AlCircle News Edited By "Rupankar Majumder"
A professional with a technical background, specialising in producing insightful content centred around metals, particularly aluminium, passionately engaged in the intricacies of the recycling sector.
AMEC 2024 Awards: Metro Mining's 'Legacy Kaolin Mine Rehabilitation' takes top environmental honours
On the evening of November 7, 2024, the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) hosted its prestigious annual Awards Gala Dinner at Optus Stadium in Perth. The event drew a full house, including distinguished guests such as the WA Premier, Hon Roger Cook; Minister for Mines, Hon David Michael; Leader of the WA Liberal Party, Libby Mettam MLA; and Director General of DEMIRS, Richard Sellers, alongside AMEC members and industry leaders. The gathering was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate mining and exploration companies' notable achievements and often underappreciated contributions nationwide. Warren Pearce, AMEC Chief Executive Officer, said, “These awards are all about ‘Celebrating Industry Excellence’, and without a doubt, there are plenty of incredible...
Metro Mining’s 2025-2026 bauxite contracts highlight expanding Chinese partnerships
Australia’s Metro Mining has secured multi-cargo offtake agreements for bauxite shipments from its Bauxite Hills Mine in Queensland, covering the years 2025 and 2026. The agreements total 6.9 million wet metric tonnes (WMT) in 2025 and 6.1 million WMT in 2026, ensuring a robust demand for its bauxite supply. These agreements include partnerships with key Chinese companies such as Xinfa Aluminium Group and China Aluminium International Trading Group. The deal with Xinfa Aluminium Group, Metro’s longest-term customer, also includes extending their contract. Additionally, Metro has signed a new agreement with China Aluminium International Trading Group, the trading arm of the Aluminium Corporation of China, as well as a contract with Shandong Lubei Enterprise Group General Company, a...
Novelis’ net income falls 18% in Q2 FY 2025 to $128 million
Novelis Inc., a global leader in sustainable aluminium solutions and a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries, announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 on November 6, 2024. The company, renowned for its dominance in aluminium rolling and recycling, reported a significant decline in its quarterly earnings. Net income for the September quarter fell by 18 per cent, amounting to $128 million. This downturn reflects the challenges the aluminium sector faces amidst evolving market conditions. Despite the decrease, Novelis remains committed to its core innovation and sustainability strategy, leveraging its leadership to navigate complex industry dynamics. The US-based aluminium rolled products company reported a net income of $157 million for the corresponding period...
RecycleMich: Austria’s groundbreaking app reinventing recycling and rewarding sustainability
Ines Kilnhofer, project lead of RecycleMich, has propelled Austria’s first recycling app into the spotlight as a finalist in the Sustainability Awards’ Commercialised Best Practice category. This pioneering app, created to incentivise and elevate recycling behaviour, marks a new chapter in consumer engagement by turning recycling into an accessible, rewarding habit. Revolutionising recycling one scan at a time In a time of urgent climate action, RecycleMich empowers users to protect natural resources through a straightforward, digital process. With the free app, users simply scan empty packaging, dispose of it correctly, and collect points for weekly and monthly raffle entries. The more packaging they recycle, the greater their chance to win—a feature that has motivated users to scan over...
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AL Circle industry reports: Your gateway to comprehensive and unparalleled insights on the entire aluminium ecosystem
In a world where data-driven decision-making is crucial, AL Circle's industry-focused report library offers an essential resource for professionals, analysts, and stakeholders across the aluminium value chain. With an extensive collection of in-house as well as in-depth partner's reports, AL Circle empowers you to stay at the forefront of market trends, technological advancements, and sustainability practices shaping the future of aluminium. What makes AL Circle's report library unique AL Circle has long been a pioneer in delivering top-tier, reliable information for the aluminium sector. Our industry-focused report library is meticulously curated, featuring reports crafted by experts who understand the dynamic challenges and unique opportunities in this field. From upstream to downstream...
Global push for recycled aluminium and copper capacity could signal shifts in non-ferrous scrap trade
Investments in recycled-content aluminium and copper production worldwide have sparked unease among traders and industry experts, with many questioning whether non-ferrous scrap exports will face a tightening landscape in the years ahead. This issue took centre stage at the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) Non-Ferrous Division meeting held in Singapore (27) 28-29 October 2024, where industry leaders explored both the opportunities and challenges in the growing global race for recycled metals. At the BIR World Recycling Convention, speakers presented ambitious expansion plans for melt shop capacity, primarily focused on Asia and North America. This led to vigorous debate over the future availability of scrap for export. ASEAN in the spotlight: China's investments in Thailand Vivian...
Nitride Global, Inc. unveils breakthrough aluminium oxynitride coatings at PSE ’24
In a significant leap forward for materials science, Nitride Global, Inc., a world leader in aluminium nitride technology, in September 2024, announced its latest advancements in aluminium oxynitride (AlON) films at the 19th International Conference on Plasma Surface Engineering (PSE ’24). The event, held in Erfurt, Germany, provided an ideal platform for Nitride Global to present a groundbreaking study conducted in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology (FEP). The presentation, titled “Sputter Deposited Aluminium Oxynitride Films for Applications as Electrically Isolating, Thermally Conductive Films,” introduced advanced applications of AlON films, a hybrid material with significant implications for the semiconductor and power electronics...
Constantia Flexibles unveils revolutionary digital print solution for aluminium dairy lids
At FACHPACK 2024, Constantia Flexibles introduced a groundbreaking digital print technology tailored for die-cut aluminium dairy lids. This innovation, described as an "industry-first," was discussed by Michael Harder, Senior Vice President Dairy, and Thomas Schulz, Vice President Group Marketing Communication. The new solution promises significant benefits for the dairy sector and sets new standards in sustainability, efficiency, and flexibility. Constantia Flexibles' latest offering addresses key industry demands, including food safety, ease of use, and sustainability, all while adhering to rigorous regulatory standards like the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUP) and Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). These regulations highlight the challenges and importance of developing...
Dale Last named Queensland's new Natural Resources and Mines Minister, QRC expresses optimism
The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the appointment of Dale Last as Australia's second-largest state Queensland's new Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and Minister for Regional and Rural Development. QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson extended her congratulations to Dale Last on his Cabinet appointment, highlighting the importance of his role in overseeing Queensland's critical resource sector. Hewson noted that the Council looks forward to working with the new Minister to advance sustainable development and ensure that the resources industry continues to contribute to regional growth and economic prosperity. Janette Hewson, Chief Executive Officer of QRC, stated, "The QRC looks forward to working constructively with Minister Last, whose own electorate...
Key highlights from the global aluminium industry, October 2024
In October 2024, the LME aluminium prices saw renewed strength despite the headwinds of a stronger US dollar and varied economic indicators from key markets. After reaching a cash-month low of $2,521 per tonne on October 15, prices rebounded to USD $2,617 per tonne by the month's close. A major factor underpinning this upward trend is the tightening of alumina supply, which has fuelled cost pressures across the aluminium industry. Alumina prices have surged from USD $350 per tonne to around USD $700 per tonne—a figure expected to climb further in the coming weeks. The spike follows a series of production disruptions and a halt in bauxite exports from Guinea to one of the world's leading alumina and aluminium producers, amplifying concerns of continued supply constraints. Several companies...
NALCO bids farewell to CMD Sridhar Patra as he retires after years of exemplary service
In a momentous farewell, National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), India's premier mining and metals powerhouse, announced the retirement of its distinguished Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Shri Sridhar Patra, effective October 31, 2024. Sridhar Patra, a stalwart in the industry, steps down after years of dedicated service, having driven NALCO's exceptional growth and leaving a legacy that will resonate across the company and beyond. Under Shri Patra's transformative leadership, NALCO reached new heights, achieving robust growth and championing mining and metal production sustainability. Known for his strategic vision and commitment to excellence, he steered the company through an era of unprecedented progress, securing NALCO's position as a beacon in the global aluminium sector. His...
Navigating uncertainty: US elections, economic shifts, and the aluminium industry
AL Circle recently had the privilege of attending the presentation of Mr Uday Patel, Senior Research Manager for Metals and Mining – Aluminium, Wood Mackenzie, at the ICSOBA 2024 conference in Lyon, France. This enlightening session provided valuable insights into the current challenges facing the aluminium industry, as well as the potential outlook that could reshape its future. His expertise provided a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic landscape, highlighting the critical factors influencing market trends and the implications for stakeholders across the industry. This write-up is derived from the macroeconomic outlook based on Wood Mackenzie’s Q3 analysis, which Mr Uday Patel shared during his presentation. As the global economy begins to recover from the shocks of recent...
Historic Galesburg aluminium can recycling centre to bow out after four decades, but environmental commitment stays
Galesburg, a city in Knox County, Illinois, United States that has long championed environmental stewardship is preparing to say goodbye to a nearly four-decade institution: G & M Distributors’ aluminium can recycling operation. The facility, set to close on December 1st, has been a fixture since the early 1980s, providing a crucial service in diverting waste from landfills and promoting recycling within the community. However, mounting market challenges, increased operational costs, and a shrinking need for the service have forced G & M’s hand. Adam Vitale, President of G & M Distributors, expressed the company’s pride in their longstanding commitment to recycling, acknowledging the sense of loss that will follow the closure. Yet, in a message that underscores both resilience and...
Tariffs on aluminium extrusions dismissed: US ITC's decision brings reimbursement for importers
In a rare move, the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) denied countervailing and anti-dumping duties on aluminium extrusion imports from 14 countries, including China, India, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates. This ruling effectively halts cases aimed at imposing tariffs on aluminium extrusions, a material vital to numerous industries, including residential construction, HVAC, and furniture manufacturing. The decision ends countervailing and anti-dumping investigations and mandates that all duties previously collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be refunded to importers. This outcome marks a significant win for American businesses, especially in the construction sector, as the absence of tariffs helps keep costs down for aluminium-dependent products such...
After 45 years, PT Alumindo Light Metal Industry Tbk (ALMI) suspends all activities due to economic pressures
PT Alumindo Light Metal Industry Tbk (ALMI), one of Southeast Asia's largest aluminium rolling manufacturers, has halted all operational activities, including production, administration, and sales. Founded in 1978, ALMI is based in Surabaya, Indonesia, and operates as a subsidiary of the Maspion Group. This decision follows prolonged financial challenges, worsened by the 2018 global economic crisis, which the company has struggled to recover from. Corporate Secretary Wibowo Suryadinata confirmed the complete shutdown, stating that ALMI has faced severe revenue constraints. He noted that the company has neither income nor expenditures except bank interest costs and mandatory contributions. This drastic measure underscores the financial distress affecting ALMI, marking a significant setback...
Aluminium-driven progress: SAG Group revolutionises vehicle lightweighting to reduce emissions
The Salzburger Aluminium Group (SAG Group), a market leader in aluminium-based vehicle components, is making significant strides in advancing lightweight construction. This will help drastically reduce CO₂ emissions across the automotive and heavy vehicle sectors. From luxury sports cars that race to high speeds within seconds to heavy-duty trucks built with advanced lightweight parts, SAG’s rheocasting technology has become instrumental in manufacturing durable, high-performance components. SAG’s lightweight designs for heavy goods vehicles use Fronius’s patented Cold Metal Transfer and WireSense technologies to ensure strength and resilience in even the most demanding conditions. As a global leader in aluminium tank manufacturing for heavy trucks, SAG serves a roster of top-tier OEMs...
Sun Chemical, X-Rite & Pantone revolutionise colour matching for aluminium aerosol packaging
Sun Chemical, X-Rite Incorporated, and Pantone LLC have jointly introduced new Monobloc colour libraries within the PantoneLIVE™ digital colour ecosystem, enhancing the precision of Pantone standards communication across monobloc can production. These innovative libraries support brands and metal packaging manufacturers by setting realistic expectations for design, proofing, and printing. They cover both gloss and matte finishes on products like monobloc aerosols, aluminium collapsible tubes, cartridges, and felt pen cases. According to a statement from the companies, these Monobloc colour libraries are integrated within the 'PantoneLIVE Production—Print and Packaging' subscription and aim to provide the most accurate representation of Pantone colours for extruded aluminium aerosol cans....
BIR Convention highlights South-East Asia’s ascent as a global metals recycling hub
According to industry experts at the recent BIR convention in Singapore, Southeast Asia is rapidly establishing itself as a major hub for metals recycling, with new facilities emerging across Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Currently, BIR has a membership of over 1,100 companies, and around 1,200 delegates attended the Autumn Convention held in Singapore. The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) is the only global recycling industry federation representing more than 30,000 companies around the globe held the WORLD RECYCLING CONVENTION (Round-table session) in SINGAPORE from October (27) 28-29, 2024, RAFFLES CITY CONVENTION CENTRE, FAIRMONT HOTEL Among the latest additions is Oryx’s advanced stainless steel recycling facility in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, which has been designed as a...
