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.
Henan Calgon Carbon Co. chooses AL Biz as the gateway to amplify reach in the graphite electrode and calcined petroleum coke markets
Henan Calgon Carbon Co., Ltd., the foreign trade department of Henan KFCC Carbon Co., Ltd, has recently joined the AL Biz, the world's 1st B2B online marketplace that connects millions of buyers and sellers across the entire aluminium value chain, showcasing its expertise as a leading supplier of graphite electrodes and calcined petroleum coke . Established in 2019 and situated in Anyang City, Henan Province, China, the foreign trade department boasts a dedicated team of 20 employees and a spacious facility spanning over 1100 square meters. As an integral part of KFCC, Henan Calgon Carbon specialises in exporting high-quality graphite electrodes and calcined petroleum coke. With an annual export capacity of 20,000 tons of graphite electrodes, their product series includes UHP, HP, and RP...
Virtual insights, real impact: Join the conversation on Future-Facing Commodities Forum 2024
According to market predictions, most forward-looking commodities markets experienced declining profit margins in 2023. Navigating the uncertainty The tightening of global monetary policies has exerted pressure on the demand for metals, and the widespread supply chain disruptions experienced in 2022 have mostly subsided. While the renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) sectors, crucial contributors to metal demand, have exhibited resilience, they are only partially shielded from the broader global economic deceleration and are contending with their challenges. As the world enters 2024, a significant level of uncertainty continues to linger. Markets are haunted by issues such as conflict, energy security concerns, and uncertainties surrounding China's economic future, making it...
Stadler wins bid for hydrogen trains in Italy
The Italian railway operator Ferrovie della Calabria (FdC) has ordered three new hydrogen trains with 950mm gauge from the Swiss manufacturer of railway rolling stock Stadler. In 2023, a framework agreement was inked, paving the way for deploying as many as 15 hydrogen-powered trains in the Italian region of Calabria starting in 2026. These trains, set to be produced at Stadler's headquarters in Bussnang, Switzerland, consist of two passenger cars and a power pack made from lightweight aluminium, enhancing their energy efficiency. The power pack serves as the housing for fuel cells, hydrogen tanks, and various technical components. Notably, Stadler had previously clinched a deal to provide hydrogen-powered trains to California the previous year. The CEO of FdC, Ernesto Ferraro, expressed...
JSW Aluminium's MSME Park in Vizianagaram district to generate 45,000 jobs
During India's 75 th Republic Day celebrations at the police parade ground, Vizianagaram District, Andhra Pradesh, District Collector S. Nagalakshmi announced that the establishment of JSW Aluminium Limited's MSME Park in S. Kota mandal is poised to generate immediate direct and indirect employment opportunities for approximately 45,000 individuals. After hoisting the Indian national flag, she expressed optimism about the district experiencing rapid development through the introduction of new industries. The Collector announced that a substantial investment of INR 15,531 crore would be made to establish the sector across 985 acres. Emphasising the potential for brisk economic activity, she highlighted the forthcoming construction of new railway lines and highways that would benefit...
Toxic red mud can be repurposed, leading to green steel production
The extensive stockpiles of hazardous red mud generated during alumina refining could be repurposed to produce green steel. Globally, approximately 4 billion tonnes of red mud are currently stored, posing an environmental risk and the potential for fatal accidents. The production of one tonne of steel results in nearly 2 tonnes of CO2 emission. This is primarily due to the conventional steelmaking process, which mainly relies on burning fossil fuels to react carbon with oxygen in iron ore, yielding both iron and carbon dioxide. Dr Isnaldi Souza Filho and his team at the Max Planck Institute for Iron Research in Germany have developed an innovative solution to address the challenges associated with red mud. Their method involves extracting iron from red mud by subjecting it to hydrogen and...
Mytilineos S.A. chosen as strategic partner by GIADEC for the establishment of alumina refinery
The West African nation Ghana is poised to gain from a forthcoming alumina refinery as a strategic partner that has been successfully chosen to collaborate with the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) to implement Project 3A. This project is part of the Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI) initiatives, consisting of four projects in total. Let’s hear what the President commented The President of the nation, Akufo-Addo, present during the signing ceremony between the two parties in Accra, emphasised that the implementation of Project 3A, involving the establishment of a mine at Nyinahin-Mpasaaso and the construction of an alumina refinery, marks a significant step in discontinuing the longstanding practice of exporting raw bauxite from Ghana. The project aims to...
New Madrid smelter at exit stage signals shrinking landscape for US primary aluminium industry
The second-largest aluminium smelter in southeast Missouri is set to cut back its operations by January 28, leading to a situation where "most employees" will no longer be necessary, as reported by local news on January 24. The information is sourced from a letter issued by the plant management. The reduction in operations at the New Madrid smelter in Missouri means that only four primary aluminium producers are active within the United States. The Magnitude 7 Metals LLC letter stated, "Due to abnormally cold weather, our operations have been severely impaired to the point where they cannot be restored while running." The letter also mentioned that Magnitude 7 plans to actively seek additional funding from potential investors to resume operations at the smelter in the coming years. The...
Investments in the aluminium facility by Bonlon Industries indicate the metal's bright future
The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), India, listed Bonlon Industries Limited, renowned for its expertise in copper wire manufacturing, is embarking on a venture to establish a state-of-the-art aluminium facility in MIDC Taloja, Maharashtra. Anticipated to be operational soon, the plant aims to achieve an annual production capacity of 75 thousand tonnes. Specialising in utilising aluminium scrap, the facility will manufacture rods, wires, and ingots to meet the escalating demand across diverse sectors. Soon, construction will begin As per a high-ranking official within the company, the location for the upcoming aluminium plant has been confirmed in Taloja, and construction activities are set to commence shortly. The objective is to initiate production at the new facility during the fiscal year...
Aluminium aerosol can industry soars: Global shipments surge by 6% in 2023
In 2023, the International Organisation of Aluminium Aerosol Can Manufacturers (AEROBAL) recorded a 6 per cent growth in global shipments for its members, reaching approximately 6.4 billion units. Market stability ensures dynamic demand for personal care products The market's expansion is mainly driven by a notable surge in demand from the hairspray, deodorant, and shaving foam segments, experiencing growth rates of 12 per cent, 9 per cent, and 55 per cent compared to the preceding year. As a whole, personal care products constituted approximately 83 per cent of the total shipments. Conversely, the pharmaceutical sector witnessed a modest increase of around 1 per cent, falling below the average. Meanwhile, deliveries to the food and household products sectors declined by 3 per cent and 15...
China's Xinhao Co. joins AL Biz to expand its global reach
Xinhao Co., Limited, a prominent manufacturer specialising in Silicon Metal, Electrolytic Manganese Flakes, and Magnesium Ingot, has officially joined AL Biz, the world's 1st B2B online marketplace that connects millions of buyers and sellers across the entire aluminium value chain showcasing its commitment to excellence in production, sales, and export. With a sprawling 60,000-square-meter facility, the company has established itself as a key player in the industry. The diverse product portfolio of Xinhao Co., Limited includes metal silicon, electrolytic manganese sheets, metal manganese ingots, magnesium ingots, ferrosilicon, and calcium silicon. These high-quality products have found their way to more than 20 countries and regions, including Europe, the United States, Japan, South...
Alba secures decade-long gas supply agreement with Bapco Energies
"Securing a 10-year Natural Gas Supply Agreement marks a significant chapter for Alba", remarked Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chairman of the Board at Alba, during the Signing Ceremony held with Bapco Upstream, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bapco Energies, on January 23, 2024, at Al Dana Hall, Alba. The signing event saw the presence of Khalid Al Rumaihi, the Chairman of Alba, Eng. Faisal Al Mahroos, Chairman of Bapco Upstream, Ali Al Baqali, CEO of Alba, Johann Pleininger, CEO of Bapco Upstream, along with other officials from Alba. Effective from January 23, 2024, this Agreement replaces all prior agreements and seamlessly extends the Company's existing contract for natural gas requirements. Notably, the Agreement introduces a stable pricing framework for the initial 5-year term at a rate of US$4...
German aluminium industry pushes for a pragmatic economic framework
Germany is currently experiencing an economic slowdown, and unfortunately, the aluminium industry is not immune to this challenging situation. It faces significant hardships due to elevated energy costs and the overall economic downturn. Rob van Gils, the President of Aluminium Germany (AD), emphasised, “The year 2023 has shown very clearly that the energy transition strategy in its current form is not working. Over-regulation, massive bureaucracy, and a lack of understanding of the importance of industry for prosperity and participation in Germany are damaging acceptance of the need for a clever climate protection policy.” Source: AD The outlook and review are equally impactful In 2023, the German aluminium industry experienced substantial reductions in production across various sectors,...
Zhengzhou Xinli Wear-resistant Materials Co. strengthens its position in the market by joining AL Biz
Established in 1996, Zhengzhou Xinli Wear-resistant Materials Co. Ltd. stands as a trailblazer in producing and supplying top-notch wear-resistant materials has recently joined AL Biz, the world's 1st B2B online marketplace that connects millions of buyers and sellers across the entire aluminium value chain. With a rich history spanning over 25 years, Xinli has evolved into a professional and integrative enterprise, excelling in research and development, manufacturing, and sales of a diverse range of materials, including white fused alumina, brown fused alumina, alumina oxide, green silicon carbide powder, and more. Innovation and expertise What sets Zhengzhou Xinli apart is its unwavering commitment to innovation and the pursuit of excellence. The company takes pride in being the first...
Shanghai Dragon Aluminium Foil Products Co. leverages the power of AL Biz for business expansion
Shanghai Dragon Aluminium Foil Products Co. Ltd, a prominent aluminium foil packaging industry player, has recently joined AL Biz, the world's 1st B2B online marketplace that connects millions of buyers and sellers across the entire aluminium value chain. Established in 2009, the company has emerged as one of China's largest producers of aluminium foil packaging products. Nestled in the scenic coastal city of Yancheng, Jiangsu province, within the thriving Yangtze River Delta, their expansive factory spans 60,000 square meters and boasts a workforce of over 300 skilled employees capable of producing nearly 5000 tonnes of aluminium products. With an impressive annual total output value of around 200 million, Shanghai Dragon Aluminium Foil Products Co. Ltd has become a key player in the...
Sustainability weekly recap: China-based aluminium profile manufacturer wins green factory recognition, Norwegian giant joins FMC's green supplier database
Aluminium production is energy-intensive, primarily through the smelting process. Many companies have invested in technologies and practices to enhance energy efficiency, such as adopting more sustainable energy sources and improving overall production processes. Sustainability in the aluminium industry was gaining momentum, driven by various factors such as environmental concerns, regulatory pressures, and market demands for responsibly sourced materials. Recycling aluminium is a key aspect of sustainability in the industry. Aluminium is highly recyclable, and recycling requires significantly less energy compared to primary production. Many companies have been increasing their focus on recycling and incorporating recycled content into their products. Here are the latest sustainability...
Primary aluminium weekly recap: Annual aluminium production rises for global giants in 2023
As we enter the third week of the new year in 2023, industry predictions have proven accurate, with the primary aluminium prices experiencing a continuous decline. Notably, the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) price has demonstrated better resilience compared to the London Metal Exchange (LME) price. Projections indicate that metal prices are anticipated to decrease by 5 per cent in 2024, with subsequent stabilisation in 2025. The World Bank's Metal Price Index is set to undergo a 5 per cent reduction in 2024. Nickel is expected to witness the most significant price decline, followed by aluminium, tin, zinc, lead, and copper. However, a modest rebound is foreseen in 2025, with price increases ranging from 2 per cent for lead to 9 per cent for aluminium. Let's review the top news and...
AL Circle launches "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024": Dive deep into the future
AL Circle is pleased to announce the launch of its highly anticipated industry-focused report, "Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024." This comprehensive report will provide invaluable insights into the global aluminium market's current state and future trajectory. The Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2024 is a meticulous compilation of production, market trends, and strategic insights that will shape the aluminium landscape in the coming years. AL Circle, renowned for its expertise and foresight, has left no stone unturned in providing an in-depth view of the industry's current and future trajectory. One of the focal points of the outlook is the exploration of emerging trends poised to shape the aluminium industry in 2024. From sustainable practices and production methods to the...
Nuremberg welcomes global foundry experts as EUROGUSS 2024 opens its door
The international die-casting community has spotlighted Nuremberg, Germany, as EUROGUSS 2024, which commences today. From January 16th to 18th, the exhibition halls will be buzzed with innovation and exchange, showcasing the latest advancements in pressure casting. This year's edition, the 15th in its history, will live up to its reputation as the largest trade fair dedicated to die casting. Over 600 exhibitors from 42 countries will present their cutting-edge technologies, processes, and products, leaving visitors with a comprehensive overview of the industry's current landscape. Click here to get your ticket! Aluminium, magnesium, and zinc die casting would hold the centre stage, with exhibitors unveiling groundbreaking solutions for improved speed, efficiency, and sustainability. From...
