in Minerals Engineering in May, a peer-reviewed journal, observed that 3 per cent of the total bauxite reserves in the world are located in China. Here, the Chinese researchers suggested the...
Commercial operations commence for Canyon Minim Martap Bauxite Project
The Canyon Minim Martap bauxite project at Cameroon that combines superior quality of bauxite ore with strategic infrastructure positioning can lead to an improved level of regional commodity flow to meet geological excellence. In the current market situation that prefers high-grade deposits to minimise the refinery processing cost and raise the pricing of aluminium, Cameroon makes a strategic entry with bauxite. With Canyon Resources' Minim Martap development, it delves into large-scale mineral extraction, laying a foundation for future mining investments. This marks Cameroon’s possibility for moving beyond agricultural export dependence toward a diversified market. Image generated through AI tool (for referential purposes only) Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions...
2025 throwback: recap of the big primary aluminium companies aiming to go bigger
As 2025 prepares to make its exit, now is the time for a recap of the top 10 primary aluminium projects and initiatives from across the globe that were announced and commenced this year. The primary aluminium segment of the value-chain has seen it all during the ongoing calendar year — right from tariff imposition to LME price volatility and smelter closure or capacity curtailment. But these stories have steered the industry forward through the fog of uncertainty and promises to do so throughout the upcoming decade. Image for representational purposes Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Oklahoma’s 4B aluminium grant from EGA - a first in 45 years Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma, announced on May 15, 2025, about a USD 4 billion...
Bayer red mud: a tool to pave the path for a green cement future?
Scientific Reports recently published a research paper explaining that Bayer red mud (BRM) from the Shandong Xinfa Group can be used as a partial replacement for cement in concrete. The market performance and environmental implications are positive, but the results of long-term implementations are yet to be ascertained. Image generated with AI tool (for referential purpose only) Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The primary solid waste generated from alumina production is red mud. Out of this, Bayer red mud constitutes approximately 70 per cent of it. It can be challenging for reuse purposes, with its strong alkalinity, richness in carbon and low calcium deposit. Safe application is limited due to the high alkaline nature,...
NALCO’s Pottangi aim: starting up bauxite mines in Odisha by June 2026
National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO) has set the goal to set up and open bauxite mines at the Pottangi constituency in Odisha by June 2026. The objective is to expand its aluminium production by increasing its mining scope and capacities. Image generated with AI tool (for referential purpose only) Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain State-owned NALCO is a Navaratna public sector company under the Ministry of Mines and is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of alumina and aluminium in the country. It is attempting to improve its alumina production capacity at the Damanjodi refinery in the Koraput district, Odisha. The company operates a 2.28 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) alumina refinery at the site. It is currently...
Constellium warns EU: Eradicate CBAM or the aluminium industry fades away, European companies agree
Constellium vocalises the warning that the European Union (EU) should immediately eradicate the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Its claim that the EU is posing a risk with the implementation of CBAM in January 2026, which is likely to ensure the slow demise of the European aluminium industry, is resonated by other aluminium product makers. Image for representational purpose only Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Constellium criticises CBAM CBAM is intended to impose tax and levy on a selective set of imported goods including primary and secondary aluminium, to ensure they pay a similar carbon cost as those who produce it within the EU. Those who fail to produce documents of low-carbon emission will be subject to...
EV anticipation for ’26: Who’s accelerating and who’s hitting the brake?
The farewell of 2025 and the fast-approaching 2026 drive home with it the anticipation for a global revolution of electric vehicles (EVs). The most influential manufacturers gear up for the revving launch of the next-gen, advanced, hi-tech, battery-electric models, while circumstantial roadblocks lead to the withdrawal of several EV names from the ’26 launch plan. Image for representational purpose only Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain Dropping out of the race Although these models showcased promising characteristics for a sunny joyride, the market circumstances or lack of federal and state incentives put a raincheck on the debut dates. Big brands like Nissan, Mercedes, Polestar, Porsche and Maserati hit the brakes and stay...
Metro Mining’s bauxite shipment overview in light of comparative performances: 2024 & 2025
Metro Mining’s 2025 record has fetched improved figures in bauxite shipping activity, 5.69 million wet metric tonnes (WMT) of bauxite from the Bauxite Hills Operation in northern Queensland from January to November. Ranging from month-on-month (M-o-M) to year-on-year (Y-o-Y) comparison between the results of 2025 has shown a better performance, overcoming transhipping challenges and utilising the shipping modifications. Image for representational purpose only (source: https://www.alcircle.com/ ) Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain November 2025 saw a shipment of 783 thousand WMT, despite challenging situations in the month. The shipments were carried out in 28 working days. 2 days were lost due to tropical cyclone Fina, resulting...
Vedanta’s fund obligations to KCM take toll on ESL: raises $223M via loss-making subsidiary
Vedanta Limited (VEDL), through its subsidiary, ESL Steel (ESL), is to raise INR 2 billion (USD 223 million) by using 10 to 12 per cent non-convertible debentures. The raise must meet its funding obligations of Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL) of USD 206 million to Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) by the end of 2025. Though presented as a regular refinancing gimmick, calculations suggest otherwise — a collapse of the Group’s deleveraging strategy. Image source: Vedanta Limited Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain ESL faces dire financial distress due to its inability to repay or service the debts. It is being utilised as a funding vehicle for raising and channelising the proceeds to meet the liquidity deadlines of VRL. Over the past 5...
Constellium and Infracell collaborate, investment in finishing lines proves worthwhile
Constellium announces the start-up of aluminium finishing lines at its Singen plant in Germany. This groundbreaking achievement in partnership with Lotte Infracell. The production of cutting-edge lines in a safe and sustainable environment is the result of the investment of EUR 30 million, announced in 2024. Image for referential purpose only (source: https://www.indiamart.com/) Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The project aims to supply high-quality aluminium foil stock in Europe for battery applications. Constellium executed it in collaboration with Lotte Infracell, a subsidiary of Lotte Aluminium. The equipment was installed after the construction of the new building in April 2025. The official production started when the...
Hydro on its 120th anniversary, celebrates collaboration and sustainability
Norsk Hydro celebrates its 120 th birthday on December 2, 2025. The leading aluminium and renewable energy company celebrates the fruit of collaboration among Kristian Birkeland, Sam Eyde and Marcus Wallenberg while taking the world a big step closer to sustainability. Image for representational purpose only (source: https://www.alcircle.com/) Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain What had originally been founded as Norwegian Hydro-Electric Kvælstofaktieselskab eventually transformed into Hydro in the course of time, and in this scenario, over a century. The journey had begun in 1905 at Rjukan, Norway, as a collaborative effort of Kristian Birkeland, Sam Eyde and Marcus Wallenberg gathered in Oslo. They had established the company...
Quality concern in A320 aluminium panels: Airbus goal turns nearly unattainable
December 1 witnessed the Airbus AIR market shares dropping 6 per cent due to a quality-control problem in the aluminium fuselage panels on a large number of A320 jets. This resulted in the uncertain conditions currently faced by the affected fleet until the issue is resolved. Image for referential purpose only (source: https://www.aircharterservice.com/ ) Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The European Airbus A320 is the most common passenger jet with 11,300 aircrafts actively in service. However, it freshly recovered from the software glitch that led to the recalling and grounding of over 6000 flights until further notice of the problem being fixed. Thus, the airlines now meet with a new challenge. Addressing this matter, the...
Collaboration with SMS: GARMCO’s aluminium hot rolling production upgrade succeeds
The Manama-based leading aluminium producer, Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill B.S.C. (GARMCO), has collaborated with the SMS group GmbH, with a goal to successfully upgrade and deliver motors and drives in the one-stand reversing hot rolling mill. Although initially designed by a third-party supplier, this new step brings both companies closer to achieving the milestone of utilising the operational efficiency and reliability of the mill to meet the demands of the aluminium industry in future. Image for representational purpose only (source: https://live.cdn.cms.sms-group.com/) Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with 50+ reports across the value chain The project set the goal of replacing the three-phase AC motors and state-of-the-art drive technology, which contained...
