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.
Bauxite import in Ukraine rose by 6% during January-March 2021
The bauxite importation of Ukraine during January-March 2021 has shown a significant rise by 6%, when compared to the same period the previous year, to 1.303 million tonnes. As the data statistics released by the Ukrainian State Customs Service, it states that during this phase, bauxite imports in monetary terms increased by 11.8%, to $59.853 million. The imports were carried out majorly from Guinea with 56.17% of supplies in monetary terms, 25.85% from Brazil and 17.12% from Ghana. In January-March 2021, Ukraine re-exported 71 tonnes of bauxite to Poland and Germany. Mykolaiv Alumina Refinery LLC is the primary importer of bauxite into Ukraine.
Abu Dhabi: Mubadala Investment Co. well placed for IPO of Emirates Global Aluminium
Mubadala Investment Co., the sovereign fund of Abu Dhabi stated that it’s “close” to an initial public offering of Emirates Global Aluminium PJSC as it examines other crucial deals comprising a role in a consortium investing in Saudi Aramco’s oil pipelines. On 12 th March 2021, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, CEO commented, when questioned about the possibility of IPO of Middle East’s biggest producer of aluminium, EGA: “We’ve been thinking about this for a couple of years and waiting for the right time for that business to be IPO’d.” The $232 billion funds have shown minor sign of slowing down in 2021, coming off its busiest year. However, the deal stroked wide spreads from acquiring a Brazilian refinery to invest in convertible bonds of messaging app Telegram. Mubadala and Investment Corp. of...
EU sets provisional tariffs on aluminium flat-rolled products from China
Following the preliminary investigation, the European Union has set provisional tariffs on aluminium flat-rolled products from China, as it was established they were being sold into the syndicate at artificially low prices. On 12 th March 2021, the EU’s official journal stated that the European Commission has set duties of between 19.3% and 46.7%. The Commission administers trade policy in the 27-nation European Union. Jiangsu Alcha Aluminium Group Co. will encounter duties of 28.3%, while the lowest rate will apply to companies of the Nanshan Group, such as Shandong Nanshan Aluminium Co. On 13 th March 2021, anti-dumping duties will be applied, while the investigation will pursue. However, in October 2021, it is due to accomplish, when tariffs may be set for five years. As per the...
Ducab Group confirms 36% gain collectively, metal division delivers 33% profit rise
The leading industrial manufacturing organization of UAE has declared that its substantial gains across all three division in 2020 have achieved a collective Y-o-Y profit rise of 36%, despite the Covid-19 global challenges. Mohammed A. Al Mutawa, CEO of Ducab Group, said: “Ducab Group was able to achieve outstanding results while serving our customers internationally with the same level of excellence they always expect from us.” “The company’s ongoing focus on product diversification provided Ducab with a strong foundation going into 2020. We have always been keen to explore new markets and opportunities and were able to support strategic projects around the world and across different vertical sectors including energy, transportation, industry, and many others in 2020. We will continue to...
Guyana’s import of aluminium structures during 2018-19 reveals drastic downfall; growth re-bounds in 2020
Guyana’s economy demonstrated rapid growth in 2020, despite the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Bank, the country’s GDP is projected to grow by 7.8% in 2021. The nation on South America’s North Atlantic coast has documented 1325 tonnes of aluminium structures during 2018-19 and the expenditure accounted for the import stood at $3.04 million. The import for 2020 recorded at 817 tonnes and the expenditure registered was $3.01 million. However, when the import volume and expenditure of 2020 gets added with the existing two years, it resembles 2142 tonnes and $6.05 million respectively. Guyana’s import of aluminium structures in 2018 stood at 940 tonnes and the expenditure remained at $2.01 million, whereas, in 2019, the import revealed a drastic downfall...
Metal magnate Sanjeev Gupta's aluminium facilities in France seek creditors protection
On 11 th March 2021, metal magnate Sanjeev Gupta’s Alvance Aluminium Group stated that its French aluminium facilities have sought protection from creditors. The spokesperson said: “Alvance Aluminium Group entered voluntarily into ‘reconciliation proceedings’ supervised by a court-appointed agent. The mediator will try to stave off insolvency by working out arrangements between the French units and their creditor, a process that could last as long as 10 months.” As reported earlier, the move comes as Gupta embattles to save his business following the collapse of vital lender Greensill Capital. “The management of those businesses will now work collaboratively with the conciliator and the businesses’ stakeholders to find sustainable solutions for the sites and ensure business continuity,"...
Japan: Furukawa Electric’s high-performance low-voltage aluminium conductor CV cable outperforms copper
Japan is the home to some of the largest and most technologically advanced products and now it is using the latest technology in the construction industry, keeping its focus high on using quality material for power transmission in a building. ‘Rakuraku Cable’, a high-performance low-voltage aluminium conductor CV cable is being used at the construction site. Japanese electric and electronics equipment company, Furukawa Electric developed the cable. Builders now prefer to use aluminium cables due to their soft and light in weight feature compared to copper cables. This cabling seeks minimum manpower and is trouble-free to install. An electrician said: "I am using aluminium cable for the first time, but it is very light and easy to work. I felt it much lighter than copper cable. In the case...
Europe’s largest alumina refinery ‘Auginish Alumina’ receives approval for extension of an extraction facility
Europe's largest alumina refinery and a major alumina asset of RUSAL, Aughinish Alumina has received approval for its proposal for an extension of its large plant near Foynes, Limerick County to be considered under the fast-track planning process for large strategic projects. The independent, statutory, quasi-judicial body that decides on appeals from planning decisions made by local authorities in the Republic of Ireland, An Bord Pleanála has ruled that the proposal for extension of an extraction facility at one of the most globally technologically advanced and energy-efficient alumina refinery can be considered for strategic infrastructure development. This signifies that the company can apply directly to the board for planning permission without first having to apply to Limerick City...
US rigid packaging firm Crown to divest its EMEA business to KPS Capital Partners
The US-based rigid packaging firm Crown has decided to divest its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) food and consumer packaging business to the American investment company KPS Capital Partners. The $2.7 billion deal is expected to conclude during Q3 2021, subject to customary closing conditions being met and approvals being given. Crown will own a 20% stake in the business, following the divestment. The EMEA food and consumer packaging business specialises in manufacturing aluminium and steel food packaging in Europe. However, it presently operates 44 manufacturing facilities in EMEA countries and employs around 6,300 people, generating around $2.3 billion a year. Crown proclaims that the products of the business aim to boost recycling and prevent food waste is vital to the European...
Kyrgyzstan’s export of aluminium scrap during 2018-20 manifests gradual downfall
Kyrgyzstan, a landlocked mountainous, lower-middle-income country with an economy dominated by minerals extraction, agriculture, and reliance on remittances from citizens working abroad. Referred to as the Switzerland of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan has documented 22,103 tonnes of aluminium scrap exportation during 2018-19 and the revenue earned through the export remained at $29.51 million. The export for 2020 was recorded at 5113 tonnes and the earnings stood at $6.13 million. However, when the export volume and earnings of 2020 get counted with the existing two years, it demonstrates 27,216 tonnes and $35.64 million respectively. Kyrgyzstan’s export of aluminium scrap in 2018 was registered at 12,471 tonnes and the revenue earnings accounted for $17.77 million, whereas, in 2019 the export...
Eurofoil plant in Rugles looks to future, following the 2015 Employment Protection Plan
The Eurofoil factory in Rugles, France specializing in aluminium foils focus to sustain its activity and development. Eric Ligerot, General Manager, Eurofoil, admitted: "socially, it was difficult to live. After the Employment Protection Plan (PSE) in 2015 at the Eurofoil factory in Rugles (Eure), specializing in the production of aluminium foils, the director and the whole team had to raise their heads and go from the front.” “And today, the disparaging image of previous years marked by the PSE is over. Even if all is not rosy, the indicators are green for this company existing since 1947 and which operates on its 11-hectare site.” “Since 2015, we have maintained the number of employees on the site, i.e. 200 in the Rugles basin. The company had lost 94 employees due to the safeguard...
Qatar’s import of aluminium foil during 2018-20 stages enterprising growth
As a leading exporter of liquefied natural gas to Australia, Qatar lost its status in 2020, but it holds the position of the third-largest gas reserves in the world. The Emirate’s economy is thus heavily focused on the gas industry, which represents two-thirds of its GDP and almost 80% of export earnings. Since 2014, like other Gulf nations, Qatar has been hit by the global shrink in oil prices. However, the economic results have been better than that of its neighbours, due to successful economic diversification, namely via the development of large-scale projects. The peninsular Arab country has recorded 4004 tonnes of aluminium foil importation during 2018-19 and the revenue expended for the import stood at $12.09 million. The import for 2020 is registered at 3680 tonnes and the...
South African metal firm Alfeco Group acquires Hulamin’s aluminium extrusion division
Africa’s one of the largest aluminium exporters, Hulamin confirmed that its extrusion plant, in Olifantsfontein, Midrand has been acquired by integrated South African metals company Alfeco Group. The recently acquired extrusion assets, which are now part of Alfeco’s new aluminium division, with a capacity of 20,000 tonnes per year, have been renamed as Veer Aluminium. The aluminium extrusion division acquisition highlights further growth and commodity diversification to include in its ferrous and nonferrous metals portfolio. Presently Veer is re-commissioning the operation and is also embarking on a significant expansion project. As South Africa currently recycles very little of its aluminium scrap, so the expanded plant will strategically incorporate a fully integrated model that will be...
Hydro to explore hydrogen opportunities to strengthen its position in low-carbon aluminium
Norsk Hydro, one of the largest aluminium company worldwide and renewable energy producer is exploring the potential for developing and operating hydrogen facilities to meet its substantial internal demand as well as serving an external market, leveraging the company’s industrial and renewable power expertise. Hilde Merete Aasheim, President and CEO, Hydro, said: “We see a substantial potential for industrial hydrogen consumption. Taking a developer and operator role in the hydrogen sector represents an opportunity for Hydro to reduce industrial CO2 emissions and develop a profitable and sustainable business based on hydrogen.” Hydro has set forth a clear strategic direction toward 2025 and aims to strengthen its position in low-carbon aluminium while exploring new growth opportunities in...
Great opportunities don’t come every day!! Recognize and acquire Die casting Cells and Melting Furnaces from Schweizer Group
It is said that some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world achieved success, as they are just really good at seizing great opportunities. So, here comes the mind-blowing opportunity brought to you by AlCircle, which can change your business perspectives. The German-based Schweizer Group has put up a long list for sale of Die casting Cells and Melting Furnaces. The units available for sale are located at Murrhardt and Hattenhofen in Germany. A sneak peek detail of the units listed for sale: Year of manufacturing: Die-casting cells available from 2011, 2007, 2004, 2003 Make – Weingarten, Italpresse, Buehler Clamping power range 480 - 1.350 T Die casting cells (Al/Mg) Please click the link for more detailed information:...
Azerbaijan’s import of aluminium wire during 2018-20 reflects the movement of rapid growth followed by a steady fall
In 2020, the economic growth of Azerbaijan took a toll due to the diminishing global gas and oil prices. The country’s GDP estimated to have declined by 4% during the year, compared with a 2.2% growth in 2019. The economic activity was further restricted by Covid-19 restrictions slowing domestic consumption and border trade flows. Azerbaijan's GDP is forecast to grow by 2% in 2021 amid a recovery of global oil and gas prices, and expectations of stronger demand. The nation bounded by the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains has recorded import of 3189 tonnes of aluminium wire during 2018-19 and the revenue expended for the import stood at $5.74 million. The import for 2020 accounted for 1841 tonnes and expenditure remained at $3.02 million. However, when the import volume and...
Cornell University explores aluminium anode batteries to tender low-cost renewable energy storage
The Cornell University researchers led by Professor Lynden Archer explored the use of a more affordable product, which is aiming to deliver a better alternative to market-dominating lithium batteries. The research announcement said that the latest technique to integrate aluminium derived in rechargeable batteries is capable of 10,000 error-free cycles. The developers said: “A new type of battery incorporating low-cost aluminium could offer cheaper, safer and more environmentally friendly storage of renewable energy.” The aluminium ore is plentiful in the Earth’s crust and the metal aluminium is trivalent and light, which signifies it, has a high capacity to store more energy than many other metals. It can be precarious to integrate into a battery’s electrodes, however, as it chemically...
Rio Tinto interferes following the detention of bauxite ship by Australian Maritime Safety Authority
The Australian authorities have detained a ship engaged to transport bauxite from Rio Tinto's operations on Cape York for revealing its crew to awful conditions including food and water shortages. The Movers 3 is one of two Aswan Shipping carriers under detention in Australia for multiple breaches of the Maritime Labour Convention. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) inspected the Panama-flagged bulk carrier in the previous month discovered a defective freezer. Allan Schwartz, Executive Director of operations, AMSA, said: "That was resulting in unsafe and insufficient food stores for crew and dwindling freshwater supplies." “Aswan Shipping had displayed ‘continued reluctance’ to address food shortages and its health and safety obligations towards the crew, prompting Rio Tinto...
