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.
Jydsk Aluminum Industri: The Corona crisis forced Europe’s largest aluminium gravity die-casting firm to change strategy, resulted to see profits
In 2020, Europe´s largest aluminium gravity die-casting companies with customers worldwide, Jydsk Aluminum Industri (JAI) booked DKK 0.6 million profits before tax and it is counted as significantly better than the loss of DKK 5 million in 2019. The far better result has brought some fresh air to the organization, as several employees were laid-off due to a slow production rate. Kenn Christensen, CEO, JAI said: “The previous year has gone in such a way that we, like many others in the metal industry, experienced a total collapse in the second quarter, and were also strongly negatively affected in the third quarter.” “What makes us still come out with a profit is that we have embarked on a multi-year strategic transformation process, where we have been in the process of replacing large...
Ivory Coast: The aluminium bar rods and profiles importation market during 2018-20 denotes a positive trend
The economy of the Ivory Coast was severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it remained amongst the few Sub-Saharan African economies that maintained growth. According to the IMF, GDP growth decelerated to 2.3% in 2020, from 6.2% in 2019. Assuming global conditions to normalize gradually, growth is projected to pick up to 6% in 2021 and 6.5% in 2022 (IMF, April 2021), boosted by reviving domestic demand. The well-developed economy of the West Africa region, Ivory Coast declared importation of 685 tonnes of aluminium bar rods and profiles during 2018-19 and the revenue expended for the import was $3.84 million. The import for 2020 stood at 954 tonnes and the expenditure remained at $4.02 million. However, when the import volume and expenditure of 2020 gets assorted with the existing two...
Jamaica Govt. reforms Cockpit Country mining agreement, an advantage for Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners
The Jamaican Minister of Transport and Mining, Robert Montague stated that the government has revised the Cockpit Country mining agreement. As confirmed by the minister, the amendment incorporates the eradication of 6,000 hectares of land, which are adjoining to the Cockpit Country, from the original Special Mining Lease 173 (SML 173). The amendment in the agreement resulted in Special Mining Lease 71 (SML 71), which anticipates additional lands to Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners adjacent on the east of where the company is presently mining bauxite, under Special Mining Lease 165 (SML 165). On 26th May 2021, during the 2021/22 Sectoral Debate presentation, the minister said: “By replacing what was removed, we have satisfied not only the provisions of the law but the Establishment...
Aluminium can replace glass bottle, Le Naufrageur microbrewery in Canada invests $400,000
The Le Naufrageur microbrewery in Carleton-sur-Mer, Quebec has developed a vital change in its production from the end of May. The Gaspésie microbreweries focus on the aluminium can as the preferred container. The company validates: “The next few months will witness this new trajectory for the entire crew embarked on this great project, which is the passage from glass to aluminium. Some ‘signature’ beers will remain in their amber glass bottles, but the majority of production will be offered in the new 473 ml aluminium format.” “As of May 31, local customers in Gaspésie, Bas-St-Laurent and Côte-Nord will be able to benefit from the first landing of seven products in cans. The other regions of Quebec should receive their first deliveries towards the end of August.” Multiple reasons have...
Alumina Ltd.’s prediction of alumina demand to surplus supply will force Wagerup and Pinjarra refineries expansion back on the agenda
The publicly listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange, Alumina Limited’s forecast toward demand for alumina soon to surplus supply is creating possibilities to bring back the agenda of the expansion of two alumina refineries in Western Australia. The growth signals came when the company stated that it was examining ways to release more franking credits to shareholders. Alumina Limited labelled proposal two years to invest hundreds of millions of dollars for the expansion of its Wagerup and Pinjarra alumina refineries south of Perth, but in early 2020 it holds back the feasibility studies due to the deadly Covid-19 pandemic attack. The supply of alumina surpassed demand, meantime with the benchmark price for the commodity fetching $US276 per tonne on 25th May 2021, which is...
Netherlands export of aluminium cans during 2018-20 displays enterprising growth
The economic advisor of the Netherlands, De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) reveals the forecast of the Dutch economy twice a year. So, according to them, 2021 will have two patterns, the economy to shrink marginally in early 2021, followed by robust growth in the summer. However, unemployment will rise, increasing to 4.6% in 2021 and 5.3% in 2022; public finances will slump, though they will not worsen to the extent that was previously forecasted. The North-western European nation’s aluminium cans exportation recorded to 67,144 tonnes during 2018-19 and the revenue generated from the export was $251.19 million. The import for 2020 stood at 68,414 tonnes and the earnings remained at $216.77 million. Howbeit, when the export volume and earnings of 2020 get added with the preceding two years, it...
Liberty Aluminium Technologies, Liberty Pressing Solutions is now acquirable: Liberty Steel Group
Sanjeev Gupta owned Liberty Steel Group has confirmed that their complex manufacturing facilities Liberty Aluminium Technologies and Liberty Pressing Solutions are in process of the sale. The disquiet was raised in the previous month, following the collapse of their vital lender, Greensill Capital. Several hundred are employed at Liberty Pressing Solutions in Burnsall Road, Coventry, where pressings, welded assemblies and chassis are manufactured. Zarah Sultana, Coventry South MP brought the matter to the British Parliament and seeks the government to step in to safeguard the future of the company. She said the closure would be a “disaster for the city and British manufacturing.” Although, the owners, Liberty Steel Group has confirmed that the "formal sale process" of Liberty Aluminium...
Endurance Technologies: 177 permanent workers of aluminium casting firm accepts VSS
On 24th May 2021, auto components manufacturer Endurance Technologies reported 177 permanent workers of the company’s Chakan plant in Pune, Maharashtra has decided to exit after accepting the Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS). The Endurance Group is a global force in aluminium casting including alloy wheels, suspension, and transmission and braking products. While filing the regulatory, the company said: “This would entail a payout of INR 31.45 crore towards VSS.” "Through this VSS, the company has achieved workforce rationalisation for the plant which will lead to overheads reduction and greater efficiency in operations.” This is counted as the second such move within the last one year time, since in October’20 Endurance had implemented a VSS for 86 workers at its Aurangabad, Maharashtra...
Australian Bauxite raises AUD 3.25-million by fully subscribed share placement
On 24 th May 2021, Australian Bauxite Limited announced that it had raised AUD 3.25 million from new institutional and sophisticated investors and directors through a fully subscribed share placement with attaching options. Australian Bauxite’s Tasmanian aluminium fluoride production plans and an ongoing scout for rare earth elements in the state's north have received solid backing from the investors. Ian Levy, the Managing Director and CEO, said: "We are delighted with the support for the placement from our directors, existing shareholders and new investors." "With the proceeds of this capital raise, ABx (Australian Bauxite) is now well funded to support the development of the aluminium fluoride pilot plant by its subsidiary, Alcore, and continue its investigation of rare earth...
Greece export of aluminium structures during 2018-20 illustrates substantial rise with a downfall
The Governor of the Bank of Greece, Yannis Stournaras stated that the economy is expected to grow 4.2% in 2021, but still, growth projection remains uncertain and much will depend on faster vaccinations at the national and European level, the continuation of supportive fiscal measures and the implementation of national resilient and growth framework. The Southeastern European nation’s export of aluminium structures during 2018-19 recorded at 18,720 tonnes and the revenue generated for the export was $126.66 million. The export for 2020 stood at 9665 tonnes and the earnings remained high at $65 million. However, when the export volume and expenditure for 2020 get assorted with the existing two years, it illustrates 28,385 tonnes and $191.66 million respectively. Greece export of aluminium...
Canyon Resources accomplishes updated JORC Ore Reserve estimate for the Minim Martap Bauxite Project
The developer of the world-class Minim Martap bauxite project in West African nation Cameroon, Canyon Resources Limited declares that it has accomplished its updated JORC (2012) Ore Reserve estimate for the Minim Martap Bauxite project. The updated JORC (2012) Proved Bauxite Ore Reserve estimate is 99.1 million tonnes at 51.6% Total Alumina and 2.4% Total Silica. Following the JORC Code (2012), the updated Ore Reserve estimate was prepared by a Competent Person (CP). The Ore Reserve estimate is based on the 2020 PFS2 and the recently updated Mineral Resource Estimate3 but with an update and improvement of the mine designs, mining scheduling and mine cost estimations, completed by Mining Plus with mining contractor input. The schedules are based on a production rate of 4 million tonnes per...
Qatalum signs agreement with GE to deliver five AGP upgrade units for enhanced power supply
The aluminium smelter Qatalum, which is a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and Norsk Hydro, has signed an agreement with GE, the global digital industrial company to deliver five Advanced Gas Path (AGP) upgrade units and maintenance services for 15 years for equipment at its 1,080 megawatts (MW) power plant, and a suite of cybersecurity solutions. Out of the five AGP upgrades, four will be installed on Qatalum’s 9F gas turbines and the remaining one unit will be put aside as a spare. The innovative AGP solution will be for the first time deployed in Qatar. It is anticipated that this installation will support Qatalum to enhance its power supply by up to 96.7 megawatts with boosted plant efficiency and increase the availability of its gas turbines and reduce operational expenses by...
Volnaa brings a change, all set to launch natural mineral water in aluminium cans
Drinking water in pet bottle has been rooted a cause of concern for many livelihoods, as plastic throws a negative impact on our health and it is also extremely hazardous for the environment. As time has progressed, Volnaa Beverages has come to bring a change, as they are ready to launch their packaged drinking water in aluminium cans, a step towards replacing plastic bottled water available in the market. The beverage company’s vision is to abolish plastic pollution, which is counted as a global problem, and by launching drinking water in aluminium cans that are 100% recyclable with relock revolution. The beauty of this revolution is that it can go from shelf to the bins and back to the shelf again within just 60 days. New water - new life: is their mantra. Kartik Rajput & Kushagra...
Bangladesh: Sonali Paper inks deal with Chinese firm to set up aluminium foil paper plant
The Dhaka Stock Exchange-listed company Sonali Paper and Board Mills Ltd of Bangladesh has inked a deal with Chinese firm Zhangjiagang Fineness Aluminium Foil Co Ltd to set up an aluminium foil paper plant in Naraynganj district’s Rupganj administrative area. On 23rd May 2021, Mohammad Younus, Chairman of Sonali Paper and Managing Director of Younus Group and Md Zahidul Alam, Chief Executive Officer of IBN Corporation on behalf of Zhangjiagang Fineness Aluminium, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The fully automatic aluminium foil paper machine can deliver on an average 100,000 pieces of aluminium foil container boxes in a single day. Mohammad Younus added: “This will increase the annual sales of Sonali Paper by 25%.” The usage...
Mexico: The multi-million dollar aluminium scrap export market remains volatile during 2018-20
According to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations, the Mexican GDP tp predicted to reach $1113 billion by the end of 2021and in the long-term, the GDP is projected to trend around $1158.00 billion in 2022. The lack of bauxite mines has kept Mexico on the back foot toward primary aluminium production, but the country is popular for its secondary aluminium smelters and die-casters which cater to the domestic automotive industry. The country situated in the southern portion of North America has recorded 706,635 tonnes of aluminium scrap export during 2018-19 and $1.06 billion revenue generated from export. The export for 2020 stood at 393,714 tonnes and the earnings remained at $516.21. However, when the export volume and expenditure gets assorted with the existing...
Australian Aluminium Council appoints Alcoa’s Michael Gollschewski as President
The Australian Aluminium Council, which represents Australia’s bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting and downstream processing industries has appointed Alcoa’s Vice President Operations Australia and President Alcoa Australia Michael Gollschewski as its new President. On his appointment as the President of the Aluminium Council, Michael Gollschewski, said: “I am looking forward to supporting the important role the Council has to play in representing the industry as it faces an exciting and challenging decade of transition ahead.” “Global demand for aluminium is strong and aluminium use is highly correlated with the transition to a lower-carbon future. Australia is well placed to capitalise on this trend as the world’s largest producer of bauxite and the largest producer of...
Primary aluminium weekly recap: LME aluminium price inched down by $10.50/t to close at $2392/t; World primary aluminium production shrinks 3% M-o-M to 5.56MT in April
On 20 th May 2021, three-month LME aluminium fell 2.49% to close at US$ 2,554 per tonne. The world primary aluminium production stood at 5.560 million tonnes in April 2021, reflecting a month-on-month downfall of 3.20% from 5.744 million tonnes, as revealed by International Aluminium Institute. On a year-on-year calculation, the output in April edged higher by 5.26% from 5.282 million tonnes. On the other hand, the trusted source of commercial intelligence for the world's natural resources sector, Wood Mackenzie’s analysis has indicated that a long-term rise in price for copper is likely to counter serious contention from aluminium. Let us check some of the top-rated global primary aluminium news, which kept the week progressive: Three-month LME aluminium fell 2.49 per cent to close at...
Hindalco to resume on-hold projects, plans for INR 2700 crore investment
The Aditya Birla Group subsidiary, Hindalco Industries intends to commence all the projects there that were put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic and also plans to invest around INR 2700 crore in the current fiscal against ₹1,600 crore in FY’21. The world’s largest aluminium rolling company had slashed the proposed Capex from INR 2,500 crore in June’20 due to Covid-19 and ceased the downstream project in Western Odisha’s Hirakud. The organization also reduced the pace on the 34,000-tonne aluminium extrusion plant at Silvassa with an investment of INR 730 crore. Satish Pai, Managing Director, Hindalco, said: “The demand for aluminium has surpassed the pre-Covid levels and the company is confident that revival in demand will sustain in coming days despite the concern of the third wave of...
