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.
Canada must stand firm: No room for dumped steel and aluminium
In a rare joint statement, Catherine Cobden, President and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, and Jean Simard, President and CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canada, have raised concerns over the growing impact of Chinese overcapacity on Canadian markets. The two leaders highlighted the urgent need for decisive policy action in response to the flood of excess capacity, particularly from China, which they argue poses a significant threat to the Canadian steel and aluminium sectors. The statement follows recent consultations regarding potential policy measures to address Chinese overcapacity, especially within the electric vehicle (EV) supply chains. The joint statement states: "As the representatives of two major industries in Canada directly employing more than 31,000...
Jamaica’s alumina export value rises to US$132.2 million in Q1
According to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), Jamaica's Mining and Quarrying industry recorded a significant 33.6 per cent increase in export earnings during the first quarter of 2024. The sector's earnings climbed to US$148.7 million, up from US$111.3 million in the same period last year. This growth was primarily driven by a substantial rise in alumina exports, which reached a value of US$132.2 million. This marks a notable increase from the US$89.2 million earned in the first quarter of 2023. Alumina, a key export for Jamaica, played a pivotal role in bolstering the industry's performance. However, the positive trend in alumina was slightly offset by a decrease in bauxite exports, which fell by 1.9%. The value of bauxite exports for the quarter stood at US$15.3 million....
Alpha HPA embarks on the transformational development of Gladstone ultra-high-purity alumina refinery
Alpha HPA has officially begun work on transforming its Gladstone-based project into one of the world's largest single-site ultra-high-purity alumina refineries. The Company's Managing Director, Rimas Kairaitis, announced on August 8, 2024, that site establishment is underway, with substantial funding secured to progress towards full-scale production. Key earthworks and civil contractors have commenced site establishment activities, signalling the imminent start of project earthworks. "Contractors have started mobilising equipment and support infrastructure, and Ergon has begun burying power lines ahead of earthworks commencement," Kairaitis stated. He added that Alpha HPA's construction management team is now fully established in Gladstone. This construction milestone follows a...
Certified green: AMAG AL4® ever's low carbon primary aluminium hits the market
AMAG Austria Metall AG, known for its commitment to sustainability, has expanded its AMAG AL4 ® ever product line to include primary aluminium products. Renowned for its low CO 2 emissions and high quality, the AMAG AL4 ® ever portfolio now covers the entire aluminium value chain, from rolled and cast products to primary aluminium. Low carbon production in Canada The Alouette smelter in Canada, a key supplier for AMAG AL4 ® ever, uses 100 per cent renewable electricity sourced from hydropower, ensuring minimal energy-related CO 2 emissions. This contrasts with smelters powered by coal or gas, which have significantly higher CO 2 outputs. The Alouette smelter's high efficiency and continuous optimisation further reduce emissions, maintaining them at low levels. Significant emissions...
QAMCO reports QR237 million net profit in H1 2024 on the back of stabilised aluminium market
Qatar Aluminium Manufacturing Company Q.P.S.C. (QAMCO), a 50 per cent joint venture partner in Qatar Aluminium Company (Qatalum), reported a net profit of QR237 million for the six-month period ending June 30 th , 2024. The earnings per share (EPS) stood at QR0.042. After a volatile 2023 and early 2024, the aluminium market began stabilising in the second quarter of 2024. Various factors contributed to the challenging supply-demand dynamics of primary aluminium, including tightened monetary policies, regional geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea, and weakened consumer demand due to high inflation and interest rates. Comparatively, QAMCO's net profit for H1 2024 was QR237 million, slightly down from QR240 million in H1 2023. The EPS also saw a marginal decline from QR0.043 in H1 2023 to...
Ningbo Shenma Group leads the green power transmission revolution with innovative copper-aluminium composite bus ducts
Ningbo Shenma Group, based in Zhejiang province, has made a significant stride in the green power transmission sector. Their cutting-edge copper-aluminium composite products position the company as a global leader in enhancing power delivery systems and promise to revolutionise power transmission systems worldwide. Bus ducts, the latest advancement in current-carrying conductors, are gaining momentum as they gradually replace traditional transmission methods in low-voltage power systems. Unlike conventional bus ducts made from pure copper or aluminium, these new composite products have a unique advantage: their superior efficiency, making them the future of power transmission. Aluminium is often used in scenarios where high electrical conductivity is not critical, and copper, renowned for...
South32 faces community opposition over Worsley Alumina project expansion
The residents of several communities in south-west Western Australia have joined forces to oppose South32's future mining projects, citing growing concerns about Worsley Alumina. Residents of the Shires of Boddington, Wandering, and Williams, located approximately 130 kilometres southeast of Perth, are represented by Locals for Environmental Action and Protection (LEAP). LEAP emerged last year in response to intensified mining activities at Worsley Alumina, including the installation of a haul road over Pinjarra-Williams Road. Worsley Alumina is an integrated bauxite mining and alumina refining operation in the Southwest of Western Australia. Founded in 1984, it is today recognised as one of the largest alumina refineries in the world. Since its formation, LEAP has been actively engaging...
Investor Relations leadership transition at Alcoa, Louis Langlois named Senior VP
On August 6, 2024, Alcoa Corporation announced a transition in its Investor Relations leadership, appointing Louis Langlois, Senior Vice President of Treasury and Capital Markets, effective September 1, 2024. Louis Langlois will assume responsibility for the Company’s investor relations and pension investment functions from Jim Dwyer, Vice President, Investor Relations and Pension Investments, who will retire on September 1 after more than 30 years of service. Langlois is currently senior vice president and treasurer. He will continue to report to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Molly Beerman. Molly Beerman said, “Louis will extend the strong relationships he currently has with our banks, advisors, and rating agencies to our investors and maintain the transparency and...
Evergrande New Energy Auto's two units face bankruptcy, reorganisation ordered by court
The local court has ordered two units of China Evergrande New Energy Auto to enter bankruptcy and reorganisation proceedings. This decision comes after individual creditors of Evergrande New Energy Vehicle (Guangdong) and Evergrande Smart Automotive (Guangdong) filed for such proceedings last week. Shares of the electric vehicle maker plunged 7 per cent on July 29 following the creditors' move. The court hearing on August 2 resulted in the ruling to initiate the bankruptcy process for the two units. This ruling adds to the challenges faced by the EV unit of China Evergrande Group, the embattled real estate developer. In May, the company updated the market on ongoing discussions between its liquidators and a potential buyer. The outcome of these talks, which is crucial for extending a new...
Metal Source expands footprint with the acquisition of Imperial Aluminum in Alabama
Gebhart Holdings, Metal Source's parent company, has announced the acquisition of Imperial Aluminum's assets in Scottsboro, Alabama. This strategic purchase marks Metal Source's first location outside Indiana, enhancing its capabilities and market reach. However, the financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. The newly acquired facility, which will be rebranded as Metal Source, spans over 40 acres and employs approximately 80 full-time staff. With an impressive recycling capacity exceeding 100 million pounds annually, the site will produce a variety of aluminium alloys, zinc alloys, and aluminium deox cones. Colin Denihan, Metal Source's Chief Commercial Officer, emphasised the strategic significance of the Alabama location in meeting the growing demand for...
Schupan's JP Processing Centre in Kalamazoo opens for aluminium recycling
Schupan's JP Processing Centre has officially opened its doors, marking a significant step toward making Kalamazoo a more environmentally friendly community. The centre aims to convert old aluminium into usable raw material, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of aluminium production. Kalamazoo is a city in and the county seat of Kalamazoo County, Michigan, United States. Aluminium scrap recycling or aluminium recycling is a crucial process aimed at reutilising discarded aluminium materials, promoting resource conservation, and mitigating environmental impact. Aluminium, prized for its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties, has extensive applications in the aerospace, construction, and packaging industries. Gary Curtis, President of Schupan, emphasised the new process's...
Xiamen welcomes CRRC Corporation’s aluminium crewless metro train
CRRC Corporation Ltd. has introduced a state-of-the-art crewless metro train to revolutionise urban transit on Xiamen's Line 6. The innovative train, constructed with an aluminium car body and featuring a carbon fibre driver's desk, has been developing for two years. CRRC Corporation Limited is a Chinese state-owned and publicly traded rolling stock manufacturer. In terms of revenue, it is the world's largest rolling stock manufacturer, eclipsing its major competitors, Alstom and Siemens. The four-car train, which spans 9.8 km and serves seven stations, is a marvel of efficiency. With a maximum speed of 80 km/h and the ability to accommodate up to 826 passengers, it is designed to meet the demands of urban transit. The train is equipped with GoA4 automation, encompassing 50 automated...
South Korea's LS Cable & Systems starts construction of new facilities in Mexico
LS Cable & Systems, a South Korea-based industrial corporation with global operations and one of the biggest cable manufacturers worldwide, has announced the commencement of construction on two new factories in Querétaro, Mexico. These facilities will focus on producing bus ducts—a modern electrical distribution system—and electric vehicle (EV) battery components. When they begin mass production in 2025, the facilities will cover 126,000 square metres. The new facilities are part of LS Cable's strategic plan to establish a significant export base for the North American market. This initiative will enhance the company's production capabilities and market reach. Bus ducts, a superior alternative to traditional cables, offer many benefits that make them especially beneficial for high-rise...
Maharashtra, India: Nanar community unites to oppose bauxite mining
For years, the residents of Nanar in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district in India have stood united against the environmental threat posed by a proposed oil refinery project. Now, they are gearing up for another significant fight against bauxite mining. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has announced a public hearing on August 29, 2024, to discuss the environmental implications of the proposed Nanar Bauxite Block, spanning 362 acres. The state administration's recent letter to the Nanar village council (gram panchayat) announcing the public hearing has shocked the villagers. The MPCB has also issued a public notice about the hearing, which the district collector will oversee. Residents are invited to register their suggestions and objections regarding the environmental issues...
Flying high to driving far: Nandina REM converts retired airliner aluminium into EV battery casings
Nandina REM, a Singapore-based startup, recently launched a recycling initiative to prevent decommissioned airliners from becoming mere junkyard hulks by reclaiming and repurposing their valuable materials. Nandina REM's visionary plan involves extracting high-quality aluminium and advanced-engineered materials from old planes to manufacture electric vehicle (EV) battery casings and other essential products. This initiative, driven by the company's mission to reduce environmental pollution significantly, targets a substantial cut in planet-warming emissions. According to the company, approximately 8,000 old aircraft are currently languishing in jungles, deserts, and various other locations worldwide, with an additional 15,000 expected to join them within the next decade. Karina Cady, CEO,...
First quarter success: Iran exceeds 169,000 tonnes in aluminium ingot production
In the first three months of the current Iranian calendar year, which began on March 20, Iran produced more than 169,000 tonnes of aluminium ingots. The Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO) reported this significant production milestone. Between March 20 and June 20, the country’s four major aluminium producers—South Aluminium Corporation, Iranian Aluminium Company, Almahdi Aluminium Company, and Iran Alumina Company—collectively generated 169,141 tonnes of aluminium ingots, according to IMIDRO as quoted by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) on August 3, 2024. Specifically, these four companies produced nearly 166,986 tonnes of total aluminium ingots, reflecting a 1 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. In addition to...
Jaguar Land Rover faces production setbacks after Swiss floods halt aluminium supply
The recent flooding in Switzerland has sent shockwaves across the global automotive industry, with Jaguar Land Rover at the epicentre of the disruptions. The devastation at a crucial aluminium supplier's factory has led to a scarcity of aluminium alloys, impacting the production lines of several high-end automotive brands. Porsche and BMW are the other major car manufacturers affected by this supply chain interruption. However, Mercedes-Benz has reported that the aluminium shortage resulting from the floods will not affect its production. The company credits its diversified supplier base for this resilience. Novelis is the supplier at the heart of this disruption. Novelis is the leading producer of flat-rolled aluminium products and the world's largest recycler of aluminium. In late June,...
Admir Šahmanović vows to resolve 10-year payment delays for ex-bauxite miners in Montenegro
Admir Šahmanović, the Minister of Mining, Oil and Gas, Montenegro, met with former workers of the bauxite mine on the Seoca plateau, who have been waiting for ten years to pay claims from the bankruptcy estate. In a statement from the Ministry, Šahmanović assured the workers that he would strive to resolve the issue legally and within the institutional framework. The minister's commitment comes after a decades-long struggle for the workers to receive their due compensation, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by those affected by the mine's bankruptcy. Šahmanović's promise marks a significant step towards addressing their grievances and seeking a just outcome through proper legal channels. Šahmanović said, "I am sorry that this multi-decade problem is dragging on and that you are...
