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.
Upcoming 13th GAC Dinner set to take place in Dubai
The 'Gulf Aluminum Dinner', organized by the Gulf Aluminium Council, is scheduled for November 1st, 2023, in Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort Dubai, UAE. This yearly event offers a unique platform to delve deeper into the evolving trends of the aluminium industry in the Gulf region, with a particular emphasis on crucial strategic aspects like environmental sustainability, innovation, and the growth of the local aluminium supply chain. Participants will have the opportunity to explore and discuss these significant issues in detail during the event. The event has evolved into an unmissable gathering for global players in the aluminium sector. It unites influential figures from the industry and organizations with business interests, providing them with a distinctive platform to analyze the...
Japan recycles retired bullet trains into aluminium baseball bats
Japan's out-of-service or retired bullet trains have been repurposed and recycled into baseball bats for children. Central Japan Railways (JR Central) and specialist sports retailer Mizuno joined forces to revolutionize the Shinkansen N700 bullet trains. These trains had been catering to thousands of passengers on Japan's renowned Tokaido Shinkansen high-speed railway line. N700 series trains have a maximum speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), and tilting of up to one degree allows the trains to maintain 270 km/h (168 mph), even on 2,500 m (8,202 ft) radius curves that previously had a maximum speed of 255 km/h (158 mph). JR Tokai, a subsidiary of JR Central, has recently introduced an innovative recycling technology that transforms metal into a unique product known as "Tokaido Shinkansen...
Key highlights from the global aluminium industry, July 2023
The global aluminium industry is sensitive to economic conditions, trade disputes, and supply-demand dynamics. In the seventh month of 2023, there was a noticeable increase in the price of aluminium on both the London Metal Exchange (LME) and the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE). On the LME, the price rose within the range of USD$100, while on the SHFE, the increase was marginal. Despite the rise in both platforms, price fluctuations were observed during this period. AL Circle’s industry-focused report, Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2023 , revealed that in the later part of the year, the price of aluminium was forecasted to be better than in the initial part of 2023. The re-opening of the China economy was very much considered in the report. Furthermore, many companies around the...
Resolution reached: Mexico and US close labour complaint at Draxton aluminium parts manufacturing plant
Recently, the United States and Mexico successfully resolved a worker rights probe conducted at a Draxton auto parts plant in central Mexico. This marks a significant development as the latest labour complaint to be closed under a regional trade deal between the two nations. In May 2023, the U.S. government requested Mexico to investigate possible obstructions preventing workers from establishing a new union at Draxton Mexico, located in the central city of Irapuato, Guanajuato state. This facility manufactures aluminium and steel components for renowned car manufacturers, including Chrysler, Ford, and Audi. Draxton is a subsidiary of Grupo Industrial Saltillo, a prominent Mexican conglomerate. As part of an unprecedented initiative to uphold workers' rights to organize unions, the United...
AMAG secures 'JIS Mark Scheme' certification for aluminium products, compliant with Japanese Industrial Standards
In accordance with Japan's Industrial Standards (JIS) outlined in JIS H 4000, AMAG's aluminium products have once again been awarded the coveted "JIS Mark Scheme" certification. This recognition reaffirms AMAG's reputation as a top-tier supplier known for delivering high-quality and dependable products, showcasing their strong dedication to the Japanese market. Notably, AMAG became the first European aluminium producer to receive the JIS seal of approval back in 2020, a testament to their unwavering commitment to meeting the most stringent international quality standards. AMAG has been granted the JIS certificate by the esteemed Japanese Quality Assurance (JQA), which serves as a significant opportunity to diversify its product portfolio for the Japanese market. This certification is...
2023 may mark a record year for China's metal sector investments overseas
According to some recent reports, the world's second-largest economy, China's investments in metals and mining in foreign countries, may attain an all-time high in 2023. The nation is making significant efforts to secure valuable resources to protect its status as the leading manufacturer of the latest trending sectors like electric vehicles (EV), batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines. During H1 2023, the Chinese companies' investments and new contracts in the mining and metals sector surpassed around $10 billion, as revealed in a report by the Green Finance & Development Center at Fudan University in Shanghai. Fudan University is a leading independent think tank providing research, advisory services, and capacity building for financial institutions and regulators for green and...
The 11th AZ Global International Aluminium Conference sets to sail in Shanghai!
The aluminium industry is brimming with opportunities due to its versatility and widespread applications across various sectors. With increasing demands for lightweight and sustainable materials in the automotive, aerospace, construction, and packaging industries, aluminium offers immense growth potential. Furthermore, advancements in recycling technologies and eco-friendly practices present avenues for sustainable development, making it an attractive sector for investors and entrepreneurs. While aluminium is considered the metal of the future, it needs to liberate itself from the burdens of legacy emissions, energy consumption, and other existing obstacles. Achieving success hinges on fostering collaboration and cooperation, and the AZ Global conference is precisely the place to share...
Alcomet's H1 net profit drops with the fall in revenue
The leading Bulgarian manufacturer of aluminium rolled and extruded products, Alcomet, reported a decline in standalone net profit to 3.7 million levs (1.9 million euros) during H1 2023. This represents a significant drop from the 16.8 million levs recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year, mainly due to a decrease in revenue. According to the interim financial statement published on July 29, the company's total operating revenue for the year's first half decreased to 251.94 million levs, down from 434.5 million levs recorded during the same period the previous year. During H1 2023, there was a substantial decrease in the volume of goods sold, amounting to more than 31 per cent, with total sales reaching 30,222 tonnes. Specifically, sales of extruded products experienced...
Blockchain technology revolutionizing the aluminium industry for responsible sourcing and social impact
Blockchain technology is a cutting-edge database mechanism that enables transparent information sharing among participants within a business network. It operates by storing data in interconnected blocks, forming a chain-like structure. In the mining sector, blockchain technology enhances supply chains' transparency, reliability, and scalability, enabling companies to monitor the flow of metals and minerals effectively. It facilitates the tracking of critical information, including carbon emissions, water consumption, human rights issues, and financial transactions, ensuring a more transparent and accountable mining industry. Now with a growing emphasis on ethical and transparent mining practices, the mining sector seeks to amplify its commitment to responsible resource extraction. The...
GAC and Electricité de Guinée sign historic agreement to foster economic advantages and sustainable progress
The bauxite mining subsidiary of Emirates Global Aluminium, Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC) and Electricité de Guinée (EDG), the national electricity company, has recently entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU). The primary objective of this MoU is to ensure a stable supply of 10 megawatts of electricity, facilitating the connection of GAC's port operations in Kamsar to the national grid. This connection will result in an annual supply of 26 million kilowatt hours, representing a significant milestone in the company's dedication to sustainable development. GAC presently relies on diesel generators to power its facilities. Nevertheless, under the consideration outlined in this MoU, there is a plan to transition towards hydroelectric power, which promises substantial...
Chinese underground bauxite mines witness the triumph of longwall systems, applauds CCTEG
China, the world's largest aluminium producer, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the mining industry by successfully implementing longwall shearers in bauxite mines, marking the world's inaugural application of this comprehensive mechanized mining technology underground. Spearheading this achievement is China Coal Technology and Engineering Group Corporation (CCTEG), the critical equipment supplier, which has ingeniously adapted coal mining machines into efficient bauxite extractors. Remarkably, this innovative approach yields an impressive mineral recovery rate exceeding 95 per cent while maintaining a remarkably low depletion rate of less than 5 per cent. Consequently, standard ore sections can now produce an annual output of over 500,000 tonnes, making it a significant...
Constellium's automotive shipments show improvement, but the fragile aluminium packaging segment impacts results
The global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-value-added aluminium products, solutions, and aluminium recycling, Constellium's packaging and automotive rolled products (P&ARP) segment in Q2 2023 that concluded on June 30 experienced a 7 per cent decline in y-o-y shipments, amounting to 272,000 tonnes. This decrease was primarily attributed to lower packaging and speciality rolled product shipments. However, the impact was partway compensated by increased shipments of automotive rolled products. According to the company's statement, the segment recorded €1 billion in revenue, reflecting a 22 per cent downfall compared to the previous year. The decrease can be primarily attributed to reduced shipments and lower metal prices. However, this was partially mitigated by better...
H1 2023 financial results signal warning of losses, says Soon Lian
Soon Lian, a company listed on the SGX, anticipates reporting a consolidated net loss for the six-month period ending June 30. This contrasts the consolidated net profit achieved during the same period in the previous year. The expected loss is attributed to a decrease in sales revenue and an increase in the allowance for the impairment of inventories. The Board of Directors of Soon Lian Holdings Limited has announced that following a preliminary review of the unaudited results for the half year ended 30 June 2023 (“HY2023”), the Group is expected to report a consolidated net loss, compared to a consolidated net profit in the corresponding prior year period. The company stated, "The main factors contributing to the expected loss are a decline in sales revenue and a higher allowance for...
Nigerian Vice President engages Russian stakeholders to revive ALSCON reactivation plans
In St. Petersburg, Russia, on July 27, 2023, Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria's unwavering commitment to reviving the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of actively engaging with key stakeholders in the industry to achieve this goal. Shettima made remarks during a meeting held with the management of Russian Aluminium Company, UC RUSAL, and other project stakeholders on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, "The sooner we get this smelter back to production, the better for everyone. We need to walk the talk; the Nigerian people deserve better." In a statement titled 'Reviving ALSCON: VP Shettima held meeting with stakeholders, reaffirms FG's commitment to resuscitate smelter,' the Office of the Vice President's State...
Escalating LME's Russian aluminium conflict poised to intensify further
The London Metal Exchange (LME), the global hub for trading industrial metals and where the vast majority of non-ferrous metal futures business takes place, is once again confronted with demands to exclude Russian aluminium from its warehouse system. The Norwegian aluminium giant is urging the exchange to reconsider its stance from last November, wherein they chose to proceed with accepting deliveries of Russian metal. The Norwegian aluminium producer warned that the LME contract's benchmark status is in jeopardy as Russian brands make up 80 per cent of warranted aluminium stocks by the end of June. As of the latest information available, no government sanctions are currently imposed on Russian aluminium. However, the London Metal Exchange (LME) has stated that all metals originating from...
China's aluminium import in H1 surge by 10%: Customs data
In 2023, China experienced a considerable rise in its dependence on imported aluminium as the domestic metal supply decreased. This shift is seen as a strategic response to counterbalance the below-average output from domestic production. Recent customs data discloses that China witnessed a significant 10.7 per cent surge in aluminium imports during H1 2023 of the year compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. Imports of unwrought aluminium and related products experienced a significant surge, totalling 1.2 million tonnes. Notably, primary metal and alloyed aluminium were among the prominently imported items. As per a Reuters report, the imports for June amounted to 211,235 tonnes, showcasing a considerable increase of 12.8 per cent compared to the same month in 2022....
Rio Tinto takes $1.7 billion hit: Alumina refineries write-off attributed to Australia's decarbonization scheme
The global mining and metal giant Rio Tinto has expressed concern that the expenses associated with renewable energy could severely impact Australia's industrial prospects. This comes in the wake of the company's absorption of a significant $1.2 billion loss and depreciation related to its alumina refineries in the last six months. Surprisingly, Yarwun, the very alumina refinery that Australia's Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen chose as the venue to announce the emissions reductions scheme in January, is now experiencing severe financial losses. The scheme, aimed at curbing emissions, poses a significant threat to Australia's aluminium production sector. Yarwun is no exception, as it entered into deep financial debt. As part of the initiative aimed at achieving net-zero emissions in...
Sustainable building solutions firm Alumasc agrees to acquire ARP Group
On Tuesday, July 25, the England-based sustainable building products, systems and solutions organization Alumasc Group PLC, announced that it has agreed to acquire ARP Group, a manufacturer and distributor of specialist metal rainwater and architectural aluminium goods. However, acquiring the entire issued share capital is subject to regulatory approval from UK Competition and Markets Authority. The directors anticipate finalizing this process and completing the acquisition within the next three months from the announced date. Alumasc, headquartered in Kettering, England, specializes in supplying building and engineering products. The ARP Group consists of two main entities: ARP Group Holdings Ltd and its subsidiary, Aluminium Roofline Products Ltd. Additionally, it includes Rainwater...
