AL Circle Analysis: Aluminium’s recycling economics, trade walls and carbon rules converge
The story of the aluminium industry is starting a chapter wherein scrap availability, recycling technology, trade policy, carbon costs and demand growth are becoming increasingly interconnected. From the US and Canada to Europe, India, New Zealand and China, recent developments show that the global aluminium supply chain is being reshaped on several fronts at once. These developments point to a changing aluminium business model: access to metal alone may no longer be enough. Quality of recycled feedstock, domestic processing capacity, carbon intensity, trade exposure and the ability to meet increasingly specific customer requirements could become equally important competitive factors. Join the fourth edition of the webinar “Hedging for recyclers - Become an expert in 6 hours” by Jorge...
Europe holds 10% of global aluminium extrusion demand, supported by Germany’s Constellium, France’s Hydro Extrusions & Italy’s Metra
Across Europe, aluminium extrusion has become closely woven into some of the region’s biggest industrial and construction markets. From automotive and transport to buildings and industrial applications, extruded profiles are finding demand across a wide range of sectors. This is reflected in Europe’s position in the global market: the region accounted for 12 per cent of global aluminium extrusion capacity, making it the second-largest regional contributor after China. At the same time, Europe represented 10 per cent of global aluminium extrusion usage, out of total global usage of 35.35 million tonnes . With production capacity and usage shares relatively close, Europe’s extrusion capacity and consumption are broadly at par. If we break down Europe’s 10 per cent share of global aluminium...
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Greenhouse projects on mined-out bauxite lands aiding economic growth in Jamaica
Two major water harvesting and Greenhouse projects that have been recently started in Watt Town and Tobolski in South West St. Ann in Jamaica are helping farmers earn revenues after a long hiatus. The projects running successfully on mined-out bauxite lands are adding substantial economic value to their communities, the farmers said. President of the Tobolski Farmers’ Group, Roselda Walker said the projects provide a great opportunity for residents of the community to improve their lives through agriculture. The overall project is worth $243 million, with $173 million coming from JSIF and $61 million from the JBI. The farmers are engaged in the cultivation of eight crops, including sweet peppers and tomatoes for the hotel sector. She stated that based on the success of the project so far,...
China bans export of high strength aluminium alloys to North Korea
China has banned the export of 40 items to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) that could be used to develop nuclear arms and other weapons of mass destruction. The list of banned products and materials, which adds to a much longer Chinese list of prohibited goods released in 2013, includes metal hydrides, high strength aluminium alloys as well as laser-welding and plasma cutting equipment, state-run news agency Xinhua quoted China's Ministry of Commerce as saying on 14 June. These so-called 'dual-use' products have both civilian and military use. The ministry also said it banned the export of a dozen chemicals that could be used in the production of 'chemical warfare agents'.
Aluminium sheet and plate shipments by U.S., Canadian producers totaled 697.6 mln lbs in May
According to the data released by The Aluminum Association in their latest edition of Aluminum Highlights, estimated net shipments of Aluminium Sheet and Plate by U.S. and Canadian producers totaled 697.6 million pounds during May 2016, off two-tenths of one percent from the May 2015 total of 699.3 million pounds. Compared to the previous month, shipments were down 1.4 percent from the April 2016 total of 707.2 million pounds. Year-to-date shipments through May 2016 totaled 3,489.3 million pounds, up 1.3 percent over the year-to-date 2015 total of 3,443.0 million pounds. Shipments of Can Stock totaled 350.0 million pounds during May 2016, a rise of six-tenths of one percent over the May 2015 total of 348.1 million pounds, while shipments of Non-heat Treatable Sheet (excluding Can Stock)...
Recycling of solar panels consisting aluminium is a multi-billion dollar money-spinner, IRENA
More than 23 million solar panels are installed in Australia and 222 gigawatts+ of PV modules are in place globally. This will present a significant business opportunity in recycling says the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). By weight, a solar panel mainly consist of aluminium, glass and silicon. More than 90 per cent of a module’s weight can be recycled into more solar panels or other items – and it can be done at a profit. Reduce, reuse, recycle are the 3R’s of sustainability. The concept applies to “green” products such as solar modules made out of aluminium and other recyclable materials as much as any other. While good quality solar panels have a lifespan of decades; they will ultimately wind up as waste. A report released earlier today by IRENA and the International...
Altech forecasts surge in high purity alumina demand driven by lithium-ion batteries
Following its 3 June 2016 announcement regarding the strong interest shown in Altech Chemicals Limited as an emerging high purity alumina (HPA) producer during the 12th China International Battery Fair, the company has now presented its 10-year forecast of global demand for HPA used in the lithium-ion battery manufacturing sector. The company has estimated that demand for HPA from lithium-ion battery manufacturers will grow significantly over the next decade from forecast usage of ~1,000tpa in 2016 to ~15,000tpa in 2025; this represents annual year on-year demand growth of approximately 30 per cent per year. In order to meet this demand, additional HPA production capacity equivalent to four (4) of Altech’s proposed 4,000tpa HPA plants in Malaysia would need to be constructed and...
Rayming Technology brought aluminium based LED PCB to the LED manufacturing industry
Aluminium base LED PCB, also referred as MCPCB, has more efficient thermal transfer capability compared to rigid PCB, hence considered an ideal material for LED manufacturing. Rayming Technology started to use aluminium as base material for manufacturing LED PCB. Rayming Technology, an LED PCB manufacturer from China making rapid progress as a premier OEM supplier for the global LED manufacturing industry, recently started using aluminium as the primary base material for the LED PCB components that they manufacture. The manufacturers said that the thermally conductive PCBs that they manufacture have been proven highly effective in LED lighting system manufacturing. During a recent press conference, the owners of the China based PCB prototyping company explained the benefits of using...
BMW R 5 Hommage motorcycle features special parts crafted from billet aluminium
The BMW R 5 Hommage is a spectacular custom motorcycle introduced to the public at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2016. The machine pays tribute to the original R 5 model released 80 years ago. This anniversary bike featuring a host of aluminium-made special parts embodies the essence of what motorcycling was back in the day, albeit in a modern, custom form. The BMW R 5 Hommage is a rather minimalist build, with everything kept clean and simple, and carefully hiding the modern, high-tech solutions behind the strong old-school vibe. The BMW R 5 Hommage features a eange of special parts that were missing in the original R 5 model. The designer duo, whom the manufacturing of the motorcycle was entrusted upon, added valve cover and the breastplate, machined from billet aluminium. Save...
Rusal may cut capacity if aluminium falls below $1,500/T
Russian aluminium giant Rusal Plc may reduce its output capacity by 200,000 tonnes if aluminium prices fall below $1,500 per tonne, Chief Executive Vladislav Soloviev was quoted as saying in a recent press meet. Overtaken last year by China's Hongqiao as the world's top aluminium producer, Rusal has long considered a plan to reduce capacity but has never pegged it to a certain price for the metal. The output cut could be carried out at its Kandalaksha smelter in northwestern Russia and its Novokuznetsk smelter in Siberia, Soloviev told RIA, adding that Rusal planned to keep its 2017 capital expenditure at $600 million. Aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) are up about 8 percent this year at $1,622 per tonne.
20th ARABAL to focus on solutions for global challenges
Top executives from the GCC's primary aluminium smelters will participate at the 20th Arab International Aluminium Conference ("ARABAL 2016") in Dubai, UAE, from 22 to 24 November 2016 as part of an industry keynote panel discussion - covering topics such as the various factors relating to the regional downstream aluminium industry. Emirates Global Aluminium ("EGA") - the largest primary aluminium producer in the Gulf - is host of the two-day ARABAL 2016 conference, which has adopted the theme "Global Challenges - Seeking Solutions", this year marking the sixth time that EGA will have hosted the event. Commenting on his own participation in the industry keynote panel discussion at ARABAL 2016, Abdulla Kalban (MD & CEO: EGA) said, "It is always a pleasure to share the stage with industry...
Schueco SmartActive aluminium window systems help ward off microbial infections
Schueco Australia has taken innovation to a whole new level with the availability of a new surface finish that can be specified for their aluminium window systems to kill harmful bacteria, including multi-resistant bacteria such as MRSA and MRSAE. A product first in the Australian market, the new Schueco SmartActive is a surface finish for aluminium window systems incorporating micro-silver particles with anti-microbial properties. Germs that come into contact with this surface finish are killed immediately, actively preventing further proliferation and bacterial contamination. Given that the battle against all types of bacterial infection is being rightly seen as a public health priority, Schueco SmartActive will be warmly welcomed not just in hospitals and nursing homes, but also...
Aluminium inventory declines in China mask weakening demand, SMM reports
Aluminium stocks in China’s major markets remain in the downward track, but this could not be seen as evidence of stronger demand, SMM noted. In fact, stocks have dropped at a slower pace, as a result of growing shipments from northwest China and weakening consumption, SMM explained. SMM learned smelters in northwest China stepped up shipments of ingots, which traded higher than SHFE front-month aluminium contract and aluminium liquid. Besides, falling demand for aluminium liquid from nearby aluminium billet producers also pushed smelters in northwest China to increase ingot shipments. Aluminium ingot stocks in China’s five major markets totaled 406,000 tonne as of June 17, down 22,000 tonnes from June 8, SMM statistics showed.
WBMS: Primary aluminium market records deficit
The World Bureau of Metal Statistics (WBMS) has published the Metals Balances Report for the first four months of the current year. The global primary aluminium recorded marginal deficit during Jan-Apr ’16. The latest report published by the World Bureau of Metal Statistics (WBMS) indicates that global primary aluminium market has recorded a marginal deficit during the initial four months of the year. As per the report, the market reported a deficit of 298,000 tons when matched with the deficit of 308,000 reported for the entire year 2015. The production of primary aluminium has dropped by 61,000 tonnes during the four-month period from January to April this year. The total reported stock of metal dropped by 183,000 tonnes during the month of April. The stocks at the end of the initial...
45% Chinese aluminium smelters see aluminium prices advance this week
SMM surveyed 44 Chinese aluminium smelters about their opinions over aluminium price outlook. About 45 per cent of them expect SHFE 1608 aluminium to rise above RMB 12,100/mt and LME aluminium break through USD 1,620/mt. First, aluminium stocks in China’s five major markets fell 25,000 mt to 381,000 mt as of Monday. Second, limited supply of aluminium ingots with invoice dated June will allow suppliers to hold offers firm. Another 37 per cent expect SHFE 1608 aluminium to stabilize at RMB 11,900-12,100/mt and LME aluminium hold stable at USD 1,590-1,620/mt. First, latest poll results show the number of British people in favor of staying in the EU is almost equal to those who are against. Commodity will face selloffs and the US dollar will gain favor if the UK leaves the EU. The US dollar...
Bauxite prices seeking direction
CBIX eased marginally over the week, down 0.7 per cent (US$0.3) to US$45.1/dmt, with ViU-adjusted prices showing some convergence. Malaysian cargos are beginning to re-enter the market, with prices unchanged at US$25-26/dmt FOB for unwashed material (US$29.4/dmt on a ViU-adjusted basis) and US$37/dmt FOB for washed material. Cargos from Australia averaged US$44.6/dmt over the week on a ViU-adjusted basis. Chinese alumina prices are also treading water, with the North China domestic alumina price unchanged at RMB1,952/t (US$297/t including VAT) and the south down 0.5 per cent (RMB10/t) to RMB1,855/t (US$282/t including VAT). With restarts of around 5 MTPY already this year, China’s domestic alumina supply demand balance seems to have been re-established, at least in the short term. From...
Herchenbach to supply semi-permanent aluminium structures for Siemens' projects in Europe
Siemens has signed a partnership deal with temporary structures specialist Herchenbach to provide semi-permanent warehouses and workshops constructed out of aluminium to projects in Europe. In a bid to reduce transport costs for heavy components in need of repair, Siemens is taking the workshop to the projects. Herchenbach provides temporary and semi-permanent aluminium structures. It has come up with a 10 x 15 metre structure, 6.4 metres tall at its highest point. The structure comprises a corrosion-free aluminium frame and a mixture of polyvinvyl chloride (PVC) industrial-grade tarpaulin in the roof and walls made of trapezoidal sheet metal and tarpaulin. Components can be lowered into the workshop through the roof, Herchenbach explained. A section of roof tarpaulin can be lifted off...
New Access Fixtures introduces 16w LED bollard light with cast aluminium louvers
Access Fixtures, an industry leader in LED commercial, industrial, and sports lighting, announced the introduction of a new 16 watt LED stainless steel bollard light with cast aluminium louvers. Bollard lights with louver-controlled light sources are favored for their ability to limit light distribution to that which aims down toward the ground. With the LED light source blocked from direct view, the cast aluminium louvers minimize glare and limit light trespass. Manufactured with 316 stainless steel, this new bollard light is part of Access Fixtures' comprehensive lineup of LED, HID, and fluorescent light sources in stainless steel and powder-coated aluminium bollard lights from Access Fixtures. Access Fixtures offers commercial and sports lighting for less and features light fixtures...
Aluminium alloys in shipbuilding – a fast growing trend
Trends in shipbuilding have become similar to those in the automobile industry in recent years and the growing demand for automobiles, heavy duty vehicles, aircrafts, trains and ships is also set to significantly spur demand for aluminium flat rolled and extruded products. In fact, the use of aviation, marine and rail transportation will likely increase to such an extent that their combined energy demand is expected to equal about 85 per cent of the amount used by light-duty vehicles by 2040, up from about 50 per cent in 2014, according to Exxon Mobile. The necessity for lowering the weight of different ships, in order to increase the payload and reduce fuel consumption, has turned shipbuilders towards aluminium alloys due to their potential to reduce the weight of ship structures by up...
T&T Govt agrees to restart Alutech aluminium downstream project
Three months after Sural officials visited T&T to lobby Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to restart its Alutech aluminium downstream project, a board chaired by Prof Ken Julien has been set up to review options for the project which was originally linked to the Alutrint Smelter in La Brea. The Energy sub-committee of Cabinet approved the appointment of government’s energy adviser Julien to head the board. Government officials are confirming that while Alutech is on the cards, the originally planned smelter is “definitely off the table and will not be restarted.” But even as Government is set to launch into the project with Alutech, T&T and Sural (Barbados) Ltd are in a legal battle at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida before Judge K Michael Moore. Sural...
