MRAI's 11th IMRC 2024: Day 2 – Dialogues from the “Non-Ferrous Metals Demand & Outlook” session

Day two at MRAI's 11th IMRC 2024 Convention & Exposition in Kolkata was even more intriguing as the first half began with the "Circular Economy ZoneTheme Park" inauguration. This interactive playground promoted the cause of recycling used objects, and it was inspirational to see MRAI indulging school kids as witness to the changing mode of circularity in India.

children from a local school enjoying the show 

The programme schedule was packed with enlightening conversations among industry experts. The expo zone, where professionals could meet and greet for future business prospects, was also flagged on the same day.

The sessions that were conducted on January 24, Day 2:

• Session on "Business on ELV Recycling"
• Session on "Vision 2030: Secondary Steel Sector Prospects & Challenges"
• Session on "Non-Ferrous Metals Demand & Outlook"

A round table conference was also organised for the Steel Manufacturing CEOs, but the session that bore maximum relevance to AL Circle was the one on Non-Ferrous Metals Demand & Outlook.

Mr Jhunjhunwala speaks 

In the symphony of global economic dynamics, the Non-Ferrous Metals Demand & Outlook session orchestrated a melody of insights from key industry figures, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.   

Opening Notes by Brain Taylor - Recycling Today (Coordinator)

The discussion was initiated with Brain Taylor, the maestro of Recycling Today, setting the stage with a focus on trade barriers, E-waste shipping regulations, and strategic asset-keeping for nations.

Key Challenges for 2024 - Paul Coyte, NF division President, BIR 

In a poetic metaphor, he likened the Red Sea's negative impact for the first half to the ebb and flow of economic tides. As the Indian Elections loom on the horizon, short-term issues in the first half of 2024 are forecasted.

Harmony of Perspectives - Mohan Agarwal, MD & Chairman CMR

Mohan Agarwal from CMR introduced a discordant note by highlighting the lack of synchronisation between primary producers and recycling agencies. However, through MRAI, forceful efforts are being made to bridge this gap. Agarwal expressed positivity, asserting that adverse policy changes in the scrap sector are unlikely in 2024. He envisioned a promising year for CMR, stressing the importance of quality standards, market development, education, training, and research and development for incorporating more recycled material into finished products.

When AL Circle approached him for a more personal perspective, Mr Agarwal asserted: "We are not only going to recycle our end-products, but we are also going to take back what we gave to the landfills."

demand outlook for Electric Vehicles 

India's Ascent - Insights from Vinay Sharma, Head of Operations- India, GDB International and Ashish Bansal, MD, Pondy Exides and Chemicals

Vinay Sharma projected India as the next manufacturing hub, emphasising the need for a dedicated ministry for the recycling sector, a call echoed by Ashish Bansal. Bansal envisioned a brighter future, provided a specialised ministry takes the reins.

Unearthing Challenges - Navneet Chaddha, MD, VK Metcast

Navneet Chaddha dug into the soil of challenges, revealing that recycling maturity in India is yet to bloom. India's meagre scrap generation leads to significant imports, highlighting a per capita usage lagging behind the global average. Chaddha unveiled the economic advantage of cheaply available scrap.

Circling Sustainability - PK Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM

PK Banerjee circled back to the automotive industry, emphasising circularity in the automobile sector, especially in End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV). He stressed the need for a nation-first approach during advocacy, addressing challenges in scrap imports, price influx of aluminium, and advocating for recycling in a scientific way. Banerjee proposed an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime for ELV, incentivising the system and integrating smaller players.

A Historical Reverie - Sumit Jhunjunwala, Assistant Vice President, ICRA

Sumit Jhunjunwala brought historical resonance, reminding us that copper was the first metal embraced by human civilisation. Shifting the focus to the present, he highlighted aluminium's abundance, derived primarily from bauxite, crucial for its lightweight properties. The impact of the 2015 Paris Environment Act on policy development resonated with a prediction that demand for nonferrous metals would escalate, possibly surpassing gas and oil. The anticipated increase in Renewable Energy (RE) capacity and EV transition were identified as key drivers.

MRAI's Circular Economy ZoneTheme Park

As the symposium on "Non-Ferrous Metals Demand & Outlook" concluded, the ensemble of insights left a resounding echo. The sector is poised for growth, with challenges and opportunities intertwined. The future, it seems, will be shaped by collaborative efforts, strategic policies, and a commitment to sustainable practices. If you wish to learn more about sustainable practices in the entire aluminium value chain, have a look at AL Circle's specially curated report, Sustainability in the Global Aluminium Sector.  Want to know what happened on Day 1 MRAI 2024? Click here.