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.
Lack of awareness hampers aluminium can recycling in South Korea
A significant barrier to aluminium can recycling in South Korea stems from a widespread lack of consumer awareness about the material’s unique sustainability benefits. Image credit: Family Handyman According to Novelis Korea, the local arm of the world’s largest aluminium recycler, a recent survey revealed that 57.4 per cent of 1,012 respondents were unaware that aluminium cans can be recycled infinitely without loss of quality. Additionally, many were unfamiliar with the fact that recycling aluminium consumes far less energy—cutting carbon emissions by up to 95 per cent—compared to producing primary aluminium from raw bauxite. This knowledge gap, the company suggests, is a key challenge in boosting the country’s recycling rates. A survey jointly conducted by Novelis Korea and the Seoul...
Capesize bulker market soars as Chinese bauxite imports spike, claims industry executive
The depletion of China's bauxite production quality and Indonesia's export ban to prioritise its domestic processing resulted in an increasing dependence on Guinea's supply. Source: Orbitshub The rally in demand for capesize bulk carriers is expected to persist for at least another six weeks, fuelled by a surge in Chinese orders for West African bauxite, according to Capt. Sastry, CEO of Adhira Shipping & Logistics and Rainmakers Management & Consulting DMCC Bauxite prices have climbed sharply—from around USD 73 per tonne in September 2024 to USD 120-USD 130 by January 2025—as a growing fleet of vessels queues at ports along the West African coastline, awaiting cargo destined for capesize carriers. The CEO of the Dubai-based shipping company stated, "When ocean freight was low over the...
Ghana Bauxite Company denies misleading reports on OPCL acquisition
The Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) has dismissed recent reports suggesting irregularities in its acquisition by Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL), describing them as misleading and inaccurate. Image credit: GBC In an official statement released on March 17, GBC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, ethical business conduct, and regulatory compliance. The company sought to clarify misconceptions surrounding the transaction and reassure stakeholders of its integrity. Providing historical context, GBC explained that in 2010, when global mining giant Rio Tinto divested its 80 per cent stake in the company, the Government of Ghana—then holding the remaining 20 per cent—chose not to exercise its option to purchase the majority shares. This decision opened the door for BOSAI Minerals...
Metro Mining mobilisation underway: 2025 production and shipping targets in sight
The Australian mining and exploration company Metro Mining is gearing up to commence its 2025 production and shipping operations at the Bauxite Hills Mine and Marine Divisions in Queensland, with mobilisation to the site now underway. Source: Metro Mining The company has set an ambitious target for the year, planning to ship between 6.5 and 7 million WMT of bauxite—building on its strong performance in 2024, when it recorded 5.7 million WMT, marking a notable 24 per cent increase over the previous year. With a market capitalisation of $328.9 million, Metro is aiming to load its first vessel of the year by March 17, 2025. This early start has been made possible thanks to the company’s continued investment in operational efficiency, equipment upgrades, and the completion of its...
Brussels may clamp down on aluminium imports in bid to stabilise sector
The Trump administration's recent tariff hike on metals imports has raised fresh concerns within Europe, as fears mount that subsidised aluminium could flood the EU market. A draft proposal from the European Commission reveals that Brussels is now weighing potential measures to curb rising aluminium imports in a bid to shield its domestic industry. Image credit: Zalco In parallel, the Commission is also considering imposing duties on exports of scrap metals—a strategic move aimed at bolstering Europe's production sector amidst mounting global competition. Last week, the US Administration imposed steep 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, triggering swift retaliation from the EU, which announced tariffs on up to USD 28 billion worth of American goods. While Europe already...
Toyota Tsusho America bets big on recycling with $1.34 billion Radius acquisition
On March 13, 2025, Radius Recycling, Inc. announced that it had entered into a definitive merger agreement with Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. (TAI), the US subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement, TAI will acquire all outstanding shares of Radius for $30.00 per share in cash, representing a premium of approximately 115 per cent over Radius’ closing share price as of March 12, 2025, and a 102 per cent premium over the 90-day volume-weighted average share price (VWAP). The implied total enterprise value of the transaction, including net debt, is approximately $1.34 billion. Image credit: Radius Recycling website Following the completion of the transaction, Radius will continue to operate under its current name from its headquarters in Portland, Oregon,...
Malaysian Court upholds confiscation of funds tied to illegal bauxite mining
The Court of Appeal on March 17, 2025, upheld the forfeiture of RM44,000 (approx. USD10,000) in cash belonging to Syed Umar Khalil Syed Khalid, an assistant director of enforcement at the Pahang Land and Mines Department. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) seized the money a decade ago and discovered it hidden inside a washing machine at Syed Umar Khalil’s residence. Image Credit: New Straits Times A three-judge panel, chaired by Datuk Azman Abdullah, affirmed the forfeiture order, which had previously been granted by both the Sessions Court and the Pahang High Court. Judge Datuk Azman Abdullah stated, "This court found that there is no merit in the defence's appeal. This follows the defence's bare assertion, which failed to rebut the prosecution's case. The appellant was...
Trade uncertainty clouds Bridgnorth Aluminium’s future in the US
A major metal manufacturer in Shropshire, UK, has expressed concerns that new US tariffs on aluminium and steel imports will create trade challenges. Bridgnorth Aluminium, the UK's only fully integrated aluminium coil rolling plant, employs 330 people in Shropshire and exports 20 per cent of its production to the US. The introduction of these tariffs adds uncertainty and could reduce the company's competitiveness compared to the existing quota and exemption system. Under the new policy, which took effect on March 12, 2025, US businesses importing steel and aluminium must now pay a 25 per cent tariff, following a directive from President Donald Trump. Adrian Musgrave, Head of Sales at Bridgnorth Aluminium, commented, “These tariffs add another dimension to the global uncertainty we are all...
Aluminium shipments from UAE to the US hit record levels amid tariff fears
The exports of aluminium from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the United States surged in the first 11 days of March 2025, according to data from the US Department of Commerce. Image credit: EGA; AL Arabiya This sharp increase comes as buyers rushed to secure shipments from their second-largest supplier ahead of the US tariffs that took effect. UAE aluminium exports to US (in tonnes) Data credit: Reuters So far, in March 2025, the UAE has exported 68,560.29 tonnes of aluminium to the US, a significant jump of +300 per cent growth compared to 16,124.88 tonnes for the entire month of March 2024. This volume marks the highest monthly export level in nearly two years. As the second-largest supplier of aluminium to the US, accounting for 8 per cent of total consumption, the UAE is...
Rusal agrees to acquire 26% stake in an Indian alumina refinery
On March 14, 2025, the Russian aluminium giant stated that it had agreed to acquire a 26 per cent stake in an Indian alumina refinery owner for $243.75 million, with the option to gradually increase its holding to 50 per cent, as reported by Reuters. Image credit: Gulf Times This strategic move aims to reduce Rusal's dependence on third-party raw materials. As one of the world's leading primary aluminium producers outside China and also the world's largest low-carbon aluminium producer, Rusal has not been directly subjected to Western sanctions over the Ukraine conflict. However, the company lost around 40 per cent of its alumina supply after Australia imposed an export ban on Russia, and it was forced to shut down its alumina refinery in Ukraine. RUSAL produces more than three million...
Iran’s aluminium output reflects dip in latest report
Iran's primary aluminium production has surpassed 552,000 tonnes in the first 11 months of the current Iranian year (March 20, 2024 – February 18, 2025), driven by substantial increases in bauxite and alumina output growth. Image credit: Tehran Times The country's four major primary aluminium producers—South Aluminum (SALCO), Iranian Aluminium Company (Iralco), Almahdi, and Iran Alumina—collectively produced 552,185 tonnes of aluminium ingots during the mentioned period, as reported by the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO). In spite of this significant output, this reflects a slight decline of 5.16 per cent compared with the 582,200 tonnes produced in the same period in the previous fiscal year. IMIDRO is a major state-owned holding...
Marking a milestone: AL Circle launches its 30th e-Magazine, ‘Aluminium Middle East: Focus 2025’
The Middle East aluminium industry has witnessed unprecedented growth, transforming the region into a powerhouse of production, innovation, and sustainability. As the global landscape shifts towards decarbonisation, efficiency, and value-added manufacturing, industry leaders are seeking insights that drive strategic decisions. To capture these dynamics, AL Circle proudly presents its 30th e-Magazine, ‘ Aluminium Middle East: Focus 2025’ , —a definitive resource for industry professionals navigating the evolving aluminium ecosystem. A deep dive into the region's aluminium industry The Middle East is not just a producer of primary aluminium; it is a key player in shaping the global supply chain, emphasising sustainability, downstream integration, and technological advancements. ‘ Aluminium...
Canyon Resources expands infrastructure play with CAMRAIL investment
Minim Martap Bauxite Project-owned Canyon Resources Limited has announced that the Board of CAMRAIL SA has approved Total Energies Marketing Cameroun SA and Société d’Exploitation des Bois du Cameroun, to enter into two share sale agreements with its wholly owned subsidiary, Camalco Cameroon SA. Upon completing the transactions, Camalco will acquire a strategic 9.1 per cent stake in CAMRAIL and secure a position on its Board. Camalco has successfully acquired a 3.8 per cent equity stake in Camrail from SEBC for an upfront cash payment of XAF 575,700,000 (approximately A$1.4 million). This unconditional acquisition was completed on February 28, 2025. Additionally, Camalco is set to acquire a further 5.3 per cent equity stake in Camrail from Total Cameroon for XAF 812,850,000 (approximately...
West Africa’s bauxite powerhouse gears up for general elections following military governance
The West African nation and the world's largest producer of bauxite, Guinea, has been under military rule since September 2021, when Colonel Mamady Doumbouya led a coup against President Alpha Condé, citing widespread corruption, human rights violations, and economic mismanagement. According to global media reports, Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah announced that the country will return to constitutional rule in 2025. He further stated that a constitutional referendum is planned, followed by legislative and presidential elections within a reasonable timeframe. Guinea's former president, Alpha Condé, had a long and tumultuous reign that ultimately paved the way for the 2021 coup, aimed at restoring stability in the nation, which stands as Africa's largest producer of bauxite. Elected...
Aluminium prices diverge as LME gains, SHFE declines amid rising inventories
China's aluminium industry remains the world's largest, driven by high production capacity and growing downstream demand. However, rising inventories, fluctuating raw material costs, and cautious buyer sentiment are shaping market dynamics. Despite challenges, facility expansions and policy shifts continue influencing the sector's long-term trajectory. Aluminium market analysis The global aluminium market has witnessed notable price movements over the past week. The London Metal Exchange (LME) average aluminium price saw a slight increase of 0.64 per cent, reaching USD$ 2,665 per tonne. Conversely, the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) aluminium price declined by 0.31 per cent, settling at RMB 20,656 per tonne (USD 2,880 per tonne). Spot market prices also trended downward due to rising...
Scientists transform CO₂ into methane using spent batteries & aluminium foil
Battery waste poses a significant environmental threat, containing substances harmful to human health and ecosystems. However, these discarded batteries also contain valuable materials like nickel, which is essential for manufacturing new batteries. Thus, the development of efficient recycling methods is more urgent than ever. Researchers at TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology) have devised an innovative process for extracting nickel from spent nickel-metal hydride batteries. But their breakthrough goes even further: By combining this recovered nickel with used aluminium foil , such as kitchen foil, they have created a nanocatalyst capable of converting CO₂ into valuable methane. This dual-purpose solution tackles the growing problem of battery waste and provides a climate-neutral...
India: Kerala moves to auction bauxite blocks
The state government of Kerala, India, has begun the process of auctioning bauxite blocks in Kasaragod, according to Industries Principal Secretary A P M Mohammed Hanish. On the occasion of the GSI's foundation day celebrations, he commended the agency for identifying bauxite reserves in the district, emphasising that this discovery presents significant opportunities for the state at this time. At the event, Hanish hailed the Geological Survey of India (GSI) as an “unsung hero” for its invaluable contributions to geological research. As part of the occasion, two books—Kerala’s Geological Sentinel: Glimpses of Geological Survey of India and Reminiscences: Echoes from Office Desk to Field Adventures—were released, along with the magazine Bhoumakairali. The event also featured a technical...
Alba takes a step towards greener logistics by signing the Sea Cargo Charter
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has become the Sea Cargo Charter's latest signatory, strengthening the organisation's global presence in the aluminium sector and reaffirming its commitment to decarbonisation and transparency. As the world's largest single-site aluminium smelter, Alba produces around 1.62 million tonnes of aluminium and exports significant quantities of aluminium products annually to more than 270 customers worldwide. With a robust international presence, including sales offices in Zurich and Singapore and a subsidiary in the U.S., Alba serves markets across the Americas, MENA region, Europe, and Asia. Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (ALBA): Aluminium production, 2023-24 (in million tonnes) Source: Alba website Rasmus Bach Nielsen, Chairman of Sea Cargo Charter, said, “With the...
