AlCircle News Edited By "Sarnali Chakraborty"

Sarnali Chakraborty is a content writer with 2 years of experience. She has written articles on various genres like technical, creative, medical, to name some. Here in Alcircle she will be curating articles on the metal industry, writing newsletters and other online and offline content.

Hydro wins “Mining & Raw Materials Industry Leadership Award” at the Global Platts Global Metals Awards
The Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company, headquartered in Oslo, Norsk Hydro, was recently honoured with the “Mining & Raw Materials Industry Leadership Award” at the annual S&P Global Platts Global Metals Awards 2022. The Global Metals Awards honour the top performers in the metals sector in 15 categories, ranging from individual to corporate accomplishments. S&P Global Platts, the leading independent source of news and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets, is the organisation that hosts it. “This recognition is an acknowledgment of the great work being done throughout our organization and sends a strong message of Hydro’s commitment to become a net-zero company by 2050,” said John Thuestad, Executive Vice President Hydro Bauxite & Alumina. The...

Recycled aluminium recap: Covid resurgence impacts on secondary aluminium shipments of Henan province; Bolt recycles its retired scooters to create aluminium jewellery collection
Recycling is proven to be more of a need than a cause for concern in the socioeconomic climate of today when the world is buzzing with issues like a growing global population, rising carbon emissions, rising energy expenses, and a scarcity of feedstock. The Henan province's secondary aluminium-producing business was severely hit by the Covid pandemic's reappearance throughout China. An SMM study found that the pandemic typically impacted the production and shipping of secondary aluminium facilities in the neighbourhood. To transform its old motorcycles into fashionable jewellery, Bolt worked with famous Estonian designer Tanel Veenre. The award-winning designer has created the "Hardwear collection," which includes approximately 100 individually made bracelets, earrings, and pendants. The...

Primary aluminium weekly recap: Hydro chief executive urges for sanctions on Russian aluminium in EU, US; Covid impact, unlawful activities at logistics delivery drags down South32's aluminium sales
This week the global primary aluminium industry witnessed a lot of significant events. The ongoing geopolitical conflict between Russia and Ukraine has brought about many changes in the industry. To begin with, on October 24, 2022, Norsk Hydro's CEO and President Hilde Merete Aasheim urged the European Union and the United States to stop importing Russian aluminium onto their respective continents. On October 24, five European business organisations said they had encouraged European policymakers to avoid imposing sanctions, tariffs, or boycotts on Russian aluminium. From the market forefront, Hydro reported an adjusted EBIDTA of NOK9,721 million in 3Q2022, an increase of 34.65% from NOK7,219 million for the same period in the previous year. Due to port congestion and a decrease in...

Ramverk Pro Luggage collection from Db showcases sturdy aluminium frame
The Ramverk Pro Luggage collection from Douchebags (Db) satisfies many requirements to make transporting photographic gear simpler, safer, and more fashionable. Db is renowned for its premium minimalist bags. Every model in the new collection has a sturdy aluminium frame that serves as an "unbreakable backbone" and can survive falls of up to 7 metres (23 feet). High-end cameras are well-protected by the shockproof mix of aluminium and recyclable polycarbonate materials. Additionally, the suitcase fits the need of many creative workers for a sleek, practical, and fashionable design. According to the company, the Ramverk Pro Luggage line is built for both the cabin and conveyor belt and has already earned the famous Red Dot design award. There are two alternatives for the cabin, a...

Aluminium billet inventories in China plunge by 16,100 tonnes W-o-W across five major areas
As of October 27, the domestic aluminium billet social inventory settled at 55,800 tonnes, down by 16,100 tonnes from the previous week. Since the National Day break ended, the inventory witnessed a downfall and was also at its lowest point in recent years. The figure below provides further information on the current state of aluminium billet inventories in China: The inventory in Foshan plunged by 13,300 tonnes or 25.97 per cent to settle at 37,900 tonnes from 51,200 tonnes recorded last week. On the same day, inventories in Huzhou and Changzhou dropped by 1000 tonnes and 800 tonnes to peg at 5,000 tonnes and 4,100 tonnes. As per the data, inventories in Wuxi and Nanchang slumped by 600 tonnes and 400 tonnes to record at 5,200 tonnes and 3,600 tonnes. As a result of logistical problems...

Dutch aluminium maker Aldel files for bankruptcy due to soaring energy prices
The Dutch aluminium producer Delfzijl Aluminum commonly known as Aldel, filed for bankruptcy with the court on Thursday, October 27. The news was confirmed by Eric Wildschut, director of finance. High energy costs are the primary reason for the financial issues, resulting from which they had stopped manufacturing since the beginning of September. In 1966, Damco Aluminum Delfzijl (Aldel) was established in Delfzijl and considered one of the biggest employers in Northeast Groningen. The plant melts and casts high-quality aluminium consumed in the automobile sector. The factory requested the judicial deferral of payment on Monday, October 24. Since then, the Dutch aluminium maker has attempted to work with an administrator to establish a payment option, but according to Wildschut, there need...

New Waveform pedals from Wolf Tooth feature aluminium dual-concave design
The new Waveform pedals from Wolf Tooth feature an aluminium dual-concave design, 11 grip pins on each side to keep feet in place, and a broad tapered leading edge to deflect pedal hits. These pedals are appropriately proportioned and available in 2 different sizes to offer a stable platform that resembles the shape of a rider's shoe. Each pedal body made of 6061-T6 aluminium in its CNC mills is manufactured separately. A dual-concave profile is literally at the heart of Waveform aluminium pedals, which are made to cradle and lock in feet while offering a supporting base for power transfer. The pedals have a thickness of 12.5mm in the centre and 14mm around the outside. A subset of the 6061 aluminium alloy, one of the most popular types of aluminium alloy worldwide, is aluminium 6061-T6....

A00 aluminium ingot price in China slumps by RMB280/t; Low carbon aluminium price declines by RMB275/t
On Friday, October 28, A00 aluminium ingot price in China slumped by RMB 280 per tonne to reside at RMB 18,300 per tonne, with the average prices standing between RMB 18,280 per tonne and RMB 18,320 per tonne. The spot contract price is likely to be traded at a discount price of RMB 50 to RMB 10 per tonne. The A00 aluminium ingot price has experienced a decline in all the major provinces. In Hangzhou and Foshan, the prices descended by RMB 290 per tonne and RMB 280 per tonne to peg at RMB 18,310 per tonne and RMB 18,440 per tonne. On the same day, in Wuxi and Chongqing, the prices closed at RMB 18,290 per tonne and RMB 18,450 per tonne after witnessing a price cut of RMB 260 per tonne and RMB 250 per tonne. As per the SMM data, prices in Gongyi and Linyi plunged by RMB 230 per tonne to...

MoistureShield presents new high-strength aluminium and Solid Core™ Composite Railings
The new Solid Core™ Composite Series Railing and Compass™ Series Aluminium Railing from MoistureShield, an iconic composite decking brand from Oldcastle APG, provide any deck design with a modern, chic appearance. Made in the USA, these railings are built to last, are reportedly stain-proof, and won't rot or splinter. The Compass Series aluminium Railing from MoistureShield gives any deck design a sleek, modern edge with options for top rails in Cambridge or Classic styles and matte black or bronze powder coating. The powder coat is rated more than three times the industry norm for durability and rust resistance, particularly in difficult coastal circumstances. "We created our Solid Core Composite Railings with unmatched durability and moisture resistance for years of beauty and...

AMAG reports record-breaking EBIDTA of EUR 217.4 million in 3Q2022; shows Y-o-Y growth of 47% in revenue
AMAG Austria Metall AG, the biggest company in the Austrian Aluminium industry sector, announced a positive third quarter, with sales and profitability showing significant Y-o-Y growth. In the company's history, this was the first time an operational result (EBITDA) of over EUR 200 million was produced. In the first three quarters of 2022, AMAG group's revenue surged by 47 per cent to EUR 1,353.9 million, from EUR 923.8 million recorded between Q1 to Q3 in 2021. The main reason behind this increment can be credited to higher aluminium prices, price changes brought on by rising costs and product mix optimisation. Total sales were marginally higher than the same period in the previous year (Q1–Q3/2021: 337,800 tonnes), coming in at 341,500 tonnes. "Despite numerous challenges, we have...

Sheffield University researchers convert surplus aluminium powders from atomisation to sheet material
Researchers from the Sheffield Titanium Alloy Research (STAR) group joined hands with ECKART GmbH, Schluechtern, Germany, to convert surplus aluminium alloy powders from atomisation into sheet material in two solid-state steps for aerospace use. The STAR group is part of the University of Sheffield. The project was led by Dr Simon Graham, a research associate at Sheffield University. The research aimed to transform excess aluminium alloy powders from atomisation into sheet material in two solid-state processes using field-aided sintering technology (FAST) and hot rolling. The A20X alloy powder utilised by the researchers came from Eckart. The as-atomised particle size range is frequently disregarded as a problem, although Metal additive manufacturing (AM) processes are typically...

LME aluminium price shot up by US$95/t to US$2,265.50/t; SHFE price mounts to US$2,589/t
LME aluminium opened at US$2,222 per tonne on Wednesday, with its high and low at US$2,343.5 per tonne and $2,217.5 per tonne, respectively, before closing at US$2,330 per tonne, an increase of US$115 per tonne or 5.19 per cent. On Wednesday, October 26, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price soared up by US$95 per tonne or 4.37 per cent to settle at US$2,265 per tonne and US$2,265.50 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price surged by US$70 per tonne or 3.19 per cent to halt at US$2,260 per tonne and US$2,262 per tonne. December 23 bid price and December 23 offer price were hiked by US$60 per tonne or 2.64 per cent and 2.63 per cent to peg at US$2,332 per tonne and US$2,337 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock closed at 574075 tonnes....

Aluminium billet inventories in China declines to 71,900 tonnes W-o-W
On Thursday, October 20, aluminium billet inventories in China witnessed a downfall for two consecutive weeks. As per the data, the inventories plunged by 25,700 tonnes or 26.33 per cent to close at 71,900 tonnes. All five of the major regions witnessed a decline. Due to smelters in Yunnan reducing their output, shipping from Yunnan to Guangdong decreased. Arrivals were unreliable because of logistical problems brought on by the epidemic. The arrivals will rebound, and the inventory will expand once the epidemic is controlled. The figure below provides further information on the current state of aluminium billet inventories in China: As per the data, inventory in Foshan dropped by 16,300 tonnes W-o-W to reside at 51,200 tonnes. On the same day in Wuxi, a drop of 4,800 tonnes or 45.28 per...

Hydro reports Y-o-Y growth of 34.65% in adjusted EBIDTA due to higher metal prices
The Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy giant Norsk Hydro reported an adjusted EBIDTA of NOK9,721 million in 3Q2022, a growth of 34.65 per cent from NOK7,219 million recorded for the same period last year, resulting in a 12-month rolling Adjusted RoaCE of 27 per cent. Earnings were positively affected by higher all-in metal and alumina prices, CO2 compensation, and favourable currency effects but were partially offset by advanced upstream fixed and raw material costs. However, on a Q-o-Q calculation, Hydro's adjusted EBIDTA recorded a decline of 16.15 per cent from NOK11,594 million in 2Q2022. "Hydro is delivering strong financial results, while continuing to make good progress on our strategic agenda. This, combined with our long-term stable access to raw materials and energy, forms...

Aluminium shortage disrupts license plate production in Nebraska
On Tuesday, October 25, state senators of Nebraska, Curt Friesen and Steve Halloran, updated the Hall County Board of Commissioners on the ongoing aluminium crisis. The scarcity of aluminium can be linked to the problems in the supply chains brought on by the pandemic, which is causing difficulties in producing new license plates. Nebraska is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States and, as per the reports, was expected to receive new license plates in the coming years. Senator Friesen discussed how they opted to deal with the shortages, which ultimately required that 13 counties not receive all their plates at once. He claims that a staged method would now be used to distribute each letter series, which is the best mitigating strategy they examined. "There is about 400,000...

China’s A00 aluminium ingot price grows by RMB90/t; Alumina price inches down by RMB2/t
On Wednesday, October 26, A00 aluminium ingot price in China ascended by RMB 90 per tonne to settle at RMB 18,640 per tonne, with the average prices ranging between RMB 18,620 per tonne and RMB 18,660 per tonne. The spot contract price is expected to be traded at a discount price of RMB 20 per tonne to RMB 20 per tonne. The prices in Shenyang and Tianjin have hiked by RMB 140 per tonne and RMB 110 per tonne to settle at RMB 18,640 per tonne and RMB 18,690 per tonne. In Foshan, the A00 aluminium ingot price grew by RMB 100 per tonne to rest at RMB 18,800 per tonne. On the same day, the prices in Linyi and Wuxi climbed up by RMB 90 per tonne and RMB 80 per tonne to peg at RMB 18,640 per tonne and RMB 18,610 per tonne. As per the SMM data, both Gongyi and Chongqing experienced growth of RMB...

Aluminium built VisionF 80 from the Firstline family is around 24 metres in length
The third hull in the Firstline family from VisionF Yachts, the all-aluminium-built VisionF 80 BLCK, was on display at both the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show. The outside lines of the VisionF 80 BLCK, especially when paired with the matte black painting in the Black Edition, are one of the yacht's most striking features. The external surfaces of a composite boat would get uncomfortably hot as a result, whereas the aluminium hull effectively dissipates surplus heat into the sea. One of their key benefits is the enormous amount of main deck space on catamarans, particularly for family cruising. The VisionF Black Edition is slightly less than 24 metres long, with a maximum beam of 9.9 metres and a shallow draught of 0.80 metres. It has a roomy cockpit area with seating for...

HMD launches new eco-friendly Nokia X30 5G smartphone with 100% recycled aluminium framework
HMD Global, a Finnish company that secured Nokia branding rights in late 2016, introduced a new mid-range smartphone in Thailand titled Nokia X30 5G. The new eco-friendly smartphone comprises recycled materials like aluminium and plastic from the case to the packaging. The rear cover is plastic with 65 per cent recycling, and the aluminium frames are 100 per cent recyclable. Paper from recycled sources made up the entire box and packing. "Consumers are changing their ideas and behaviours, choosing products and services that are friendlier to the environment. We determined a competitive price point and provided quality camera features that are similar to 30,000-baht range smartphones," said Mr Paradorn. HMD Global's business development manager, Paradorn Ramaboot, stated that the company...
