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.
IMIDRO reports year-on-year decline in Iran's aluminium production in the first eight months
Iran's major state-owned holding company, IMIDRO, which is active in the mining sector, reported that the country's four aluminium smelters produced 400,425 tonnes of aluminium ingots during the first eight months of the Iranian calendar year starting March 20, 2024. This marks a decrease compared to the 419,573 tonnes produced during the same period last year. South Aluminium Corporation (SALCO) was the nation's top aluminium producer, producing an impressive 162,459 tonnes of ingots. Following SALCO, Iranian Aluminium Company (IRALCO) produced 115,624 tonnes, while Almahdi Aluminium Company contributed 99,954 tonnes. Iran Alumina Company rounded out the list with a production of 22,388 tonnes of ingots. The only producer of alumina powder in the nation, Iran Alumina Company achieved...
Pinjarra alumina refinery faces downtime amid natural gas supply disruptions
The natural gas supply to the Pinjarra alumina refinery in Australia, which has an annual production capacity of 4.7* million tonnes, has been unexpectedly disrupted on December 10, 2024. This interruption caused a power outage and a substantial caustic soda spill at the facility. However, full production capacity is expected to be restored within 7-10 days. Independent news and insight into energy, industry and climate in Western Australia, Boiling Cold reported that a company spokesperson stated the incident disrupted process flow, and clean-up operations for the spills began promptly. Image credit: Pinjarra Paceway Information credit: SMM; Boiling Cold *https://www.alcoa.com/australia/en/pdf/refining-pinjarra-fact-sheet.pdf
Boddington bauxite mine life to be extended: South32 nears approval milestones
The globally diversified mining and metals company headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, South32, anticipates securing state approval for its Worsley Alumina's bauxite mine life extension project from Western Australia later this month, with federal approval expected in early 2025. This resulted from a successful appeal of an earlier decision by the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). While the EPA had recommended the project for approval, it imposed conditions that South32 deemed excessively stringent for managing environmental risks, arguing they would pose substantial operational challenges. South32 owns 86 per cent of Worsley Alumina, with 10 per cent held by Japan Alumina Associates (Australia) Pty Ltd and the remaining 4 per cent held by Sojitz Alumina...
Coca-Cola's new environmental strategy focuses on packaging and water security
On December 2, 2024, the Coca-Cola Company unveiled updated voluntary environmental goals as part of its ongoing commitment to its purpose: 'Refresh the World and Make a Difference'. The American multinational corporation, The Coca‑Cola Company, is a total beverage company with products sold in almost every countries and territories on the earth. These updated goals reflect the valuable insights gained over decades of sustainability efforts, along with periodic assessments of progress and challenges. Achieving these ambitious targets will require continued investment in innovation and infrastructure, supportive legislation, and strengthened collaboration with bottling partners, industry peers, local governments, and civil society. The company focuses on key priorities, including enhancing...
ALVANCE British Aluminium to enhance alumina transport with VTG Rail UK's new leasing deal
The UK's biggest wagon and tank container fleet, VTG Rail UK, which provides its customers with logistical expertise and innovative digital solutions, has secured a significant ten-year wagon leasing agreement with ALVANCE British Aluminium, a prominent player in the aluminium manufacturing industry. Commencing in January 2025, the partnership will see VTG leasing 20 JPA powder tank wagons to ALVANCE, which joins VTG's growing roster of esteemed clients. This deal marks a notable addition to VTG's expanding client portfolio. The JPA wagons are set to be upgraded with VTG’s groundbreaking iWagon technology, a state-of-the-art innovation revolutionising the rail freight industry. This upgrade will enhance tracking and operational efficiency, equipping ALVANCE with advanced capabilities to...
Verified sustainability: Black Diamond Equipment sets a new bar for recycled aluminium content in adventure gear
The global outdoor industry leader—known for engineering and manufacturing the world's best climbing, skiing and trekking gear, Black Diamond Equipment ® has set groundbreaking benchmarks for recycled aluminium content in climbing hardware and trekking poles. Verified by UL Solutions, this initiative ensures that Black Diamond's sustainability claims meet the highest industry standards with independent validation, underscoring the company's commitment to environmental responsibility. UL Solutions is a recognised leader in developing sustainable standards, creating over 100 widely acknowledged and referenced sustainability benchmarks. It enables manufacturers and retailers to communicate their environmental achievements effectively to consumers, suppliers, and investors by providing them...
Ten diesel locomotives from China headed to Guinea for bauxite transportation
A shipment of Chinese diesel locomotives was spotted at the Zhanghuabang cargo terminal in Shanghai Port on December 10, 2024, ready for dispatch to Conakry, the capital of Guinea. This batch of ten locomotives is specifically designed to handle heavy loads and accommodate various track types, catering to the unique transportation demands of bauxite mining operations. Guinea stands at the top of the list of the world's leading bauxite-producing nations, and the West African nation also holds the record of the world's leading bauxite exporter. China's homegrown brands will further enhance their global presence with the continued shipment of these diesel locomotives from Shanghai Port. Customs clearance at Shanghai's Wusong Port has been adapted to align with the specific characteristics of...
Malaysia: No green light yet for Bukit Goh bauxite mining
Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability of Malaysia, clarified during the Minister's 'Question Time' in the ‘Lower House of Parliament, Malaysia, on December 12, 2024, that bauxite mining activities in Bukit Goh, Kuantan, Pahang, have not secured approval for their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report. He revealed that the initial EIA report for the project was rejected, and a revised report was submitted to the Department of Environment a few months ago, which is now under review. Responding to Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, Member of the House of Representatives of Malaysia, Nik Nazmi said, “Once again, the department received an EIA report for a project proposal titled Proposed Bauxite Mining Operation in Bukit Goh with an area of...
Pressure mounts on EU to ease CO2 cuts for car industry survival
The European People’s Party (EPP), the largest political group in the European Parliament, is spearheading efforts to dilute the EU’s key policies aimed at reducing CO 2 emissions from cars, according to a draft position paper reviewed and reported by Reuters. This push by the centre-right party aligns with growing calls from automakers and national governments for immediate support to address the challenges facing Europe’s struggling car manufacturing industry. The EPP document proposed reversing the European Union's 2035 ban on sales of new CO2-emitting cars, advocating for the continued sale of combustion engine vehicles powered by biofuels and alternative fuels beyond the set deadline. Additionally, the draft recommended revising the law to provide support for plug-in hybrid cars,...
World's leading bauxite exporter Guinea taps iron ore income for sovereign wealth fund
The West African nation Guinea, one of the leading bauxite producers and the world's top bauxite exporter, intends to channel a portion of the revenue generated from mining the world’s largest iron ore reserve into a sovereign wealth fund. According to Planning and International Cooperation Minister Ismael Nabe, who addressed parliament on December 9, 2024, this fund will be utilised to finance critical development initiatives under the government’s Simandou 2040 Program. A sovereign wealth fund is a state-owned investment fund comprised of money generated by the government, often derived from a country's surplus reserves. Ismael Nabe said, "We aim to transform agriculture, education, health and to increase the construction of modern infrastructure, a large-scale railway linking mining...
Maybank's vision of a net zero economy expands to aluminium and steel sector
Maybank has expanded its white paper series to include a focus on the aluminium and steel sectors, reinforcing its commitment to driving the transition to a net-zero economy. This initiative reflects Maybank's dedication as a Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) signatory to align its operations with sustainability goals while supporting clients in their transition journeys. Maybank is Malaysia's largest bank by market capitalisation and total assets, operating throughout the country and broader region. A white paper is an informational document issued by a company or not-for-profit organisation to promote or highlight the features of a solution, product, or service it offers or plans to offer. As a result of its initial decarbonisation efforts communicated in its maiden white paper titled,...
Sustainability-linked financing: Gränges reaffirms 'Green Commitment'
Gränges, a global leader in aluminium rolling and recycling in selected niches, has successfully refinanced a sustainability-linked credit facility to bolster its sustainability initiatives. Arranged by Danske Bank, Nordea, SEB, and Citibank, the agreement comprises a SEK 3,000 million revolving credit facility, which can be expanded to SEK 3,500 million, and a USD$ 70 million loan. The facility is set for an initial term of three years, with an option for a two-year extension. The financing is tied to achieving two key sustainability performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with Gränges' climate objectives. These KPIs are integral to the company's sustainability-linked financing framework and form the core of Gränges' ambitious sustainability plan. Oskar Hellström, CFO at Gränges, said, "At...
Rio Tinto's strategic leap: Bringing AP60 technology to new aluminium ventures
The global mining and metal giant Rio Tinto has entered a strategic partnership with Swedish investment firm Vargas, global integrated business enterprise Mitsubishi Corporation, and a consortium of local and international industry partners to explore a low-carbon aluminium greenfield opportunity in Kokkola, Finland. The collaboration marks a significant step towards advancing sustainable aluminium production in Europe. Rio Tinto will provide with access to its provenits cutting-edge AP60 technology to the Arctial partnership as the strategic industrial partner. This marks the first deployment of AP60 outside of Quebec, Canada. Developed by Rio Tinto, AP60 is widely regarded as one of the most efficient aluminium smelting technologies at a commercial scale, offering substantial potential...
Arrow Minerals' maiden drilling at the Niagara Bauxite Project in Guinea confirms extensive mineralisation
The ASX-listed company, Arrow Minerals Limited, has published reports on further outstanding assay results from its maiden drilling program at the Niagara Bauxite Project in Guinea. Strategically located approximately 100 km from the multi-user Trans-Guinean Railway, the project offers significant logistical advantages for transportation and development. Arrow Minerals Limited is an exploration and development company focused on delivering long-term shareholder value by discovering economic mineral deposits in West Africa. The discovery of Niagara is rapidly evolving into a substantial resource, demonstrating high-grade potential within the trucking distance of a multi-user railway. Results from 111 drill holes are still pending. The latest assays from 30 holes include: BS000096, 4 metres...
"We are a mining and resources company with a global footprint and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable practices", Victor Tan, CEO, TOP International Holding
Victor Tan is the CEO of TOP International Holding. As CEO, he leads the company’s strategic direction and drives growth for the company. Founded in 2014, TOP has grown exponentially over the years. Under his leadership, TOP became Malaysia’s biggest bauxite exporter in 2015 and pioneered anchorage loading in the country. In 2017, TOP was the fastest-growing physical coal trader in Indonesia. As a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, TOP has earned industry accolades such as bagging The KPMG & The Business Times Enterprise 50 Award twice, Deloitte Best Managed Companies twice, and was identified by Enterprise Singapore to participate in Scale-Up SG, a programme that grooms local companies into future global champions. He is also a member and contributor at the Singapore...
Red mud generation trend across major countries, 2018 to 2023
Bauxite residue, commonly known as red mud, is a highly alkaline by-product generated during the Bayer process of alumina extraction from bauxite ore. With global alumina production steadily increasing to meet the demands of various industries, the volume of red mud produced has surged correspondingly, posing significant environmental and management challenges. The red colour is due to the presence of iron oxides (along with other oxides). The multifaceted nature of red mud demands an immediate and thorough understanding to mitigate its adverse effects and harness its potential benefits. Red mud contains unreacted minerals, metal oxides, and caustic soda, making it toxic if not managed properly. Its disposal has traditionally involved storage in large containment areas, which poses risks...
India becomes preferred clean tech investment hub, $2.4 billion raised in Q3
India has emerged as one of the leading destinations for clean technology funding, surpassing China in recent months. This shift has been fuelled by efforts to enhance domestic green manufacturing and attract global investors. In the third quarter, India emerged as the second-largest market for green technologies, driven by a significant surge in funding. In the same quarter alone, clean tech deals worth approximately $2.4 billion were finalised in India—more than four times the value of deals in China. This makes India the second-largest market globally for clean tech investments, trailing only the United States, according to data from BloombergNEF. Climate Technology Fund Raj Pai, founding partner of GEF Capital Partners, a climate-focused private equity firm, attributes this momentum...
German industrial sector shows no recovery signs, Q4 at risk: ING
Germany's industrial downturn persisted in October, with production declining further, as reported by ING. Industrial output dropped by 1 per cent month-on-month, following a steeper 2.5 per cent contraction in September. Production has fallen nearly 5 per cent compared to last year's period. This weak start to the fourth quarter heightens concerns of a potential winter recession for Europe's largest economy. The industrial outlook remains challenging The challenges faced by German industry over the past few years exemplify the broader struggles of the nation's economy. Caught between cyclical downturns and structural obstacles, Germany has had to confront the reality that its traditional macroeconomic model—reliant on affordable energy and accessible export markets—is no longer...
