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.
Aluminium can recycling takes spotlight at the UNESCO-inscribed Durga Puja festival
India, often hailed as the land of gods and goddesses, has stepped into its vibrant festival season of 2024. This week marks the beginning of the grandest celebration in the eastern part of the country—Durga Puja. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2021 inscribed Kolkata’s Durga Puja on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which is the first time in Asia, giving the Bengalis and Indians a reason to rejoice. UNESCO recognised Durga Puja for its cultural significance. It draws millions of devotees and spectators to the streets, where they marvel at the artistic grandeur of the goddess Durga in her many forms. From intricately crafted clay and metal idols to modern fibreglass depictions, the goddess rises majestically from...
FY25 Outlook bright for Press Metal: Stable aluminium prices and China's economic recovery in focus
According to Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB), Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd, with a current smelting capacity of 1.08 million tonnes and an extrusion capacity of 240,000 tonnes per annum, is the largest integrated aluminium producer in Southeast Asia. It is set to achieve double-digit earnings growth in FY2025. This growth is driven by stable aluminium prices, easing global monetary policies, and China's economic recovery. The investment banker and research house anticipates steady aluminium prices and an expected decline in alumina prices to bolster the company's profit margins going into the next fiscal year. However, near-term challenges remain. Press Metal is expected to report weaker earnings for the third quarter of 2024, impacted by a 5.5 per cent drop in average aluminium...
Arrow Minerals set to launch maiden drilling at Niagara Bauxite Project in Guinea
Arrow Minerals Limited is poised to launch its maiden bauxite exploration program at the Niagara Bauxite Project in Guinea. The program will include drilling, bulk sampling, and metallurgical testing to estimate Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources. This will set the stage for a Scoping Study in the first half 2025. The project's initial phase will focus on three of nine identified targets, selected for their strategic location near the rail corridor and cost-effective start-up potential. These targets will benefit from past exploration efforts, including 448 drill holes completed in previous campaigns by companies such as Vale in 2007. Arrow plans to drill approximately 150 holes, spaced 600m by 600m and reducing to 300m by 300m, totalling around 2,000 meters of drilling. In...
Decarbonisation push fuels Marubeni's growth in green aluminium sales
The Japanese integrated trading and investment business conglomerate Marubeni Corporation is ramping up efforts to expand its sales of low-carbon primary aluminium, commonly referred to as ‘green aluminium,’ in response to increasing global demand for sustainable raw materials. With the trend towards decarbonisation gaining momentum, driven by international measures to combat climate change, Marubeni has secured a growing number of green aluminium deals across various industries. The surge in demand comes as companies seek to reduce their carbon footprints, and Marubeni has positioned itself as a key supplier of low-carbon aluminium. The corporation’s green aluminium is now being supplied to customers in many sectors, including transportation, where the pressure to decarbonise is...
May Queen South Bauxite project reveals elevated gallium levels, Australasian Metals eyes new opportunities
Australasian Metals Limited has identified substantially elevated gallium (Ga) levels during a re-evaluation of data from its May Queen South Bauxite project. These findings have the potential to significantly increase the value of the May Queen South Bauxite deposits. The increasing demand for gallium in the semiconductor industry is anticipated to open significant opportunities for the company. Results showing elevated gallium levels The May Queen South Bauxite Project, strategically situated in central Queensland, benefits from proximity to rail links that offer convenient access to both the Port of Bundaberg and the Port of Brisbane. The project boasts a JORC 2012-compliant Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 54.9 million tonnes, with grades of 37.5 per cent total Al₂O₃, 5.2...
Key highlights from the global aluminium industry, September 2024
In September 2024, the global aluminium industry witnessed significant developments across production, sustainability, and market dynamics. Aluminium producers continued to push for greener technologies, as the global primary aluminium producers are focusing on expanding their low-carbon aluminium portfolios, while recycling initiatives gained traction worldwide, particularly in Europe and North America. China, the world's largest aluminium producer, reported steady output growth, though facing challenges with energy restrictions and environmental regulations. Meanwhile, demand for aluminium remained steady in the automotive and packaging sectors, driven by the growing emphasis on lightweighting and circular economy practices. Trade tensions have shaped market conditions, alerting...
AL Circle unveils industry report "Aluminium in Packaging: Consumer Trends and Market Dynamics" - A deep dive into global shifts
In a rapidly evolving packaging landscape, aluminium is playing an increasingly critical role in meeting sustainability goals and responding to dynamic consumer preferences. Today, AL Circle, the world's fastest-growing global ALuminium ecosystem, proudly announces the launch of its highly anticipated report, " Aluminium in Packaging: Consumer Trends and Market Dynamics ." This comprehensive study offers an in-depth analysis of the shifting trends, market forces, and emerging opportunities shaping the future of aluminium in the packaging sector. Addressing the global sustainability demand The growing emphasis on sustainability has revolutionised the packaging industry, with consumers, brands, and regulatory bodies all pushing for eco-friendly solutions. Aluminium, being infinitely...
NALCO's FY 2023-24 net profit hits INR 2,060 crore amid strong sales and export growth
The Indian public sector company National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), under the Ministry of Mines, delivered a positive financial performance for the fiscal year 2023-24. The company recorded a sales turnover of INR 13,149 crore (USD$ 1.57 billion), reflecting its continued strength in the aluminium industry. NALCO's net profit surged to INR 2,060 crore (approx. USD$248 million), marking a significant increase of INR 516 crore (approx. USD$62.1 million) compared to the previous fiscal year. The company also reported an impressive export turnover of INR 4,275.73 crore, underscoring its strong presence in international markets. This performance highlights NALCO's resilience and growth, cementing its position as a key player in India's aluminium sector. During its 43rd Annual General...
Vedanta's quality triumph: Complies with government order on aluminium wire rods & rolled products
In a significant milestone for the Indian aluminium industry, Vedanta Aluminium, the nation's leading producer, has taken the lead in receiving the prestigious Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for its aluminium wire rods and rolled products (sheets. plates and strips) as the government's new quality regulations come into effect. The BIS certification covers products manufactured at both Vedanta's BALCO facility in Chhattisgarh and its Jharsuguda unit in Odisha, reinforcing the company's position as an industry leader committed to quality and innovation. The mandatory BIS certification, introduced by the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the Ministry of Mines, is part of a broader regulatory framework to ensure quality control across aluminium and...
Sustainability meets precision: Aluminium hole stays from TSUBAKI KABELSCHLEPP
TSUBAKI KABELSCHLEPP has introduced aluminium hole stays from its LG series, designed to significantly enhance the service life of cable carriers and contribute to improved sustainability of the overall system. These small but impactful components offer several advantages, including optimal routing for even the heaviest cables and hoses within the neutral bending line. Additionally, the hole stays provide flexibility with 1-mm increments for precise adjustments, simplifying both installation and maintenance. This innovation underscores the company's commitment to advancing durability and efficiency in industrial applications. Werner Eul, Head of Industry & Product Management at TSUBAKI KABELSCHLEPP explained, "The less strain is placed on cables and hoses inside a cable carrier, the...
Jamie Dimon highlights global economic complexities, praises the resilience of U.S. and Indian economies
In a recent conversation with one of the leading Indian news media, Jamie Dimon, a seasoned financial expert and the CEO of JPMorgan, shared his insights on the global economy's challenges. He underscored that despite lingering concerns over inflation and recession, the U.S. and India are demonstrating remarkable resilience. "There's a lot of noise about recession — the U.S., Europe, and a slowing China," Dimon said, acknowledging the global uncertainty. He noted that while China's economic growth has decelerated, India is performing exceptionally well. The U.S. economy, too, has exceeded expectations, weathering economic headwinds better than many anticipated. Dimon's comments reflect a nuanced understanding of the global economic landscape as nations grapple with inflationary pressures,...
LB Aluminium Bhd's Q1 net profit doubles, revenue reaches two-decade high
LB Aluminium Bhd (KL), headquartered in Malaysia, reported a significant surge in its first-quarter net profit, which doubled year-on-year. This was driven by stronger performances in its aluminium and property divisions. According to its filing with Bursa Malaysia, for the quarter ending July 31, 2024 (1QFY2025), the company posted a net profit of RM8.86 million, a substantial increase from RM4.32 million in 1QFY2024. The group’s revenue soared 35.9 per cent to RM279.76 million, marking its highest in two decades. The aluminium segment saw a 23 per cent revenue jump to RM184.9 million, up from RM150.3 million, attributed to increased sales volumes and higher selling prices. Meanwhile, the property division also performed strongly, with revenue rising to RM94.9 million from RM55.6...
MetalX appoints Stan Gish to lead MMX Aluminium slab facility in Ohio
Fort Wayne, Indiana-based MetalX LLC has appointed Stan Gish as the new President and Chief Operating Officer of MMX Aluminium, the company’s forthcoming aluminium slab production facility in Defiance, Ohio. MetalX highlights Gish’s extensive experience and leadership as crucial assets in its expansion into recycled-content aluminium production. “Gish is a highly respected figure in the aluminium industry, with a remarkable history of success,” the company states, emphasising the value he brings to their future growth. According to the company, Gish began his career at Logan Aluminium in Kentucky. He later held positions at Alcan Aluminium and joined Tri-Arrows Aluminium, also in Kentucky, where he served as Vice President of Operations. After his time at Tri-Arrows, Gish established a...
Baphlimali Bauxite Mines wins FIMI’s prestigious environment award
The Baphlimali Bauxite Mines, located in Odisha and operated by Utkal Alumina, a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Limited under the Aditya Birla Group, has been honoured with the esteemed Misrilal Jain Environment Award for 2023-24. The award, presented by Shri V.L. Kanta Rao, I.A.S., Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Mines, was conferred during a ceremony organised by the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI). Rabi Mishra, Unit Head at Utkal Alumina, said, "We are honoured to receive this recognition, which reflects our dedication to preserving the environment while meeting the growing demand for bauxite. This award belongs to the entire team whose hard work and passion drive our sustainability initiatives." This recognition highlights the Baphlimali team's...
Innovative aluminium-scandium alloys for 3D printing: Scandium Canada Ltd. moves forward with patent
Scandium Canada Ltd. has filed a provisional patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for its innovative aluminium alloy powders explicitly designed for additive manufacturing (3D printing) applications. The patent, titled "Aluminum Alloy Powders for Additive Manufacturing: Methods of Producing the Same and Uses Thereof", marks a major milestone in the company's ongoing efforts to expand its technological and intellectual property portfolio. In addition to its core focus on advancing the Crater Lake scandium and rare earth project, Scandium Canada has successfully developed two proprietary aluminium-scandium (Al-Sc) alloys in collaboration with McMaster University in Ontario. These alloys have been specifically tailored for 3D printing applications, enabling more...
Renewable energy sector faces grid infrastructure bottleneck
While global investment in renewable energy continues to surge, a critical bottleneck is hindering progress: insufficient power grid capacity. According to estimates, solar and wind facilities capable of producing electricity equivalent to 480 nuclear reactors remain disconnected from transmission networks in both the U.S. and Europe. This issue is not isolated to the West. South Korea's government recently denied U.S. asset manager BlackRock's proposal to build an offshore wind farm in Asia, citing a lack of available grid capacity, as reported by local media. The challenge of connecting new renewable projects to the grid is becoming a significant roadblock. Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) reveals that the world added approximately 560 gigawatts of renewable power...
Alumina producer Jamalco resolves port logistical challenges, reopens Rocky Point after repairs
The Jamaica-based bauxite mining and alumina-producing company Jamalco has successfully reopened its Rocky Point port following extensive repairs, resuming normal shipping operations. The port's conveyor system was damaged by storm conditions caused by Hurricane Beryl, which passed offshore on July 3 and impacted Jamaica's southern coast. In response to the damage, Jamalco declared force majeure and temporarily shifted to alternative port arrangements to fulfill shipments. However, the interim solutions presented logistical challenges, and the company acknowledged that only partial commitments were met during the disruption. With the Rocky Point port back in operation, Jamalco has restored its regular shipment schedules, concluding the challenges posed by the storm damage. Repairs to the...
Russian aluminium's share in EU imports falls amid sanction pressure
The European Union's approach to Russian primary aluminium imports has significantly transformed in a landscape marked by evolving geopolitical tensions, as revealed by a recent report by Eurasia Strategic Consulting. While presently, any formal sanctions on Russian aluminium remain absent, other than the earlier ban on the aluminium wire rod, foil, tubes, and pipes supplied from Russia, the practical reality of self-sanctioning by European importers and the ripple effects of secondary sanctions have dramatically altered the market dynamics. Recent actions from the U.S. and UK governments have significantly influenced the shift in the EU's stance on Russian primary aluminium imports. In April 2024, both nations took decisive steps that led the London Metals Exchange (LME) and the Chicago...
