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 Commerce Ministry reveals countermeasure plans against Canada for aluminium tariff impose
On Tuesday, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced decisive countermeasures against Canada in response to its decision to impose additional tariffs on Chinese imported products, including aluminium, electric vehicles (EVs), and steel. These measures include plans to initiate dispute settlement proceedings at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and launch anti-discrimination investigations. Chinese officials and experts emphasised that the countermeasures are consistent with Chinese laws and WTO regulations, condemning Canada's alignment with the US and the EU as a flagrant violation of WTO rules. On August 26, the Canadian government announced its intention to mirror the United States' tariffs on goods from China. The plan included imposing 25 per cent tariffs on aluminium and...
LME aluminium hits 2-week low as China’s manufacturing activity slows down in August; SHFE price slumps by US$50/t
On Monday, LME aluminium opened at US$2,449.5 per tonne, hit a high of US$2,456.5 per tonne and a low of US$2,411 per tonne, and closed at US$2,424 per tonne, down US$22 per tonne, or 0.90 per cent. As per the LME data, on Monday, August 2, aluminium prices dropped to a two-week low following data revealing a continued slowdown in factory activity in China, the world's largest consumer, during August. Both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price nosedived by US$73 per tonne or 2.96 per cent to clock at US$2,390 per tonne and US$2,390.50 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price contracted by US$70 per tonne or 2.81 per cent and US$70.5 per tonne or 2.83 per cent to arrive at US$2415 and US$2415.50 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25...
Netherlands’s sole primary aluminium producer halts production owing to high energy costs
Aldel (Damco Aluminum Delfzijl Cooperatie U.A.), a Dutch aluminium maker based in Delfzijl, announced on Friday that owing to the continuous high energy costs and insufficient government support, the company has decided to suspend the remaining operations at its Farmsum facility. Reason for the halt Aldel's move is part of a broader trend of companies scaling back or halting production across Europe due to skyrocketing gas and electricity prices, which have surged hundreds of percent compared to 2021. As the only producer of primary aluminium in the Netherlands, Aldel has an annual capacity of 110,000 tonnes for primary aluminium and 50,000 tonnes for recycled aluminium. The company ceased primary aluminium production at its Delfzijl site in the Netherlands in October 2021 but continued...
Europe’s carbon border tax fuels green power rush amongst Indian aluminium & steel producers
The push to minimise emissions is not just limited to major aluminium and steel companies, infact their suppliers are also under pressure to reduce emissions across the supply chain. Renewable energy providers report that demand has surged beyond available capacity, with upcoming production already sold out for the next few years. About CBAM As part of global efforts to combat climate change, the European Union has introduced the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism ( CBAM ), a crucial measure aimed at regulating the import of carbon-intensive products, including aluminium. This mechanism imposes a tariff based on the emissions generated during manufacturing. The CBAM is scheduled to take effect in January 2026. In anticipation, the European Union has already begun requesting carbon...
LME aluminium price closes the week with a hike of RMB26/t; SHFE price adds US$12/t
Last Friday, LME aluminium opened at US$2,460 per tonne, with a high of US$2,498 per tonne, a low of US$2,440.5 per tonne, and closed at US$2,446 per tonne, down US$25.5 per tonne, a decrease of 1.03 per cent. On Friday, August 30, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price gained US$26 per tonne or 1.06 per cent to clock at US$2,463 per tonne and US$2,463.50 per tonne. As per the LME data, both 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price hiked by US$19.5 per tonne or 0.79 per cent and US$20 per tonne or 0.81 per cent to arrive at US$2,485 per tonne and US$2,486 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price ascended by US$15 per tonne or 0.57 per cent to halt at US$2,613 per tonne and US$2,618 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in...
Innovative aluminium technologies from Zhengzhou Research Institute recognised for low carbon excellence
Recently, the Carbon Research Institute of Zhengzhou Research Institute of Chinalco achieved recognition for three significant technical advancements. These innovations have been officially designated as "Green and Low Carbon Advanced Technological Achievements of Henan Province (2024)." The three innovations are: Comprehensive Utilization Technology of Classified Resources of Aluminum Electrolytic Overhaul Slag - This enables the efficient classification and recovery of valuable elements from overhaul slag. The resulting building material products meet the required standards, while the graphitized products comply with the specifications for calcined petroleum coke used in graphitized cathode carbon blocks (YS/T 763-2019). This technology has been implemented across four enterprises. It...
Upstream weekly recap: Aluminum Association backs Canada's new tariff on Chinese imports
This week, notable developments have surfaced in the upstream aluminium sector, covering bauxite, alumina, and primary aluminium. To begin with, a recent report stated that the Canadian government is considering adopting a tariff strategy similar to that of the United States, targeting electric vehicles, aluminium, and steel imported from China. This was followed by the news that the Aluminum Association has expressed strong support for the Canadian Government's recent announcement to introduce a 25 per cent additional tariff on certain aluminium and aluminium products imported from China, mirroring similar actions taken by the United States. However, the news of the Canadian government planning to impose a 100 per cent tariff on China-origin electric vehicles and 25 per cent on aluminium...
South32 boosts aluminium & manganese production in South Africa despite market challenges
South32 increased its manganese and aluminium production in South Africa for the fiscal year ending June 2024 despite facing lower prices and higher truck-related costs. The company is actively exploring low-carbon energy solutions. South32 anticipates a 12 per cent increase in unit operating costs for its South African manganese operations, driven by higher price-linked royalties and inland logistics expenses. Meanwhile, the company's Hillside operation in South Africa boosted its saleable aluminium production by 1,000 tonnes to 720,000 tonnes during the year under review, despite challenges from load shedding, particularly earlier in the year. South32 expects to maintain production levels at Hillside, the largest aluminium smelter in the Southern Hemisphere, throughout 2025 and 2026. "I...
Dongqing Melting and Casting Plant unlock major breakthrough in aluminium recycling, boosting circular economy
China-based Dongqing Melting and Casting Plant has unlocked a significant breakthrough in advancing the recycling of aluminium. The company has consistently enhanced the use of recycled aluminium, by effectively utilising these resources. The plant has contributed significantly to environmental protection and the circular economy, ensuring robust support for aluminium recycling initiatives. To boost the recycling of aluminium scrap, the melting and casting plant has implemented a comprehensive scrap recycling system. This includes increased efforts in publicity and education to enhance employee awareness and support for aluminium recycling. The plant has also intensified training for relevant staff, introduced an economic incentive mechanism, and encouraged participation in recycling...
Swisstek Aluminium wins Gold at the CIOB Green Awards 2024, solidifying its position as a sustainable leader
Swisstek Aluminium recently earned the Gold Award in the Organisation category at the Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB) Green Awards 2024. This accolade underscores Swisstek's status as Sri Lanka's leading sustainable aluminium extruder, adhering to top international standards with certifications in ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2018, and ISO 50001:2018, as well as verified carbon footprint credentials. The company's dedication to sustainability is evident through its 1.5 MW rooftop solar panel system, which produces 6,000 kWh of clean energy daily and helps neutralize carbon emissions by reducing its carbon footprint by 192,600 kgCO2e each month. Additionally, Swisstek operates a Reverse Osmosis water treatment plant with a capacity of 1.5 m³ per hour, reflecting its commitment to resource...
Dubal Extrusion’s rooftop solar project at OSE Industries to produce 1.1 GWh of clean electricity annually
UAE-based Dubal Extrusion Investment (DEI), a subsidiary of Dubal Holding (DH), has successfully completed the Phase I of the rooftop solar power generation project at OSE Industries, a local aluminium extrusion company under DEI's ownership. The project, carried out by Emirates Electrical Engineering LLC, became operational in early July. The project was executed under a Solar Lease Agreement, eliminating upfront costs and offering a seamless solution for operation, maintenance, and affordable energy rates. About the solar project Located on the rooftops of buildings 1 and 2 at the OSE plant, the solar system boasts a rated capacity of 633 kilowatts peak (kWp) and is projected to produce 1.1 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually. With a rated capacity of 633 kilowatts peak...
LME aluminium benchmark price declines by US$42/t; SHFE price falls to US$2772/t
On Thursday, LME aluminium opened at a high of US$2,486.5 per tonne, a low of US$2,450 per tonne, and closed at US$2,466 per tonne, down US$18 per tonne, a decrease of 0.72 per cent. On Thursday, August 29, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price declined by US$41.5 per tonne or 1.67 per cent and US$42 per tonne or 1.69 per cent to clock at US$2,437 per tonne and US$2,437.50 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price contracted by US$35.5 per tonne or 1.41 per cent and US$36 per tonne or 1.43 per cent to clock at US$2,465.50 per tonne and US$2,466 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price descended by US$25 per tonne or 0.95 per cent to halt at US$2,598 per tonne and US$2,603 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock came in...
AkzoNobel unveils Accelshield™ 300, the next-generation internal coating technology for aluminium cans
Beverage can manufacturers stand to gain from AkzoNobel's drive for innovation with the introduction of a cutting-edge internal coating technology. The company's Packaging Coatings division has unveiled Accelshield™ 300, an advanced inside spray coating for aluminium beverage cans. This new solution is entirely free of bisphenols, styrene, PFAS, and formaldehyde and surpasses existing industry technologies by offering enhanced corrosion protection, flexibility, and superior sensory performance. Accelshield 300 technology "Our Accelshield 300 technology is further proof of our commitment to helping customers make the transition to a bisphenol-free world. We're providing the market with a more sustainable alternative that comes with even better performance, and because it far exceeds...
Q2 Stadium scores big with its newly launched MRF focussing on aluminium recycling & sustainability
Texas Disposal Systems, based in Austin, has unveiled a bespoke material recovery facility (MRF) at Q2 Stadium, the home of Austin FC, the city's Major League Soccer (MLS) team. The mini MRF can handle approximately 1.5 tonnes of materials per hour, including aluminium cans, glass, food waste, cardboard, paper products, plastic bottles, and other recyclables. In alignment with the team's goal of making Q2 Stadium the "greenest stadium in MLS," Texas Disposal has developed a tailored sorting system to address the stadium's specific needs. Now, all materials discarded at Q2 Stadium are processed and sorted into recycling, compost, and waste streams through this specialized mini MRF. “The Austin FC fans are fantastic and do a great job at keeping materials in the right container; however, to...
Aluminium coffee pods to be recycled into new products under North Yorkshire Council & Podback’s latest partnership
North Yorkshire Council has partnered with Podback, a coffee pod recycling service, to offer residents the option to recycle their aluminium or plastic coffee pods at household waste recycling centres (HWRCs). The initiative accepts not only used coffee pods but also tea, milk, and hot chocolate pods. Executive member for waste services, Cllr Greg White, stated, “We are excited to be working with Podback to introduce another recycling stream for residents at the HWRCs. Coffee drinkers can now enjoy their coffee knowing their pods can be recycled and used to make new products and renewable energy and improve the soil.” Plastic and aluminium pods must be collected separately to ensure proper recycling, as they are processed at different facilities. Once collected, the pods are sent to...
Gravita India to slash lead shares by 70% in a bid to expand its aluminium recycling operations
Gravita India is set to reduce the share of lead in its portfolio and expand into aluminium recycling, rubber, and lithium battery. The Jaipur-based recycling firm will decrease the share of lead from 88 per cent to 70 per cent, as Navin Prakash Sharma, the Executive Director of the firm anticipates significant growth in their aluminium operations, which currently have a capacity of 40,000 tonnes. "This will increase demand of around 200,000 tonne of aluminium from the secondary segment. It will also give value addition for the secondary material as compared to primary materials. So altogether, I foresee that this segment will grow with the help of EPR on non-ferrous metal, by hedging through MCX, by launching this derivative of aluminium alloy," added Sharma. This expansion will be...
SMM A00 aluminium ingot price contracts by RMB 250/t today, marking a Y-o-Y decline of RMB640/t
On Thursday, August 29, China’s A00 aluminium ingot price has declined by RMB 250 per tonne to settle at RMB 19,550 per tonne, with the average price expected to stand between RMB 19,530 per tonne and RMB 19,570 per tonne. The spot contract price will be traded at a discount price of RMB 110 per tonne to RMB 70 per tonne. As per the SMM price graph, Y-o-Y, the A00 aluminium ingot price has witnessed a surge of RMB 640 per tonne from RMB 18,910 per tonne recorded on August 29, 2023. On M-o-M, the price had expanded by RMB 390 per tonne, followed by a fall of RMB 140 per tonne W-o-W from RMB 19,160 per tonne recorded on May 29 and RMB 19,690 per tonne recorded on May 22. Region-wise analysis The price of domestic aluminium ingot has fallen in all the provinces, with the highest in Foshan,...
California together with CalRecycle boosts aluminium cans recycling initiative across 30 counties
California is set to boost its recycling efforts with the launch of over 250 new recycling sites across 30 counties, making it convenient for people to recycle their used aluminium or plastic containers, beverage cans, and other recyclable products. This initiative is supported by nearly $70 million beverage container redemption innovation grants from CalRecycle. The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) is part of the California Environmental Protection Agency. It oversees the state's waste management, recycling, and waste reduction initiatives. Established in 2010, CalRecycle succeeded the California Integrated Waste Management Board. About the grant The grants are intended to fund advanced recycling solutions, including reverse vending machines (RVMs),...
