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.
Profits at aluminium smelters dwindle by RMB954/t to RMB2590/t
Aluminium smelters' raw material costs were mostly steady last week. The removal of import levies and diminishing local demand drove down thermal coal prices. As of Friday, April 29, the complete cost of smelting dropped by RMB 35 per tonne from a week before to stop at RMB 18,220 per tonne, while profits had plunged by RMB 954 per tonne to RMB 2,590 per tonne. However, because grid power tariffs are fixed monthly, and smelters with captive power plants were digesting already acquired coal, their electricity rates stayed virtually stable for the time being, albeit they may fall in the future. On the one hand, domestic coal prices have returned to a more reasonable range as a whole, which is good news for smelters with captive power plants. Prebaked anode costs, on the other hand, appear...
CASS, Inc. joins ASI as new production and transformation member
On Thursday, May 5, Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced the joining of CASS, Inc. as its new production and transformation member. CASS is a ferrous and non-ferrous metal processor that specialises in converting end-of-life metal products into chlorine-free aluminium. The company is an LME-registered trademark based in Northern California that has been servicing the local and international markets since 1969. Their main aim is to make a positive contribution to the society and also promote a culture that supports sustainable approach to natural resource management. “CASS has been sustainably recycling society’s obsolete metal products & manufacturing 100% recycled, chlorine-free aluminum since 1969. By joining The Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI), we commit to fostering...
American Bubble introduces refillable aluminium bubble container
The American Bubble, a Los Angeles-based bubble manufacturer is the first patent-pending, eco-friendly, long-lasting bubble system created in the United States. The firm introduced its Bubble Tree product in an aluminium bottle that reflected the brand's sustainability and environmental safety ideals. The package was developed in collaboration with Trivium, a metal packaging provider, and was recently honoured with a World Packaging Organization WorldStar Award. According to Chas Aylsworth, Business Development Manager at Trivium Packaging, the bubble composition and the aluminium bottles were evaluated for long-term compatibility. “We knew the bubble market very well and saw that it was only saturated with plastic bottles that aren’t even 100% recyclable,” said Susan Wasserman, founder...
La Bateria Verde, S.A. de C.V. joins ASI as new General Supports member
On Tuesday, May 3, Aluminum Stewardship Initiative announced the joining of La Bateria Verde, S.A. de C.V. as a new member of the General Supporters group. La Bateria Verde, S.A. de C.V. was founded with the goal of providing the industry with non-ferrous metals for the recycling scrap process through a process of segregation, cleaning, and compaction. The goal of generating ecological solutions for the recycling scrap of said non-ferrous metals through the conscious and specialised integration of its people using state-of-the-art technology; and with a mission of fully recycling scrap non-ferrous metals, International marketing (aluminium, copper, bronze, among others). “La Bateria Verde, seeks to achieve the best practices in environmental, safety, social, ethical and financial...
Aluminum Association's latest white paper analyzes progress in the US sheet market for common alloy aluminium
Targeted Trade Enforcement in Action: Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet AD/CVD One Year Later, a new white paper from the Aluminum Association, examines progress made in the US common alloy aluminium sheet market one year after the Commerce Department issued antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders on certain common alloy sheet imports from 16 countries. “We are gratified to see – once again – that targeted trade enforcement works. One year after the Commerce Department and the International Trade Commission took strong action against unfair trade in the U.S. market, the domestic common alloy aluminum sheet market is showing signs of significant recovery,” said Charles Johnson, president & CEO of the Aluminum Association. The Commerce Department's total AD and CVD margins vary from...
LME aluminium price drifts lower by US$127.5/t to US$2911.50 /t; SHFE is closed till Wednesday for May Day
On Tuesday, April 3, LME aluminium cash bid price stood at US$2,911 per tonne, after experiencing a fall of US$127 per tonne or 4.18 percent. For the same day, LME aluminium official settlement price plunged by US$127.5 per tonne or 4.19 percent to peg at US$2911.50 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price had gone down by US$99 per tonne or 3.25 percent to come in at US$2,944 per tonne and US$2,945 per tonne. December 23 bid price and December 23 offer price had also slumped by US$90 per tonne or 3.06 percent to score at US$2,842 per tonne and US$2,847 per tonne. LME aluminium Opening stock was recorded at 577650 tonnes. Live warrants and Cancelled warrants settled at 387725 tonnes and 189925 tonnes. The LME aluminium 3-month Asian Reference Price shrank by 2.41 percent or...
Hydro reports profitable 1Q2022, with adjusted EBIDTA closing at NOK 11,165 million
Norsk Hydro, the Norwegian headquartered global aluminium producer, posted record quarterly earnings for Q1 on Tuesday, April 3. As per the reports, Hydro's adjusted EBITDA grew from NOK 9,011 million in Q4 to NOK 11,165 million in the first quarter of 2022. Higher all-in metal and alumina pricing, stronger extrusion margins and volumes, and improved energy performance all helped to boost adjusted EBITDA. Higher raw material costs negated some of this improvement. In the first quarter, net income from continuing operations was NOK 6,411 million. Net income from continuing operations includes a net foreign exchange gain of NOK 2,379 million, an unrealized gain of NOK 1,418 million on power and raw material contracts, and an unrealized loss of NOK 4,448 million on LME related contracts, in...
Major fire breaks out at an aluminium factory in Seri Kembangan, no casualties reported
On Monday, May 2, a major fire had broken out at an aluminium production factory in Kampung Baru Balakong, Seri Kembangan in Malaysia. The reason behind the fire is still unknown, and no death or injuries were reported. As per the reports, two fire engines were needed to control the raging fire. The second fire engine arrived at the spot at 6:33 pm to assist the current firemen in putting out the raging fire. A total of 12 fire engines were present onsite as the fire was spreading to the nearby industries as well. Residents staying far away have reported sighting thick black smoke rising into the sky as the fire continues to burn. As per the reports, due to the low water current, rescue efforts were becoming difficult. Fire at aluminium plants is not something new. On Wednesday, April 20,...
Ball Corp. to expand its partnership with Sodexo Live! to distribute millions of recyclable aluminium cups at events
On Thursday, April 28, Ball Corporation and Sodexo Live! reported that their multi-year partnership will be expanded to bring millions of infinitely recyclable Ball Aluminum Cups™ to communities visiting major venues and events across the United States and Canada, advancing sustainability efforts in sports and entertainment. This campaign is in line with Sodexo's broader Better Tomorrow 2025 objective of making every day better, safer, and healthier for 75 million customers across the world. It consists of nine-strong pledges aimed at reinforcing the company's responsible conduct culture. Sodexo Live! venues presently contain millions of Ball Aluminum Cups that are available to fans across the United States and Canada. "We are a forward-looking company that is always seeking new ways to...
US monthly aluminium plates, sheets and bars imports reflect fluctuating movement
According to the USGS, a total of 107,000 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and bars was imported to the United States in February 2022. On a month-on-month forefront, a plunge of 5,000 tonnes or 4.46 percent was witnessed. In January 2022 the amount settled at 112,000 tonnes, following m-o-m surge of 3,000 tonnes or 2.75 percent from 109,000 tonnes in December 2021. On m-o-m calculation a slump of 10,000 tonnes or 8.40 percent was recorded from 119,000 tonnes in November 2021. In February 2022 a total of 107,000 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets and bars was imported to the United States, which on a year-on-year calculation augmented by 26,300 tonnes or 32.58 percent from 80,700 tonnes in February 2021. For the entire year of 2021 a total of 1,290,000 tonnes of aluminium plates, sheets...
Fear over impending recession causes US buyers to halt aluminium orders
Aluminium customers in the United States are deferring new orders over the fear of impending recession that may be caused due to increased inflation and deteriorating supply chains. According to numerous persons who trade the lightweight industrial metal, spot trades have taken a break in recent weeks as Russia's invasion of Ukraine contributed to the market's already high wait times and declining demand. Buyers are continuing to get their contractual metal, but recent economic indicators have caused some to delay acquiring more metal for their shipments. A key cause of the delay is the automobile industry's chronic semiconductor shortages, which are preventing carmakers from reaching full capacity. According to data from the Aluminum Association, the car sector consumes 31% of all...
Nemak reports $1131 million sales in Q122, up from 8.9% Y-o-Y following higher aluminium prices
Nemak, a multinational automobile components manufacturer based in Garca, Mexico, announced $1,131 million in sales in the first quarter of 2022, up 8.9% year over year due to higher aluminium prices. Nemak has recently expanded into the field of structural components and electric car components. Nemak intends to build three new factories in Europe and North America to meet the joining and assembly needs of these goods, with an estimated total expenditure of over $200 million. Nemak also got contracts of roughly $390 million per year in 1Q22, out of which 90 percent of the sum represented new business to manufacture parts for completely electric automobiles. The Company was selected GM Supplier of the Year for the 20th time on March 17, cementing its position as one of the most well-known...
Primary aluminium weekly recap: Steady power supply in Yunnan propels China Shenhuo to increase aluminium production; The European Aluminium Association and energy experts call for a bold EU energy agenda
On April 25, the benchmark aluminium price for SHFE declined by US$145 per tonne to US$3,239 per tonne, then falling another US$68 per tonne to US$3,171 per tonne on April 26. The price fell further on Wednesday, April 27, to US$3,168 per tonne, before rising by $5 per tonne the next day to US$3,173 per tonne. On the other hand, A00 aluminium ingot price opened the week on Monday, April 25, with a plunge to record at RMB 20,950 per tonne, which further declined the next day by RMB 210 per tonne to settle at RMB 20,740 per tonne. Due to the stable power supply in Yunnan province, Henan Shenhuo Coal & Power Co Ltd announced this week that it plans to increase output to 900,000 tonnes, the unit's full capacity, by the end of this month. Shenhuo is a well-known Chinese aluminium manufacturer....
Downstream weekly recap: AMAG reports highest quarterly earnings for 1Q2022 with a 60% hike in revenue; Press Metal will pay RM 27 million tax to settle scores with Inland Revenue Board
The global aluminium industry's most crucial, downstream segment remained highlighted due to some of the potential news. To begin with, AMAG achieves the greatest quarterly profitability in 1Q2022, with revenue up 60 percent. The largest firm in the Austrian aluminium manufacturing sector, AMAG Austria Metall AG, has announced ongoing excellent results for the first quarter of 2022, which concluded on March 31. Malaysian Press Metal Aluminium said that the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) has granted a "amicable settlement" with its Sarawak subsidiary for extra instalments from 2014 to 2019. AMAG Austria Metall AG's fully owned subsidiary, AMAG components, which has been working successfully with Ruag Aerostructures for many years and has its headquarters in Übersee am Chiemsee in Germany, has...
Alumina weekly recap: Rio Tinto and Innord Inc. come together for developing bauxite residues iron phase product; KM Birla and AP Chief Minister inaugurate Grasim Industries’ Chlor-Alkali project
The global alumina industry had witnessed limited but significant number of events. To begin with, Alpha HPA (A4N), based in New South Wales, Australia, has been awarded a $15.5 million grant from the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. Rio Tinto Plc has agreed to engage into a development agreement with Innord Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Geomega Resources Inc., for a bauxite residues iron phase product. Also, Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, and Kumara Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, inaugurated the Grasim Industries Limited caustic soda production plant at Balabhadrapuram, East Godavari district, on Thursday, April 21. According to the Indian Industrial Value Chain Council (IIVCC), the group...
Abu Jinapoor attracts potential investors for Ghana’s bauxite and aluminium industry
On Wednesday, April 27, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor (MP), Minister of Lands and Natural Resources announced that aluminium has been globally identified by the government as a critical commodity for the energy transition initiative. The announcement was made while he was leading a Ghanaian delegation to this year's Bauxite and Alumina Conference in Miami, Florida, United States of America. Ghana has tremendous prospects for those willing to invest in the downstream. The purpose of the conference was to promote Ghana's Integrated Aluminium Industry and to sell Ghana's strategy to push integration and value addition processes throughout the bauxite to the aluminium value chain. Hon. Jinapor told the investment community that Ghana is ready for business because of its open society, thriving...
Aludyne joins ASI as a new industrial users member
On Thursday, April 28, ASI announced the joining of Aludyne as its new industrial users member. Aludyne is a prominent global, vertically integrated manufacturer of cast and machined automotive components made of aluminium, magnesium, and iron, as well as specialized engineering and production solutions for safety-critical goods. The company provide creative solutions to challenging mobility issues with a vertically integrated footprint, extensive experience in lightweight materials and technologies, and a customer-centric approach to service. “Joining ASI is a key milestone on our sustainability journey. Aludyne is committed to making a meaningful impact toward casting a greener future. We strive to continue to be at the forefront of new industry standards and set the bar for responsible...
China’s aluminium billet inventory plunges by 9.88% W-o-W to 105,900 tonnes
China’s aluminium billet inventory had fallen by 9.88 per cent W-o-W to settle at105,900 tonnes as of Thursday, April 28. The epidemic hampered transportation and downstream purchases in east China. Overall due to downstream restocking, social inventories are likely to fall more after the vacation. More information on the present situation of aluminium billet inventory in China may be found in the chart below: In Foshan, the inventory had plunged by 1000 tonnes to settle at 45,500 tonnes. For the same day in Wuxi, the had plunged by 10,520 tonnes to peg at 27,780 per tonne. Wuxi's transportation efficiency improved somewhat, and downstream manufacturers replenished as needed in preparation for the approaching Labour Day vacation. In Foshan, downstream consumption was slow, leading local...
