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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Ford to add 1,550 workers to the F-150 workforce
A total of 1,550 workers would be added to the workforce for building the new aluminium F-150 pick up truck as announced by Ford Motors on Wednesday. Ford also says that nearly 300-500 union-represented workers will be promoted from the entry-level stage to the veteran worker stage giving a considerable boost to their wages by the end of the first quarter, a first for the company. Ford, along with two other major U.S. automakers had reached an agreement with the United Auto Workers union in 2007 that underlined the wage terms for the workers. According to the agreement, new entry-level workers would be paid a lower wage than veteran UAW union workers in order to stay competitive with the automakers of the world. 900 out of the 1,550 jobs would be for the Ford’s truck plant in Kansas City...
European Aluminium Association meets with Vice-President Šefcovic to discuss a fit-for-purpose Energy Union for Europe
A delegation from the European aluminium industry today met with European Commission Vice-President for the Energy Union, Maroš Šefcovic. Following the high-level discussions, EAA Director-General Gerd Götz issues the following statement: “To meet fast-growing demand for aluminium in key end-use markets and maintain its leadership in innovation and sustainability, the European aluminium industry needs a functioning energy market. Examining the detail of a ‘fit-for-purpose’ Energy Union, we engaged with Vice-President Šefcovic on how to address unsustainably high energy costs, long term predictability and ensure competitive energy prices for industry. We also focused on mechanisms for full compensation of ETS indirect costs, which is an economic imperative for aluminium producers...
China supply could limit aluminium gains
The aluminium market faces the prospect of a growing surge of supply from China this year that could disrupt expectations of a global deficit. A divergence in prices between China and the rest of the world could spur exports and limit aluminium’s price gains this year, analysts say. A falling rouble that has improved the competitiveness of Russian smelters could also prompt more supply. At $1,765 a tonne, the London Metal Exchange price for three-month delivery of aluminium has risen 1.4 per cent this year, the best performing base metal on the exchange. Consultancy CRU forecasts a global deficit of 600,000 tonnes this year but a 1m tonne surplus for China. The difference in prices has driven exports of fabricated forms of the metal, as companies lobby the government for a lifting of...
Sumitomo sees Japan's aluminium premiums staying around $425 in 2015
Japan's aluminium premiums are likely to stay at a record high level of $425 per tonne throughout this year, supported by higher U.S. spot premiums and tight global supply, outside of China, Japanese trading house Sumitomo Corp said. Japan is Asia's top aluminium importer and the premiums for primary metal shipments it agrees to pay each quarter over the London Metal Exchange (LME) cash price set the benchmark for the region. "I don't think Japan's premiums will fall sharply this year as U.S. premiums are about $100 above Japan's level and global supply excluding China is fairly tight," Shingi Yamagiwa, manager of Sumitomo's light metals trading team, told Reuters in an interview on Thursday. Japanese premiums have risen for five quarters, hitting a record high of $425 per tonne for...
Alcoa pleads for tax break extension for the two smelters in Washington
Alcoa seeks tax break extensions for the last two Alcoa plants remaining in Washington, one in Ferndale and Wenatchee, which employ a total number of 1,100 people. The number of aluminium smelters and the number of people employed in them have dropped drastically since 1980 when there were 10 smelters at one point employing roughly 10,000 people. Members of the Alcoa plants including managers and workers along with representatives from the Chambers of Commerce of Ferndale and Wenatchee regions approached the House Technology & Economic Development Committee on Tuesday to plead the tax break extension bill. The Bill is fairly standard with a few inclusions. Since the Legislature has become stricter about putting job-related targets, a provision has been added which states that the company...
Clarifying statement: Fortuna Scoping Study
Bauxite Resources Limited refers to the market announcement “Positive Export DSO Bauxite Scoping Study Results Received For 100% Fortuna Project” released to the ASX on 21 January 2015 (the “previous ASX Release”). The Company wishes to provide the following further clarification. The purpose of the scoping study was to provide an early and preliminary assessment of the viability of the Fortuna bauxite project, and to assess infrastructure and transport solutions. The Company wishes to make it clear that it is unable to make any production forecasts at this point in time, and the previous ASX release must not be interpreted as providing any production forecasts. The JORC Code 2012 compliant mineral resources underpinning the scoping study are in the Indicated (15%) and Inferred (85%)...
Sapa announces results for the fourth quarter 2014
Sapa AS, a Norwegian manufacturer of extruded aluminium profile and a 50/50 joint venture owned by Orkla Group and Norsk Hydro announces results for the fourth quarter 2014. Underlying EBIT for Sapa declined compared to the previous quarter, mainly due to lower seasonal demand. Underlying EBIT for Sapa increased compared to the same quarter previous year due to stronger North American demand, improved margins, improvement programs and restructuring activities in Europe. Global automotive demand has supported the precision tubing results. Results for the fourth quarter 2013 included charges related to impairment of inventories and accounts receivables. The restructuring program initiated by the company in 2013, targeting annual synergies of around NOK 1 billion by the end of 2016, is ahead...
River Metals Recycling yard achieves SHARP recognition
River Metals Recycling (RMR), headquartered in Crescent Springs, Kentucky, has announced that its Owensboro, Kentucky, scrap metal recycling facility has received the SHARP (Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program) designation from the U.S. Department of Labor. RMR says that the Owensboro facility is the company’s second in Kentucky to receive the award. The facility was recognized for its commitment to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. RMR’s Newport, Kentucky, facility received SHARP designation in late 2013. In receiving the recognition, Bob Eviston, RMR’s president, thanked the employees of the Owensboro facility for their contribution to the company’s success and for operating for six straight years without any work-related injuries or illnesses....
Mercedes Atego shows its mettle for aluminium recycling company
Aluminium recycling business Alutrade has replaced a six-year-old Mercedes Atego with a new Euro 6 version, after experiencing high reliability from the previous truck. Supplied by dealer Midlands Truck & Van, the Oldbury-based operator's Atego 1224 is powered by a 238bhp OM936 six-cylinder engine. It is fitted with Multilift hook-loading gear and will tow a drawbar trailer, collecting waste aluminium from across the UK. Alutrade's ClassicSpace cab vehicle drives through the Mercedes Powershift 3 automated transmission and features a reworked chassis, rear suspension, cab mounting and steering system. Although weight is rarely an issue with aluminium scrap, Alutrade has opted for a larger engine size, as managing director Chris George explains: "We've opted for a slightly bigger engine...
F-150 helps drive 15% jump in Ford's US sales
It appears to have been worth the wait for US car maker Ford. The company got off to a better start in its domestic market in 2015 than expected, thanks in part to a revamped version of the F-150, which has been the best-selling vehicle in North America for just over 3 decades. Ford's sales had lagged those of rivals in the second half of last year as a new version of the pick-up truck made of aluminium, rather than steel, was developed. Sales of the F-150 reached 54,370 last month, up 17 per cent from a year earlier and the pick-up truck's best showing for the month of January since 2004. Erich Merkle, an analyst at Ford, said: Momentum is especially strong for our F-Series pickup, with the all-new F-150 the hottest product on our dealer lots in January. The company's overall sales...
ET Foundation and Bonnell Aluminum invite student entries for 2015 aluminum extrusion student design competition
The ET Foundation, the educational and scientific organization devoted to promoting and advancing aluminum extrusion processes and technologies, and Bonnell Aluminum are seeking entries for the 2015 International Aluminum Extrusion Student Design Competition. Scholarships in the form of cash awards will be presented to the top designs. Bonnell Aluminum will be the sole sponsor for the cash awards, totaling $8,500. This is the first year Bonnell Aluminum is sponsoring the Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition. The aim of the competition is to promote the understanding and use of extruded aluminum profiles, as well as highlight innovations and recognize excellence in aluminum extrusion design. Students studying design and engineering at universities, colleges, and schools around the world...
Rusal to keep idled plants shut regardless of aluminum price
United Co. Rusal, the world’s largest aluminum producer, will keep 700,000 metric tons of output it idled in 2013 and 2014 permanently shut, helping to buoy prices of the metal. “We cut production to 3.6 million tons last year and we are not planning to reopen the mothballed capacity, regardless of the price,” Chief Executive Officer Vladislav Soloviev said in an interview in Moscow this week. “Those plants were the least effective among our assets, so we are dismantling them now.” Aluminum prices rose about 13 percent in the last year, and the market, excluding China, expanded by 7 percent. Rusal sees similar growth this year, with a deficit outside the Asian nation of about 1.1 million tons. The company, which had annual capacity of 4.5 million tons before idling plants, doesn’t expect...
Press Metal sees 10-15% higher aluminium production by year-end
Press Metal Bhd is looking at a 10-15 increase in aluminium production by year-end as phase two of its smelting facility in Samalaju Industrial Park, Sarawak, is running at full capacity. Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Paul Koon Poh Keong said the higher production was due to the expansion of its Samalaju smelter plant which was currently producing about 320,000 tonnes of aluminium. "Higher production was boosted by Samalaju's plant which is now operating at full capacity and we are also in the middle of expanding into phase three, which is expected to be operational by the last quarter of 2015," Koon told reporters after the company's extraordinary general meeting here Wednesday. He said a capital expenditure (capex) of RM2 billion has been allocated for phase three and two-thirds...
Hydro and SGL Group to develop next generation cathode technology
Hydro and SGL Group have launched a three-year project aiming to tap further energy saving potentials in the primary aluminum production process. Building on each other’s technological strengths and know-how, the companies are joining forces to develop a new cathodic solution for this purpose. • Launch of three-year project, funded by The Research Council of Norway’s ENERGIX program • Hydro and SGL partnering in the development of cathode technology • Potential for significant energy savings in future primary aluminium production Using novel materials and a new electrolysis cell design, the solution will enable a significant reduction of the anode-cathode distance, one of the main drivers of energy consumption. If proven successful, the new cathode technology may lead to substantial...
New bauxite mine in Bua expected to yield $16 million
The newly discovered 400,000 tons bauxite resource in Bua is expected to yield $16 million in revenue, according to the Mine Manager of XINFA Aurum Explorations Fiji Limited, Basilio Vanuaca. The mining site located at Votua, Letuku in Bua, has started work this month, employing 200 seasonal workers. Vanuaca informed that that their bauxite mining lease was extended last year along with the land lease which also extended for another 20 years. A premium payment of $232,000 was paid to the Mataqali Naita of Votua village in Lekutu and according to the Land Use Unit, the company has to pay the landowners royalty money at the completion of the mining project, as well as pay a yearly rent of $7,000 in the first five years subject to the review of the lease. Vanuaca also said they have begun...
Aluminium Two Thousand World Congress to be held in Florence, Italy, in May 2015
Two events in one: the strength of synergy and the power of innovation. 130 papers from 55 countries, 600 participants for the most comprehensive world review on aluminium technologies and markets. The Aluminium Two Thousand World Congress, at its 9th Edition, will be held in Florence, Italy, in May 2015. The major novelty is that the Aluminium Two Thousand congress will be held together with the 5th ICEB, the International Conference on Extrusion and Benchmark. The event is organized by Interall Srl (Aluminium Publications) and Diem-Tech, the Engineering Department of Bologna University Alma Mater Studiorum, together with the Institute of Forming Technology and Lightweight Construction (IUL) Dortmund. The Aluminium Two Thousand Conferences, since their beginning in 1990, have become...
Rexam and Mahou partner on promotional cans using Editions™ technology
Rexam, a leading global beverage can maker, has partnered with Spanish beer brand Mahou, to create promotional cans in support of its sponsorship of popular Spanish football club, Real Madrid. The cans which use Rexam’s Editions™ technology (patent pending) allow for eight different designs on the same pallet and tap into increasing consumer demand for personalised products. Featuring unique t-shirt designs of some players from the Spanish team, the promotional cans reinforce Mahou’s official sponsorship with Spain’s premier team. Niall Brennan, International Marketing Manager from Mahou says, “As Rexam was the first manufacturer to develop the innovative Editions™ technology, we felt it best placed to help us develop a limited edition can. We wanted something really special to honour the...
Secondary aluminium alloy prices suffer despite strong Nasaac
A disparity is noticed in the scrap aluminium market where the secondary aluminium alloy prices have weakened despite the strong gains in the North American Special Aluminium Alloy Contract (Nasaac). Analysts believe that the dip in the prices is caused by an excessive supply of alternative ingots in the market. Since there is plenty of cheap aluminium scrap available, the production of RSI (remelt scrap ingot) has risen, say industry participants. This causes the secondary alloy prices to slow despite the upward trend in the Nasaac, where the cash contract was seen to be $1,995 per ton at the closing of the LME session on February 2, rising 2.4% from January 29 price of $1,910 per ton. The price however fell to a balance of $1,926 per ton at the close of February 3 session.
