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.
India: Tata Motors ties up with Gujarat govt. to set up vehicle scrapping centre, eyeing 99% materials recovery including aluminium
The Indian automobile giant Tata Motors plans to set up a 36,000 vehicle per year scrapping facility in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in a row with India's focus to increase domestic scrap metal processing capacity and reduce dependency on scrap imports. On 13 th August, Tata Motors signed an MoU at the Investor Summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in presence of the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari; Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani and other delegates from the Government of Gujarat and Government of India. The objective with which the vehicle scrappage policy is implemented is to reduce pollution, while it will phase out unfit and polluting vehicles and promote recovery of aluminium and other metals and materials that can be recycled. <iframe width="500" height="320"...
French cable manufacturing company Nexans unveils strong performance in H1 2021
The Paris, France headquartered global cable and optical fiber manufacturing company, Nexans S.A. published its financial statements for H1 2021 ending June 30, as approved by the Board of Directors, Chaired by Jean Mouton has revealed strong performance. Christopher Guérin, Nexans’ Chief Executive Officer, while commenting on the Group’s performance, said: “Ahead of expectations for 2021, we are confidently building the blocks of our 2022 – 2024 new strategic ambition presented at our Capital Markets Day last February.” “This first semester’s strong performance anchors the first steps of our strategic vision to become the pure player in sustainable electrification. Nexans is now a structured, healthy and solid Group. We will continue to trigger structural value growth while amplifying...
Mulk Holdings partners with Park International Investments, Silver Heights Real Estate to establish Alubond USA LLC.
Mulk Holdings International, the UAE based diversified multinational business conglomerate with interests in Manufacturing of Metal Composites (Alubond U.S.A.), Facade Contracting, Aluminum Coil Coatings, etc. have entered into a joint venture with Park International Investments LLC, a global investment powerhouse and Silver Heights Real Estate, a Dubai-based property management group and real estate broker to establish Alubond USA LLC. The partnership between Mulk Holdings International and Park International Investments has already gained supply contracts of over $100 million involving five mega projects across the US and is counting to spearhead exterior facades at a time when the US economy rebounds to the pre-pandemic levels. Nawab Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman of Mulk Holdings...
South Korea’s import of aluminium household articles during 2019-20 manifests de-growth; 15% leap expected in 2021
The South Korean economy inflated at the fastest annual pace in a decade during Q2, accredits to a pick-up in private consumption, though a resurgence of COVID-19 casts doubts over the outlook for growth for the rest of the year, as reported by Reuters. Data from the Bank of Korea revealed that gross domestic product (GDP) grew 0.7% in the second quarter, rising 1.7% three months earlier and matching 0.7% growth tipped. The East Asian nation on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, South Korea imported 20,328 tonnes of aluminium household articles during 2019-20 and the expenditure occurred for the import accounted for $240.28 million. South Korea’s import of aluminium household articles in 2019 was recorded at 12,115 tonnes and the expenditure inherited for the import was $95.80...
Iran’s aluminium ingots production escalates by 26% in the first four months
The Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO) has reported that the aluminium ingots production of the nation has escalated by 26.30% during the first four months of the current Iranian year (from March 21 through July 22, 2021), when compared to the same phase existing Iranian year. The report also reveals that the aluminium production by the four Iranian aluminium firms within the first four months uplifted to 175,000 tonnes, while during the same period in the previous Iranian year, it remained at 139,000 tonnes. The IMIDRO’s report spotlighted: “The Iranian Aluminum Company produced about 61,300 tonnes of aluminium ingots, Al-Mahdi Aluminum Company – 52,800 tonnes, South Aluminum Corporation (SALCO) – 48,400 tonnes, and Iran Alumina Company –...
Bechtel Corporation concludes feasibility study for Egyptalum’s expansion plan
The Egyptian Minister of Public Enterprise Sector, Hisham Tawfiq stated that the US firm, Bechtel Corporation, one of the most respected engineering, construction, and project management companies in the world has concluded the engineering study for the expansion project of Egypt’s largest aluminium smelter Egyptalum. Bechtel study will be presented to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi soon for workable approval of the two-phase plan to add 500,000 tonnes per year to the production of the state-owned Aluminium Company. The Minister said: “The development plan for Egyptalum and Bechtel feasibility study will soon be presented to the President for a final decision.” <iframe width="500" height="380" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TZ3QAZj76Aw" title="YouTube video player"...
Aluminium Downstream Weekly Recap: Novelis accomplishes $150 million Aluminum Rolling and Recycling expansion project in Brazil; AWB Aluminiumwerk Berlin GmbH joins ASI as new Production and Transformation member
The aluminium downstream segment is considered as the major player of the global aluminium industry, however, this week it remained modest from the other segments of the value chain eventually. The Aditya Birla Group-owned Novelis Inc. declared the conclusion of its $150 million investment to enlarge both rolling and recycling capacity at its Pindamonhangaba plant in Brazil by 100 kilotonnes each. On the other part of the world, in Germany, AWB Aluminiumwerk Berlin GmbH joined as ASI’s 185th Production and Transformation member. Vedanta Limited has sharply reduced its aluminium product prices with effect from Tuesday, August 10, in tandem with the plunge in LME aluminium benchmark price on August 9. Vedanta’s aluminium wire rod price has seen a cut of INR 5,500 per tonne or 2.30 per cent...
End-user Weekly Recap: Aluminium gradually outperforms plastic bottles to combat ocean pollution in Japan; Wildpack Beverage to acquire aluminium cans filler Vertical Distilling for $4.5 million cash deal
The aluminium end-user segment remained quite insightful during the week. In Japan, beverage vendors are progressing towards the usage of aluminium replacing plastic bottles to counter ocean pollution. While in Canada Wildpack Beverages has purchased aluminium cans filler Vertical Distilling for $4.5 million in a cash deal. The world’s largest country, Russia exported 117,127 tonnes of aluminium foil during 2018-20 and the earnings occurred for the export was $338.90 million. Russian aluminium giant Rusal is a global leader in the production of primary aluminium (low carbon). To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/russian-export-of-aluminium-foil-during-2018-20-signifies-robust-growth-with-minimal-dip-1-growth-estimated-for-2021-69069 On 9th August 2021, Aluminium Fuel Cells...
Indian Railways to receive first batch of aluminium-bodied coaches by February 2022
As reported by a railway official, Indian Railways (IR) is anticipated to receive its first batch of aluminium-bodied coaches by February 2022. In a technological transpose for railways, the Raebareli based Modern Coach Factory (MCF) is considering manufacturing aluminium coaches. However, the first set of 3 coaches for Kolkata Metro are expected to be ready by early next year, whereas, in due course, IR expects to get aluminium coaches for Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express style premium trains. MCF has inked an INR 128 crore agreement with South Korean firm Dawonsys for this enterprising project. The execution of the project has been detained by the COVID-19 pandemic, as it hit hard both India and South Korea. The design for the metro coaches is believed to be concluded by the end of this...
Ireland’s import of aluminium structures during 2018-21 signifies constant downfall; 5.5% further dip predicted for 2021
The Irish research body “Economic and Social Research Institute” (ESRI) that produces independent, high-quality research to inform policies that support a healthy economy and promote social progress, stated that the Irish economy will recoil adequately this year growing by 11% on the back of stronger exports and a resurgence in consumer spending and investment linked to the easing of restrictions. The island in the North Atlantic, Ireland recorded 35,173 tonnes of aluminium structures during 2018-20 and the expenditure occurred for the import of the metal structures accounted for $148.75 million. In 2018, the nation recorded 15,001 tonnes of aluminium structures and the expenditure occurred for the import was $28.96 million, whereas, in 2019, the import unfolded a significant downfall by...
‘Only about 1% of the world’s recycled metals come from the African continent,’ says CEO of Romco Metals
A UK multinational non-ferrous metal recycler with an emerging market focus, Romco Metals presently recycles almost 3000 tonnes per month of non-ferrous scrap largely aluminium and copper, consigning it all over the world to car manufacturers. This mechanizes one of Romco’s sites that have processed the identical of thirty-four Olympic size swimming pools full of scrap since its commencement. Raymond Onovwigun, CEO of Romco Metals, proposes to set up a total of five more recycling plants across Africa over the next five years, totalling seven. “Ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in November, the London-based entrepreneur is eager to point out that the ‘biggest gap in sustainable infrastructure is the lack of a structured circular economy in Africa. While Africa represents a fifth...
Novelis accomplishes $150 million Aluminum Rolling and Recycling expansion project in Brazil
On 12 th August 2021, the world leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, Novelis Inc. announced the completion of its $150 million investment to enlarge both rolling and recycling capacity at its Pindamonhangaba plant in Brazil by 100 kilotonnes each. The annual production capacity at this rolling and recycling complex stands as the largest in South America and is expected to further increase to approximately 680 kilotonnes for aluminium sheets and 490 kilotonnes for recycling. The auxiliary recycling capacity is the fresh step in support of the company's ambitious sustainability goals to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2026 and to be net carbon neutral by 2050. Steve Fisher, President and Chief Executive Officer, Novelis Inc., said: "Recycling and increasing the use of recycled...
US solar projects bag DOE funding to develop innovative technologies; Silfab Solar to scale its aluminium backsheets
The US Department of Energy (DOE) will reward nine domestic projects to fast-track the commercialisation of technologies that can support combining more solar electricity into the power grid. DOE will allocate $14 million of funding as part of an attempt to incentivise the domestic manufacturing across the solar industry supply chain, succouring to certify that US-made hardware is used to deploy large quantities of solar. The projects will aim at spheres such as the development of a connector that anticipates and safeguards arc fault that can cause electrical fires in PV systems, as well as a 1MW inverter for utility-scale solar systems that eradicates the need for a transformer. The revolutionary module manufacturer, Silfab Solar has secured $3 million towards enhancing scale-up...
Ukraine’s import of aluminium powder and flakes during 2018-20 remains volatile; 7% contraction estimated for 2021
Aluminium flakes is an ingredient that comes from aluminium powder through the dry ball milling process. However, its shape remains irregular under microscopic examination. Aluminium powders, pastes, and flakes are broadly used in industrial, automotive, chemical, construction, explosives, defence, aerospace, and other sectors. Metal powder is also generally used in the pigments and coatings industries. The eastern European nation, Ukraine, is also the second-largest country in Europe after Russia has imported 2713 tonnes of aluminium powder and flakes during 2018-20. The expenditure accounted for the import was $13.73 million. Ukraine imported 663 tonnes of aluminium powder and flakes in 2018. The expenditure towards the import remained at $3.38 million, whereas, in 2019, the import...
Recycled aluminium make ‘Paralympic Torch’ begins relay in Japan
On 12 th July, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Torch relay commences in Japan, which will last for 13 days until the Games are due to commence on August 24. The first five days will feature flame-lighting events in 43 prefectures of Japan to be lasting until August 16. However, the celebrations will then be held in each of the co-hosting prefectures of Shizuoka, Chiba, Saitama and Tokyo in the following four days, before the flames from all 47 prefectures are gathered to create a single Paralympic Flame on Friday, 20 th August 2021. The Paralympic torch weighs 1.2 kg and around 30% of it is made from recycled aluminium used in the construction of prefabricated housing in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami in 2011. At Akasaka Palace, this gathering will be held and for...
Nalco aims alumina sale at 12 lakh tonnes in FY22, says CMD Sridhar Patra
The largest integrated Bauxite-Alumina-Aluminium-Power complex in Asia, Nalco has sold 91,000 tonnes of metals in Q1FY22 against 71,000 of the corresponding previous year. The Indian state-run mining and metal company sold 2.86 lakh tonnes of alumina in Q1FY22. Sridhar Patra, the CMD of Nalco said: “For the year, around 12 lakh tonne of alumina will be sold and the company is confident of achieving that.” He further explained: “There was a gradual decline in employee cost as people were retiring. Now we have taken a very conservative approach.” “With the reduction in the interest rate the long-term benefit that we calculate, that liability is likely to be changed. We are quite confident that the employee cost will be within acceptable range with comparison to the previous year.” However,...
Oman’s Sohar Aluminium closes 2020 financial book with ‘positive bottom-line results’
The first primary aluminium producer of Oman, Sohar Aluminium, jointly owned by OQ Group, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC - TAQA and Rio Tinto Alcan stated it has closed the financial book of pandemic stressed 2020 with “positive bottom-line results” amid a collapse in global aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) in 2020. The world-scale aluminium smelter in Sohar described 2020 as an “abnormal year” that sent aluminium prices on the LME tumbling to below $1500 per tonne during Q2 2020. The company stated in its 2020 Sustainability report: “Despite difficult market situations, SA concluded the year with positive financial results above Business Plan supported by lower cost of production coupled with an increase in production volume.” SA specified this measure it...
Tomago Aluminium smelter plans to switch 100% green by 2030
The Tomago aluminium smelter in the Hunter Valley region of Australia, which is considered as the biggest energy user of the nation has declared that it plans to shift towards 100% renewable energy by 2030, anticipating an early conclusion with AGL’s Bayswater coal-burning power station that cast up Tomago as its biggest customer. Matt Howell, CEO, Tomago Aluminium said: “Our goal would be, by 2029, that the largest load in Australia is, for all intents and purposes, 100 per cent renewable.” Glenn Walker, Senior Campaigner, Greenpeace Australia Pacific said: “The news meant that it would be almost impossible for Bayswater to remain operating beyond 2029.” “This announcement is a game-changer for Australian energy, and underscores the need for AGL, Australia’s biggest coal power operator,...
