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.
EEC initiates extension of 0% customs duty on vanadium-aluminium ligature imports
The executive body of the Eurasian Economic Union responsible for implementing decisions, upholding the EEU treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the Eurasian Economic Union, Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) comprising Russia and Kazakhstan initiates an extension of its 0% customs duty on the importation of vanadium-aluminium ligature until the end of 2022, commencing 2 nd of January 2022. This primary reason for the extension is to restrain prices for this type of raw material that is majorly utilized in the production of titanium alloys for the aerospace industry. However, by limiting the costs of materials, the majority of Russian-owned aerospace companies will be able to augment their production comparatively at a marginal cost. The development for the extension of 0%...
Downstream products weekly recap: Egyptalum signs a contract with Consulting Engineering Group for feasibility study; MDO acquires 14.8% stake in Synergies Casting Oman
The week witnessed the end of the year 2021 and also welcomed the New Year 2022 with lots of hope. The downstream segment of the aluminium industry remained still eventful in the last days of the year, as Egyptalum inked a contract with Consulting Engineering Group (CEGMAN) to undertake a feasibility study for the vehicle rims manufacturing line project, while on the other hand Oman’s mining and mineral processing industry, Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has initiated a collaboration with Synergies Casting Oman to acquire a 14.8% stake in the company’s shareholding. According to the Shanghai Metals Market, aluminium billet inventories in China surges by 5,700 tonnes week-on-week across five major consumption areas. As a result, the inventories closed at 80,300 tonnes, as of Thursday,...
Indian researchers develop industry-standard model for aluminium gallium nitride HEMT
The Indian scientific researchers have developed a high-calibre industry-standard model for aluminium gallium nitride (AlGaN/GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) with mere design technique that can be utilized to make high-power Radio Frequency (RF) circuits acceding to its high breakdown voltage. Amplifiers and switches that are used in wireless transmission and useful for space and defence applications are also included in radio frequency circuits. As AlGaN/GaN HEMTs can also elongate the power level of solid-state microwave circuits by a factor of five to ten, resulting in an appreciable limitation in the overall chip size and cost, the standard developed can crucially narrow the development budget of the circuits and devices for transmitting high-frequency signals. The...
Kazakhstan’s aluminium scrap export during 2019-21 demonstrates a sharp downfall followed by rapid growth
The process by which scrap aluminium can be reused in products after its initial production is termed aluminium recycling. However, the process involves simply re-melting the metal that is considered far economic and energy-intensive than producing new aluminium through the electrolysis of aluminium oxide (Al2O3). Aluminium scrap recycling just requires only 5% of the energy used to make new aluminium from the raw ore. The Central Asian nation, Kazakhstan exported 46,954 tonnes of aluminium scrap during 2019-20, creating an inward-flow of revenue for around $50.89 million from the export. In 2019, Kazakhstan exported 28,383 tonnes of aluminium scrap, incurring earnings of $30.40 million, whereas, in 2020, the export of aluminium scraps demonstrates sharp downfall by 34.56%, as the export...
Alro’s trade union dismays 1300 workers may be laid-off
The representatives of the trade union of Romanian aluminium producer Alro remains in dismay and alert that around 1300 staff or one-third of its labour force might get laid-off, as the company will curtail production at its aluminium smelter for primary aluminium production by 60% in 2022. The number of unemployed is anticipated to increase, as the organizations in the province that rely on Alro employ around 20,000. On 30 th December a demonstration was organised at the headquarters of Alro. The trade union seeks intervention from the Government and President to save the Romanian aluminium industry. Alro has already notified that the enormous reduction in the capacity of primary aluminium production from five to two electrolysis units is the way to counter the spike in the electricity...
High energy price stirs Hydro to axe aluminium production at Slovalco
On 30 th December 2021, the Norwegian aluminium giant, Norsk Hydro stated that it will axe around 60% production of Slovalco, its majority stake owned aluminium plant in Slovakia countering high energy prices. In 2021, the swelling cost of power and natural gas covering the European continent has driven production curtailments at aluminium smelters and many other plants affecting the manufacturing industries. Slovalco already declared in 2019 its capacity cut to 80% and also stated that the fresh deduction to 60% proportional to an annual abatement of 35,000 tonnes of aluminium. However, the company has not commented on its time to effect. Hydro said: "Slovalco will continue to monitor the situation closely in the coming weeks and months.” While in Norway, Hydro has not emerged for any...
EGA repays $361 million debt ahead of time
The leader in global aluminium production, Emirates Global Aluminium has paid off in full $361 million, which the Mubadala backed company had raised as project finance from 13 banks and export credit agencies. However, these funds were utilized significantly towards the expansion of its Al Taweelah smelter plant in Abu Dhabi. EGA said in a statement: “The funds relate to two tranches that were taken out, and were repaid four- and seven years before they became due. The early repayment further deleverages EGA and is an important part in the company’s capital structure optimisation strategy.” The financing of EGA has been narrowed by over $1 billion in the existing two years and now incorporates a senior term loan facility of $5.5 billion. Guinea Alumina Corporation, the subsidiary of EGA...
Croatia’s import of aluminium tubes and pipes during 2019-21 exemplifies remarkable growth
Aluminium pipe is clarified by its internal diameter (ID) or bore due to its usage for transferring fluid or another medium, while the aluminium round tube is explicated by its outside diameter (OD) because of its structural uses. Aluminium pipe is an extruded product that is extensively used for all types of fabrication projects where lightweight and corrosion resistance is primary concern. However, the aluminium tube also has a vast range of utilization from the automobile sector and aerospace industry to fencing posts, frames and other construction applications, as aluminium tubes are tough and durable with an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and high corrosion resistance. The country at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, Croatia imported 2186 tonnes of aluminium tubes...
Alcoa to cease primary aluminium production at San Ciprian smelter in Spain for two years
On 29 th December 2021, the world's sixth-largest producer of aluminium Alcoa has announced that it has drawn up an agreement for the curtailment of operations at its San Ciprian smelter in Spain for the next two years. However, the American industrial corporation has also delivered its commitment to initiate restarting the facility in January 2024. Alcoa, with its corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania said the agreement with workers' representatives at the San Ciprian aluminium facility is focused on settling the challenges it is countering in regards to outrageous energy prices. Alcoa stated: “The deal will see the curtailment activity at the facility, which has 228,000 metric tons of annual capacity, begin Jan. 1, with the goal of completion before the end of that month.”...
Montenegro’s aluminium scrap export during 2018-21 depicts volatile movement
The non-ferrous metal scrap aluminium produces both ‘new’ and ‘old’ scrap. The new scrap is generated from aluminium wrought and cast products as the metal is processed by fabricators into consumer or industrial products, while the old scrap is generated from end-of-life products or abandoned aluminium products of all types. The aluminium scrap metals are recycled and being utilised enormously in the construction industry in projects and bridges. However, in the transportation industry, it can be used in the manufacture of automobiles, aircraft and other means of transportation. The Balkan nation Montenegro exported aluminium scrap of 4997 tonnes during 2018-20, attracting earnings of around $5.54 million from the export of the metal for recycling. Montenegro’s export of aluminium scrap...
Malaysia: NWP Holdings secures RM30 million worth of aluminium formwork contract
NWP Holdings Bhd has received a formal note from Pembinaan Bintang Baru Sdn Bhd that it has selected its wholly-owned subsidiary NWP Construction Sdn Bhd as the sub-contractor to endeavour the supply and installation of aluminium formwork system and skim coating works for RM 30.4 million. While filing at the bourse, the company stated: “The works will be done for two development sites in Setia Alam, Selangor, and in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur.” Yap Shuh Jian, the CEO of NWP said: “The contracts mark the group’s foray into the construction industry.” “The company is poised to leverage on its key management’s extensive experience to expand its construction arm.” “We are excited with our new ventures to be key earnings contributors for the group in the near term. The secured projects are vital to...
Oman mining and mineral processing industry’s flagship company MDO acquires 14.8% stake in Synergies Casting Oman
The flagship company of Oman’s mining and mineral processing industry, Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has instituted an alliance with Synergies Casting Oman to acquire a 14.8% stake in the company’s shareholding. In 2017, Synergies Casting Oman was formed as a joint venture between Synergies Castings India and Omani investors to manufacture aluminium alloy car wheels for the automotive industry. Synergies Casting Oman is envisaging to functionalize an alloy wheel manufacturing plant in Sohar Industrial Estate. The alloy wheel plant that is currently under construction is anticipated to commence commercial operations in Q1 2022. The alloy wheel plant project with an investment of OMR 42 million is expected with a production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes of alloy wheels and is considered...
Uniprom to close down KAP aluminium smelter by December 30
The Aluminium Plant Podgorica, which is also commonly known as Uniprom KAP, is a Montenegrin aluminium smelting company located in Podgorica, Montenegro. Uniprom plans to complete the proposed close down of the electrolysis plant of aluminium smelter KAP by 30 th December 2021, as reported by local media agencies. On 26 th December 2021, Nebojsa Dozic, the General Manager of KAP said: “The aluminium company has so far shut down half of the electrolysis cells at the smelter.” However, in the previous week, Uniprom directed the smelter to commence a phased shutdown of cells in the electrolysis plant and on 15 th December, a drive which will lead to a halt in the production of primary aluminium due to a surge in energy price that state-run power distributor EPCG tenders to come into force...
Austria’s aluminium cans export during 2019-21 unveils enterprising demand surge
The beverage cans made from aluminium are a phenomenon of sustainability, functionality and modern design. However, aluminium produces the only beverage cans that are infinitely recyclable, easy to store and lightweight and super-efficient to ship. Furthermore, another advantage of packaging beverages in cans is that chills in short duration, deliver a superior metal canvas for 360-degree labelling and feasibly most vital is protecting flavour and freshness. The landlocked nation in the southern part of Central Europe, Austria exported 167,064 tonnes of aluminium cans during 2019-20, incurring revenue earnings of around $216.53 million from the export. Austria’s export of aluminium cans in 2019 was documented at 74,911 tonnes, counting earnings of around $96.53 million, whereas, in 2020,...
China Hongqiao to shift 1.93 million tonnes of aluminium smelting capacity to Yunnan province
As per the local government notice, it has been revealed that the world's largest aluminium producer, China Hongqiao Group, which engulfs the entire aluminium industry chain, plans to shift 1.93 million tonnes of aluminium capacity to the Honghe prefecture in southwest Yunnan province. The statement released by the Yunnan industry department, which says that, the Chinese state-owned company that specializes in the production of aluminium lines up to reposition capacity from six projects in its Shandong units to Yunnan Honghe New Material Co via a capacity swap plan. The largest aluminium manufacturer, Hongqiao had committed to displacing around 2 million tonnes of its annual capacity from eastern Shandong province to Yunnan's Wenshan prefecture for smooth access to hydropower, a pristine...
Europe’s integrated aluminium producer ‘ALRO’ accomplishes acquisition of Vimetco Trading
The European integrated aluminium producer in Romania, Alro stated that it has accomplished the acquisition of Vimetco Trading from its majority shareholder Vimetco PLC and its subsidiary, Vimetco Management Romanian, to become its sole owner. On 24 th December 2021, while filing a statement with the Bucharest Stock Exchange, BVB, Alro said the deal navigates the company to accomplish the integration of sales activities into the structure of the Alro Group. The accomplished transaction was assessed at the market value of Vimetco Trading, while it will empower Alro to upgrade its synergies between production and sales of finished products. Since 2008, Vimetco Trading has played the role of an agent without any representation of Alro in all worldwide markets of aluminium products. Alro, a...
India imposes anti-dumping duties on five Chinese products including aluminium
The Indian government took measures to safeguard the domestic producers from cheap imports from the neighbouring country by imposing anti-dumping duties on five Chinese products, including specific aluminium goods among others. Under a discrete notification of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), the duties have been imposed on definite flat-rolled products of aluminium among other products. However, these duties were imposed following recommendations from the commerce ministry's investigation arm Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR). The department in separate probes has accomplished that these products have been exported at a price below normal value in Indian markets that has created dumping. The DGTR stated: “The domestic industry has suffered material...
Japan’s import of aluminium containers during 2019-21 exhibits significant growth
The dynamic reposition in the consumer consumption style in the food and beverages sector, as consumers are tending for takeaway or ready-to-eat food, owing to switching lifestyles and growing disposable incomes, particularly in emerging economies across the world. The foodservice operators offer multiple services such as takeaway and drive-through to cater to the growing number of on-the-go consumers. However, with the surge in working population and rise in urbanizing, these food formats are anticipated to gain acceptance among several consumers. Now with the rise in usage of aluminium foil containers for packaging in the foodservice industry, successively, is predicted to propel the demand for the aluminium foil containers market. The island country in East Asia located in the...
