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.
Vietnamese minister inspects major projects in Southern Laos, including bauxite and alumina, evaluates challenges
Over the weekend, Vietnam's Minister of Planning and Investment, Nguyễn Chí Dũng, inspected several Vietnamese-invested projects in southern Laos, acknowledging both the progress and the challenges these initiatives face. This transparency is crucial for our collective preparedness. The minister visited the construction site of the Kaleum coal mine and the proposed location for the Kaleum Coal-Fired Power Plant in Sekong Province. Phonesack Group will operate both projects. The coal mine boasts an annual production capacity of up to 20 million tonnes, of which three million tonnes are planned for export to Vietnam. The US$4.06-billion power plant project, led by the Petrovietnam Power Corporation (PV Power), is of strategic importance and is currently seeking financing partners for...
Italy pushes for early review of EU's 2035 combustion engine ban
Italian officials are calling for an early review of the European Union's plan to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin criticised the policy as "absurd" and driven by an "ideological vision," arguing that it imposes a rigid, state-controlled approach to policymaking within the bloc. Speaking at the TEHA business forum in Cernobbio, Italy, Pichetto Fratin highlighted the significant challenges of the EU's decision, particularly in light of the ongoing slowdown in the European auto industry. He stressed that the ban should be reassessed to reflect shifting market realities. Italy's Industry Minister Adolfo Urso also weighed in, suggesting that the planned mid-point review of the legislation, currently scheduled for 2026,...
Ghana's President invites Chinese investors to power economic transformation
Ghana's President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has invited Chinese business leaders to participate actively in the country's ongoing economic transformation. Speaking at the China-Ghana Business Forum in Shenzhen, the President emphasised the strong and long-standing relationship between the two nations and highlighted Ghana's vast investment opportunities. With the country aiming to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on traditional exports like gold and cocoa, President Akufo-Addo stressed that Chinese investment would be pivotal in driving this shift. He noted that China, as one of Ghana's largest trading partners, plays a key role in the country's development strategy, and the active participation of Chinese investors can significantly shape Ghana's economic future. Ghana and...
CITIC Dicastal strengthens China-Morocco ties with first aluminium alloy wheel facility
In Morocco, Chinese expertise plays a crucial role in developing the vehicle wheel industry, showcasing the strengthening economic ties between China and Morocco under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). One key project in this development is CITIC Dicastal's investment in Morocco, which has established the country's first aluminium alloy wheel manufacturing plant. This investment underscores the practical cooperation and cultural integration driven by BRI projects. Since 2018, Zhang Shiqi, the current project manager, has been the driving force behind the research and site selection efforts for the manufacturing plant under China's state-owned CITIC group. His leadership has been instrumental in constructing and operating the CITIC Dicastal Morocco factory, marking the largest Chinese...
EU clears Baosteel, Baowu Aluminium, and Kobelco's joint venture in the automotive aluminium sector
The European Commission has recently approved a joint venture between Baoshan Iron & Steel (Baosteel), Baowu Aluminium, and Japan's Kobe Steel (Kobelco) under the EU Merger Regulation. This collaboration primarily focuses on the production of automotive aluminium sheets. In its review, the Commission concluded that the venture would not raise significant competition concerns within the European Economic Area, citing its limited market impact. The transaction was reviewed under the simplified merger procedure, which streamlines the approval process for mergers with minimal competition risks. According to an August 8 statement on Kobelco's website, Kobelco will hold a 50 per cent stake in the new company, while Baosteel and Baowu Aluminium will share the remaining half. The joint venture,...
Bauxite deposits in focus as Dominican Republic eyes rare earth potential
The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, has announced considering expanding the country's mining operations with the help of U.S. Army engineers, focusing on the extraction of rare earth elements. Speaking at an event in New York, Abinader emphasised the nation's rich reserves of gold, silver, nickel, and bauxite, noting that rare earth elements—critical to high-tech industries—are often found within bauxite deposits. He underscored the importance of adhering to global mining standards, referencing the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which the Dominican Republic adopted in 2016. The president pointed out that rare earth elements are essential for today's technology-driven world, making their exploration a priority for our country. He added that his...
Big wheels, bigger results: Cat 992 Loaders drive Bauxite Hill output to the maximum
Metro Mining Limited has significantly increased throughput rates at its Bauxite Hills operation in Western Australia. One of the biggest reasons was commissioning two new Cat 992 Wheel Loaders and installing a new screening system. The company introduced a new apron/wobbler feeder screening circuit in May, marking a key step in its expansion strategy. The integration and optimisation of the expansion are already yielding results, with Metro achieving a record monthly shipment of 720,000 tonnes (wet) in August 2024, a 13 per cent increase from July and a 29 per cent rise compared to July 2023, which AL Circle has already reported on September 6, 2024. This milestone came despite a two-day shutdown for conveyor belt replacements at the barge loading facility and planned transhippers...
India relaxes import norms for calcined and raw pet coke to support domestic aluminium and other sectors
In a significant policy shift, the government of India announced on September 4, 2024, that it would ease the import norms for calcined and raw pet coke, expanding the scope of allowable inbound shipments. Previously restricted to the aluminium industry, these imports are now permitted to meet the needs of a broader range of domestic sectors. The move is expected to provide a crucial boost to industries reliant on calcined pet coke, including but not limited to aluminium production. By widening the import regulations, the government aims to address the rising demand for pet coke and ensure a steady supply for various industrial applications. This policy change marks a strategic effort to enhance resource availability and support growth across multiple industries, demonstrating the...
Metro Mining sets new bauxite shipments record in August 2024
The Australian bauxite miner Metro Mining achieved a new shipping milestone in August 2024, as expansion activities at its Bauxite Hills Mine in Queensland significantly boosted production. The company recorded a 13 per cent increase in shipments compared to July, with 720,000 wet metric tonnes (WMT) shipped throughout the month. This marks a 29 per cent jump compared to the same period in 2023. Metro Mining sustained record shipments despite a two-day operational halt to replace conveyor belts at the barge loading facility and conduct planned maintenance on its transhippers. For the third quarter to date, shipments have reached 1.4 million WMT, while year-to-date production has climbed to 2.9 million WMT. The company also set a daily shipping record of 32,022 WMT. These achievements...
Aluminium extrusion manufacturer Keymark expands operation with new coating facility in Lakeland, Florida
Fonda, New York-based aluminium extrusion manufacturer Keymark Corp. has significantly bolstered its operations by adding a state-of-the-art coating facility in Lakeland, Florida. This expansion aligns with the company's strategy to enhance its offerings for the U.S. architectural and residential fenestration markets. The newly inaugurated 76,000-square-foot facility features a cutting-edge chrome conversion-free, 25-foot vertical powder coating line. This addition complements Keymark's existing 40-foot horizontal wet/powder coating line, expanding its capacity and capabilities to meet growing market demands. With this new facility, Keymark's total production space in Lakeland now exceeds 330,000 square feet, a clear sign of the company's growth and potential. The expansion also...
Brazilian miner MRN gains preliminary license for bauxite project lifespan extension
Brazilian mining company Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN), a joint venture between Glencore, Rio Tinto, and South32, announced on September 3, 2024, that it has received an initial license from the Brazilian environmental agency, Ibama. This approval marks a significant step towards extending the operational lifespan of its bauxite mining activities in northern Brazil. The license will enable MRN to continue extracting bauxite, a critical raw material in aluminium production, as the company seeks to maintain and expand its operations in the resource-rich region. Brazil's position in global bauxite production is noteworthy. It ranks among the top countries. However, as reported by USGS, Brazil's bauxite production stood at an impressive 31 million tonnes in 2023. Shareholding Structure of MRN...
Stage two begins: Alpha HPA expands world-leading high-purity alumina facility
Alpha HPA has officially begun the second stage of construction on what is set to become the world's largest single-site ultra-high purity aluminium materials refinery. The company that has redefined the standard of aluminium purification to produce sustainable, ultra-high purity aluminium products – available in commercial quantities, Alpha HPA, has marked a significant milestone in developing its high-purity alumina plant. With substantial financial backing that includes a $400 million debt facility from the Australian Government and $180 million raised in equity, Alpha HPA is poised to transform the 10-hectare site into a state-of-the-art facility. The plant will build upon the foundations of the established stage one operation, utilising Alpha HPA's proprietary, Australian-developed...
Ghana: Ashanti Region residents appeal for parliamentary approval of bauxite mining lease
The residents of Nyinahin in the Atwima Mponua district of the Ashanti Region have made an urgent appeal to Parliament to ratify the Ashanti Bauxite Limited (ABL) Mining Lease as lawmakers assemble for an emergency session on September 3, 2024. During a protest march in Nyinahin, residents voiced their deep frustration over the ongoing delay in ratifying the lease, underlining the project's critical importance to the region's development. The demonstrators, led by spokesperson Dr Peter Twum, marched through the district capital, urging Parliament to expedite the ratification process. Dr Twum underscored the significance of the lease ratification, noting that it represents the final major hurdle in establishing a bauxite mine and refinery in Nyinahin and the surrounding communities. He...
Ramkrishna Forgings ventures into aluminium forging, targeting the EV sector
India’s Ramkrishna Forgings Ltd has announced its strategic entry into the aluminium forging sector, with plans to establish its first facility in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. The company's board has approved an investment of INR 57.5 crore for the new facility, which is set to focus primarily on the electric vehicle (EV) market. The plant will have an annual production capacity of 3,000 tonnes and is expected to be operational by the second quarter of the 2025-26 fiscal year. Today, Ramkrishna Forgings is a global force in the metal forming industry. It is known for supplying world-class forged, machined, and fabricated products to diverse sectors, such as automotive, railways, farm equipment, earthmoving, mining and construction, oil and gas, power, and general engineering. This move aligns...
Indian Railways' East Central zone sees 19.23% surge in bauxite rake loadings
The fourth largest railway network operator, Indian Railways' East Central Railway (ECR), reported a notable increase in income from all sources, including freight, during the first five months of the current financial year 2024-25. The railway zone's initial revenue reached INR 13,469 crore, marking a 5.75 per cent growth compared to the INR 12,737 crore earned during the same period last year. The East Central Railway (abbreviated ECR) is one of the 19 railway zones in India. From April to August 2024, East Central Railway successfully loaded 83.28 million tonnes of goods, a 2.46 per cent increase from the 81.28 million tonnes loaded in the corresponding period of the previous financial year. This growth underscores the railway's ongoing efforts to enhance its operational efficiency and...
Key highlights from the global aluminium industry, August 2024
In August 2024, the global aluminium industry experienced notable fluctuations in pricing, reflecting a complex interplay of market dynamics and economic factors. There was a moderate increase in aluminium prices on the LME and the SHFE over the month. This uptick can be attributed to ongoing supply chain constraints and a rise in demand across a few sectors. Despite these gains, market participants remain cautious, with volatility influenced by geopolitical uncertainties and shifting trade policies. As the industry navigates these challenges, stakeholders closely monitor price trends and market signals to strategise their next moves in this ever-evolving landscape. This month was filled with many news stories that impacted the aluminium industry. Below are the highlights from the...
Aluminium foil coating innovation: A new hope for microbe-free water purification
Globally, more than 2 billion people lack access to safe, uncontaminated drinking water*, with 418 million of them living in African nations**. This issue is particularly severe in rural areas, where rivers, lakes, and hand-dug wells serve as the primary water sources, often contaminated by harmful pathogens. The contamination stems from inadequate sanitation facilities, open defecation, and agricultural runoff, leading to devastating consequences. Waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea claim hundreds of thousands of lives in Africa each year, with children being especially at risk due to their developing immune systems. This vicious cycle of waterborne illness not only endangers health but also entrenches poverty, as sick children miss school and adults are unable to...
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan collaborate on new aluminium radiator production project
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are collaborating on a new project to produce aluminium radiators, according to sources familiar with the matter. The project is slated for development within the Free Economic Zone of Alat in Azerbaijan, with the participation of Uzbekistan's trustworthy and responsible manufacturer investing approximately $10 million into the venture. The enterprise has one of the largest computer-integrated manufacturing facilities in Central Asia. Uzbekistan is a leading producer of electrical products, including transformers, cables, wires, electronics, and household appliances. Its exports exceed $1 billion annually. The country's major export markets include the CIS, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. Azerbaijan's robust electrical industry is a significant player,...
