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.
Trafigura Group establish low carbon aluminium financing platform up to $500 million, supported by Natixis and Rabobank
One of the world’s leading independent aluminium traders, Trafigura Group Pte Ltd., has established a ‘low carbon aluminium’ financing platform of up to $ 500 million. Natixis and Rabobank supported Trafigura in the design and structuring of this innovative instrument. Trafigura’s first step towards the financing of this kind and for the wider market, the facility has been designed to meet growing demand from downstream manufacturers for low carbon aluminium and to support upstream producers in accelerating their transition to low carbon technologies. The platform will enable Trafigura to access financing at a preferential interest rate and, in turn, to pay a premium to low carbon aluminium producers. It follows Trafigura’s establishment of a low carbon aluminium trading desk in 2019, the...
Czech Republic’s Aluminium scrap export during 2017-19 shows robust growth; Estimated 7.62% downfall in 2020
The economy of the Czech Republic is a developed export-oriented social market economy based on services, manufacturing, and innovation that maintains a high-income welfare state and the European social model. While the automotive industry is the Czech Republic's largest industry, other key sectors in the region include machinery, iron and steel production, metallurgy, chemical production, electronics, transport equipment, textiles, glass, ceramics, defence and pharmaceuticals. The Central European nation’s aluminium scrap export during 2017-19 has been recorded at 170,364 tonnes with the revenue generation remained at $172.41 million. The estimated aluminium scraps export for 2020 to stay at 66,106 tonnes and earnings to stand at $61.13 million. However, when the analysed 2020 export...
VALCO looks-out for partners to upgrade aluminium smelter in Ghana
Ghana is looking for domestic or international partners to support the restoration and upgrading the state-owned Volta Aluminum Company’s (VALCO) smelter, to reach its production capacity of 300,000 tonnes per year by 2025. The Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation (GIADEC) has conveyed the message that interested parties could partner on a five-year, US$10 billion recovery plan for VALCO and the wider mining sector in the country. The first phase of the upgrade would increase the production of to180,000 tonnes per year, while a second phase would reach 300,000 tonnes per year. However, VALCO has a nameplate capacity of 200,000 tonnes per year, but currently, it produces only 60,000 tonnes per year as three out of five potlines are offline. Michel Ansakh, CEO, GIADEC said: “An...
Nalco’s CAPEX plans possibly to squash cash flows, refinery expansion project causing a flutter
The industry analysts said: “National Aluminium Company Ltd (Nalco) shareholders may have a thing or two to worry about in the coming years. The firm is going ahead with an expansion plan that will deplete cash flows and raise its debt levels. That may just be weighing on the stock.” As on 7 th September’20, Nalco’s shares have slipped by about 2% in trade. Nalco refinery expansion project is causing a bit of a flutter. Kotak Institutional Equities said: “Nalco is proceeding with its return dilutive alumina refinery expansion project of INR 6,000 crore. We estimate a negative free-cash-flow in FY2021-23 (estimates) as it would use all its surplus cash and NACL (Nalco) would require raising debt in FY2023 (E) to continue its expansion spends." The strain on cash flows could also impact its...
Croatia’s import of Aluminium alloy ingot during 2017-20 stage strong market
The Croatian economy is one of the strongest economies in Southeast Europe. Croatia joined the World Trade Organization in 2000, NATO in 2009 and became a member of the European Union on 1 July 2013. The industrial sector represents 27% of Croatia's total economic output while agriculture represents 6%. However, FocusEconomics panellists forecast the economy to shrink 8.7% in 2020, which is down 0.4% points from July's estimate and to expand 4.7% in 2021. The South-eastern European nation’s importation of Aluminium alloy ingot during 2017-19 staged a strong and enterprising market, as the import volume recorded was 209,091 tonnes with expenditure occurred remained at $340.73 million. The projected import for 2020 has been evaluated at 107,833 tonnes and expenditure to stand at $162...
Hulamin: Loss-making Aluminium semi-fabricator awards top executives R3.2 million worth performance share incentives
Hulamin, the Pietermaritzburg-South Africa based Aluminium semi- fabricator has awarded just over R3.2 million worth performance share incentives to its CEO, Company Secretary and a Director of one of its subsidiaries. The drive came in a situation when the small-cap posted a wider annual loss of R1.4 billion in June’20 and staff lay-offs in 2019. Richard Jacob, Hulamin’s long-time CEO has been awarded 932,150 “performance shares” worth just over R2.1 million. Willem Fitchat, Company Secretary has been awarded 195,727 shares worth R446,805, while Marlene Janneker – a Director of Hulamin Operations Proprietary Limited has been awarded shares worth R766,630. All three award recipient has been engaged with the company since the 1990s when it was part of the Tongaat Hulett Group. Hulamin was...
Motorbike luggage maker Shad rolls-out Aluminium range “TERA”, affirms it sturdy
The Spanish manufacturer for motorbike luggage box Shad has just rolled out a new range of models in the name of “TERA”. The newly launched products are quite contrasting from other brands boxes, as it is made from aluminium and affirmed that it is very sturdy. On 5 th September’20, Josep Fernandez, Director of PT Shad Indonesia, during launch in Jakarta said: “The name Terra was taken to respect the earth before life existed. Latin Terra refers to our planet and its extraordinary natural wealth and provides us with unlimited adventure for all motorcycle lovers.” This box is made of hardened aluminium alloy raw material, a type of aluminium that is stronger and lighter. Josep added: “With the Terra Lock System technology, it unites all motor case operations in one lock mechanism. With one...
Alteo Alumina in support with Veolia completes "red mud" treatment plant
On 4 th September’20, the French speciality alumina plant in Gardanne, Alteo started a new biological treatment station for its liquid effluents, designed and built by Veolia. Since the last phase of 2015, Alteo continued to invest in the purification of its liquid residues commonly called “red mud” that got discharged at sea. The ultimate step in these efforts was taken with the erection of a biological treatment unit, which got inaugurated recently. The installation was designed and built-in 14 months with Veolia, being accountable for operating and maintaining it under a three-year contract. The world leader in the production of speciality alumina said: “Alteo now fully complies with the regulatory requirements imposed on it for the quality of its effluents before they are discharged...
US aviation authority approves four-bladed aluminium MacCauly C779 Blackmac propellers for Cessna SkyCourier
FAA, the US aviation authority has approved the four-bladed aluminium MacCauly C779 Blackmac propellers specially designed for the Cessna SkyCourier. The propeller manufacturer went through a test program of 135 hours, before securing this certificate, in which the propeller was subjected, among other things, to twice the number of centrifugal forces. Cessna has recently started the test program with two SkyCouriers after a first flight with the second prototype on 11 August. The aircraft, P1, recorded an altitude of 14,200 ft (4,023 m) during a 1:35 hour flight, reaching a speed of 210 kts (389 km / h). P1 is the first production compliant aircraft to be equipped as a cargo plane. On 17 th May’20, the first aircraft completed an initial 2:15 hour flight that went smoothly. Since then,...
Irish Minister’s scheme to 'reward' against collection of aluminium cans is defaced by waste management industry
Eamon Ryan, the Irish Minister of Climate Action has initiated a plan to install reverse vending machines throughout the country, which will allow shoppers to return their aluminium drink cans for a reward. The system initiating towards a part of a new deposit-and-return scheme aimed at preventing recyclable drink containers ending up in rubbish bins or as street litter. A public consultation will commence shortly, which will decide the final format. The idea is that machines will be installed at shops and other accessible places for use by customers and the general public. People can drop a can as they finish using it or collect a bundle at home to bring in one visit. In exchange, they will get a reward, most likely in the form of a voucher for use in the shop hosting the drop-off point,...
Fight against COVID-19: Alumar Consortium in Brazil propels efforts for employees and community
When the world is expecting a vaccine to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, Alumar continues to work towards ensuring of health and safety of its employees, suppliers and the community. With its resources or through its consortium members, Alcoa, South 32 and Rio Tinto, the Alumar Consortium has already allocated R $ 1.3 million in humanitarian aid to restrict the spread of the disease in the state. The emergency support started in March’20, with the donation to the Government of Maranhão for around R$ 500,000 for the purchase of respirators and N95 masks, destined for public hospitals. Together with the Alcoa Institute, Alumar coordinated the donation of R$ 200,000 in thermometers, masks, glasses and facial protectors to the University Hospital (HU-UFMA). In partnership with the Alcoa...
Norweld: The specialist in aluminium “ute tray and canopy” opens its facility in Sydney
Norweld, specialising in aluminium ute tray and canopy installation for four-wheel-drives has opened its facility in Sydney, Australia. This company’s speciality leads the market in innovation. Jonathon Warren has been appointed as the branch manager for Norweld’s Sydney workshop and he will be overseeing the professional installations of aluminium ute trays and canopies. Norweld has a proud history of making its customer's dreams a reality. Through years of research and development at its head office in Cairns, they have endeavoured to develop the ultimate tray and canopy packages. All products are designed and manufactured by Australians, using the highest grade materials with cutting edge manufacturing techniques. Norweld partners with leading manufacturers and vehicle modification...
Algeria’s import of Aluminium foil during 2017-20 reveals an enterprising North African market
Algeria's economy is dominated by its export trade in petroleum and natural gas, commodities that, despite fluctuations in world prices, annually contribute roughly one-third of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). The North African nation’s aluminium foil importation during 2017-19 has revealed an enterprising market, as the import volume stood at 25,625 tonnes with occurring expenditures standing at $105.74. The evaluated import volume for 2020 has been marked at 12,048 tonnes and expenditures to remain at $41.94 million. However, when the import volume and expenditures of 2020 get summed with the preceding three years, it reflects 37,673 tonnes and $147.68 million respectively. Algeria’s import of Aluminium foil in 2017 stood at 4571 tonnes and foreign revenue expenditure...
Austal USA delivers 12th Expeditionary Fast Transport ship made from aluminium to US Navy
The US wing of Australia’s global ship-building firm Austal to deliver USNS Newport, the 12 th Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ship and it brings up the total delivered number to 24 in ten years, including three in the current year to the US Navy by Austal USA. David Singleton, CEO, Austal said: “The delivery of EPF 12 by Austal USA further strengthens the status of its Mobile, Alabama shipyard as an industry-leading facility.” He also said: “Austal USA has now delivered 24 ships to the US Navy, in just over ten years, including three in this year alone. This is a remarkable achievement and testament to the productivity and efficiency of the shipyard, which is now expanding to enable the shipbuilding and support of steel vessels.” “The ongoing, successful delivery of...
Aluminum Rheinfelden appoints Johann-Christian Leye as Managing Director for alloys division
Aluminum Rheinfelden Group Managing Director Erika Zender has appointed Johann-Christian Leye as Managing Director of the Rheinfelden Alloys production division. There was a change in management at the Aluminum Rheinfelden Group and as part of the restructuring and reorganization of the group this new decision has come into force. This was made public by the company on 3 rd September’20. Holding a doctorate in chemistry, 40 years old Johann-Christian Leye ten years ago with family moved from Clausthal-Zellerfeld in Lower Saxony to Rheinfelden. He initially worked at Aluminum Rheinfelden as head of development in the carbon production area, where he then took over management in May’20. In the Alloys production area, around 30,000 tonnes of tailor-made aluminium alloys are produced...
Irish e-scooter start-up Zipp set for UK launch, frame made from aircraft-grade aluminium
Brian O’Driscoll, the former Irish rugby captain is among several angel investors to have funded Irish e-scooter start-up Zipp Mobility in a €500,000 funding round. The funding has now risen to more than €1 million, as the financing to be used now for the launch in Britain. In 2019, Zipp Mobility was founded by Charlie Gleeson, received approval from the UK department for transport last week to have its e-scooters used in sharing scheme trials. The company is in discussions with multiple councils in Britain to secure licences to provide services thereafter the government announced plans to accelerate trials of rented e-scooter schemes as part of its strategy to explore transport alternatives in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Zipp e-scooter frame made from aircraft-grade aluminium,...
Grinding Techniques carries ANDOR railway revolution, usage of alumina stood as the best option for maintenance
Grinding Techniques, a part of the Tyrolit Group is well-known as a grinding company and has been supplying grinding solutions to the railway sector for years. The firm specialised in grinding products have been exporting to global satisfied customers and offers an extensive range of high-quality railway grinding wheels. All of Grinding Techniques’ products are manufactured in line with international standards (ISO, EN and OSA). Railway technology has enhanced remarkably over the decades, emerged with wooden rails first introduced, transforming to cast iron plates fixed to the upper surface of wooden rails that increased durability and load-bearing than to L-shaped metal plates – better known as plateway – was introduced. Down the time, the advancement continued as it worked its way...
Belgium’s import of Aluminium pipes and tubes fittings remain volatile during 2017-20
Belgium has a free-enterprise economy, with the majority of the gross domestic product (GDP) generated by the service sector. Despite its small size, Belgium's economy has consistently placed among the top 20 economies of the world and remains strong. The kingdom's exports have given it an account surplus that is the sixth-largest among the highly developed economies of the world. The Western European nation’s import of aluminium pipes/tubes fittings remained volatile during 2017-19, as the import volume recorded was 2270.53 tonnes with the expenditure occurred stood at $22.17 million. The import for 2020 has been analysed at 734.25 tonnes and the expenditure to outreach at $8.82 million. When the import volume and expenditure gets assorted with the preceding three years it stands at...
