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.
AlCircle launches new report “Outlook for the Indian Aluminium Industry - In-depth industry analysis & forecast to 2026-27
The year 2020 will be marked in the history of industrialization as one of the most challenging years in the modern era. The Covid-19 pandemic forced the industry and most of the people to adapt to new realities. Industries from every corner of the world were impacted by the pandemic, however, some stood strong to counter the mayhem, while a few closed down permanently. The Indian aluminium industry was also a part of this global fall down but it sustained competently. The primary aluminium production in India was not much impacted when compared to other metals and fell by just 2.9% during Apr-Dec FY21 as compared to Apr-Dec FY20. The domestic market demand stumbled, largely in Q1FY21 and Q2 due to the nationwide lockdown. Moreover, the export demand which grabs for around 50-55% of total...
En+ Group, V&A collaborates to raise climate awareness at London Design Festival
The world's largest producer of low-carbon aluminium and independent hydropower, En+ Group collaborated with V&A, the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance to produce a fascinating pavilion for the London Design Festival. The En+ Group’s metal division Rusal produces the world’s lowest carbon emitted aluminium with a unique inert anode technology and from that particular green metal, the pavilion theme “Between Forests and Skies” is developed. This will emphasize the fundamental role of low-carbon raw materials in creating a more sustainable world, and the importance of low-carbon aluminium – a key promoter of more sustainable economic development and a ‘green’ recovery worldwide. Light, durable, and almost infinitely recyclable, aluminium is a critical material for...
Wildpack Beverage to acquire aluminium cans filler Vertical Distilling for $4.5 million cash deal
The Canadian drinks production and packaging company Wildpack Beverage has agreed to acquire aluminium cans filler Vertical Distilling for $4.5 million in a cash deal. The company stated that the Colorado-based, Vertical Distilling is the ‘leading filler’ in its home territory and encircling states, establishing it as a vital region for the middle market beverage industry and inherent to Wildpack’s growth strategy. The finalization of the agreement will enable Wildpack’s expectation to see several synergistic opportunities, which comprises adding more shifts, the withdrawal of “throughput pinch points with light capital upgrades and the installation of new capabilities.” Thomas Walker, Chief Growth Officer, Wildpack, said: “We have completed two acquisitions pursuant to our previously...
Russian export of aluminium foil during 2018-20 signifies robust growth with minimal dip; 1% growth estimated for 2021
The Russian ministry of economy has raised its outlook for economic growth and oil prices in 2021 and now envisages a stronger rouble, and it has also raised this year’s inflation forecast, as reported by Reuters. However, after contracting 3% in 2020, its sharpest downfall in 11 years, the Russian economy has been on the restore due to a rebound in consumer demand and high prices for oil, which is its vital export, prompting a series of upgrades to its economic outlook. 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). In 2018, the Russian export of aluminium foil was recorded at...
Canyon Resources banks $5.6 million for further progress of Minim Martap bauxite project
The developer of the world-class Minim Martap bauxite project in Cameroon, Canyon resources is cashed out to headway its optimistic Minim Martap bauxite project following the completion of the first phase of $6.2 million placement. The Australian company has raised more than $ 5.6 million from the issue of 70.48 million new shares priced at 8c each to new and also existing institutional and sophisticated investors while the issue of the remaining 6.77 million shares to non-executive director Peter Su is subject to shareholder approval. Canyon Resources will also use the proceeds to advance strategic projects and off-take discussions, apart from funding the feasibility study. The Central Cameroon located Minim Martap project has a resource of 1 billion tonnes grading 45.3% aluminium oxide...
Amaron battery maker Amara Raja invests in Log 9 Materials
On 9 th August 2021, Aluminium Fuel Cells technology developer Log 9 Materials stated that it has raised $ 8.5 million in a funding round led by Amara Raja, the makers of automobile battery Amaron. Log 9 Materials quoted in a statement that the company has set foot into an equity partnership and collaboration with Amara Raja Batteries Ltd (ARBL), a leading manufacturer of industrial and automotive batteries. However, ARBL was the prime investor in this funding round, investing $ 5 million. “Existing investors, including Exfinity Ventures and Sequoia Capital India's Surge Programme, alongside a clutch of new investors, we're also a part of the Series A+ funding round”, Log9 Material added. "The new investors have, along with the existing investors, invested around $ 8.5 million in the...
Press Metal’s earnings to escalate in Q2, driven by higher aluminium price: RHB Investment Bank Bhd
The Malaysian aluminium producer, PRESS Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd’s Q2 2021 earnings are estimated to escalate 30%-40% to RM265-RM285 million, which is triggered by a higher London Metal Exchange (LME) spot average of $2,400 per tonne and enhanced smelting output. One of the most recognised banks of Malaysia, RHB Investment Bank Bhd stated amid the Full Movement Control Order in June, the impact was largely limited to the aluminium company’s downstream extrusion operations. Lester Siew, an RHB analyst, said: “We expect the first half of 2021 (1H21) core profit to rise 150% year-on-year (YoY) with 2Q21 forecast (2Q21F) earnings up 30%-40% quarter-on-quarter on stronger LME aluminium prices, alongside improved sales volumes as production picks up at its Samalaju Phase 3 smelter by 320...
France import of aluminium scrap during 2018-20 showcases excellent rise with a downfall; 10% further de-growth expected in 2021
In Q1 2021, the French GDP contracted only 0.1% Q-o-Q, after a 1.5% plunge in Q4 of 2020. The economic activity was boosted by a modest rebound in investment spending and private consumption. However, the growth rate in Q2 is impacted by the comprehensive lockdown measures imposed in April, whiles the gradual uplift of those restrictions in May and June, together with the vaccination rollout, drive to regain in the H2 of the year. According to Oxford Economics, the French economy is forecasted to grow 5.4% in 2021, after a steep 8.2% contraction in 2020. The Western European nation, France imported 612,825 tonnes of aluminium scrap during 2018-20 and the expenditure accounted for the import was reported at $690.81 million. The country also leads to being one of the largest exporters of...
Aluminium gradually outperforms plastic bottles to combat ocean pollution in Japan
A group of Japanese beverage sellers and retailers in recent times progressed to desert the usage of plastic bottles, substituting them with aluminium bottles and cans in a proposal to counter ocean plastic pollution, inflicting disruption with the ecosystem. Ryohin Keikaku Co., operator of retail brand Muji, the seller of 12 types of teas and soft drinks have received in aluminium cans following the April data exhibited the rate of horizontal recycling that grants for the reuse of materials in an analogous function, was considerably towering for such cans nudging to plastic bottles. As per the Japan Aluminium Association and the Council for PET Bottle Recycling, the rate of horizontal recycling for aluminium cans remains at 71.0% compared to 24.3% for plastic bottles. However, in the...
End-user Weekly Recap: Ball Corporation reports net earnings of $202 million in second quarter; Rusal presents first ever aluminium alloy lighting poles made in Russia
The global aluminium end-user segment further displays the June Quarter results this week, positioned with a higher reach in revenue; however, investments remain in the sector. The American company headquartered in Colorado, Ball Corporation reported net earnings of $202 million on sales of $3.5 billion in the second quarter of 2021, compared to $94 million net earnings on sales of $2.8 billion in 2020, while the company has commenced production of Pittston, Pennsylvania, beverage can manufacturing facility. On the other part of the world, the Russian aluminium giant, Rusal unveiled the first consignment of lighting poles made of aluminium alloys to the domestic market, in partnership with the Krasnoyarsk Metallurgical Plant (KraMZ) and Alluminate Company. On 31st July 2021, India’s...
Downstream Weekly Recap: Q1 FY 2022: Novelis posts net income from continuing operations of $303 million, up 597% YoY; Wheels India starts production of cast aluminium wheels at its new facility
The global downstream aluminium sector remained in the front foot during this week. The June Quarter and H1 results are getting on-boarded and almost each and every company is booking profit with a record rise in revenue rooted to the worldwide surge in aluminium prices. The American Industrial company, Novelis Inc. headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, United States and is a subsidiary of Indian metal manufacturing company Hindalco Industries reported net income from continuing operations of $303 million, up 597% YoY for Q1 FY 2022. On the other side, Wheels India commenced production of cast aluminium wheels at its new facility at Thervoy Kandigai in Tamil Nadu. Hindalco Industries Limited, a subsidiary of the Aditya Birla Group is projecting to inject around INR 8,000-10,000 crore at...
Q1 FY 22: Hindalco Industries reports all-time high consolidated net profit of INR 2,728 crore riding on the back of aluminium business
On 6 th August 2021, the flagship metal arm of Aditya Birla Group, Hindalco Industries stated that the company has reported an all-time high consolidated Q1 net profit at INR 2,787 crore, as compared to a loss of INR 709 crore in Q1FY21. The company further said that the results were navigated by a strong performance by Novelis and India Business, supported by favourable macros, strategic product mix, and stability in operations. The metal giant’s total revenue from operations stood at INR 41,358 crore, up 64% as compared to INR 25,283 crore in the year-ago quarter. Hindalco said: “The consolidated EBITDA was an all-time high at INR 6,790 crore, up 188% YoY and 16% QoQ.” “Novelis Inc. and Aluminium India Business drive its highest-ever quarterly net profits. EBITDA for Aluminium India was...
Netherlands export of aluminium foil during 2018-20 unveils enterprising growth; 4% growth estimated for 2021
According to the report by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Dutch economy is projected to grow by 2.7% in 2021 and 3.7% in 2022, reaching pre-crisis levels at the beginning of 2022. Consumption will drive the recovery as households normalise their saving after the sharp increase in 2020. Private investment will improve, but continue to be held back by lingering uncertainty. However, Bankruptcies are expected to rise and unemployment is set to peak in the second half of 2021. The sixth most expensive nation in the European Union, Netherlands exported 143,752 tonnes of aluminium foil during 2018-20 and the earnings occurred from the export accounted for $402.24 million. In 2018, Netherlands export of aluminium foil was recorded at 19,845 tonnes and the earnings...
Brazilian Aluminium Association ‘ABAL’ appoints Janaina Donas as first woman President
On 5 th August 2021, the Brazilian Aluminium Association, ABAL has appointed Janaina Donas as Executive President for the first time, while the role was previously held by Milton Rego after a seven-month recruitment process. Abal stated that most recently Donas acted as an External Relations and New Business Director for Latin America in Peru and the United States for US-based gold-copper-silver producer Newmont Corporation for almost three years. However, before this role, she was working with the American Industrial Corporation, Alcoa as Director of Government Affairs from 2012 to 2018. Janaina graduated in International Relations and has a qualified MBA with extensive corporate experience. She began her career as a political consultant, working for national and multinational companies...
QAMCO reports a net profit of QR 288 million for H1 2021
On 5 th August 2021, Qatar Aluminum Manufacturing Company, a 50% joint venture partner in Qatar Aluminum Company (Qatalum), reported a net profit of QR 288 million for H1 2021, with earnings per share (EPS) of QR 0.052. Abdulrahman Ahmad Al-Shaibi, Chairman of the Board of Directors, QAMCO while commenting on the financial and operational performance for H1 2021 said: “We benefitted from a strong sequential macroeconomic recovery coupled with supply constraints, which translated into healthier demand for our premium products, resulting in an improved set of financial results, since QAMCO’s incorporation. While macro-conditions remained buoyant, we continued to rely on our core business values, the flexibility of operations, supported by efficient supply chain and persistent cost...
RUSAL listed among top 100 Best Emerging Market ESG performers ranking by Vigeo Eiris
The global leading aluminium giant, RUSAL, has been listed among the top 100 Best Emerging Market performers ranking by a global leader in ESG assessments, data, research, benchmarks and analytics, V.E (Vigeo Eiris) based on its sustainability credentials. The companies incorporated in the index span multiple industries, from Building Materials to Telecommunications to Mining & Metals, and have attained the highest sustainability scores across six key areas of corporate environmental, social and governance responsibility, namely: Environment, Human Rights, Human Resources, Community Involvement, Business Behaviour and Corporate Governance. Rusal is the largest low carbon aluminium producer to be listed in the ranking, however, 843 companies from 36 sectors and 31 countries were analysed,...
Angola’s import of aluminium household articles during 2018-20 remains inconstant; 17% growth expected for 2021
According to FocusEconomics, the economic conditions of Angola remained challenging in Q1 2021, with GDP contracting 3.4% Y-o-Y amid the persistent impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. GDP is projected to bounce back to growth this year: The global vaccine rollout and the subsequent easing of restrictions should unchain pent-up demand. The Southern African nation, Angola during 2018-20 imported 2078 tonnes of aluminium household articles and the expenditure that occurred for the importation was accounted for $9.48 million. In 2018, the import of household articles for Angola was recorded at 210 tonnes of aluminium household articles and the foreign exchange expended was $2.09 million, whereas, in 2019, the import volume revealed a sharp rise by 1439 tonnes, as the import demand escalated by...
EU’s CBAM ‘discriminates against countries like Australia, will punish sectors namely aluminium’: Angus Turner, Energy Minister
The Australian energy and emissions reduction minister, Angus Taylor has alerted that the European Union is attempting to implement a carbon tax on imports, which would be unfavourable to Australia’s export industry. The Energy Minister prompted against a ‘new wave’ of European protectionism that would seriously dent Australia’s export industry on which a huge portion of its economy depends. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), Australia attracts around $284 billion from its export products, while its service exports inflows around $75.6bn Taylor said: “At a time when liberal democracies are working together to rebuild confidence in the benefits of free and open trade, a new wave of protectionism now threatens to sweep across the world.” Lately, the European Union...
