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.
The US’ first hydrogen powered electric ferry’s aluminium construction contract secured by AAM
All American Marine (AAM) has secured a contract from Switch Maritime to complete the aluminium construction and outfitting of a 21-m, 84-passenger, zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered, electric-drive ferry that will operate in the California Bay Area. The project to build the vessel – both project and vessel are called Water-Go-Round – began at Bay Ship & Yacht shipyard in Alameda, California, and is being transferred to AAM. When launched, the Water-Go-Round vessel will be the US’ first hydrogen fuel cell vessel and the world’s first commercial fuel cell ferry. The project is funded in part by private capital from Switch Maritime, an investment platform seeking to build North America’s first fleet of zero-emission vessels. The project is also partially funded by a US$3M grant from the...
Iraq’s import market of Aluminium Bar Rods and Profiles stands rock solid during 2017-20
The National Investment Commission (NIC) of Iraq has announced five new investment opportunities in Iraq and it includes aluminium. Iraq’s import of aluminium bar rod and profiles during 2017-19 has shown very positive growth for the industry as the total importation volume stood at 92,972 tonnes, while the foreign income expended stood at $290.93 million. Iraq, the oil-rich country is also recovering from the civil war and needs to invest hugely in infrastructure and development and the need for aluminium will be enterprising in the sector. In 2017 the total aluminium bar rod and profiles stood at 29,719 tonnes, whereas the amount paid remained at $93.76 million. The Aluminium bar rod and profiles importation of Iraq in 2018 got a rise by 5.43%, as the total importation stood at 31,333...
Australian Taxation Office soar aluminium smelter dispute with Rio Tinto
ATO has escalated its transfer pricing probe into Rio Tinto's aluminium division, further complicating talks between the miner and the federal government in regards to a rescue package for Rio's three loss-making Australian smelters. In February’20 a probe was advancing into Rio's aluminium division, and Rio confirmed on Wednesday, 8 th April’20, that the probe had escalated to a formal amended assessment in March’20. The ATO accepts Rio’s Australian subsidiaries have charged an in-appropriate price for the aluminium they sold out to Rio’s arguable Singapore marketing hub between 2000 and 2016. The ATO has ordered Rio to pay $86.1 million of unpaid taxes over the aluminium matter in a separate to Rio’s long-running $447 million dispute with the ATO over the transfer pricing of Australian...
India drags US to WTO's safeguard committee for hiking duties on aluminium derivatives
India has solicited consultations with the US, under the WTO's safeguard agreement, against American authorities' decision to hike import duties on derivatives of aluminium products. In January’20, the US exuded a presidential decree stating that aluminium derivatives would be subject to tariff increase. According to a communication of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), India considers this measure of the US to be a safeguard measure within a provision of General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 and the Agreement on Safeguards. "India considers tariff increase through Presidential Proclamation on 24 January 2020 as an extension of earlier safeguard measures (announced in March 2018). <iframe width="500" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SCmb-oDpwFs" frameborder="0"...
The “Corona” crisis: Rio Tinto considers suspending production at Iceland Aluminium Smelter
Rio Tinto considers suspending the production at its Straumsvík smelter in Iceland for two years. The company is one of the world’s largest metal and mining corporations are considering various options to reduce its losses during the economic downturn due to the coronavirus pandemic. Rio Tinto’s executives have also complained that high power costs have contributed to the company’s losses and are preparing a lawsuit against Iceland’s National Power Company. As per the report, the metal corporation is preparing a lawsuit against Iceland’s National Power Company, which is intended to release Rio Tinto from a large part of the electricity purchase obligation to which it is subject. The lawsuit also addresses alleged “product fraud” on the part of the National Power Company, which Rio Tinto...
The “Corona” effect: Aluminium du Maroc postpones the date of convocation of the Board of Directors
Aluminium du Maroc, created in partnership with Péchiney and the latter was absorbed first by Alcan and then by Rio Tinto. The company is supervised by a high level of engineers and it relies on the latest generation of technical equipment. The exceptional and the unprecedented circumstances linked to the health situation due to the n COVID-19 concluded to postpone the date of the convocation of the Board of Directors to approve the accounts of the company Aluminium du Maroc, Wednesday, 22 nd April’20. The publication of the elements of the annual financial report will follow the holding of this council. Aluminium du Maroc is the first Moroccan company specializing in the design and manufacture of aluminium alloy profiles for building and industry, as most of the production is intended...
Mexico’s Bauxite import market shows steady growth during 2017-20
Aluminum is the world’s second-most-used industrial metal, second only to steel. Mexico’s long-running mining tradition dates back to colonial times, and despite the historically large and continuing importance of the mining industry and the fact that Mexico leads in the production of several metals and minerals. A lack of domestic bauxite mines means Mexico can't make enough aluminium domestically to meet demand, but gradually the bauxite import moves are showing positive for the nation during 2017-20. The total bauxite import by Mexico during 2017-19 stood 270,161 tonnes, whereas the total foreign revenue expended stood at $42.72 million. The bauxite import for 2020 is estimated at 141,678 tonnes, when added to the previous three years it stands at 411,839 tonnes. The Bauxite import of...
Russia's NCCP to supply Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority low-enriched nuclear fuels components
Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant (NCCP) has signed a 10-year contract with the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority for the supply of low-enriched nuclear fuel components, such as aluminium and uranium items, for the ETRR-2 research reactor. NCCP is a subsidiary of Russian nuclear fuel manufacturer TVEL. Oleg Grigoriyev, TVEL's senior vice president for commerce and international business, said: “the latest contract was a logical follow-up to several contracts for shipments of fuel components to Egypt fulfilled by NCCP over the last three years.” ETRR-2 - located in Inshas, 60 km north-west of Cairo - is an Argentinian-designed 22 MWt research reactor that started up in 1997. According to INVAP, the Argentinian state-owned applied research company that supplied and built the reactor,...
The “COVID-19” pandemic: Alcoa declares change to a “Virtual Meeting” arrangement for 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
Alcoa Corporation, a global leader in bauxite, alumina, and aluminium products, on 6th April ’20, announced a change in the format of its Annual Meeting of Stockholders from in-person to virtual-only. This arrangement has been supported concerning the public health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to support the health and well-being of the stockholders, employees, and their families. The company will hold its annual meeting in a virtual meeting format only, via webcast. As previously announced, the annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, 6 th May’20 at 10:00 a.m. EDT. As described in the Company’s proxy materials previously distributed for the Annual Meeting, stockholders at the close of business on March 11, 2020, the record date, are entitled to attend and participate in the...
Portugal’s Aluminium cans import market reflects decline during 2017-20
The aluminium cans import market of Portugal reflects de-growth during 2017-20, though the total import volume stood at 22,312 tonnes, whereas the total foreign revenue expenditure reflects at $132.73 million. Portugal’s aluminium cans import in 2017 stood at 5697 tonnes, whereas the amount paid remained at $32.68 million. In 2018 the import rose by 0.68%, as the total import remained at 5736 tonnes and the foreign revenue paid was $32.98 million. Portugal’s import in 2019 again saw a decline of 2.89%, as the import reflected was 5570 tonnes and a decrease of 166 tonnes was recorded Y-o-Y. The foreign revenue paid was $34.64 million, which is more than the previous year, as the price was high during the time. In 2020 the projected import for aluminium cans is 5309 tonnes, which is again...
Portugal’s Aluminium cans import market reflects decline during 2017-20
The aluminium cans import market of Portugal reflects de-growth during 2017-20, though the total import volume stood at 22,312 tonnes, whereas the total foreign revenue expenditure reflects at $132.73 million. Portugal’s aluminium cans import in 2017 stood at 5697 tonnes, whereas the amount paid remained at $32.68 million. In 2018 the import rose by 0.68%, as the total import remained at 5736 tonnes and the foreign revenue paid was $32.98 million. Portugal’s import in 2019 again saw a decline of 2.89%, as the import reflected was 5570 tonnes and a decrease of 166 tonnes was recorded Y-o-Y. The foreign revenue paid was $34.64 million, which is more than the previous year, as the price was high during the time. In 2020 the projected import for aluminium cans is 5309 tonnes, which is again...
The “COVID-19” outbreak: Indian Aluminium producers keeping their eyes at accumulating inventory
Indian aluminium producers are keeping their eyes at the possibility of accumulating of metal as COVID-19 outbreak has compressed the domestic consumption besides leading to a demand shrinking among importing countries. The present situation is like hocus-pocus for the aluminium companies that were already struggling due to weak commodity prices. The major global auto companies have reduced their production and the construction industry has also remained standstill, while the demand from the user industries has dropped immensely. The production of aluminium is expected to outpace demand which will exert pressure on aluminium prices unless substantial production cuts are announced by smelters in China and the rest of the world. In the Indian market, the flagging demand, whereas the slow...
BMW rolls-out the R18 cruiser equipped with aluminium parts
BMW Motorrad has disclosed the production-spec R18 cruiser, months after it showcased the smashing R18 concept at the 2019 EICMA. The concept was undoubtedly one of the best-looking motorcycles at the show. BMW has chosen from the wide catalogue of bolt-on aluminium parts to choose from, supplied by its official partners Roland Sands Designs. Then there are seats by US-based Mustang Seats. The BMW R18 looks stunning and, in many ways, resembles the 1936 BMW R5 cruiser. Parked side by side, the design inspiration is visible in its round LED headlamp, tear-drop-shaped fuel tank and the swooping rear fender. The design of the engine cam covers, for instance, draws inspiration from the old model, and it's the same case with the fish-tail-style exhaust. The need to comply with strict emission...
The “Corona” disaster: Multiple US aluminium mills remain inactive as epidemic disrupts the market
Multiple US aluminium rolling mills and extrusion plants declared temporary suspensions to their operations this week as the COVID-19 epidemic has continued to disrupt markets and erode demand. Aleris Aluminium at its Lewisport, Kentucky, rolling mill has suspended its production from 30th March’20 until 13th April’20. Jason Saragian, Communications Director of Aleris said: "In response to our major automotive customers announcing temporary production shutdowns, coupled with uncertainty in other markets, we are making the difficult decision to temporarily suspend production at our Lewisport site for two weeks, or until we have worked through the full extent of COVID-19's impact on our customers.” "These are very dedicated and committed employees, and we will remain in close contact with...
Fight against “COVID-19”: Liberty British Aluminium smelter to produce metal for oxygen bottles as an emergency supply
Liberty British Aluminium, Britain’s only remaining aluminium smelter, is supporting the fight against COVID-19 by making metal for NHS oxygen bottles. The Fort William plant has assisted with an emergency job to produce 20 tonnes of oxygen bottles for treating coronavirus patients. The order was placed by Bridgnorth Aluminium in Shropshire which usually supplies the pharmaceuticals and food industry. Tonnes of aluminium have been produced by the company’s 160 on-site workers to keep continuing to supply essential sectors. The smelter’s managing director Brian King said: “It’s good to know that we are keeping the supply chain going and contributing to the fight against the virus. It’s a classic example of turning your hand to try to help the situation.” “There are lots of reasons why we...
Aluminium deal worth up to $16.3 billion: Rusal, Glencore agree
The Russian aluminium giant Rusal has approved a new long-term aluminium supply contract with Glencore worth up to $16.3 billion, as announced in a Hong-Kong regulatory statement on 03 rd April. The British born Swiss trader and metals producer Glencore Plc has long been one of the principal clients of Hong Kong-listed Rusal, the world's largest aluminium producer outside China. Glencore holds a stake in Rusal parent Group En+. <iframe width="500" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G4gK_YvzyuU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> Rusal stated that the new contract is set for 2020-24 and can also get extended to 2025. The board of director had already approved the deal in December’19. This...
The “Corona” outbreak: US $ 2 billion Sinohydro Bauxite deal in Ghana set for more delay
Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) declared that: “outbreak of COVID- 19 is currently hitting Ghana’s economy as there are indications that aspects of the Sinohydro deal will be delayed.” CDD-Ghana has raised concerns regarding the need for the government to initiate socio-economic reforms to mitigate the effects of Coronavirus on the country’s economy. The statement also stated: “as a net consumer of goods and services, any disruptions in the global economy ripples down to Ghana. Currently, there are indications that the aspects of the Sinohydro Bauxite agreement will be delayed due to disruptions in the Chinese economy. Should this happen, this could have a significant impact on the government’s development agenda.” The Sinohydro Bauxite Project is expected to bring...
Egypt’s Aluminium foil import market reflects growth during 2017-19: Projection of 7% downfall in 2020
The land of Pyramid’s, Egypt, has been reflecting positively for aluminium foil importation market during 2017-19. The total importation for aluminium foil remained at 87,626 tonnes during 2017-19. The projected for 2020 though shows a dip of 7%, whereas when the total import quantity adds up with estimated value it stands at 116,932 tonnes. The top trading partners for aluminium foil import for Egypt are China, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, India, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, UAE, Austria, etc. Egypt’s total importation of aluminium foil in 2017 stood at 26,608 tonnes, whereas in 2018 it rose to 29,539 tonnes, growth by 11.01%. The excess quantity reflected as 2931 tonnes. In 2019 the aluminium foil import tended positive with growth by 6.56%, as the total volume of import stood at 31,479...
