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.
Low-carbon transition gains momentum with HILT CRC's new energy initiative
The Heavy Industry Low-Carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC) has embarked on a landmark three-year project to support the decarbonisation of heavy industry through enhanced energy infrastructure planning in Australia. The initiative is titled "Unlocking Investment in Energy Infrastructure for Net-Zero Industrial Hubs" and aims to deliver precise, data-driven insights into energy costs. These findings will help shape government policies and empower heavy industries to navigate their decarbonisation journeys strategically. The project focuses on identifying the most optimal and cost-efficient energy supply solutions—spanning hydrogen, electricity, and natural gas—for developing industrial hubs. These hubs are critical to achieving Australia's net-zero emissions target...
Canadian tariffs on Chinese aluminium, steel and EVs expected to generate millions in revenue
Canada’s Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO), Yves Giroux, estimates that federal revenues will rise by $473 million over five years due to tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, aluminium, and steel. In October, the federal government implemented a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) and a 25 per cent per cent tariff on aluminium and steel imports. The Canadian Government has pointed out China's trade practices, highlighting unfair pricing and product dumping enabled by "abysmal" environmental and labour standards. These practices, they argue, come at a significant cost to both the environment and workers' rights. The Trudeau Government faced significant pressure to align with U.S. tariffs, driven by advocacy from industry groups such as automakers and steel and...
Sustainability takes centre stage in Capral Aluminium and SunDrive Solar’s groundbreaking MoU
Capral Aluminium and SunDrive Solar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a strategic supply partnership aimed at driving sustainability and strengthening Australia's solar industry supply chain. This collaboration seeks to boost the competitiveness of domestic solar module manufacturing while substantially lowering its environmental footprint. Established in 1936, Capral Aluminium stands as Australia's largest manufacturer and distributor of aluminium products, catering to diverse sectors, including construction, automotive, marine, and the rapidly growing renewable energy industry. With an extensive network of manufacturing and distribution facilities nationwide, Capral has become the country's leading supplier of aluminium solutions and a trusted partner for...
China’s critical minerals ban: A new front in USA-China trade conflict
Three critical minerals - gallium, germanium, and antimony - have been banned from being exported to the United States by China in an escalation of trade tensions. The decision, unveiled on December 3, 2024, comes just a day after Washington imposed new restrictions targeting China’s semiconductor sector, signalling an intensifying rivalry between the world’s two largest economies. Gallium is primarily sourced as a byproduct of mining and refining other metals, especially bauxite, although some gallium is also derived from the processing of sphalerite ore for zinc. Germanium largely occurs as a geochemical substitute in various sulfide minerals, primarily in the mineral sphalerite (ZnS), with minor inclusion in silicate minerals. Stibnite (Sb 2 S 3 ) is the predominant ore mineral of...
Sijimali bauxite project: Vedanta’s commitment to tribal welfare and sustainable progress
In a groundbreaking move that promises to transform the socio-economic fabric of Odisha’s tribal heartland, the Indian multinational mining and metal house Vedanta is set to commence operations at the Sijimali bauxite block, spanning the Kalahandi and Rayagada districts. This initiative, positioned as a blend of industrial advancement and inclusive community development, aims to elevate local livelihoods while safeguarding cultural heritage and environmental integrity. Over the next 25 years, Vedanta intends to invest almost 1,200 crores through two dedicated development funds - the Lanjigarh Periphery Area Development Fund (LPDAF) and the newly established Sijimali Periphery Area Development Fund (SPDAF). These funds will be pivotal in addressing the pressing needs of local communities,...
Key highlights from the global aluminium industry, November 2024
In November 2024, the global aluminium industry continues demonstrating resilience and innovation amidst evolving market dynamics. The month has been marked by significant milestones, from groundbreaking advancements in sustainable production and recycling technologies to strategic investments reshaping supply chains. Key developments across major aluminium-producing regions, shifting demand patterns, and policy changes have further underscored the industry's adaptability and forward-thinking approach. This article delves into the most impactful highlights from November 2024, offering a comprehensive overview of trends shaping the future of the aluminium sector. Alumina prices continue to remain elevated, reflecting sustained market pressures. Industry stakeholders are closely monitoring...
TII to enter the South Korean market with KCAL India acquisition
In a strategic move poised to reshape the automotive HVAC segment, Tube Investments of India (TII) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 67 per cent equity stake in KCALtech System India (KCAL India), a subsidiary of South Korea-based KCAL Korea. This acquisition signals TII’s intent to fortify its position in the burgeoning automotive sector, with a particular focus on aluminium tubes and parts used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for automobiles. The investment is set to bolster KCAL India’s expansion plans, enhancing its manufacturing capabilities to meet the rising demand for automotive HVAC components. TII’s decision to target this niche aligns with its broader strategy of diversifying into complementary business segments, aiming to capitalize on...
Press Metal sees 31.4% surge in Q3 net profit
The largest integrated aluminium producer in South East Asia, Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd reported a significant 31.4 per cent jump in net profit for the third quarter that ended Sept 30, 2024, reaching RM402.3 million, up from RM306.1 million in the same period last year. The robust performance was attributed to higher profit contributions from associated companies and rising aluminium prices. For the nine-month period ended Sept 30, 2024 (9MFY2024), Press Metal recorded a net profit of RM1.32 billion against RM893.88 million previously, while revenue rose 10.5 per cent to RM11.35 billion from RM10.27 billion a year earlier. This was mainly due to the improved metal price, stronger US dollar and higher quantity delivered compared to 9MFY2023. Despite improvements at the topline...
Bank of America predicts volatile metals market for 2025; aluminium and copper prices set to decline
In a recent forecast by Bank of America, analysts have projected a turbulent year ahead for the metals and minerals market in 2025. Bank of America is the second-largest banking institution in the United States and the second-largest bank in the world by market capitalisation, both after JPMorgan Chase. According to a Reuters report, the volatility will be driven by shifting trade policies, supply constraints, and fluctuating global demand, creating an unpredictable landscape for investors and industries. Aluminium and copper, two critical industrial metals, are expected to face notable price declines. Bank of America now predicts that aluminium prices will average $2,813 per tonne, a drop of 6 per cent from earlier projections, while copper prices will average $9,438 per tonne in 2025,...
India: Gumla district administration targets illegal bauxite mining, files FIR against company
The Gumla district administration of Jharkhand, India, has taken swift action, culminating in filing an FIR against the offending mining company on November 28, 2024, reflecting a firm stance against illegal mining practices. The operation was led by the Gumla Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), which involved the Chainpur Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), the Gumla Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), and the District Mining Officer. Their mission was supported by 40 police personnel and six surveyors tasked with measuring the extent of unauthorised mining. This multi-agency collaboration highlights the government’s commitment to environmental protection and regulatory compliance in the mining sector. Illegal mining depletes valuable resources, disrupts ecological balance, and deprives the...
AL Circle launches its 28th e-Magazine, "Aluminium Industry: Focus Europe"
AL Circle, the leading global digital platform for the aluminium value chain, is thrilled to announce the launch of the 28th edition of its highly anticipated e-Magazine, " Aluminium Industry: Focus Europe ." This latest issue is dedicated to exploring the evolving landscape of the European aluminium industry, a sector that plays a pivotal role in driving sustainable industrial growth and technological innovation. A deep dive into Europe's aluminium dynamics The European aluminium sector is undergoing transformative changes driven by sustainability, circular economy initiatives, and advanced technological integration. This edition of " Aluminium Industry: Focus Europe " highlights: Market trends and future forecasts: A detailed analysis of current market trends, trade challenges, and the...
PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) commits $723 million for mining expansion, aims for long-term growth
In a strategic move to solidify its position in the global mining sector, PT Aneka Tambang (Antam), a member of PT Mineral Industri Indonesia (Persero) or MIND ID, a government-owned holding company, has earmarked a significant capital expenditure (Capex) of $723 million (Rp11.46 trillion) over the next five years. The investment will focus on accelerating exploration efforts in gold, bauxite, and nickel, key commodities in Indonesia’s mineral landscape. Antam’s General Manager, Abdul Bari, emphasised the company’s commitment to sustainable growth, noting that Antam will maintain its exploration budget at over 1 per cent of total production income. This prudent strategy ensures that the company remains at the forefront of resource discovery and extraction while balancing its financial...
Saint-Gobain pushes for tariffs on sol-gel alumina abrasive imports from China
Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc. has officially filed a petition seeking to impose antidumping and countervailing duties on sol-gel alumina-based ceramic abrasive grains imported from China. The move is aimed at addressing what the company claims are unfair trade practices that have impacted the U.S. abrasive grain market. According to the petition, the investigation will focus on specific ceramic abrasive grains made from at least 94 per cent aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) and potentially mixed with compounds such as titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, and zirconium dioxide, among others. These grains, known for their advanced crystalline microstructure and superior abrasive capabilities, differ significantly from conventional fused grains. The grains in question come in various shapes,...
Gandhamardan Hills declared off-limits for bauxite mining activities by Odisha govt.
In a decisive statement on November 27, 2024, the Odisha state government categorically dismissed allegations that it plans to permit bauxite mining in the ecologically sensitive Gandhamardan Hills, spanning Bolangir and Baragarh districts. As published on the website of DrugControl Media Services Odisha's Gandhamardan Hill range, known as the "ayurvedic paradise," has been designated a "biodiversity heritage site." Odisha, an eastern state in India, holds a prominent position in the country's aluminium industry thanks to its vast bauxite reserves. As the largest bauxite-producing state, Odisha contributes nearly 50 per cent of India's total bauxite output. This significant resource base has been instrumental in positioning India as a leading global player in aluminium manufacturing, with...
SRG Global wins multi-year deals in mining and infrastructure, totalling A$700 million
The ASX listed diversified infrastructure services company born out of Australia's greatest engineering challenge, the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, in 1961, SRG Global has secured significant contracts worth A$700 million ($455.35 million) with some of Australia's leading mining companies, including South32, Roy Hill, Pilbara Minerals, and Glencore, spanning multiple sectors. Among the highlights is a five-year contract with South32, set to begin immediately. SRG will provide maintenance and civil services at South32's Worsley bauxite and alumina operations in Western Australia's southwest, focusing on enhancing bauxite residue disposal area embankments. AL Circle's industry-focused report, "A Comprehensive Analysis of Bauxite Residue - Red Mud", stated that it is estimated that...
Post-consumer scrap to premium packaging: Constellium's aluminium coils shine at Crown
Constellium, a global leader in aluminium solutions and recycling, has reached a significant sustainability milestone with its newly inaugurated aluminium recycling centre in Neuf-Brisach. The facility has successfully produced its first aluminium coils made primarily from post-consumer scrap, which Crown, a world leader in metal packaging, has now qualified. Following rigorous testing at Crown's manufacturing facilities in France and Spain, the aluminium coils received approval for use in beverage cans. This achievement underscores both companies' shared commitment to advancing sustainable practices and reducing their environmental footprints. Constellium’s qualification by Crown marks a significant milestone, showcasing the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality recycled...
Beijing slashes tax rebates, exporters pass costs to buyers
Industry insiders revealed that Chinese exporters in diverse sectors, including aluminium products, used cooking oil (UCO), and solar power equipment, are preparing to hike prices and renegotiate contracts following Beijing's decision to cut tax incentives. The policy change, announced on November 15, 2024, will take effect on December 1, 2024, and significantly impact exporters. The export tax rebate rate for certain products, such as refined oil, photovoltaic components, batteries, and specific non-metallic mineral products, will drop from 13 per cent to 9 per cent. Moreover, the rebate will be entirely eliminated for aluminium and copper products as well as chemically modified oils and fats, including UCO. The move is expected to send ripples across global markets. Analysts predict...
China’s tax policy reforms propel mining gains; USD strength could pose risks
Mining giants saw a strong start to the week, the 47th week of the year 2024, buoyed by China's decision to eliminate the 13 per cent tax rebate on aluminium and copper semi-finished products exports. The policy change, announced on November 15, 2024, triggered a surge of over 7 per cent in London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium prices, underscoring its immediate impact on global markets. Citi, the leading global bank for institutions with cross-border needs, a global provider in wealth management, and a U.S. personal bank highlighted the move's implications, noting that removing the rebate will likely discourage the export of aluminium semi-finished products from China. According to the bank, this policy shift is expected to initially raise the LME-Shanghai Futures Exchange (ShFE) ratio....
