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.
Calix takes a major leap in advancing direct carbon capture technology
Calix, a developer of low-carbon industrial technology, has expanded its commitment to Direct Air Capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide by entering a global licensing agreement for its technology. In this partnership, Calix's subsidiary, Leilac, will exclusively collaborate with Heirloom Carbon Technologies on DAC applications. Leilac's innovative technology, which employs externally heated calcination, effectively isolates CO 2 from limestone to create decarbonized lime. The same process is utilized for the production of low-carbon cement and the processing of lithium ores. Nevertheless, this technology also holds significant potential for the aluminium industry, which grapples with carbon emissions as a pressing issue and seeks to transition towards a more environmentally sustainable...
Gränges and Shandong Innovation Group JV gets green light for Yunnan recycling facility
Gränges announced establishing a joint venture with Shandong Innovation Group (SIG) on March 31, 2023 , to construct a recycling and casting facility in the hydroelectricity-abundant province of Yunnan, China. This collaborative project, aligning with Gränges' commitment to sustainability, safety, and quality, has now obtained the essential approvals for its realization. Jörgen Rosengren, the CEO of Gränges, said, “This is an essential step in our Navigate plan for sustainable growth. Partnering with SIG will bring us a big step closer to climate neutrality by 2040 and further increase our sourcing of sustainably produced metal and energy, ultimately creating more value for our customers.” The joint venture has successfully secured access to environmentally friendly primary aluminium...
University of Queensland's AIBN collaborates with GMG to advance Graphene Aluminium-ion battery tech
The University of Queensland's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) is collaborating with Graphene Manufacturing Group (GMG) to advance the commercialization of innovative Graphene Aluminium-ion battery technology. This project, backed by a grant from the federal government's Economic Accelerator Seed Grant program, will be fast-tracked through a partnership involving AIBN's material chemist, Dr Xiaodan Huang, and GMG's generous in-kind contribution. Dr Huang said, “The University of Queensland (UQ) will supply the material engineering technology. GMG has a battery fabrication facility, so we can further develop the Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery Technology. A key feature of this battery technology is the faster recharging rate and longer life.” Dr Huang...
European aluminium producer warns of impact from growing Chinese electric car imports
The European aluminium giant Norsk Hydro has expressed concerns about the rising influx of electric cars imported from China, indicating that this trend may significantly affect regional demand. Hilde Merete Aasheim, the CEO of Norsk Hydro, emphasized the company's attention regarding this potential threat. During an interview with a British daily business newspaper, she said, “The fear when it comes to electric vehicles is imported into Europe and the impact on European car manufacturers. There is quite a steep curve right now. That is a threat we are following: if European automakers start reducing their demand for aluminium because they are outcompeted." Her remarks underscore the far-reaching consequences of the increasing import of Chinese electric vehicles on European businesses...
Downstream weekly recap: India's aluminium sector thrives despite skilled labour shortage; AMAG CEO Mayer bids farewell
The aluminium downstream sector plays a critical role in the processing and utilization of aluminium, a versatile and lightweight metal with a wide range of applications. The downstream activities cater to diverse industries, such as automotive, aerospace, construction, packaging, and electrical, offering customized solutions to meet specific demands. The sector's growth is driven by innovation, sustainability, and the increasing demand for lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and eco-friendly materials in modern manufacturing. At an aluminium conference in Barcelona, a senior executive from Hindalco Industries stated that India is currently the world's second-largest aluminium producer. Furthermore, he highlighted the projection of India's aluminium consumption demand doubling in the coming...
Boeing's Q3 revenue clocked $18.1 billion despite delivery challenges, demonstrates resilience with $1.64 billion loss
On October 25, 2023, the American multinational corporation and leading global aerospace company Boeing announced its Q3 results, revealing a loss of $1.64 billion for the period ending on September 30, attributed to reduced deliveries of its top-selling aircraft. The company also revised down its 737 delivery projections for the current year, citing the adjustment to quality concerns related to its supplier, Spirit AeroSystems. The Arlington, Virginia-based company reported third-quarter revenue of $18.1 billion, slightly exceeding analysts' expectations of $18.0 billion. Boeing has announced a deceleration in the production and delivery of its 737 aircraft due to the need for inspections and additional work to rectify issues with the pressure-sealing section of the planes. In...
Industry veteran Joc O'Rourke joins Rio Tinto's Board
On October 25, 2023, Rio Tinto appointed James Joc O'Rourke as a non-executive director. O'Rourke, who holds both Canadian and Australian citizenship, will seek election at the Company's 2024 annual general meetings. With over 25 years of experience in the mining and minerals industry, O'Rourke has been the CEO of The Mosaic Company, a global leader in concentrated phosphate and potash production and marketing, since 2015. He also recently served as Mosaic's President and held previous positions, including Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer. Before joining Mosaic, O'Rourke served as the President of Australia Pacific for Barrick Gold Corporation, overseeing ten gold and copper mines in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Currently, he holds positions as an...
Aluminium alloys in aerospace: Advancements and applications
Aluminium boasts a rich and triumphant legacy within the aerospace sector. The Wright brothers, pioneers of aviation, made a groundbreaking decision in 1903 by selecting aluminium as the primary material for crafting the cylinder block and other engine components for their inaugural human-crewed flight. Throughout the ensuing decades, aluminium has maintained a pivotal presence in the aerospace industry, experiencing a steady upsurge in demand. Aerospace engineering employs an array of aluminium alloys, with certain alloys favoured more than others. Aluminium's role in the transportation sector, particularly aerospace, extends beyond its lightweight nature. This versatile metal is a critical component in modern aircraft and spacecraft due to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio,...
AMAG Austria Metall AG: CEO Gerald Mayer bids farewell as the new year dawns
Gerald Mayer has expressed his desire to terminate his Management Board contract prematurely after serving on the Management Board of AMAG Austria Metall AG (AMAG) for approximately 16 years. This decision is driven by his ambition to explore new professional opportunities. On October 25, 2023's Supervisory Board meeting, his request received unanimous approval. Gerald Mayer has been Chief Financial Officer at AMAG since 2007 and was appointed Chief Executive Officer effective March 1, 2019. During his tenure on the Management Board, he was pivotal in making significant strategic decisions, including the successful listing of AMAG on the Vienna Stock Exchange, among other accomplishments. Herbert Ortner, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AMAG Austria Metall AG, commented, "Gerald...
India's aluminium sector prospering, but labour shortages hinder growth: Hindalco
The aluminium industry in India shines amid a global landscape that is generally lacklustre or facing downturns. This positive outlook is attributed to the Indian government's efforts in infrastructure development and the industry's response to meet the increasing demand. Nilesh Koul, the Senior President and CEO of Aluminium Downstream at Hindalco Industries conveyed this perspective during the aluminium conference in Barcelona. India already holds the position of the world's second-largest aluminium producer, and the country's aluminium consumption demand is expected to double over the next decade. Koul added, "The energy in India right now is incredible. After five years working in Switzerland, I returned to my home country, and many other expatriates are also moving back to India.”...
Boeing and Airbus: Sustainable material aluminium remains vital for aircraft production
In 2023, the industrial metal markets, including aluminium, experienced a year marked by prolonged waiting and uncertainty. The shadow of elevated interest rates has affected the world economy, and the eagerly anticipated rebound in demand from China, particularly in its real estate sector, has yet to materialize as expected. As a result, prices for base metals have remained relatively stagnant for significant periods during the year. The aerospace industry stands out as an exception despite the cautious market climate due to its strong demand for aluminium. The aviation and aerospace sectors faced significant hardships during the covid pandemic, with widespread repercussions felt from major aerospace corporations to smaller suppliers. Drastic production reductions and raw material...
Exlabesa strengthens global presence with the acquisition of Flandria Aluminium in France
Exlabesa has officially completed its acquisition of Flandria Aluminium, a French company with expertise in extrusion, machining, surface treatment, and aluminium profile recycling. The agreement, which has successfully passed the necessary legal scrutiny by relevant authorities and obtained approval from the French Competition Commission, is now in effect. This acquisition, aligning with Exlabesa's global expansion strategy, will enhance its direct presence in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This move enables the company to deliver premium, value-added products while providing the highest level of service in these regions. Both firms, with their roots in family heritage, share congruent values and a deep passion for the aluminium industry. These commonalities lay a solid foundation...
CastAlum honoured with the prestigious Powys Business Award for innovation and tech excellence
CastAlum, a company specializing in producing lightweight aluminium components for the automotive sector, received recognition at the Powys Business Awards for its innovative utilization of technology. Established in Welshpool in 1999, CastAlum Limited, boasting a workforce of 150 employees, clinched the prestigious Technology and Innovation Award, generously sponsored by CellPath, during the annual awards event hosted at The Hafren in Newtown on October 20, 2023. The event, organized by the Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG) and supported by various sponsors, celebrates its annual awards, which had their inception in 2009. These honours are extended to multiple entities, including companies, organizations, social enterprises, and charities. Castalum is a prominent high-pressure...
Veteran finance professional Ajay Goel makes a resounding comeback to Vedanta
Ajay Goel, a seasoned finance expert, has re-assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer at Vedanta Ltd. This development comes at a pivotal juncture as the mining and metal conglomerate, under the helm of billionaire Anil Agarwal, embarks on an ambitious business restructuring initiative. The appointment follows the resignation of Sonal Shrivastava, who had taken on the role only a few months ago. In a stock exchange filing, Vedanta officially announced Goel's appointment as CFO, effective October 30, 2023. It was announced that Ajay Goel's return to the company is a part of Vedanta's organized re-hiring program. Goel holds national rankings as both a Chartered Accountant and a Company Secretary, boasting extensive experience in leadership roles at renowned global multinational...
Cinnaire's $11 million grant secures Wisconsin Aluminium Foundry Manitowoc expansion project
Cinnaire, a Lansing, Michigan-based organization with a strong community focus, has recently awarded an $11 million New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) investment to Wisconsin Aluminium Foundry (WAF). The substantial grant from a community-focused investor and a non-governmental organization (NGO) is set to ensure the successful completion of WAF's expansion project in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. WAF, known for its production of aluminium and red metal castings, will utilize the grant to enhance its capacity to produce a variety of aluminium- and copper-based alloy castings for diverse industries. It's worth noting that this grant has come to fruition approximately one year after WAF's initial announcement of its expansion plans in Manitowoc. The $11 million New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) will provide...
Countdown begins for Nashville's premier aluminium industry convergence: Aluminium USA 2023!
Aluminium USA is distinguished as the foremost exposition and technical symposium devoted to the aluminium sector. This event encompasses the entire spectrum of the industry, spanning from the initial stages, such as mining and smelting, to the intermediate phases, like casting, rolling, and extrusions, and ultimately extending to downstream processes, such as finishing and fabrication. Aluminium USA provides a platform for prominent suppliers and professionals within the industry to convene for in-person interactions, exhibits, state-of-the-art conferences, educational initiatives, and technology-driven networking prospects. Join the networking party at the prestigious Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame as the Aluminium USA 2023 event kicks off from October 25th to October 26th. It all...
Rusal to secure 30% stake in Chinese alumina company in $261.6 million deal
On October 24, 2023, the Russian aluminium giant and one of the world's leading low-carbon aluminium producers, Rusal, disclosed the news to acquire a 30 per cent equity stake in Hebei Wenfeng New Materials (HWNM), a Chinese alumina producer, for $261.6 million (RMB 1.91 billion). However, as stated by the company, the pending deal is subject to approval from Chinese authorities and consent from HWNM's creditors, enabling Rusal to acquire alumina at a competitive price. Rusal's shift towards procuring alumina from China directly responds to the export ban imposed by Australia on alumina and bauxite destined for Russia in March 2022. This ban was enacted as part of the sanctions by Western countries against Russia following the Ukraine-Russia geopolitical crisis. HWNM presently possesses...
Metal Technology strengthens commitment by extending membership with Secured by Design
Metal Technology, a renowned architectural aluminium systems company, has renewed its longstanding affiliation with Secured by Design. Metal Technology specializes in the creative development and supply of purpose-built fenestration systems, providing fabricators, developers, and architects with cutting-edge solutions for contemporary window, door, and curtain wall construction projects. Established in 1985, Metal Technology operates from its expansive three-acre manufacturing and distribution hub, offering daily deliveries to locations across the UK and Ireland. The company boasts ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications for quality and environmental standards and holds accreditation for Passive House construction. The company's achievements are rooted in its steadfast commitment to...
