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.
AVK Group's valve solution powers new hydropower plant in Uganda
The Kigwabya hydropower plant in Uganda, with a peak power capacity of 4.6MW, has selected Orbinox, a part of the AVK Group, to provide critical valve solutions for its operations. Orbinox has a strong presence in Africa, contributing to over 100 dam and hydropower projects, including the historic Owen Falls Hydroelectric Project, now known as the Nalubaale Dam, where Glenfield Valves played a significant role in 1954. The collaboration between Kigwabya and Orbinox was initiated in January 2023 through a business and employment-focused social media platform interaction with the project's site manager. The manager, impressed by Orbinox's track record in the African market for dams and hydropower, chose the company for critical valve solutions. In the implementation of the Kigwabya project,...
First low-carbon aluminium screw cap, STELVIN®
Amcor Capsules, a global leader in developing and producing environmentally responsible closures for wine and spirits, has enhanced the sustainability performance of its renowned Stelvin aluminium screwcap range by reducing its carbon footprint by up to 35 per cent. The manufacturing process of a Stelvin screwcap now emits up to 35 per cent less carbon emissions compared to a standard screwcap produced with European aluminium sheets. This achievement is attributed to the incorporation of up to 46 per cent recycled aluminium and the meticulous selection of low-carbon primary aluminium, certified and independently verified in the production process. This significant reduction applies immediately to Stelvin and all 30H60 screw caps manufactured in Europe, North America, and South America for...
Hindalco Industries raises concern over surge in Chinese aluminium foil imports
On November 10, 2023, Satish Pai, the Managing Director of Hindalco Industries, raised alarms regarding the surge in imports of Chinese aluminium foil in India, a crucial material widely employed in the packaging of food and pharmaceuticals. Satish Pai told the media in a post-earnings conference call, "We are noticing that China is dumping its product in Indian markets. Aluminium foil imports from China have gone up, and we are concerned." In the previous year, Hindalco joined forces with Raviraj Foils and Jindal India and submitted an application on behalf of the domestic industry, requesting the extension of anti-dumping duties on imports of aluminium foil from China. However, in 2021, the Finance Ministry released a notification, implementing an anti-dumping duty on imported aluminium...
Furukawa Electric powers up: Plans underway to boost aluminium wire production for automotive wiring harnesses
In response to the anticipated growth in the automotive sector, the Japanese company Furukawa Electric is gearing up to enhance its production of aluminium wire for automotive wiring harnesses. With an eye on the increasing demand for electric vehicles and advancements in automotive technology, the company is strategically positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Furukawa Electric is contemplating the establishment of a new production facility dedicated to aluminium wire production. This expansion plan is driven by the company's commitment to ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of high-quality materials for automotive wiring harnesses, a critical component in modern vehicles. The proposed facility is expected to be operational by the fiscal year 2026, marking a...
NZAS assures limited risk to marine ecology and no health impact amidst surrounding coastal concerns
A recent study commissioned by New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) indicates that the waters surrounding the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter pose minimal or no threat to both human health and marine life. NZAS is owned by Rio Tinto (80 per cent) and Sumitomo Chemical Company of Japan (20 per cent). In a statement released, NZAS reported that extensive testing conducted by consultants GHD aimed to supplement the detailed site investigation carried out in 2021, establishing baseline indicators for the smelter site. The study aimed to assess the potential adverse effects of smelter discharges on the coastal marine environment and the well-being of individuals engaging in recreational activities and food gathering in the area. According to the report, there is no heightened risk of health...
Harland & Wolff partners with Austal ships for NextGen aluminium vessel technology transfer
On November 8, 2023, Harland & Wolff Group Holdings PLC announced that it had entered into an agreement with Austal Ships Pty Ltd for a technology transfer aimed at developing next-generation aluminium vessels. The London-based fabrication company, serving the maritime and offshore industries through its facilities in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, disclosed that this memorandum of understanding entails Austal sharing its designs for advanced aluminium patrol vessels and transferring specialized manufacturing knowledge to Harland & Wolff. Additionally, the agreement covers equipment procurement and supply chain management for aluminium vessels, with Harland & Wolff planning to construct these vessels at its Appledore facility in Devon. Harland & Wolff, in collaboration with...
South32 powers forward with battery-electric vehicle trials: A green shift in mining operations
South32, the mining and metals company headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, laid out its greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reduction strategies at the outset of its existence, committing to a long-term objective of attaining net zero operational GHG emissions by 2050 within the first year of its inception. Furthermore, the company has introduced a mid-term goal of reducing its operational GHG emissions by 50 per cent by 2035, using its 2021 financial year as the baseline. It has already implemented several initiatives to accomplish this target. The company's climate change strategy is centred around several key pillars: They aim to reconfigure their product portfolio, prioritizing base metals crucial for the shift towards a low-carbon world. The company is committed to reducing carbon...
Continued mining in Brazil risks releasing 2.55 gigatonnes of carbon emissions resulting from deforestation and soil erosion
Suppose all currently operational mining sites in Brazil persist in their activities over the next few decades. In that case, it is projected that their emissions will amount to approximately 2.55 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 e), primarily attributed to the depletion of vegetation (0.87 Gt CO 2 eq) and soil (1.68 Gt CO 2 eq). In a research article featured in Communications Earth & Environment, scientists from the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture at the University of São Paulo made calculations. They deduced that this quantity of CO 2 e is equivalent to approximately 5 per cent of the global yearly greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. Brazil possesses vast mineral reserves, however, many of which remain underutilized. These resources encompass iron ore,...
China elevates low carbon aluminium certification in response to soaring demand
An industry association with Beijing's support, which commenced its certification of low-carbon aluminium in June, anticipates accrediting approximately 2.75 million tonnes as low-carbon this year. This volume equals around 7 per cent of the total industry production and is projected to increase to 4 million tonnes by 2024. China stands as the predominant global producer of aluminium, a manufacturing process known for its significant environmental impact due to its substantial electricity consumption. In China, this electricity generation predominantly relies on coal, although the industry has been progressively transitioning towards greater utilization of hydropower and other renewable energy sources. Ma Cunzhen, who serves as the director of the China Green Metal Certification Center...
German industrial production continues downward spiral, marking fifth consecutive monthly decline in September'23
A disappointing data release not only hints at a potential downward revision of third-quarter GDP growth but also raises concerns that the industry-heavy German economy may enter a technical recession by the end of 2023. Germany's ongoing macroeconomic struggles persist, raising doubts among the younger generation about the last time the country witnessed a sustained period of positive macroeconomic indicators. Unfortunately, September's latest industrial production data only adds to this worrisome trend. This marks the fifth consecutive month of decline, with a month-on-month drop of 1.4 per cent, in contrast to August's meagre -0.1 per cent. Year-on-year, industrial production has slumped by 3.7 per cent, affecting all major sectors of the economy. On September 8, 2023, AL Circle...
Volvo orders 9000 tonnes of 2 Giga Presses from IDRA
In a momentous development, Idra Srl, a key player in the automotive manufacturing sector, is elated to declare a remarkable achievement in its pursuit of innovation and sustainability. The company has secured a prestigious agreement with Volvo to deploy two 9000-tonne Giga Press machines at a newly established location in Košice, Slovakia. This cutting-edge machinery is poised to transform the automotive manufacturing sector and establish the brand's new facility in Košice as a strategic cornerstone for Giga Casting. The Giga Press, weighing in at an impressive 9,000 tons, ranks as one of Europe's most giant die-casting machines, signifying a significant advancement in automotive manufacturing technology. This state-of-the-art equipment will empower the creation of intricate, lightweight...
German aluminium industry faces unprecedented challenges as production decline persists
During the third quarter of the year, Germany witnessed a notable decrease in aluminium production, according to a report from the Aluminium Deutschland (German Aluminium Association). In the smelters, the primary aluminium production volume dropped by nearly 50 per cent, and the manufacturing of semi-finished aluminium products saw a decline in the high single-digit percentage range. Specifically, raw aluminium production decreased by 8 per cent to approximately 774,000 tonnes in the third quarter. Over the initial three quarters of the year, the total output amounted to just over 2.3 million metric tons, marking an 11 per cent decrease compared to the previous year. The production of primary aluminium saw a significant decline of 48 per cent from January to September, with smelters...
AL Circle launches its 19th edition of e-Magazine, “The Aluminium Industry: Focus Americas"
In an ever-evolving world where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand, one industry stands out for its remarkable contributions – the aluminium industry. We are glad to announce the launch of our latest edition, a dedicated publication that aims to be your guiding light in the vast realm of the aluminium sector – "The Aluminium Industry: Focus Americas." This e-Magazine takes you on a journey into the heart of this dynamic sector, showcasing how it is shaping the future of the Americas. Aluminium, often referred to as the "metal of the future," plays a pivotal role in modern life. With its versatility, strength, and exceptional recyclability, it is the backbone of many essential products and industries. This e-Magazine dives deep into the state of the aluminium industry in the...
Suriname's beckons for bauxite development: Attracting investors for economic growth
Suriname's government has announced its intention to seek potential investors to develop bauxite projects in the Bakhuis area in the western part of the country. This move comes after several unsuccessful attempts dating back to the 1970s to initiate such projects in Suriname. The government cited the growing global population and the increasing need for climate adaptation as factors driving higher demand for aluminium in the coming decades. World Economics estimates Suriname's GDP to be $13 billion - 38 per cent larger than official estimates. Using IMF growth rate estimates, World Economics GDP data are used for 2023. The country started seeing a moderate economic recovery in 2022, with real GDP expanding by 2.4 per cent. However, high inflation and rapid currency depreciation remain...
BCAST and Alloyed partner in £525k initiative to fine-tune bespoke aluminium alloys
An ambitious partnership valued at £525k has been established between the Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST) and the metals manufacturer Alloyed. The primary objective of this collaboration is to fine-tune a computer modelling system for the precise identification of customized aluminium alloys. Traditionally, developing new alloys involves modifying the composition of standard alloys and relies on a costly and time-consuming trial-and-error approach based on research. This process can take several years to create an alloy with the desired properties. With financial support from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), BCAST is set to enhance Alloyed's existing Alloys by Design (ABD ® ) platform. This enhanced platform will analyze and rank...
Toyota's electric vehicle challenge: Racing Tesla on the assembly line technology
The Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer Toyota's pursuit of closing the gap with Tesla in the emerging era of electric vehicles is unfolding on the traditional battleground of the automotive industry, the assembly line. It is a manufacturing process in which a combination of machines assembles the finished item. As reported by a British daily business newspaper, Toyota has asserted technological advancements in solid-state batteries and recently made a substantial $8 billion investment in the U.S. electric vehicle market in an effort to convince investors of its capacity to rival Tesla. However, the global auto giant faces intense competition from Tesla in the manufacturing realm, where the world's most valuable automaker spearheads a fundamental transformation in the...
Key highlights from the global aluminium industry, October 2023
In October 2023, the global aluminium industry experienced static demand and supply dynamics, resulting in limited price fluctuations on both the London Metal Exchange (LME) and the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE). The ongoing economic deceleration in Western nations and specific Asian markets, majorly in Japan, continued to raise apprehensions within the worldwide manufacturing sector. However, aluminium, celebrated for its eco-friendly characteristics, is emerging as a pivotal player in shaping a more sustainable future. Aluminium's environmentally responsible attributes drive a significant transformation across various sectors, replacing steel and other materials. Key highlights from the global aluminium industry in October are as follows: A consortium, which brings together the...
Downstream weekly recap: Revenue declines for Chinese aluminium companies in Q3 2023; Aluminium's positive impact on Cryptocurrency mining
The downstream sector plays a crucial role in the aluminium industry's profitability and overall contribution to the global economy, and as a result, it is regarded as the most important in the aluminium industry because it adds significant value to the raw aluminium produced in the upstream stage. It is during this phase that aluminium is transformed into semi-finished or finished products, such as automotive parts, construction materials, aerospace components, and even consumer goods. These downstream products have a wide range of applications across industries, making aluminium a versatile and sought-after material. Moreover, the downstream sector involves extensive manufacturing, fabrication, and customization processes, creating numerous jobs and driving economic growth in regions...
