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Alumina's provincial price is now RMB 5500+; Guinea's bauxite export disruption among others is proving hefty on the metals market
On November 08, 2024, Shanghai Metals Market saw the price of alumina rise to RMB 5,391 per tonne on average. However, the real eyecatcher was the price climb in the provinces of Lianyungang and Bayuquan. The price of alumina has been on a rapid surge spree since the beginning of September. Despite the five other provinces witnessing the surge, these two provinces kept a steady heed in alumina pricing. Surprisingly (or is it?), in the past 6 months (till October 22), the price of alumina in Bayuquan and Lianyungang has skipped over RMB 1600 per tonne. The W-o-W price has seen a 14 per cent hike in both provinces. Image Source: Elemental Microanalysis Chinese port inventories in the aforesaid provinces have dipped to over-exhausted levels since at least 2015. Contributing factors like...
Suzuki's latest Street cum off-roaders DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM make global debut at EICMA 2024
Suzuki is all set to hit the market with its newest addition to the series DR-Z4S dual-purpose model and DR-Z4SM supermoto model. The brand gave a sneak peek at the new two-wheelers model at the EICMA, better known as Milan Motorcycle Shows (the trade show is being held from November 7 to November 10, 2024). Suzuki has stood as the immaculate blend of versatility, performance, and modern technology with its DR-Z legacy for over two decades. The DR-Z used for the Australian Army is slightly revised for the Army role. Image Source: www.bikeexif.com The Suzuki DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM feature an avant aluminium subframe incorporated in the all-new steel twin-spar framing and a lightweight aluminium swingarm for improved handling arrangement. The new twin-spar steel frame, which includes a...
Heat pumps: The missing piece in aluminium industry's decarbonisation puzzle
Each tonne of alumina production emits such heat, which, if reused further, can increase the energy demand, which in the long run also boosts carbon footprint reduction globally. Image Source: Hilt CRC How can we do that? The answer is ‘industrial heat pump’. These use electricity to transfer heat from one location to another, supplying heating and cooling for a building. Heat pumps are better energy efficient than conventional heating mechanisms with gas or oil boilers, emitting less carbon cumulatively. According to the International Energy Agency's (IEA's) World Energy Outlook special report titled The Future of Heat Pumps, decarbonisation of industrial heat through electrification is crucial in tackling the climate conundrum, and there is substantial potential for electric heat pumps...
Samsung is soon to launch the W25 foldable series with added features and luxurious mien
Samsung's select models, W25 and W25 Flip, have been launched exclusively in China. Built with a classy aluminium chassis, the models resemble the popular Samsung flip phone model Z Flip. The redesigned W25 and W25 Flip look way more sparkly than the Z Flip, with gold borders at different angles. Image Source: 91 mobiles Technical Specifications: The devices will be available to purchase in China from November 15, 2024. Both mobiles will be designed in a black-gold premium gift box with a faux leather case. The Samsung W25 has a main 8-inch 2x AMOLED QXGA+ display with 2184 X 1968 pixels resolution, 1-120Hz refresh rate, 2600nits brightness, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. An additional 6.5-inch cover display with 2520 X 1080 pixels resolution and a 1-120Hz refresh rate is there on...
Anti-reflective coversheet designed with aluminium oxide for 3D printer to boost efficiency
Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid University researchers have designed an anti-reflective coversheet filament that can be used by a 3D printer for photovoltaic (PV) modules. The cover sheet is entrenched on cyclic-olefin copolymers (COC), with added aluminium oxide (Al2O3) or better known as alumina powder, at different concentrations. COC are polymers with unique mechanical traits and transparency, while aluminium oxide is known for its enhanced anti-reflection attributes. Image Source: King Khalid University “The application of anti-reflective materials on the photovoltaic substrates can enhance the absorption of sunlight and minimise the reflection,” explained the researchers. “Currently, there is no ideal anti-reflective coating for solar cells that can transmit sunlight without reflection.”...
Ukraine's state property fund announces repeated auction of Zaporozhye Industrial Aluminium Plant
Contradictory to August 2024's decision of cancelling the auction, State Property Fund has scheduled a repeated auction for the state-owned stakes of ZaporozhyeIndustrial Aluminium Plant JSC, a company in Ukraine that was known as the producer of aluminium bars and cylindrical ingots. Image Source: Wikimapia As per a regional media correspondent's report, the Ukrainian State Property Fund revealed the statement on social media. "On November 7, 2024, an online auction is expected to be held for the privatisation of the state-owned block of shares in the amount of 97.5458 per cent in the authorised capital of Zaporozhye Industrial Aluminium Plant JSC, totalling 607,446,012 shares," the report states. The enterprise, at the moment, is known to include 18 state-owned objects which were not...
Speira's newly developed eco-friendly and high-strength aluminium alloy bags LCA certification
Speira's latest alloy solution, VIA Maris Njørdal, has bagged the life cycle assessment (LCA) certification as an eco-friendly maritime as well as off-shore material. Image Source: Speira The LCA was conducted by the Water Revolution Foundation (WRF) and the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 by ALEA SRL (University of Modena Reggio Emilia Spin-Off) with third-party peer-review by LCA Working Group (research group of UNIMORE). Data quality evaluation of the material was based on metrics such as age, reference technology, process, calculation methods, and measurement irregularities. Data is categorised into specific data (from surveys or literature), selected generic data (from databases), and proxy data (estimates and averages). Supporting the fact, Awwal Idris, an Environmental Expert from WRF, has...
Railway is vital for our country because we are blessed with bauxite but lack sufficient railway lines: Bawumia
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the vice-president and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of Ghana, has recently declared that the development of central railway lines in the country will be key in steering forward the upliftment Ghana needs through bauxite and other mineral mining and transportation. Image Source: www. bawumia.com "One of my priorities in infrastructure development is railway expansion," Dr Bawumia told stakeholders of the Atwima Mponua Constituency at the start of his Ashanti Regional tour on Monday. "This is very important for our country because if we are blessed with bauxite but lack sufficient railway lines, it creates a significant challenge. Developing our railways will greatly benefit Ghana," he stated. He emphasised his intent to develop three main railway lines:...
Befesa is optimistic about near-future growth trajectory post resounding Q3 success
Befesa S.A., a hazardous aluminium and steel recycling service provider, has promising gains in the second quarter of the fiscal year with double-digit adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA). Image Source: Linkedin (Befesa) Headquartered in Luxembourg, the company expects solid double-digit EBITDA growth in the coming year, implying several favourable factors. Despite some serendipity, such as zinc treatment costs, zinc prices and secondary aluminium margins, the company says its disciplined strategy to capital budget backs its strategic endeavours and appoints the company for success. Company CEO Asier Zarraonandia says, "Befesa has delivered solid Q3 results, demonstrating our resilience in a challenging market... This performance and a...
Recycled aluminium sought from vehicles has more value than many realise. Let's understand the whys and hows
An internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle generally has engine blocks, transmission housings, wheels, suspension systems, body panels, interior trim, headlights, and taillights made to some extent of aluminium. Meanwhile, in electric vehicles (EVs), the battery pack, the majority of the chassis, battery enclosures, and charging stations have aluminium as the primary building material. Image Source: Hydro Despite being lighter, the metal holds high durability and can resist extreme forces thus making aluminium a superior preference for structural pieces of EVs. Adverse environmental conditions such as contact with salt water and road salt are likely to cause corrosion in such automobiles, making it necessary to apply resistant materials. Aluminium is known for its corrosion-defying...
Alumetal concludes EPD documentation to aptly bolster industry standards
Alumetal, a Polish recycling company, has successfully taken the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for its recycled foundry alloy aluminium products. Image Source: Hydro "By applying industry-leading practices, Alumetal is able to turn trash into treasure. The product declaration not only validates Hydro's and Alumetal's commitment to driving sustainability and responsibility in the aluminium industry but also provides our customers and partners with exact knowledge of the environmental impact of their supply chain," voiced Hanne Simensen, Executive Vice President in Hydro Aluminium Metal. Alumetal has been owned by Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy enterprise Hydro since 2023. Recycling aluminium requires just 5 per cent of the cumulative energy needed to produce primary...
Are microbes the future of rare element extraction from red mud? Let's uncover the newly sought process
Cultivating restorative microbial activity to remediate metal-impacted mine wastes has retained some successes, mainly using man-made wetlands or passive bioreactors to generate (microbially mediated) anoxic and sulfidic conditions. Image Source: American Geosciences Institute Recently, researcher trio Dr Rosie Gillane, Fernanda Soto, and Luke Webster from the University of Queensland have come up with a method of detoxifying red mud , waste material yielded by the tonne at bauxite mining sites across Australia, a report shares. "You would not usually associate bacteria or microorganisms with mine rehabilitation," says Luke, whose PhD thesis focuses on 'synbio' mining techniques like the one he describes. The process is known as biohydrometallurgy, in which particular proteins can be used...
Triumph Speed 400 2025 to relaunch model after bringing back brushed aluminium exhaust
Triumph Speed 400 MY25 makers have decided to relaunch in India, bringing back the initial metal finish brushed aluminium exhaust in place of the previous black finish ones from T4 after robust customer feedback. Image Source: Triumph Official Website Along with restoring the aluminium exhaust, the two-wheeler model has received four newer colour options namely pearl metallic white, racing yellow, racing red, and phantom black. The motorcycle gets adjustable clutch, brake levers, and a better-cushioned seat for more comfort. The MY25 Speed 400 is shod with Vredestein Centauro radial tyres, a 110/80-17 front tyre and a 150/70-17 rear tyre. Due to the high-end tyres, the front and rear suspension travel has decreased by 10 mm each. The rake has also been altered to a 25.1-degree rake on the...
6 inspiring stories of how flat-rolled aluminium is sparking a green revolution
AL Circle’s latest e-magazine explores the exciting world of flat-rolled aluminium products through illustrative articles. From Türkiye's booming demand for aluminium in electric vehicles to luxury packaging embracing a sleek and sustainable makeover, these stories show how flat-rolled products are capable of leading a bold, eco-driven transformation. Sustainability is no longer a goal; it is the new norm, and these companies are proving that green growth and industrial progress can roll together seamlessly! Aluminium in packaging: consumer trends and market dynamics The aluminium packaging project was on an upward trajectory through 2023 owing to the focus on eco-friendly, reusable and optimally functional packaging. The crucial factors include replacing traditionally used items like...
Millburn fire officials initiate aluminium recycling to aide burn treatment for children
Millburn Fire Department officials have come up with an aluminium recycling initiative dedicated to facilitating treatment for child burn patients. Image Source: Pixabay The programme, 'Aluminum Cans for Burned Children (ACBC)', is dedicated to donating all earnings to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center's (CBMC) Burn Center. 30 town fire departments in the US state partner with CBMC's aluminium can collection and recycling project. According to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center's (CBMC) Burn Center, "ACBC was founded in 1986 by local firefighters to raise funds for children cared for at The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas. As New Jersey's only burn treatment facility, each year, the Burn Center admits more than 400 patients, with another 6,000 seen on an outpatient basis. Approximately 40...
Italy's astounding carrosserie art with aluminium can be deemed fit as true collector's choice
Italy has been stunning the world with its artistic creation for centuries. What made Italy even more noticeable in the 1950s were the Italian sports cars, which were considered 'moving art' at the time. Paying tribute to those beauties, The Amalgam Collection's aluminium carrosseries hasve recently made some buzz and, all for the right reasons. Image Source: The Amalgam Collection Curving metals into artistic car bodies is a meticulous task indeed, especially when trying to capture the original essence in a quarter of the size. Each piece has been handcrafted with utmost details and traditional techniques from aluminium sheets by proficient artisans. To create the panels using the 'English Wheel' and hammering the metal over a buck, the work done by legendary coachbuilders such as...
5 unidentified goons steal 18 quintals of metal from Indian factory
On October 31, five armed men stormed into a Uchi Mangli village (Punjab, India) based factory and stole over 18 quintals of aluminium and copper. The factory's security guard was held hostage during the unfortunate incident and, after the goons left, informed the owner, who then informed the local law enforcement authority. Image Source: Pixabay Of the total stolen material, the missing items in the factory synchronise with 12 quintals of copper and 6 quintals of aluminium. A case was filed against five unidentified accused after factory owner Munish Kumar Bansal, a resident of Sher-e-Punjab colony, Barewal road, Ludhiana, Punjab, India, lodged an official complaint. The complaint reveals detailed information that on Thursday, Munish received a call from his factory's security guard,...
Artist crowned winner of major sculpture awards for aluminium-built sculpture
Joan Johnson, a renowned artist from Nedlands, received the prestigious Alcoa Major Award, which comes with a significant prize of AUD 10,000, for her artwork titled 'Deconstructed, Reconstructed and Embellished' in the City of Rockingham’s Castaways Sculpture Awards 2024.. Image Source: City of Rockingham The deconstructed dice sculpture, a one-metre high and five-metre long piece, is a striking combination of aluminium, wood, and perspex, each material contributing to its unique aesthetic and structure. The dice has six circular dots crafted from woven aluminium cans, set back in the construction and covered with perspex, reminiscent of portholes. Johnson has been a regular exhibitor at Castaways since its genesis in 2008. Awarded with three minor prizes and a highly commended...
