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.
Upstream weekly recap: President Widodo Inaugurates $941 million alumina refinery in West Kalimantan; Baphlimali Bauxite Mines bags the Misrilal Jain Environment Award for 2023-24;
Aluminium is an essential component of the global economy. The rising demand for green metal clearly shows that no matter how many setbacks or blips come across, the market or the need for this green metal will never decrease. Below is a recap of the events which unfolded in the upstream aluminium sector throughout the week. The upstream sector includes bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminium. The Baphlimali Bauxite Mines in Odisha, operated by Utkal Alumina, a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Limited under the Aditya Birla Group, has been awarded the prestigious Misrilal Jain Environment Award for 2023-24. Indonesia's President Joko Widodo has inaugurated a $941 million smelter-grade alumina refinery in West Kalimantan, operated by state miner Aneka Tambang (Antam) and state-owned...
Novelis sets ambitious target with 3x30 Initiative, promoting circular economy and CO2 reduction
Novelis Inc., the premier manufacturer of flat-rolled aluminium goods and the global leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, has unveiled a new sustainability initiative designed to promote aluminium as the preferred material for circular solutions. Under the Novelis 3x30 Initiative, the company is committed to establishing ambitious carbon-related sustainability goals and pinpointing priorities to enhance its decarbonisation and circularity efforts. The Novelis 3x30 Initiative builds on the company's prior sustainability accomplishments, which include a 10 percentage point increase in average recycled content and a 27 per cent reduction in carbon emissions for fiscal year (FY) 2024 compared to its FY16 baseline. These achievements have positioned Novelis at the forefront of the...
ARZYZ joins ASI as the new Production and Transformation member
The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) is a collaborative endeavour aimed at enhancing sustainability throughout the aluminium value chain. Achieving ASI certification demonstrates the dedication of both aluminium producers and users to maintain rigorous standards in social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and ethical practices, fostering mutual benefits for all stakeholders involved. On Wednesday, September 25, ASI announced the joining of ARZYZ, a Mexican company, as its new Production and Transformation member. Established in 1980, ARZYZ specialises in manufacturing aluminium alloys and the trade of non-ferrous metals. The company is deeply committed to aluminium recycling and the circular economy, maximising the value derived from recovering materials like scrap and...
L’OCCITANE Travel Retail returns to Cannes: Elevating beauty with sustainable aluminium packaging
L’OCCITANE Travel Retail is excited to make its vibrant return to the renowned TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes, taking place from September 30 to October 3, 2024. The premium sustainable beauty brand has been promoting sustainability by incorporating aluminium in its packaging. Highlights of TFWA World Exhibition Renowned for its commitment towards sustainability, L'OCCITANE Group will highlight its flagship brand, L'OCCITANE en Provence, alongside leading names such as Sol de Janeiro, ELEMIS, and Erborian, reinforcing its dedication to innovation and global expansion within the premium beauty sector. 'We are excited to bring our multi-brand presence to TFWA Cannes. It's been an exciting year for L'OCCITANE Travel Retail with the hugely successful roll-out of ever-more bold,...
Alusort launches advanced aluminium scrap sorting plant in Michigan using HySort Technology
Alusort LLC, a 50/50 joint venture between Hydro and PADNOS, has launched operations of its new aluminium scrap sorting line, utilising cutting-edge HySort technology at PADNOS’s facility in Grandville, Michigan. This new line will supply Hydro’s recycling plants in Cassopolis and Henderson with raw post-consumer scrap, supporting the large-scale production of Hydro CIRCAL – a low-carbon aluminium product made with at least 75 per cent post-consumer scrap. Hydro teamed up with PADNOS Commercial operations for Hydro’s cutting-edge scrap sorting technology have begun at PADNOS’s facility in Grandville, Michigan. Ten months ago, Hydro, the Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy leader, partnered with scrap management firm PADNOS to establish Alusort LLC. The proprietary HySort technology,...
LME aluminium price falls by US$30/t to US$2512/t; SHFE price loses US$23/t
On the previous trading day, LME aluminium opened at US$2,557 per tonne, hit a high of US$2,580 per tonne and a low of US$2,516 per tonne, and closed at US$2,539 per tonne, down US$17 per tonne, a decrease of 0.67 per cent. On Wednesday, September 25, both the cash bid price and official settlement price lost US$29 per tonne or 1.14 per cent and US$30 per tonne or 1.18 per cent to settle at US$2,511 per tonne and US$2,512 per tonne. As per the LME price graph, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price declined by US$30.5 per tonne or 1.19 per cent and US$31 per tonne or 1.21 per cent to settle at US$2,527.50 per tonne and US$2,528 per tonne. On the same day, December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price slumped by US$29 per tonne or 1.09 per cent to halt at US$2,623 per tonne and...
CCI greenlights Craftsman Automation’s acquisition of Sunbeam Lightweighting
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Craftsman Automation to acquire 100 per cent of the share capital of Sunbeam Lightweighting Solutions. Craftsman Automation Ltd, a publicly listed company in India, operates across diverse sectors, including powertrain, aluminium products, and industrial engineering. Sunbeam Lightweighting Solutions, specialising in automotive aluminium die-casting, focuses on producing aluminium components for two-wheelers and passenger vehicles. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mumbai-based private equity firm Kedaara Capital. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition, as deals exceeding a certain threshold require CCI's clearance to monitor and prevent unfair business practices. "The proposed combination envisages...
Norwegian aluminium giant Hydro invests NOK 1.2 billion for its new storage power plant in Luster Municipality
Hydro has announced plans to construct a new pumped storage power plant in Luster Municipality, Norway. Construction is set to commence in 2025, with operations expected to begin in 2028 or 2029. Currently, Hydro produces aluminium in Norway with a carbon footprint approximately 75 per cent lower than the global average, with a goal of achieving zero-carbon aluminium by 2050. "Hydro and the wider industry need more hydropower, wind, and solar power to successfully transition to a greener future and make further investments in Norway. As a major industrial player, we are committed to contributing to the development of these renewable energy sources," said Kari Ekelund Thørud, Executive Vice President of Hydro Energy About the project While Hydro's Norwegian aluminium plants are primarily...
Shenhuo New Materials officially begins the trial production of its new energy-power battery materials project
China-based Shenhuo New Materials has successfully launched its new energy-power battery materials project, with an annual output of 60,000 tonnes. After two years of intense preparation and construction, eight production lines have officially entered the full-scale trial production stage. According to reports, Shenhuo New Materials' energy power battery materials project, which has an annual output capacity of 60,000 tonnes, achieved a significant milestone. Following the commissioning of the first roughing mill on February 4, 2024, all eight mills completed their material commissioning in just 184 days, with an average commissioning time of only 23 days per mill. This accomplishment sets a new record for domestic mill debugging times in the industry. The project is equipped with eight...
Cambio Roasters drops the usage of plastic for eco-friendly aluminium coffee pods
Cambio Roasters, under the leadership of Kevin Hartley (former Keurig Chief Innovation Officer), has introduced its revolutionary aluminium coffee pods (Aluminium K-Cups) for Keurig® brewers. This innovative transition from plastic to aluminium marks a major step in sustainability and coffee quality. Coffee pods have become a staple in modern routines, offering unmatched convenience and consistency in brewing. Pre-measured for the perfect cup, they deliver a uniform taste every time, making them ideal for those with busy schedules who prioritize speed and reliability. Making its presence felt nationwide Cambio Roasters is thrilled to introduce its new aluminium pods, which are now available at over 1,000 retailers nationwide, including Harris Teeter, Giant Martin, Hannaford, and Walmart....
ASI accredits South32’s Boddington Bauxite Mine with the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification
South32 Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd has earned ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification for its Boddington Bauxite Mine, Worsley Alumina Refinery in Collie, and its port facility in Bunbury, Australia. This certification extends to the associated infrastructure, including conveyors and the Bunbury port. The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced the certification, which covers the Boddington Bauxite Mine, with an annual output of approximately 18.8 million tonnes of bauxite ore, and the Alumina Refinery in Collie, producing 4.6 million tonnes of alumina each year. The independent, third-party audit of the South32 Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd facilities was carried out by KPMG Australia. The ASI Certification program was created through a thorough multi-stakeholder consultation...
LME aluminium price marks a surge of US$87/t to US$2542/t; SHFE price expands by US$37/t
LME aluminium opened the previous trading day at US$2,489 per tonne, with a high of US$2,568 per tonne and a low of US$2,483 per tonne, closing at US$2,554 per tonne, up US$68 per tonne, an increase of 2.73 per cent. Both the cash bid price and official settlement price marked a surge of US$86 per tonne or 3.50 per cent and US$87 per tonne or 3.54 per cent on September 24. The rise in price can be attributed to the announcement of a series of policy measures by China to support its economy and property market. The cash bid price and official settlement price halted at US$2,540 per tonne and US$2,542 per tonne on Tuesday, September 24. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price also shot up by US$87 per tonne to dock at US$2,558 per tonne and US$2,559 per tonne. December 25 bid price and...
CCL reports growing demand for body sprays in aluminium aerosol containers under the personal care sector
CCL Container, a top manufacturer of recyclable aluminium packaging in North America, stated that under the personal care product category, body sprays in aluminium aerosol containers are gaining popularity among consumers for several reasons. CCL is known for providing innovative decorating and shaping options for its aluminium aerosol products, giving consumer brands a competitive edge. Reason for the growth They offer a convenient, quick way to refresh and apply fragrance or deodorant without requiring time-consuming routines. Many modern body sprays combine multiple functions, such as deodorising and fragrance, making them versatile and ideal for everyday use. This upward sales trend is driven by a growing demand for multi-functional products and continuous innovations in formulations...
Ghanaian studio designs abandoned Duho Pavilion with reflective aluminium poles
Ghanaian studio Limbo Accra has designed the Duho Pavilion, located on the grounds of a dilapidated hotel in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. The Duho Pavilion comprises a collection of 30 reflective aluminium poles arranged around and across the path. This installation is part of Limbo Accra's ongoing exploration of unfinished structures, distinguishing it by existing alongside the ruin rather than within it. Collaborating with landscape architect Malthe Mørck Clausen, this permanent installation features a winding pebbled path that meanders through the overgrown remnants of the hotel, abandoned for nearly 20 years following hurricane damage.Aluminium's role in architecture enables the construction of taller structures that are more energy-efficient and produce lower CO2 emissions. As the...
Baowu Aluminum celebrates the successful installation of F0 production line rolling mill
Jianpeng, Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and General Commander of the Engineering Headquarters of Baowu Aluminum Industry, announced the successful installation of the rolling mill for the F0 production line at the hot rolling plant. The F0 project at Baowu Aluminum's hot rolling plant is a crucial initiative to upgrade the production line and optimise the product structure. This milestone in the construction of the F0 project marks a significant phase, as the project has now entered the comprehensive equipment installation stage, establishing a solid foundation for timely production. This project plays a vital role in enhancing the effective supply capacity of products and facilitating the company’s transformation and high-quality development. Upon...
Boosting environmental sustainability & energy efficiency with Gui Aluminum’s all-oil recovery system
Guizhou Aluminum New Materials Co., Ltd. (Gui Aluminum New Materials) has unlocked another significant moment following the successful manufacture of the double zero aluminium foil. As per the latest report, the all-oil recovery system at the aluminium foil division of Gui Aluminum New Materials has officially commenced operation after a thorough debugging and optimisation. Importance of the development This development signifies a significant breakthrough in environmental protection and energy conservation. This high-efficiency energy-saving and emission-reduction system effectively separates rolling oil from the oil mist generated during the aluminium foil rolling process, utilising advanced oil-gas separation technology. By enabling the efficient recycling of rolling oil, the system...
Hydro & Mercedes-Benz launches Corridor Programme for sustainable development in the Amazon
The Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company Norsk Hydro has extended its strategic partnership with the luxury automotive giant Mercedes-Benz to collaborate on a long-term initiative aimed at fostering positive social and environmental impacts in the Brazilian Amazon. Focussing on the same, both Hydro and Mercedes-Benz launched the long-term 'Corridor' Programme at the Climate Week 2024 in New York. About the Corridor Program The Corridor Programme is dedicated to creating positive impacts for people and nature in the Amazon. Through this initiative, Hydro and Mercedes-Benz will collaborate with Brazilian NGOs IPAM, Imazon, and CEA, alongside Boston Consulting Group and other partners. The goals of the programme include: Safeguarding human rights Boosting income for local...
President Joko Widodo inaugurates new alumina refinery, boosting Indonesia’s mineral processing industry
Indonesia's President Joko Widodo has inaugurated a $941 million smelter-grade alumina refinery operated by state miner Aneka Tambang (Antam) and state-owned aluminium producer Inalum in the West Kalimantan province. The refinery boasts a production capacity of 1 million metric tonnes of alumina annually, requiring 3.3 million tonnes of bauxite as input. Indonesia, rich in natural resources, is focused on strengthening its domestic mineral processing industry rather than exporting raw materials. "The domestic aluminium demand is 1.2 million tonnes, 56% is imported while we have the raw material. When these are all completed, we can stop the import," added Joko Widodo. The country has attracted significant investment in nickel processing plants following the export ban on unprocessed...
