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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Bauxite prices in China remain virtually unchanged over the week
Bauxite prices remained virtually unchanged, up 0.3% (US$0.1/dmt), to close at US$44.4/dmt for the week. Several lower ViU-priced cargos from Malaysia were recorded, with their prices balanced by a single, higher ViU cargo from Montenegro recording a CBIX (ViU-adjusted) price of US$53.7/dmt. With no further developments in Malaysia over the week, Malaysian FOB prices remain unchanged in the range US$25/dmt to US$27/dmt (unadjusted) for unwashed material and US$37/dmt for washed material. Chinese domestic alumina prices continue to tread water, with both the North and South China prices unmoved on RMB1,998/t (US$305/t including VAT) and RMB1,880/t (US$287/t including VAT) respectively. As we reported last week, industry sentiment seems to suggest Chinese alumina prices have reached a...
Australian Bauxite finalises second sale, third coming
New Tasmanian miner Australian Bauxite Limited is making progress after hitting market problems. The company, which mines at Bald Hill, near Campbell Town, recently finalised its second sale and is working towards a much bigger third sale. It is also eyeing a large deal in the Middle East. Mining started in early 2015 and the company wanted to start shipping via Bell Bay by mid-2015. However, a wet winter slowed things down, and a weak market this year delayed the company further, with a planned first shipment abandoned. “ … the metallurgical bauxite market has remained closed to new entrants, largely because of the slowing growth in Chinese industrial production,” company chairman and former Tasmanian premier Paul Lennon said in his review of 2015 and recent developments released on...
Paradice Investment Management buys $42.2 Million stake in Kaiser Aluminum Corp.
Paradice Investment Management scooped up 27,857 additional shares in Kaiser Aluminum Corp. during the most recent quarter end , the firm said in a disclosure report filed with the SEC on May 13, 2016. The investment management firm now holds a total of 488,331 shares of Kaiser Aluminum Corp. which is valued at $42.2 Million.Kaiser Aluminum Corp. makes up approximately 5.61% of Paradice Investment Management’s portfolio. Other Hedge Funds, Including , Parametric Portfolio Associates boosted its stake in KALU in the latest quarter, The investment management firm added 41,838 additional shares and now holds a total of 149,972 shares of Kaiser Aluminum Corp. which is valued at $13 Million. Kaiser Aluminum Corp. makes up approx 0.02% of Parametric Portfolio Associates’s portfolio. On the...
Modern constructions are switching to aluminium for energy efficiency
Ecolodge Construction to launch a new homes scheme, Limetree Hall, right in the heart of Maynooth town in north Co Kildare with high levels of energy efficiency. Customers can choose from between six finishes, and a selection of both modern and contemporary options. The Carlson Windows' aluminium-clad timber frames are a particular point of pride for Bradbica, who says: "I absolutely hate PVC windows. The [Carlson Windows] look nicer, and you can paint them any colour you want on the inside. They have a slimmer profile, which allows more light in and looks more elegant." Each house is surrounded by granite paving, and granite is used again for the window sills in all units. The roof trimmings - such as gutters and fascias - are all made from metal, rather than PVC. The bathrooms are fully...
KitSound reveals new Evolution range with aluminium chassis
KitSound is excited to reveal the new Evolution range, a collection of products that have been developing for outstanding audio quality and stunning design. From sound systems to small Bluetooth speakers, over-ear headphones to sports earphones, the Evolution range has the product that can transform your listening experience, with the height of technology finely tuned inside each one. The Boom Evolution has over 100 Watts of intense power that creates room filling sound, and each one is assembled by hand from high quality chosen wood. The Pocket Hive is crafted with a passive bass radiator and 5 Watts of powerful sound to maximise the ergonomic design, and comes with a hard shell carry case. The Outrun Evolution headphones are Bluetooth and calibrated for sport, pushing you on further –...
Magellan Aerospace announced a contract extension between Magellan Aerospace UK and Airbus
Magellan Aerospace earlier this month announced a contract extension between Magellan Aerospace UK and Airbus for the supply of aluminium and titanium structural wing components. The contract, valued at about C$700 million, includes precision machined details and assemblies for use in the Airbus A320 and A330 families, and the A380 programme. Magellan was also awarded an approximately C$20 million contract to supply certain wing ribs for the A380. This was followed by a deal with GKN Aerospace for a contract extension to deliver aluminium and titanium components and assemblies to GKN Aerospace’s Filton, UK, facility where wing structures are manufactured and assembled for the A320, A330 and A380 aircraft programmes. This contract, and another to supply A350 outboard flap precision machine...
US scientists develop improved method for bonding aluminium to carbon fiber
Scientists at the United States Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee have developed a new, more cost-effective method for joining carbon fiber composites and aluminium. This new process could make it even easier to utilize these materials in the process of lightweighting consumer cars and trucks. The technique for bonding aluminium and carbon fiber today is laborious, as it involves manually applying abrasives, grit blasting, or applying toxic solvents in order to prepare the surface of the materials to be joined. The scientists in question have developed a method of preparing the surface using lasers, which improves bonding and allows for automation of the process. “Our technique is vastly superior to the conventional surface preparation methods,” said Oak...
Hindalco names Satish Pai as MD, Debu Bhattacharya to continue as non-executive director
Hindalco Industries named Satish Pai, currently deputy managing director, as the managing director. Current Managing Director D Bhattacharya will continue as non-executive director and has also been appointed vice-chairman, Hindalco said in its statement. The aluminium major reported a 123% jump in net profit in the quarter ended March, helped by higher volumes and lower input costs. "D. Bhattacharya, will be demitting office as managing director with effect from 31 July 2016," Hindalco said on BSE on Saturday. Chief financial officer Praveen Kumar Maheshwari has been inducted as the whole-time director on the board of the company for a term of five years. Bhattacharya will play an active role at the Aditya Birla Group level, a person familiar with the matter said. He is likely becoming...
Tumbling Aluminum Inventories to Put Floor under Aluminum Prices, SMM
Aluminum stocks in China’s major markets fell at a much faster pace, and this will lend support to both SHFE and spot aluminum prices , SMM expects. Limited aluminum capacity restarts will support SHFE 1607 aluminum at the 60-day moving average, with price range at 11,950-12,300 yuan per tonne this coming week. Spot aluminum in east China will trade at premiums of 150 yuan per tonne over SHFE 1606 aluminum. Movement of LME aluminum will remain subject to crude oil and US dollar. Market will eye US non-farm payrolls for clues for the US Fed’s policy path and impact on US dollar. LME aluminum should move at $1,530-1,570 per tonne.
Hindalco Q4 net profit more than doubles to Rs 356 crore
Aluminium maker Hindalco today said its standalone net profit more than doubled to Rs 356 crore for the quarter ended March 2016 helped by growth in sales of value-added products as well as cost efficiencies. The flagship firm of the Aditya Birla Group had clocked a net profit of Rs 160 crore in the year-ago period, it said in a regulatory filing. Standalone revenue of the company, however, declined by 7.5 per cent to Rs 8,668 crore in January-March quarter of last fiscal from Rs 9,372 crore during the same quarter of 2014-15 due to decline in realisations from aluminium and copper. The firm said aluminium production rose year-on-year (y-o-y) 27 per cent to 307 kilo tonnes (KT) as well as there were significant cost efficiencies achieved with supportive input costs and decline in coal and...
NALCO posts INR 731 cr net profit in 2015-16
At a time when 70% aluminium companies world over have reported loss, as also reduced production, and the aluminium industry is reeling under heavy pressure due to sluggish international market, National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna PSU under Ministry of Mines, Government of India, has remained profitable by successfully handling the market downturn by becoming the lowest cost producer of alumina in the world and focusing on increased bauxite mining and alumina refining, besides effecting several cost reduction measures, particularly in metal production. It may be noted that while the average London Metal Exchange (LME) price per tonne of aluminium in FY14-15 was 1889 USD per tonne, it slumped to an average of 1592 USD in FY 15-16 i.e a fall of 16%. According to the...
Alba Line 6 CAPEX down to around US$ 3 billion
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the Bahrain-based international smelter, announced that the CAPEX associated with Line 6 Expansion Project was brought-down from US$ 3.5 billion to around US$ 3 billion. As per the initial Bankable Feasibility Study, the CAPEX for Line 6 Expansion Project - comprising the construction of a sixth pot line and Power Station 5 - was estimated at US$ 3.5 billion. However, following our on-going review in response to the lower oil prices and commodity market’s soft conditions, the CAPEX has significantly shrinked to approximately US$ 3 billion. Speaking about this development, Alba’s Chief Executive Officer Tim Murray said: “We are pleased to arrive at a lower CAPEX as that will reduce the debt burden when financing the construction of the sixth pot line and...
Alcoa launches legal action against Alumina Ltd.
Alcoa has taken the surprise step of launching legal action in the US against Alumina to stop attempts by its Australian partner to derail a historic break-up of the aluminium giant. The action comes amid threats by Melbourne-based Alumina as recently as this week to try to "interfere with the (Alcoa) seperation" to cast "a cloud over the seperation ... and disrupting" the operations of the two partners' Alcoa World and Alumina Chemicals (AWAC) venture, according to court documents filed in the US state of Delaware on Friday night. AWAC, split 60-40 between venture operator Alcoa and Alumina, is one of the world's biggest bauxite and alumina producers and owns world-class mines and refineries in the South West. Alcoa announced its historic split, to separate the upstream operations of...
New report published on Bauxite Cement Market 2015 – 2022
Research Corridor has published a new research study titled “Bauxite Cement Market – Growth, Share, Opportunities, Competitive Analysis and Forecast, 2015 – 2022”. The Bauxite Cement market report studies current as well as future aspects of the Bauxite Cement Market based upon factors such as market dynamics, key ongoing trends and segmentation analysis. Apart from the above elements, the Bauxite Cement Market research report provides a 360-degree view of the Bauxite Cement industry with geographic segmentation, statistical forecast and the competitive landscape. Geographically, the Bauxite Cement Market report comprises dedicated sections centering on the regional market revenue and trends. The Bauxite Cement market has been segmented on the basis of geographic regions into North...
Alcoa schedules more plant layoffs
Another wave of layoffs was announced at the Alcoa Point Comfort plant this week after the company initially hit the brakes on production in November. Notices were given to employees this week at the Point Comfort plant that detailed when the latest round of layoffs will begin. An estimated 60 employees will be laid off and 18 will retire June 27, said Kari Fluegel, spokeswoman for the Point Comfort location of the alumina producer. About 137 employees will be let go July 23. "We will close down production on June 30, and then after that we enter what we call a maintenance and care mode, and that requires some staffing level," Fluegel said. The company initially announced late last year it would cut back locally by about 1.2 million metric tons to save money. In 2015, the aluminum price...
Rexam collaborates with Hofjäger to can First Beer for Chinese market
Rexam, a leading global can maker, has partnered with German beer company Denninghoffs, owner of the brand Hofjäger, to can its Schwarzbier and Weizenbier ranges. The new canned format will launch for the first time in China in May 2016 before being rolled out globally. The iconic aluminium beverage cans use Rexam’s high definition printing to bring to life an image of a traditional Bavarian hunter, set against dark and tan backgrounds to reflect the character of the beers. Speaking about the project, Thomas Kühn, CEO of Denninghoffs GmbH, says, “There is huge demand for German beer in China, which is why we decided to launch in this market first. To mark the occasion, we wanted to innovate and moving to can seemed the perfect option. The design agency, Laut & Schoen, created the design...
HTC 10 and HTC 10 Lifestyle with all-aluminium unibody launched In India
HTC has finally unveiled the much awaited HTC 10 and HTC 10 Lifestyle in India. The company has also unveiled five more devices- The HTC 10 Lifestyle, the new HTC Desire 628, HTC Desire 630 HTC One X9 dual-SIM, HTC Desire 825, and HTC Desire 830, along with the flagship. HTC 10 boasts a 5.2-inch QHD SLCD panel, It comes with an all-aluminium unibody, as seen on every HTC flagship, however this time the chamfered edges to all the way to the back, giving a much premium feel. Under the hood, the device is rocking a Snapdragon 820 SoC. paired with 4GB of RAM. The device comes with 32GB and 64GB storage options, with microSD expandability up to 200GB. For optics, the device features a 12MP (Ultra pixel) rear camera, along with a wide-angle 5MP selfie camera. The device is running Android 6.0...
UBM Information starts CPD Programme on sustainable aluminium window systems
A key element of the UK government’s Construction 2025 strategy is to lower greenhouse gas emissions in the built environment by 50 per cent by 2025. At the same time, it aims to lower costs by 33 per cent, both in the initial construction and over the whole life of built assets. As heating consumes by far the greatest proportion of household energy use, reducing this is one of the most efficient ways to improve buildings’ energy performance. Data from the European Aluminium Association estimates that 40 per cent of the heating energy lost from homes escapes from windows or the gaps around windows. Innovative and high-performance window design is therefore fundamental in reducing the amount of energy used in both the construction and operation of buildings, new and old. UBM Information...
