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.
Aluminium smelters must invest in costly technologies to reduce carbon anode emissions: Rain Carbon
The world leader and innovator in producing raw materials critical to users of carbon products worldwide, including the aluminium sector, stated that the aluminium smelters could only meet their emissions targets with costly technological measures to deal with carbon anode emissions. Governments must incentivize such investments by putting a carbon price to encourage such investments. In a recent case study presented by Rain Carbon at a Global Coke and Carbon Conference in Seattle, Washington, it was revealed that carbon supply chain and emissions related to carbon processes accounted for over 50 per cent of the total emissions generated by a low-carbon aluminium smelter. Maia Hunt, the Technical Services Director of Rain Carbon, said, "Achieving net zero for primary aluminium will not be...
Canada's Nitrex strengthens heat treatment partnership with Linde to expand reach in the European market
The fully integrated global solutions provider in the heat treatment market, Nitrex, announced they have renewed and expanded their heat-treating focused joint marketing agreement with Linde, a leading global industrial gases and engineering company. However, it started as a local agreement 13 years ago between Nitrex and Linde, between Nitrex/UPC-Marathon and Linde (formerly known as Praxair). It has evolved into an international marketing agreement covering Europe and North America. The Montreal, Canada-born Nitrex collaborated with Linde on more than 30 projects to enhance vital equipment and enable customers to attain superior outcomes. Nitrex contributes expertise in heat treatment and electrical fields, technical solutions, support, and top-tier gas panels, empowering Linde...
Four prominent alumina refinery projects in Guinea that demand attention
In an effort to address the challenges associated with the 'Mineral Wealth Paradox,' Guinea, a prominent global bauxite hub, has taken a proactive approach. The nation has mandated that bauxite mining companies submit proposals for the establishment of domestic alumina refineries as an integral component of their operations. This strategic move aims to optimize the benefits derived from its rich bauxite resources while minimizing the potential downsides of resource extraction. The Russian aluminium giant Rusal operates Guinea's sole active alumina refinery, the Friguia refinery. The alumina refinery is one of the largest employers in Guinea, and the facility's annual production capacity is around 650,000 tonnes. There are currently six companies with plans to establish alumina refineries...
Glencore declares limited aluminium procurement done under the Rusal contract
According to regulatory filings, Glencore acquired just a fraction of the potential 6.9 million tonnes of aluminium it could purchase between 2020 and 2022 through its agreement with Russian aluminium giant Rusal. However, this contract may also be extended until 2025. The Swiss multinational commodity trading and mining company Glencore is facing pressure to cease its metal procurement from Rusal in light of the Ukraine-Russia geopolitical crisis. It had previously announced in the past year that it would refrain from entering into any new agreements for Russian materials. However, the company committed to honouring its existing contractual obligations. Early termination of the contract could potentially result in a significant increase in aluminium supply from Rusal, one of the world's...
Southwest Aluminium's five milestones earn prestigious spot in the National Industrial Metrology Achievement Database
During the 2023 National Industrial Metrology Conference and the inaugural National Industrial Metrology Testing Alliance event held on September 13, the Metrology Department under the State Administration for Market Supervision and Administration unveiled the initial compilation of 118 outstanding achievements in industrial metrology. Among these achievements, five were attributed to the National Aluminium Industry Measurement and Testing Centre established by China's Southwest Aluminium. These contributions encompassed one breakthrough in measurement and testing technology, one innovative measurement and testing equipment, two novel measurement and testing methodologies, and one exemplary measurement and testing service case. In response to the obstruction of access to residual stress...
Aachen Body Engineering Days: Alumobility to present ways aluminium can reduce Body-in-White (BiW) complexity
Alumobility, a worldwide non-profit association dedicated to promoting the use of aluminium in the automotive industry, is set to deliver a presentation highlighting the advantages of aluminium in producing lighter, safer, safer, more intelligent, and environmentally sustainable vehicles. This presentation will take place as part of the Aachen Body Engineering Days event , which is scheduled for September 19-20, 2023, in Aachen, Germany. On September 20, Alumobility's team of experts, including Thomas Rudlaff, Dr Thorolf Schulte, and Alexander Gaida, will present their research findings concerning the reduction of Body-in-White (BIW) complexity through the utilization of aluminium. Additionally, Alumobility will have a presence as an exhibitor at the event. Alumobility has recently...
Strong demand and depleting stocks fuel China's August aluminium imports
According to Chinese customs data released on September 18, 2023, the country experienced a significant increase of 38.9 per cent in aluminium imports in August compared to the same period the previous year. This surge can be attributed to increased purchasing due to low domestic aluminium stocks and improved prospects for demand. According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China, which holds the title of being the world's largest consumer and producer of aluminium, imported a total of 278,658 tonnes of unwrought aluminium and related products in the previous month. This includes primary metal and unwrought, alloyed aluminium. The Chinese domestic market had anticipated a rise in aluminium demand during the autumn months, driven in part by the traditional increase in...
Ashapura Minechem receives record bauxite and iron ore orders from Chinese companies
On September 18, 2023, Ashapura Minechem announced that the company had secured considerable supply orders for bauxite and iron ore to Chinese companies. Ashapura Minechem is a company that operates within the industrial mineral sector, focusing on exploring and refining minerals like bauxite, bentonite and kaolin. Its primary mission is to serve a diverse range of industries, including but not limited to oil and gas, foundry, and construction, by providing high-quality mineral products. During a regulatory filing at the exchanges, the company stated, “Ashapura Holdings (UAE) FZE, a step-down subsidiary of the company, has concluded and signed two contracts for the supply of 24 million tonnes of bauxite from Guinea to a subsidiary of the Chinese aluminium major, State Power Investment...
Sortera Technologies secures $30.5 million in funding to propel full commercialization of cutting-edge upcycling facility
In a Series C funding round, Sortera Technologies, Inc., a company that offers artificial intelligence data analytics for recycling, secured a stunning $30.5 million. The primary investor leading this round is RA Capital Management-Planetary Health, and the participation includes certain funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., as well as the Mineral Resources Group, a division of Mitsubishi Corporation's Business Incubation Unit, and Macquarie GIG Energy Transition Solutions ("MGETS"). Existing investors like Assembly Ventures, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and Chrysalix have also contributed to this funding milestone. This substantial investment is poised to propel Sortera's expansion and solidify its prominent position within the domestic upcycling sector....
AL Circle launches its 18th edition of e-Magazine, "Heat Treatment: Challenges and Solutions in the Aluminium Industry"
In an era where sustainability is at the forefront of every industry, aluminium has emerged as a versatile and indispensable material. Its lightweight, corrosion-resistant properties have propelled it into the limelight from aerospace to automotive, construction to packaging. However, behind the gleaming facade of aluminium's utility lies an intricate world of heat treatment, an indispensable process in the aluminium industry that shapes its properties and performance. Aluminium heat treatment increases the strength and hardness of a specific subset of aluminium alloys. To gain a deeper understanding of the heat treatment process and the present condition of affairs within the aluminium industry segment, AL Circle is delighted to announce the release of the 18 th issue of its e-Magazine ,...
The most common uses for aluminium aerospace extrusions
Aluminium is a prevalent material employed across various aerospace applications, finding its place in a wide range of components, including aircraft fuselages and engine parts. Its remarkable strength, low weight, and corrosion resistance make it an exceptionally well-suited material for the demands of aerospace engineering. Aluminium aerospace extrusions refer to aluminium alloys that have undergone a shaping procedure known as extrusion. This process is chosen due to the malleability of aluminium alloys, allowing them to be easily heated and moulded into precise configurations. The applications for aluminium extrusions are diverse and encompass aircraft manufacturing, the creation of window and door frames, and the production of components for the automotive industry. Aluminium...
Mozal Aluminium to boost production by 40,000 tonnes
The Mozal aluminium smelter, located in Mozambique, plans to boost primary aluminium production by 40,000 tonnes during the ongoing fiscal year, which commenced in June. The operation of Mozal Aluminium in the Southern African nation is considered the largest industrial employer in the country. According to a senior official from the organization on August 12, "The production will grow to 578,000 tonnes of aluminium against the previous 538,000 tonnes." "The expected growth is the result of improving operations within the company. This forecast may also influence the level of aluminium export due to the investments made by the company recently." The official elucidated that the aluminium production from the previous year was primarily shipped to diverse global markets, with a notable...
Barcelona industry players meet splits dealmakers over Russian aluminium
The producers and consumers in the metals industry are convening this week to negotiate supply agreements for the upcoming year, with Russian aluminium causing division within the sector. While certain industrial consumers have opted not to consume supplies from Russia due to the Ukraine-Russia geopolitical issue, opposing arguments suggest that such a stance is unjustifiable when sanctions do not encompass a company or its metal products. Discussions regarding the prohibition of Russian metal are expected to resurface in Barcelona this week. In July, the Norwegian aluminium giant called upon the London Metal Exchange (LME) to reconsider its stance on not imposing a ban on Russian aluminium. The International Aluminium Conference, which commenced on August 12, is considered a period when...
37th Fastmarkets International Aluminium Conference 2023 set to elevate industry trends in Barcelona
The 37 th Fastmarkets International Aluminium Conference 2023 is anticipated to be a significant milestone in the world of aluminium industry conferences. This prestigious conference brings together the global aluminium industry leaders under one platform. The conference is set to take place at the InterContinental in Barcelona, Spain, from September 12 th to September 14 th , 2023. The conference continues its legacy of fostering innovation, collaboration, and strategic discussions with over 400 executives across the aluminium supply chain for three days of analysis and insights into raw materials primary and secondary aluminium markets. This is a once-a-year opportunity to come together with producers, traders and other aluminium purchasers at a critical window in the annual trading...
Technology-driven Graviti's self-discharging containers revolutionising bulk cargo logistics
As a combination of engineering and creative thinking, a cargo solutions provider, Graviti has developed a technology that reduces the costs of loading bulk cargo, speeds up the process and gives their clients a competitive advantage — the European manufacturer of self-discharging containers designed to speed up bulk cargo loading into ships. The mission is to provide the industry with reliable customised solutions optimising routine loading processes. Customers' business interests rank as the priority guided by a sense of innovation, customer satisfaction and manufacturing superiority. The company can guarantee safe, secure and efficient solutions using cutting-edge international technology and developments, and quality control is performed at each production stage. According to Graviti,...
End-user weekly recap: New aluminium bottles for CECI 1938's iconic wines; Mercedes-Benz launches aluminium-capped perfumes
Aluminium has become increasingly important in the end-use sector due to its versatility, lightweight properties, and sustainability. It has found extensive applications in various industries and products, such as transportation (cars, planes, and trains), packaging (cans and foil), construction (windows, doors, and facades), electronics (smartphones and laptops), and renewable energy (solar panels and wind turbines). Its corrosion resistance, strength-to-weight ratio, and recyclability make it a crucial material in modern manufacturing, contributing to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Moreover, aluminium's adaptability and ability to enhance product performance have solidified its significance in diverse end-use applications. CECI 1938, producers of one of the world's...
July saw declines in turnover for 7 out of 13 industries, including alumina: Australian Bureau of Statistics
According to data released on September 8, 2023, by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), business turnover in July witnessed declines in seven of the 13 selected industries. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is the independent statutory agency of the Australian Government, responsible for statistical collection and analysis and for giving evidence-based advice to federal, state and territory governments. However, on June 7, ABS stated, "Our economy grew 0.2 per cent during the March quarter 2023 and 2.3 per cent compared to the same time last year. This was the sixth straight quarter of economic growth, though it was the weakest quarterly growth since the COVID-19 Delta lockdowns in September quarter 2021. GDP per capita fell 0.2 per cent.” The Electricity, gas, water, and...
Armoured vehicle 'Beast' fortifies security for Biden's G20 visit to New Delhi, featuring advanced protection against chemical warfare
The 46 th US President Joe Biden is scheduled to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi on September 8, where he will be chauffeured throughout India in the "Beast," a heavily armoured limousine under the care of the US Secret Service. An enhanced security apparatus, including the world's most expensive cars, cutting-edge weaponry, bomb detection capabilities, a central command centre, and a network of independent communication lines, is being established by the USA Secret Service. In addition to Air Force One and helicopters for air transportation, President Biden will have an extensive fleet of vehicles, including the "Beast" for ground transportation during the summit. This heavily armoured limousine boasts military-grade protection, bulletproof windows as a matter of course, and...
