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.
Global metals supply chains under geopolitical strain, China crucial in green tech: BofA report
In a recent report, Bank of America (BofA) underscored the profound impact of geopolitical dynamics on global metals supply chains, spotlighting China's pivotal role in green technology industries. The report highlights China's overwhelming dominance in producing electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, and solar panels, posing a significant competitive hurdle for companies outside its borders. This monopolistic position has not gone unnoticed in developed markets (DMs), where there is a growing sense of urgency to reassess and diversify their supply chains. The geopolitical risks associated with heavy reliance on Chinese manufacturing capabilities have become a focal point of concern, prompting these markets to explore alternative strategies to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure the...
Mubadala ventures into Japan’s green energy market
In a strategic move signalling its commitment to sustainable energy, the Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment Company has announced a significant cornerstone investment in PAG's Asia Pacific renewable energy platform. This marks Mubadala's inaugural venture into Japan's burgeoning clean energy sector. While the specific financial details of the investment remain undisclosed, this partnership underscores Mubadala's ongoing dedication to expanding its global renewable energy footprint and supporting the transition to a more sustainable future. PAG is a leading alternative investment firm focused on APAC with three core strategies: credit & markets, private equity, and tangible assets. Emirates Global Aluminium is the world’s largest ‘premium aluminium’ producer and the largest industrial...
Major automakers undermine global climate goals, report reveals
A new report has revealed that nearly all major car companies undermine global efforts to prevent catastrophic climate change. According to InfluenceMap's Automakers and Climate Policy Advocacy report, the world's largest automakers are employing lobbying strategies that undermine global climate targets and hinder the transition to electric vehicles. The analysis examines the anti-EV lobbying activities of 15 major automakers across seven key regions worldwide, utilising industry-standard data from leading providers of automotive data, analysis, and insights to forecast electric vehicle production. InfluenceMap's recent findings highlight a dual concern within the automotive industry: automakers must catch up to the International Energy Agency's 2030 target for electric vehicle (EV)...
Transfer of aluminium dross from fire-hit Rayong plant disrupted by local protest
In a significant turn of events, the relocation of a second consignment of aluminium dross from Win Process Company’s recycling facility in Rayong encountered a significant setback on May 19. The consignment, destined for an aluminium recycling facility in the Phanat Nikhom district of Chon Buri in Thailand, faced vehement opposition from local villagers, who refused to permit the unloading of the cargo. This disruption follows a recent fire at the Rayong facility on April 22, which has heightened community concerns over environmental and health risks associated with aluminium dross. Aluminium dross i s a by-product formed during the melting and processing of aluminium. When aluminium is in its molten state, it undergoes oxidation on the surface, resulting in the formation of a...
Oman’s trade surplus hits RO 1.693 billion; metal exports soar by 142.7%
The Sultanate of Oman has achieved a significant trade surplus of RO 1.693 billion by the end of February 2024, marking a notable increase from the RO 1.378 billion surplus recorded during the same period in 2023. This information comes from the latest preliminary statistics the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) released. The data underscore a positive trend in Oman's trade balance, reflecting robust economic activities and possibly effective policy measures to boost trade. As Oman continues to navigate the complexities of the global economic landscape, this surplus is a testament to its resilience and strategic financial planning. The NCSI's figures highlight the Sultanate's ongoing efforts to enhance its trade performance and strengthen its economic foundation....
Falling energy costs propel Trimet Aluminium SE to ramp up its output
Trimet Aluminium SE is set to boost production at its smelters in France and Germany to full capacity over the next year, signalling a recovery for the European aluminium industry amid declining energy costs. During the energy crisis, the continent's aluminium sector faced severe challenges, with over half its capacity shuttered due to soaring power prices. As one of the most energy-intensive metals to produce, the electricity cost during the crisis's peak in countries like France was more than five times higher than what smelters could earn from selling aluminium. According to Bloomberg calculations, the cost would make up approximately 25 per cent of the price, considering spot prices and the usual power requirements for aluminium production, which are about 40 times higher than those...
Celebrating 59 years of Alcoa's aluminium excellence in Brazil
Alcoa, a Pittsburgh-based industrial corporation and the global industry leader in bauxite, alumina , and aluminium products, celebrates 59 years of aluminium excellence in Brazil. Alcoa marked 59 years of operation in Brazil on May 14, commemorating the occasion with investments in cutting-edge segments crucial for the energy transition across its operational facilities in Juruti (PA), Alumar (MA), and Poços de Caldas (MG). In pursuit of the Net Zero goal by 2050, the company has infused R$1.3 billion into sustainable projects over the past two years. These investments span various stages of transformation, from bauxite extraction to refining and reduction processes, to phase out fossil fuel usage and mitigate climate change. In Poços de Caldas, Alcoa's first unit in Brazil, the company...
ABB expands footprint in China by acquiring Siemens’ wiring accessories division
In a strategic move to enhance its market footprint, on May 17, 2024, ABB announced the acquisition of Siemens' wiring accessories business in China. This acquisition is set to significantly broaden ABB's reach and strengthen its customer offerings in the smart buildings sector within the region. ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The integration of Siemens' established business in China aligns with ABB's ongoing commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions. This acquisition reinforces ABB's position in the market and promises to deliver enhanced value to customers seeking advanced smart building technologies. With this expansion, ABB continues solidifying its industry leadership, leveraging...
Biden's tariff hike on China may offer Indian aluminium exporters a golden opportunity
In a significant move, U.S. President Joe Biden has announced a sharp tariff increase on $18 billion worth of Chinese goods. This policy shift opens a substantial window of opportunity for India to boost its exports to the American market. Industry experts and market analysts highlight that India could significantly increase its supply of aluminium, steel, and medical goods—including facemasks, PPE, syringes, needles, and gloves—to the U.S. This potential surge in Indian exports comes amid strengthening bilateral economic ties between India and the United States. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the USA in June 2023, both nations agreed to end all outstanding bilateral trade disputes pending at the World Trade Organisation. This historic resolution paves the way for...
Leading the way: Alcoa Australia's Forest Research Centre takes root
Alcoa Australia is strengthening its enduring dedication to safeguarding, revitalising, and disseminating knowledge about the forest by establishing a dedicated research centre. Over the next five years, the Forest Research Centre will receive $9.9 million in research funding from Alcoa, in connection with the company's bauxite mining activities in specific regions of the Northern Jarrah Forest in Western Australia's Darling Range. Alcoa is expanding its internal environmental research team from 4 to 11 members and enhancing existing facilities across various locations in WA to bolster its research initiatives. Tanya Simmonds, Interim Vice President of Operations in Australia, expressed that the Forest Research Centre will leverage the extensive research conducted over decades, which has...
Mubadala Energy's latest gas strike signals transformation in Southeast Asia's energy dynamics
Mubadala Energy, an international energy company headquartered in Abu Dhabi with operations in 11 countries and overseeing operations at the South Andaman Gross Split PSC, has unveiled a significant gas discovery stemming from the Tangkulo-1 Exploration well. Situated approximately 65 kilometres offshore of North Sumatra, Indonesia, this discovery marks a noteworthy milestone in the region's energy exploration efforts. The company's second deepwater well discovery has been made with the Tangkulo-1. This well was drilled to a depth of 3,400 metres in water 1,200 metres deep, shortly following the significant find at the Layaran-1 well, also located in South Andaman. The Tangkulo-1 well encountered 80 metres of gas column in a good-quality Oligocene sandstone reservoir, confirmed through an...
GM waves goodbye to gasoline Malibu, embraces electric vision
On May 8, the American multinational automotive manufacturing company General Motors announced its decision to discontinue production of the gasoline-powered Chevrolet Malibu later this year to focus on manufacturing new electric vehicles. Since 1964, GM has sold over 10 million Malibus globally, but production will cease in November'24. To facilitate this shift, the Detroit automaker is investing $390 million into its Kansas assembly plant to produce the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EVs, following the production halt for the previous generation Bolt in December. The "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024" report by AL Circle projects that the transportation sector will emerge as a significant demand catalyst for aluminium, with electric vehicles assuming a pivotal role within it. To...
Mexico's vehicle production soars to new heights in April'24
The month of April' 24 witnessed a 21.7 per cent increase in vehicle production in Mexico compared to last year's period, reaching a record high of 358,575 units. According to data from the National System of Statistical and Geographical Information (INEGI), eight assembly companies ramped up their production, while five saw a decline. INEGI is an autonomous public institution responsible for regulating and coordinating the National System of Statistical and Geographical Information. Its mandate encompasses collecting and distributing data pertaining to Mexico's territory, resources, population, and economy. By providing comprehensive insights into the nation's characteristics, INEGI facilitates informed decision-making processes. Mexico has become a significant force in the automotive...
China's exports surge, imports rally in April, marking economic rebound
In April'24, China rebounded in both exports and imports following a contraction in the previous month. This turnaround signals a positive uptick in domestic and international demand, which comes at a crucial time as Beijing grapples with various economic challenges. The data indicates that the array of policy interventions implemented over recent months may yield results by bolstering investor and consumer confidence. However, analysts remain cautious, questioning the sustainability of this trade resurgence. According to customs data released on May 9, shipments from China saw a modest 1.5 per cent year-on-year value growth last month, consistent with the projections from a Reuters survey of economists. This follows a 7.5 per cent decline in March, the first contraction since November....
Germany turns to the US as primary trade ally
According to Reuters' analysis of the German Federal Statistical Office data, the United States emerged as Germany's primary trading ally in the first quarter of 2024, surpassing China. From January to March'24, the total trade volume between Germany and the United States, encompassing both exports and imports, surged to a remarkable €63 billion ($68 billion). This substantial increase, surpassing Germany's trade with China, highlights the burgeoning economic ties between the two nations and the profound shift in Germany's trade focus. China remained Germany's foremost trading partner for the eighth consecutive year in 2023. Trade volumes between the two nations surged to €253 billion, edging slightly ahead of the United States by a margin of just a few hundred million euros. Commerzbank...
Uzbekistan's recycling industry set to capitalise on foreign investment influx
Investments in the recycling industry can facilitate the recovery and reuse of valuable resources from waste materials . This reduces the strain on natural resources and promotes sustainable practices crucial for long-term environmental and economic sustainability. Increased investment can lead to better waste management systems, including collection, sorting, and processing facilities. This can help address issues such as landfill overflow and improper waste disposal, improving public health and sanitation. Speakers at the International Investment Forum in Tashkent emphasised the burgeoning investment opportunities within Uzbekistan's recycling sector. With approximately US$60 billion (EUR 55.7 billion) in foreign investment flowing into the country over the last six years and a robust 6...
Iceland unveils massive 'Air Vacuum' to combat global warming
On May 8, 2024, the world witnessed the inauguration of a colossal initiative to combat climate change head-on: the largest-ever direct air capture plant. Developed by Swiss firm Climeworks, this mammoth facility in Iceland dwarfs its predecessor, Orca, by a factor of ten. Direct air capture (DAC) technology is the backbone of this endeavour, functioning like a massive vacuum to extract carbon from the atmosphere using specialised chemicals. Once captured, this carbon can be stored underground, repurposed, or even converted into solid materials, offering a promising avenue in the fight against global warming. Climeworks is set to utilise Iceland's plentiful, clean geothermal energy to power its ambitious carbon sequestration project in collaboration with Icelandic company Carbfix . This...
Italian facility of European Metals marks milestone with full production of battery foil
The state-of-the-art battery foil finishing mill at European Metals' Volpiano (TO) facility in northern Italy is now in full operation. This achievement, realised two years after the contract was inked in 2022, signifies a significant milestone for the company. By making this strategic and forward-thinking investment, European Metals now stands as Italy’s premier battery foil producer and emerges as a key player in the rapidly expanding European market for battery-related products. In 2020, European Metals made its mark in the European aluminium industry with ambitions to emerge as a significant player in Europe's thin foil market. To strengthen its position in household foil, packaging foil, and the burgeoning battery foil sector, this strategic move was underpinned by the acquisition of...
