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.
China’s average alumina spot price opens the week on Monday with a slight increase of RMB 4/t
The average alumina spot price has opened the week on Monday, March 28, with an increase of RMB 4 per tonne to close at RMB 2,977 per tonne, found the Shanghai Metals Market. For the same day in Shandong, the price has inched up by RMB 10 per tonne to total at RMB 2,960 per tonne. However, in other provinces like Henan, Shanxi, and Guizhou, the price has stood unchanged to peg at RMB 3,000 per tonne, RMB 2,965 per tonne and RMB 2,975 per tonne. In Guangxi, Lianyungang and Bayuquan, the price has also showed no change to score at RMB 2,970 per tonne, RMB 3,425 per tonne and RMB 3,525 per tonne. The A00 aluminium ingot price has fallen by RMB 90 per tonne to peg at RMB 22,900 per tonne. The average price for the same is expected to orbit between RMB 22,880 per tonne and RMB 22,920 per...
Downstream weekly recap: ASI certifies UAJC Corporation’s aluminium rolling facilities; Egyptian extrusion firm Delemar Aluminium plans to double its investment
The downstream sector of the aluminium industry witnessed limited number of events. As a result of the war, the metal industries have been affected the most. The global aluminium downstream sector started the week with the news of Novelis, announcing the launch of Novelis HRC57S®, a new, anodising grade aluminium product comprising more than 90% recycled scrap. Also, according to Mahmoud Haroun, the CEO of Egypt's largest aluminium extrusion business, Delemar, the company expects to treble its investments in the local market over the next five years and increase its exports to 40% in 2022, up from 20% in 2021. Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced on 21st March the grant of certification to UACJ in the aspect concerning Performance Standard (provisional) and Chain of Custody...
Primary aluminium weekly recap: US, UK end their 4 year-long aluminium and steel tariff dispute; India’s domestic coal supply to aluminium smelters decline further
The world's primary aluminium segment witnessed a lot of sporadic but evident changes this week. On the market forefront, the benchmark aluminium SHFE price had been trending downward this week, except for a few infrequent rises. The LME aluminium benchmark price on Monday, March 21 had moved up by US$137.50 per tonne to US$3,518 per tonne, which on Tuesday had gone up by US32.50 per tonne to peg at US$3,550.50 per tonne. On the other hand, China’s Hongqiao Group reported 33% higher revenue in CY2021, amidst the uncertain COVID pandemic condition. Apart from this, the British Safety Council awarded Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world's largest aluminium producer outside of China, the coveted International Safety Award - Merit for its constant dedication to keeping its workers safe...
Meta accomplishes construction of Havhingsten aluminium power subsea cable system, outperforming copper
Meta, the parent company of Facebook on Thursday, March 24, announced the completion of Havhingsten subsea cable system construction, the world’s first aluminium conductor driven cable system. For this Meta collaborated with Aqua Comms, Bulk Fiber Networks and Alcatel Submarine Networks ("ASN"). The subsea cable will improve communication across Europe and Nordics. The Havhingsten cable system connects Dublin, Ireland, to Blackpool, England, on the United Kingdom's west coast, with a portion extending to the Isle of Man and Seaton Sluice, Northumberland, to Denmark. This new route gives businesses, carriers, and hyperscalers more options for network architecture while also providing the lowest latency between Dublin and the Nordic region. The Havhingsten subsea cable system will also...
Safespill to receive aluminium extrusion line from Kautec Solutions to amplify productivity
Kautec Solutions, a specialised manufacturer and seller of all types of aluminium extrusion equipment has joined hands with Safespill, the world’s leading provider of ecologically friendly fire protection solutions. The deal will supply Safespill with a highly automated aluminium extrusion line, which will amplify the productivity of Safespill floor production. Kautec will upgrade its end-to-end solutions for new builds and current retrofits of commercial and US military aircraft hangars. The system will be installed in early 2023 at Safespill’s headquarters in Houston, Texas, and will be completely operational by the middle of the year. Safespill's prompt and effective delivery of Safespill floors, also known as ILDFAs, will be solidified by around-the-clock manufacturing capabilities...
China fears of secondary sanctions for supporting Russia with alumina supply
On March 20, in response to the Ukraine-Russia standoff, the Australian government had imposed a ban on the export of alumina, bauxite and other commodities to Russia. As a result, some industry analysts believe that Russia may now seek help from China for the alumina supply. However, Chinese aluminium smelters require the complete feedstock they can get and are apprehensive about sending alumina to Russia over the fear of falling under the sanction radar from the western world. The embargo has already put the Russian aluminium under pressure, as the company receives about 19% of its alumina supply from Queensland Aluminium (QAL) in Australia, where it holds a 20% ownership stake. The news about Russia looking for alumina from China is still not confirmed, observers believe the scale of...
Average alumina spot price in China inches up by RMB3/t to RMB 2973/t; A00 aluminium ingot price slips by RMB170/t
On Friday, March 25, the average alumina spot price has inched up by RMB 3 per tonne to score at RMB 2,973 per tonne. According to the Shanghai Metals Market, the price in Guizhou and Guangxi has climbed up by RMB 10 per tonne to peg at RMB 2,975 per tonne and RMB 2,970 per tonne. For the same day in Shandong, the price has moved up by RMB 30 per tonne to score at RMB 2,950 per tonne. However in some other provinces like Henan, Shanxi, Lianyungang and Bayuquan the price has stayed uninterrupted to come in at RMB 3,000 per tonne, RMB 2,965 per tonne, RMB 3,425 per tonne and RMB 3,525 per tonne. According to SMM, the A00 aluminium ingot price has plummeted by RMB 170 per tonne to total at RMB 22,990 per tonne, with average prices likely to range between RMB 22,970 per tonne and RMB 23,010...
China’s billet inventories decline by 13.85% W-o-W to score at 151,900 tonnes
China’s Aluminium billet inventory has been following the downward trend since February 24. As of Thursday, March 24, the inventory has plummeted by 24,400 tonnes or 13.85 percent W-o-W to register at 151,900 tonnes. According to SMM, the market must closely monitor how the current increase in aluminium pricing, as well as COVID reduction initiatives, would affect downstream consumption. With pandemic under control, stockpiles of aluminium billets are projected to decline next week also. The chart below indicates the current status of aluminium billet inventories across China in more detail: In Foshan the inventory has declined by 7,200 tonnes to come in at 76,200 tonnes. A substantial drop has been noticed in Wuxi by 22,700 tonnes to close at 28,300 tonnes. The drop in Wuxi was mostly...
Anglesey Aluminium plant gets new patron to continue construction, says Orthios
After gaining additional funding, a recycling enterprise that is rebuilding already shut-down aluminium plant claims it is planning to settle "outstanding invoices" of the already shut down Anglesey Aluminium plant. After smelting ceased in 2009, Orthios acquired the old Anglesey Aluminium plant near Holyhead in 2016. Anglesey Aluminium was a joint venture between Rio Tinto and Kaiser Aluminium. However, in September 2009, the Anglesey Aluminium plant was shut down, as they failed to achieve a reduced energy arrangement. The decision was taken jointly by co-owners Rio Tinto Group and Kaiser Aluminium. Orthios had previously stated its intention to construct a 299 MW plant as well as hydroponic and aquaculture centres, however, finance for these projects got terminated. The company, on the...
QAL unleashes caustic spray of chemical onsite following equipment malfunction
Queensland Alumina Limited, one of the largest alumina refineries by alumina output capacity, on Tuesday unleashed a caustic spray of chemical following an equipment breakdown at Gladstone, central Queensland. The matter is being investigated by the Department of Environment and Science, according to which a high-pressure pipe bearing sodium hydroxide collapsed overnight on Tuesday, releasing the toxic spray over the sight and into the neighbourhood. Queensland Alumina Limited stated that none was hurt due to the chemical leak and after looking into the scope of the spray, they also revealed that the effects were expected to be limited. However, Department of Environment and Science is investigating the matter to decipher the reason behind the incident. According to Glenn Butcher,...
Chalco’s net profit reaches a new high at RMB5.08 billion, buoyed by aluminium price rally
Owing to the increased alumina and aluminium prices and increased output, Aluminium Corp. of China or Chalco's net profit in 2021 was bolstered by 564.6 per cent Y-o-Y to a 14-year high. In the 12 months ending Dec. 31, 2021, the world's largest alumina producer had a net profit of RMB 5.08 billion ($797 million), more than six times greater than the RMB 764.3 million in 2020. Every year, earnings per share increased 853 per cent to RMB 0.29 from RMB 0.03 but fell short of Visible Alpha's mean projection of RMB 0.32. Revenue increased 45 per cent year over year to RMB 269.75 billion, above the Visible Alpha consensus forecast of RMB 246.96 billion. According to Chalco, the company was able to source supply and alter output to limit the impact of power outages and the COVID-19 outbreak,...
Novelis recycles record-breaking 2 million aluminium cans, equal to planting 340 million trees per year
Novelis, one of the world’s largest recyclers of aluminium and a global pioneer in the development of new aluminium goods and solutions, has recycled a total of 133.3 billion aluminium cans since its inception in 2012. On Monday, March 21, Novelis announced its record-breaking news of recycling a total of two million aluminium cans in its Yeongju, Korea, recycling plant. As we all know how harmful CO2 is for our environment, Novelis’s achievement of recycling this many cans has resulted in saving 20 million tonnes of carbon emission (CO2), which is the equivalent of planting 340 million trees every year. Recycling aluminium cans helps to reduce environmental impact by lowering energy use and natural resource extraction. When compared to creating new aluminium from mined resources,...
Canada’s aluminium scrap exports to US display irregular progress between Q1-Q4 2021
According to the USGS data, in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2021 US shipped a total of 94,100 tonnes of aluminium scrap from Canada. On a Q-o-Q difference, there was a slump of 11,900 tonnes or 11.22 percent from 106,000 tonnes in Q3 2021. In December 2021, Canada shipped a total of 29,700 tonnes of aluminium scrap to the United States, which on a month-on-month forefront declined by 900 tonnes or 2.94 percent from 30,600 tonnes in November 2021. On the other hand, Q2 vs Q3 data shows a huge jump of 36,763 tonnes or 53.09 percent from 69,237 tonnes in the second quarter of 2021. In the third quarter (Q3) a total of 106,000 tonnes of US aluminium scrap was imported from Canada. As per the USGS statistics, in the second quarter of 2021 Canada’s aluminium export to the US closed at 69,237...
China’s A00 aluminium ingot price soars up by RMB 150/t; Aluminium alloy (A356) price hikes by RMB150/t
China’s increased cases of Coronavirus had caused the A00 aluminium ingot price to slip by RMB 220 per tonne on Tuesday, March 22. However, on Wednesday, March 23, the price has soared up by RMB 150 per tonne to close at RMB 22,920 per tonne, found the Shanghai Metals Market. The average prices are estimated to orbit between RMB 22,900 per tonne and RMB 22,940 per tonne, with spot contract to be traded at a premium price of RMB 90-50 per tonne. The highest increase can be seen in Gongyi, where the price has escalated by RMB 180 per tonne to register at RMB 22,800 per tonne, followed by a surge of RMB 160 per tonne to close at RMB 22,950 per tonne. In Hangzhou and Chongqing, the price has escalated by RMB 150 per tonne to close at RMB 22,920 per tonne and RMB 22,840 per tonne. For the same...
Magna BDW technologies receives ASI Performance Standard Certification
On Tuesday, March 22, Magna BDW technologies have been successfully accredited with ASI Performance Standard Certification with a focus on Material Stewardship for its automotive sector at Markt Schwaben factory in Germany. Following Magna PT B.V. & Co. KG, which received Performance Standard Certification in October 2021, it is the second Magna Group subsidiary to get ASI Certification. High-pressure aluminium casting of car body structure components, such as pillars, shock towers, and floor rails, is the primary activity of the Markt Schwaben complex. Complex forms, great product durability, and effective integration with mating components may all be produced using the high-pressure casting technique. SZI GmbH conducted an impartial third-party audit of the Magna BDW technologies GmbH...
Alcoa complete its US$47 capital project to improve the infrastructure of Deschambault aluminium Smelter
Alcoa Corporation global leader in bauxite, alumina and aluminium products announced the completion of its most waited project in Quebec, Canada, which is expected to enhance the stability, efficiency and output of the Deschambault aluminium smelter. The smelter has completed the installation of new electrical infrastructure, which was part of a $47 million capital investment to assist the plant enhance its operations. A third electrical transformer was installed as a part of the project to supply greater amperage to the smelting pots and boost metal output. In addition, the enhanced environmental equipment of the plant will allow it to retain environmental compliance when it expands aluminium output in the coming years. The Canadian government pledged a CA$10 million investment to the...
Taiwan’s aluminium scrap imports from US show steady growth in H2 2021
Taiwan’s aluminium scrap imports from the United States in the second half of the fiscal year (H2) augmented by 5,160 tonnes or 35.14 percent from 14,680 tonnes in H1. In the second half of the fiscal year, US exported a total of 19,840 tonnes of aluminium scrap to Taiwan. In December 2021, Taiwan’s aluminium scrap imports from the United States highlighted a jump of 830 tonnes or 20.75 percent to peg at 4,830 tonnes. In November, Taiwan’s aluminium scrap imports from the US settled at 4,000 tonnes, up by 320 tonnes or 8.69 percent from 3,680 tonnes in October. For the same year in September, US exported 2,480 tonnes of aluminium scrap to Taiwan, showing a growth of 1,200 tonnes or 48.38 percent in October 2021. In October, a total of 3,680 tonnes of US aluminium scrap was exported to...
Yunnan Shenhuo resumes 220,000 tonnes of aluminium capacity as power crisis eases
Yunnan is home to around 10% of China's aluminium production capacity. In May 2021, the province was plagued by drought as a result of the Yunnan government had adopted initiatives to minimise the electrical consumption of aluminium smelters in the province. However, as per the latest reports, Yunnan's electricity crisis has lessened since the beginning of 2022, since water availability has been greater than typical throughout the dry season. Yunnan Shenhuo Aluminium resumed 220,000 tonnes of aluminium capacity due to a better power supply. The remaining 150,000 tonnes of additional aluminium capacity was just placed into service by the corporation. By the end of April, a total of 900,000 tonnes of aluminium capacity is expected to be put into service. Yunnan Electricity Grid has restored...
