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 industry seeks innovative technologies to reduce emissions
Aluminium is crucial in numerous technologies essential for facilitating the energy transition. However, it also contributes significantly to CO 2 emissions, accounting for approximately 3 per cent of the world's direct industrial CO 2 emissions, which amounted to 9.4 Gt in 2021, as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the world's leading energy authority. It works with governments and industry to shape a secure and sustainable energy future for all. Over the past few years, there has been a gradual but minimal decrease in the average emissions intensity of aluminium production. However, to align with the net zero emissions programme by 2050, a more significant decline of approximately 3 per cent per year is necessary until 2030. To achieve this target, the aluminium sector...
Downstream products weekly recap: Cymat's innovative aluminium component for EVs begins the production journey
The downstream aluminium segment is undoubtedly one of the most vital in the industry. The downstream aluminium segment serves as the backbone of the aluminium industry. Its ability to transform raw aluminium into value-added products tailored to various sectors' needs and its contribution to economic growth, technological advancement, and sustainability initiatives make it a vital and indispensable part of the industry. The most valuable downstream sector news for the week gone follows: The aluminium foam structure developed by Cymat offers advanced crash protection, a critical feature for companies focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Cymat and Tesseract have worked diligently to meet the OEM's stringent impact protection standards by leveraging computer...
Landmark trade deal: US agrees to provide broader market exposure for India's aluminium and steel products
On June 23, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India, stated that the United States has agreed to grant wider market penetration to Indian-origin aluminium and steel products. According to the trade deal, the US Department of Commerce would approve 80 per cent of aluminium and 70 per cent of steel applications for goods manufactured in India. During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's current tour to the United States, the decision was taken. According to the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry, it would provide a solid push to increase India's aluminium and steel exports by almost 35 per cent. Since June 14, 2018, the United States has restricted market access through the exclusion process outlined in Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Additional 25 per...
Alcoa expedites clean energy transition at Brazil bauxite mine
At its Juruti bauxite mine in Pará state, the Brazilian unit of US-headquartered multinational aluminium company Alcoa is quickening the switch to clean energy. The US aluminium giant hopes to begin a project to switch from fossil fuel-fired generating to grid-connected power supply shortly. The project is anticipated to be finished in 2026 and will cut greenhouse gas emissions by about 35 per cent while also roughly halving plant energy expenditures in the future. Otávio Carvalheira, Alcoa Brasil President, said, "The future of aluminium involves investing in renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric power, in addition to optimizing bauxite extraction and the entire production process." At the moment, diesel-powered generators provide power to the port and Alcoa's washing facility...
2022 per capita aluminium consumption: Ranking the world's top 10 countries
Aluminium, known for its versatility and widespread applications, is a crucial metal in various industries, from construction and transportation to packaging and aerospace. Understanding the demand for aluminium consumption across different countries provides valuable insights into their industrial development and economic growth. In this context, examining per capita aluminium consumption reveals the extent to which nations incorporate aluminium into their daily lives. This article explores the top 10 countries ranked by per capita aluminium consumption, shedding light on their utilization of this vital metal and its implications for their economies and industrial sectors. South Korea Per capita consumption: 42.76 kg According to OECD estimates, South Korea's per capita aluminium...
Nawailevu bauxite mining site in Fiji sails on a sustainable path
The inhabitants of Fiji's Nawailevu village in Bua have started a project to assist in rehabilitating the land utilised for bauxite mining over the last decade. This is accomplished by establishing a sustainable landscape plot planted with fruits, vegetables, root crops, and trees. Vilikesa Kaidawa, a spokesperson, said that the programme would raise the standard of living for both their current and future generations. “The aim is to teach us sustainable management of land. Especially for the iTaukei, as we are used to cultivation for consumption. This initiative aims to help provide food on the table and earn a living for families. The sustainable landscape plot will entirely benefit the villagers.” Kaidawa added, "Because the sustainable landscape plot is entirely organic, it will help...
India's imported aluminium scrap prices remain volatile w-o-w
Aluminium scrap prices imported into India remained volatile for another week, with specific grades increasing by up to $60/tonne compared to the previous week. In contrast, other grades declined by up to $30/tonne. Due to the divergent opinions among traders, the market displayed mixed emotions. Western suppliers were hesitant to make discounts, and purchasers modestly altered their bids in line with metal futures. Many buyers booked material to meet immediate needs despite fluctuating market dynamics. According to reliable sources, suppliers had to remain cautious due to the significant difference between bids and offers of $60-80/tonne. Several transactions were completed, according to market sources. However, volumes declined due to continued volatility in futures and contract...
Sustainability shines with Alcore's pilot plant design completion
Alcore Limited, an 83%-owned subsidiary of ABx Group, has finished the primary engineering design phase for its quickly developing pilot facility and ordered a sizable laboratory reactor. Alcore is developing a pilot plant in NSW to recover fluorine from an ‘excess bath’ (an aluminium smelter waste product) to produce hydrogen fluoride, with a later-stage commercial plant to react the hydrogen fluoride further to produce aluminium fluoride – a high-value chemical essential for aluminium smelting. Commenting on the progress made by Alcore, ABx Group Managing Director and CEO Mark Cooksey said, "It is exceptionally pleasing to see progress accelerating at Alcore. The Company has the opportunity to solve an increasing waste issue for global aluminium smelters while also producing a necessary...
Shanghai gears up for the highly anticipated 'Aluminium China 2023' exhibition, promising an unforgettable experience!
Aluminium China brings together high-quality resources from the aluminium industry and various end-use applications, domestically and internationally. It is one of the leading international exhibitions for the aluminium industry and is set to showcase the latest advancements, technologies, and trends in the sector in its highly anticipated 2023 edition. With a focus on driving innovation and sustainability, Aluminium China 2023 promises to deliver valuable insights and opportunities for stakeholders across the aluminium value chain. Aluminium China 2023 is scheduled to take place from June 5-7, 2023, at Shanghai New International Expo Center, a prestigious exhibition center known for hosting industry-leading events. The strategic location of the venue provides easy access for both...
China contemplating WTO case against Indonesia resulting in bauxite ban: Joko Widodo
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has stated that the government is prepared to respond should any countries seek legal action against the ban on bauxite exports implemented earlier this month. Joko Widodo announced on December 20, 2022, that the nation would ban bauxite exports , the primary ore source of aluminium, starting from June 2023 to boost the domestic processing of the material. The Indonesian government took this action to encourage the domestic aluminium industry. On June 18, 2023, the President said, "China, Indonesia's biggest bauxite importer, may file a complaint against Jakarta at the World Trade Organization (WTO)." "If anyone sues us, we'll face it. Please, let's not act like a small country. Indonesia is a big country. A big country shouldn't be gutless when getting...
Winning International Group secures third ship deal in 2023
Chinese cape specialist Winning International Group, headquartered in Singapore, has secured a third ship deal in 2023. The Winning International Group is a multifaceted conglomerate with operations in mining development, ship management, shipping operations, maritime transhipment, and railway construction. The Sun Xiushun-led consortium has emerged as the highest bidder for the 16-year-old Japanese-controlled capesize Atlantic Tiger, a 180,000 DWT Imabari-built vessel. The ship sold for $16.5 million. Winning owns and operates around 100 vessels, including 40 Capesize bulk carriers with a total capacity of 7.56 million DWT. Winning presently has 40 capes in its fleet, focusing on the West Africa-China tradeline. Winning International Group joined China's Weiqiao Group, China's Yantai...
Revolutionary race: Automakers shift gears to embrace Tesla's aluminium die-casting technology Gigacasting
The Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer Toyota Motor said it would adopt a technology spearheaded by Tesla known as “Gigacasting” to enhance performance and curtail the cost of future electric vehicles (EVs). Toyota is hardly the only company following Tesla's lead. General Motors, Hyundai Motor, and Geely affiliates Volvo Cars, Polestar, and Zeekr are all using or planning to use the technology. Tesla's US, China, and German facilities use the Giga Press, an aluminium die-casting machine. The house-sized machines can create aluminium components that are much larger than anything previously used in the auto industry. The Giga Press programme is a line of aluminium die-casting machines made for Tesla by the Idra Group in Italy, which has been a unit of China’s LK Industries...
China's May aluminium imports show a modest 1.8% Y-o-Y increase
The largest producer and consumer of aluminium, China’s customs data on June 18, 2023, revealed that aluminium imports in May inclined 1.8 per cent from the previous year. However, despite this, arrivals decreased from the last month due to sluggish industrial demand. According to the General Administration of Customs data, China brought in 191,701 tonnes of unwrought aluminium and products, including primary metal and unwrought, alloyed aluminium, in May. This was lower than the 222,851 tonnes imported in April 2022 but higher than the 188,469 tonnes imported in the same month in 2022. AL Circle's industry-focused report, ' Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2023 ', revealed that the transport sector would drive the demand for aluminium, followed by the construction and packaging...
Guinea emerges as China's major bauxite source amid Indonesia's export halt, anticipates 30% surge in 2023
Guinea is indeed one of the world's largest producers and exporters of bauxite, which is the primary source of aluminium. Historically, Indonesia was a significant bauxite supplier, but it implemented an export ban on unprocessed bauxite to encourage the development of its domestic aluminium industry. This export ban will lead to a shift in the global bauxite market dynamics. Guinea experiences a rainy season extending from May to November annually, while the dry season spans from December to April. Historical data indicates that the production and transportation of bauxite in Guinea have been affected during the rainy season. In the rainy season, a modest decrease in exports from Guinea is anticipated in the second half of the year compared to the first half. Notably, due to Indonesia's...
Price volatility persists for imported aluminium scrap in India
For the second week in a row, imported aluminium scrap prices in India have fluctuated slightly. This week, specific grades saw a minor increase of up to $20/tonne. On the other hand, other grades saw drops of up to $50/tonne compared to the previous week. The volatile market conditions have made forecasting the direction of imported aluminium prices this week challenging. Prices are subject to differing viewpoints as the London Metal Exchange (LME) experiences modest volatility. Only established participants are now bidding, resulting in fewer completed transactions. There is little pressure from sellers since, according to a credible source, several UK-based sellers are assessing the market dynamics and keeping short positions. There have been minimal transactions due to the $50/t w-o-w...
Yunnan to improve power supply to aluminium smelters in the province: Chinese experts
On June 13, 2023, an international media house reported that Chinese experts attached to the situation of the aluminium industry in China's southwestern Yunnan province revealed energy supply to aluminium smelters would be increased later this month, enabling a portion of the capacity in the drought-stricken area to resume operations. After deficient rainfall impacted hydropower generation in Yunnan , China's fourth largest electrolytic aluminium-producing region, smelters have had to reduce production twice since last September 2022, lowering operating rates by approximately 40 per cent at some companies. Hydropower contributes to almost 70 per cent of the total electricity supply in the province, which has a potential of 5.25 million metric tonnes of aluminium production. The expert...
Recycling company LICO and Karo Sambhav collaborate for circular economy drive
The recycling company focusing on developing sustainable circular economy solutions in the lithium-ion battery supply chain to recover critical minerals, Lico Materials and Karo Sambhav, an industry leader in designing and implementing transformative Circular and EPR solutions, have signed an MoU to collect and recycle lithium-ion batteries and strengthen the circular economy of India. Significant advancements in the automotive industry are happening with the world going sustainable. With millions of EVs planned to be rolled out, there is an alarming concern about end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. Recycling these batteries serves the dual purpose of efficient waste management and generating a secondary stream of sustainably recovered critical minerals for reuse. AL Circle ’s latest...
GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS, and NEWCAST 2023 begin in Düsseldorf, setting the stage for innovation and collaboration
The prestigious quartet of international trade fairs—GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS, and NEWCAST—has commenced in Düsseldorf, Germany, marking the beginning of an exceptional showcase of advancements and expertise in the foundry, metallurgy, thermal processing, and casting industries. As industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts from around the world gather in Düsseldorf, the stage is set for a remarkable event that will shape the future of these key sectors. GIFA, the leading international foundry technology trade fair, has started with a flurry of activity. The exhibition halls have come alive with exhibitors from around the globe, presenting their cutting-edge technologies, machinery, and services. From innovative casting processes to advanced materials and digital solutions, GIFA 2023 is...
