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.
Bizongo signs MoU with NALCO to meet the rising demand for aluminium via BizongoBuy
In a significant partnership aimed at transforming India's B2B eCommerce landscape, Accel and IFC-backed Bizongo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) and one of the country's largest producers of bauxite, alumina, aluminium, and power. Purpose of the MoU signed Through its advanced B2B eCommerce platform, BizongoBuy, and embedded finance solutions, BizongoFin, Bizongo will distribute a variety of non-ferrous products from NALCO, including ingots, T. ingots, sows, billets, and wire rods. This partnership aims to meet the growing demand for aluminium across industries such as power, engineering, transportation, construction, wires and cables, and extrusion. Sachin Agrawal,...
Fiji’s Maritime Authority to remove abandoned bauxite vessels from Naiviqiri Jetty
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has confirmed that the removal of two derelict bauxite vessels from the Naiviqiri jetty in Bua is set to take place soon. MSAF Chief Executive Joeli Cawaki shared this update with FBC News, noting that the vessels are among those prioritised for removal due to safety concerns and potential environmental risks to the nearby fishing grounds, which support several coastal villages in Naiviqiri. The ships, formerly used to transport bauxite, have been abandoned at the jetty since mining operations ceased in Nawailevu, Bua. While MSAF is fully aware of the situation, some final steps still need to be completed before removing the vessels. "The two ships in Naiviqiri will be removed; it is in our lists, so this also applies to all other derelict...
Hydro scales back ownership in Vianode to 19.9%, cancels put option with Altor
Hydro has decided to reduce its stake in Vianode, a synthetic graphite producer based in Norway, from 30 per cent to 19.9 per cent. On September 6 , private equity fund Altor exercised a put option requiring Hydro to buy an additional 20 per cent of Vianode. However, this transaction did not proceed. Instead, Hydro and Altor reached an agreement to cancel the put option, and Hydro subsequently sold 10.1 per cent of its shares in Vianode to Altor. As a result, Hydro now holds 19.9 per cent of Vianode and will be stepping down from its position on the company's Board of Directors.A put option is a financial contract that grants the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to sell a specified quantity of an asset at a set price, known as the strike price, within a predetermined time frame...
Boosting aluminium-ion battery innovation for sustainable energy storage with Sakuu® and ELEQTRION’s latest alliance
Sakuu®, a leading provider of commercial-scale battery manufacturing equipment and technology, has announced a joint development agreement with ELEQTRION, a Quebec-based innovator in aluminium-ion battery technology. The collaboration will capitalise on Kavian’s cost-effectiveness and reduced carbon footprint to drive advancements in sustainable energy. By combining Sakuu’s Kavian™ platform with ELEQTRION’s specialised battery electrodes, the partnership aims to accelerate the development of aluminium-ion batteries for a range of applications, from small to large-scale energy storage and e-mobility solutions. As global demand for reliable and sustainable energy storage continues to rise, the development of alternative battery chemistries has become essential. Robert Bagheri, founder and...
South Africa's largest aluminium smelter signs 15-year lease agreement with TNPA
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has entered into a 15-year lease agreement with South32 Hillside Aluminium, ensuring the continued operations of South Africa's sole primary aluminium producer at the Port of Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. Hillside, the largest aluminium smelter in the southern hemisphere, produces high-quality primary aluminium for both domestic and international markets. "The Hillside Aluminium 15-year lease agreement is facilitated through a process stipulated in Section 79 (1) of the National Ports Act No 12 of 2005, which empowers TNPA to control land use within the port in alignment with the Port Development Framework Plan (PDFP)," said the company. TNPA stated that the premises are designated for commercial and industrial use, aligning with strategic...
First of its kind in Europe: Mercedes-Benz launches its in-house EV battery recycling facility in Kuppenheim
In March 2023, Mercedes-Benz symbolically laid the foundation stone for its cutting-edge recycling plant in Kuppenheim, marking a strategic step towards sustainable practices. However, as per the latest information, on Monday, October 21, Mercedes-Benz made history by opening the first in-house electric vehicle battery recycling plant in Europe (Kuppenheim, southern Germany). With a 96 per cent recovery rate—where the remaining 4 per cent is lost due to the electrolyte liquid—the plant handles every stage of the battery's lifecycle. This includes module shredding, drying, and the treatment of active materials through a 'mechanical-hydrometallurgical' process. This method mechanically separates aluminium, plastic, copper and iron, resulting in a substance known as 'black mass.' The black...
AMP – Europe & BNZ advances sustainability goals with 12-year renewable energy partnership
Ardagh Metal Packaging-Europe (AMP-Europe), a division of Ardagh Group, has entered into a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with BNZ in Portugal. This agreement, set to begin in 2026 and lasting for 12 years, will secure 146 GWh per annum of renewable electricity certificates, which are anticipated to offset around 50 per cent of AMP-Europe's energy consumption across the continent. David Spratt, CEO of AMP-Europe, said, "We are delighted to partner with organisations like BNZ that share our commitment to accelerating a clean energy transition. This vPPA marks a significant milestone in the expansion of our vPPA portfolio in Europe and is a major step towards AMP's CO2 reduction and renewable electricity goals". Schneider Electric, a prominent advisor in corporate renewable energy...
Chinalco Qingdao Light Metal secures patent for its aluminium ash pre-treatment device
According to the China National Intellectual Property Administration, Chinalco Qingdao Light Metal Co., Ltd. has obtained a patent titled "A Lump Aluminum Ash Pretreatment Device," with the authorisation announcement number CN 221753487 U. The application was submitted in February 2024. The patent abstract indicates that this utility model relates to the processing of massive aluminium ash. It features a pre-treatment device that includes a conveying trough equipped with both a second crushing roller and a first crushing roller. Triangular grinding teeth are fixed to the side surfaces of these rollers. The device also incorporates belts tensioned around two pulleys, a knocking component at the bottom of the conveying trough, and a limiting component at one end of the knocking mechanism....
Sichuan Zhongfu factory celebrates the groundbreaking ceremony of its 20MW photovoltaic project
On September 26th, the groundbreaking ceremony of the much-awaited 20MW photovoltaic project was held at the Sichuan Zhongfu factory area. This ambitious project will utilise approximately 180,000 square meters of rooftop space from the Sichuan Zhongfu factory, with a total investment of around RMB 70 million and an anticipated installation capacity of 20MW. Upon completion, the project is expected to generate about 15 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, equivalent to saving over 1,800 tons of standard coal each year. Once connected to the grid, this initiative will further reduce the carbon footprint of the company’s products and enhance the green credentials of the aluminium industry supply chain. The event was attended by notable figures, including Ren Huaxian, Deputy...
Redefining outdoor living with Vision Art Aluminum’s newly launched bespoke sunrooms and pergolas
Vision Art Aluminum, a leader in premium outdoor solutions, proudly introduces its custom-designed sunrooms and pergolas, crafted to transform outdoor spaces for both homeowners and businesses. With a focus on quality, innovation, and personalized service, Vision Art Aluminum is redefining the beauty and functionality of outdoor living. The company’s sunrooms and pergolas are built using the highest-grade materials, including premium German hardware and top-quality aluminium, to ensure exceptional durability and lasting elegance. Each structure is expertly engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions while enhancing energy efficiency, offering year-round comfort and beauty. “Our team of skilled designers collaborates closely with each client to create stunning sunrooms and elegant...
Viva ACP ropes in Anil Kapoor as its first-ever celebrity brand ambassador
Viva, a prominent player in the Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) industry, has roped in Anil Kapoor as its first-ever brand ambassador, marking a significant moment in the industry. Viva is the first brand in the sector to collaborate with a celebrity of Kapoor's prominence. Actor Anil Kapoor said, "Partnering with Viva ACP is a unique opportunity for me to associate with a brand that exemplifies innovation and durability. I'm impressed with their forward-thinking approach towards cladding and their ability to redefine spaces with cutting-edge designs. Viva ACP's products represent a perfect balance of aesthetics and functionality, and I'm excited to be part of a brand that's making a significant impact in both the national and international markets." The company is on a spree of unlocking...
China Resources Recycling Group debuts with Chalco, Minmetals and Baowu as major shareholders
A new state-owned enterprise (SOE) in the People's Republic of China (PRC) called China Resources Recycling Group Co. Ltd. (CRRG) has been launched to create a national platform for recycling and reusing resources. The reports show three of CRRG's key shareholders are prominent metal producers: the Aluminum Corporation of China (Chalco), China Minmetals Corp, and Baowu Steel Group. SOEs dominating certain sectors Over the past three decades, China's steel, aluminium, and copper industries have become the largest globally. While state-owned enterprises (SOEs) dominate certain sectors, private companies and entrepreneurs have played a more prominent role in others. The steel industry, for instance, is primarily controlled by SOEs, and these state firms also hold a significant share of the...
Jiayu New Materials hits 10,000 tonnes milestone in double-zero foil sales, exceeding targets
Jiayu New Materials Company has recently tackled numerous production challenges and, after extensive trials, successfully established a process route for producing high-performance double-zero foil blanks. A low pinhole rate and exceptional plate-type accuracy characterise these blanks. "Double zero aluminium foil is one of the high-end products of aluminium processing products, the thickness is less than 1/10 of the hair, because the thickness of the finished product is extremely thin, any inclusions and phases greater than 0.005mm inside the material may increase the pinhole rate on the surface of the material, and too high pinhole rate is easy to cause broken tape," said Wang Xiaogang. The company has delivered 15,277 tonnes to leading domestic manufacturers of double-zero foil. This...
Upstream weekly recap: Rio Tinto reports 8.6% surge in Q3 bauxite output; Alcoa reports robust financial output outpacing operational challenges
This week, the upstream sector of the aluminium industry, comprising bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminium, witnessed some important events. One of the notable events would be the alumina price exceeding the RMB 4500 mark, breaking all the records of the past thirteen years. The alumina prices have been on the rise incessantly since August. Apart from this, two major companies in the aluminium industry, Rio Tinto and Alcoa, announced their financial results for Q3. As per the reports, Rio Tinto's bauxite output reached 15.1 million tonnes, marking a 2.7 per cent increase quarter-on-quarter from 14.7 million tonnes and an 8.6 per cent rise year-on-year from 13.9 million tonnes. Alcoa reported a sharp rise in net income, climbing from $20 million in Q2 2024 to $90 million in Q3 2024,...
China Nonferrous Metals Association sets new standard for green & low-carbon aluminium
To promote green aluminium consumption and advance the sustainable, low-carbon development of the aluminium industry, the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association and the China Nonferrous Metals Society issued the group standard T/CNIA 0245-2024, titled "Evaluation and Traceability Guide for Green and Low-Carbon Aluminum," on June 27, 2024. Following this, the Green Product Evaluation Centre of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association has enhanced the evaluation process, created a materials list, and finalised all preparations for assessing green, low-carbon aluminium. From October 8, 2024, aluminium industry production enterprises can submit green and low-carbon aluminium evaluation applications to the evaluation centre. Under the newly issues standard Ma Cunzhen, chairman of...
Alcoa Canada welcomes Gaby Poirier as the President and Global Transformation VP
Alcoa Corporation is proud to announce Gaby Poirier's appointment as President of Alcoa Canada and Vice President (VP) of Global Transformation. In his new role, Mr Poirier will also continue as Regional Vice President of North America Operations and represent Alcoa on the Board of the Aluminium Association of Canada. As President of Alcoa Canada, he will serve as the company's primary liaison for government and institutional relations, overseeing the Deschambault, Bécancour, and Baie-Comeau smelters and the Canadian head office in Montreal. Gaby Poirier joined Alcoa on October 1, 2022, as Regional Vice President of North America Operations, overseeing the company's operations in Canada and the US. "I am honoured to lead Alcoa Canada and continue our commitment to operational excellence....
Innovative technologies & sustainable solutions key to meet growing aluminium demand, says DTE analyst
As the global economy rebounds from the COVID-19 recession, the demand for aluminium is set to surge, with the International Aluminium Institute projecting a 40 per cent rise by 2030, requiring an additional 33 million tonnes of annual production. Karl Ágúst Matthíasson, co-founder and CEO of Icelandic aluminium analysis firm DTE, has shared his outlook for the aluminium industry in the coming year. As an engineer and entrepreneur focused on revolutionising aluminium production, Karl anticipates increasing demand amid mounting energy and cost challenges. To meet these growing needs, he also foresees the integration of new technologies and increased usage of low-carbon aluminium products into the production process. European aluminium producers to scale back production As per his...
Shanxi Aluminum leads cost reduction efforts with enhanced R&D initiatives for its alumina production
Since the beginning of this year, Shanxi Aluminum Industry has consistently enhanced its technical management system and production standards for alumina. The company has aggressively pursued cost-reduction initiatives in research and development, leading to significant improvements in key technical and consumption metrics. By the end of August, electricity, lime, gas, and sintered coal usage per unit had decreased year-on-year by 4.7 kWh per tonne, 7.01 kg per tonne, 0.27 cubic meters per tonne, and 41.38 kg per tonne, respectively. These optimisations have collectively reduced costs by RMB 20.77 million. Shanxi Aluminum Industry has strengthened its foundational process management, revising and improving 16 institutional standards, including "Process Technology Standards" and "Process...
