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.
Upcoming EU-India trade talks: New Delhi to seek carbon tax exemption for SMEs
In the upcoming free trade deal negotiations with the European Union, India is set to request a three-year exemption for its micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from a proposed mandatory tariff on carbon-intensive imports. Two sources familiar with the matter disclosed this stance, underscoring India's ongoing resistance to the carbon tariff, which it also opposed at the World Trade Organisation's ministerial meeting in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, as reported by Mint. The eighth round of free trade agreement (FTA) discussions is scheduled to take place in Brussels from June 24 to 28, 2024. During these talks, India plans to reiterate its concerns and seek relief for its MSMEs, which it argues would be disproportionately affected by the imposition of the carbon tariff. The...
Sarawak's rich mineral resources, including bauxite, promise trillion-ringgit windfall
The Deputy Premier of the Malaysian state of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, recently revealed that Sarawak has various valuable minerals estimated to be worth RM1.25 trillion. This discovery highlighted the state's potential to invest substantially in the mining industry and generate considerable economic returns. The high estimated value of these mineral resources positions Sarawak favourably in the global market. Gold, non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE), high-quality silica sand, and bauxite are among the minerals identified. Each of these resources plays a crucial role in various high-demand industries, from technology to construction. Global demand for these minerals clearly indicates the potential for Sarawak's economic growth and development. A report...
Kenanga Research upgrades building material sector to 'Overweight' on strong Press Metal performance
The Malaysian financial services firm Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad Research has upgraded the building materials sector to an 'Overweight' rating, primarily influenced by its recent reassessment of sector heavyweight Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd. Press Metal Berhad is a Malaysian-based aluminium company with a significant global presence. In a report released on June 18, 2024, the research house highlighted a marked improvement in earnings performance across the sector during the first quarter reporting season. Stocks under its coverage either met or surpassed expectations, prompting an optimistic outlook for the sector. Kenanga Research said, "We expect aluminium prices to stay firm on supply constraints while stable steel prices translate to stable steel product prices, reducing...
Shipping gets a green upgrade with ABB's 'Optimal Speed Routing' technology
ABB, the technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future, has launched a groundbreaking feature within its Routing Services portfolio designed to facilitate vessel owners to manage fuel costs more effectively throughout their voyages. This innovative feature optimises both the vessel's route and speed simultaneously, a first in the maritime industry, integrating these capabilities into the ABB Ability™ Routeguard onshore routing service. The introduction marks the first major upgrade since ABB acquired the shipping business of DTN Europe BV and DTN Philippines Inc. earlier this year. The Optimal Speed Routing feature is a game-changer, providing real-time advice to operators on adjustments to their vessel's track and speed. It...
Zimbabwe focuses on aluminium production to enhance industrial metal supply
In a strategic move to meet burgeoning industrial demand, the Southern African nation, the Zimbabwean government, has unveiled plans to amplify lightweight metal production through aluminium beneficiation. Recognising aluminium's pivotal role across diverse sectors—from automobiles to packaging and household equipment to aerospace technology and electrical and electronics—the government aims to position Zimbabwe in the global market. This initiative promises to invigorate the national economy and advance the nation's industrial capabilities, particularly as aluminium continues to supplant copper in electrical applications. During his visit to Tajikistan, Dr Constantino Chiwenga, the Vice President of Zimbabwe, announced a new initiative following his tour of the Tajik Aluminium Company...
American Beverage boosts recycling efforts in Atlanta with $25,000 grant to Live Thrive
American Beverage announced a generous $25,000 grant to Atlanta-based nonprofit Live Thrive in an effort to enhance recycling capabilities . This is not just a grant, it's a game-changer. This funding is earmarked for new equipment at Live Thrive's Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) in DeKalb County, Georgia, a crucial step in our mission to improve recycling in our community. The grant will be used to purchase a new baler, a crucial piece of equipment that will significantly expand CHaRM's recycling capacity. This centre is a vital drop-off facility for residents needing access to curbside recycling services. CHaRM accepts many items, from bulky materials like mattresses and bicycles to everyday recyclables such as beverage bottles and used cans, which can be processed and...
Vedanta Group eyes $10 billion EBITDA, targets $4.2 billion from aluminium division
The Indian multinational mining and metal company Vedanta Group has unveiled a strategic roadmap to achieve a $10 billion EBITDA, underpinned by the execution of over 50 projects spanning multiple business verticals, as reported by ET Now Digital. This bold plan was disclosed during site visits attended by more than 45 investors, fund managers, and analysts. According to two insiders at these site visits, Vedanta Group anticipates these new projects will generate an impressive $5 billion in free cash flows. This ambitious initiative underscores the group's commitment to significant growth and expansion across its diverse portfolio. Vedanta Group has invested more than $8 billion in various expansion initiatives. According to the Indian news platform, Vedanta plans to open the world’s...
Ball Corporation appoints Dr Mandy Glew as President of EMEA and Asia
Ball Corporation, the world's leading supplier of sustainable aluminium packaging solutions for beverage products, has announced the appointment of Dr Mandy Glew as the Senior Vice President and President of the EMEA and Asia regions. This leadership change follows Dr Glew's promotion in March to President of EMEA and Asia, succeeding Carey Causey, who has taken on the role of Chief Growth Officer at Ball. Dr Glew, who joined Ball Corporation in October 2020, brings a wealth of experience to her new position. With over two decades of expertise in commercial operations, sales, marketing, and manufacturing within the fast-moving consumer goods and consumer electronics sectors, she is well-equipped to lead in this capacity. Before her tenure at Ball, Dr Glew held various senior management...
Future-proof your data centre with ventilated aluminium wall cladding
In the age of digital transformation, companies are increasingly outsourcing their computing power to external data centres rather than maintaining in-house servers. These expansive facilities, filled with powerful servers, offer a more efficient and secure data processing and storage solution. One of the key challenges for these data centres is managing server heat and maintaining their buildings' architectural integrity. Many are embracing the innovative solution of ventilated aluminium wall cladding to tackle these concerns. This cutting-edge cladding not only regulates temperature, preventing servers from overheating, but also elevates these massive buildings' aesthetic and structural quality, sparking curiosity and interest. By incorporating ventilated aluminium wall cladding, data...
Aluminium third rail installation in India's first Metro network promises major energy and cost savings
Kolkata Metro, India's oldest metro network, is transforming significantly to enhance its services and overall efficiency. Metro Railway has laid out comprehensive plans to upgrade its infrastructure and assets as part of an ambitious modernisation initiative. This initiative is set to substantially improve the commercial operations of Kolkata's rapid transit system, promising a more reliable and advanced commuting experience for its passengers. The changes will mark a new era for the Metro, aligning it with global standards and reinforcing its pivotal role in the city's public transportation landscape. India's first Metro system is upgrading its steel third rail to aluminium third rail, aiming to reduce energy loss by around 84 per cent. This change, occurring after 38 years, will save...
Eurozone industrial growth stalls amid rising tariff concerns
In April, the Eurozone's industrial production experienced a slight decline, falling by 0.1 per cent compared to March. This marks a significant downturn, with production now standing 3 per cent lower than it did a year ago. Despite the persistent risks to the economic outlook, particularly from political uncertainties, there are early signs that the decline may be reaching its nadir. Analysts suggest a cautious recovery could be on the horizon for the year's second half, offering a glimmer of hope for the region's industrial sector. Since early 2023, the Eurozone industry has been experiencing a slowdown, with recent data showing no signs of an imminent recovery. Although the broader economy has shown signs of improvement since the beginning of the year, the industrial sector continues...
RONAL GROUP advances sustainability efforts with the RONAL-Re project
In an effort to enhance sustainability, the RONAL GROUP has launched the RONAL-Re (RONAL Aluminium Wheel Recycling) project under the stewardship of Patric Steeg, Sustainability Manager at RONAL GmbH in Forst. Steeg has spearheaded the initiative since February 2024, and it aims to address the substantial carbon footprint associated with aluminium, the most extensively utilised raw material at RONAL. The RONAL-Re project aims to reduce our carbon footprint by emphasising the use of recycled aluminium in production. This initiative is designed to prepare the company for achieving CO 2 neutrality by 2050. The RONAL-Re project recognises the environmental impact of aluminium production and is working to streamline recycling processes for aluminium wheels, thereby reducing CO 2 emissions....
Aluminium market performance: A mid-year analysis and outlook
As we reach the midpoint of the year, it's time to evaluate the performance of aluminium in the current market landscape. This analysis delves into the recent trends and factors impacting aluminium prices, offering insights into what we can expect in the year's second half. Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange soared to a two-year high by the end of May'24, spurred mainly by renewed investment in commodities following a significant rise in copper prices. Source: LME, AL Circle News Following Rio Tinto's declaration of force majeure on alumina shipments from its Queensland refineries due to gas shortages affecting their operations, supply risks temporarily drove aluminium prices higher. This force majeure impacts only third-party export supply, leaving Rio Tinto's own smelters...
Crystal IS achieves milestone with 100 mm single-crystal AlN substrates for UVC LEDs
Crystal IS, a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei has achieved a significant milestone in advanced material technology with the serial production of 100 mm diameter single-crystal aluminium nitride (AlN) substrates. These substrates boast a remarkable 99 per cent usable area, aligning with the current stringent requirements for UVC LEDs. Aluminium nitride, known for its ultra-wide bandgap and high thermal conductivity, is pivotal in enhancing the reliability and performance of UVC LEDs. This breakthrough promises to advance UVC LED technology and hold potential benefits for next-generation RF and power devices, marking a notable step forward in the field of electronic materials. Eoin Connolly, the President and CEO of Crystal IS stated, “The improvement of our large diameter substrate quality over...
ANDRITZ powers up new surface treatment line for AMAG's aluminium strip production
ANDRITZ, an international technology group, has successfully delivered, installed, and commenced operations of a new continuous surface treatment line along with an integrated wastewater treatment plant at AMAG rolling GmbH in Ranshofen, Austria. This advanced installation, distinguished by its exclusively electric heating system and sophisticated digitalisation, bolsters AMAG’s reputation as a premier specialist in high-quality aluminium surfaces and aligns with the Company’s sustainability objectives. Constructed on a greenfield site, the 115-meter-long facility is equipped with ANDRITZ’s cutting-edge technology, including a highly efficient spray pickling system. This system allows AMAG to perform superior surface treatments on a diverse range of hot-rolled and cold-rolled aluminium...
US targets additional Chinese companies for trade sanctions, including one aluminium firm
The United States has expanded its list of companies barred from importing goods into the country due to alleged involvement in forced labour practices associated with the Uygur population in China, as reported by the South China Morning Post. According to a notice published online by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on June 11, 2024, the latest additions include Dongguan Oasis Shoes Co, a shoe manufacturer; Xinjiang Shenhuo Coal and Electricity Co, a producer of electrolytic aluminium; and Shandong Meijia Group Co, also known as Rizhao Meijia Group, a food processing company. This action underscores the US government's ongoing commitment to addressing human rights abuses and labour exploitation in global supply chains. The inclusion of these firms reflects heightened scrutiny...
AL Circle launches its 24th e-Magazine, "Aluminium Extrusions: Shaping the Future"
We are thrilled to announce the launch of AL Circle's newest e-Magazine edition, " Aluminium Extrusions: Shaping the Future ." This publication dives deep into the innovative world of aluminium extrusions, exploring how this versatile material is revolutionising industries and shaping the future of manufacturing. Aluminium extrusions have long been at the forefront of innovation, offering a wide array of benefits ranging from lightweight durability to exceptional flexibility in design. In this publication, we uncover the latest advancements and trends in aluminium extrusion technology, showcasing how it is being utilised across various sectors. What sets this edition apart is its comprehensive coverage of the cutting-edge techniques and applications driving the industry forward. From the...
Aluminium delivery delays on LME surge post-Trafigura's record May shipment
The London Metal Exchange (LME) has experienced a dramatic surge in the wait time for aluminium deliveries, which has surged from zero to over five months following a significant influx of metal from Trafigura Group in May. Recent exchange data reveals that as of the end of May, the waiting period for aluminium at Istim Metals' warehouses in Port Klang, Malaysia, has extended to 159 days. This is a stark contrast to April when there was no queue. This development underscores the impact of substantial deliveries on the logistical dynamics within the LME. The recent queue at the Istim warehouses in Port Klang, Malaysia, marks the longest wait in the LME system since June 2021, when a 168-day delay occurred. This queue followed a substantial delivery last month, triggering a flurry of metal...
