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...
Grow with
AL Circle
Malaysian Bauxite exports to china could soar to over 8 million tonnes in 2015, SMM sees
China’s imports of Malaysian bauxite could balloon to 8-10 million tonnes in 2015, Liu Xiaolei, aluminum analyst at SMM said during the recent 2015 Shanghai Copper & Aluminum Summit. China has diversified its sources of bauxite supply, with the number of supplying countries increasing to 9 in 2014 from a mere 4 in 2011, Liu added. The share of Malaysia to China’s total non-Indonesian bauxite imports soared to 11.8% in 2014 from 0.7% in 2013. Malaysia shipped 3 million tonnes of bauxite to China during September-December 2014 alone.
AAMA releases updated documents pertaining to architecturally finished aluminum
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has updated and released two documents specific to aluminum: the combined AAMA 609 & 610-15, “Cleaning and Maintenance Guide for Architecturally Finished Aluminum” and CW-10-15, "Care and Handling of Architectural Aluminum from Shop to Site." Architecturally finished aluminum is considered any that has been treated with anodic or organic coatings. AAMA 609 & 610-15 spells out methods, equipment and materials applicable for cleaning such finished aluminum after construction and for subsequent periodic maintenance. AAMA CW-10-15 recommends how best to care for aluminum from the mill to product fabrication, to loading and shipping of the finished product, and includes care both prior to, and after, building completion. According to...
Production of primary aluminium dwindles in South America
The recent announcement of Alumar smelter shutdown, the fifth and largest smelter to be decommissioned since 2009, has hammered another nail into the coffin of South America’s dying aluminium industry. The three potlines at Alumar had been systematically shut down starting in 2013 and ending a few days ago. The first potline with 127,000 tons/ year capcity was launched in 1984; the second with 156,000 tons/year was launched in 1986 while the third and the largest potline was launched in 1990. Alumar had considerably better economic viabilities than other smelter decommissioned in the area including Poscos de Caldas smelter in Minas Gerais, Valesul smelter both Alcoa project and Aratu and Ouro Preto plants belonging to Novelis. Brazil is left with only two smelters – Albras, the 460,000...
Orbite announces bought deal for $8,500,000, which may be upsized to $15,000,000
Orbite Aluminae Inc. is pleased to announce that it has entered into an underwriting agreement with Euro Pacific Canada Inc. (the "Underwriter") under which the Underwriter has agreed to buy on a bought deal basis 8,500 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of $1,000 per Unit for gross proceeds of $8,500,000 (the "Offering"). In addition, the Company also granted the Underwriter an option, exercisable in whole or in part at any time within 30 days of the bought deal closing of the Offering, to purchase up to an additional 6,500 Units for additional gross proceeds of up to $6,500,000 (resulting in aggregate of gross proceeds of up to $15,000,000) at one or more additional closings. Each Unit consists of $1,000 principal amount of 5% convertible unsecured unsubordinated...
Henan-Hengtai Aluminium Technology to exhibit at the WCTE, 2015, Messe Hamburg
World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) is due to be held from April 14th to 16th in Messe, Hamburg. It is the single largest expo concerning the latest trends in packaging of food, drink and retail gifts onboard airlines and trains so that they reflect high-standards while retaining their functionality. This year, the exhibition will bring together 50 exhibitors specializing in onboard packaging from across the globe. Henan-Hengtai Aluminium Technology is one of the exhibitors at the event. The company specializes in R&D of aluminium food packaging and in this event they will showcase their range of foil containers and pop-up aluminium foil sheets. Besides, Hengtai, there will other renowned names from the industry including British manufacturer Colpac Ltd, another food...
Land Rover launches luxury SVAutobiography with aluminium-intensive interiors
Land Rover introduced its luxury SUV named SVAutobiography, as the next generation of the Range Rover at the New York International Auto Show. With a possible price tag of £150,000, the new Range Rover will compete with the likes of Rolls Royce SUV in terms of luxury but at a more comfortable price. The unique-dual toned exterior body is perfectly complemented with the swank interior which uses aluminium liberally, including the surrounding areas of the Stop/Start and rotary dials. The seats have aluminium frames which are wrapped in leather which fold out of the tailgate. The interior spells luxury with novelty features like chiller compartments, deployable tables, mohair carpet mats and solid aluminium coat hooks. With powerful engines like 5.0-litre supercharged V8 with outputs of...
Alba achieves 5 million hours without LTI for the first time in 7 years
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), a leading aluminium smelter in the world, achieved a major milestone of 5 million hours without Lost Time Injury (LTI) on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. The Company last achieved this milestone in March 2008. The new milestone demonstrates Alba’s ongoing commitment to the safety and welfare of its employees and contractors at the workplace. Commenting on this achievement, Alba’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Murray said: “I would like to thank everyone working in Alba for this significant achievement. This milestone was achieved as a result of the team effort between Management, Alba Labour Union, employees and contractors. I would like to specifically thank Alba Labour Union for their tremendous support in all safety activities, which played a critical role in...
Morgan introduces new brick for aluminum smelting
Morgan Thermal Ceramics has launched its new TCA 125 brick developed in response to growing customer demand. Anodes, which are crucial to the transformation of alumina into aluminum, are generally fired in graphite, in anode baking furnaces that incorporate insulation bricks. However, historically these bricks have been subject to damage and compromise as a result of the baking process, and a better quality alternative has long been sought. The TCA 125 has a cold crush strength of at least 8.0 MPa and permanent linear change (PLC) below 1% at 1350°C after 12 hours of firing. Previously, bricks of this quality had to be produced on hydraulic presses, however, extended development and experimentation by Morgan has resulted in the formulation of a new composition that allows such bricks to...
Chinese technology may kill bauxite projects
Tuoi Tre newspaper quoted experts as saying that Vinacomin (the Vietnam Coal and Mineral Industries Group), the investor of the projects, has “fallen into a trap” set by Chinese contractors. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Son, former director of the Red River Delta Coal Mining Management Board, pointed out that Vinacomin did not hire consultants to make bidding documents, technical design and other works. “Vinacomin thought it would be able to save money if it did things itself. But this would make it more costly,” he said. Nguyen Van Ban, former head of Alumina Division of the Vietnam Minerals Corporation, noted that at first, Chinese bid a very low price to win the bid, but then raised prices after being chosen by Vinacomin. Ban said Chinese technology consumes more water, coal and alkali than modern...
Hydro completes WMR acquisition
Following approval from the German Federal Cartel Office, Hydro has completed the previously announced acquisition of WMR Recycling GmbH. With effect from April 1, WMR is a fully-owned subsidiary of Hydro, legally named Hydro Aluminium Recycling Deutschland GmbH. Utilizing x-ray transmission and several other sorting technology elements, the plant is set up to sort 36,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap per year. The plant, which is located in Dormagen, Germany, will supply Hydro's recycling plants in Europe with shredded and sorted post-consumed aluminium scrap.
Aluminium outlook appears neutral according to Fibonacci projection
LME aluminium looks neutral in a range of $1,780-$1,805 a tonne, and an escape will point a direction. The range has been formed by the 23.6 per cent and the 61.8 per cent Fibonacci projection levels of an upward wave C, the third wave of a presumed three-wave cycle developed from March 12 low of $1,745. A break above $1,805 could confirm the extension of the wave c towards $1,830, the 100 per cent projection level, while a break below $1,780 may cause a further loss to $1,765. The bias could be towards the upside. LME copper may fall into a range of $5,932-$5,958 a tonne, as indicated by a Fibonacci ratio analysis. The drop from March 26 high of $6,294.50 seems been controlled by various supports and resistances, derived respectively from a Fibonacci retracement and projection analyses....
McLaren unleashes 'baby' sports car
McLaren has just revealed its new 'junior' model ahead of its debut at the New York Auto Show later this week. The new McBaby, or 570S Coupé if you want its real name, might be at the bottom of McLaren's hierarchy but it's by no means lightweight in the momentum-gathering department. Billed as a rival the Porsche 911 Turbo S, the 570S has an astounding 319kW power to weight ratio thanks to its lightweight aluminium body panels, carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis and ferocious twin-turbo V8. The engine pushes 419kW and 600N and, according to McLaren, it'll blast from 0-100km/h in 3.2 seconds and reach the 200 mark in just 9.5s before ultimately topping out at 328km/h. Exterior styling closely follows the design recipe used to create the 650S and P1 and it's been aerodynamically optimised in...
‘Can for Pets’ program reaches milestone of collecting 300,000 aluminium pet food cans
The innovative recycling program named ‘Cans for Pets’ funded by Alcoa Foundation and PA Resources Council has reached a milestone achievement of collecting 300,000 aluminium pet food cans in the United States. The program promises to pay 5 cents to a local animal shelter for every aluminium pet food can recycled through them. Cans for Pets program was launched in Pennsylvania in 2012 but the benefits of the pilot program expanded to Indiana, Iowa, Tennessee and Texas raising more than $15,000 which was put back into the system to provide medical care, food and adoption support. PRC Western Regional Director Justin Stockdale says, “As this extremely successful pilot program draws to a close, we’re excited to see Cans for Pets become a sustainable effort, which was the primary goal from...
Vinacomin states that Vietnam’s alumina output is expected to jump 20%
Vinacomin, state run mining group, said on Tuesday that Vietnam’s alumina output is expected to jump 20 percent with the help of country’s first alumina plant which has reached its design capacity of 650,000 metric tons. Although there are reports of possible losses for the Tan Rai complex for the next couple of years, it has had no negative impact on production which is expected to reach 540,000 tons this year at the $460-million capacity plant. The Lam-Dong based plant has already generated enough alumina to be exported to 11 buyers globally including countries like Switzerland, South Korea, China and Hong Kong, according to a statement provided by Vinacomin.
Orbite announces fourth quarter and annual 2014 results
Orbite Aluminae Inc. announced today the filing of its Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company reported a net loss of $3.5 million (or $0.01 per share) and $12.4 million ($0.04 per share) for the fourth quarter and the year ended December 31, 2014, respectively, as compared to a net loss of $9.0 million ($0.05 per share) and $15.0 million ($0.08 per share) for the same periods in 2013, representing a decrease of $5.5 million, or 61.1% and $2.6 million, or 17.3%, for the quarter and full-year, respectively. All dollar amounts are in Canadian dollars unless stated otherwise. Summary of Q4 and FY 2014 Financial Results Net loss for Q4 2014 decreased by $5.5 million to $3.5 million, or from $0.05 per share to $0.01 per share. For the quarter ended...
Century Aluminum appoints Stephen Heyroth as chief accounting officer
Century Aluminum Company announced today that it has hired Stephen K. Heyroth as Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Heyroth served as Controller for Surface Mining Manufacturing Operations at Joy Global Inc., a publicly traded manufacturer of high-productivity mining solutions. Mr. Heyroth holds an M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a B.S. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Rick Dillon, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, commented, "I am very pleased to have Steve join the Century team. We believe Steve's extensive public accounting and industry experience will make him a great fit at Century."
BIR releases Non-Ferrous World Mirror-March 2015
The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has released the Non-Ferrous World Mirror for the month of March this year. India reduced the Special Additional Duty on imports of copper , brass and aluminium from 4% to 2%. The announcement was made during the budget presented in Parliament recently. However, the inverted duty structure on imports of finished and semi-finished goods from FTA nations was not addressed. The non-ferrous volumes traded during the first quarter indicate a healthier second quarter in the Middle East region. However, the market slowed during the month of March when matched with the previous months. Shortage of raw material has led to higher scrap prices in South Africa. Meanwhile, Zorba production continued to drop in the US. The domestic shredders are reported to...
LME Aluminium price to average $1,840 per mt in 2015: Natixis
The French Bank Natixis in its latest research report forecasts LME Aluminium price to average around $1,840 per mt in 2015. The prices are likely to move higher in 2016 to average around $2,000 per mt. In its metals review for H1 2015, Natixis forecasts a tug of war between positive and negative factors in aluminium market over the next few years. The bank indicates several positive factors that may favor the aluminium market. The biggest bullish factor for aluminium is the expected robust demand growth from automotive sector. Also, any shortage of bauxite mat lead to rise in alumina prices. In addition, limited excess supply from China may augur well for the commodity prices in the years to come. On the other hand, Natixis forecasts excess aluminium inventories to stay at least until...
