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.
ASI grants Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification to Iberfoil Aragón SLU
On Friday, August 26, Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced that Iberfoil Aragón SLU's rolling and laminating facilities in Sabiánigo, Spain, were accredited with the ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification. Laminated foil and coil are the two commercial divisions of the company. The capacity of the company's foil and coil manufacturing activities is 20,000 tonnes per year and 40,000 tonnes per year, respectively. The goods are intended for usage in various downstream industries, including packaging for pharmaceutical, food, and beverage items, signs, HVAC systems for buildings, and automobiles. The Iberfoil Aragón operation was the subject of an impartial, third-party audit by DNV Business Assurance Services UK Ltd. “We are very proud to be part of ASI, a global...
Rising energy prices lift LME aluminium benchmark price by US$52.5/t; SHFE price climbs up by US$5/t
LME aluminium opened at US$2,430 per tonne last Friday and closed at US$2,490 per tonne, an increase of US$54.5 per tonne or 2.24 per cent. Rising energy prices are affecting the aluminium industry more than ever. As a result, aluminium smelter production costs are also on the rise, which in turn affects aluminium prices. As per the data, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price had augmented by US$51.5 per tonne or 2.10 per cent and US$52.5 per tonne or 2.14 per cent on Friday, August 26. The former closed at US$2,493 per tonne, while the latter settled at US$2,495 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price surged by US$58 per tonne to record at US$2,484.50 per tonne and US$2,485.50 per tonne. On the same day, December 23 bid price and...
Downstream weekly recap: Nissan stops making engine cylinder heads in Sunderland facility; Forging industry in Tamil Nadu is facing challenges due to rising material costs
Downstream products merge to form various end-user utility items or structures, maintaining a steady rush in the sector. Nissan announced the closure of its Wearside cylinder head-making plant, which will disrupt employee statuses around the company, directly affecting 250 jobs. From 2024, the production line of cylinder heads made of cast iron or cast aluminium will be discontinued at the Sunderland facility due to the lapse of an agreement with the French car maker Renault. The forging industry in Tamil Nadu, India's most industrialised state, had been struggling as the cost of raw materials like aluminium, steel, and fuel rose. Despite a rise in demand, the industry still has to contend with higher prices and a lack of raw materials. China's total amount of aluminium billet stockpiles...
Primary aluminium weekly recap: Speira’s German aluminium smelter plans to reduce production by 50% as energy cost bites; European aluminium smelters being victim to energy price surge
This week the global primary aluminium segment witnessed a lot of essential changes. European aluminium smelters have once more increased their output cutbacks. According to Citi analysts, the 4.5 million tonnes of total aluminium production capacity in Europe have decreased by 1 million tonnes since 2021, and another 500,000 tonnes are in jeopardy. Next in line is the European aluminium rolling company Speira, planning to lower the output of its German aluminium smelter to 50 per cent of its maximum capacity by September. Not only this, Talum, a prominent Slovenian firm that specializes in alumina and aluminium products, has lowered its primary aluminium output by 20 per cent of its smelting capacity. However, on a positive note, on Wednesday, August 24, Norsk Hydro announced that the...
Arvida recycling facility to expand Rio Tinto's low-carbon aluminium products
The global mining and metal giant Rio Tinto announced the construction of a new aluminium recycling facility at its Arvida plant in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Quebec. This new investment will cost around C$35 million (US$29 million), with an initial capacity of 30,000 tonnes per year. This investment will make the Anglo-Australian multinational company the first producer of primary aluminium in North America that use recycled post-consumer aluminium into alloys. Rio Tinto's goal to increase low-carbon aluminium production, notably through recycling, and to integrate the circular economy into its value chain will be furthered by this. The aluminium recycling facility at Arvida is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2024. It will help Rio Tinto increase the range of low-carbon...
Aluminium billet inventories in China elevate by 3,900 tonnes W-o-W to 120,200 tonnes
On Thursday, August 25, China’s aluminium billet inventories increased by 3,900 tonnes W-o-W across four major consumption areas to settle at 120,200 tonnes. Except in Foshan, where the inventory dropped after the period of centralised shipments ended. Overall, the power restriction in Sichuan province, where the billet factors have been shut down, impacted the supply of aluminium liquid. With an eye on the development of power restrictions in other locations, it is anticipated that the supply of aluminium billet would decrease. The figure below provides further information on the current state of aluminium billet inventories in China: As per the data, the inventory in Huzhou ascended by 2,000 tonnes or 11.76 per cent, to rest at 19,000 tonnes from 17,000 tonnes recorded a week ago. The...
Foldable e-bike from Svitch boasts forged aluminium alloy 6061 chassis
Svitch, one of India's largest manufacturers of e-bikes, is known for its sleek and smart look, making the bike stand out among the crowd. The Svitch XE+ is the latest addition to their collection. The XE+ model features a forged aluminium alloy 6061 chassis, making it lightweight and robust simultaneously. One of the most widely used and adaptable aluminium alloys on the market is forged aluminium alloy 6061, often known as "alloy61S." This grade is one of the most versatile alloys that have undergone heat treatment. Its tenacity and exceptional corrosion resistance are commonly used for flooring, ramps, and steps. “A normal bicycle runs on the streets at 15 to 20 km/hr. Electric bicycles can run between 20 and 40 km/hr. You’ll eventually feel that thrill,” said Raj Patel, founder of the...
Exorbitant energy prices cause 20% primary aluminium production cut at Talum
Talum, the major Slovenian company specializing in alumina and aluminium products, has reduced its primary aluminium production by 20 per cent of its smelting capacity due to exorbitant energy prices. Power prices in Europe have been rising since the beginning of 2021, making some production sites unviable due to the high energy requirements of aluminium smelting. Reduced production can result in more significant deficits and higher costs for European customers purchasing aluminium for building, packaging, and transportation use. However, this year's predicted recession in Europe will reduce demand, and Chinese smelters have increased production to make up for European losses. Reports suggest that Talum had already curtailed output by 50 per cent while having the capacity to generate...
China’s A00 aluminium ingot price closes the week at RMB18,860/t with a drop; Average alumina spot price inches down by RMB1/t
On Friday, August 26, China's A00 aluminium ingot price went up by RMB 10 per tonne to rest at RMB 18,860 per tonne. The average prices are likely to range between RMB 18,840 per tonne and RMB 18,880 per tonne, with spot contracts to be traded at a discount price of RMB 40 per tonne. As per the SMM data, the A00 aluminium ingot price has changed in only three areas. In Gongyi, the price has drifted downwards by RMB 20 per tonne to settle at RMB 18,740 per tonne, followed by Tianjin and Linyi, where the prices have fallen by RMB10 per tonne to rest at RMB 18,810 per tonne and RMB 18,860 per tonne. However, the price in other provinces has shown no chance. Like in Foshan, the price has stood the same at RMB 18,680 per tonne, followed by in Wuxi, where the price has shown no change to settle...
GIADEC aims to raise US$6 billion to actualize an integrated aluminium industry in Ghana
Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation (GIADEC) believes it can raise nearly US$6 billion in private finance to achieve a unified aluminium sector. It also hopes that the integrated aluminium development plan would help Ghana's packaging, pharmaceutical, electric cable manufacturing, and construction industries reach their full potential. GIADEC is now stepping up efforts to develop a comprehensive aluminium industry in line with the country's renewed commitment to use its bauxite endowments to become an automobile and industrial hub within the continent. The nation initially envisioned an integrated industry shortly after independence. “So, what we have done is that we have broken this up into four projects to make sure that we can bring investors who can take the risk. So we...
Alupro-sponsored Student Starpack Awards winner gets a VIP tour of the R&D centre in Wantage
Jake Inglis, the winner of the Alupro-sponsored category for "personal daily care product and brand" at the 2022 Student Starpack Awards, was given a VIP tour of Crown's cutting-edge R&D centre in Wantage on Thursday, August 18. Jake was joined by judges and given a chance to interact with Crown's creative design innovation team, providing a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes at one of the UK's top package design centres. Jake received £500 in addition to the trip to further his education at Nottingham Trent University. “We were hugely impressed by each of the entries submitted this year, but the ernære prototype really stood out. Jake’s unique design was incredibly well thought out and demonstrated the potential aluminium offers for space-saving, multi-use, practical circular...
US aluminium scrap exports to Mexico augments by 130.49% in April’22
The two main categories of aluminium scrap are "old scrap" from post-consumer usage and "new scrap" from industrial operations. New scrap is produced throughout the semi-fabrication and final manufacture of aluminium goods. Old scrap is defined as goods gathered after consumers' discarding. Because it is profitable, recycling aluminium scrap is a vital part of the aluminium industry. As per the USGS statistics, the United States exported 19,500 tonnes of aluminium scrap to Mexico, which recorded M-o-M augmentation of 11,040 tonnes or 130.49 per cent from 8,460 tonnes in March. In March, a hike of 1,230 tonnes or 17.01 per cent was witnessed from 7,230 tonnes in February. For the same year, in February, the amount expanded by 2,020 tonnes or 38.77 per cent from 5,210 tonnes in January. In...
Strike at Hydro Sunndal finally called off, operations to resume soon
The ongoing labour dispute between Industri Energi and Norsk Hydro ended on Wednesday, August 24. A resolution to the labour dispute over the amendment of the Electrochemical Agreement was reached between Industri Energi and Norsk Industri, which resulted in the cancellation of the strike at Hydro Sunndal. Norsk Hydro’s aluminium smelter in Sunndal western Norway is the largest in Europe and is also a producer of low-carbon aluminium. Around 655 members of the Industry Energi union, who was also a part of Hydro Sunndal, went on a strike on Monday, August 22, due to an ongoing labour dispute. However, as per the latest reports, following the announcement of the resolution between Industri Energi and Hydro, it is expected that the aluminium smelter in Sunndal will begin regular activities,...
LME aluminium benchmark price loses US$16.5/t to US$2422/t; SHFE price mounts to US$2,759/t
LME aluminium opened at US$2,405 per tonne on Wednesday and closed at US$2,426.5 per tonne, down US$1.5 per tonne or 0.06 per cent. On Wednesday, August 24, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price dropped by US$16.5 per tonne or 0.67 per cent to rest at US$2,421.50 per tonne and US$2,422 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price went down by US$3 per tonne or 0.12 per cent to close at US$2,413 per tonne and US$2,414 per tonne. December 23 bid price and December 23 offer price climbed down by US$5 per tonne or 0.20 per cent to peg at US$2,453 per tonne and US$2,458 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock was recorded at 282075 tonnes. Live warrants and Cancelled warrants halted at 183475 tonnes and 98600 tonnes. LME aluminium 3-month Asian...
Ball Aluminum Cup partners with Re:Water for its UK debut
The infinitely recyclable Ball Aluminum Cup is set to hit the UK market this autumn after making a triumphant debut at three Super Bowls and Coldplay's Music of the Spheres US Tours. Ball has teamed up with Re:Water as the exclusive distributor of the cup. This collaboration marks the UK's first widespread distribution of aluminium cups. A classic replacement for single-use plastic and paper cups, these aluminium cups are intended to serve beverages at various locations, including sporting arenas, music festivals, bars, and other public gathering places. The aluminum cups have also received Bronze level Cradle to Cradle certification for their performance in using renewable energy and carbon control. The Ball Aluminum Cup® is a cutting-edge and upscale alternative to single-use containers...
ASI grants Chain of Custody Standard certification to Yunnan YunLv Yongxin Aluminium Co., Ltd.
On Tuesday, August 23, Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced that Yunnan YunLv Yongxin Aluminium Co., Ltd. based in the Yangjie Industrial Park, Yunnan Province, China, received the ASI Chain of Custody Standard V1 (2017) Certification. In September 2021, the facility was granted the Performance Standard Certification by ASI. The application of ASI's CoC Standard establishes a connection between the goods made by ASI Certified Entities and verified processes at various supply chain stages that have been approved under the ASI Performance Standard. Based on hydropower, the plant has an annual production capacity of 300,000 tonnes of primary aluminium. The major products are electrolytic aluminium liquid, re-melted aluminium ingots, casting aluminium alloy, and aluminium bars....
Speira’s German aluminium smelter plans to reduce production by 50% as energy cost bites
Rising energy prices are affecting the aluminium industry more than ever. As a result, Speira, a significant European aluminium rolling firm, is thinking of reducing the production of its German aluminium smelter to 50 per cent of the total capacity. The final decision on the production cut is expected to be taken by September. As per the reports, Speira was once a part of Norsk Hydro ASA, one of the biggest manufacturers of aluminium in the world, which was later sold to KPS Capital Partners last year. Although the German Speira facility can manufacture roughly 160,000 tonnes of aluminium annually, it now only produces about 140,000 tonnes. Aluminium is a metal that consumes the highest amount of energy. However, the rising fuel prices have resulted in the shutting down of many aluminium...
A00 aluminium ingot price in China grows by RMB250/t to RMB 18,820/t; Low carbon aluminium price gains RMB289/t
On Wednesday, August 24, China’s A00 aluminium ingot price has hiked by RMB 250 per tonne to settle at RMB 18,820 per tonne. The average price for the same is expected to range between RMB 18,800 per tonne and RMB 18,840 per tonne, with spot contracts to be traded at a discount price of RMB 40 per tonne to a premium price of RMB 0 per tonne. The price in Foshan and Hangzhou settled at RMB 18,650 per tonne and RMB 18,850 per tonne after witnessing a rise of RMB 280 per tonne and RMB 240 per tonne. On the same day, the price in Gongyi and Wuxi has grown by RMB 230 per tonne to peg at RMB 18,680 per tonne and RMB 18,800 per tonne. As per the SMM data, the price in Chongqing and Tianjin has also increased by RMB 220 per tonne to score at RMB 18,740 per tonne and RMB 18,840 per tonne. The A00...
