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.
Factory activity in Japan hits lowest point since 2020, economic concerns mount
In February 2024, Japan's factory activity experienced its most rapid decline over three years due to diminishing demand. The preliminary Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) from au Jibun Bank dropped to 47.2, down from January's 48.0, signalling ongoing contraction in private sector business operations. February marked the ninth consecutive decline in business activity , representing the most significant contraction since August 2020, as reported by au Jibun Bank. The manufacturing sector in the country experienced ongoing deterioration in operating conditions throughout the month. au Jibun Bank stated, "Both output and new orders fell at sharper rates, amid reports of deteriorating demand conditions in both domestic and international markets." In response to the...
India counters China's electronics export dominance in some key markets, study finds
A recent study reveals that India is gradually challenging China's supremacy in electronics exports in certain crucial markets. This shift comes as manufacturers seek to diversify their supply chains away from China to other regions across Asia. The escalating geopolitical tensions between the UK, the US, and China have notably influenced trade dynamics and according to data from London-based Fathom Financial Consulting, India's electronics exports to the US surged from 2.51 per cent to 7.65 per cent in November 2023, compared to China's share. Similarly, India's electronic exports rose from 4.79 per cent to 10 per cent in the UK. The Indian government is enticing electronics manufacturers to establish their presence in the country by offering substantial incentives, including tax...
Sierra Leone's bauxite sector eyes expansion via CTC Port project
In a groundbreaking development poised to transform the mining and shipping sectors in West Africa, Cosco Shipping Bulk Co., Ltd, CTC Mining (SL) Ltd, and Baometal Minerals International Trade Ltd have unveiled their collaboration on the ambitious CTC Port Loko Port Project. This trilateral pact represents a pivotal moment in advancing mineral resources and infrastructure in Sierra Leone and the wider region. Cosco Shipping Bulk Co., Ltd, China's premier state-owned shipping enterprise, stands out with its expansive fleet dedicated to dry bulk shipping. The company is renowned for its exceptional proficiency in worldwide dry bulk cargo logistics and port operations and is a pivotal force in the industry. CTC Mining (SL) Limited, headquartered in Sierra Leone, manages a significant bauxite...
GB Railfreight secures alumina carriage extension deal with Alvance British Aluminium
The fastest-growing company in the railway sector and transporting goods for a wide range of customers, GB Railfreight (GBRf), has confirmed the renewal of its contract with Alvance British Aluminium, one of the world's greenest metal production plants. GBRf has secured a five-year extension to its contract, ensuring the ongoing operation of two weekly trains. These trains will continue transporting alumina powder from the Port of Blyth in Northumberland to Fort William, supporting aluminium production at one of the world's most environmentally friendly metal production facilities. Annually, 70,000 tonnes of alumina powder will be conveyed by rail, reducing road congestion by removing up to 129 heavy goods vehicles from the 250-mile journey.
Global aluminium producers eyeing Q2 premiums at $145-$155/ tonne, industry sources
Aluminium producers worldwide have proposed premiums to Japanese buyers ranging from $145 to $155 per tonne for primary metal shipments from April to June, marking a substantial increase of 61 per cent to 72 per cent compared to the current quarter. This information was disclosed by three sources intimately engaged in the quarterly pricing negotiations on February 29, 2024. As a significant importer of aluminium in Asia, Japan's agreed premiums for quarterly primary metal shipments over the London Metal Exchange (LME) cash price serve as the standard for the region. During the January-March quarter, Japanese buyers consented to a $90 per ton premium (PREM-ALUM-JP), marking a 7 per cent decrease from the previous quarter. This significant reduction coincides with a tightening of supply in...
Guinea's trade unions hit pause on strike, negotiations in focus
The nationwide strike in the bauxite kingdom Guinea , which had brought the nation and its mining sector to a standstill since February 26, 2024, has been suspended by the country's trade unions, according to a statement released on February 28. The Guinean Trade Union Movement, representing various workers' unions, announced the suspension in light of the release of Sekou Jamal Pendessa, a detained union leader and a crucial demand of the unions. The unions expressed readiness to reopen negotiations with the government concerning their outstanding concerns . These encompass reducing food costs, easing internet constraints, and implementing a wage agreement established with the government in November. The strike caused disturbances at numerous mines in the world's leading bauxite...
Aluminium prices expected to remain under pressure in 2024, analysts warn
Aluminium prices have not shown any improvement, as expected, during the beginning of the year compared to 2023. Analysts from AL Circle have already stated the global aluminium market in H1 2024 is anticipated to mirror 2023. This is primarily due to a slowdown within the Chinese economy, notably within the troubled property and construction industries and the economic deceleration in the world's large economies. Analysts foresee a persistent surplus of the metal throughout 2024, like in 2023 at the end, which was around 800,000 tonnes. It is anticipated that sustained downward pressure on prices will be exerted, given the prevailing weakness in demand. The research arm of Kenanga Investment Bank stated, "We acknowledged that contrary to expectations, China’s reopening has not...
Resilient German automotive industry defies odds, exports drive growth trajectory
The German automotive sector has experienced a notable recovery following the conclusion of the pandemic, with exports exhibiting particularly robust growth for car manufacturers. The automotive industry in Germany is said to be one of the largest employers in the world. Germany's automotive industry stands as a global beacon of excellence, renowned for its unparalleled engineering prowess. From Asia to the Americas, German automobiles epitomise cherished qualities of innovation, dependability, safety, and aesthetic design. The automotive sector is heavily influenced by a select few countries where major Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) operations are based, contributing significantly to global vehicle production. These nations include China, the United States, Japan, India, South...
Nitrex secures VPA coating furnaces supply deal from a jet engine manufacturer
A leading manufacturer of jet engines, known for its dedication to enhancing manufacturing capabilities, has announced plans to integrate two state-of-the-art Vapor Phase Aluminizing (VPA) coating furnaces from G-M Enterprises, a Nitrex company, in the first half of 2024. This strategic move signifies a significant advancement in aerospace manufacturing and underscores the enduring partnership between the two entities. Over time, the customer has consistently relied on Nitrex vacuum furnaces across multiple locations. The newly acquired VPA furnaces are designed for high capacity and low maintenance, featuring automated retorts with moving bases and a fixed heat chamber to optimise operational efficiency. With each retort securely sealed to the moving bases, the furnaces can concurrently...
Constellium leads the charge towards sustainable automotive manufacturing with 'Close the Loop' initiative
On February 28, 2024, Constellium SE unveiled its leadership in a fresh R&D venture named "Close the Loop," collaborating with a consortium of recycling enterprises in France. This partnership encompasses INDRA (specialising in automotive recycling), GALLOO (a prominent figure in metal recycling), and MTB RECYCLING (known for its expertise in metal shredding and sorting). Constellium is an industry-leading provider of comprehensive rolled and extruded aluminium solutions catering to the worldwide automotive sector. Through strategic collaboration spanning the value chain, the company actively champions the low-carbon transition and advocates for a circular economy. Funded in part by the French Environmental Agency ADEME under the France 2030 program, the ‘Close the Loop’ project aims to...
Bauxite production drops, but Jamaica's mining industry grows in Q4 2023
The mining sector in Jamaica experienced an approximate 23.6 per cent growth during the final quarter of 2023. Crude bauxite production in the island nation experienced a notable decline of 27 per cent, leading to a decrease in the bauxite capacity utilization rate to 32.7 per cent, marking a drop of 12.1 percentage points. Dr Wayne Henry, the Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), stated, " Alumina production grew by 32.9 per cent due to increased capacity utilisation at the Jamalco refinery. The alumina capacity utilisation rate increased to 39 per cent, up 9.6 percentage points compared with the corresponding quarter of 2022." Dr Henry remarked that this indicated a rise in alumina production.
POSCO Future M Co. ventures into fifth cathode plant for NCA batteries
On February 22, 2024, POSCO Future M Co., a leading supplier of battery materials, commenced construction on its fifth cathode materials plant in Gwangyang, South Korea. This move aims to establish the complex in South Jeolla Province as the largest manufacturing cluster for cathode materials globally in terms of capacity. The new facility is projected to manufacture 52,500 tonnes of cathode materials annually, tailored for nickel, cobalt, and aluminium (NCA) batteries commonly used in electric vehicles. This production capacity will adequately power approximately 580,000 EVs with 60 kilowatt-hour batteries. Notably, these cathode materials will be exclusively provided to Samsung SDI Co. The South Korean company announced that upon its scheduled completion by April 2025, it will enhance...
Alcoa leverages legal counsel from Davis Polk & Wardwell, Ashurst in Alumina Ltd. buyout strategy
Global law firms Davis Polk & Wardwell and Ashurst are advising American aluminium giant Alcoa Corporation regarding its proposed acquisition of Alumina Ltd, an Australian alumina and bauxite producer. The acquisition, structured as an all-stock transaction, values Alumina Ltd. at USD$2.2 billion. Alumina, advised by King & Wood Mallesons, has consented to the terms of the agreement, contingent upon approval from shareholders and regulatory bodies. Notably, Alumina Ltd.'s primary shareholder, fund manager Allan Gray Australia, has committed to selling its 19.9 per cent ownership stake. Kylie Lane, Partner at Ashurst, stated, "We are proud to be supporting Alcoa Corporation, a long-standing client, on this major strategic transaction." "The acquisition of Alumina Limited represents an...
Ghana's move to ban raw bauxite exports aligns with its value-creation strategy
During his State of the Nation address in Parliament on February 27, the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, announced several initiatives to accelerate the nation's industrialisation agenda and ensure value for money. Among these measures, the government will establish a $450 million refinery dedicated to processing locally produced manganese. Additionally, a new Legislative Instrument will be enacted to prohibit the export of raw bauxite . Moreover, priority will be given to Ghanaian investors interested in acquiring Newmont Corporation's Akyem Mine, located in the Eastern Region. Indonesia has also banned bauxite export from the country in 2023. The President said, "We are implementing the Four Project Agenda of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation...
China's aluminium consumption to experience modest growth in 2024, Antaike reports
On February 27, 2024, the China state-backed research institution Antaike reported that China's aluminium consumption is projected to experience a slower growth rate this year. Specifically, construction sector demand has decreased due to troubled property markets. Let us know about Antaike Founded in 1992 and listed on a new over-the-counter board on Oct 12, 2017, Beijing Antaike Information Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Antaike) is a state-owned joint stock company, which has become a consulting research centre, data centre, and information centre for domestic nonferrous metals industry. Relying on the industry position and background of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Information Center, Antaike focuses on the analysis and research of production, consumption, market,...
Nationwide strike grips Guinea, mining operations disrupted
On February 26, 2024, workers in Guinea initiated a nationwide strike, causing closures of businesses and significant disruptions in the mining sector . Commencing an indefinite general strike marks a crucial challenge for the junta, which took control in 2021, instituting a ban on protests and stifling dissenting voices. Their demands included: Increased wages. The removal of internet restrictions. The liberation of a detained trade union leader. The strike ensued a week following the abrupt dissolution of the transitional government, which had been in power since July 2022, by the military junta without explanation. The junta additionally instructed the seizure of government members' passports and froze their bank accounts. In the seaside capital on February 26, 2024, police maintained...
Japan-China steel giants team up for automotive aluminium venture
Two prominent East Asian nations, the world's top economies, are leading in the steel industry. Now, from the cross border, two steel giants are poised to make significant investments in the aluminium sector. Kobe Steel, the third-largest steelmaker in Japan, and China Baowu Steel Group, a global leader in steel production, are joining hands to establish a pioneering joint venture. This partnership aims to capitalise on the booming demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in China by introducing cutting-edge lightweight aluminium panels . This strategic collaboration highlights the evolving trade dynamics between Japan and China and addresses international considerations and environmental imperatives, marking a significant advancement in the market. Collaborative partnership in the electric...
Lava Blue's PRiSM facility poised for HPA commercial production
Lava Blue is progressing with developing its Predictive Research into Specialty Materials (PRiSM) centre towards small-scale commercial production. The Centre for Predictive Research into Specialty Materials (PRiSM) by Lava Blue, situated in Redlands, Brisbane, was established to explore and showcase the scalability of processing methods for high-purity materials. PRiSM integrates research, development, and demonstration capabilities within a facility enriched with sensors and equipped for machine learning applications. The manufacturer of high-purity materials initiated its collaboration with the Queensland University of Technology in 2018 to devise a method for producing high-purity alumina (HPA) from sapphire-bearing kaolin clay deposits located in northwest Queensland. HPA, an...
