AL Circle Analysis: US scrap imports hit 580kt as China slips 3.2%, who drives aluminium recycling?
Aluminium scrap is no longer a side story in the metal’s market. Rather, aluminium’s next standoff is over scrap. As US imports surge 37 per cent while China’s purchases decline, manufacturers in Europe and India are confronting a common challenge of securing affordable, reliable raw materials. With recycling rates, trade barriers and low-carbon production reshaping market, the global industry faces a critical question: who will control the metal that powers its circular future? Join the fourth edition of the webinar "Hedging for recyclers - Become an expert in 6 hours" by Jorge Dyszel. A 1.1-billion-tonne stockpile: US stocks up, China steps back, India asks for access The US imported 580,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap worth USD 2.07 billion in H1 2026 , with Canada accounting for 63.62...
A should-cost analysis of an aluminium tower furnace in India: Comparing the economics of LPG, PNG, and electric energy sources
In precision non-ferrous casting and high-volume die-casting operations, thermal energy conversion represents one of the largest controllable operating expenses. In modern aluminium foundries, where margins are squeezed by primary metal price fluctuations and stringent customer cost breakdowns, even a modest INR 1–2/kg variance in liquid metal melting cost can translate into tens of lakhs of rupees in annual cost differences. A rigorous, transparent should-cost benchmark is therefore essential for procurement teams, foundry managers and strategic sourcing leaders. This analysis examines a baseline should-cost model for a 1,000 kg/hour aluminium shaft or tower furnace in an industrial foundry. It compares liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), piped natural gas (PNG) and electric energy across...
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Altech Chemicals' HPA demand growth tied to lithium-ion batteries
Altech Chemicals Limited has provided a detailed update on the fast growing utilisation of high purity alumina (HPA) in lithium-ion batteries. Altech recently appointed Mr. Martin Ma as the company's sales and marketing manager in China. Mr. Ma has already commenced discussions with lithium-ion battery manufacturers in China where there is considerable interest for Altech's HPA product. Highlights • Fast-emerging use of HPA in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) • HPA use in lithium-ion battery separators is in the region of 120g per kWh • HPA increases discharge rates; lowers self-discharge; and lengthens life-cycles • PA increases the separator's shrinkage temperature and reduces flammability during thermal runaways • Altech forecasts HPA demand for lithium-ion battery...
Hydro signs long-term power contract for its Norwegian aluminium portfolio
Norwegian aluminium company Norsk Hydro ASA's fully owned subsidiary Hydro Energi AS has signed a long-term power contract with Nordic Wind Power DA, a Norwegian wind power consortium, for annual baseload supply of between 0.6 and 1 TWh in the period from 2020 to 2039. "We are happy to contribute to realizing the Fosen wind power project, the largest onshore wind power project in Europe, ensuring safe industrial offtake for around a third of the annual production capacity for a significant time period," says President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg. "This demonstrates the synergies between industry development in Norway and developing renewable energy sources", says Brandtzæg. The contract covers annual supply of around 0.6 terawatt hours (TWh) during 2020, around 1.0 TWh annually in the...
Alba upgrades to EGA DX+ Ultra Technology for Line 6
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the Bahrain-based leading international aluminium smelter, announced that it has upgraded the technology for its Line 6 Expansion Project from EGA DX+ to the EGA DX+ Ultra. The signing ceremony was held in Dubai on February 23, 2015 and was attended by Alba’s Director for Line 6 Smelter Project and Engineering, Shawqi Al Hashimi and Emirates Global Aluminium’s Abdulla Kalban (MD & CEO), Dr. Ali Al Zarouni (Senior Vice President, Jebel Ali Operations, Technology Development & Transfer) and members of the EGA Technology Development & Transfer department. The upgrade to the EGA DX+ Ultra Technology will boost Alba’s production to 540,000 metric tonnes per annum (mtpa), an increase of 26,000 mtpa versus prior projections. This will bring Alba's total...
LME aluminium to test resistance at $1,563
LME aluminium is expected to test resistance at $1,563 per tonne, with a good chance of breaking above this level and rising more to the next resistance at $1,581. These resistances are identified respectively as the 86.4 percent and the 100 percent Fibonacci projection levels of an upward wave C, the third wave of a three-wave cycle from the January 7 low of $1,451.50. This wave is capable of travelling to $1,581. A triangle forming between December 24, 2015 and February 19 has been confirmed as a bullish pattern, suggesting an aggressive target at $1,610. A break below $1,549, now a support, could cause a loss to $1,537, a support provided by the upper trendline of the triangle.
LME aluminium to test resistance at $1,563
LME aluminium is expected to test resistance at $1,563 per tonne, with a good chance of breaking above this level and rising more to the next resistance at $1,581. These resistances are identified respectively as the 86.4 percent and the 100 percent Fibonacci projection levels of an upward wave C, the third wave of a three-wave cycle from the January 7 low of $1,451.50. This wave is capable of travelling to $1,581. A triangle forming between December 24, 2015 and February 19 has been confirmed as a bullish pattern, suggesting an aggressive target at $1,610. A break below $1,549, now a support, could cause a loss to $1,537, a support provided by the upper trendline of the triangle.
Alba holds workshops on cost management
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), a leading international aluminium smelters based in the Kingdom of Bahrain, held a series of workshops titled ‘Cost Rationalisation and Cost Realignment Strategies’ with the aim to accelerate its efforts towards remaining cost competitive. The workshops were delivered by a specialist from French Arabian Business School (FABS) in partnership with ESSEC. Speaking about this workshop, Alba’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Murray said, "Given the challenges faced by the aluminium industry, Alba must reinvent itself to stay cost competitive. One of the ways to achieve such alignment is through training, which will bring synergy to the bottom line results.”
Alcoa named world’s most admired metals company by Fortune Magazine
For the fifth consecutive year, lightweight metals engineering and manufacturing leader Alcoa has been named the most admired metals company by Fortune magazine in its annual ranking on corporate reputation. Alcoa has been on Fortune’s Most Admired List since the publication began the annual ranking more than 30 years ago. In addition, Alcoa received top scores in all key attributes: innovation, people management, social responsibility, use of corporate assets, quality of management, financial soundness, long-term investment value, quality of products and services, and global competitiveness. “This award is a credit to our talented employees around the world,” said Alcoa Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Klaus Kleinfeld. “Alcoa employees everywhere continue to work tirelessly to ensure...
About 71% of Chinese smelters bullish over aluminium prices this week
About 71% of the 28 Chinese aluminium smelters surveyed by SMM are bullish over aluminium prices this week. These optimists expect SHFE 1604 aluminium to rise to RMB 11,350-11,500/mt and LME aluminium to rise above USD 1,580/mt, citing a series of positive factors. 1. Longs have been prevailing in SHFE aluminium market recently, with KDJ pointing upward. 2. Aluminium stocks in China’s major markets grew slower after this year’s Chinese New Year holiday than those seen after last year’s Chinese New Year holiday because of production cuts. 3. Commissioning of new capacity and restart of idled capacity did not pick up pace rapidly in February, despite rising aluminium prices. 3. Demand will pick up as processors return after Lantern Festival. The rest 29% see SHFE 1604 aluminium holding...
Iceland's Landsvirkjun grows profit in 2015 despite aluminium price decline
Landsvirkjun, the Iceland-based power producer, saw its net profit grow by 7.4 per cent year on year in 2015 to USD 84.2 million (EUR 76m), even though the prices of aluminium have been falling since the last couple of quarters. Operating revenue was USD 421.5 million, down by 3.8 per cent compared to the previous year. The results are remarkable because aluminium manufacturing has always been a mainstay for power producers in the country. The state-owned company, which operates hydropower, geothermal and wind power plants, sold 13.9 TWh, a record for it. To meet demand, it is building a new geothermal power plant at Theistareykir and plans to start construction of an expansion of Burfell hydro power plant this spring. “Despite a challenging environment in most commodity and energy...
Sapa introduces technical innovations in Confort Smartline
Sapa Building System is bringing to market its new sliding door system Confort Smartline. The energy efficiency provided by this thermally broken aluminium sliding system has helped Confort earn the Minergie certificate for sustainable buildings. Confort Smartline, designed for maximum daylight and living comfort, is a sliding system with a lift or lift/slide vent. Thanks to technical innovation, the system enables considerable energy savings. To illustrate, the system’s aluminium profiles are connected through 50 mm polyamide strips reinforced with glass fibre. These polyamide strips are specially designed to improve thermal values without the need for extra inserts in the profiles. The larger cavities between the profiles are insulated with customized PE strips. As a result, Confort...
Apex Aluminum gets new president and general manager
Apex Aluminum Extrusions, a state-of-the-art aluminum extrusion factory located in Langley, British Columbia, Canada, promoted Bill de Koning to the position of vice presiden. The company also hired Don Welsh as general manager, effective March 14. De Koning has been with Apex Aluminum in the position of general manager since 2010 and brings with him over thirty years of management experience from a wide range of positions in the aluminium extrusion and glazing industry. “Bill has demonstrated a strong customer focus and has worked tireously to build Apex while winning the trust and confidence of our customers.” says Thomas Martini, president of Apex Aluminum Extrusions. “With Bill’s extensive background in Aluminum Extrusions and decades of experience I feel Bill will continue to lead...
Aluminium bet dents Hulamin’s annual profit
A bad bet on aluminium prices contributed to Hulamin’s profits more than halving during the year, ended December. Hulamin, an aluminium product manufacturer based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, reported a net profit of R163.7m, down from R384.92 the previous year as the price of aluminium slumped 25 per cent over the period. The share price dropped 5.47 per cent to close at R6.20 on Monday after the manufacturer did not declare a final dividend for the first time in two years. Hulamin said it needed to preserve cash in the uncertain climate. The company, which makes vehicle parts, beverage cans and other products out of aluminium, recorded a R161m loss from the portion of its inventory it does not hedge. Hulamin’s policy is to hedge half the aluminium it sells on the export market to...
Minister to meet Kuantan officials over bauxite mining issue
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said he will meet Kuantan officials this Friday, February 26, to obtain the latest information over the state’s efforts to clean up the city after it was affected by the rampant bauxite mining activity. “I will get all relevant information on Friday and if you (the media) are willing to join me there, I will hold a press conference immediately after to inform of what’s latest there,” Wan Junaidi said recently at a news conference. When asked about the condition of air quality there, Wan Junaidi said he was yet to receive information on that but stressed that the government was seriously looking at ensuring air quality in the state did not deteriorate to a dangerous level. “Just like during the haze...
China's bauxite imports surge 105% y-o-y in Jan 2016
China's appetite for bauxite is growing bigger by the day. According to the data released by the General Administration of Customs on February 22, China imported 5,302,809 mt of the aluminium ore in January, up 105 per cent from the corresponding period previous year. Malaysia ranked first among the countries supplying bauxite to China. The shipments were cleared before the moratorium on bauxite mining started in Kuantan port area in Pahang on January 15. Malaysia shipped around 2,159,697 mt of bauxite to China, up 530 per cent year-on-year. Bauxite imports from Australia dipped 20 per cent y-o-y and amounted to 1,198,537 mt, while supply from India grew 93% y-o-y during the period under review. China imported 1,118,188 mt of the aluminium ore from India in January 2016.
China alumina prices firm as stock levels dip, metal prices rise
Chinese spot alumina prices firmed further Monday on the back of stronger domestic aluminum prices and reduced alumina reserves following refinery cutbacks in recent months. Platts ex-works Shanxi alumina spot price stood at Yuan 1,710/mt ($262/mt) full cash payment terms Monday, rising Yuan 15 from Friday, and up Yuan 65 on the week. The current price also reflected an increase of Yuan 85 from a month ago. The front-month aluminum contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange closed at Yuan 11,145 mt Monday, up from Yuan 10,780/mt a week ago, and also from Yuan 10,830/mt a month ago. Spot alumina offers in Shanxi were heard at Yuan 1,730-1,750/mt cash Monday, up from Yuan 1,720-1,730/mt on Friday, and mostly around Yuan 1,700/mt at the start of last week. Tradeable prices were pegged at Yuan...
Aluminium regains ground on MCX, Mumbai
Aluminium prices surged 4 per cent last week, with the spot price on the London Metal Exchange (LME) closing on a stronger note at $1,562 per tonne on Friday. This is just above an important resistance at $1,560. The metal is up about 10 per cent from its low of $1,423 made in November 2015. Between May and November 2015, aluminium spot prices had plummeted over 27 per cent from a high of $1,959. On the domestic front, the aluminium futures contract traded on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) rose 5 per cent last week to close at INR107.65 per kg. This contract moves in tandem with the LME spot price. A weakening rupee, against the dollar, is providing additional support to the domestic futures contract. Prices of most metals have been strengthening in the global markets due to the...
Chinese driven aluminium overhang to foil price bulls
A massive overhang of aluminium stocks, mostly due to rising Chinese production, is set to cap a tentative price recovery triggered by large output cuts. Last year plummeting prices and squeezed margins led to production cuts of around 5.5 million tonnes with the bulk, about 4 million tonnes, in China. Benchmark aluminium on the London Metal Exchange hit $1,432.50 a tonne last November, the lowest since May 2009. Prices of the metal used in transport and packaging have since recovered to around $1,500 a tonne, but a stronger rally may only encourage producers to restart idled output capacity. Large surpluses are due to a ramp-up in China, which accounted for nearly 55 percent of global supplies of around 57 million tonnes last year. "We think prices will stay around the $1,400/$1,500...
Aluminium futures rise on global cues, spot demand
Taking positive cues from global market and strong demand at domestic spot markets, aluminium prices edged up 0.52 per cent to INR 105.80 per kg in futures trade today as participants enlarged positions. Marketmen said increased domestic demand and a firming global trend where base metals gained with optimism that demand will recover in China after the government signaled increased support for the economy through higher spending and new measures to boost bank lending, helped aluminium futures to trade higher. At the Multi Commodity Exchange, aluminium for delivery this month inched up by 55 paise or 0.52 per cent to INR 105.80 per kg in a business turnover of 116 lots. Likewise, the metal for delivery in March traded higher by 35 paise, or 0.33 per cent, to INR 105.85 per kg in five lots.
