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.
Qamco posts QR427.7 million profit in first nine months of 2024, beating last year by 21%
Qatar Aluminium Manufacturing Company (Qamco) posted a 21 per cent increase in profits for the first nine months of 2024 despite rising raw material costs. By the end of September, the company's profit reached QR427.7 million ($117.3 million), up from QR353.5 million during the same period in 2023. According to figures released by Qamco and posted on the Qatar Stock Exchange on October 23, 2024, earnings per share rose to QR0.077 in the third quarter of 2024, compared to QR0.063 in the same quarter last year. Although the company's average selling prices slightly declined compared to 2023, it successfully boosted profits by optimizing operational costs and increasing sales volumes. Qamco, which is 51 per cent owned by QatarEnergy, with the remaining 49 per cent publicly listed, ranks...
Gränges Q3 2024 interim report: Growth driven by market expansion; carbon emissions reduced
Gränges, a global leader in aluminium engineering and manufacturing, has reported a strong performance in its third-quarter 2024 interim results, driven by increased market share and strategic sustainability efforts. Despite some pressures on profitability, the company delivered robust growth in sales volume and demonstrated continued progress toward its environmental targets. Jörgen Rosengren, Gränges' CEO, stated, "In the third quarter, we saw good demand in HVAC, speciality packaging and other niches, markets affected last year by excess inventory. On the other hand, demand from automotive customers weakened noticeably after the summer. Against that background, we are happy to see that the stronger sales focus we have had since 2023 has continued to drive growth. We increased our share...
Shanxi Coking Coal Energy Group secures prospecting rights for major coal and bauxite reserves in Lvliang
Shanxi Coking Coal Energy Group Co., Ltd. has announced a major acquisition, securing prospecting rights for coal and bauxite resources in the city of Lvliang. The deal, valued at RMB 24.7 billion ($3.46 billion), represents a significant expansion of the company's resource portfolio. The acquisition is expected to bolster Shanxi Coking Coal's strategic position in the energy and raw materials sector as the company continues to enhance its influence within China's resource-rich regions. The move aligns with broader industry trends of securing essential materials to meet growing energy and industrial demands. Lüliang, also spelt Lvliang or Lyuliang, is a prefecture-level city in western Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. The region is rich in natural resources, with over 90 per...
Tapas Kumar Pattanayak named as the new HR Director of Nalco
In a significant decision by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), Tapas Kumar Pattanayak has been selected for the role of Director (Human Resources) at the National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO). The appointment follows a PESB meeting held on October 21 st , 2024. Currently serving as the Executive Director (HR) at the Refineries Headquarters in New Delhi under the Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Pattanayak brings a wealth of experience in human resource management to his new position at NALCO, one of India's premier aluminium producers. His selection to the post of Director (HR) at NALCO is subject to the necessary vigilance clearances and final approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Once these...
AL Circle unveils its 27th e-Magazine, "The Modern world of ALuminium Flat Rolled Products" —A deep dive into innovation and sustainability
We are thrilled to announce the launch of AL Circle's 27 th e-Magazine edition, " The Modern world of ALuminium Flat Rolled Products ." As the world's fastest-growing global ALuminium ecosystem, AL Circle is committed to delivering insightful, trendsetting content that shapes the future of the aluminium industry. In this latest release, we spotlight a critical segment of the value chain—aluminium flat-rolled products—through powerful interviews, thought leadership articles, and visionary insights from industry giants and experts. A glimpse into flat rolled products: The backbone of aluminium innovation Flat-rolled aluminium products are the unsung heroes that form the foundation of numerous industries, from automotive and aerospace to construction, packaging, and electronics. They are...
German automakers 'Shouldn't Fear' China, says Scholz
In a bold statement at the inauguration of Mercedes-Benz's first battery recycling plant, Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged German automakers not to fear competition from China. Speaking on Monday, Scholz framed the investment as a key pillar of Germany's new industrial policy, aimed at strengthening the country's position in the rapidly evolving global auto industry. Scholz highlighted the importance of innovation and sustainability in ensuring Germany's competitive edge, stressing that initiatives like the new plant will help the nation remain a leader in the electric vehicle sector. The recycling facility, a major move in advancing Germany's green industrial transformation, reflects the country's commitment to cutting-edge technologies and eco-friendly solutions. "Some say that China can do...
Mozambique's Mozal Aluminium claims "Green," but can it withstand the EU carbon tax?
Mozambique's largest industrial player, Mozal, is promoting its aluminium as 'green,' a claim that could help it avoid the looming European Union (EU) carbon border tax. However, doubts have emerged about the legitimacy of these claims, raising concerns about the future of one of the world's weakest economies if the smelter cannot meet EU standards. The potential impact of the EU carbon tax on Mozal's operations is a cause for concern. The EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism, set to take effect in 2026, will impose taxes on carbon-intensive imports such as aluminium, steel, and cement. The tax prevents heavy industries from relocating to countries with weaker carbon regulations to escape the EU's stringent environmental standards. Mozal, a major aluminium smelter located outside...
South32's aluminium production and asset sale highlight a strong start to FY25
South32 has reported increased production across its operations in the first quarter of the 2024–25 financial year (Q1 FY25), maintaining its production guidance for the period. South32 Limited is a mining and metals company headquartered in Perth, Western Australia and follows the Australian financial year, which starts on July 1, with the last day occurring the following year on June 30. In addition to these operational gains, the company successfully completed the sale of its Illawarra Metallurgical Coal business. The asset was sold to a joint venture between Golden Energy and Resources and M Resources for $US964 million (approximately A$1.4 billion), marking a significant milestone for the mining giant. This quarter’s performance highlights South32’s focus on operational efficiency...
Zimbabwe govt. to regulate aluminium sulphate imports, prioritising local manufacturers' competitiveness
The landlocked country in the southern Africa region, Zimbabwe, is taking significant steps to regulate the importation of aluminium sulphate, focusing on reducing cost barriers for local manufacturers to enhance their competitiveness in domestic, regional, and international markets. During a recent visit to Chilmund Chemical, a Bindura-based water treatment chemicals manufacturer, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu underscored the importance of supporting local production. He visited the facility and reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to identifying and addressing cost-related challenges faced by Zimbabwean manufacturers, ensuring they can effectively export their products. Aluminium sulfate is widely used in water purification and chemical phosphorus removal...
Monadelphous announces A$160 million in new contracts, extending work with Rio Tinto and South32
The leading Australian engineering group, Monadelphous, has announced receiving new contracts and extensions valued at approximately A$160 million (US$106.99 million). The company has secured two one-year extensions for fixed plant maintenance services and sustaining capital projects across Rio Tinto’s iron ore operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Additionally, Monadelphous has been awarded a contract for the fabrication, supply, installation, and commissioning work at Rio Tinto’s Tom Price mine. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2025. In a further development, Monadelphous has also secured a new three-year contract for minor project works at South32’s Worsley Alumina operations in Western Australia. This follows the recent maintenance and shutdown services...
EU tariffs will drive Chinese EV production to Europe, escalating overcapacity crisis: Stellantis CEO
On October 14, 2024, Stellantis CEO Tavares stated that the European Union's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to accelerate plant closures across Europe. He warned that these duties would likely drive Chinese automakers to establish manufacturing facilities within Europe, compounding the overcapacity issue for local carmakers. As tariffs take effect, European governments—including Italy—are actively seeking to attract Asian automakers, a move that could potentially strengthen their foothold in the region and foster growth in the European automotive sector. Establishing production plants in Europe would enable these companies to bypass the EU's tariffs on imported EVs, provided certain conditions are met. This shift, however, poses a new...
ESA explores the future of in-space manufacturing with autonomous aluminium weld analysis
European Space Agency (ESA) engineers have closely examined a groundbreaking aluminium weld produced in space. This marks a historic milestone as the first autonomous welding conducted in orbit and the first of its kind involving ESA. The weld, a mere one centimetre in size, was created using electron beam welding technology as part of an experiment led by ThinkOrbital, a US-based startup. The experiment occurred aboard a spacecraft launched in May via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Now, ESA's Materials and Electrical Components Laboratory in the Netherlands is rigorously scrutinising the weld. The team is analysing the structure and quality of the space-made weld using advanced testing tools such as microscopes and X-ray tomography. The results will be compared with identical samples produced...
profine Group acquires Dutch firm EFP International, strengthens aluminium profile systems offering
In a strategic move to broaden its influence within the architectural and construction sectors, profine Group has announced the acquisition of EFP International B.V. (EFP), a Netherlands-based company with a global presence. EFP specialises in the design, development, and production of aluminium profile systems, marketed under the brand ‘EFP European Facade Products,’ catering primarily to the architectural facade industry. The owner and CEO of profine Group, Dr Peter A. Mrosik, stated, “This acquisition will unite two forces with the common goal of transforming the facade industry by offering innovative solutions to our valued customers while pursuing a sustainable approach to preserving our environment, which is our primary concern.” According to industry sources, EFP’s product range...
Global alumina markets tighten as Guinea bauxite export disruption looms
Alumina futures on the Shanghai Futures Exchange soared to a new record, driven by bauxite supply disruptions from Guinea and sustained demand from China. On Friday, alumina prices surged by as much as 6.4 per cent, reaching RMB 4,630 ($655) per tonne on the Shanghai Futures Exchange, marking the highest level since the contract's debut in June 2023. In tandem, the price for alumina shipments from Western Australia also saw a significant rise, climbing to $550 per tonne, the highest level recorded in data going back to 2021. The tightening market for alumina, a key feedstock for aluminium smelters, is primarily attributed to supply chain challenges and resilient Chinese demand, which continues to bolster prices. This development highlights growing concerns about alumina availability as...
Russian aluminium stocks on LME edge down to 66% in September
According to LME data released on October 10, 2024, the proportion of Russian-origin aluminium stock in London Metal Exchange (LME) approved warehouses saw a marginal decline in September, falling to 66 per cent from 67 per cent in August. However, the data indicated that aluminium of Indian origin experienced a slight uptick, rising to 32 per cent from 31 per cent. Total on-warrant aluminium stocks in LME-registered warehouses, regardless of origin, rose by 13 per cent in September—marking the first increase after three consecutive months of decline. This followed a significant jump in May after the LME decided to ban all Russian aluminium, copper, and nickel produced from April 13 onwards. The ban aimed to comply with sanctions imposed by the US and the UK in response to the...
Mining permits should last until resources deplete: President Director, Freeport Indonesia
In a bold statement on October 8, 2024, Tony Wenas, President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia, one of the world's leading mining and ore processing companies, expressed his support for the potential removal of government regulations that currently restrict the duration of mining concessions. Wenas highlighted that many countries do not impose time limits on mining operations, provided that concession holders adhere to responsible and sustainable mining practices. This perspective underscores a growing recognition of the need for regulatory frameworks that foster long-term investments in the mining sector while ensuring environmental stewardship. Wenas's comments could pave the way for significant changes in Indonesia's mining policies, promoting a more flexible approach that aligns with...
Vedanta Aluminium sets new industry standards with LME Passport digital connectivity
In a major milestone for India's aluminium industry, Vedanta Aluminium has become the first smelter in the country to successfully implement the London Metal Exchange (LME) Passport program. This development positions Vedanta Aluminium, India's largest aluminium producer, as only the fifth primary aluminium producer globally to establish a direct digital connection for the submission of Certificates of Analysis (CoA) to the LME's Passport platform. The LME Passport, a digital solution for managing metal quality documentation, automates the submission of CoAs, ensuring streamlined operations, enhanced traceability, and full compliance for metal shipments. By integrating this platform, Vedanta Aluminium is set to improve accessibility and transparency throughout its supply chain while also...
Ashanti Bauxite Limited unveils ambitious plans for bauxite mine with processing facility in Ashanti Region
Ashanti Bauxite Limited, a joint venture between the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and Rocksure International Limited, has announced ambitious plans to develop a bauxite mine with an integrated refinery in the Nyinahin-Mpasaaso area of the Ashanti Region. This initiative is part of the joint venture's Project 2, which aims to strengthen Ghana's global aluminium value chain position. A key milestone for the project was reached with the submission of the company's mining lease to Parliament for ratification, a critical step in moving the project forward. Once approved, the project will kick off in earnest, marking a significant development in the country's bauxite mining and refining ambitions. Notably, the lease includes a groundbreaking provision to allocate...
