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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Altech Chemicals produces competitive high purity alumina results
Highlights · Analysis of Altech’s high purity alumina (HPA) samples confirmed lower levels of impurities compared to leading HPA competitors. · Results of test work incorporated into process design for further optimization Altech Chemicals Limited is pleased to announce that as part of the Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) for its high purity alumina (HPA) project, it has successfully completed a further series of laboratory pilot plant test work program (test work), which simulated the proposed HPA processing plant. The test work was completed by its BFS team members, Simulus Engineers/Laboratories and TSW Analytical in Perth, Australia. The test work involved bulk wet processing of the Meckering aluminous clay; calcination; acid leaching; crystallisation of aluminium chloride; two stages...
Hindalco inches up on securing Gare Palma coal mine
Shares of industry leader in aluminium and copper, Hindalco Industries have inched up in today’s trade and are trading higher by 1.4% to Rs 154 on the BSE after it won the Gare Palma coal mine in Chhattisgarh by outbidding companies like BALCO, Sesa Sterlite, Ambuja Cements, which were also vying for the same block. "Gare Palma coal mine was won by Hindaco Industries at INR 3,502 per tonne today. The mine was put on offer yesterday and the bidding for the block lasted for over 12 hours," a senior Coal Ministry official said. Hindalco has secured two mines out of the 13 put on offer to date.
Montana Governor joins the fight to put the abandoned Columbia Falls site in the Superfund List
The long shuttered Columbia Falls Aluminium Co. is in the running to be on the Superfund National Priorities List with support from Gov. Steve Bullock. Superfund is the federal environment program that is especially reserved for the cleanup of abandoned, hazardous waste site. The Environment Protection Agency had recognized the 120-acre site as a valid Superfund contender but wanted to take public opinion before proceeding with it. The site was first operated by Anaconda Co. who started an aluminium plant way back in 1955. After which it has changed many hands the last of which was Glencore who closed the plant in 2009. Toxic elements from the site like cyanide, arsenic, lead and fluoride polluting the groundwater in and around the site according an EPA study. "I am concerned that if this...
GARMCO launches new website showcasing versatile, global application of its high quality aluminium products
The Bahrain-based international aluminium rolling mill and one of the largest downstream aluminium facilities in the Middle East, announced today the launch of its new group website to better showcase its versatile and high quality aluminium products to its global customer base and the introduction of a new vision, mission and values statement, and refreshed corporate branding. GARMCO’s website has been completely re-engineered and redesigned in line with its refreshed corporate branding and a refocused vision and mission for the group. The new site provides for improved navigation and functionality incorporating the latest communications technology and is fully compatible with all main browsers and the latest mobile devices to ensure ease of access for GARMCO customers around the world....
Anomatic announces availability of anodized aluminum stock caps
Anomatic, a full-service manufacturer of anodized aluminum packaging solutions for some of the world's most recognized retail brands announced the immediate availability of its anodized aluminum stock caps line. The line includes six types of customizable caps (tube caps, slip caps, tri-corner caps, rollerball caps, jar covers and spirits tamper evident caps) in a variety of sizes. Anomatic specializes in color anodizing for customers in the beauty, personal care, spirits, and other industries. Stock caps can be customized in any color to match their brand. Customers may also choose in-house added value services like laser engraving, embossing, debossing and screen printing. Anomatic manufactures the stock caps line according to precise standards at its own facilities and has the products...
ISRI details contributions of Shredders to the Recycling Industry in a video
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has released an educational video entitled The Shredder Story: A Revolution in Recycling. This thirteen-and-a-half-minute video shows viewers how industrial shredders work and details the impact they have made in the recycling industry. “Scrap recycling is the first link in the manufacturing supply chain providing 130 million net tons of feedstock for manufacturers, steel mills, foundries, and refiners around the world each year,” said ISRI President Robin Wiener. “Today’s shredder is one of the industry’s most important tools, allowing our industry to lead the way in the conservation of natural resources, the reduction of energy consumption and the prevention of valuable materials from entering the waste stream.” The video’s messaging...
Indian Govt. plans to ease export duties to boost mining
In a bid to promote mining as a stronger business in India, the Government is planning to rationalize custom as well as export duties for major minerals like iron, manganese and bauxite ore once the coal mine auctions are concluded. The new reforms to the duty rates would most likely be announced in the 2015-16 Budget. The power sector participants are hoping that the 2.5% custom duty on coal imports imposed in the last Budget will also be rolled back. Meanwhile the domestic mining industry is hoping finance minister, Arun Jaitley, will ease the export duties so that the mining can prosper as a standalone business. The government is now keen to boost the mining industry and has already started auctioning of mines to make materials more available. The slashing of export duty rates will...
Sumitomo Corporation to participate in 3rd phase of aluminium smelters in Malaysia
Sumitomo Corporation (“SC”) (President and CEO: Kuniharu Nakamura; Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo) and Press Metal Berhad (“PMB”) (President and CEO: Dato’ Poh Keong Koon; Head Office: Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia), the leading aluminium smelting and extrusion company in Malaysia, will expand their aluminium smelting capacity by 320,000 metric ton per year (“Phase 3”) through their joint venture company, Press Metal Bintulu Sdn. Bhd. (President and CEO: Dato’ Poh Keong Koon; Head Office: Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. As SC already participates 20% in the 1st and 2nd phases of the aluminium smelting project in Malaysia (annual production capacities of which are 120,000 metric ton and 320,000 metric ton respectively) (“Phase 1” and “Phase 2” respectively), it will hold a 20% equity in the...
The 2015 AHR Expo rouses interest in aluminium solutioins
Known as the world’s largest HVAC&R marketplace, the 2015 AHR Expo lived up to its billing this year, setting an all-time high with more than 62,000 attendees. The hot news is that the interest in aluminium solutions is on the rise. The recent three-day trade fair in Chicago brought together more than 2,100 exibitors from the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry. One was Sapa. At its stand, Sapa gathered a diverse team from sales, research, application development and business development to meet with current and potential customers interested in the company’s range of HVAC&R offerings, from extruded aluminium round tubes to multi-port extrusions to welded tube manifolds. In addition, Sapa underlined its ability to deliver tailored aluminium solutions and...
ThyssenKrupp Aerospace to build aerospace materials plant in India
ThyssenKrupp Group's subsidiary ThyssenKrupp Aerospace is reportedly planning to build its first facility in Bengaluru, India. Planned to be located at Aerospace Special Economic Zone near the international airport, the 3,300m² plant will process materials and source various metals such as titanium, aluminium, steel and alloys for the aerospace segment. ThyssenKrupp business area materials services chairman Joachim Limberg was quoted by Business Standard saying: "We will process and stock here, and supply to tier-1, tier-2 and tier-3 vendors. "This facility will play a critical role in developing a system in India for the growth of aerospace manufacturing." The plant will feature machining centres, cutting and milling units, and testing facilities to produce cut-to-size and machine-ready...
Hindalco announces Q3FY 2014-15 standalone results
Hindalco the Aditya Birla Group flagship company announced its unaudited results for the quarter ended 31 December 2014. Financials Net sales stood at Rs.8,603 crore as compared to Rs.7,273 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Profit before Interest, Depreciation and Tax (PBITDA) was Rs.1,135 crore versus Rs.834 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. However, finance cost and depreciation were significantly higher compared to Q3FY14 due to progressive capitalisation of the company’s greenfield projects. As a result, net profit was only 7.5 per cent higher at Rs.359 crore vs. Rs.334 crore in Q3FY14. Higher sales reflect increased volume and better realisation in both Aluminium and Copper Businesses. PBITDA for the quarter improved by 36 per cent to...
Noranda reports fourth quarter results, sequential and year-over-year profit improvement
Fourth Quarter 2014 Highlights • Excluding special items, earnings per share ("EPS") was a $0.14 profit compared to a $0.15 loss in fourth quarter 2013; reported EPS was a $0.02 profit compared to a $0.26 loss in the fourth quarter 2013 • Total segment profit was $49.6 million compared to $36.6 million in third quarter 2014 and $20.8 million in fourth quarter 2013 • Average realized Midwest transaction price per pound shipped was $1.12 compared to $1.08 in third quarter 2014 and $0.90 in fourth quarter 2013 • Net Cash Cost was $0.80 per pound compared to $0.90 per pound in third quarter 2014; fourth quarter 2013 Net Cash Cost was $0.78 per pound • Cash and cash equivalents totaled $20.5 million and total available liquidity was $158.3 million as of December 31, 2014 Full Year 2014...
Lotus Evora 400 cuts down weight by 22kg with aluminium
The new Lotus Evora 400 is the latest pure and focused supercar from Lotus, combining high performance with the legendary Lotus benchmark handling. It is faster and dynamically more capable than the previous Lotus Evora leading to greater agility and a more involving drive. Following the core values of the company, not only is the new Lotus Evora 400 faster than the previous model, it is also 22 kg lighter, achieved through careful and clever design and attention to detail. This weight reduction is even more impressive considering that the supercar has more power and a higher standard specification than before. Over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 is new, including its supercharged and charge-cooled mid- mounted 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque. A new...
Rolls-Royce officially confirms development of all-new aluminium ‘SUV’
A high-riding Rolls-Royce crossover vehicle with an all-new aluminium architecture is in development, the company today confirmed. Rolls-Royce is calling the decision to develop a crossover “a seminal moment” in its 111-year history. The decision follows years of industry speculation that such a vehicle was in the pipeline, while more recently the company has confirmed significant customer interest. Just last week, senior management told CarAdvice a decision was imminent. In a statement released to shareholders today, one that pointedly avoided using the term ‘SUV’, the company said the new model would define “exceptional presence, elegance and purpose”. It will be the fourth Rolls-Royce model, which has grown from the Phantom in 2003 — the first model developed under BMW ownership — to...
Rusal might waive off Talco’s $375 million debt
Talco, the company behind Tajikistan’s largest factory, is nearing a deal that would end an eight-year legal battle with the world’s largest aluminum maker, the company says. The state-owned Talco aluminum smelter is controlled directly by Tajikistan’s strongman President Emomali Rakhmon, whose family has appeared to benefit disproportionately from the plant’s revenues. But a history of troubled deals with Russia’s Rusal and its subsidiaries saw Talco lose in arbitration hearings in Switzerland and the British Virgin Islands in 2013 and 2014. According to Rusal, as of May 2014 the Tajik company owed $363 million, including interest. With interest accruing at nearly $45,000 per day, the total would be roughly $375 million today. Now Talco says it has made a proposal that satisfies Rusal...
XINFA plants pine seedlings for rehabilitation of Nawailevu Bauxite site
XINFA Aurum Exploration (Fiji) Ltd has so far planted 12,000 pine seedlings at the Nawailevu Bauxite Mining as part of its rehabilitation program. In an interview yesterday, mine site manager Isireli Dagaga said their aim was to plant more than 35,000 seedlings at the 12-hectare land that had already been mined. "We have so far planted 12,000 pine seedlings since last year and we aim to plant as many as we can to cover the areas that have already been mined," Mr Dagaga said. "Some of the plants have died and we are replacing them. We sought assistance from the Fiji Pine Group of Companies and they have been helping us a lot with seedling, pine chips and saw dust that are used for soil fertility. "Our timber yard in Savusavu is also supplementing the saw dust and pine chip supply for the...
Spot and Stop safety Campaign launched at Qatalum
This year’s campaign is aimed at all employees encouraging one another to ‘SPOT’ any unsafe acts or conditions and high potential near misses. No matter what the scenario, stopping actions is critical so that the incident can be adequately dealt with. Safety is paramount, ahead of production. The campaign also aims to increase the quality of HSE observations and implement preventive and corrective actions and measures. The objective of is simply to improve HSE Performance by reducing the number of injuries and incidents Ultimately, HSE at Qatalum is everybody’s responsibility. In order to achieve these objectives, the following the messages must be communicated to respective team members: • Encourage our team members to SPOT any unsafe acts/conditions and high potential near misses •...
Soaring post-holiday aluminum stocks to weigh on prices in China
Aluminum stocks in China will balloon after the Chinese New Year holiday, as goods continued to arrive while consumption stagnated during the holiday,which will weigh on prices, Shanghai Metals market predicts. New capacity keeping coming on stream, incentivized by a 1,000 yuan ()/tonne fall in production cost. Processors will not return to production immediately after the holiday, with demand unlikely to recover until late March or early April. Aluminum stocks across China’s five major markets (Shanghai, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Nanhai and Gongyi) totaled 685,000 tonnes on February 12, up 123,000 tonnes from a month ago, SMM statistics showed.
