AL Circle Analysis: Bauxite developments, alumina trade & primary aluminium market dynamics across Australia, Guinea, US & India
The aluminium industry is entering another phase of supply-chain repositioning. Across bauxite, alumina and primary aluminium, companies are investing in new resources, consolidating strategic assets and expanding processing capacity, while governments are increasingly treating domestic supply as a strategic priority. The latest developments from Australia, Guyana, Guinea, Indonesia, the US and India point to a market where resource security, processing location and control over supply chains are becoming as important as production growth. At the same time, new trading mechanisms and changing investment patterns are beginning to influence how aluminium and its raw materials reach the market. Bauxite supply expands, but securing the right tonnes is becoming harder In Western Australia, VBX...
China's 22.87 Mt extrusion market faces a structural shift as 317 GW solar growth counters weak construction demand
The global aluminium extrusion landscape is undergoing a structural transition driven by industrial decarbonisation, global electrification, and the rapid deployment of clean energy infrastructure. Historically anchored by civil engineering and residential real estate, demand for extruded aluminium profiles in China, the world’s dominant manufacturing hub, is decoupling from traditional property sectors. Persistent structural weakness in China’s domestic construction market has slowed the consumption of conventional architectural profiles such as window frames, door sections, and curtain walls. Conversely, advanced industrial applications, specifically solar photovoltaic (PV) racking, battery energy storage systems (BESS), power grid modernisation, and electric vehicles (EVs), have...
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Outotec acquires Canadian mine tailings solutions provider Kovit Engineering
Outotec has purchased the Canadian technical consulting and engineering company Kovit Engineering Ltd from its founders. Sudbury-based Kovit Engineering specialises in surface and underground mine tailings solutions. The acquisition complements Outotec’s existing dewatering and tailings treatment solutions and services. Kovit Engineering, which has annual sales of €5 million–10 million, employs approximately 30 specialists in Sudbury, who will now transfer to Outotec. “Effective and safe disposal of mining wastes presents technical and environmental challenges. This acquisition of Kovit Engineering will further strengthen our position as a provider of sustainable and water-efficient tailings management solutions to the mining industry,” said Outotec CEO Pertti Korhonen.
Nalco seeks immediate Pottangi bauxite mine lease
The chairman and managing director of National Aluminium Company (NALCO) P K Chand urged upon Odisha government to grant the lease of Pottangi bauxite mine on an immediate basis. He put emphasis on the fact that the mine was direly needed by the Navaratna PSU in order to expedite its expansion plans and continue operations in a profitable manner over the long term. “Pottangi bauxite mine has already been earmarked by centre and its lease sanction to Nalco is pending with the state government since long. Now we need it very urgently to set up a new alumina refinery and execute the expansion of Nalco,” said Chand in his recent visit to the state. He said Nalco, like other aluminium producers across the world, is going through a difficult phase due to sharp decline in the metal demand in...
Utkal Alumina gets government approval for its expansion plans
Odisha government has approved the expansion plans for Utkal Alumina Ltd, an Aditya Birla group firm and Bhushan Power & Steel Ltd (BPSL) in a meeting today. This is considered to be a step towards boosting the industrialization in the state of Odisha. "The State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) has approved two expansion plans and recommended them to the High Level Clearance Authority (HLCA). The expansion projects will generate an additional employment for 998 people," General Manager of state-owned Industrial Promotion & Investment Corporation of Odisha Ltd (IPICOL) Kalyan Mohanty said. A decision in this regard was taken at the meeting of the SLSWCA chaired by Chief Secretary G C Pati. Utkal Alumina proposed an expansion plan where the estimated cost of the refinery...
Felda settlers apply for bauxite mining to guard their interest
Some 263 residents and Felda Bukit Goh settlers submitted their application letters to the state government to seek approval for bauxite mining on their land. Bukit Goh Bauxite Problems Coordinating Committee chairman, Datuk Dr Abd Wahid Abd Manap, representing the settlers, handed over the application letters to Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob after the state assembly sitting at Wisma Sri Pahang, here, Wednesday. Earlier, Abd Wahid said the applications were made to protect the interest of the Felda Bukit Goh settlers as some had been cheated by the contractors carrying out bauxite mining illegally on the settlers' land. "Through these applications, the land owners and 33 contractors involved have agreed to whatever conditions in the regulations set by the state government for...
Programme set, registration begins for European Aluminium Congress 2015
The official programme for the European Aluminium Congress 2015 (EAC) is set. The Gesamtverband der Aluminiumindustrie e.V., Düsseldorf, (GDA) is holding the congress on 23 and 24 November 2015 in Düsseldorf on the subject of "Aluminium - Building the Future". The EAC 2015 is organised within the "D-A-CH, Allianz für Aluminium" in cooperation with the Swiss aluminium association "alu.ch" and the Austrian Non-Ferrous Metals Federation. Registration for the event has already begun. Over two days the EAC congress "Aluminium - Building the Future" will look at the key factors for the future success of the entire aluminium added value chain. On the first day of the congress, high-ranking representatives from the aluminium industry, the customer industries and a representative from the EU...
Aluminium-intensive Xe is the most fuel efficient Jaguar ever
The innovative new Jaguar XE claims to be the most fuel efficient vehicle its segment. Designed around Jaguar’s modular vehicle architecture, the XE is the only car in the class to use an aluminium-intensive monocoque, with lightweight aluminium accounting for 75 per cent of the structure. This milestone in body engineering, a product of Jaguar’s world-leading expertise in high-volume production of aluminium vehicles, ensures that the Jaguar XE combines outstanding design with benchmark levels of ride and handling – it will be the true driver’s car in the segment when it launches locally, in September. Lightweight construction is a core element of Jaguar’s DNA and Jaguar is at the cutting-edge of aluminium technology in the automotive industry. The Jaguar XJ, XK and F-TYPE have all been...
Sapa assists DAF Trucks in transport breakthrough
DAF Trucks has created a prototype distribution truck with significantly reduced weight, resulting in lower fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Sapa played an integral role in this development toward improved transport efficiency. Alongside lead partner Leyland Trucks, and C.S.A Group, Sapa’s extrusion company in the United Kingdom designed and extruded the aluminium that helped create the concept vehicle. Light and strong, aluminium extrusions were used extensively throughout the chassis and combined with a number of innovative design concepts from Sapa to improve efficiency. The project was co-funded by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency. Its objective was to design and manufacture a new chassis system at least 30 percent lighter than the conventional steel chassis...
Aluminum demand to grow on booming new energy vehicle sector in China
Aluminum alloy has become a top-of-choice material for new energy vehicle manufacturers in China due to its lightness. New energy vehicles are typically heavier than traditional vehicles because of heavy batteries. Fortunately, auto body made of aluminum alloy could satisfy new energy vehicles’ pressing need to reduce car weight. Traditional carmakers in China are struggling in price war triggered by poor sales, while new energy vehicle manufacturers are big winners in the market. China’s production and sales of new energy vehicles were 27,200 units and 26,500 units, respectively, in Q1, up 290% and 280% from a year ago, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). The country’s sales of new energy vehicles are poised to double to 150,000-200,000 units in 2015,...
China Zhongwang resumes trading after rebutting short-selling allegations
China Zhongwang Holdings Limited, the world’s second largest industrial aluminium extrusion product developer and manufacturer, issued a clarification announcement and applied for resumption of trading today. The company provided solid evidence to rebut against the false allegations made in a short selling report dated 30 July 2015 to restore market confidence. Mr. Lu Changqing, Executive Director and Vice President of China Zhongwang, said, “We reprimand the anonymous short seller who irresponsibly released such a malicious report based on fictitious information against the Group. We strongly reprimand such acts which cause damages to investors. The company will consider and take all the reasonable measures to protect investors’ interests, and reserve the right to take legal action...
Muted global trend drives aluminium down 0.6% on MCX
Aluminium prices fell 0.64 per cent to INR 101.65 per kg on Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on Thursday after traders reduced their exposure amid weak global cues. Besides, sluggish demand in the domestic spot market weighed. At MCX, aluminium for delivery this month eased 65 paise, or 0.64 per cent, to INR 101.65 per kg in a business turnover of 181 lots. Similarly, the metal for delivery in September traded lower by 55 paise, or 0.53 per cent, to INR 103.30 per kg in nine lots. Marketmen said the weakness in base metal pack at the London Metal Exchange (LME) as China's yuan slid for the third day after its worst loss since 1994 and muted demand at the domestic spot market kept up the pressure. Meanwhile, aluminium prices fell 0.3 per cent at LME.
Century reports second quarter 2015 financial results
Century Aluminum Company reported a net loss of $33.9 million ($0.39 per common share) for the second quarter of 2015. Results include a $30.9 million impairment charge ($0.35 per common share) related to the permanent closure of our Ravenswood smelter and a $25.7 million charge ($0.30 per common share) for lower of cost or market inventory adjustments. Results were also negatively impacted by $11.7 million ($0.13 per common share) in costs related to the labor disruption at our Hawesville smelter. Lastly, results include a $10.3 million ($0.12 per common share) unrealized gain on the fair value of contingent consideration related to the acquisition of the remaining 50.3% interest of Mt. Holly. After consideration of these items, the company reported adjusted net income of $24.1 million...
World aluminium production shrinks from all time highs in June 15, measures IAI
International Aluminium Institute (IAI) that measures the production trend in the world has come out with its latest numbers. IAI has mentioned that the trend of Aluminium production is on lower side. World Aluminium markets that showed record production numbers in the month of May 2015 declined slightly in the month of April 2015. Data estimates from International Aluminium Institute (IAI) showed that the total primary Aluminium production reached 4.90 million tonnes in June 2015 against 4.93 million tonnes in the month of May 2015. This marks an increase of 12.6% during the period of one year. The production increased 0.40% on a monthly basis in June 2015. The production of Aluminium in June 2014 was 4.35 million tonnes. China remained the major contributor to the production along with...
Iran and Guinea resurrects 25-year bauxite plan
Iran and Guinea have resurrected a deal to extract bauxite in the African country after a delay of 25 years and ship it to the Middle East for aluminum production. The project, worth $505 million, includes production for three years over 5,684 square kilometers with combined reserves of 600 million tonnes in central Guinea. Under the deal, Iran will hold a 51% stake in the Societe des Bauxites de Dabola-Tougue (SBDT) project and the Guinean government the rest of the enterprise. The agreement was first signed in 1992 to ship 4 million tonnes of bauxite per year from Guinea to Iran for aluminum production but operation never started. A new document to revive the deal was signed at the end of July by Guinean Minister of Mines Kerfalla Yansane and Iranian Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade...
Govt of India seeks clarification on L&T mines lease recommendation
Government of India has sought more clarification from the Odisha government on its recommendation to grant mining lease (ML) of Kutrumali and Sijimali bauxite mines to Larsen&Toubro (L&T). In June, the state government recommended the Centre to grant ML of the two mines after L&T committed to set up a three million tonne per annum (mtpa) aluminium plant in Odisha. The two bauxite mines, located across Rayagada and Kalahandi districts, have combined reserve of around 300 million tonne of bauxite. "In a recent communication, the Centre mentioned the state's application for ML in favour of L&T as 'incomplete'. It has asked to submit fresh proposal by conducting the differential global positioning system (DGPS) survey of the mines. The survey is on and the state would submit the report in a...
Novelis unveils next-generation high-strength alloys for automotive industry
Novelis, the world leader in aluminum rolling and recycling, announced the development of the Novelis Advanz™ 7000-series of high-strength alloys designed for safety-critical components of vehicle structures. Two to three times stronger than any automotive aluminum used in high volumes today, Novelis Advanz 7000-series products can be used to manufacture components such as bumper systems, crash ring components and door intrusion beams. The new alloy series will offer a significant weight reduction when compared to current high strength steels in the marketplace, enabling automakers to further reduce the weight of vehicles while ensuring high levels of passenger safety. "As more automakers look to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel economy, high-strength aluminum alloys are playing an...
Aluminum Association updates on aluminium trade in North America in June
According to an Aluminum Association report, aluminum imports of ingot, scrap and mill products into the U.S. and Canada (excluding cross-border trade) totaled 505 million pounds in June 2015, down 3.6 percent from the June 2014 total of 524 million pounds. Including scrap, which accounted for roughly 56 percent of reported aluminum exports in June, exports totaled 586 million pounds, down 3.7 percent from a year ago. Excluding scrap, exports totaled 256 million pounds, down 15.2 percent from last year. Exports of scrap increased 7.6 percent year-over-year. Through the first half of 2015, imports were up 18.9 percent to 3,331 million pounds while exports were off 16.3 percent to 3,059 million pounds. The Aluminum Association's statistical programs provide industry information on primary...
Germantown aluminum supplier to open manufacturing plant in Arizona
Germantown-based Basic Metals Inc. plans to open a 26,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center in Goodyear, Arizona. Basic Metals is an independently-owned aluminum service center and supplier. Basic Metals, which will employ eight to 10 workers in Arizona, plans to open the new facility in September. The acreage of the property provides the opportunity for future expansion, added Basic Metals president Todd Fogel. "We have created many wonderful partnerships and relationships with our customers in Arizona while servicing them from our facility in Wisconsin,” Fogel said. “We wanted to take the next step to further show our commitment to the markets we serve by opening a facility in the area. We look forward to building stronger relationships with our current customers as well...
South Korea aluminum semis exports soar 39.1% in H1
South Korea reported significant growth in aluminum semis exports during H1, in sharp contrast with falling sales in domestic market. The country exported 296,945 tonnes of aluminum semis in H1, up 39.1% year-on-year, according to the Korea National Statistical Office. Domestic sales, however, fell 26.2% on the year to 256,476 tonnes. South Korea exported 268,091 tonnes of aluminum plate/sheet and strip in H1, up 45.6% from a year ago. Exports of aluminum wire also grew 39.1% year-on-year to 1,092 tonnes, data from the Korea National Statistical Office showed.
