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.
Romania’s DRS achieves impressive milestone with 3 billion beverage containers, including aluminium
Across Europe, Deposit Return Systems (DRS) are instrumental in advancing a circular economy for packaging. A collaborative effort involving producers, retailers, the government, and the operator RetuRO yields impressive results in Romania. Results of the DRS Launched in December 2023, Romania's Deposit Return System has recently completed its first full year of operation, showcasing impressive results: Around 200,000 tonnes of packaging were recycled from January to October 2024 Seven counting and sorting centres throughout the country Around more than three billion containers including aluminium, PET, etc have been returned from December 2023 to October 2024 In October 2024, 84 per cent of containers sold in the market were returned through the scheme Around 99 per cent of Romanian...
China Aluminum Cans & Precious Dragon Technology extends partnership with 3-year agreement
Precious Dragon Technology Holdings Ltd. has signed a Master Supply Agreement with China Aluminum Cans Holdings Ltd. for a three-year term beginning in January 2025. This agreement extends their previous supply arrangement and is classified as a continuing connected transaction under the Listing Rules, necessitating approval from independent shareholders and compliance with other regulatory requirements. Image Source- FREEPIK Precious Dragon Technology Holdings Ltd., incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability, is actively engaged in transactions related to aluminium cans and has a strong market presence in this industry. China Aluminum Cans Holdings Ltd is an investment holding company involved in designing, developing, manufacturing, and selling aluminium aerosol cans....
DOE approves $1.45 billion loan guarantee for Hanwha Qcells' solar manufacturing facility in Georgia
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has granted a conditional loan guarantee of US$1.45 billion to Hanwha Qcells, a Korean-owned solar manufacturer, to support the development of its vertically integrated manufacturing facility in Cartersville, Georgia. Image Source: FREEPIK This loan, part of the DOE's Title 17 Clean Energy Financing program, will aid in the construction of a facility with a 3.3GW nameplate capacity. The plant will produce silicon ingots, wafers, cells, and modules, where aluminium is a common metal impurity mixed with silicon wafers. This is added to improve the ability of the devices to conduct electricity. This process is called doping. With this, the plant also aims to become the largest vertically integrated solar manufacturing hub in the U.S. Qcells initially...
Nigeria's aluminium alloy exports reach N682bn in 2024, with Japan & China leading the charge
Nigeria exported aluminium alloy worth N682 billion (441.45 million USD). between January and September 2024, according to an analysis of the Foreign Trade Statistics report from the National Bureau of Statistics. Labelled as unwrought aluminium alloys, the exports comprised ingots, blocks, billets, and slabs. Image Source - Pixaby Quarterly breakdown A quarterly breakdown reveals that – N84 billion (54.69 million USD) was exported in the first quarter (Q1) N480 billion (312.53 million USD) in the second quarter (Q2) N116 billion (75.54 million USD) in the third quarter (Q3) Japan emerged as the largest importer, accounting for N218.3 billion (142.13 million USD of the exports, followed by China with N43.5 billion. Nigeria's thriving aluminium export industry persists despite the...
Worsley Alumina mine expansion project receives approval from WA government
South32 concluded 2024 on a strong note, securing State Government approval for its Worsley Alumina mine development project in Western Australia. On December 20, WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby granted approval for the project following his decision to amend specific conditions previously recommended by the WA Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Image Source - Freepik Worsley Alumina recently earned certifications from the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, affirming its alumina production aligns with global standards for responsible practices. The project extension is anticipated to receive Federal Government approval in early 2025. The Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) WA applauded the WA Government’s decision on Worsley Alumina, with CMEWA Chief Executive Officer Rebecca...
Upstream Weekly Recap: India’s bauxite mining sector witnesses robust growth; China plans alumina refinery in Guinea
Aluminium is an essential component of the global economy, and this week, the upstream sector witnessed some significant events. For instance, India's bauxite mining sector has grown in the non-ferrous segment, achieving an output of 23.93 million tonnes in FY 2023-2024. As of April 2024, production surpassed the previous year by 86 thousand tonnes. Chinese enterprise State Power Investment Corp. (SPIC) generated significant buzz at the start of the year with its announcement of a new heavy-duty alumina refinery in Guinea. This latest initiative follows three successful years of bauxite production in the West African nation. The Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), strategically positioned on India's East Coast, has started the New Year on a high note, showcasing impressive growth. Playing...
C.S. Aluminium achieves ASI Performance Standard V3 recertification for its Kaohsiung facility
C.S. Aluminium Corporation (CSAC), one of Taiwan's largest rolled aluminium product manufacturers, has been successfully recertified with the ASI Performance Standard V3. The certification has been provided for producing aluminium plates, rolls, sheets, and foil at its Siaogang District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan facility. Image Source: ASI website Its diverse portfolio includes aluminium plates, sheets, coils, foil, wire rods, drops, aluminium alloy ingots, zinc alloy ingots, zinc anodes for electroplating, and hot-dip zinc ingots. These products find application across various industries, such as: Transportation: Vessel plates, automotive sheet metal, and transport vehicle bodies. Building Materials: Curtain walls, aluminium cladding, corrugated sheets, and Venetian blinds Food Containers: Can...
Malaysia welcomes Realme GT 7 Pro – a durable flagship device with non-glossy aluminium frame
The Realme GT 7 Pro, launched in Malaysia in November 2024, stands out as a cutting-edge flagship phone and is one of the first to feature a Silicon Anode battery. The Realme GT 7 Pro's frame is crafted from non-glossy aluminium, offering a premium feel and exceptional durability. Image Source: Realme website In the fast-paced world of smartphones, where compactness and durability are paramount, aluminium stands out as a preferred material. As manufacturers push the boundaries of hardware capabilities—incorporating more RAM and high-precision cameras—ensuring lightweight yet sturdy designs becomes essential. Its solid build quality rivals that of other flagship devices, and at just 222 grams, it's lightweight enough for comfortable use over extended periods. Powered by the robust Qualcomm...
Shares of CPC manufacturer Goa Carbon surge owing to Bilaspur unit resumption
Shares of Goa Carbon Ltd, a leading Indian manufacturer of calcined petroleum coke (CPC), a crucial raw material for the aluminium and steel industry, surged by 9.4 per cent on Thursday during trading on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), reaching an intraday high of INR 762.5 per share. The rally followed the company’s announcement that its Bilaspur unit in Chhattisgarh had resumed normal operations. Calcined petroleum coke plays a vital role in refining aluminium and producing graphite. It is primarily used in the manufacture of carbon products such as graphite electrodes and anode arcs. Additionally, it is widely utilised in steelmaking, non-ferrous metal production, and aluminium smelting, making it a critical component across these industries. Reason behind the growth The rise in Goa...
Experts at Chalco's Investment Management Department approve alumina energy-saving project
On Sunday, December 15th, Chalco's Investment Management Department conducted a preliminary design review for the alumina energy-saving and efficiency-enhancing upgrade project at Chinalco Shanxi New Materials. The review, which was done in collaboration with the Finance, Science and Technology Innovation, and Safety, Environment, and Health Departments, required a team of experts to conduct the design review. Image Source: Flickr (Jorge Sá) The experts unanimously approved the preliminary design, signifying a significant milestone in advancing this key project. During the project review meeting, representatives from Shenyang Al-Mg Design and Research Institute and Henan Huahui Design Institute presented the preliminary design. The design covered various aspects including the project...
GLE Scrap Metal strengthens its aluminium recycling capabilities with Mallin Cos. partnership
GLE Scrap Metal Inc., a leading processor and trader of ferrous and nonferrous scrap, has acquired an interest in Mallin Cos. Inc., a Kansas City, Missouri-based scrap recycler. Mallin Cos. a fourth-generation family enterprise with 96 years of operation, runs two aluminium wire recycling lines in Kansas City. Image Source: GLE Scrap Metal The acquisition became effective on December 31, 2024. Both companies are family-owned businesses with rich histories in the recycling industry. The companies state that their longstanding collaboration has fostered a "wonderful working relationship" grounded in shared values and a mutual passion for growth in the recycling industry. They believe this new partnership will enable Mallin Cos. to achieve synergies that enhance competitiveness and reinforce...
USVI’s conservation effort gets a sustainable boost with Tropical Water’s aluminium packaging
With consumer preferences increasingly prioritising sustainability, transparency, and efficiency, aluminium is gaining prominence as the material of choice due to its recyclability, lightweight nature, and ability to maintain product quality. Image Source- Tropical Water As per the latest update, Florida-based MSPFLA, Inc., has formed an exclusive distribution partnership with Caribbean Food Services in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, to wholesale its eco-friendly Tropical Water brand across the USVI (U.S. Virgin Islands). Overall, the aluminium packaging industry saw consistent growth in 2023. Packed in reusable aluminium cans, this partnership supports USVI's conservation efforts by providing the local community, island visitors, retail outlets, and resorts with a sustainable alternative...
Aviation Materials plans to expand the layout of aluminium alloy products with RMB 60 million investment
Aviation Materials Co., Ltd. has announced a capital injection of RMB 60 million into Hexing Aviation Materials using its funds. Following the investment, the company’s shareholding in Hexing Aviation Materials is expected to reach 34.1655 per cent. Hexing Aviation Materials specialises in the research and production of high-strength, high-precision aluminium alloy materials and related products, catering primarily to the nuclear industry, aerospace, and other advanced sectors. This capital increase will raise the registered capital of Hexing Aviation Materials by RMB 4.982 million, fully subscribed by Aviation Materials Co., Ltd. The capital increase aims to strengthen the company’s portfolio of advanced aluminium alloy products while boosting the production capacity and profitability of...
Waaree Energies to supply bifacial solar modules for 150 MW renewable power project
Waaree Energies Ltd., India's largest solar PV module manufacturer and a prominent player in the global energy transition, has announced securing an order to supply solar modules for a major 150 MW renewable power project. According to a company statement, the contract involves delivering Waaree's flagship high-efficiency Glass N-type Topcon bifacial modules, rated at 585/590 Wp. Renowned for their durability, superior energy output, and cutting-edge technology, these modules are a key feature of the project. The order comes from a renowned customer specialising in the ownership, development, and operation of renewable energy projects in India. Waaree, which operates an NABL-accredited testing lab to ensure the highest quality standards, stated that the execution of this project will...
Gravita India shares surge 3% following the launch of its aluminium recycling operations in Ghana
Gravita India Limited is one of the leading global recycling companies known for its expertise in recycling aluminium scrap, used batteries, and lead scrap. More recently, it saw a surge of 3 per cent in its stock during the day's trade. Why the 3% surge The reason behind this stock surge can be attributed to the announcement of the launch of commercial production of recycled aluminium alloys at its new facility in Ghana, West Africa. Operated by its step-down subsidiary, Recyclers Ghana Limited, the plant boasts an initial annual recycling capacity of 4,000 metric tonnes (MTPA) in Phase I, with plans to expand to 8,000 MTPA in future phases. The company has invested approximately INR 6.75 crore in the facility, financed through internal accruals. The plant will process domestic aluminium...
SMM aluminium ingot price expands to RMB19770/t; Alumina price loses RMB23/t
The SMM aluminium market has clocked a growth of RMB 100 per tonne to settle at RMB 19,770 per tonne as of today (January 2, 2025). The prices have grown in all the regions, with the highest in Gongyi and Shenyang, where it has gained RMB 110 per tonne to settle at RMB 19,770 per tonne and RMB 19,880 per tonne. In Linyi the price has surged by RMB 100 per tonne to reside at RMB 19,920 per tonne. On the same day the prices in Foshan and Wuxi have added RMB 80 per tonne to halt at RMB 20,050 per tonne and RMB 19,770 per tonne. In other regions like Hangzhou, Chongqing and Tianjin, the prices have grown by RMB 70 per tonne to settle at RMB 19,790 per tonne, RMB 19,920 per tonne and RMB 19,840 per tonne. The domestic price of low carbon aluminium has hiked by RMB 78 per tonne to arrive at RMB...
Sleek, sustainable & spectacular: The aluminium Custom Line 50 marks its entry in Italy
Custom Line's new 164-foot flagship design has already garnered widespread acclaim, and the shipyard in Ancona, Italy, is witnessing strong customer demand for more. However, the standout feature of the all-aluminium Custom Line 50 highlights the shipyard's refusal to rest on its laurels. Crafted entirely from lightweight aluminium alloy, the hull was designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to achieve optimal hydrodynamic performance. The result is a sleek, efficient vessel that reduces drag enhances stability, and boosts overall performance, ensuring a smooth ride and significantly lower fuel consumption. Furthermore, this model is engineered with sustainability, incorporating reduced weight, advanced hydrodynamics, and recyclable materials to minimize its environmental...
PNNL's ShAPE technology transforms aluminium scrap into high-value alloys
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have developed a groundbreaking method to directly transform and upgrade metal scrap into high-performance, high-value alloys using a technique called "solid-phase alloying." This innovative approach eliminates the need for conventional melting processes. Source - PNNL website Use of ShAPE The research team utilised a PNNL-patented technique known as Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) to achieve these results. Importantly, the researchers emphasised that these findings are likely replicable with other solid-phase manufacturing techniques. The ShAPE process utilises a high-speed rotating die to generate friction and heat, transforming the coarse starting materials into a uniform alloy with...
