Key highlights from the global aluminium value chain, April 2023

Global non-ferrous metal prices, including aluminium, witnessed a downfall in April 2023. Despite the fall of aluminium inventories in LME warehouses and also China, prices still remained on the downtrend. The resumption of the Chinese economy during the latter part of the year 2022 anticipated positivity to the industrial market, but the economic slowdown of the Chinese market has resulted, to an extent, in the downfall of the prices. The production cut in China's Yunnan province continues due to the hydropower crisis, as the region has not received sufficient rain as it used to. Weather experts have forecasted this might continue for the year. Inflation and the fear of recession in the Western world might also cause low demand. Sustainability remains a crucial subject in the global aluminium sector. Keeping the challenges aside, the industry is driving toward a zero-carbon future.

Hydro's Reynosa plant has been successfully registered against the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard. This can be considered Hydro's first ASI certification in Mexico.

To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/hydros-first-asi-certification-in-mexico-reynosa-plant-enters-performance-standard-92491

The Global Aerosol Packaging business of BALL Corporation has obtained accreditation from the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) for Performance and Chain of Custody Standards. The certification is applied to all nine of Ball's production facilities and aerosol containers and slugs globally.

To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/ball-to-provide-its-client-asi-certified-aluminium-cans-and-bottles-93648

The Nalco-operated Panchpatmali bauxite mine achieved the highest-ever annual bauxite excavation rate since its inception. FY 22-23 has been reported with a figure of 75,50,670 tonnes, up from its previous benchmark of 74,14,100 tonnes in FY 18-19.

To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/record-breaking-excavations-reported-at-nalco-bauxite-mines-92465

Century Aluminum Company announced a significant step towards acquiring a sizeable share in a joint Jamaican bauxite mining and alumina production venture. The company has reportedly signed an agreement with Noble Group Holdings Limited (Noble) to obtain 55 per cent of its ownership in Jamalco.

To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/century-aluminium-signs-agreement-to-acquire-55-stake-in-jamalco-set-to-secure-alumina-supply-93704

Rio Tinto has started construction for a capacity increase to casting low-carbon, high-value aluminium billets by 202,000 tonnes at Alma Smelter, Quebec. Rio Tinto is expanding its existing casting centre to include new state-of-the-art equipment such as furnaces, a casting pit, coolers, handling, inspection, sawing and packaging systems. The newly expanded centre is scheduled to begin operation in the first half of 2025.

To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/rio-tinto-begins-construction-of-its-alma-smelter-expansion-to-boost-high-value-aluminium-billets-capacity-93580

The International Aluminium Institute (IAI)'s most recent monthly assessment shows that during the first three months of 2023, the world's primary aluminium production increased by 2.0 per cent y-o-y to 16.9 million tonnes. Restarts and reductions in aluminium production outside of China mainly balance each other, resulting in a plateau.

To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/yunnan-weather-forecast-may-influence-china-s-aluminium-production-93676

Headquartered in China, Ningbo Xusheng Group is about to invest $276 million to materialise five new subsidiaries in the US, Mexico and Hong Kong. The company is an expert in the manufacture of high-precision aluminium alloy components for vehicles.

To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/chinas-ningbo-xusheng-group-invests-276-million-to-open-five-new-foreign-subsidiaries-92564

Group Atlas Holdings announced the sale of Alludium to Jupiter Aluminium, the US Corporation, an industrial group with more than 30 years of experience. According to both the buyer and seller, the purchase will strengthen Aludium's future as part of the industrial group, allowing it to continue its growth and focus on product innovation, service, and aluminium recycling. Sources claim that the company will continue running its brands within the conglomerate.

To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/atlas-holdings-announces-the-sale-of-alludium-to-jupiter-aluminium-93634

UK-based canned water firm Cano Water has begun this year’s journey with a market boost after comedian and actor Ricky Gervais came in support of the company’s goal, raising a multi-million pound in investment for a new can tagged “Cano 2.0”.

To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/ricky-gervais-promotes-cano-water-helping-raise-multi-million-pound-funding-92582

According to a report, the German aluminium company Speira has expanded its aluminium recycling capacity by two-fold to 650,000 tonnes as it completes the acquisition of Real Alloy Europe. This capacity boost will help the company use more recycled metal to make low-carbon rolled aluminium products.

To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/speiras-aluminium-recycling-capacity-doubles-to-650-000-tonnes-with-the-acquisition-of-real-alloy-europe-92455