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.
Oman’s vision 2040: Integrated aluminium cluster to propel economic growth
The oldest independent state in the Arab world, Oman is progressing with plans to establish an 'Integrated Economic Cluster for Aluminium Industries' in Suhar, a key hub for multibillion-dollar investments focused on this valuable metal. The Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-Up Unit leads these efforts, collaborating closely with various government ministries and agencies to bring this strategic initiative to fruition. The Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-Up Unit stated in the latest annual report, "The Integrated Economic Cluster for Aluminium Industries in Suhar aims to achieve integration among the various aspects of the aluminium industry by linking the upstream (primary aluminium production) with the downstream (higher value-added industries). The cluster focuses on...
Climate action or trade barrier? Debate over CBAM stalls COP29 agenda
The UN climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, opened amidst intense behind-the-scenes negotiations as nations gathered for COP29 — the 29th Conference of Parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Early headlines touted a preliminary success as delegates agreed on key regulations to facilitate global carbon credit trading. Yet, this development came with contentious undercurrents, prompting critics to argue that such mechanisms could allow wealthier nations to finance emission reductions abroad and procrastinate on more costly domestic climate action. The opening plenary session experienced significant delays, stretching into the early hours of November 12, 2024, following demands from the BASIC coalition — comprising Brazil, South Africa, India, and...
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission raids lead to arrest of state official linked to illegal bauxite mining in Kuantan
As part of a significant enforcement action, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested a state government official suspected of shielding illegal bauxite mining operations in Kuantan since 2022. The arrest occurred during a raid in the Bukit Goh area of Kuantan, where two company owners were detained. The individuals are suspected of engaging in corrupt activities aimed at safeguarding unauthorised mining practices, thereby undermining environmental and regulatory standards. MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki confirmed that the investigation is focused on allegations of soliciting and receiving bribes in violation of Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009. This development underscores ongoing efforts to clamp down on corruption linked to Malaysia's resource extraction...
Slow progress despite aluminium industry's net zero commitments: ING observes
Major aluminium producers have set ambitious net-zero decarbonisation targets for 2050 and beyond. However, despite a modest reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the past five years, significant progress remains limited, as noted by ING Think. Image credit: Metal Supplies On September 30, 2024, the World Economic Forum’s publication stated that the global aluminium industry, responsible for approximately 2 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and generating 1.1 billion tonnes of CO 2 e annually, faces mounting pressure to decarbonize. Scientific evidence, extreme weather events, and evolving consumer expectations underscore the urgent need for change. With aluminium demand projected to surge by 40 per cent by 2030, emissions could rise even further, intensifying...
Jamaica’s bauxite lands to bloom: JBM and Agro-Invest partner for agricultural transformation
Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited (JBM) and the Agro-Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to repurpose former bauxite mining lands for agricultural development in an initiative that will revolutionise Jamaica's agricultural sector. This landmark agreement, executed on November 7, supports the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining's ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable agribusiness practices and strengthening climate resilience. The MoU outlines plans for a significant agricultural transformation on 670 acres of JBM's former mining land in Lydford, St Ann. This site will serve as the foundation for an innovative, technology-driven agro-park designed to boost investment in the sector and advance modern farming practices. The...
Court rules in favour of BALCO; says vanadium sludge exempt from royalty
In a significant judgment, the Chhattisgarh High Court in India has quashed the Korba Collector's (the highest officer of the revenue department in the district) order that imposed a hefty royalty of INR 863.18 lakh (USD$ USD 1.04 million) on Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) Limited for vanadium sludge. The High Court Single Bench presided over by Justice Bibhu Datta Guru, found the order to be legally unsustainable, citing an improper examination of both legal and factual grounds. The crux of the Court's decision rested on whether vanadium sludge— a by-product generated during the removal of impurities from bauxite as it is processed into alumina—could be classified as a mineral liable for royalty. Justice Guru ruled that vanadium sludge does not fall within the definition of a mineral,...
Aluminium and recycled copper: China's strategy to address copper scarcity
An industry group stated on November 13, 2024, that increased use of aluminium and recycled copper could assist China in managing its limited copper resources. This is because Chinese smelters face profit challenges due to constrained copper concentrate supplies. Ge Honglin, Chairman of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA), stated, "The copper industry faces many uncertainties and severe challenges ... profit of smelters, in many cases, is not from copper but from byproducts with some already suffering loss." Global miners and smelters from the world's leading copper producers and consumers traditionally gather in Shanghai each November for the Asia Copper Week event. This gathering is crucial for negotiating copper concentrate contracts and establishing treatment...
The rise of aluminium bottles: A response to eco-conscious consumer trends
As consumer preferences shift towards sustainability, transparency, and efficiency, aluminium is emerging as a material of choice for its recyclability, lightweight properties, and ability to preserve product quality. The aluminium packaging industry experienced steady growth in 2023, driven by an increasing demand for beverage cans and packaging foils. With over 11.5 million tonnes of aluminium flat-rolled products used in the overall packaging sector throughout the year, the industry’s expansion has been fuelled by a shift away from traditional materials like plastic and glass. A growing preference for sustainable packaging solutions , rising disposable incomes, and increased urbanisation are significant drivers of this growth. Additionally, advancements in technology are playing a...
Guinea opposition sets January'25 deadline for civilian rule; bauxite sector watches closely
On November 12, 2024, the Forces Vives coalition of Guinean opposition groups, civil society organisations, and activists called for establishing civilian rule by January 1, 2025. The junta, which came to power through a coup in 2021, had initially proposed a two-year transition to elections, starting in 2022, following negotiations with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). However, there needs to be more progress toward organising the elections, fuelling growing public frustration. Since taking office, the military leader Mamady Doumbouya has faced sporadic protests against the authorities, with some escalating into deadly clashes between demonstrators and security forces. In July 2024, Guinea's transitional authorities unveiled a draft of a new constitution, which...
Closed loop recycling success: Capral and Rio Tinto partner on sustainable aluminium initiative
Australia's largest aluminium extruder, Capral, has successfully completed a trial using recycled-content billets supplied by Rio Tinto at Boyne Smelters Limited (BSL) in a significant stride towards sustainable manufacturing. This innovative process involved remelting 50 to 100 tonnes of post-production aluminium scrap sourced from Capral's Bremer Park extrusion plant in Southeast Queensland. As a result, billets containing at least 20 per cent recycled content were produced, signalling a sustainable step forward in local aluminium manufacturing. The trial highlights a closed-loop system that embodies waste minimisation and a marked reduction in the carbon footprint associated with aluminium extrusions. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Australian Government's Future Made in...
Bauxite shipment disruption at Juruti Port intensifies pressure on global alumina production
Alcoa declared force majeure on bauxite shipments from its Juruti mine in Brazil on November 7, 2024, due to a vessel stranded in the channel near the port obstructing transportation. This disruption poses significant challenges for global alumina supplies, which are already under pressure due to constrained production. However, the statement did not provide an estimate for when shipments might resume. According to a trader source, the vessel has been stranded near the Juruti port since late October, and bauxite shipments have been halted for nearly or more than 10 days. According to industry experts, the Alumar alumina refinery is currently grappling with significant challenges due to shortages of bauxite supply from the Juruti mine in Brazil. The bauxite source is vital to Alumar’s...
Aluminium profiles manufacturer Winstar Capital Bhd moves towards IPO with TA Securities
The Malaysia-based Winstar Capital Bhd, a manufacturer of aluminium products, has signed an underwriting agreement with TA Securities Holdings Bhd for its upcoming initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market. According to a company statement, TA Securities will underwrite 30.45 million new shares that have been allocated to the Malaysian public and eligible individuals. Winstar, which is supported by the publicly traded renewable energy firm Sunview Group Bhd, aims to complete its listing by the end of 2024. Vincent Chua, CEO of Winstar Capital Bhd, said, "The agreement not only reinforces their confidence in us but also takes us a step closer to our IPO." "We are ready to take advantage of the opportunities in Malaysia's renewable energy, construction and property development...
Sustainability partnership extended: EGA's CelestiAL-R aluminium continues in BMW vehicles
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world's largest producer of premium aluminium, has announced the extension of its CelestiAL-R supply agreement with the BMW Group for the coming years. CelestiAL-R is notable for being the world's first aluminium blend made using solar power and recycled metal. The BMW Group incorporates EGA's CelestiAL-R in the production of high-quality aluminium components for its vehicles. To commemorate the renewal of this significant agreement, Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW AG, visited EGA's facility in Jebel Ali and Dubai Electricity & Water Authority's Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. EGA's partnership with the BMW Group began in 2013, and the BMW Group became the first customer to source CelestiAL solar aluminium in 2021....
10-year lease signed: Lindian Resources to earn annual royalties from Woula Bauxite Project
The ASX-listed Australian company with a portfolio of high-grade bauxite in Africa, Lindian Resources Ltd has entered into binding agreements with Enterprise Generale d’Entretien & Construction and Lancinet Dabo, granting them a 10-year lease and operational rights for the Woula Bauxite Project in Guinea, West Africa. This arrangement secures Lindian a passive annual royalty stream. The lessees, both well-established in Guinea with strong ties to the government and mining ministry, plan to commence construction within eight months. Their initial production goal is set at 2 million tonnes per year. Generale d'Entretien & Construction's Lancinet Dabo said, "We are delighted to have secured this binding agreement with Lindian for the Woula Bauxite Project, a unique, low-cost, fast start-up...
Aluminium shortage hurts Jaguar Land Rover's profit margins, affects Tata Motors' earnings
As a result of an aluminium shortage, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) recently reported a significant decline in profits. The luxury carmaker attributed the fall in deliveries to a flooding incident at one of its key aluminium suppliers in Switzerland, severely impacting the production of its high-end SUVs. The aluminium supply constraints have compounded the challenges faced by European automakers, who are already grappling with a slowdown in demand. JLR's rivals, including Porsche AG and Mercedes-Benz Group AG, have also been affected by the same supplier issues, further straining production lines across the industry. The British automaker behind Range Rover and Land Rover vehicles announced on November 8, 2024, that its pretax profit for the three months ending in September decreased by 10 per...
Albuquerque-based Flow Aluminum adds industry experts to drive cleantech innovation
Flow Aluminum, an innovative Albuquerque-based startup at the forefront of energy storage technology, has announced the appointment of Dr Scott Gordon-Wylie as Senior Scientist and Luke Soule as Senior Research Chemist to its expanding team. Known for its groundbreaking aluminium-CO 2 battery technology, Flow Aluminum is attracting top-tier scientific talent. Gordon-Wylie and Soule are joining the company as part of Albuquerque’s growing reputation as a hub for clean energy innovation. Gordon-Wylie and Soule bring a wealth of expertise in chemistry, electrochemistry, and energy storage, strengthening Flow Aluminum’s mission to transform the energy landscape. Building on promising recent test results from the Battery Innovation Centre in Indiana, the two scientists are collaborating in...
Upstream weekly recap: Donald Trump's return to the White House sparks aluminium industry speculation; Skyrocketing alumina prices drive aluminium cost pressure
This week has brought notable progress in the upstream sector of the aluminium industry, encompassing bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminium. Australia's Metro Mining sets a new monthly record for bauxite shipments in October, reaching 69.5 per cent of its annual target. A key highlight was the increase in alumina prices reported by the Shanghai Metals Market, with the average price reaching RMB 5,391 per tonne. Donald Trump's return to the White House as the 47th President of the United States after defeating Kamala Harris in the 2024 election is already sparking speculation about the potential shifts in global trade policies and economic measures that could impact various industries, including the aluminium sector. Industry experts are keenly observing how his administration's approach...
IAI reports major progress in 'Greenhouse Gas Reduction Initiative’
The aluminium industry is committed to curbing greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with global scientific targets and national policies. The International Aluminium Institute (IAI) has provided an update on the progress of its Aluminium Industry Greenhouse Gas Initiative, showcasing its member companies' ambitions, technological investments, and reporting strategies. The International Aluminium Institute launched the Aluminium Industry GHG Initiative at COP28 in Dubai in 2023. As part of the initiative, the IAI commits to reporting global GHG emissions for the aluminium industry annually to track sector progress and collate the targets of all IAI member companies based on publicly available information. Major aluminium producers have already backed this initiative as the sector...
