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.
Is the EU treading a perilous path with its aluminium bans on Russia, potentially triggering a chain of economic and geopolitical repercussions?
Amidst the chances of importing from intensively limited sources, the European Union (EU) is reconsidering banning Russia as its aluminium supplier. The immediate result? Small and medium-sized business entities, which rely on close to 70 per cent of turnover and 92 per cent of employment in the European aluminium sector, dissolve within a short period; simultaneously, prices spike roof-high due to the demand-supply gap. The European Union imports over 90 per cent of its aluminium, of which 8-9 per cent comes from Russia. Speculations about a probable ban on low-carbon aluminium from Russia to the European market have, in the meantime, pushed prices up by 15 per cent so far this year, and prices are forecasted to rise in a steep graph if the ban is imposed. Why the sanction? Based on the...
Impact Mineral bags AUD 2.87 million to pilot Lake Hope high-purity alumina plant
Impact Minerals has collaborated with CPC Engineering and the Mineral Recovery Research Centre (MRRC) at Edith Cowan University on an initiative to pilot the commercialisation of the company's ingenious process for producing High-Purity Alumina (HPA) from the Lake Hope reserve, located 500 kilometres east of Perth in Western Australia. The collaborative effort has received a AUD 2.87 million grant under the Federal Government's Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) programme, which fosters short-term, industry-led research works. The plant, crucial to providing material for offtake and qualification, is scheduled to commence construction next year. Impact Minerals' Managing Director, Dr Mike Jones, said, "We are immensely proud to drive this transformative project, which aligns...
Montenegro's concession contract with Novi Boksiti holds promise of excavation for 30 years
Montenegro has consented to a concession contract with Novi Boksiti, a metal ore mining company in Niksic, over intricate geological probes and exploitation of red bauxite in the western municipality of Niksic. Montenegro's Minister of Mining, Oil and Gas, Admir Sahmanovic, worked out and signed the details of the contracts with Novi Boksti's executive head, Zeljko Markus, over the weekends. During the session, Novi presented their strategies and deadlines to Minister Sahmanovic and State Secretary Dino Tutundzic. The company officials disclosed that they will initially disperse 25 workers to carry out preparatory works and geological exploration, starting from project design, drilling, and test pit excavation. Boksiti has already spent 1 million Euros (approx USD 1.1 million) on...
Building a greener future with year-long aluminium recycling competition in US schools
A national competition for collecting aluminium cans while learning about sustainability has sparked a hands-on approach to the environmental study regime of Logan County school students. The competition, which has successfully gathered over 2 million disposed cans, has been organised by Logan Aluminum in partnership with Lewisburg Elementary. The initiative is all about recycling programmes in elementary schools, where recycling bins, educational signage, and pickup schedules are designated to return collected cans to Logan for recycling. Students actively participated in the process, from sorting recyclables to attending awareness drives organised in school and the local community. “We recognise that to meet the demand for aluminium in our growth industry and to protect and sustain our...
16-foot-tall 'Dinosaur' is an aluminium pigeon by Iván Argote perched on New York's intersection
Proving the speculations true, a giant aluminium sculpture of a pigeon has been installed above the intersection of 10th Avenue and 30th Street in New York City. The 16-foot-tall non-monument, as described by Creator Iván Argote, is given an unusual name: Dinosaur. "The name Dinosaur makes reference to the sculpture's scale and to the pigeon's ancestors who dominated the globe millions of years ago, as we humans do today," Argote said. "The name also serves as a reference to the dinosaur's extinction. Like them, one day, we won't be around anymore, but perhaps a remnant of humanity will live on — as pigeons do — in the dark corners and gaps of future worlds. I feel this sculpture could generate an uncanny feeling of attraction, seduction and fear among the inhabitants of New York."...
China's alumina price instability vs aluminium production scene raises question about FY26 plans
Alumina's prices, without much surprise, follow the upward path of the price range on Tuesday, October 22. As disclosed by SMM, the average alumina price is RMB 4,698 per tonne, which is 56 per cent higher than last year's October 23 price (RMB 2998 per tonne). The Y-o-Y price leap has caused a frown in many, as doubt remains about how China maintains its alumina export relations with Russia if the country itself is suffering due to Guinea's bauxite export issues. The provincial alumina prices (regions where the price inflation was reflected) in the Chinese Metals Market on Tuesday ranged between RMB 4,400 per tonne and RMB 4,870 per tonne. Meanwhile, Shandong and Henan saw an average price of RMB 4,725 per tonne, and Shanxi, Guizhou, and Guangxi saw an average price of RMB 4,785, RMB...
Press Metal Aluminium elevates score in ESG metrics; Maybank IB retains Buy call
Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd has been recognised with an above-average score in the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) metrics on lower greenhouse gas emissions. The report states, "Press Metal recorded lower Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions in FY23 from FY22. With that, greenhouse gas emissions in FisFY23 totalled 11.8 million tCO2e. Greenhouse gas intensity (Scope 1 and 2) also improved to 3.3 tCO2e per tonne of aluminium production in Fiscal year 2023-2024 (FY23). Water withdrawal intensity improved to 2.2 cubic metres per tonne of aluminium." As a consequent result, Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB) retained a Buy call on Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd with a target price (TP) of RM 5.70, based on a 25 times price-to-earnings ratio on estimated Fiscal Year 2024...
The way aluminium has found its way back into the boat manufacturing business
Since the 1950s, fibreglass had, for an elongated span of time, taken over the boat manufacturing industry. However, aluminium had been a choice prior and is coming back to the market yet again, all with good reasons. Aluminium is a lightweight material with post-repair strength equivalent to new. The protective layer of aluminium oxide formed on the bare outer body of any aluminium-built boat adds a natural greyish tone to the boat's look. Above all, unlike other materials, aluminium boats do not fade over time due to exposure to UV rays. But how did aluminium lose its fanbase? In the early 1960s, boat sales skyrocketed in the United States. Manufacturers needed a cost-effective material that was easy to mould, did not need much maintenance, and could retain its look and feel for years....
China Market week four opens with alumina hike; aluminium ingot joins in with M-o-M 4% surge
Alumina price on October 21 opened with the continual trend of an all-time high of RMB 4642 per tonne, with an increase of 7.8 per cent since last week. Apart from the recent incident of flood in Guinea, which affected the bauxite supply in China, the country's domestic supply has been humungously affected by the shutdown of domestic bauxite mines in Henan and Shanxi, compounded by the closures and production cuts at alumina plants in Hebei and Shandong due to severe pollution. In the provinces, Shanxi peaked at the average alumina price today with a range of RMB 4,600-4,870 per tonne and an average of RMB 4,735 per tonne, followed by Shandong and Henan, where the prices ranged between RMB 4,600 per tonne and RMB 4,700 per tonne with an average of RMB 4,650 per tonne. The alumina price in...
East Devon collects over 250 tonnes of aluminium waste yearly in recycling initiative
East Devon District Council (EDDC) is a happy name that has made the headline for all the right reasons during this Recycling week (October 14 to October 20). The district council of the United Kingdom has a record collection of 250 tonnes of aluminium cans in a year apart from other wastes like spray bottles, aluminium foils and automotive scraps. Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC's portfolio holder for coast, country, and environment, expressed, "I am thrilled to see East Devon's residents actively participating in recycling efforts. Collecting 250 tonnes of drink cans annually is no small feat, and it highlights our community's commitment to sustainability. This is just the tip of the iceberg. We recycle so much more than this. The district holds the 6th rank in overall recycling in the...
The aluminium-built Husky A300 is an advanced robot with a seamless payload solution
Clearpath Robotics brings the Husky A300, which can travel at a speed of 4.47 miles per hour and has a payload capacity of 220 pounds. It can travel in diverse geography and has a power backup of up to 12 hours. The innovation can be customised and accessorised with third-party commodities such as cameras, LiDARs, manipulators, and custom appliances as per the owner's choice. It is built with a robust aluminium weather-resistant chassis and an IP54 rating, which enables the machine to withstand even the harshest environments. A high-torque drivetrain complimented by four in-wheel brushless motors means that whether it is rocky terrain, hills, mud, sand, or inclement weather, Husky is up for the challenge. Husky comes equipped with four programmable LED lights—two at the front and two at...
Canada announces tariff remission on aluminium, EV and steel import from China
Canadian enterprises can apply for a remission of the tariff on imported Electronic Vehicles (EVs), steel, and aluminium from China, the federal government announced on Friday. Canada will introduce tariff surcharges on aluminium and steel for Chinese enterprises on the finalised list of products effective October 22, 2024. In contrast, the tariff on EVs has been in effect since the beginning of the month. The tariffs were introduced after a month-long consultation process in accordance with Canadian law. Government officials have reiterated that remission will be considered only in cases where import from China is necessary and there is no alternative channel, demonstrating a commitment to fair trade practices. Any contractual obligation or particular exceptions will also be considered....
Nespresso and Natura come together to launch a green aluminium programme
Brazil-based leading beauty brand Natura has upcycled used Nespresso coffee capsules into their 'Ekos Castanha' range of hand moisturisers. One of Natura's best-sellers will be launched in this sustainable packaging on October 28, on the occasion of National Aluminium Recycling Day. According to Mariana Marcussi, Marketing Director at Nespresso Brasil, the brand's capsules are already made from 80% recycled aluminium. The Ekos Castanha hand care tubes are made from 100% recycled aluminium, 10% of which comes from Nespresso capsules, which corresponds to the reuse of more than two tons of capsules per year. "The partnership with Natura Ekos thus strengthens the circularity of aluminium to create an even more environmentally and community-friendly sector," she adds. However, the...
Porsche invests in aluminium finishing machinery in its Schwarzenberg manufacturing facility
Porsche has introduced a larger machining facility at its newly acquired plant in Schwarzenberg, Germany, to accomplish better finishing in its aluminium car body manufacturing. The company, upon realising that a premium finish in the silvery-white light material cannot be achieved with traditional steel parts production machinery, has collaborated with Starrag for the purchase. "For some years, we have been experiencing a shift towards lightweight construction and, as the Porsche competence centre for forming technology in the moulding skin area, we were commissioned to develop the tools required for the conversion to an aluminium body," Marco Franz, head of mechanical production, explains. "During forming, aluminium sheets respond much more sensitively than steel," Porshe officials...
Lakeshore-based aluminium downstream producer receives USD 5 million government aide
Can Art Aluminum Extrusion, an Electronic Vehicle (EV) aluminium part manufacturer from Lakeshore, has received USD 5 million to enhance its aluminium parts manufacturing capacity and produce new components for the EV market. The federal government awarded the Canadian company as part of a larger initiative. The government has invested USD 12 million in six manufacturers: BSB Manufacturing Ltd., Clover Tool Manufacturing Ltd., CMP Automation Inc., Electrovaya Inc., and Marwood International Inc., in addition to Can Art Extrusion. “Southern Ontario has a rapidly growing EV sector and is home to many leading manufacturers across the EV supply chain that are using their expertise and talent to drive our EV sector forward,” said Filomena Tassi, the minister responsible for the federal...
Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry proudly celebrates 115 years of recurrent growth
Wisconsin Aluminium Foundry (WAF) opened its doors in 1909. Back then, it had only three accounts, Wisconsin Motors, Harley Davidson and Evinrude Outboard. In 2024, the still family-owned business celebrated its 115 anniversary where they are now a conglomerate of multiple divisions, including WAF, Wabash Castings (Wabash, Indiana), Dee Manufacturing (Crookston, Minnesota), Manitowoc Pattern & Machining (Manitowoc), All American 1930 (Manitowoc) and ATEK Metal Technologies (New Hampton, Iowa). "Here we are 115 years later, and Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry remains family-owned and focused on growth through serving clients, employees and the community," Rich Schwartz, WAF Board of Directors chairperson, said. The company's major operations are designing and manufacturing customised aluminium...
China's alumina price gains another RMB51/t: Trend shows continual price surge
On October 18, Friday, the week has closed with a continuous upward price trend in alumina. As a matter of fact, most other aluminium commodities have seen a downward price except for alumina. Alumina has gained another RMB 51 per tonne, soaring to a new high of RMB 4607 (USD 647) per tonne. In the provinces, Shandong and Guizhou stands at RMB 4,600 per tonne (range RMB 4,550-4,650) and RMB 4,440 per tonne (ranging between RMB 4,330 and 4,550), with RMB 50 added to yesterday's prices in both provinces. In Henan, Shanxi and Guangxi, the prices of alumina gained another RMB 75, totalling an average of RMB 4625, RMB 4700, and RMB 4575 per tonne, respectively. The bauxite supply disruption from Guinea due to weather challenges has been aggravated by the Guinean customs blockade resulting in...
ALUPCO announces acquisition of Jeddah Tower aluminium supply contract
Saudi Arabia - Aluminium Products Company (ALUPCO) has announced its agreement with United Arab Aluminum Company (UAAC) to supply aluminium for the Jeddah Tower project, an estimated 1000 mt tower with a probability of gaining the title of the world's tallest building. According to ALUPCO officials, this project represents a major advancement in modern architecture. It will serve as a notable landmark for both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the city of Jeddah. Headquartered in Dammam and with an additional plant in Jeddah, ALUPCO has a total capacity surpassing 85,000 tonnes annually. The tower is being developed as part of the first phase of the 5.3-million-square-metre Jeddah Economic Company City. At the time, construction of 63 of the 157 floors has been completed. Previously, ALUPCO...
