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.
Circular festivity: Domal’s aluminium trees shine in sustainable Christmas design
Domal, a renowned name in aluminium window and door systems, has collaborated with three esteemed architectural studios—Ideàs Studio, Principioattivo Architecture Group, and Studio Marco Piva—to transform the traditional Christmas tree into an aluminium inclusive symbol of sustainability and innovation. These designs, crafted using Hydro Circal 75R, a high-quality aluminium made from recycled post-consumer materials, reflect Domal’s resolution towards environmental responsibility and cutting-edge design. Im age Source: https://designwanted.com/spazio-domal-milanodesignxmas-2024/ This collaboration was showcased as part of MilanoDesignXmas, an annual initiative organised by TOWANT, bringing together companies and architectural studios to reinterpret festive traditions through creative...
ACE market debut thrusts Winstar Capital to RM186 million valuation
Winstar Capital Bhd has displayed an exceptional performance on the ACE Market, with its share price surging over 80 per cent since its listing at 35 sen. As of 12:35 pm on 24 December (local time), the company's shares are trading at 64 sen, reflecting a remarkable 83 per cent increase. Trading volume has also been robust, with over 24.77 million shares changing hands. Boasting a market capitalisation of RM186 million (US$ 40.92 million), Winstar Capital is strategically positioning itself for expansion. Part of the proceeds from its recent IPO is earmarked for acquiring four additional aluminium extrusion lines, which collectively offer an annual capacity of 8,580 tonnes. These new lines, to be installed at its factory in Ijok, Selangor, will significantly enhance the company's total...
RUSAL’s 2024 had its own ups and downs, but it was a year of innovation, resilience and sustainability
RUSAL has cemented its position as the successor to the Russian and Soviet aluminium industry, consolidating leading facilities, innovative research, and cutting-edge technologies. Operating across four strategic business units—aluminium, alumina, energy, and mining and metals—the company's core segments, as highlighted in the H1 2024 report, remain aluminium and alumina. As 2024 comes to a close, we examine the industrial giant’s performance, milestones, and challenges. A legacy of leadership The roots of Russia’s aluminium industry trace back to 1885 when A. Novoveisky established the country’s first aluminium smelter in Sergiev Posad. Significant breakthroughs followed, including the Bayer method of alumina production in 1889 and the launch of the Soviet Union’s first aluminium smelter...
Alba-Ma’aden merger deadline extended to Q2 2025 amid efforts to form the world’s 7th largest aluminium producer
The deadline for the proposed merger between Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) and subsidiaries of Saudi Arabia’s Ma’aden has been extended to the second quarter of 2025. Originally anticipated to be finalised in Q1 2025, the extension was disclosed in a statement to the Bahrain Bourse on 22 December 2024. “This extension will provide both companies with additional time to conduct a thorough due diligence and further evaluation of the potential strategic and financial benefits of this potential business combination,” the posting said. Present scenario The non-binding agreement, signed in September and initially set to expire on 31 December 2024, has been extended to 30 April 2025. Alba’s Chief Executive, Ali Al Baqali, had previously expressed optimism for an earlier conclusion. “With the growth...
Monday Market Update: Aluminium prices rise across the board on SMM, defying previous week’s declining trend
On Monday, December 23, aluminium (both primary and secondary) keeps climbing the pricing ladder at the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM). However, as per the SMM listing, alumina prices (both average and provincial pricing) remained stable, showing no changes from the previous week's closing session. Primary aluminium ingot prices This week began with A00 aluminium ingot increasing by a solid 40 bucks compared to the previous session and finally resting at RMB 19,870 per tonne on average. Despite this current upward trend, it is essential to note that the price has experienced a decline of 1.5 per cent value in just a week's span. The price on December 16 (one week ago) was averaged at RMB 20,160 per tonne. The spot contract on the same date was traded at a discount of RMB 70 per tonne to a...
Palco Metals achieves all-time high, demonstrates exceptional performance
Palco Metals, a microcap company operating in the aluminium and aluminium products sector, has attained a significant milestone by reaching an all-time high of ₹278.95 on December 20, 2024. This accomplishment underscores the company's robust market presence. On the day, Palco Metals outperformed its sector by 5.01 per cent, marking the eighth consecutive trading session of gains, resulting in a notable 47.59 per cent return during this period. The stock commenced trading with a substantial gain of 4.99 per cent, maintaining its price throughout the session. In terms of moving averages, Palco Metals is currently trading above its 5-day, 20-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day averages, indicating a strong upward trajectory. Over the past year, the company has delivered an impressive...
Operational stability at Mozal Aluminium maintained despite civil unrest, reports South32
South32 has provided a consequent update on the current situation at its Mozal Aluminium smelter in Mozambique, which had been facing operational disruptions due to civil unrest. Despite these challenges, the company has prioritised the safety of its workforce and has reported that there have been no security incidents at the facility. Image Source: flickr (Credit - English Pocket Opera Company) South32, the globally diversified mining and metals company, had previously announced the withdrawal of its production guidance for Mozal Aluminium in Mozambique due to escalating civil unrest in the region on December 10, 2024. Recent developments indicate that road blockages, which had previously obstructed the transport of alumina from the port to the Mozal smelter, have largely been cleared....
Shanghai Metals Market repeats witness on aluminium and alumina prices going opposite directions
On December 20, 2024, a sudden development emerged as aluminium prices in the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) witnessed a substantial surge. As of the latest trading session, the prices of both A00 aluminium ingot and aluminium alloy ingot have all seen notable increases. Image Source: https://image.made-in-china.com/ A00 aluminium ingot prices soar The average price of A00 aluminium ingot, a key indicator of the aluminium market, has risen to RMB 19,830 per tonne (approximately US$2717), marking an increase of RMB 150 per tonne from the previous trading session. The spot contract was traded on Friday with a discount price of RMB 80 per tonne to a discount of RMB 120 per tonne. The average A00 aluminium ingot pricing has risen in all eight listed provinces, with average prices of A00...
European aluminium industry: Leaders speak about shifting towards sustainability with innovative technical approach
The European aluminium industry is undergoing a significant transformation as sustainability becomes a top priority. With the need to reduce carbon emissions and use recyclable materials, aluminium is increasingly being used in various industrial sectors. In dedicated interviews published in our recently published e-magazine titled 'Aluminium Industry: Focus Europe' , they express their outlook towards the continent's present and future in sustainable industrial practices. Antonio Perego, Sales Manager of the Aluminium Division at FIMI Machinery, points out, "The need to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere and use recyclable materials will increasingly push the use of aluminium in many industrial sectors." You can find the entire interview by clicking here... In line with this...
Hydro strengthens Husnes operations with NOK 200 million sow casting line investment
Aluminium and renewable energy company Hydro has announced a lump sum investment of NOK 200 million (US$17.66 million) to establish a new sow casting line at its Husnes site. This initiative aims to enhance the flexibility of the primary aluminium casthouse and is an essential part of Hydro's strategy for primary aluminium production, widening the plant's product offerings. Image Source - flickr (Credit - thatsouthafricanguy) Located on the west coast of Norway, the Husnes primary plant produces low-carbon extrusion ingot principally for the European construction and automotive industries. The introduction of the sow caster will enable the plant to produce sow ingots during periods of lower demand for its main products, thereby increasing operational flexibility. Hanne Karine Simensen,...
Century Aluminum's stock dips 12% W-o-W, yet long-term returns remain robust
Shareholders of Century Aluminum (NASDAQ:CENX) are likely to express concern regarding the recent 13 per cent decline in the company's share price over the past month. However, this recent fluctuation does not overshadow the robust performance of the business over the last five years, during which the share price has pumped up by an impressive 159 per cent. For some investors, the recent pullback may be seen as a natural correction following such a rapid ascent. Ultimately, the company's operational performance is the sole determinant of whether the stock price can maintain its positive long-term trajectory. In light of the 12 per cent decrease in the stock over the past week, it is mandatory to examine the longer-term narrative and ascertain whether the fundamentals have underpinned the...
Aluminum Association outlines key policy priorities for incoming US administration and Congress
The Aluminum Association, which represents companies that produce around 70 per cent of the primary aluminum as well as downstream products shipped in North America, has released a new policy brief outlining strategic priorities for the incoming US administration and Congress. The brief, titled ‘Aluminum for America,’ calls for a national strategy to prioritise, produce, and defend critical materials like aluminium. According to a recent economic impact study, the US aluminium industry generates nearly £173 billion in direct and indirect economic impact and supports nearly 700,000 jobs, including 164,000 direct industry jobs. Despite this, the US primary aluminium production continues to decline, while the industry has invested over £7.6 billion in mid- and downstream processing and...
NATO highlights aluminium in its critical raw material list for defence industry
Regions across the globe are part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and have witnessed the significant impact of defence supply, all thanks to the comprehensive list released for the defence industry, which includes everything composed of aluminium, among other materials. The consortium not only points to the relevance of such resources for the military powers of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization alone but also emphasises upon the uninterrupted continuity of the supply chain. Image Source: https://ilfproducts.co.uk/ It would not be wrong to say that aluminium has become synonymous with metals that can withstand corrosion whilst also cutting weight across missile and aircraft parts and even high-end applications. Such characteristics make it possible for metals such as...
UK's aluminium packaging industry at risk without improved recycling infrastructure, warns Alupro
Alupro, the aluminium-packaging industry body, has issued a rallying call to Members of Parliament, urging them to throw their weight behind a deposit return scheme and bolster investment in recycling infrastructure. The organisation recently hosted an event at the House of Commons, sponsored by UK’s Labour MP Rupa Huq and featuring a keynote speech by Conservative MP Bob Blackman. Image Source: Alupro During the event, the enterprise encouraged policymakers to sign a three-point pledge outlining a roadmap for achieving a circular economy. The pledge centres on three key objectives: implementing a world-class Deposit Return Scheme by 2027, promoting sustainable packaging through an extended producer responsibility system that incentivises the use of recyclable materials, and boosting...
Apt blend: Antec's Performance 1 M aluminium case combines style and substance
Antec, a renowned manufacturer of computer chassis, has announced the launch of its latest aluminium ITX gaming case, the Performance 1 M. This sleek and compact case is designed specifically for high-performance ITX builds, boasting a durable and modern aluminium construction. The gaming case features aluminium side panels and a rear frame, providing a robust and stylish metallic finish that is available in two colours- jet black and adventurine green. With its compact dimensions, this case is well-suited for ITX motherboards, striking the ideal balance between aesthetics and functionality. One of the standout features of the aluminium case is its innovative airflow design, which optimises system cooling through strategically placed perforated panels. These panels facilitate effective...
Hydro secures long-term power contract with Å Energi to fuel low-carbon aluminium production
In a significant move to bolster its commitment to sustainable aluminium production, Hydro Energi AS, a subsidiary of the Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company Hydro, has entered into a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Å Energi. The 10-year contract, which commences in 2025 and runs through 2034, guarantees the delivery of 438 GWh of electricity annually to Hydro's Norwegian aluminium plants, totaling 4.38 TWh over the contract period. Image Source: www.hydro.com This agreement not only ensures a stable and reliable supply of renewable energy for Hydro's aluminium production but also underscores the company's dedication to reducing its carbon footprint. By leveraging Å Energi's clean energy, Hydro's aluminium production in Norway will continue to boast a carbon...
SMM reports gradual decline in aluminium prices across China amid broader market stagnation
As the week progresses, the price listing of aluminium dips lower on the graph in the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM). According to their Wednesday (December 18) listing, apart from alumina, majority of the commodities have either remained stagnant or lost value from their previous pricing. Image Source: https://www.sav-al.com/en/product/ingots Primary aluminium ingot pricing As per the SMM listing on December 18, 2024, the average price of A00 primary aluminium ingot has further climbed down RMB 110 per tonne and was reflected as RMB 19,790 per tonne. The average cost of A00 aluminium ingot has decreased by 3.5 per cent M-o-M (price on November 18 was pegged at RMB 20,510 per tonne). However, when compared year-on-year, the primary metal ingot's average price has risen 4.2 per cent as the...
Romet strengthens position in Europe's bicycle sector with in-house aluminium frame production
Romet's integrated facility for aluminium frame production, painting, and assembly gives it a unique edge in Europe's bicycle manufacturing sector. Five years after launch, the factory operates at full capacity, offering logistical advantages over competitors importing frames from Asia. Despite this, Romet still paints large quantities of Asian-sourced frames due to limited in-house capacity. Image Source: https://romet.uk/ "Our goal is to focus on e-bike frame production and accelerate innovations," says Wiesław Grzyb, the brand's President. Proximity between frame production and assembly lines remains a key competitive advantage. The company sources high-quality aluminium 6061 from two Polish suppliers. Processes like laser cutting, hydroforming, and robotic welding are completed...
