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.
Primary aluminium weekly recap: LME aluminium price hits 16-month low on weak demand; Alcoa curtails production at Norway's Lista aluminium smelter for soaring energy prices
This week, the primary aluminium industry has been in the news for multiple reasons. To begin with, China, the largest user of primary aluminium raw materials worldwide, expressed concern about the likelihood of a global recession and economic stagnation and warned of the prospect of reduced market size. As a result, the industry's purchasing power decreased significantly. Due to this, LME aluminium official price nosedived by US$88.5 per tonne to settle at US$2,406.50 per tonne. Besides this, on Thursday, the LME aluminium benchmark price fell to its lowest level in 16 months as new concerns about poor demand arose in the wake of disappointing economic data. On the other hand, rising energy prices caused Alcoa to reduce the output at the Lista aluminium smelter by one-third. Apart from...
Aluminium billet inventories in China slump by 500 tonnes W-o-W to 119,700 tonnes
On Thursday, September 1, China’s aluminium billet inventories descended by 500 tonnes or 0.41 per cent W-o-W to settle at 119,700 tonnes. All the other regions showed a decrease in inventory, except Foshan. Following the drop in aluminium prices, some small-scale restocking activities were noted. The stockpile of aluminium billets is not anticipated to decrease, given that downstream business orders have not significantly improved. The figure below provides further information on the current state of aluminium billet inventories in China: The inventory in Foshan grew by 3,900 tonnes or 5.46 per cent to settle at 75,200 tonnes from 71,300 tonnes recorded last week. On the other hand, the inventory in Huzhou plunged by 3,000 tonnes or 5.78 per cent, to stop at 16,000 tonnes. In Changzhou...
California University researchers discover hydrogen production using aluminium and gallium alloy
In a novel breakthrough, University of California scientists have developed a special aluminium alloy that produces hydrogen at room temperature by reacting with water. Aluminium is a reactive material that already separates oxygen from water molecules, leaving hydrogen behind. According to Santa Cruz Works, the novel aluminium nanoparticles combine with water to produce hydrogen at room temperature. Aluminium is a very reactive material that produces hydrogen by absorbing oxygen from water molecules. Even though aluminium has a strong affinity with air and forms a protective aluminium oxide layer when it comes into contact with water, it is frequently used in water-based devices due to its quick reaction and lack of risk. The new study uses affordable gallium and aluminium alloy to make...
Novelis to exclude Russian aluminium from key supply deals to its European facilities in the coming years
One of the largest manufacturers of aluminium in the world, Novelis Inc., stated that it will not take Russian aluminium in any prospective new contracts to supply its European facilities in the coming years. This decision might set the tone for future contract discussions throughout the sector. Russia is a major producer of aluminium, nickel, and copper, all of which have not been sanctioned by Europe or the United States. Although many in the industry, particularly in Europe, have avoided Russian metal since the Ukraine invasion, global trade continues through multi-year or annual deals already in place when the conflict began. As one of the world's major aluminium manufacturers, Novelis has placed a bid on 2023 supply to its European plants that prohibits any Russian metal from being...
LME aluminium price hits 16-month low at US$2,306/t on weak demand; SHFE price plunges by US$41/t
LME aluminium opened at US$2,310.5 per tonne on Thursday and closed at US$2,316.5 per tonne, an increase of US$11.5 per tonne or 0.5 per cent. On Thursday, the price of aluminium fell to its lowest level in 16 months as new concerns about poor demand arose in the wake of disappointing economic data. As per the data, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price nosedived by US$62.5 per tonne or 2.63 per cent to settle at US$2,305.50 per tonne and US$2,306 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price also plunged by US$55.5 per tonne or 2.35 per cent to rest at US$2,300.50 per tonne and US$2,301.50 per tonne. December 23 bid price and December 23 offer price tumbled by US$53 per tonne or 2.20 per cent and 2.19 per cent to score at US$2,352 per tonne...
Nanjing Chervon Auto Precision Technology joins ASI as new Industrial User member
Nanjing Chervon Auto Precision Technology Co., Ltd joined Aluminium Stewardship Initiative as its new Industrial User member. Chervon's primary business activities include developing, manufacturing, and selling essential automotive components. A product system focusing on vehicle heat exchange parts, transmission parts, engine parts, and new energy auto components has steadily developed. The business has recently achieved strides in lightweight, electric, and smart cars. The company has developed new system components of motor housings, steering system components, electronic brakes and parking components, etc., with innovative technologies like aluminium alloy welding, lost core casting, precision ring gear manufacturing technology, etc., which will provide a broader space for the...
North American aluminium industry records a year-to-date growth of 6.6% over the first half of 2022
Through the first half of 2022, the North American aluminium industry (U.S. and Canada) recorded a year-to-date growth of 6.6 per cent, said the monthly Aluminium Situation report released by the Aluminum Association. This is an addition to a nearly 8 per cent year-over-year growth predicted for 2021, based on demand levels expected for the first quarter. Since 2021, the Aluminium Association member firms have announced more than $3.7 billion in domestic manufacturing activities, including the first brand-new greenfield U.S. sites. Over $4 billion in new aluminium investments have been reported by other companies in recent months. “We are seeing strong demand and truly unprecedented levels of investment in the U.S. aluminum industry today. America is one of the best places in the world to...
Suntory to use the world’s first 100% recyclable aluminium cans for its limited edition premium malts
Japanese multinational brewing and distilling company Suntory Holdings will be using the world's first 100 per cent recycled aluminium cans for its limited edition of The Premium Malt's CO2 Reduction Can (350ml, 5.5% ABV) and The Premium Malt's "Kaoru" Ale CO2 Reduction Can (350ml, 6% ABV). These cans will be sold in stores across Japan in a limited quantity starting on Tuesday, September 6th. The Suntory Group seeks to foster a circular economy and considers the environmental impact of packaging and containers across the complete product life cycle, from product design through transportation and recycling after consumption. UACJ Corporation and Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd. collaborated to produce industry-first, 100 per cent recycled aluminium cans, which emit 60 per cent less CO2...
A00 aluminium ingot price in China falls by RMB90/t; Domestic price of low carbon aluminium slips by RMB70/t
A00 aluminium ingot price in China has gone down by RMB 90 per tonne to settle at RMB 18,350 per tonne. The average price for the same is expected to range between RMB 18,330 per tonne and RMB 18,370 per tonne, with spot contracts to be traded at a discount price of RMB 60 to RMB 20 per tonne. On Thursday, September 1, the aluminium ingot price in Tianjin descended by RMB 110 per tonne to rest at RMB 18,370 per tonne. The price in Gongyi and Chongqing has decreased by RMB 90 per tonne to settle at RMB 18,270 per tonne and RMB 18,350 per tonne. As per the SMM data, both Shenyang and Linyi experienced the same price cut to stand at RMB 18,350 per tonne and RMB 18,400 per tonne. In Wuxi and Hangzhou, the price slipped by RMB 80 per tonne to stop at RMB 18,340 per tonne and RMB 18,390 per...
LNG-powered world’s largest aluminium catamaran to use Wärtsilä’s 31 dual-fuel engine technology
Touted as one of the largest aluminium catamaran built by Incat, the new high-speed watercraft fuelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) will use engines, waterjets, and fuel storage and delivery systems from the Finnish technology company Wärtsilä. On behalf of Buquebus, the vessel is being constructed at the Incat yard in Tasmania, Australia. With the capacity to accommodate 2,100 passengers and 226 vehicles, the aluminium catamaran will be 130 metres long and 32 metres in width; the ship will travel between Argentina and Uruguay primarily utilising LNG fuel generated at Buquebus' own LNG facility. “This is the first time we will include Wärtsilä engines, and we are excited about the potential they provide. This will be the world’s largest and greenest vessel of its type, and we are very...
Bulgari’s special edition aluminium watch takes inspiration from famous Japanese illustrator Hajime Sorayama
Bulgari, the famous Italian luxury fashion house, is the latest marque to collaborate with the Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama for their Aluminium Sorayama Special Edition watch. This limited edition watch flaunts a gorgeously streamlined, mechanically inspired new style to the brand's sporty neo-retro series. Hajime Sorayama, a Japanese illustrator among the most significant artists of the 1980s, is most known for his realistic, too feminine representations of robots depicted in a dazzling chrome, streamlined modern-inspired manner. The iconic hybrid semi-integrated aluminium bracelet/rubber strap from the aluminium collection is paired with Sorayama special edition watch. The 40mm casing is built of aluminium and rubber, and the crown is constructed of strengthened black titanium. The...
LME aluminium price nosedives over extended weekend by US$88.5/t; SHFE price declines to US$2,670/t
LME aluminium opened at US$2,475 per tonne on Tuesday and closed at US$2,384 per tonne, down $106 per tonne or 4.26 per cent. On Tuesday, August 30, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price plummeted by US$87 per tonne or 3.48 per cent and US$88.5 per tonne or 3.54 per cent, to settle at US$2,406 per tonne and US$2,406.50 per tonne, after a long weekend. China, the largest user of primary aluminium raw materials worldwide, had already expressed concern about the likelihood of a global recession and economic stagnation and the prospect of reduced market size. As a result, the industry's purchasing power decreased significantly. On the same day, 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price dropped by US$80 per tonne or 3.21 per cent and US$80.5 per tonne or...
Snow and Company delivers first-of-its-kind aluminium pilot boat to Savannah Pilots Association
The Savannah Pilots Association of Georgia received a brand-new aluminium pilot boat from Snow and Company, a Washington-based boat-builder. The single-chine, flush-deck Savannah was created by the UK-based naval design firm Camarc. Its dimensions are 64 feet (19.5 metres) in length, 19.5 feet (5.9 metres) in beam, 3.63 feet (1.1 metres) in full load draught, 51 tonnes (46.2 tonnes), with seats for two crew and seven pilots. Aluminium boats have excellent corrosion resistance, making them suited for fresh and saltwater conditions. Aluminium is the best material for shipbuilding. It is also favoured for marine applications like military patrol boats and fast ferries. The boat can travel up to 35 knots thanks to two MTU 12V2000M86 engines that power Hamilton HTX52 waterjets through ZF 3055...
US aluminium scrap exports to Thailand record an expansion of 8,310 tonnes in April’22
Aluminium is a highly durable metal that can be recycled repeatedly without losing its original value. Recycling aluminium conserves 95 per cent of the energy required to produce the same quantity of aluminium from scratch. Compared to steel, the use of aluminium in multiple sectors is increasing rapidly. In response, companies are using aluminium packaging instead of conventional metal packaging. In April 2022, the amount of aluminium scrap exported to Thailand by the United States recorded significant growth. As per the USGS data, the amount settled at 10,300 tonnes for the same month. On M-o-M calculation, a surge of 8,310 tonnes or 471.58 per cent was recorded from 1,990 tonnes in March. In March, a growth of 230 tonnes or 13.06 per cent was seen from 1,760 tonnes in February. On the...
Beck Aluminum joins ASI as a General Supporter member
Beck Aluminum, a global pioneer in selling aluminium worldwide, joined Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) as a General Supporter member. Through its network of authorised suppliers, Beck Aluminum offers aluminium ingot and RSI products of the highest calibre at cost-effective prices throughout North America, providing supply certainty that is unmatched in the industry. “Beck Aluminum joined ASI because its membership will enhance its corporate mission to support its global supply base, diverse market segments and long-term customer relationships in the best way possible. ASl’s performance standards further support Beck Aluminum’s market objectives to responsibly access new markets and forge stronger partnerships in the aluminium recycling industry,” said Geoffrey Beck, Manager at Beck...
China’s A00 aluminium ingot price contracts by RMB400/t to RMB 18,5602/t; Low carbon aluminium price descends by RMB370/t
On Tuesday, August 30, China’s A00 aluminium ingot price dropped by RMB 400 per tonne to settle at RMB 18,560 per tonne. The average price for the same is expected to range between RMB 18,540 per tonne and RMB 18,580 per tonne, with spot contracts to be traded at a discount price of RMB 60 to RMB 20 per tonne. The price in Wuxi and Hangzhou has declined by RMB 400 per tonne, scoring at RMB 18,540 per tonne and RMB 18,590 per tonne. In Foshan and Linyi, the price descended by RMB 370 per tonne to record at RMB 18,420 per tonne and RMB 18,590 per tonne. As per the SMM data, the price in Gongyi and Chongqing plunged by RMB 360 per tonne and RMB 340 per tonne to reside at RMB 18,470 per tonne and RMB 18,540 per tonne. The A00 aluminium ingot price in Tianjin and Shenyang went down by RMB 330...
Sohar Aluminium inks power service contract with GE Gas for 10 years
Four GT13E2 gas turbines and four generators placed at Sohar Aluminium's facility in the Sultanate of Oman will get repairs, maintenance, and components for ten years thanks to a services agreement inked with GE Gas Power (NYSE: GE). For the duration of the deal, GE Digital will also supply its Asset Performance Management (APM) software. Sohar Aluminium's smelter is powered by the electricity generated from the four units, which have a 696 megawatts (MW) capacity. The GE solutions are anticipated to boost unit reliability, expand gas turbine availability, lower costs, and lower operational risks, eventually increasing smelting productivity. “Stable electricity supply is a key input for our manufacturing processes and essential for continuous operations at Sohar Aluminium. The GT13E2...
Alspec joins Australian Aluminium Council as its new member
On Thursday, August 25, Australian Aluminium Council announced the joining of Alspec Aluminium Systems as its new council member. Alspec is a significant player in Australia's downstream aluminium market, offering a wide selection of aluminium systems and products to architects, specifiers, fabricators, builders, and renovators for use in commercial, residential, home improvement, and industrial applications. “We’re looking forward to working closely with The Council and its members to ensure the sustainable production of bauxite, alumina and aluminium and downstream industries. ALSPEC is committed to zero carbon emissions by 2050 and building a smarter, more sustainable future for Australia,” said Paul Nakhele, ALSPEC Managing Director. Alspec is a wholly Australian-owned business with...
