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.
Keychron’s two new wireless aluminium keyboards make gamers go Gaga!
Keychron is en route to extending its Hall-effect gaming keyboard series with the full-size Keychron Q6 HE and the 75 per cent variant of the Lemokey P1 HE. Both the keyboards feature QMK firmware for personalisation, as well as gasket mount layouts and Gateron’s double-rail magnetic switches for a satisfying feel while typing along with exceptional gaming performance. The brand has confirmed the launch of both keyboard models in various ISO layouts. Image Source: Keychron In response to an enquiry by Notebookcheck, Keychron officials stated the release of the Lemokey P1 HE and Keychron Q6 HE in DE, UK, Swiss, and Nordic ISO layouts. However, it is yet to disclose a time frame for the ISO version’s market launch. Keychron is introducing two new Hall-effect gaming keyboards to stay afloat...
Glencore loses key traders again to newer competitors: market pricing rule in to set hiring trend
History repeated itself, yet again! After iron, Glencore Plc is on the verge of losing its top aluminium segment traders to new competitors like Vitol Group and Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. This is the latest hint that energy firms’ return to metals is fuelling a talent war in the industry. Image Source: Reuters Glencore and Trafigura Group have been key players in the metal market for quite some time now. However, such moves are reminders to them that they are not exempt from rigorous competition in the ferrous and non-ferrous market. Mercuria, Vitol and Gunvor Group are staffing up and upping their team strength in aluminium, copper and iron ore departments as they strategise to engender revenues beyond the energy markets that have been immensely lucrative since Russia invaded Ukraine. In...
iGA update: Bahrain's aluminium-driven imports surge 5% in November 2024
The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) of Bahrain has released its foreign trade report for November 2024, revealing a significant 5 per cent increase in non-oil imports. This growth, driven by strong demand for aluminium and other key materials, saw the total value of non-oil imports reach BD 478 million (USD 1.27 billion) compared to BD 454 million (USD 1.20 billion) in the same period of 2023. Image source: https://www.bahrainedb.com/ China remains a major supplier China continued to dominate as Bahrain's primary import source, contributing a substantial BHD 73 million (USD 193.70 million) or 15 per cent of the total import value. Aluminium oxide Takes the Lead The report underscores the importance of the aluminium sector in Bahrain's import landscape. Aluminium oxide emerged as...
Top 5 bauxite mining projects uncovered around the world in 2024
As the global demand for aluminium continues to surge, the noteworthy advancement of bauxite mining projects has never been more prominent. In 2024, several groundbreaking initiatives around the world are reshaping the landscape of this critical industry. From Vietnam’s ambitious circular economy ventures to Guinea’s high-grade mineralisation, these projects underscore innovation, sustainability, and strategic development. Let’s dive into the top five bauxite mining projects making waves this year. 1. THACO’s US$ 4.1 billion Lam Dong 2 aluminium complex (Vietnam) THACO, a frontrunner in Vietnam’s automotive industry, is embarking on an extraordinary journey with its Lam Dong 2 aluminium complex. Set in the bauxite-rich Central Highlands, this $4.1 billion project exemplifies the future of...
Leadership evolution at Kaiser Aluminum: Jack Hockema retires and the board reshuffles
Kaiser Aluminum Corporation has announced that Jack A. Hockema is retiring as chairman of the board and that Chief Executive Keith Harvey has been chosen to take the chair. The aluminium company's official statement on January 6 clarified that Hockema's retirement was not due to any disagreements with the company or any matters relating to operations or policies. His retirement became effective on January 1, 2025. "Keith and I have worked closely together since I joined Kaiser nearly 30 years ago, and I am confident he will continue to guide the company well and enhance value for all of our stakeholders in his new role as chairman," Hockema shared on this note. Kaiser has tapped Kimberly Glas, CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations, to take Hockema's seat on the board. Her...
Dak Nong's bauxite journey in 2024 has been bumpy in 2024 shares chairman of Dak Nong Provincial People's Committee
Dak Nong provincial leaders have reported that in the previous calendar year of 2024, they attended numerous meetings with the Prime Minister and the Government to address and clarify obstacles related to bauxite planning. Their goal was to overcome challenges and promote economic and social development in the region. During the press conference on January 6, 2025, aiming to summarise the last year, Mr Ho Van Muoi - Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Dak Nong – shared that the province is making rigorous strides to remove bauxite mining adversities, resulting in the development of the local economy and society. Mr Muoi chalked out that in 2024, despite several obstructions, the province has managed to overcome destitution. Dak Nong's per capita income secured second rank in the...
Guyana eyes bright bauxite future after years of struggle, says President Ali
Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, has proudly commented during a Sunday statement on the substantial improvement of bauxite production in the country during his tenure. In his statement, he mentioned the distressful time before his tenure wherein both bauxite and forestry suffered immaculately owing to the APNU+AFC administration's poor management. Image Source: Wikipedia Guyana has bauxite reserves exceeding 350 million tonnes, which are among the richest deposits in the world. However, after the government nationalised the industry in the 1970s, bauxite production experienced a sharp decline. By the mid-1980s, annual output stagnated at 1.5 million tonnes, which was only half of previous levels. Inefficient management, falling global bauxite prices, and labour strikes...
Vedanta among top achievers on global platform for sustainability leadership
Vedanta Aluminium has proudly boasted its second rank in the prestigious S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) for the global aluminium industry. With an impressive holistic score of 77, the company has demonstrated its excellence across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) parameters, positioning itself as a global leader in ESG initiatives. Image Source: Vedanta Press Release This marks the fourth consecutive year that Vedanta Aluminium has been ranked among the top companies worldwide in the S&P Global CSA. Commenting on this significant milestone, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director at Vedanta Ltd, stated, “Securing the 2nd position globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment reflects not only our unwavering commitment to...
NALCO vs Vedanta’s shares in NIFTY hint at the international alumina market’s role in their respective businesses
Shares of National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) lost value as the Nifty Metal index wrapped up the first week of 2025 on January 3. The Metal index itself remained relatively subdued, gaining just over 1 per cent at its highest point during the day before closing flat. While NALCO’s shares slipped over 4 per cent on Friday, Vedanta emerged as a gainer, ending with a 2 per cent rise. At one stage, Vedanta’s shares were up 3.5 per cent. The opposing trends in these aluminium industry giants were driven by movements in the alumina market, which saw frequent volatility throughout 2024. According to a Reuters report, alumina prices surged 70 per cent in 2024, reaching a record RMB 5,645 ($779.77) per tonne on the Shanghai Futures Exchange. Contributing factors included disruptions in...
Kolkata Metro to join international standard after aluminium third rail retrofitment concludes in 2025
Kolkata Metro Railway is re-commits to conclude the replacement of the existing steel third rail with aluminium resorts on the down line of the Blue Line corridor, spreading between Belgachia and Tollygunge (Mahanayak Uttam Kumar), by August 2025, a spokesperson announced on Sunday, January 5. According to the Press Information Bureau, in Kolkata Metro Railway, the power to the metro rake is supplied to rolling stock at 750V DC through steel third rail. The Third Rail Current Collector (TRCC) made of steel fitted on metro rake collects the current from third rail. Kolkata Metro Railway has been using steel third rail for the last 40 years. Kolkata Metro Railway decided in August 2023 to use composite aluminium third rail in all the upcoming corridors being undertaken for construction...
The true story behind aluminium being more than just a lightweight wonder in the aerospace sector
There is an increasingly urgent need for lightweight components in the aerospace industry, with aluminium (Al) alloys being the preferred material for aircraft structural parts since their use in the Junkers F.13 aircraft in the 1920s. Compared to other metals, Al alloys have a lower density, which helps reduce the total weight of the aircraft, improving fuel efficiency and load capacity. An article on ScienceDirect, backed by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Science and Technology Development Program of Jilin Province, and the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing, details the use of non-ferrous metals in the aviation industry. The strength and hardness of Al alloys can be significantly enhanced through alloying and heat treatment, making them suitable for...
China tightens grip on bauxite as demand for green energy minerals soars
China is bracing its position as a key player in the global minerals market, with a sharp focus on bauxite, a critical raw material for aluminium production. In the first nine months of last year alone, China's bauxite imports surged by 20 per cent, among other minerals, a judicious progress to secure resources vital for its domestic industries. Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bauxite This drive comes as the world increasingly pivots towards green energy and innovative technologies, both of which rely heavily on minerals like bauxite, copper, and cobalt. Aluminium, derived from bauxite, is essential for renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics. According to S&P Global, China's reliance on imported bauxite is as high as 57 per cent. Guinea,...
IndyCar eyes aluminium wheels to tackle costs and supply challenges by 2026
IndyCar is considering replacing its traditional magnesium wheels with aluminium alternatives by 2026 or 2027, aiming to reduce costs and address supply challenges. Magnesium wheels, valued for their lightweight and rigidity, have been standard in high-performance racing, including IndyCar and Formula 1, since the 1990s. However, sourcing these wheels has become increasingly difficult due to limited vendor availability and the large quantities required for all IndyCar entries. Image Source: https://www.hyveeindycarweekend.com/ O.Z. Racing and BBS are the primary suppliers of IndyCar wheels, with O.Z. being the more prominent provider. The scarcity of magnesium wheels has prompted IndyCar to explore aluminium as a more readily available and cost-effective alternative. Discussions are...
Alcoa's share value drastically falls over the years; what does 2025 hold for the global brand?
Alcoa's (NYSE: AA) share value has dropped nearly 60 per cent since March 2022, which was its all-time peak. During the same period, the S&P 500 index has increased by 33 per cent, yet this has not been enough to offset Alcoa's incredibly sharp decline compared to its peers. For instance, Century Aluminum Co. has seen a 33 per cent decline, while Kaiser Aluminum Corp. has dropped 28 per cent. Alcoa is well-positioned in the aluminium products and alumina production sector. The gradual sell-off of its stock has been influenced by various macroeconomic factors, which have hindered the strong rally in aluminium prices that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Image credit: Flickr (handle: abasstreppas) Generic market scenario Aluminium prices have greatly decreased from a peak of around...
SGAR, a project worth boasting for PT BAI, is potent in boosting regional economy
The smelter grade alumina refinery (SGAR) multi-phased project of PT Borneo Alumina Indonesia (BAI) as a joint venture between PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum) and PT Aneka Tambang (Antam), is projected to give economic benefits for Mempawah region, West Kalimantan. Image Source: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/ The project, which involves a total of US$ 900 million (RP 14.5 trillion) worth investment, is scheduled to be executed in phases. The project will positively boost employment in the region as the opening of SGAR will attract job openings to the surrounding community. The development of Indonesia's aluminium industry holds substantial promise despite the slow progress seen in recent years. A senior government official had earlier revealed that till date one of the...
Bold pivot: Norsk Hydro plans to cease few other businesses, doubles down on 2030 strategy
Near the conclusion of 2024, leading Norweigan aluminium and renewable energy company Norsk Hydro (NHY.OL) unfurled its decision to halt investment in its green hydrogen and battery business while slowly but steadily concluding these businesses' operations in the coming years. Image source: https://www.hydro.com/en/global/media/ "Hydro has a solid foundation to capture the long-term value creation opportunities in the aluminium market. To accelerate and elevate our position as the leading provider of low-carbon, high-value aluminium solutions, we are sharpening focus on strategic capital allocation, launching a new improvement program aimed at 2030 and pushing forward profitable growth throughout our value chain, all while continuing to deliver strong returns to our shareholders," said...
China announces construction of alumina refinery in Guinea after facing bauxite import blockage
Chinese enterprise State Power Investment Corp. (SPIC) sparked excitement at the beginning of the calendar year as it announced a heavy-duty alumina refinery to be established in Guinea. The newest project was announced after it successfully carried out bauxite production in the West African country for the past three years. The plant, with its massive structural planning, has the potential to become the country's biggest preceding production to the only other refinery of Russian-owned United Co. Rusal Friguia's refinery, which has the capacity to produce at least 600,000 tonnes a year. SPIC will start the construction in March and complete the refinery that will have the capacity to produce 1.2 million tons of alumina per year by the end of 2027, the presidency said in a statement. "The...
Aluminium industry at a crossroads: Baby steps won't work anymore to achieve sustainability amidst emission challenges
Aluminium production, one of the most energy-intensive metal industries, poses a nerve-wracking challenge for global mitigation efforts. A recent study published by Nature sheds light on the evolving dynamics of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the aluminium sector and highlights the urgent need for innovative technologies and policy interventions to achieve net-zero goals. Despite advancements in technology, such as the adoption of more efficient and higher amperage cells, the proportion of aluminium production powered by fossil fuel-based captive power units rose from 37 per cent in 2012 to 49 per cent in 2021. The study reveals that retiring these power plants ten years ahead of schedule could reduce emissions intensity by 5.0–10.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) per tonne of...
