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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BMR spots signs of recovery in scrap recycling sector
The recently concluded Bureau of Metal Recycling (BMR) Conference in Dubai stressed that the scrap recycling industry is showing signs of recovery across the globe. However, it admitted that the industry is not without challenges. Salam Sharif, President, BMR called upon global recycling industries to join together in fighting the challenges so as to overcome times of hardships. The 5th BMR International Conference 2016 was held at Atlantis-The Palm, Dubai from 19th to 20th, February. The Conference was attended by over 450 recycling professional and industry experts. The e3vent was attended by representatives from UAE-based environmental organizations. It was also attended by delegates from world recycling organizations including the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), the Institute...
Wendt, TOMRA will spotlight X-tract device at ISRI
Germany-based TOMRA Sorting Recycling says it will launch its new, enhanced X-Tract X-ray sorting machine at the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc. (ISRI) 2016 Convention & Exposition in Las Vegas, April 2-7. Recyclers interested in finding out more about the X-tract have been invited by TOMRA to visit Wendt Corporation at Booth No.1035 to discuss the X-tract, which can be “applied to improve the recovery of heavy metals and aluminum,” according to TOMRA. Buffalo, New York-based Wendt Corporation is TOMRA Sorting Recycling’s distribution agent in the United States. In its newly re-launched format, the X-tract “is an even more powerful and efficient sorting tool,” says TOMRA. The machine is now equipped with a new sensor designed to boost its performance and stability. TOMRA says...
SMM: Aluminium MMI hits 4-month high
SMM monthly Aluminium MMI rose to 73 points in March, its highest reading in four months. After a period a period of price stability, aluminium prices are finally showing the first signs of strength, thanks in part to a weaker dollar in February. In their monthly outlook SMM has already recommended subscribers to buy up in volume. So what is suddenly causing this strength in aluminium prices? First, SMM reminds that aluminium prices are still near historical lows. This price bounce comes after significant declines in previous months and, not only aluminium, but all base metals have risen in price recently. However, some indicators within the aluminium industry are giving aluminium producers some reasons to become more optimistic. China’s exports and production down In January, China...
Mumtalakat acquires 49% stake in aluminium grain refiner, ALEASTUR
Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company ("Mumtalakat"), the investment arm of the Kingdom of Bahrain, today announced the successful acquisition of a 49 per cent equity stake in Asturiana de Aleaciones S.A. ("ALEASTUR"), a Spanish-based manufacturer of aluminium grain refiners and master alloys. Established in 1985 in Spain, ALEASTUR is specialised in the manufacturing of aluminium grain refiners and master alloys, mainly in rod form and ingots. Since its inception, the Company has evolved into one of the leading aluminium grain refining players in the world with an international presence and a diverse distribution base of over 700 customers across 70 countries. This transaction demonstrates Mumtalakat’s continued commitment to further develop the Kingdom’s downstream aluminium sector and to...
Orbite provides update on high purity alumina project
Orbite Technologies Inc. has provided an update on the company's progress towards high purity alumina plant completion and commissioning. Construction Highlights • As reported by the Company on February 11th, 2016, the installation of critical system components, withheld by a supplier in breach of his contract, commenced on January 4th and was completed on February 10th, 2016. • The installation of the air, steam, and process piping and utilities around the calcination system, delayed by the installation of the withheld equipment, is now complete. • Installation of the insulation on the decomposer and calciner is well-advanced and will be completed on the steam supply system shortly. Commissioning • The feed system for delivering Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate crystals (ACH) into the...
North America’s aluminum net shipments down in January
According to an Aluminum Association report, aluminum net shipments (including exports) by domestic U.S. and Canadian facilities totalled an estimated 1,853 million pounds during January 2016, down 3.4 per cent from the January 2015 total of 1,919 million pounds. Shipments of aluminum mill products totalled 1,245 million pounds, 3.0 per cent below a year ago, while shipments of aluminum ingot for castings, exports and destructive uses were down 4.3 per cent, totalling 608 million pounds. Compared to December 2015, total January shipments increased 6.2 per cent. Preliminary estimates indicate that during 2015, producer shipments totalled an estimated 23,033 million pounds, seven-tenths of one per cent below the 2014 total of 23,191 million. Inventories fell 4.8 per cent from December to...
Premium cars with aluminium enhancements make debut at Geneva Motor Show 2016
The ongoing auto extravagance in Switzerland is witnessing a series of special edition launches. The leading automakers are revealing their new production ready cars and concepts that are soon to debut in select markets worldwide. Mercedes-Benz, the 3-pointed star marque has unveiled an exclusive edition of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class at the 2016 Geneva auto event. Donned with a number of luxury features, the exclusive edition flaunts the “EXCLUSIVE” label on the brushed aluminium front wings. The mid-size van gets 19-inch light-alloy wheels, sports suspension and 17-inch braking system. Along with the ATTENTION ASSIST, the Crosswind Assist and the Active Parking Assist comes as standard, while the luxury van has a lot more show inside. Jeep is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee with an entire...
Rio Tinto managers load ship with aluminium
A ship carrying three thousand tons of aluminium from Rio Tinto Alcan in Straumsvík will leave harbor this afternoon, headed for the Netherlands, despite the limited strike meant to prevent all shipping of aluminium from the harbor. Ólafur Teitur Guðnason, spokesperson for Rio Tinto Alcan, says that’s the bulk of the aluminium which the company had planned to ship, RÚV reports. The labor dispute between workers of Rio Tinto Alcan and company management continues. A labor court had ruled the shipping ban legal, but management stepped into the jobs of the striking workers, making the shipment possible. Tuesday night, the Reykjavík Sheriff ruled that 15 people in management at the aluminium smelter had the right to participate in loading the ship. The union had argued that only two people in...
LME aluminium to gather more strength this week
LME aluminium will gather more rising steam this coming week on positive sentiment in Chinese market, SMM sees. Expectations for demand recovery in Chinese aluminium market will drive LME aluminium up to challenge resistance at $ 1,600 per tonne. The first half of the year will not see massive restarts of idled aluminium capacity and commissioning of new aluminium capacity in China. So, supply will remain tight for the near term. Spot discounts in China are expected at 80-40 yuan per tonne over SHFE 1603 aluminium contract, with suppliers holding back goods at lows.
Kaiser Aluminum to post FY2017 earnings of $5.55 per share
Research analysts at KeyBanc issued their FY2017 earnings per share estimates for shares of Kaiser Aluminum Corp. in a research report issued on Monday. KeyBanc analyst P. Gibbs expects that the firm will earn $5.55 per share for the year. The consensus estimate for Kaiser Aluminum Corp.’s FY2017 earnings is $5.75 per share. Kaiser Aluminum Corp. last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 16th. The company reported $0.60 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.09 by $0.49. The firm earned $317 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $329.07 million. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was down 6.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.85 EPS. A number of other research...
Melbourne property company creates breakout room using aluminium partitioning
Leading property and infrastructure services company BurnsBridge Sweett selected aluminium partitioning systems from Criterion Industries to create a breakout room in their Melbourne office. During the execution of their Melbourne office fitout, BurnsBridge Sweett sought Criterion’s products to create an open and inspiring atmosphere in their breakout room. This cafeteria-type room is central to the office suite and creates a buzzing environment with motivational modern feature walls. Criterion supplied their Artesian frameless glass sliding system and Platinum aluminium partitioning systems for the fitout. Artesian aluminium cavity units streamline aluminium reveals, are ideal for aluminium and timber doors; have a weight capacity of 180kg; accommodate 38-44mm thick doors; incorporate a...
Orbite increases and extends Underwriter's Option
Orbite Technologies Inc. has announced further to its press releases dated February 3 and February 23, 2016, the closing of its public offering of units in the aggregate amount of $9,542,000. The company has revised the terms of the underwriter's option (the "Underwriter's Option"), whereby the number of additional units that the underwriter, Euro Pacific Canada Inc., may purchase for resale is increased by 1,762 units to a total of 7,762 units. The underwriter purchased 1,544 additional units on February 3, 2016 and 1,060 on February 23, 2016. In addition to the foregoing amendment, the Underwriter's Option, which was set to expire tomorrow, is extended and may now be exercised until close of business on April 15, 2016. The 1,762 additional units, and the underlying debentures and share...
Former bauxite mine may be used as industrial area in Kuantan
The former bauxite mine in Felda Bukit Goh, Kuantan, may be developed as an industrial area if the land is no longer suitable for oil palm. State Felda Affairs Committee chairman Abu Bakar Harun said this was an alternative plan being considered to help the settlers after the stopping of mining activities. “If the former bauxite mine is suitable to be used as an industrial area, the landowners, state government and Felda can go into a joint venture to develop the area. This is to ensure that the settlers benefit if the land is no longer fit for crop cultivation.” Commenting on the opinions of several academics that the bauxite mine was not suitable for development as its land structure had been disturbed, Abu Bakar said he was leaving it to the developers to decide. He said to date, 205...
SC begins hearing on Odisha's Niyamgiri bauxite mining
The Supreme Court of India has renewed the hearing of the case relating to bauxite mining over the ecologically vulnerable Niyamgiri hills in Odisha, a project that has been facing several obstacles ever since tribals nixed it in 2013 at the gram sabhas. A two-member bench of the apex court recommended the Chief Justice on Friday, last week, to constitute a three-member jury to hear the interlocutory application filed by state-run miner Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC). After a failed bid to mine bauxite atop the Niyamgiri hills, OMC has sought re-convening of the gram sabhas to seek afresh the mandate of the affected Dongaria tribals. OMC had moved the SC on February 25. In its interlocutory application, OMC claimed that the Forest Rights Act and its Rules do not require any consent from...
Indian aluminium industry to seek revival of ADPC
Aluminium Association of India (AAI) will approach the Ministry of Mines for the revival of Aluminum Development and Promotion Council, its newly elected President Tapan Kumar Chand has said. "We are in an important phase of growth for the sector. We will emphasize on development of downstream Industries to go along with primary metal producers," Chand said in his address to the AAI Governing Council meeting here. Chand, who is the Chairman and Managing Director of NALCO, was elected as Honorary President of AAI at its Governing Council meeting held here yesterday, according to a release by the Association. He said they would also press for the revival of Development Committee on Aluminium Utilisation. The Aluminium industry wants the government to declare the sector as a "Core Industry"...
Qatalum launches electronic tender system
Procurement at Qatalum begins mandatory e-services for tender acquisition from March 1, 2016. Although in use by many of Qatalum’s suppliers and contractors for over 9 months, on the 1st of March 2016, Qatalum officially announces the launch of its electronic tender system, an online tender payment platform with the use of credit cards. The platform allows the download of Qatalum public tender documents. Effective from March 1, 2016, Qatalum will no longer accept cash payment receipts against tender fees nor continue its previous manual issuance of public tender documents. All suppliers and contractors are kindly requested to complete their online registration and start using the online tender fee payment system. Qatalum reserves its full right of not issuing public tender documents for...
CME Group introduces Aluminium European Premium Duty-Paid futures
CME Group is expanding its base metals offering with the introduction of a new Aluminium European Premium Duty-Paid (Metal Bulletin) futures contract to begin trading on 21 March, 2016. Pending relevant regulatory review periods, the new contract will be available for trading on CME Globex, for submission for clearing through CME ClearPort, and will be listed with and subject to the rules and regulations of COMEX. "This new contract complements our existing regional aluminium premium futures contracts, and will enable a broader and more diverse set of our European customers to hedge their exposure to the aluminium premium," says Young-Jin Chang (pictured), CME Group Executive Director of Metals Products. "Our new Aluminium European Premium Duty-Paid contract responds to commercial...
Accuride adds ROI calculator to mobile app
Accuride Corporation- a leading supplier of components to the North American and European commercial vehicle industries - announced it has launched two new marketing tools to help customers understand the performance, specifications, value and return on investment (ROI) of its wheel and brake drum products. The new, easy-to-use Lightweight ROI Calculator - available on Accuride’s website and mobile application - helps fleet operators determine their potential cost savings from making a switch to Accuride products from competing or legacy products. Accuride also published the 2016 edition of its popular Accuride Wheels Product Catalog. The updated catalog includes two new 22.5 x 9.00 lightweight aluminum wheels and Accuride’s proprietary EverSteel™ coating technology. EverSteel™ is the...
