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.
COVID-19 vaccine “Covaxin” formulated with Algel-IMDG contains aluminium hydroxide gel, says CSIR
On 26 th February 2021, CSIR stated that the process technology developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology for the agonist (binder) molecule is playing a key role in the production of India's indigenous COVID-19 vaccine Bharat Biotech’s ‘Covaxin’. CSIR said: "The vaccine is formulated with Algel-IMDG, which contains chemisorbed TLR7/8 agonist onto aluminium hydroxide gel to generate the requisite type of immune responses.” CSIR added: “Owing to the significant role played by TLR7/8 agonist molecule in the performance of a vaccine, CSIR constituent lab, IICT based in Hyderabad was approached by Bharat Biotech to develop the synthetic route for the agonist molecule with indigenous chemicals at an affordable price and with the...
A3 Surfaces moves one step closer for commercialization of antimicrobial Aluminium
The Saguenay, Canada based company A3 Surfaces has moved one step closer to the marketing of its antimicrobial aluminium, which the world has shown interest in. It is now setting up its production line in its new Chicoutimi plant. On 25 th February 2021, Dr Guy Leblanc, Vice-President and Medical Advisor of A3 Surfaces stated his concern on government financial aid totalling $ 4.7 million: "The company is now on the verge of reaching a major milestone, that of the production and marketing of its products.” A3 Surfaces has built a technology to make an aluminium surface self-disinfecting, which eliminates bacteria and viruses found there. The co-founder of the company expects 2021 to be a “pivotal year” for A3 Surfaces. Dr Leblanc added on this subject while speaking of upcoming...
AlCircleBiz: An online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers across the entire aluminium value chain
AlCircleBiz, the world's first global marketplace that connects millions of buyers and sellers across the entire aluminium value chain. While connecting the buyers and sellers through enquiries against listed products and business leads are the foremost features of AlCircleBiz. The online marketplace is piloted by the mission to create enterprising supply chains through increased transparency and reduced dependencies on intermediaries across the aluminium value chain. AlCircleBiz engulfs the entire Aluminium value chain which comprises technology, equipment, accessories, consumables, raw materials, end products, surplus/scrap and service providers. Whoever associated with the Aluminium industry can register with AlCircleBiz to grow their business. Why prefer AlCircleBiz? The perceived...
Italy’s import of Alumina during 2018-19 unfolds marginal growth; 13% drop noted in 2020
The economy of Italy was massively stroked by the worldwide financial crash and only emerged from a recession in 2015; however, the country’s GDP remained around 4% lower than the 2007 level. Now, after it languished in 2019, the economy was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as the country was the first in Europe to be hit by the pandemic. As per the January 2021 update of the World Economic Outlook, the IMF has revised its GDP growth projections for Italy to 3% in 2021 and 3.6% in 2022. The European nation with a long Mediterranean coastline has recorded 234,796 tonnes of alumina import during 2018-19 and the expenditure that occurred for the import remained at $136.28 million. The import for 2020 stood at 102,771 tonnes and the revenue expended remained at $57.74 million. When...
Self-reliant India: Aluminium set to play a key role in the movement, Bauxite Average Sale Price calls for correction
The Self-reliant India movement, a vision drawn by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India to make India a global manufacturing hub and aluminium industry is all set to play a key role in the movement. Presently, the worldwide manufacturing sectors like aerospace, space exploration, national defence, building and construction, transportation, automotive, electrical distribution, packaging and others are heavily dependent on aluminium. The Indian Bauxite reserves and industrial infrastructure to manufacture Aluminium and its products have well-positioned the nation to become a vital source of metal for the world. As a producer of the base metal, this will place India as a one-stop destination for sourcing aluminium and as an outcome in a long term, this will support India towards achieving...
Aluminium Facade Systems appoints Colind Niland as Facade Consultant
Aluminium Facade Systems has made public the appointment of Colin Niland as their new facade consultant for Western Australia and South Australia. Aluminium Facade Systems, a specialist in the production and supply of architectural facade solutions that is safe, durable and aesthetically-pleasing is powered by Alspec. With four decades of experience, the product range consists of solid aluminium and extruded linear panels as well as fixings and accessories. Colind brings to his new role more than 35 years of experience in the facade industry, both in the UK and Australia, providing specifications, designs and technical support for architects, builders and clients. He is an expert to deliver incisive and detailed solutions for all of AFS’ ProClad aluminium cladding systems, as he has...
Coal India to invest INR 38,000 crore in Aluminium smelting Greenfield project
The Indian public sector coal mining and refining company, Coal India projects to invest INR 1.43 lakh crore in 26 projects in new business areas. The new business areas will incorporate a Greenfield aluminium project along with brownfield aluminium projects in a joint venture with NALCO, solar wafer manufacturing, solar generation projects and thermal power plants. As per our report, the company has received approvals from NITI Aayog, DIPAM for the solar wafer manufacturing and the Greenfield aluminium projects. The company has already prepared a draft market assessment report and plans for a special purpose vehicle (SPV) and aims to float tender for the JV by Q2 of FY22. Coal India plans to subsume SPV, where it will seek private partners and bid, will be on the lines of the UMPP (Ultra...
2021: RUSAL to infuse RUB 4.5 billion in the modernization of the Sayanogorsk and Khakas Aluminium smelters
RUSAL has announced that it will infuse RUB 4.5 billion this year towards modernizing the Sayanogorsk and Khakas Aluminium smelters. The bulk of the funds will be used to enhance the production of electrodes, installation of new equipment in the foundry division and revamp the energy efficiency of enterprises. RUSAL will pursue its large-scale modernization of anode baking furnaces at the electrode production facility, as a part of the modernization of the Sayanogorsk smelter. The new state-of-the-art equipment will reduce the smelter’s impact on the environment, increase the energy efficiency of the enterprise and improve the quality of products. However, the accomplishment of construction and installation work on this project is scheduled for the end of 2023. In the foundry, plans...
Serbia’s export of Aluminium Plates, Sheets and Strips during 2018-20 reveals downturn
On 27 th January 2021, Aleksandar Vucic, President of Serbia said: “Serbia ranked first among 38 European economies in terms of year-on-year growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter.” While in a statement from Serbia's Foreign Ministry, Vucic said Serbia is the first in Europe in terms of economic growth, which was possible owing to the reform measures taken since 2014 and the rapid opening of the country after the first wave of the novel coronavirus.” The landlocked country situated at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe in the southern Pannonian Plain and the central Balkans has recorded 106,933 tonnes exports of aluminium plates, sheets and strips during 2018-19 and the revenue earned from the export remained at $252.28 million. The export for 2020 stood...
USA Bobsled and Skeleton ally with water company Mananalu to replace plastic with Aluminium cans
USA Bobsled and Skeleton (USABS), the official national governing body for bobsled and skeleton in the United States has declared it has agreed to ally with Mananalu water. The USABS desire the partnership with Mananalu will support to reduce single-use plastic, with the water company using recyclable aluminium cans. The company say that nine per cent of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. By offering water in an aluminium can, it is claimed each can stands for one less plastic bottle polluting our oceans around the world. Jason Momoa, the American actor, best known for his role as Aquaman, founded the canned water company David Cuthbert, Managing director, Mananalu, said: “We thank the USABS for standing for a better future by committing to help reduce single-use plastic.” "We...
Cyprus import of Aluminium structures during 2018-19 remains flattened, 2020 reflects growth
Constantinos Petrides, the Finance Minister of Cyprus on 28 th January 2021, commented that the economy is expected to rebound by 4.5% of GDP this year following a pandemic-induced contraction of around 5.5% in 2020. In an investment conference, the minister said “the growth estimate comes attached with a great level of uncertainty because of how the pandemic may evolve.” The island nation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea has recorded 3314 tonnes of aluminium structures import during 2018-19 and the revenue expended on the import stood at $13.14 million. The import for 2020 remained at 2183 tonnes, with expenditure accounted for $9.72 million. However, when the import volume and expenditure of 2020 gets assorted with the previous two years, it denotes 5497 tonnes and $22.86 million....
Alu-Lids: Poland’s leading Aluminium lids producer for cosmetic companies procures first MPS flexo press
The leading providers of aluminium lids for cosmetic companies in Poland, Alu-Lids has procured a fully automated MPS EFA 430 flexo press to boost its production capacity, turnaround time, and quality control. In 2001, Alu-Lids initiated operating in the packaging industry in Wrocław, Poland. In 2003, just two years later the company began producing aluminium covers, specializing in the cosmetics industry. Anton Zhukov, Regional Sales Director of MPS, together with MPS’ new representative Reprograf-Grafikus in Poland presented Alu-Lids, the features of the EFA 430 flexo press that could elevate its production, such as special aluminium packaging, very stable register and second pass printing for finishing effects, in addition to benefits of the MPS Performance Program. However, due to...
Vedanta CFO GR Arun Kumar resigns
On 22 nd February 2021, mining and metal giant Vedanta announced that G R Arun Kumar has resigned from the company as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). However, the company said in a filing to BSE that it will declare the effective date of relieving of Kumar and details of the successor in due course. "The board has taken note of the resignation of GR Arun Kumar from the post of Whole-Time Director & Chief Financial Officer of the company to pursue a career outside of the Group," Vedanta said. “Kumar has made an invaluable contribution towards the company's growth and its transformation journey during his tenure of close to eight years”, Vedanta added. Vedanta Ltd, a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Ltd, is one of the world's leading diversified natural resource companies with business...
Rio Tinto controlled Tiwai Aluminium smelter queried over hazardous waste stockpiled near Bluff beach
Rio Tinto’s Tiwai aluminium smelter has stockpiled greater than 100,000 tonnes of cyanide-laced hazardous waste lower than 100 metres from a fast-eroding Bluff beach. The federal government stated earlier this month it remained “utterly blind” about what contamination the closure of the smelter at Tiwai Level may go away behind. Spent cell liner waste incorporates hazardous chemical compounds together with fluoride and cyanide, and produces explosive gases when blended with water. It’s generally referred to as SCL, Spent Pot Lining or SPL. A consultant for the NAZAS stated in 2010 it had stockpiled 186,000 tonnes of waste. The smelter has not disclosed how a lot it has now, however since then it’s estimated it might have produced about one other 80,000 tonnes, or 1 / 4 of 1,000,000 tonnes...
One year passes, Bonasika Bauxite operations remain in a `soft production’ phase
Bonasika Bauxite, a direct shipping ore (DSO) project, whose development has been initiated in Guyana. Guyana Industrial Minerals (GINMIN), a subsidiary of First Bauxite Corporation, remains the project developer. As per the plan, Bauxite from the Bonasika project will undergo mining and beneficiation in Guyana, with calcination and sintering to be conducted in Louisiana, US. On 20 th February’20, the inauguration of the mining operation was done by a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the presence of the Executives of First Bauxite/Guyana Industrial Minerals and the government delegation comprising then Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. The bauxite production embarked last year between 100,000 and 150,000...
Jamaica’s import of Aluminium Foil during 2018-20 recognizes robust growth
Around the world, as most of the economies are suffering, the impact also continues the same for the Jamaican economy, which has been significantly impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. On a bigger picture, the government revenues shrunk by double digits even as emergency health expenditures, as well as social and economic support expenditures rose. The Caribbean island nation with a population of 2.96 million has recorded a significant aluminium foil import volume of 623 tonnes during 2018-19 and the expenditure that occurred for import remained at $3.04 million. The import for 2020 stood at 599 tonnes and the expenditures remained at $2.10 million. However, when the import volume and expenditure of 2020 gets merged with the existing two years, it demonstrates 1222 tonnes and...
Several Banks, financial firms arrange a $200 million sustainability-linked credit facility to RUSAL
The global leader of low carbon aluminium producer, Rusal has agreed to a loan amount of $200 million with the interest subject to a discount or a premium depending on the firm's achievement of key sustainability performance measures. En+ Group, which holds a controlling stake in Rusal and produces aluminium using its independent hydropower plants, said: “The key performance indicators were still to be agreed, but confirmed proceeds from the sustainability-linked credit facility would be used to refinance more expensive debt.” “The loan is secured by the assignment of proceeds from off-take contracts, including those for low carbon aluminium produced under Rusal's brand Allow”, the Group added. However, the Russian low carbon aluminium producer claims the smelters which manufacturers...
Cameroon: Minister of mines, other dignitaries visit the Minim Martap Project site
Phillip Gallagher, the Managing Director of Canyon Resources and Rick Smith, the new Camalco Director-General hosted a visit on 25 th January 2021, to the Minim Martap Project site by His Excellency Gabrielle Ndoko, the Minister of Mines – Govt. of Cameroon, the Secretary of State to the Minister of Mines, the Governor of the Adamoua Region and other dignitaries. The purpose of the site visit was for Camalco to present the results of the extensive exploration and geological research completed by the company on the Project and to discuss the development plans for the Project. The presentation and meetings at the towns of Martap and Minim were chaired by the Minister of Mines and attended by local dignitaries and people from the local villages. The meetings were overwhelmingly positive, and...
