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.
Canyon Resources initiates mining convention negotiations for the Minim Martap Project
The Australian listed company that is focussed on the development of the 100% owned Minim-Martap Bauxite Project, a direct shipping ore (DSO) project development opportunity in central Cameroon, Canyon Resources Limited has updated the shareholders on the progress of development on the bauxite project in Cameroon. The Company has secured formal written notification from the Ministry of Mines in Cameroon towards the commencement of the process of the negotiation for a mining convention for the project. However, once finalised, the Mining Convention shall spell out all the key terms of the Project between the Company and the State across all areas, including justification and scope of the project, taxes, State participation in the Project, social and environmental obligations, conditions of...
Nigeria’s aluminium plates, sheets and strips import during 2019-21 signifies a volatile trend
Aluminium with thickness from 0.008 inches to less than 0.25 inches thick is considered sheet, while thinner aluminium is foil and aluminium 0.250 inches and thicker is known as a plate. However, cold-rolled aluminium material less than 5.00 mm in thickness and under 600 mm in width is termed as strips. Aluminium plate is very much used for storage tanks in many industries in part because some aluminium alloys gain strength at extremely cold temperatures. Furthermore, aluminium sheet metal is a uniquely versatile metal sheet that has numerous applications in the modern world. The largest economy in the African continent with an aggregate GDP of $468.6 billion, according to World Bank, Nigeria imported 264,565 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and strips during 2019-20 incurring an...
Global aluminium industry entails $1.5 trillion to decarbonise electricity for meeting UN climate goals
On 26 th October 2021, an international aluminium industry body stated that around $1.5 trillion of investment is necessitated to decarbonise power supplies used to produce aluminium, so the sector can initiate achieving the United Nations climate goals. During an online presentation, the only body representing the global primary aluminium industry, the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) said: “But that huge investment is only a portion of the funds needed so the output of aluminium, one of the most energy-intense metals, can cut emissions by 2050.” IAI further added: “Around 60% of the aluminium sector's emissions are from the production of electricity consumed in the smelting process, but the investment is also needed to shift to green hydrogen, deploy carbon capture and boost...
Growing aluminium prices succoured Chalco to book the finest profit in 8 years
On 26 th October 2021, the Chinese company listed in Hong Kong and in New York bourse, Aluminum Corp of China Ltd stated that its quarterly net profits in July-September leapt more than five-fold Y-o-Y, swiping to highest since late 2013 on the shoulders of booming aluminium and alumina prices. The Chinese state-controlled company, Chalco, said: “Q3 net income was RMB 2.23 billion ($349 million), up around 430% from an adjusted RMB 421.25 million a year earlier.” The Refinitiv Eikon data reveals: “Profits were also up almost 6% from a bumper second quarter and marked Chalco's best result since the net income of RMB 2.79 billion in the fourth quarter of 2013.” The Q3 revenues concurrently shot up by 51.3% Y-o-Y to RMB 74.19 billion as Shanghai aluminium prices escalated to their highest...
Rio Tinto, Carbfix collaborates for carbon capture and storage at ISAL smelter area
The global metal giant Rio Tinto partners with Carbfix, the provider of natural and permanent storage solutions by turning CO2 into stone underground in less than two years, to implement a technology for capturing carbon and permanently storing it underground at the ISAL aluminium smelter in Iceland. The MoU for a strategic partnership reveals that Carbfix will use Rio Tinto’s land surrounding the ISAL smelter for onshore CO2 injection in the world’s first carbon mineral storage hub, the Coda Terminal, while liquefied CO2 will be imported by ship from industrial sites across North Europe for storage. Rio Tinto visions ISAL as an ideal site to become the first smelter where carbon capture and storage is implemented in the aluminium industry. Both the parties will work together to advance...
Thailand’s aluminium scrap export during 2019-20 descends 13%; 24% upswing estimated for 2021
The 2021 outlook has enhanced significantly for the scrap market, propelled in part by constrained supply chains and rising prices of the metal have seen a dramatic turnaround. However, prices remain volatile and most market participants remain cautiously optimistic. Aluminium scrap can be recast for multiple uses like extensively in construction projects and also in the manufacturing automobiles, aircraft, etc. Thailand’s mixed economic system delivers a variety of private freedom, blended with centralized economic planning and government regulation. According to the World Bank, Thailand is a newly industrialized country, with a GDP of $505 billion in 2018, and the 8th largest economy of Asia. The South-East Asian nation, Thailand running industries like auto manufacturing and automotive...
Aluminium scarce related to magnesium supply deficiency from China, says AMAG chief
The raw material required for the production of metal aluminium is experiencing a dearth, while the price of the green metal has towered to sevenfold in a short span and the consumers will get the heat sooner or later, as stated by Adolf Kerbl, the Managing Director of the Foundry Industry Association. Gerald Mayer, the CEO of AMAG Austria Metall AG commented by saying: “The reason for the aluminium deficiency is actually a magnesium deficiency that resulted from the throttling of Chinese electricity production at coal-fired power plants.” “China has cut electricity production for environmental reasons in order to meet the climate targets. As a result, magnesium factories would produce less or would come to a standstill. The world market is dependent on China and around 87% of world...
Disinfectants with aluminium packaging are safer for health, says Indonesian Medical Practitioner
It is very much well known to us that germs are the source of disease. Hence, the medical world created a disinfectant to eliminate germs rapidly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the presence of disinfectants reached its peak in the community. Furthermore to germs, disinfectant liquid can extinguish pathogens and fungi, as it is also believed to eradicate viruses. Presently, the most common product people choose is the type of disinfectant spray, while with the high market demand, more and more disinfectant products are distributing in the market. However, it is unfortunate that some irresponsible people take this as an opportunity, so the public needs to be careful in selecting spray disinfectant products. Dr Donny Fernando Kamu, a Medical Practitioner in Indonesia said: "Many patients ask...
India: Coal supply curb drags unrest in SMEs of aluminium supply chain
On 25 th October 2021, the group representing Indian organizations involved in the industrial production and consumption supply chain activities across the country, the Indian Industrial Value Chain Council (IIVCC) labelled that 5000 plus SMEs who are associated with the aluminium value chain are in panic of suffering hefty losses if the ongoing coal supply distress challenging the primary aluminium industry is not immediately resolved. Out of 5000 MSMEs, around 1000 SMEs are associated with the supply chain and ancillaries of large aluminium producers and related input manufacturing industries, whereas, around 4000 SMEs are comprehended in the aluminium downstream manufacturing and distribution ventures. It has been also notified that any substantial unsettling in the market drift for...
Reynaers Aluminium excels with the glory of Al Khobar skyline project ‘Ajdan Rise’
The European developer of aluminium products for the building sector, Reynaers Aluminium renowned as a specialist in the development and marketing of innovative and sustainable aluminium solutions for windows, doors, curtain walls, sliding systems, sun screening and conservatories has delivered the latest generation of its versatile systems to a prestigious project ‘Ajdan Rise’that has become the crowning glory of Al Khobar skyline. Ali Khalaf, the Managing Partner and Director of Reynaers Middle East stated that the glorious project Ajdan Rise displays luxury, comfort and an eccentric architecture appropriate for the high-performance levels expected of a world-class, state-of-the-art building on the Al Khobar Waterfront. The 130-m tower includes 187 luxury residential units enveloped...
Belgium’s aluminium household articles import during 2018-20 exemplifies demand surge with marginal drop; 52% upturn estimated for 2021
The aspect of aluminium is the rationale it is used frequently in household articles. The metal aluminium is gradually replacing plastic and steel articles, as it is stronger and tougher than plastic and lighter than steel. Furthermore, aluminium allows heat to disperse quickly, keeping articles from overheating. Belgium’s well developed free-market economy is founded on both industrial and service sectors, despite its small size it has consistently ranked among the top 20 economies of the world and stands strong. The country home to NATO headquarters, Belgium imported 36,320 tonnes of aluminium household articles during 2018-20, which drove revenue expenditure for import of around $187.27 million. The Western European nation in 2018 imported 7568 tonnes of aluminium household articles...
China shuts magnesium smelters due to energy crisis, a distress call to aluminium alloy supply
The global auto industry has been alerted for the shortfall of components driven by the Chinese energy crisis. The power distress is restricting the nation towards production curb across a wide range of industries, but especially the impact is huge on aluminium alloys supply. China controls 87% of the World’s magnesium production with functionalizing 50 smelters, while the govt. has directed around 35 magnesium smelters to cease production until the end of 2021. The rest in operation will be producing only 50% of their capacity to ensure energy consumption targets are successfully achieved. Magnesium is a vital component in the production of aluminium alloy. The dearth of the metal could sceptically jolt the global automotive industry. Amos Fletcher, Director of Mining Equity Research,...
Downstream Weekly Recap: Aluminium extruder China Zhongwang reports financial distress at Hong Kong bourse; US aluminium producers sent an alert on output curbs due to magnesium crisis
The global aluminium downstream segment remains in the spotlight this week with regard to multiple happenings. The world second-largest and Asia’s biggest producer of aluminium extrusions, China Zhongwang whose products are broadly consumed in multiple sectors like transport, construction and electronics industries have reported a financial crisis at the Hong Kong bourse. Zhongwan headquartered with its vital production base is in the city of Liaoyang, the north-eastern province of Liaoning, one of the Chinese regions hardest hit by widespread power crisis that have cramped industrial production. The biggest aluminium billet producer in the United States, Matalco has sent an S-o-S to consumers of its output slash and rationalizes supplies immediate next year amid a magnesium crisis....
Europe’s largest smelter ‘Aluminium Dunkerque’ settles refinancing
On 22 nd October 2021, the largest aluminium smelter in Europe that specialises in the production of aluminium slabs and ingots, Aluminium Dunkerque Industries France SAS, formerly known as Liberty Industries France SAS accomplished the refinancing of its Senior Facility Agreement, comprising approximately $235 million of funded debt and $60 million in hedging liabilities. The company confirmed all holders of this facility that were previously in default have received payment at par plus accrued interest. The replacement facility is a bond held by affiliates of American Industrial Partners (AIP) Capital Fund VII, L.P. ("AIP"). The replacement facility comes with a five-year maturity, a diminished cash-pay interest rate and no mandatory amortization. The replacement facility also provides...
Bridgnorth Aluminium secures £60 million asset-based lending facility to diversify product range
The renowned manufacturer and supplier of aluminium flat-rolled products in the United Kingdom have obtained a £60 million asset-based lending (ABL) facility from HSBC UK to support the expansion of its product range and power its future growth plans. The metal strips for lithography printing Bridgnorth Aluminium will utilize the funding from HSBC UK to diversify into different markets, driving away from being purely recognised as a lithography specialist to a more multifaceted approach. Bridgnorth Aluminium was founded way back in 1933 and currently being the largest Shropshire's employer, the manufacturer will commence and supply new aluminium flat-rolled products to the beverage industry for aluminium cans production and to the stockist market. With the plan to enter these high-growth...
Guinea coup leader calls to review precise mining contracts
The Guinea coup leader turned interim President of the West African nation, with the authorities, after showing their intention to tidy out the financials of the former government, by establishing an Audit Committee that will be responsible for investigating the financial misconduct of the Alpha Condé regime, must also now scrutinize the Guinean mining cadastre. The strategic committee will officially review all the mining contracts signed under the Condé era. The directory needs to review agreements targeted to the Bauxite mining, Nimba Project and Iron Sectors of Simandou blocks 1 and 2 where a company was backed by the son of Alpha Condé took over with fanfare. The steadfastness of President Alpha Condé in the mining sector, sponsored by his close acquaintances had tainted the entire...
Poland’s aluminium scrap export during 2019-21 exhibits balanced growth
The most crucial input material to the aluminium recycling process is aluminium scrap. However, it is generally classified as “new scrap” from production processes and “old scrap” from post-consumer use. The one that emerges from the manufacturing of aluminium semi-fabricated and final products is the new scrap. The most habitual source of aluminium scrap is general-purpose items, such as beverage cans and household products. Aluminium reclaimed from aircraft is a small but growing source of scrap material. The central European nation, Poland recorded an export of aluminium scrap of 457,303 tonnes during 2019-20, which generated revenue of $475.74 million from the export of scrap. The Polish export of aluminium scrap in 2019 was documented at 220,765 tonnes, with earnings incurred from...
Nalco rolls-out Lean Slurry project marking an outstanding practice in environmental management
On 20 th October 2021, the Secretary of the Mines Ministry, Govt. of India, Alok Tandon inaugurated the National Aluminium Company’s Lean Slurry Project at Angul, Odisha marking a notable milestone in the Indian state-owned integrated aluminium company’s journey for business supremacy and embracing outstanding practices in environmental management. Nalco released a statement that states the accomplishment of the Lean Slurry Project by Nalco will secure 100% utilisation of the ash produced at the company’s Captive Power Plant (CPP) and marks a remarkable move in its obligation towards environment-friendly and sustainable operations. The Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of Nalco, Sridhar Patra chaperoned Alok Tandon, visited the aluminium smelter and Captive Power Plant of Nalco at...
