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.
GAC and Chalco agree to build an alumina refinery in Guinea
Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC) and the Aluminium Corporation of China (Chalco) have signed a collaboration agreement to build an alumina refinery in the Republic of Guinea. This collaboration, which got underway in March with the signature of a memorandum of understanding, makes use of the combined expertise of both companies in the alumina refining industry. Emirates Global Aluminium, GAC's parent company, built the first alumina refinery in the UAE, creating the requisite national skills and capacities. On the other side, Chalco is a key player in China's nonferrous metals market, with a diverse asset portfolio. Following the military coup in the West African nation , Guinea, which is now recognized as the world’s highest exporter of bauxite, has demanded from international mining...
Technology revolutionizing the future of the aluminium industry
Technology has emerged as a crucial driver in reshaping industries worldwide in today's quickly expanding environment. The aluminium industry is one sector experiencing profound changes due to technological advancements. Technology is vital in reshaping the future of aluminium production, from extraction and manufacturing processes to recycling and energy efficiency. With innovative solutions and cutting-edge tools, the aluminium industry is witnessing a paradigm shift that enhances productivity and sustainability and unlocks new possibilities for design and application. Here, we will discuss the pivotal role that technology is playing in revolutionizing the aluminium sector and examine the emerging trends changing its landscape. Advanced extraction techniques: Advances in technology have...
China eyes overseas alumina projects to access bauxite reserves
China's rising reliance on bauxite, the primary raw material for alumina production, has prompted the world's largest miner to seek alumina refineries worldwide, particularly emphasising crucial supplier Indonesia following an export embargo. According to analysts and AL Circle's industry-focused report Global Aluminium Industry Outlook 2023 , China's reliance on imported bauxite has reached 57 per cent, and this figure is projected to rise further. Protectionist policies of some of the bauxite-producing countries, along with the quality depletion of the bauxite reserves in China, will drive the reliance on bauxite from Guinea. As China ramps up its decarbonization efforts, the country must also maintain its enormous industries critical to its economy, including aluminium. According to...
Unveiling the bauxite powerhouses: The top 10 producers of bauxite in 2022
In the dynamic global landscape of mineral resources, bauxite production is a pivotal contributor to numerous industries. With its remarkable versatility and application in manufacturing, bauxite continues to fuel economic growth and development worldwide. As we delve into mineral production, let us explore the top bauxite-producing countries that significantly shaped the market in 2022. From vast mining operations to groundbreaking technological advancements and sustainable mining solutions , these nations have showcased their prowess in bauxite extraction and emerged as leaders in this crucial sector. Join us on this insightful journey as we uncover the key players driving the bauxite production landscape in the year gone by. We used a specific research technique and data from the...
Bauxite miners urge Indonesia govt to reconsider the export ban
Bauxite miners have once more pleaded with the Indonesian government to rethink the policy since domestic facilities are insufficient to process their output. However, this is to be noted that Indonesia is scheduled to restrict unprocessed bauxite exports in the next few days. Indonesia, the world's sixth-largest bauxite producer, is set to halt bauxite shipments from June 10, 2023, as part of a 2020 law prohibiting all metal ores exports to spur investment in refineries. The government last month granted miners of other ores, such as copper and iron, a one-year reprieve to provide extra time to complete smelter development, but it maintained the bauxite export prohibition. According to government data, Indonesia has three smelter-grade alumina refineries and one chemical-grade alumina...
Altemira's Can-to-Can Cycle: A sustainable paradigm for aluminium
Altemira has introduced a groundbreaking and sustainable model for the aluminium industry called the Can-to-Can cycle. This innovative approach revolutionizes how aluminium cans are recycled, paving the way for a more environmentally friendly future. Altemira ensures that the environmental impact of the production process is minimized from the outset. Altemira is a vertically integrated aluminium can, rolling, foil and extrusion business company. The company strives to be a leading company that continues to create new value and promote changes by constantly pursuing world-class technologies, products, and services. Teruaki Nakatsuka, the President of Altemira, said, “Aluminium cans have proven to be highly advantageous. Our can-to-can cycle commences at Altemira, where we proudly...
Countdown begins: Düsseldorf prepares for the prestigious GMTN event in June 2023
GMTN is the premier event for foundry technology, cast products, metallurgy, and thermal process technology. It is comprised of four individual fairs - GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS, and NEWCAST – GMTN . This event is typically held concurrently at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre. It provides a comprehensive platform for professionals, researchers, and businesses in the respective industries to network, explore new technologies, and showcase their products and services. The upcoming event is scheduled for June 12-16, 2023. Here is a brief overview of each trade fair: GIFA is a prominent global trade fair dedicated to the foundry industry. It showcases the latest advancements, technologies, and solutions in casting, melting, moulding, metallurgy and quality control. METEC is an international...
Tech platform sentra.world raises $2 million in seed funding to drive ESG transformation
A technology platform sentra.world powering ESG for industrial businesses to achieve net-zero emissions has raised $2 million in seed funding. Avaana Capital, a notable early-stage climate-tech venture capital firm in India, led the funding round. ESG SaaS platform sentra.world's suite of products intends to assist industrial organisations in managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from their operations, supplier emissions (scope 3), and emissions at the holding company level in response to this critical requirement. Global emissions are largely attributed to industrial sectors such as aluminium, steel, cement, and chemicals, which account for approximately 38 per cent of global emissions. As one of the most emissions-intensive manufacturing sectors, aluminium contributes 2 per cent of...
Promoting sustainable practices: Aluminium's role on 'World Environment Day'
Observed annually on June June 5 th , World Environment Day is an international event dedicated to raising public awareness of environmental concerns and encouraging positive actions to conserve our planet. The responsible use and management of resources, including materials such as aluminium, are important to ecological conservation. Aluminium, a versatile metal, is essential in many industries, but its production and disposal have serious environmental consequences. As a result, World Environment Day is a perfect opportunity to emphasise the significance of sustainable aluminium production and recycling practices. Importance of aluminium: Aluminium is the third most plentiful element in the Earth's crust, accounting for approximately 8 per cent of its total weight. It is lightweight,...
Alcoa injects R$1.3 billion into its Brazilian operations' energy transition
Alcoa has invested R$1.3 billion in projects to replace fossil fuels at the Maranhão Aluminium Consortium (Alumar), which was formed by Alcoa Corporation, Rio Tinto, and South32, and at the Poços de Caldas facility (MG) over the last two years. However, attaining net zero carbon emissions is the company's target by 2050. Since the smelter was reactivated in April 2022 with an investment of R$1 billion, Alumar's aluminium production with 100% clean and renewable energy and minimal carbon emissions is already a reality. The operating unit had also replaced diesel in the anode baking ovens with Flex Gas, which resulted in a 30 per cent reduction in carbon emissions and allowed the delivery of low-carbon aluminium to consumers. The consortium supplies the national and international market...
Engineering firm K Home International marks its Golden Jubilee celebration
Founded in North East England in 1973, K Home International, a family-run engineering firm that has worked on projects worldwide, is celebrating 50 years in business. The journey started with a vision to provide engineering design, project and construction management services that deliver its clients the most appropriate and effective solutions. As a company founded by Ken Home, K Home International has been providing engineering design and project management services to several prestigious projects. Ken said, "Some of the key highlights of our 50 years in business are the projects we've worked on, including one of our first jobs at the British Aluminium smelter in Lynemouth, a company we continued to work with for over 40 years until the plant closed." "Other notable contracts include a...
Key highlights from the global aluminium industry, May 2023
The global aluminium industry witnessed a volatile month, May 2023, regarding the metal's price. Although there were some price moments, the range remained between USD$100-USD$150. We all know that the global manufacturing sector is in the mode of reducing carbon footprints, so everybody's focus is on sustainability. Auto giants like Mercedes Benz have tied up with Hydro for low carbon aluminium supply, while the Russian aluminium producer Rusal has approved its 2035 Sustainable Development Strategy. On the other part of the world, in the continent where bauxite availability is abundant, Africa, a country named Ghana, for whom the IMF has raised concerns that the West African nation may fail to pay its Chinese debt, making the world's second-largest economy gain access to the country's...
Jamalco's 100% stake acquisition would have been risky: Nigel Clarke
Dr Nigel Clarke, the Minister of Finance and Public Service, insists that it would not have been economically viable for the Jamaican government to take over the responsibility of 100 per cent operations of Jamalco, the bauxite mining and alumina refining company, after the previous majority shareholder, Noble Holdings, sold its 55 per cent stake in the company for US$ 1 following it went into financial stress. While responding to questions raised by Phillip Paulwell, the Opposition Spokesman on Energy and Mining, during the sitting of the House of Representatives in May, said that while the government considered an entire investment in the company rather than its 45 per cent stake, it would have been too risky. He said, "We would have looked at that as a possibility. However, with our...
Loan default: China may seize Ghana's bauxite, electricity and other revenue sources
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised concern about the Chinese government potentially gaining access to Ghana's mineral, majorly bauxite and electricity revenues, citing Ghana's failure to meet loan terms. The IMF is a 190-member country organisation that promotes global monetary cooperation, financial stability, international trade facilitation, high employment and sustainable economic growth, and poverty reduction worldwide. Our source from Ghana quoted IMF officials saying that Ghana may need help to repay four loans it bagged from China and had secured with the sale of its energy and mineral resources. Over the last ten years, Ghana has received at least eight loans from China, with diverse natural resources used as security to reduce the risk of default. The...
Scope 3 emissions focus brings low-carbon opportunities for Hydro
According to Hilde Merete Asheim, the company's chief executive officer, the expanded focus is widening the chances for aluminium producers like Norsk Hydro to market more low-carbon products. Hydro is a leading industrial company that builds businesses and partnerships for a more sustainable future. Hilde stated, “What is exciting is that we now see that the green shift is there. Customers are targeting Scope 3 in order to reduce their carbon footprint, which allows us to gain a premium for our strive to get the carbon out of our processes.” Many businesses have concentrated on lowering Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions in recent years, including emissions from direct processes, and Scope 2 emissions, which include indirect emissions from producing purchased energy. However, Scope 3 is...
Novelis introduces roll-forming development line to accelerate aluminium automotive parts innovation
Driven by its purpose of shaping a sustainable world together, Novelis Inc., on May 22nd, announced the start-up of its new roll-forming development line. The latest development line will support Novelis in meeting industry demand for a process that can produce large volumes of high-strength aluminium automotive components. The new cutting-edge roll-forming development line, which is situated in the business' Automotive Customer Solution Centre in Novi, Michigan, a suburb of Metro Detroit, will give Novelis the distinct benefit of conducting full-scope, year-round research and development on roll-forming in-house. The ability to access the line at all times will speed up the development of complicated, high-strength aluminium roll forming and enable more rapid process robustness testing,...
Tata prefers UK over Spain for the JLR EV battery plant
Tata Group, the parent firm of Jaguar Land Rover, is leaning towards picking Britain over Spain for a gigantic battery plant for electric vehicles. According to those who know the situation, Tata, a conglomerate with interests ranging from metals to food, is considering a facility in England after the U.K. government proposed a support package. However, the people said no final decision had yet been made, and Tata could still decide on a second location. Tata's preference for the UK would ensure the survival of JLR's facilities and represent a significant victory for the government as Spanish officials were vying for the investment. Based in Somerset, England, the facility would make batteries for Jaguar Land Rover’s planned range of full-electric models due in 2024. It has been earlier...
PMB Technology to increase the production capacity of Bintulu metallic silicon smelter
The Malaysia-based PMB Technology Bhd will invest significantly in its Phase 3 plant project in Samalaju Industrial Park, Bintulu, increasing the output capacity of metallic silicon by 50 per cent annually. It has been reported that the company is investing RM350 million in the Phase 3 unit of the smelter, which would have a capacity of 36,000 tonnes per year. According to PMB Technology, the project is expected to be accomplished by Q3 2023. The 2022 annual report of the company pronounces, "With both Phase 1 and Phase 2 up and running now, the group's combined annual installed capacity is 108,000 tonnes, supplied by a total power of 129 megawatts (MW)." The subsidiary PMB Silicon Sdn Bhd carries out metallic silicon manufacturing. On October 31, 2022, the group began constructing the...
