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.
Alumina refinery projects make no headway: ESDM Ministry, Indonesia
The development of Indonesia’s aluminium downstream industry holds substantial promise despite the slow progress seen in recent years. A senior government official recently revealed that only one of the eight alumina refinery projects in the government's ambitious pipeline has shown significant progress. This underwhelming advancement highlights the urgent need for strategic intervention to unlock this sector's full potential. The Indonesian government's construction of alumina refineries aims to enhance the added value of domestically mined bauxite minerals. On June 21, 2024, Irwandy Arif, an expert staff member at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), said, "The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources has ordered direct field supervision for eight alumina refinery...
India exports aluminium to Russia, RIA Novosti reports
India exported aluminium to Russia for the first time in April, as reported by RIA Novosti, a Russian state-owned domestic news agency. This marked a significant development in international trade. This landmark transaction took place, with India exporting tonnes of unprocessed aluminium to Russian companies, as reported by RIA Novosti. This marks the first recorded supply of aluminium from India to Russia since at least the beginning of 2009, as no earlier data is available in the public domain. The move is particularly notable given Russia's status as the world's second-largest exporter of aluminium, with exports valued at $6.5 billion in 2023. In an interview with RIA Novosti, independent industry expert Leonid Khazanov suggested that the substantial supply of aluminium from India to...
Speira commits €40 million to expand Rheinwerk aluminium recycling capacity, aiming for significant carbon reduction
The leading European aluminium rolling and recycling company, Speira, has unveiled plans to invest €40 million in expanding its recycling capabilities at the Rheinwerk facility. This strategic investment aims to bolster the site's transformation efforts, with a projected annual reduction of up to 1.5 million tonnes of CO 2 emissions. The company has long been committed to driving sustainable practices and reducing its carbon footprint. With the direction clearly defined, Speira's investment marks a crucial step in the ongoing transformation of the Rheinwerk site, positioning it as a leading hub for environmentally responsible recycling operations. Boris Kurth, Head of the can business at Speira and the recycling and foundry operations at the Rheinwerk, stated, "We want to become the...
Craftsman Automation eyes major aluminium die-casting business acquisition deal
On June 24, 2024, India-based Craftsman Automation Limited announced signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sunbeam Lightweighting Solutions Private Limited and Kedaara Capital Fund II LLP. This MoU revealed in a recent stock exchange filing, outlines Craftsman Automation's plan to acquire all or part of Sunbeam's business, excluding certain assets in Gurugram, a city in Northern India. Craftsman Automation manufactures aluminium casting products & powertrain components in the automotive & industrial engineering sectors, from raw casting to ready-for-assembly. The potential acquisition, set to unfold in multiple stages, is a strategic expansion for Craftsman Automation. By incorporating Sunbeam Lightweighting Solutions, Craftsman aims to strengthen its technological capabilities...
KPS Capital Partners to sell sustainable packaging firm Eviosys to Sonoco in a multi-billion-euro deal
On June 24, 2024, KPS Capital Partners, LP announced an agreement for its portfolio firm, Eviosys, to be acquired by Sonoco Products Company, a leading global entity in sustainable packaging headquartered in Hartsville, South Carolina. The acquisition is valued at €3.615 billion (approximately $3.9 billion), with Sonoco having the option to pay up to $200 million of the total in its stock, contingent on specific conditions. The transaction will conclude by the end of 2024, pending necessary works council consultations, regulatory approvals, and customary closing conditions. Eviosys stands at the forefront of metal packaging worldwide, specialising in food cans, ends, aerosol cans, aluminium cans, metal closures, and promotional packaging. Serving numerous consumer brands, Eviosys boasts...
Inner Mongolia Mengtai Group acquires Alu Menziken, NNDKP among key advisors
Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen (NNDKP) played a pivotal role in the recent acquisition of Alu Menziken Group by Inner Mongolia Mengtai Group Co., Ltd. The Chinese conglomerate purchased Alu Menziken Group from Montana Aerospace AG. NNDKP provided expert legal counsel within the Romanian jurisdiction, ensuring compliance and smooth transaction processes. The acquisition was a collaborative effort coordinated by the German law firm HEUKING, which served as the lead counsel. HEUKING effectively managed local counsel across Switzerland, Austria, and Romania to facilitate this cross-border transaction. Alu Menziken is a well-established manufacturer of lightweight aluminium components, offering solutions for e-battery systems, structural elements, high-quality aluminium profiles ,...
Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales explores Novelis aluminium facility in Terre Haute
Secretary of State Diego Morales recently visited the Novelis aluminium production and recycling plant in Terre Haute, Indiana. Novelis, a global leader in the field, specialises in providing rolled, recycled aluminium to a wide array of international clientele. The facility is renowned for its production of aluminium foil sheets and rolls, which serve diverse applications in commercial and residential kitchens. During his visit, Secretary Morales engaged with Novelis executives and staff members, gaining valuable insights into the intricate processes of aluminium recycling and rolling . The discussions centred around Novelis' pivotal role as the world's largest recycler of aluminium , highlighting its steadfast commitment to sustainability practices. The Business Services Division is one...
Nikolaev Alumina Refinery retains 400 employees after conflict halts production
Only 400 of the 5,000 employees remain at the Nikolaev Alumina Refinery, which ceased operations in March 2022 at the onset of the full-scale Russia-Ukraine conflict, an independent local media reported. According to Oleksii Medvid, the acting General Director of Nikolaev Alumina Refinery, the primary responsibilities of the remaining workers include maintaining two red mud (bauxite residue) storage facilities spanning approximately 400 hectares and safeguarding the company’s property. Oleksii Medvid stated, "These 400 specialists oversee the preservation of the enterprise, its equipment, and two bauxite residue storage facilities. This is the only operational precinct within our company. The bauxite residue remains in storage and does not enter the precinct. It is crucial to monitor the...
China Hongqiao unveils Hongqiao Smart Aluminium AI Project in strategic collaboration
China Hongqiao, a global leader in aluminium production with an annual capacity exceeding 6 million tonnes, is proud to announce the launch of the groundbreaking Hongqiao Smart Aluminium AI & L Model Development Project. This initiative, in collaboration with Guoke Interconnect and the Beijing Industrial Big Data Innovation Centre, aims to enhance the company's digital and intelligent capabilities . The project will use AI and big data to create advanced algorithms specifically designed for China Hongqiao's production processes. These algorithms will enable autonomous decision-making for each cell in electrolytic production, significantly improving the operational stability, efficiency, and lifespan of electrolytic cells, thereby addressing key industry challenges. This launch represents...
Aluminium Alliance: Malaysian tycoon and Chinese billionaire seals multi-million-dollar stake swap
Two prominent figures in the aluminium industry, Malaysian business magnate Koon Poh Keong and Chinese billionaire Song Zuowen, are deepening their collaboration, as reported by Forbes. This multi-million-dollar agreement involves an exchange of ownership stakes in their respective aluminium firms, a testament to their strategic vision and commitment to the industry. According to an announcement on June 20, 2024, Koon's Press Metal Aluminium Holdings will trade its complete 25 per cent ownership in Bintan Alumina Indonesia for a 25.6 per cent stake in Song's Nanshan Aluminium International Holdings. Nanshan Aluminium, a subsidiary of Shandong Nanshan Aluminium, plans to spin off and independently list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to secure funds for future growth. The move will follow...
Africa's biggest floating PV project debuts in Ghana; Renewables set to drive aluminium demand
The Bui reservoir in Ghana is now home to the continent's largest floating solar photovoltaic (PV) project. This remarkable achievement underscores Ghana's commitment to sustainable solutions and sets a precedent for the region facing escalating environmental challenges. The 5-megawatt floating solar PV system, now operational at the Bui generating station, represents a remarkable engineering achievement. Ghana has effectively utilised existing infrastructure without encroaching on land or disrupting natural habitats by harnessing the sun's energy on water. Ghana's power generation history has evolved significantly over time. Initially relying on diesel generators and independent electricity systems owned by industrial mines and factories, the country transitioned into the hydroelectric...
Six Toyota production lines halted by supply chain disruptions; Japanese auto certification investigation may depress aluminium market
At the beginning of June 2024, Japanese transport ministry officials initiated an on-site investigation at Toyota Motor's headquarters after discovering irregularities in the company's certification applications for certain vehicle models. The fallout from the certification test scandal, which originated at Toyota's Daihatsu compact car unit, has broadened to impact other Japanese automakers. This follows the ministry's mandate for industry-wide reviews of certification practices. Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha Motor have all admitted to submitting flawed or manipulated data in their vehicle certification applications, as reported by Reuters. According to a ministry official, Toyota, Japan's largest automaker, was the first to undergo a ministry inspection, with the other four...
Transforming mined lands: South32's Soil Shift challenge seeks your solutions!
South32 proudly announces the Soil Shift open innovation challenge in collaboration with Unearthed! The globally diversified mining and metals company headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, South32's mission is to discover innovative methods for delivering high-quality soils while rehabilitating its mined assets. Join South32 in shaping the future of sustainable mining. Soil and subsoil, crucial for successfully rehabilitating mined assets as they transition into closure activities, are not just a local concern. The establishment of vegetation, a vital part of this rehabilitation, is often hindered by a shortage of soil or reduced soil quality. This challenge is prevalent globally, as the rehabilitated areas typically exceed the original footprint from which topsoil was extracted...
Leading coil anodised aluminium producer introduces new batch anodising line
Lorin Industries Inc., a renowned global manufacturer specialising in coil anodised aluminium, celebrated the grand opening of its latest batch anodising line with a ceremony. The event, held at Lorin's expansive 400,000 sq. ft. facility in Muskegon, MI, featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Lorin's President, Park Kersman. Lorin Industries provides coil anodised aluminium, manufactured exclusively in the USA and used in various industries, including architecture and construction. After a construction period spanning over a year, the new batch production line is now fully operational. This development marks a significant enhancement in Lorin's capabilities, aimed at catering to diverse industries such as architecture, automotive, aerospace, military, toys, medical devices, and consumer...
Towards a greener future: Gränges Americas sources low-carbon primary aluminium
Gränges Americas is making significant strides to reduce its carbon footprint by seeking out low-carbon primary aluminium to produce its aluminium solutions. This initiative is part of the company's broader commitment to mitigate climate impact across its entire value chain, encompassing operational practices and material procurement. Gränges has set ambitious long-term climate goals for 2030 and 2040, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), ensuring alignment with the latest climate science. Central to these goals is the strategic increase in recycling and the procurement of low-carbon primary aluminium. Through strategic alliances with major suppliers such as Rio Tinto and Alcoa, Gränges Americas has secured access to third-party verified low-carbon primary aluminium....
EU critical raw materials: Italy anticipates to source 16 domestically
Italian authorities are planning to implement a comprehensive package of measures to enhance procurement and reprocessing of critical raw materials, according to a draft decree reviewed by Reuters and reported by Mining.com. This initiative, championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration, underscores a strategic shift towards reducing dependency on imports, particularly from countries such as China. Key among the measures is streamlined permitting procedures designed to expedite the release of mining concessions, facilitating greater domestic extraction of essential materials. This policy shift reflects the government's commitment to bolstering local industries and securing a more self-reliant economic future. Italy estimates it can domestically source 16 out of the 34 raw...
Tuffman's sturdy conveyors and screens combat downtime for material recyclers
Tuffman Equipment was acquired by General Kinematics in 2018 as part of its strategic move to enhance recycling systems. This acquisition aimed to diversify and expand General Kinematic's (GK) equipment offerings, particularly in the recycling sector. After the acquisition, General Kinematics evaluated and upgraded Tuffman's screens and conveyors to align with what a GK executive proudly refers to as "the GK standard." The enhanced robustness of the Tuffman line has significantly reduced downtime for recyclers handling metal and construction and demolition (C&D) materials. This improvement is a testament to General Kinematics' commitment to providing high-performance and reliable recycling solutions. Thanks to the upgraded Tuffman line, recyclers can now enjoy more efficient and...
Greenhouse initiative: Jamaica Bauxite Institute collaborates with Papine High School to enhance the agriculture programme
In an important step towards modernising agricultural education, the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) and Papine High School have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), allowing the school to use a greenhouse for the school's agriculture program. The signing ceremony took place recently at the JBI headquarters in St. Andrew, where the greenhouse is located. This collaborative effort is designed to empower students with cutting-edge greenhouse growing techniques, aligning their skills with the dynamic needs of the modern agricultural sector. The JBI, in its commitment, will provide technical guidance, seedlings, and other essential resources to support the program. The maintenance and upkeep of the greenhouse will be a shared responsibility between the two entities, ensuring a hands-on...
