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.
EGA solidifies its global presence with the acquisition of German recycling firm Leichtmetall
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world's leading producer of premium aluminium, officially sealed a significant deal on March 21, 2024. The aluminium giant from the GCC region has signed a binding agreement to acquire Leichtmetall, a renowned aluminium recycling company based in Germany. Leichtmetall is a European speciality foundry that produces hard alloys and larger-diameter billets containing significant proportions of secondary aluminium. EGA intends to acquire 100 per cent ownership of the company currently held by Leichtmetall Holding GmbH, a subsidiary under an investment fund managed by Quantum Capital Partners GmbH. Pending regulatory clearance, the acquisition is anticipated to be completed in the first half of 2024. Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, the Chief Executive Officer of...
From Nature, For Nature: SOURCE Global introduces SKY WTR, aluminium bottled water powered by sun and air
SOURCE Global is thrilled to introduce SKY WTR by SOURCE™, a groundbreaking product in the bottled water market. This innovative offering is the first of its kind, providing sustainably sourced bottled water without extraction methods. Using cutting-edge technology powered by sunlight and air, SKY WTR redefines the traditional approach to producing bottled water. In an era where reevaluating our consumption of finite resources is imperative, SKY WTR marks a significant step forward in sustainability within the USD$350 billion bottled water industry. Since 1993, over 2150 gigatons of groundwater have been extracted from the Earth. Numerous specialists predict that global demand for freshwater will surpass available supply by 40 per cent by 2030. In contrast to conventional bottled water...
The remarkable journey of aluminium: Leading the charge on 'Global Recycling Day'
As we celebrate March 18th as 'Global Recycling Day', it's time to shine a spotlight on one of the unsung heroes of the recycling world: aluminium. Amidst the global efforts to mitigate environmental degradation and combat the looming spectre of climate change, aluminium stands tall as a beacon of sustainability and circularity. With its remarkable properties, aluminium has become an indispensable material in modern society. From the aerospace industry to everyday household items, its lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and infinitely recyclable nature has revolutionised various sectors while reducing environmental impacts. On this auspicious occasion, let us delve into the profound significance of aluminium recycling and its pivotal role in fostering a sustainable future. The aluminium...
Oleg Deripaska advocates against pressure on Western investors to divest Russian assets
Russian oligarch and billionaire Oleg Deripaska has criticised the pressure on Western investors to divest their Russian assets following the 2022 Ukraine-Russia geopolitical crisis. He argues that such practices are unethical, shortsighted, and counterproductive to both the Russian and global economies. In the aftermath of the Ukraine-Russia geopolitical crisis, numerous Western companies exited Russia, and some of their assets fell under state management. Remaining Western investors in Russia have reported facing coercion to sell their holdings, often at undervalued prices, and experiencing effective expropriation. The Russian edition of Forbes quoted Deripaska as saying a spokesman confirmed the remarks, "Pushing foreign companies to sell their Russian assets is dishonest,...
India imposes anti-dumping duty on Chinese cast aluminium alloy wheels
The Finance Ministry of India has imposed a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of cast aluminium alloy wheels or Alloy Road Wheels (ARW) originating from China. The definitive anti-dumping duty, which remains effective for five years, varies between $0.23 per kg and $1.71 per kg depending on whether the manufacturer originates from China. Cast aluminium alloy wheels (ARW) are utilised in automobiles. Modern high-end vehicles commonly feature cast aluminium alloy wheels instead of conventional steel wheels topped with a cap. Aluminium alloy wheels are recognised for their superior durability and lightweight nature. Compared to steel wheels, they offer enhanced fuel efficiency, acceleration, handling, and braking capabilities. In January 2024, after the second Sunset Review...
Xingfa Aluminium anticipates strong 2023 profitability
Xingfa Aluminium Holdings anticipates an attributable net profit of at least RMB 780 million for the fiscal year ending December 2023. This projection marks a significant increase from the approximately RMB 457.8 million profit recorded in 2022, as stated in a filing submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on March 15, 2023. The optimistic forecast from the aluminium profiles manufacturer is credited to increased sales orders, as well as a reduction in the provision for impairment loss on trade and other receivables, according to the filing.
Russian aluminium fuels over half of LME warehouse stockpiles
In March 2024, data from the London Metal Exchange (LME) indicated that Russian aluminium stocks in registered warehouses rose to 53 per cent of the total, reaching 220,575 tonnes, up from 41 per cent in January 2024. This indicates consumers may have evaded Russian metal across various sectors such as transport, construction, and packaging, as a global news agency reported. Despite the geopolitical crisis, the world's oldest exchange and most significant market for industrial metals has refrained from banning the trading and storage of Russian metals within its system, nor has it shown any willingness, as Western sanctions on Russian base metals have not been imposed. According to sources familiar with the matter, Glencore has recently deposited tens of thousands of tonnes of Russian...
India Govt. suspends Nalco Director on disciplinary grounds
The Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, has suspended Radhashyam Mahapatro, NALCO's Director (HR), citing disciplinary reasons. The state-owned integrated aluminium company, NALCO, revealed in a recent exchange filing on March 14, 2024, that it received notification from the ministry confirming Mahapatro's immediate suspension. "The Competent Authority in the exercise of the powers conferred by Rule 23 of NALCO Conduct, Discipline and Appeal Rules, 1984, has placed Radhashyam Mahapatro, Director (HR), under suspension with immediate effect," NALCO informed the bourses. The ministry has appointed Jagdish Arora, currently serving as Director (Projects & Technical), to also assume the role of Director (HR) with effect from March 14 for the duration of the suspension period or until further...
Vedanta's demerger proposal may receive resistance from shareholders and creditors: Research firm
Vedanta's proposal to split its businesses into distinct entities may encounter resistance from minority shareholders and creditors, as per a report. On September 29, 2023, the mining and metal giant unveiled intentions to separate five crucial sectors, such as aluminium, oil and gas, and steel, into individual listed companies. CreditSights, a FitchSolutions Company, revealed in its latest report by stating, "We maintain our view that Vedanta Ltd's planned demerger of its other businesses could face major hurdles from minority shareholders and/or creditors, which may delay or derail the deal. There have been few updates on the demerger progress since it was announced in September 2023." According to the report, Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL), a subsidiary of the Vedanta Group, may face hurdles...
Extral Aluminium upscales production with Nitrex nitriding technology
The Polish company Extral Aluminium (Extral Sp. z o.o.), which specialises in aluminium extrusions , has enhanced its manufacturing capabilities to serve the construction, automobile, and machinery sectors better. This enhancement includes acquiring a new aluminium extrusion press and procuring a Nitrex nitriding system featuring Nitreg ® technology, specifically designed for nitriding H11 and H13 extrusion dies of various dimensions. This investment aligns with Extral's expansion of its operational presence in Poland, which involves the construction of a new facility to accommodate the extrusion press and Nitrex furnace. Expanding its infrastructure, Extral aims to broaden its range of extruded products while upholding its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. Introducing...
Local tense scrap shortages propel Aluminium ADC12 prices upward in India
Spot prices for Aluminium ADC12 alloy ingots (automobile equivalent grade) surged by INR 2,000 per ton to reach INR 207,000 per tonne week-on-week, excluding GST, in ex-works Delhi. This uptick was driven by a notable increase in local tense scrap prices across north and south India, where persistent shortages remain a significant concern, as reported by BigMint assessments. Currently, tense scrap offers in Chennai are at INR 173,000 per tonne. However, actual trade levels are observed within the range of INR 172,000 to INR 172,500 per tonne. Furthermore, the spot price for ADC12 in Chennai is approximately INR 210,000 to INR 212,000 per tonne ex-works, excluding GST. Market dynamics: Insights from participants This week, ADC12 prices have remained strong, driven mainly by the limited...
Iran's aluminium ingot production grew by 7% in February 2024, reports IMIDRO
According to a recent report by the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organisation (IMIDRO), Iran's four leading aluminium production firms manufactured 54,893 tonnes of aluminium ingots in February 2024. This marked an increase from the 51,416 tonnes produced in February 2023, as disclosed by IMIDRO. Over the span of 11 months in the current Iranian calendar year (March 21, 2023, to February 22, 2024), these major aluminium producers collectively yielded 582,200 tonnes of aluminium ingots . Moreover, during the same timeframe, the Iran Alumina Company contributed significantly to the production landscape, generating over 206,000 tonnes of alumina powder and over 347,000 tonnes of aluminium hydrates.
Cireco MRF achieves milestone with automated residual line success
The Scottish waste management company Cireco has celebrated the achievements of its automated residual line, located at the materials recycling facility (MRF) near Dunfermline. In September 2022, Cierco integrated three AI robots obtained from Recycleye. These robots were installed over a conveyor belt and were responsible for managing reject material at the MRF, a task previously carried out by three manual pickers. Since the implementation of these robots, which process 30,000 tonnes of recyclables from the Fife council, there has been a notable enhancement in the recovery of recyclable materials. Moreover, the system has demonstrated flexibility in adjusting to variations in the composition of the recycling stream. David Goodenough, the Service Manager at Cireco, said, "We have...
India's imported aluminium scrap prices continue to rise
The imported aluminium scrap prices in the Indian market are experiencing an upward trend, which is attributed to several factors. These include the notable increase in aluminium LME (London Metal Exchange) levels, a scarcity of material both domestically and globally, and rising freight rates. The three-month LME price stood at approximately $2,260 per metric ton, marking a $40 per tonne increase week-over-week. Concurrently, stocks were reported at 577,675 metric tons, representing a 1 per cent decline week-over-week, further contributing to the rise in LME prices. As per assessments conducted by BigMint, imported aluminium scrap prices have surged by up to 2.6 per cent. Tense scrap originating from the UAE witnessed a $35 per metric ton increase, reaching $1,825 per metric ton, while...
Constellium embarks on hydrogen trials for sustainable casthouses
On March 12, 2024, Constellium unveiled its initiative to commence industrial trials for utilising hydrogen within its casthouses, marking a pivotal advancement in its dedication to reducing carbon emissions. Recycling and casting, among the most energy-intensive processes, collectively contribute to nearly half of Constellium's direct greenhouse gas emissions. Following the promising laboratory-scale trials carried out in 2022 by C-TEC, the primary R&D hub of Constellium, the company successfully showcased that switching from natural gas to hydrogen doesn't compromise energy efficiency, oxidation rate, or product quality. Emphasising safety in operations, this initial demonstration phase has set the stage for large-scale testing at C-TEC. Ludovic Piquier, the Senior Vice President of...
From foundries to frontiers: AL Circle landmarks its 22nd e-Magazine launch, “Aluminium Casting Industry: Focus 2024”
Welcome to AL Circle’s 22 nd edition of e-Magazine, “Aluminium Castings Industry: Focus 2024” , a publication dedicated to exploring the latest trends, innovations, and insights within the dynamic realm of aluminium casting sector. As the global economy continues to evolve, the demand for lightweight, durable, and cost-effective materials has never been higher. In this landscape, aluminium stands out as a versatile metal that plays a pivotal role in various industries, from automotive and aerospace to construction and electronics. Within the aluminium sector, casting processes represent a cornerstone, enabling the creation of intricate components with exceptional precision and efficiency. In this edition of "Aluminium Casting Industry: Focus 2024," we embark on a journey to uncover the...
Negotiations underway: Japan's aluminium premiums could jump to $155/t
Discussions are underway regarding the premium on aluminium stocked in Japan for the April to June period, involving overseas producers, domestic consumers, and major trading companies. Producers suggest a premium between $145 and $155 per tonne, indicating a substantial 61-72 per cent increase from the previous quarter. If consumers accept these terms, it will mark the first time in three quarters that the premium falls within the $100 per tonne range. The tightening of domestic supply and demand is influencing producer prices. Combined port inventories at Yokohama, Nagoya, and Osaka have exceeded 300,000 tonnes since the beginning of the year, serving as a crucial indicator for supply and demand. Despite this, a source from a trading company noted, "While the figures for port...
How supply chain monitoring can accelerate aluminium sector decarbonisation efforts
Implementing suitable technologies and processes and ensuring thorough emissions monitoring throughout the supply chain is imperative to achieving decarbonisation across any sector. This monitoring enables producers to pinpoint areas of concern and empowers buyers and investors to advocate for low-emission products. Nicole Labutong, a Principal of Climate Intelligence at RMI, and Wenjuan Liu, a Senior Associate of Climate Intelligence at RMI, have scrutinised the monitoring practices within the aluminium sector. To meet global targets, emissions must be reduced by 77 per cent by 2050. Transitioning from coal-fired to clean energy sources stands out as a crucial step. Founded in 1982 as Rocky Mountain Institute, RMI is an independent, non-partisan nonprofit transforming global energy...
