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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Vedanta announces results for Q3 and nine months ended Dec 31
Resources giant Vedanta Limited, formerly known as Sesa Sterlite Ltd, announced its unaudited consolidated results for the third quarter ended 31 December 2015. Revenues during the quarter at INR 14,801 crore, were lower by 9% q-o-q due to softening of oil and metal prices, partially offset by improved volumes in the Power business. Revenues for the quarter were 23% lower y-o-y, on account of the fall in oil and metal prices. EBITDA at INR 3,212 crore was 22% lower q-o-q and 48% down y-o-y, primarily due to the fall in metal and oil prices. Depreciation and amortisation at INR 1,770 crore, was higher by INR 110 crore q-o-q on account of assets capitalized in Q3 FY2016 at Aluminium and Power, and a one-time depreciation charge at Lisheen post closure. Depreciation was also lower driven by...
Orbite announces bought deal financing
Orbite Technologies Inc. is pleased to announce that it has entered into an underwriting agreement with Euro Pacific Canada Inc. under which the Underwriter has agreed to buy on a bought deal basis 4,000 units of the company at a price of $1,000 per Unit for gross proceeds of $4,000,000. In addition to the Units distributed pursuant to the Bought Offering, the company has entered into agreements with several of its key suppliers who have agreed to receive an aggregate of 2,938 Units as consideration for outstanding invoices in the aggregate amount of $2,938,000. The company also granted the Underwriter an option, exercisable in whole or in part, at one or more additional closings, at any time within 30 days of the closing of the Bought Offering, to purchase up to an additional 6,000 Units...
Bauxite Resources updates on its quarterly activities and cashflow status
Bauxite Resources Limited (BRL) has recently announced its December 2015 quarterly activities and cashflow results. Following are the financial and operational highlights: - Cash at bank at 31 December 2015 was A$21.1 million and no debt. - Quarter exploration activities were minimal within the Bauxite Alumina Joint Venture (BAJV) as activities were focused on the completion of the sale of BRL's interest in the BAJV to Yankuang. - BRL remains in its joint venture with HD Mining (HDJV) under which all exploration and study costs are met by HD Mining. The current resource base is 87.8Mt - HD Mining have an 'earn in' of up to 60% on decision to mine. Activity Summary for December 2015 Quarter During the quarter exploration activities were minimal within the Bauxite Alumina Joint Venture...
Nalco eyes 10% growth in bauxite output
Beating the slump in world aluminium market, National Aluminium Company (Nalco) is eyeing 10% growth in bauxite production by the close of this financial year. “By the end of 2015-16, the (bauxite) production is likely to be at the level of 6.3 million tonne (mt), a growth of 10%. Similarly, in production of alumina hydrate, there is likely to be a growth of 2.6%, in aluminium 14% and net power 14% by the end of this financial year. In profitability, Nalco has registered 39% growth in profit after tax in Q2 over Q1”, Nalco Chairman and Managing Director T K Chand said in his Republic Day address to company employees. Chand admitted that Nalco’s profitability in this fiscal remained depressed due to continuous downturn. “But, Nalco is determined to make a difference with other industry...
Granco Clark to showcase novel aluminium billet precision technologies at ET16, Chicago
Leading metal processing technology and equipment manufacturer Granco Clark, in their latest issue of quarterly newsletter- Precision, has updated on their four major technology inventions which they will be showcasing at this year’s ET16 to be held in Chicago from May 2-6. Below are the important features and functionality of Granco’s aluminium billet precision technology solutions: Granco Clark Hot Billet Saw The Granco Clark Hot Billet Saw makes smooth, accurate cuts with no deformation. Maximizing an extrusion system’s efficiency, this saw cuts billets to the precise size required just before they enter the press cycle, eliminating the need to stock multiple-length billets. This saw can deliver 100% log consumption. Its compensation-cut system “thinks ahead” and avoids unusable end...
Valspar showcases its best-selling architectural coatings at Architect@Work London
During Architect@Work London, The Valspar Corporation will be exhibiting in booth #48 and featuring two of its most recognizable architectural coatings brands – Syntha Pulvin® powder coatings and Fluropon® liquid coatings. Architect@Work (A@W) London will be held at the Olympia London in the National Hall, January 27-28. With a distinguished 43-year history in the U.K., Valspar's Syntha Pulvin is the premier architectural powder coatings brand in Europe. Trusted by approved applicators across Europe, Syntha Pulvin powder coatings are available in a wide range of colours, textures and performance levels. At A@W, Valspar will introduce Syntha Pulvin's newest offerings: Anodite is a new generation of architectural polyester powder coatings with a smooth, low-gloss, metallic appearance...
Kobe Steel launches new 7000 series aluminium alloy 7K55
Kobe Steel, Ltd. has developed a 7000 series aluminium alloy called 7K55 that offers both outstanding stress corrosion cracking resistance and high yield strength in the 400 N/mm2 class. 7K55 has already been adopted for use as an extrusion for bumper beams by a Japanese automaker. Kobe Steel aims to expand the application of this new aluminium alloy in the future. In the automotive sector, the need for lighter car bodies is growing due to stronger environmental regulations in recent years. Aluminium extrusions for bumper beams and the body framework are an effective way to lighten the weight of cars. As a result, demand for aluminium extrusions is expanding. Bumper beams absorb the energy of a collision and serve to protect passengers from the impact. The 7000 series aluminium alloys,...
LME aluminium to approach $1,511
LME aluminium is expected to approach resistance at $1,511 per tonne, driven by a wave c. This is the third wave of a three-wave cycle from the January 12 low of $1,449. It is progressing towards $1,511, the 23.6 percent Fibonacci projection level of a downward wave C, which is the third wave of a three-wave cycle from the September 9, 2015 high of $1,655.50. A break above $1,511 could lead to a gain to $1,531, the 14.6 percent level, while only a break below support at $1,453, the 50 percent level, could confirm the continuation of the wave C towards $1,426, the 61.8 percent level.
Indian govt mulls buyback route for Nalco stake sale
The Government of India is planning to opt for the buyback route, instead of an offer for sale (OFS), for divesting its stake in Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) and National Aluminium Company (Nalco) so that it can get higher prices from the stake sale. The government expects to garner around INR 9,000 crore from these buybacks whereas OFS is likely to fetch INR 5,600 crore at the current market valuations. The government plans to sell 10% of its stake in BHEL, while it is expected to divest 25% of its stake in Nalco. According to Sebi norms, a company is free to fix the maximum price for the buyback and this price is independent of stock market performance. The final buyback price is usually 20-30% higher compared the current share price. For instance, during the recent buyback of...
MCX aluminium up by 1.2% on global cues
Buoyed by firming trend overseas and rising spot demand, aluminium futures rose by 1.24% to INR 101.75 per kg today as traders created fresh positions. At the Multi Commodity Exchange, aluminium for delivery this month moved up by INR 1.25 or 1.24% to INR 101.75 per kg in a business turnover of 554 lots. The metal for delivery in February contracts rose by INR 1.05 or 1.03% to INR 102.50 per kg in a business turnover of 161 lots. Market participants said besides rising demand at domestic spot markets, a firming trend in the base metals pack at the London Metal Exchange (LME) helped aluminium futures to trade higher.
Asia Alumina: Australia firms $1.50/mt to $204.50/mt as longs contract
Platts Australian alumina daily assessment at $204.50/mt FOB gained $1.50/mt from Monday, January 22nd, as the market continued to gravitate from a long to a more balanced position. Global refining cuts in response to poor margins, and recent consumer restocking and dip buying have put a floor under the market. There appears to have been a creeping up of buying inquiries in the last couple of days. In the past week, consumer and trader sources have noted that offers were harder to come by. Stockholders have said they were in no hurry to offload. A stockholder said he was anticipating demand to pick up in coming weeks. In the meantime, there was the option of storing the tons in China, he said. A Chinese smelter affirmed that sellers were eyeing more than $215/mt CIF China. Platts assessed...
Calcined bauxite demand to rise buoyed by proppants sector growth
Roskill's new release- a Non-Metallurgical Bauxite & Alumina report with forecasts to 2021, shows the ceramic proppants sector is poised to become the largest market for non-metallurgical bauxite by 2021, overtaking the refractories industry. Consumption of bauxite, the principal ore of aluminium, in refractories, both directly and via brown fused alumina, accounted for more than 20% of the total non-metallurgical bauxite market in 2015. Demand for calcined bauxite in production of ceramic proppants is expected to grow by more than five percent per year out to 2021 as North America and China target greater exploitation of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs, according to Roskill's new Non-Metallurgical Bauxite & Alumina report. Within only a decade, hydraulic fracturing has proved to be...
Ghana seeks global investors for bauxite mining
A Principal Mining Officer at the Minerals Commission, Jerry Ahadzi has said that Ghana is in search for investors to exploit its bauxite and other mineral resources. These investors, according to him would also be expected to lead in the development of the entire value chain for these mineral resources. The official said this while throwing light on the potential for the mining industry in the country at the ongoing International training for journalists on the natural resources sector by the Natural Resources Governance Institute(NRGI) here. Ahadzi said just as for the entire continent, only between 10 percent and 20 percent of Ghana’s entire mineral resources have been discovered and currently being exploited. “These minerals (including bauxite) have already been discovered and are in...
Bauxite Resources announces completion of sale of Yankuang JV and buyback of shares
Bauxite Resources Limited advises that completion of the sale of BRL's interest in the Bauxite Alumina Joint Ventures ('BAJV'), and the Buy-back of all of Yankuang's shares in BRL, occurred this morning following BRL Shareholder approval of the transaction at the EGM held on 18th January 2016. The key changes for BRL, as a consequence of this, are as follows: • BRL's net cash funds have increased by $6m, being the difference between the sale price of $7.15M received for its interest in the BAJV and the buy-back sum of $1.15M paid by BRL for Yankuang's shares in BRL; • BRL has a royalty right of 0.9% of the FOB price (presently estimated to be worth approx. 50 cents per tonne) from the sale of all bauxite mined from the Felicitas and Fortuna tenements. The royalty is payable on the first...
Brazil alumina exports revenue declined 11.8% y-o-y in Dec: MDIC
According to the data revealed by Brazil’s foreign trade ministry, alumina exports of the country remained nearly stable year-on-year in December 2015. A total of 699,456 tons of alumina (aluminium oxide powder refined from bauxite) was shipped abroad last month, a rise from 698,969 tons in December 2014, the figures showed. Revenues generated from alumina exports declined 11.8% to $190 million on a fob basis, in the same comparison, last month, MDIC data showed.
China aluminium imports declined 43% and exports slid 68% y-o-y during Jan-Dec 2015
Chinese aluminium imports in December 2015 was estimated at 4,478 mt, an increase of 141.13 per cent year-on-year, revealed data published by General Administration of Customs, China on January 26. This is in contrast with the annual primary aluminium import data which showed 42.86 per cent decrease year-on-year. Australia topped the list of the countries supplying primary aluminium to China, followed by Oman and the UAE, in the month of December. The Gulf country (UAE) supplied 17,758 mt of the white metal, used in making appliances to luxury automobile and spaecraft bodies, to China during the January-December period, marking a significant 134.35 per cent rise year-on-year. Aluminium shipments from India and Russia declined 57.72 per cent and 85.91 per cent year-on-year respectively...
Aluminium consumption in India picking up with GDP growth: Nalco CMD
Aluminium consumption in the country is slowly picking up in the backdrop of an increase in GDP to 7.3 to 7.5 % this fiscal. Growth in electrical & electronics sectors, construction, transport & automobiles are likely to trigger higher consumption, tough rising imports are a major concern for the industry, Nalco chairman T. K. Chand said recently. "We are passing through a difficult time. World aluminium market is sluggish and is in a slump cycle. Global aluminium production has out-passed consumption by 2.6%, making a surplus of roughly 1.4 million tonne in 2015. Slowdown in consumption in China has resulted in dumping of surplus production of that country in international market, making a steep fall in metal prices," Chand said. Incidentally, an average per capita consumption of 2.2 kg...
General Motors Shanghai VP Mr. Heil to speak at Asia Automotive Lightweight Procurement Symposium
The 4th Automotive Lightweight Procurement Symposium will be kicked off on the 11th of July 2016 at the Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel in Shanghai, China. The AluMag Symposium, which was held the first time in Düsseldorf (Germany) back in 2014, has experienced a steady growth in attendees from 85 at the 1st event to 115 at the 3rd symposium. Though the agenda has not been finalized yet a number of high ranked industry executives have already accepted AluMag`s invitation to speak at the upcoming Shanghai Symposium. Among the booked speakers are Mr. Stefan HEIL, Executive Director Vehicle Manufacturing Engineering at SAIC/GM; Dr. Mark WHITE, Chief Engineer Advanced Body JLR Product Development at Jaguar Land Rover Engineering Centre Whitley and Mr. Ping BAO, Chief Engineer & Director of Auto...
