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.
ReMA reaffirms the contribution of recycled aluminium, paper and more on America Recycles Day
On the occasion of America Recycles Day, The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) restate to remind Americans that recyclable substances are sustainable, resilient and vital to our everyday lives and the global economy. Here, the significance of the recycled elements that include aluminium, steel, copper, paper, rubber etc was brought forth to the citizens' notice by the officials. "From the coffee cup we are using to the cars we drive and the bridges we cross—recycled materials are a part of virtually everything around us," says ReMA President Robin Wiener. "It's impossible to go a day—or even an hour—without using a product made at least in part with recycled materials. On America Recycles Day, we celebrate how the recycled materials industry is continuously innovating to recycle more...
Europe's pursuit for green aluminium industry has a 'FACE' and now has a day dedicated to it, too!
Amidst the worldwide urge to shift toward sustainable aluminium production practices, on November 28 2024, The Federation of Aluminium Consumers in Europe (FACE) has arranged a crucial daylong (9 am to 3 pm) conference to address the pressing matter. The event, titled 'Conference on a Green Competitiveness Agenda for Europe', will be held at Ara Pacis Augustae (via di Ripetta 190), Rome. Image Source: https://www.archeoroma.org/ The day's event will commence with the renowned journalist — Giancarlo Loquenzi's opening ceremony, followed by an engaging presidential address on 'FACE and the strategic challenges of aluminium for the European Green Economy' by Mario Conserva (President of FACE). The event will also be moderated by Mr Loquenzi, known for being one of the founders of Giuliano...
China's bauxite import in September hit hard with serial disruptions. Will 2025 be any different?
China's dependence on imported bauxite is a significant factor in the nation's superior ranking in alumina and primary aluminium production. The sheer volume of raw material required to maintain this ranking cannot be met by domestic sources alone. Therefore, any disruption in bauxite supply has a profound impact on the entire aluminium production supply chain, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Guinea's role in the decline: According to S&P Global, China's reliance on imported bauxite is as high as 57 per cent. Guinea, as the primary supplier of bauxite to the nation, plays a crucial role in China's import figures. The disruption in Guinea's bauxite export scenario has therefore had a significant impact on China's bauxite supply, highlighting the importance of Guinea's bauxite...
Ukraine’s bauxite import amidst geopolitical crises elevates with time. But why?
In 2024, Ukraine heightened its aluminium ore and bauxite concentrate import Y-o-Y by 46.8 per cent in physical terms during the time period of January to October. The cumulative imports accounted for this year towered at a whopping 19,842 thousand tonnes. As stated in the statistical report released by the State Customs Service (SCS), bauxite import in monetary terms has increased by 50.9 per cent (USD 2.681 million) in the aforementioned time span. This year's imports can be attributed to Turkey, which has supplied 70.31 per cent of supplies in monetary terms and China, which has accounted for 26.67 per cent. Ukraine has not re-exported bauxite from January to October 2024 as opposed to the same period in 2023. As noted in 2022, Ukraine lowered imports of both substances in physical...
This Children’s Day secure your li'l ones' present and future with aluminium toys over plastic variants
Toys are integral to kids' babyhood laughter, fun and, at times, their cognitive development. Kids' toys have a wide range and variety from miniature cars and bikes to kitchen utensils, from robots to electronic gadgets, and from medical instruments to building blocks. They ignite imagination, promote creativity, and provide hours of entertainment. However, when buying a toy for your champ ahead of the upcoming International Children's Day, remember that not all playthings are built equal, and in the long run, some might do more harm than good. In particular, plastic toys, which have conquered the market due to their low cost and accessibility, have been prone to their potential adverse impact on children's health, our planet, and their overall development. Conversely, aluminium is a...
A €100 million investment in advanced technological development potential to change the face of alumina production
IB2, a trailblazer in the aluminium industry, has secured a remarkable €100 million investment secured from a group of financial and industrial investors . This significant funding will be used to pioneer sustainable alumina technology, further solidifying IB2's leading role in the industry. The business has announced that the investment will be utilised to develop and deploy its groundbreaking process further to produce more sustainable alumina. This substantial funding, attained over the past 12 months from financial and industrial investors, including Glencore, marks a pivotal juncture in the company's mission to transform the traditionally energy-intensive aluminium sector. Robin Scheiner, Head of Glencore's aluminium business, expressed sanguinity about the investment, stating, "As...
Beginning of a new era: Eco-friendly cooling solution uncovered that works in any space
In the era of rapidly rising global warming, air conditioners have become a common household item for people from most financial backgrounds. However, a handful understand how these electronic devices do more harm to us than good in the long run. Thus, researchers are dedicated to bringing forth newer, more environmentally friendly cooling technologies into the market. And finally, a team from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has succeeded in their effort, offering a ray of hope to combat global warming. They have created a cooling device based on the commercial thermoelectric heat pump, mainly used in mattress pads and high-end portable coolers. The major difference between the new device and the traditional cooling ones is that the new device does not blow cool air into...
The price of alumina and aluminium ingots go the opposite way for 4 consecutive days on SMM
As the week progresses, on Thursday, November 14, the alumina price surge trend, witnessed since the initial days of September, continues its upward climb in a similar ratio. Image Source: https://www.made-in-china.com/ Alumina pricing Today, the nearly colourless crystalline substance stood at RMB 5,567 per tonne (averaged), which was a massive 85 per cent hike Y-o-Y (price on November 14, 2023 stood at RMB 3,006 per tonne). The W-o-W inflation is not merely marginal at all, with a 4.4 per cent rise in just a week's span. The provincial prices are almost to reach 6000 bucks, wherein Lianyungang and Bayuquan witnessed alumina's average cost of RMB 5,950 per tonne (50 RMB additional to the previous day's price) and a range between RMB 5,910 and 5,990 per tonne on Thursday. Two other...
5 worthwhile practices that can ensure green aluminium production in the near future
From smartphones to smart shoes, every gadget that we use daily is enhanced with aluminium. The demand for this versatile metal is skyrocketing, but so is its toll on the environment. The time for action is now. Image Source: Hydro The aluminium production industry is unified on decarbonisation. And the industry giants have taken baby steps towards the goal. According to the 2023 Aluminum Paradox report by the Environmental Integrity Project, global aluminium production resulted in 1.2 billion tonnes of global greenhouse gases in 2021. Now, the initiatives are to significantly reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to keep the subsequent global warming under 2 °C (vs pre-industrial levels, i.e. the Beyond 2 Degrees Scenario, or B2DS). Whereas it should ideally be below 1.5 °C....
The line of aluminium motorhomes and RVs that keep igniting blazing craze whenever on sale
Contradictory to the usual chassis design of motorhomes, there are aluminium-chassised king-size vintage motorhomes sold in the marketplace, competing with the newer models. Where? On the Airstream Marketplace platform, of course. Airstream, for over three decades now, has been a known name in the recreational vehicle and motorhome segment. The vehicles are known for their basically bulletproof drivetrains or rather 'silver bullet' travel trailers with riveted aluminium bodies. Let's delve into some individual models to understand the 'why' of the demand for vintage vehicles. Image Source: Pinterest Airstream 360 In 1993, Airstream presented a humungous bumper-to-bumper slightly smaller than a 36-foot vehicle with aerodynamic aluminium bodies. The standard 360 model was mounted on a...
High alumina price vs falling aluminium ingot price reflected on Chinese metals' market
The average alumina price on Wednesday, November 13, has now crossed RMB 5500 per tonne in the Shanghai Metals Market. The average cost, after a gain of RMB 39, has stood at RMB 5529 per tonne, whereas the provincial prices in Lianyungang and Bayuquan are short of a mere 100 bucks to reach RMB 6000 in the stance of alumina. Image Source: Tradeindia Provincial alumina pricing details China's market price of alumina in the region of Lianyungang and Bayuquan has been rising between RMB 100 and RMB 200 since October 23. Today's price in both regions stands at RMB 5900 per tonne (range of RMB 5,860-5,940 per tonne), with RMB 100 gain in a day's span. The jump in W-o-W alumina price in both regions is calculated to be 9.25 per cent on average. In the three regions of Shandong, Guizhou and...
Reflective aluminium artwork attains permanent place at UK's National Motor Museum
An aluminium art piece by automotive artist Richard Neergaard has been installed permanently at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, UK. The artwork represents the Sunbeam 1000hp Land Speed Record vehicle, which is donated to encourage the restoration of the popular car. Image Source: www.nationalmotormusum.org.uk The art piece is structured from aluminium panels, is laser-cut, anodised, mounted on a high gloss black acrylic panel and is bent at 30 degrees. Andrea Bishop, director of collections and engagement at the National Motor Museum, has expressed her gratitude with the following words, "We are particularly pleased to have had this donation of stunning artwork from Richard Neergaard. We are currently raising awareness, funds, and support for the restoration of the Sunbeam 1000hp,...
Interested in tyre jacks and floor jacks? Know about the recent catchy launches in the vehicle lifting tools segment
Tyre jacks and floor jacks are leverage tools that can ease our vehicle maintenance process and save us from dire scenarios while on the road. And recently, a couple of launches in this segment have caught the eyes of four-wheeler and heavy vehicle enthusiasts alike. Image Source: https://www.alibaba.com/ Trac INC. has brought forth a lighter, trendier and capable tyre lifting tool with its aluminium 'TRAC TireJack' after its original much popular tyre lifting tool. The new tool, expected to launch in January 2025, is a lightweight version of TRAC's original TireJack. The original tool is a designed product that magnanimously helps technicians when mounting and demounting heavy wheel automobiles to and from any hub. The tyre jack slides under the tyre and wheel, enabling the technician to...
Adani plans a strategic $5 billion investment in India's aluminium industry, among others, in the next 5 years
Gautam Adani led Adani Group has declared an investment of over US$5 billion in setting up aluminium and steel businesses along with ramping up copper production in India. This is the second time that the group has invested such megabucks in the metal industry, wherein, for the first time in 2022, the enterprise declared an investment of US$5.2 billion in developing an alumina refinery in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. Image Source: https://www.adani.com/ On one hand, the recently announced investment plan will likely boost the group's infra business. It may also save on energy production costs by offering more affordable energy solutions than rivals. The Adani Group has come up with the funding for the nation's metals business 2 years after its grand entry and consequent success in...
Alumina prices in two Chinese provinces shoot up 45% M-o-M; average market pricing comes to RMB 5490/t
As of Tuesday, November 12, the Shanghai Metals Market has continued on an upward price trajectory for alumina, with some of the province's prices reaching close to RMB 6000 per tonne. The average alumina price was RMB 5,490 per tonne, an additional RMB 49 compared to the previous day's pricing. Image Source: https://www.mudeffects.com/ Regional spike The alumina prices in the Lianyungang and Bayuquan regions have gained another RMB 100 per tonne, making them the regions showcasing the highest-priced alumina region among all listed provinces. Prices in both regions ranged from RMB 5,760-5,840 per tonne (average RMB 5,800 per tonne). The M-o-M price spike in the two Chinese port regions is a whopping 45 per cent. As for the rest of the regions, Shandong, Guizhou and Guangxi's pricing...
Iran witnesses marginal drop in aluminium production from seven months to end of October
Iran's state-run metals and mining company IMIDRO announced on November 10 that the cumulative aluminium ingot output in four principal smelters in the country of South Aluminum Corporation, IRALCO, Almahdi Aluminium Company, and Iran Alumina Company attained 352,423 tonnes in the first seven months plus till October 21. Whereas, in the same period in 2023, the production was slightly high, 367,091 tonnes (a difference of 14668 tonnes). Image Source: Iran Alumina Company IMIDRO has disclosed that the nation's largest aluminium smelter, the South Aluminum Corporation (SALCO), has manufactured over 144,000 tonnes, which is close to 41 per cent of the country's total turnout from April to Octoberr, 2024. SALCO entered operation in 2018 as the Iranian government strategised to facilitate...
First-ever electric vessel on the Thames exclusively for Tower of London tour
The Tower of London tourism cruising is undergoing a significant shift towards sustainability. The first-ever electric tourism boat, currently under construction at the Pendennis Shipyard in Cornwall, England, is a testament to this. This vessel, designed for the Tower of London River Tour, will brought to operation by Woods’ Silver Fleet and is anticipated to be a beacon of sustainable tourism in the UK. The pristine vessel is the first of its kind in the United Kingdom, and it is built with lightweight aluminium design-based construction technology. A creative industry-first all-battery drive train incorporated extensive design and power profiling by Vulkan Marine. The team has agreed upon an EST Floattech Octopus Series battery bank, which will be rapidly charged between each tour from...
Perseverance discovers high-aluminium rocks on Mars, delivering clues to planetary chronology
NASA's Perseverance rover has made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars, identifying unusual 'float rocks' in the Jezero Crater with exceptionally high levels of aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) content. This distinctive discovery, centred around aluminium-rich rock fragments, is key to possibly providing fresh insights into the history of water on Mars and the geological processes that shaped the planet's surface. This discovery brings new questions and potential clues about the ancient Martian environment and whether it could have supported life. Discovery of aluminium-rich float rocks Perseverance's exploration of Jezero Crater—a 45-kilometre-wide impact basin believed to have once held a lake—has revealed thousands of scattered light-coloured rocks that stand out against the dark volcanic...
