AlCircle News Edited By "Pratyusha Chatterjee"
A writer with 5+ years of experience in the communication industry, Pratyusha Chatterjee has indulged in content from the business, lifestyle, travel industries and more. Apart from news and content, Pratyusha is immensely fond of participating in cultural events and managing them.
Here's why Rio Tinto's greener AL future seems to be slipping away
Rio Tinto has been committing towards a greener aluminium future in the past. Au contraire, the present brings a different reality where their dreams and goals are farfetched as their major wind project, an alternative to coal consumption for energy, seems to be slipping away. The recently re-elected Queensland LNP government has spurned the mining giant’s 1.4-gigawatt Bungaban wind farm, among other larger energy production targets. The state has the lowest percentage of renewable energy among all in Australia. Even if Labor’s target of 80 per cent renewable energy by 2030 had been implemented, the situation would not have changed significantly. However, the LNP’s intervention is likely to make the state even more of a laggard in this regard. It is this daunting prospect – and its...
Russia’s quid pro quo: EU’s 16th sanction package altered ahead of enforcement?
Speculations of a phase-wise ban revolve around the European Union’s 16th sanction package against Russia as the date of implementation draws near. Russia, which has been at gunpoint since its invasion into Ukraine. Opposing the Russian Federation’s annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol in 2014, a political call by the Russian Federation to recognise Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts as independent entities (followed later by Kherson and Zaporizhzhia), and the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the EU introduced a series of trade-related restrictive measures (till date 16) known as sanction packages. The 16th sanctions package, circulated among member states this week, proposes measures that would cut approximately 15 banks off from the SWIFT banking system....
Top 5 technological advancements boosting the progress of upstream aluminium in 2024
Technical advancement in any industrial sector is the secret agent steering the business forward. From implementing artificial technology to indulging in advanced machinery, the aluminium industry has similarly progressed through the path of time, overcoming numerous snags along the route. Here, we are to recapitulate the top five technological advancements that have shaped the growth of the industry in one way or another. Metso’s innovative single-stage SAG mill solution In February 2025, Metso secured a landmark order for a single-stage semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) solution for a low-carbon aluminium project in China. The comprehensive delivery includes six SAG mills with a total installed power of 45MW, along with a Mill Reline Machine (MRM). Metso’s commitment to technological...
Market Commentary: China is transitioning from 2024 to 2025 with bold trade strides as global geopolitics weigh in
Aluminium prices edged up by 0.08 per cent to close at INR 252.75 (USD 2.92) amid renewed investor optimism over China following comments from former US President Donald Trump hinting at a potential trade deal with the world's largest consumer of metals, as reported by investing.com. Market sentiment was further buoyed by developments within the European Union, which is preparing to impose sanctions on imports of primary aluminium from Russia. This anticipated move, the EU's geopolitical move of continual phasing-out of Russian aluminium, is a trend that has accelerated since European manufacturers began distancing themselves from Russian goods following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Overview of China's aluminium trade front China's aluminium export trade exhibited significant growth...
Vedanta fuels Odisha’s economic dream: Must-see highlights from Make in Odisha 2025
Vedanta Aluminium, a leading name in the Indian industry, has long been associated with sustainability and social development activities, as reflected through numerous reported stances. The mining and manufacturing giant has yet again initiated a sustainability-promoting stint as it participates in the three-day Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, being held between January 28 and 30, 2025. Located in Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar, the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 is an exclusive investment forum in East India dedicated to steering forward the economic growth of Odisha and subsequently positioning the Indian state as a globally competitive investment destination. The conclave intends participation from both domestic and international investors, positioning Odisha...
Uzbek-Kyrgyz partnership boosts regional industry with aluminium factory deal
Officials from the Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund and the Glass Center Kyrgyz-Uzbek announced a joint venture after a heart-to-heart wherein an assignment is set — to set up a factory in the Chuy region of Kyrgyzstan aimed at producing double-glazed windows, doors, and facades crafted from aluminium profiles, reports Trends. Image Source: Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund During the meeting, the sides negotiated about the minutia of the project, taking into account the optimisation of the financing structure. Agreements were then made to further fortify future cooperation and designate unambiguous paths for hassle-free project execution. The meeting was held in a constructive and productive ambience, kickstarting a concrete foundation for long-term cooperation. In 2024, the industrial entities...
Aussie manufacturing further adopts green AL, this time for the marine segment
Marine Air Flow International has opted for sustainability in its filtration systems, which remove salt mist particles from the air. The company, well-versed in engine ventilation equipment manufacturing, has collaborated with Capral to use the latter brand’s LocAl Super Green extruded products to manufacture many of their components within a carefully engineered and high-performance solutions range. Image Source: Linkedin (Capral Aluminium) In 2022, Capral unveiled LocAl, its low-carbon aluminium solution with a lump sum reduction of CO2 emissions, as low as 4kg CO2e per 1kg of aluminium as opposed to the industry average of 12.46kg CO2e per 1kg. As per Capral’s official statement earlier, in 2024, 25 per cent of the primary aluminium billet (a major source of extruded aluminium) Capral...
Emirates A350 set to kick start India operations on Republic Day
Emirates is preparing to launch its brand-new Airbus A350 aircraft in India on Republic Day, January 26, 2025, a commemoratory date in the Indian calendar. This launch on Republic Day is a token of appreciation for its Indian customers, paying respect to the Indian Republic. The noteworthy debut will feature daily flights to Mumbai and Ahmedabad. With this addition, Emirates will now serve five destinations in its network. The introduction of Emirates’ new aircraft to India, which boasts the airline’s latest interiors as well as industry-first technologies and innovations, underscores Emirates’ commitment to its customers in India and beyond, offering exceptional levels of comfort on board. The aircraft benefits from advanced aerodynamics, ensuring a smooth ride and increased efficiency....
Kwinana closure savings lag as Alcoa tackles environmental hurdles with $260M spend
Alcoa is set to invest US$163 million (AU$260 million) in a now-mandatory water management system at its caustic red mud storage site in Kwinana, as savings from the shutdown of its 60-year-old alumina refinery have been slower than anticipated. The closure, announced in January 2024, was initially expected to cost up to US$200 million (AU$319 million), including US$81 million earmarked for water management and US$55 million allocated for the redundancy or redeployment of 800 employees. Furthermore, Alcoa intends to spend US$70 million in 2024, preparing for a shift to a new mining area within the Jarrah forest, with more significant investments expected in 2026. This comes as the company continues to face scrutiny in Western Australia (WA) after revelations two years ago that its strip...
Trade & Pricing: Europe's billet market trend 2024-2025
European aluminium billet market is beginning its new calendar year, keeping a cautious look over its shoulder, as demand remains sluggish amid hidebound buying practices, while production cuts intend to leave the supply chain vulnerable to sudden fluctuations. Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, has publicised that the European aluminium 6060/6063 billet premium at London Metal Exchange (LME) cash plus $555 per tonne DDP Germany January 10, on net 30-day payment spans, up 46 per cent Y-o-Y, but contemplating a 12 per cent decline from 2024’s peak of $630 per tonne DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) in late August owing to softer demand. The Italian premium was evaluated at LME cash plus $555 per tonne DDP on January 10 for net 60-day payment terms, ascending 48 per cent year-on-year but...
Top upstream agreements in aluminium value-chain from across the globe
2024 has been all about jumping hoops to advance in the industrial progress for the non-ferrous metal, aluminium. The entire extraction and the subsequent production, starting from bauxite mining, progressing through alumina refining and finally reaching the manufacturing of a varied type of aluminium, is a mammoth task. And, producers across the globe, at times, need each other and even external supporting entities to steer forward. Today, we delve into some of the crucial agreements and contracts from the calendar year that shaped the industry smoother than before. NTPC to supply uninterrupted power for NALCO’s smelter expansion NTPC Limited (National Thermal Power Corporation) and National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navaratna Company, came together in a non-binding Memorandum...
State politicians collide over worthiness of bauxite mining in Western Australia
The conversation around bauxite mining in Western Australia (WA) is heating up, with politicians and stakeholders engaging in a spirited debate over its future. The Greens have proposed a bold plan to phase out bauxite mining in WA’s native forests, aiming to preserve the region's rich biodiversity and water resources. AI generated image for referential purposes only However, industry leaders, workers, and the state government see a different path — one that balances environmental stewardship with economic vitality. A vision for sustainability The Greens have committed to banning new bauxite mining in WA’s native forests and gradually winding down existing operations over the next decade. They emphasise the irreplaceable value of WA’s South West forests for climate regulation, water...
Ashapura Minechem stock price jumps higher after MoU with China Railways
The share value of a leading mining company, based in India, specialising in the extraction, manufacturing, and trading of minerals and their derivative products, surged by 10 per cent following the signing of a long-term Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Railway. Price hike stance With a market capitalisation of INR 5,075.30 crore (approx. US$618.94 million) as of Monday, shares of Ashapura Minechem Ltd (NSE: ASHM) rose by 10 per cent, reaching a high of INR 571.55 (USD 6.62) per share compared to the previous closing price of INR 519.60 (USD 6.02) per share. The back story Ashapura Minechem Limited, through its overseas subsidiary, has been bound in a long-term Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Railway. The company specialises in the mining, manufacturing, and...
Market Commentary: European aluminium industry performance report 2024
The European aluminium industry needs swift action to keep the region competitive in the wake of high energy prices, expensive raw materials and increased global competition, Paul Voss, director general of industry body European Aluminium, told S&P Global Commodity Insights in an interview at the aluminium trade fair in Dusseldorf on October 8, 2024. "There is a need for a serious shift to competitiveness for the European aluminium industry; we won't sit and wait for someone to solve our problems; we must engage," Voss said. According to International Aluminium Institute (IAI) data, the European aluminium industry has steadily declined across the past decade, with Western and Central European primary aluminium production deflating 25.5 per cent from 2010 (production during this year was...
Canadian firm gains $1.28 million for dross recovery tech development. Additional funding on the way?
PyroGenesis Inc. (TSX: PYR) (OTCQX: PYRGF) (FRA: 8PY) a tech-advancement company delving into designs, development, manufacturing and commercialisation of advanced plasma processes and sustainable solutions which are geared to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and address environmental pollutants, has declared the receipt of a US$1.28 million (CA$1.85 million) fund which is part of a substantial amount receivable under PyroGenesis’ existing CA$25+ million Drosrite™ contract with Radian Oil and Gas Services Company. Image Source: Wikipedia “The payment announced today is made in accordance with a payment schedule that has been revised over time to better align with options to the pressures with the end-clients operating cash flows created by, amongst other things, increased business...
Press Metal’s Q4 earnings will revolve around fire, price and coalition: HLIB
Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd’s (KL: PMETAL), a leading aluminium smelting and extrusion facility based in Malaysia, has its fourth quarterly earnings expected to come in a range of RM 375 million (USD 83.25 million) to RM 400 million (USD 88.8 million), according to Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB). Image Source: https://www.pressmetal.com/ The research house has mentioned that heightened earnings are potentially going to be driven by yet another record-high contribution from its partner PT Bintan, which is driven by higher realised alumina prices. HLIB has also shared that while Press Metal is going through some margin compression in its midstream operations, the impact will be partially mitigated by its associate’s assistance. “Although aluminium prices had risen 8 per cent...
Kasaragod to auction bauxite mining rights, eyeing $60 million in revenue
Bauxite mining rights across two blocks in Kasaragod are set to be auctioned soon. The State government is finalising the auction process for bauxite deposits in the Narala block, covering an area of 1.5 square kilometres in Mulleria and a 2.8 square kilometres area in the Ukkinadka block located in the villages of Badiyadukka and Enmakaje in Manjeswaram taluk. Both government agencies and private entities will be eligible to bid for the mining rights. Additionally, the State government is actively considering a proposal to explore minerals from the platinum group. The decision to auction bauxite mining rights was taken after studies conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) confirmed the presence of commercially exploitable mineral deposits. Bauxite, a naturally occurring...
South32 reports resilient H1 production performance despite robust challenges
South32, a globally diversified mining and metals company, reported strong aluminium production figures for the half-year ended December 2024. The report strongly highlights the company’s focus on operational excellence and resilience amidst external disruptions. According to the company’s December 2024 Quarterly Report, total aluminium production increased by 5 per cent to 604 kilotonnes, compared to 575 kilotonnes in the corresponding period of the previous year. Image Source: https://www.south32.net/ Aluminium’s operational performance The increase in aluminium output was primarily driven by the improved performance of South32’s operations at Hillside Aluminium, Mozal Aluminium, and Brazil Aluminium. Hillside Aluminium in South Africa delivered robust results as the smelter operated...
