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.
KraussMaffei to part ways: Krones to acquire Netstal Maschinen AG
Krones has revealed plans for the forthcoming acquisition of Netstal Maschinen AG (Netstal), headquartered in Naefels, Switzerland, from KraussMaffei. Krones provides comprehensive solutions for the beverage and food industries, encompassing process technology, filling technology, packaging machines, and IT solutions. Their lines handle millions of glass bottles, cans, and PET containers daily, serving breweries, beverage bottlers, and food producers globally. Offering individual machines as well as complete production lines, Krones caters to diverse needs across the industry. On February 8, 2024, the parties entered into a purchase agreement. However, the transaction is contingent upon receiving approval by the pertinent antitrust laws. Krones anticipates finalising the transaction...
L&T scores big in power distribution contracts
Larsen & Toubro Power Transmission and Distribution (PT&D) division recently secured numerous contracts. These projects encompass a variety of endeavours, including the development of a 75 MW floating solar PV facility on the Panchet Dam in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand as well as the complete construction of a 380kV substation in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the company has undertaken projects related to substations and voltage conversion in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, alongside receiving a supplementary order for an existing power supply project in the UAE. According to the latest industry-focused report released by AL Circle, titled "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024" , aluminium wire rods are widely used in electrical transmission and distribution, building electrification,...
Scottish aluminium glass firm reports record revenue surge
The Cumbernauld-Scottland headquartered company Cube Glass, specialising in aluminium and glass, has announced a significant uptick in its trading performance, marking one of its most substantial advancements to date. Revenue has surged by well over £1 million, propelling the company's turnover to a record £4.5 million for the fiscal year ending in October 2023, a notable increase from the previous year's £3.25 million. The primary catalyst for this notable growth in the 2022-23 period stemmed from a particularly sizable contract. Cube Glass secured a significant project supplying screens for residential and retail units as part of a large-scale community benefit initiative spearheaded by a prominent social housing developer in Scotland. Cube Glass aims to solidify its forthcoming...
Hydro Wrexham welcomes Barry Salisbury as new Managing Director
Barry Salisbury, a native of Wrexham, has been named the new managing director of Hydro's aluminium recycling plant located in Wrexham, UK. Assuming his position in January 2024, Barry will transition from his previous role as operations manager at the same recycling facility. He takes over the reins from Wayne Clifton, another Wrexham native, who has been elevated to the position of Head of Recycling Europe at Hydro. In his new capacity, Salisbury will report directly to Clifton. Barry, who holds a first-class bachelor’s degree with honours in Mechatronic Engineering from the University of Manchester, has been serving as the Maintenance Manager at Hydro Wrexham since 2013. While ensuring the safety of every employee at the plant remains his utmost priority, Barry equally emphasises the...
Emirates Global Aluminium secures a major alumina supply deal with the Alumina Industrial Company
Emirates Global Aluminium has inked an agreement to supply alumina to The Alumina Industrial Company. This collaboration aims to foster the emergence of a new sector dedicated to manufacturing speciality products from alumina, aligning with the UAE's ambitious industrial growth strategy, Operation 300bn. The Alumina Industrial Company, a joint venture between the Maithan Group and Bathwal Corporation, is set to pioneer the UAE's inaugural facility for crafting speciality alumina products within the Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi. These specialised products find extensive utility in industrial refractories and abrasives, catering to a diverse range of industrial applications. EGA, the sole producer of alumina in the UAE, is crucial for a project requiring a local source of alumina. This...
Silent speedsters: Exploring the top electric sedans of 2024
SUVs and trucks dominate the American automotive landscape, while sedans are declining in popularity. However, within the EV market, there are still notable four-door options. Despite lacking SUVs' bulk, elevated viewpoint, and storage capacity, sedans appeal to those who prefer a more traditional car experience. Although they may not accommodate large battery packs as easily, they compensate with lighter weight and enhanced agility. Additionally, sedans often come at a more affordable price point compared to larger vehicles, although premium luxury sedans can still command six-figure prices. According to a survey conducted by Ducker Carlisle among automakers and Tier 1 suppliers, the ongoing mass market integration of electric vehicles is projected to fuel a rise in aluminium demand...
Rising demand spurs growth in India's foundry industry across multiple sectors
In recent years, the Indian foundry industry has experienced consistent growth, buoyed by rising demand across multiple sectors, including automotive, engineering, energy, and infrastructure. Numerous foundries are embracing modernisation initiatives to enhance production efficiency and promote eco-friendly practices. The significance of automated production processes over manual labour, simulation techniques, digitalisation through software and ERP systems, and 3D printing is on the rise. Simultaneously, environmental considerations related to raw material usage, auxiliary materials, and CO 2 emissions reduction are gaining prominence. Indian foundries increasingly prioritise eco-friendly materials, recycling practices, and waste reduction efforts to minimise their ecological footprint....
China sets strict guidelines for carbon emissions trading
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has issued a decree from the State Council marking the introduction of regulations for trading carbon emissions. This announcement comes from an official statement by China's cabinet on February 4, 2024. Set to take effect on May 1, 2024, these regulations aim to lay down a legal structure for the national carbon emissions trading market, promoting its robust and enduring development. Adopting carbon emissions trading is a crucial policy instrument to mitigate the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, utilising market mechanisms. This initiative reflects China's dedication to reaching a peak in carbon emissions by 2030 and attaining carbon neutrality by 2060. The newly implemented regulations comprise 33 articles aimed at establishing a robust...
Chinese economy indicates a slowdown for Asia-Pacific's metal exporters
The aftermath of Evergrande's collapse has sparked worries about China's property market, potentially leading to reduced demand for raw materials from the region's top metal producer and putting pressure on suppliers throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The Evergrande Group Evergrande Group, established in 1996, encompasses various sectors, including Evergrande Real Estate, Evergrande New Energy Auto, Evergrande Property Services, and Ocean Flower Island, offering its clientele a comprehensive range of premium services. With a portfolio spanning over 1,300 projects across more than 280 cities in China, Evergrande Real Estate Group is committed to crafting top-tier and economically feasible residential communities. Upholding the ethos of "dedicated service and genuine partnership" for over...
Iran's alumina production hits 170,952 tonnes
Iran's alumina powder production reached 170,952 tonnes in the initial nine months of the present Iranian calendar year (March 21-December 21, 2023), per data disclosed by the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO). In the previous Iranian calendar year of 1401, which concluded on March 20, 2023, the country's alumina powder production reached 225,942 tonnes. According to reports, this represents a two per cent decrease compared to the output recorded in the year 1400. Alumina, characterised by its inert, odourless, and white amorphous nature, is a crucial material in industrial ceramics. Its significance spans various industrial applications, including construction materials, fillers, abrasives, and catalysts. In industries such as plant...
Henan Mingtai Aluminium launches into 2024 with remarkable sales growth
In a disclosure on February 6, 2024, China's Henan Mingtai Aluminium Industrial reported the sale of 106,800 tonnes of aluminium plates along with foil in January. In the same month, the aluminium sheet manufacturer from China produced a total of 110,800 tonnes of the material. Established in 1997 within the industrial hub of Gongyi City, Henan Province, Henan Mingtai Aluminium Industrial Co., Ltd. emerged as a pioneering force in aluminium processing. In 2011, it made its mark on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, proudly bearing the stock code 601677. Renowned for its commitment to innovation, seamless integration of cutting-edge technology, and holistic service offerings, Mingtai is a premier private enterprise in the aluminium sector. Its diverse portfolio spans aluminium deep processing,...
GIADEC grants Mytilineos license for bauxite exploration in Ghana
On February 5, 2024, the Greece-based industrial conglomerate Mytilineos, focused on energy and metals, revealed that it secured a prospecting license from the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) to explore and extract bauxite deposits in the Ninayhin-Mpasaso region. The signing event, graced by Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo, occurred in Accra on January 26, 2024. Mytilineos emphasised the effectiveness of its Energy & Metals model and the positive synergies it brings. With a thorough grasp of Ghana's energy sector from numerous past projects, Mytilineos aims to replicate this successful model in Ghana. During the first 18 months of implementation, the company will conduct essential feasibility studies to verify reserves and establish mine operations. A...
Guinea's top bauxite producer announces $1 billion investment for terminal upgrades and vessel acquisition
Societe Miniere de Boke (SMB), the leading bauxite producer and exporter in Guinea, announced plans to invest up to $1 billion over the next five years. On February 5, 2024, Frederic Bouzigues, the CEO of SMB, stated that the investment aims to enhance its river terminals and acquire vessels. This initiative seeks to bolster exports, which achieved a record high in 2023. On the sidelines of an African mining conference, the CEO stated, "We can expect to increase exports by 10 million (metric tons) a year, starting at the end of this year." The company achieved a remarkable milestone in the previous year by producing and exporting a record 48 million tonnes of bauxite ore. This significant contribution aided the West African nation Guinea, which is prominently ranked among the world's...
Key highlights from the global aluminium industry, January 2024
In the inaugural month of 2024, aluminium prices exhibited a relatively flat trend across both the London Metal Exchange (LME) and the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE). This observed trend aligns with predictions made by industry experts and is corroborated by AL Circle's latest industry-focused report titled "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024." The report forecasts that the first half of 2024 will resemble the dynamics of the preceding year, 2023, with a more optimistic outlook anticipated in the latter part of the year. Furthermore, the report highlights the pivotal role of the transportation sector as the primary driver of aluminium demand. It underscores the critical contribution of aluminium to the transportation industry, emphasising its significance in shaping the industry...
Researchers suggest end-of-life solar panels can be recycled as future resources
Australia is at the forefront of global solar adoption, boasting over 3.3 million households equipped with rooftop solar panels. However, the initial wave of installations is now ageing, and the first set of panels is approaching the end of their operational life. This has led to projections by researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), indicating that the country could face a significant challenge in managing solar panel waste. According to conservative estimates, Australia's cumulative photovoltaic (PV) waste might reach 2 to 3 million tonnes by 2050. If ambitious installation targets are met, the waste could double. The researchers have projected a forecast up to seven times greater than previous literature and one to two times higher than the waste forecast provided by...
China's aluminium industry spearheads green transition for a cleaner tomorrow
The ongoing trend in China is aligned with the global industry-wide push for carbon reduction. It signifies the Chinese aluminium industry's commitment to meeting the country's carbon reduction mandates for high-energy-consuming sectors. Renewable energy-sourced aluminium encompasses liquid and ingot forms produced using environmentally friendly sources. While thermal power has traditionally been the primary energy source for the aluminium industry in China, there has been a rapid increase in the utilisation of green power, particularly hydroelectric power, as reported by AL Circle's latest industry-focused report, " Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024" . During 2014-2015, approximately 87-90 per cent of the energy utilised by Chinese aluminium smelters was derived from thermal power,...
EKA Mobility sets the bar high with the launch of EKA K1.5, redefining sustainable commercial transport in India
EKA, a prominent player in the electric mobility sector, has officially unveiled its highly anticipated 1.5-tonne electric Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) in collaboration with Mitsui Co., Ltd. from Japan and VDL Groep from the Netherlands as equity partners. This groundbreaking vehicle is entering the market with a competitive starting price of INR 13.9 lakhs (ex-showroom). The EKA K1.5 offers customisation for over eight applications featuring multiple variants, establishing itself as the most versatile electric LCV range in its segment. The grand reveal occurred at the prestigious Bharat Mobility Global Expo, underscoring EKA Mobility's dedication to providing sustainable and profitable transportation solutions. The most recent industry-focused report from AL Circle, titled "Global...
Rheinmetall secures a breakthrough deal for innovative heat pump solutions in hydrogen-powered trucks
The German automotive and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall's thriving thermal management division is expanding further, marking a significant milestone by introducing an inventive plug-and-play heat pump solution to be integrated into a hydrogen-powered truck for the first time. The thermal module, already prevalent in battery-powered commercial vehicles, construction equipment, and marine vessels, has achieved a significant breakthrough. Rheinmetall has successfully advanced the integration of this innovative plug-and-play solution into a cutting-edge fuel cell-powered truck, marking a milestone in its adoption within a forward-looking sector. Notably, the order for this advancement comes from a new customer. Delivered fully preassembled and filled with coolant, the heat pumps play a...
