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.
Cameroon exports aluminium shipment to Algeria under AfCFTA
Under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) umbrella, the Minister of Commerce of Cameroon, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, played a pivotal role in the initial shipment of aluminium ingots at the Douala port. This significant event, which saw the historic consignment of a modest quantity (approx. 100 tonnes) of aluminium ingots packed into containers, is a testament to the government's support and Cameroon's growing export capabilities in the aluminium industry. Produced by the Cameroon Aluminium Company (Alucam), the ingots are en route to Alfilect, an Algerian firm specialising in electrical cable production. This pivotal export not only underscores Cameroon's growing influence in the aluminium sector but also highlights the potential of AfCFTA to bolster intra-African trade....
PyroGenesis Canada Inc. secures ownership of US-based Drosrite International
PyroGenesis Canada Inc., a high-tech firm known for its innovative plasma processes and sustainable solutions to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and mitigate environmental pollutants, has announced the acquisition of full ownership of Drosrite International, a private company based in the United States. The company acquired full ownership of Drosrite, an environmentally friendly waste management technology provider for the aluminium industry, for just CAD$1.00. Previously, Drosrite had been operated as an accounting subsidiary. Previously, PyroGenesis and Drosrite International entered an exclusive agreement on August 29, 2019. This agreement granted Drosrite International the rights to manufacture, market, sell, and distribute Drosrite™ systems and technology across the Kingdom of Saudi...
China aims to improve industry competitiveness with recycled aluminium and copper import rules
The Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) of China has unveiled draft regulations to facilitate the importation of recycled aluminium and copper, aiming to enhance supply and bolster industry competitiveness. China, the leading global producer and consumer of metals, is intensifying its efforts to use more recycled materials. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions from its energy-intensive industries while preventing the nation from becoming a repository for international waste. According to a notice issued by the MEE, raw materials for recycled copper, copper alloy, aluminium, and aluminium alloy will no longer be classified as solid waste. This reclassification means these materials can be imported without restrictions, marking a significant shift...
Chart Industries integrates braised aluminium heat exchangers in LNG facility
Chart Industries has been chosen to provide its mid-scale modular liquefaction solution for Argent LNG’s upcoming liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Port Fourchon, Louisiana. This facility, with a capacity of 20 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), will utilise Chart’s innovative approach to liquefaction. Chart Industries is a leading global manufacturer of highly engineered equipment servicing multiple clean energy and industrial gas applications. Unlike traditional methods, which rely on single large trains, Chart’s modular mid-scale LNG solution achieves total plant liquefaction capacity through multiple identical trains. Chart’s IPSMR (Integrated Pre-Cooled Single Mixed Refrigerant) process technology and proprietary braised aluminium heat exchangers and cold boxes are central to...
Vedanta Chairman meets Odisha Chief Minister to discuss the state's industrialisation
The Chairman of Indian multinational mining and metal company Vedanta's Chairman, Anil Agarwal, met with the newly elected Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on July 4, 2024, to discuss avenues for enhanced collaboration to enhance the state's industrial landscape. During their meeting, the Chairman reaffirmed the group's steadfast commitment to the state's progress, as outlined in a statement by Vedanta. The deliberations centred on identifying new opportunities for collaboration that would further accelerate Odisha's journey of transformation, foster socio-economic growth, and advance industrial development across the region. The Vedanta Group has made its largest-ever investment worldwide in Odisha, exceeding INR 1 lakh crore. Vedanta's aluminium assets predominantly operate in...
South32’s Boddington bauxite mine expansion cleared with environmental provisions
South32's Boddington bauxite mine expansion in Australia, which aims to extend the Worsley alumina refinery's operations for an additional 15 years, has secured support from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), albeit with conditions. The alumina refinery, the second-largest alumina exporter in the state, has been seeking approval to develop new mining areas since 2017. This expansion plan, crucial for tapping into over 200 million tonnes of ore reserves, has faced significant opposition from conservationists. Critics have raised concerns about the potential adverse effects on endangered wildlife within the Northern Jarrah Forest. The EPA has now recommended the project's approval to Environment Minister Reece Whitby. However, the endorsement is subject to appeal and comes with...
Speira enhances recycling capabilities with new slag press in Karmøy
Speira, a leading rolling and recycling company, has announced a significant new investment in its Karmøy facility. With an allocation of NOK 6 million, Speira will install a state-of-the-art slag press. This cutting-edge technology enhances recycling by efficiently processing waste from aluminium production. The investment underscores Speira's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the aluminium industry. By enabling the recycling of production waste, the new slag press will contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of aluminium manufacturing and support the company's goal of promoting a circular economy. Pål Tage Endresen, Plant Manager at Speira Karmøy, said, “Not only will the quality of the product be higher, but we will reduce both operating costs and waste from...
Aluminium powder revolutionises batteries: Introducing the first anode-free solid-state battery
In a groundbreaking development, a team of researchers has successfully combined the most advanced battery technologies to create the world's first anode-free sodium solid-state battery. This innovative design features a stable solid electrolyte and employs pressure to form dense sodium metal. An aluminium current collector ensures efficient and repeatable sodium plating and stripping at high capacities and speeds. The implications of this new battery technology are significant. By eliminating the anode and using sodium—a cheap and abundant material—this battery is set to be more affordable and environmentally friendly than traditional lithium-based batteries. This advancement promises a future where energy storage is more sustainable and economically accessible. Grayson Deysher, a PhD...
Safe cooking, guaranteed: New standards for aluminium and steel utensils set by India
The Government of India has introduced new rules to bolster kitchen safety and product integrity. Effective March 14, 2024, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has mandated the ISI mark on all stainless steel and aluminium utensils sold in the country. Under this order, adherence to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) criteria is now compulsory. Non-compliance will incur penalties, underscoring the government's commitment to consumer safety. These stringent standards are designed to ensure that kitchenware meets high-quality benchmarks, reflecting BIS's dedication to preserving culinary diversity while enhancing product reliability and consumer protection. Aluminium utensils are essential in both household and professional kitchens. They are prized for their...
Southeast Asia's first electric vehicle battery plant inaugurated in Indonesia
Indonesia unveiled Southeast Asia's first electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility on July 3, 2024, as a landmark for the region's automotive industry. The facility boasts the world's largest nickel reserves and the sixth-largest producer of bauxite. Situated in Karawang, West Java Province, the plant was owned by HLI Green Power and was inaugurated on July 3, 2024. This groundbreaking initiative is a joint venture involving Indonesia Battery Corporation, South Korean automaker Hyundai, and leading battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution. The move signifies Indonesia's strategic leap into the forefront of electric vehicle technology, leveraging its abundant nickel resources to propel the green energy transition forward. During the ceremony, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said,...
PepsiCo anticipates falling short of sustainability goals
In its 2023 ESG summary overview, PepsiCo, the American multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation headquartered in Harrison, New York, revealed that it has projected to fall 2 per cent short of its ambitious target of designing 100 per cent of its packaging for recyclability, compostability, biodegradability, or reusability by 2025. The company attributes this shortfall to a unique set of challenges. Despite the setback, PepsiCo has made some progress in reducing its environmental footprint. Compared to its 2020 baseline, the company reported a 1 per cent reduction in the use of virgin plastic from non-renewable sources per serving across its global beverages and convenience foods portfolio. However, the absolute tonnage of virgin plastic derived from non-renewable resources...
Top bauxite carrier Winning International invests in new for West Africa-China trade
Singapore-based Winning International Group, a renowned Chinese Capesize specialist, is set to enhance its seaborne trade from West Africa to China with a significant new order. The company has commissioned six very large ore carriers (VLOCs) at an estimated total cost of nearly $700 million, a substantial investment that underscores their commitment to the industry. This new order follows Winning's previous acquisition of two VLOCs from CSSC's Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding yard last September. The latest sextet has been ordered from Hengli Heavy Industry, with industry insiders indicating that deliveries will commence in the second half of 2027. Each vessel is priced at approximately $116 million. Winning owns and operates one of Singapore's largest bulk carrier fleets, with almost 100...
Aluminij 4.0: Talum's visionary leap into the digital revolution
As a breakthrough achievement, the Talum, InovaIT, and Comland consortium has finished the ambitious two-year project Aluminij 4.0, which aims to revolutionise aluminium production. The project heralds a new era for Talum, integrating cutting-edge technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Automation. This transformative initiative, which aligns closely with our strategic objective of achieving 'zero defect' production standards for castings, has seen the implementation of self-driving forklifts and the automation of production lines. These advancements have significantly enhanced the traceability of material flow, boosted productivity, and elevated product quality. Aluminij 4.0 marks a significant technological leap for...
Q2 milestone: Metro Mining hits new shipment record, ramps up expansion
Metro Mining Limited has announced a new shipment record for the second quarter of the calendar year, reaching 1.42 million WMT (wet metric tonnes). This represents a 12 per cent increase compared to Q2 2023. Year to date, the total shipments stand at 1.50 million WMT. Additionally, Q2 2024 has marked the successful commissioning phase of the company's new 7 million WMT per annum expansion project. Metro Mining is an independent bauxite producer and explorer. Its 100 per cent-owned Bauxite Hills Mine operates on the Weipa bauxite plateau approximately 95 kilometres north of Weipa, near the coast on the Skardon River. Metro Mining produces high-alumina bauxite and ships it to customers in large ore carriers. The final components of the expansion entered operation during the quarter. OFT...
China’s demand for Guinea bauxite fuels Capesize market surge
Capesize rates have recently surged past the $30,000 a day mark, largely driven by record-breaking bauxite shipments from West Africa to China. Bauxite, the primary source of aluminium, is a significant minor bulk commodity typically transported on Capesize vessels. According to the US Geological Survey, Guinea holds the largest bauxite reserves in the world. In the second quarter of this year, Greek broker Intermodal reported an "unprecedented surge" in bauxite exports from Guinea, reaching a new record, with the majority of these exports destined for China. China, a key player in the global market, has set a record in primary aluminium production. The significant growth in the first five months of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, has led to a surge in demand for bauxite and...
Novelis Inc. names Roberta Soares and Cary Chenanda as Regional Presidents for South and North America
The world's leading provider of sustainable aluminium solutions and a global leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, Novelis Inc., has announced significant executive leadership appointments to foster global growth and promote aluminium as the preferred material for circular solutions. Roberta Soares and Cary Chenanda have been named Regional Presidents for South America and North America, respectively. Francisco Pires, the former President of South America, will now serve as Chief Transformation Officer. Meanwhile, Tadeu Nardocci, who previously served as interim president of North America, will transition to Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Operations, overseeing the company's major capital projects. These strategic appointments underscore Novelis Inc.'s unwavering...
Rio Tinto powers up solar energy initiative on Gove Peninsula for a sustainable future
The world's leading mining company, Rio Tinto, has announced the construction of two 5.25MW solar farms in Gumatj and Rirratjingu, a traditional country in the Gove Peninsula, Northern Territory. This is a significant step towards securing a sustainable power supply. The Gumatj and Rirratjingu, Traditional Owner Groups, have approved the solar farms, which will be built on Rio Tinto leases. The initiative aims to provide a low-carbon energy future for the Gove community as mining operations in the region are projected to cease by the end of the decade. Aggreko, a global leader in mobile and modular power solutions, will construct, own, and operate the solar farms. Construction is slated to begin in July 2024 and be completed by early 2025. The two sites will collectively offer a capacity...
AI-driven productivity gains may vary widely across European sectors
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to make significant inroads across various European sectors, with smaller industries standing to benefit the most in the near term. While larger sectors may still need to be ready to implement AI fully, and some may never reach that point, the potential for productivity gains remains substantial, according to ING Think. ING suggests that the most immediate advantages will be seen in smaller sectors, where AI can be more easily integrated, and its impact is felt more quickly. These industries are likely to experience notable improvements in efficiency and innovation. On the other hand, larger sectors face more significant challenges in adopting AI technologies. The complexity and scale of these industries can hinder swift implementation, leading to...
