Upstream weekly recap: EGA leads UAE with digital GHG emissions tracking, boosting decarbonisation efforts
In recent developments across the upstream sector of the aluminium industry, significant changes and milestones have been reported. The upstream sector includes bauxite, alumina and primary aluminium. Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has pioneered digital greenhouse gas emissions tracking in the UAE, enhancing transparency and aligning with national decarbonisation goals. Additionally, China's Ministry of Commerce has announced countermeasures against Canada in response to new tariffs on Chinese imports, including aluminium, electric vehicles, and steel, involving WTO dispute proceedings and anti-discrimination investigations. Indian Railways' East Central Railway (ECR) has experienced a notable increase in freight income in the first months of the 2024-25 financial year. In August 2024, Australia's Metro Mining reached a key shipping milestone, driven by expansion at its Bauxite Hills Mine.
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has become the first company in the UAE to implement a digital greenhouse gas emissions tracking system. This technology is set to significantly advance the company's decarbonisation efforts by improving transparency in recording GHG emissions in alignment with the UAE's National MRV Transparency System.
To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/ega-the-first-in-uae-implements-a-centralised-digital-ghg-emissions-tracking-system-111885
On Tuesday, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced firm countermeasures against Canada following its decision to impose additional tariffs on Chinese imports, including aluminium, electric vehicles (EVs), and steel. The response includes plans to initiate dispute settlement proceedings at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and to launch anti-discrimination investigations.
Indian Railways' East Central Railway (ECR), the fourth-largest railway network operator, reported a significant revenue increase from all sources, including freight, during the first five months of the 2024-25 financial year. The railway zone's total income reached INR 13,469 crore, reflecting a 5.75% growth compared to the INR 12,737 crore earned in the same period last year. ECR is one of the 19 railway zones in India.
To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/indian-railways-east-central-zone-sees-19-23-surge-in-bauxite-rake-loadings-111872
Residents of Nyinahin, in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region, have made a pressing appeal to Parliament to ratify the Ashanti Bauxite Limited (ABL) mining lease as lawmakers convene for an emergency session on September 3, 2024. During a protest march in Nyinahin, locals expressed deep frustration over the prolonged delay in ratifying the lease, emphasizing the project's vital role in the region's development.
To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/ghana-ashanti-region-residents-appeal-for-parliamentary-approval-of-bauxite-mining-lease-111877
On September 3, 2024, Brazilian mining company Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN), a joint venture involving Glencore, Rio Tinto, and South32, announced that it had secured an initial license from Brazil's environmental agency, Ibama. This approval represents a major milestone in extending the operational lifespan of its bauxite mining activities in northern Brazil.
To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/brazilian-miner-mrn-gains-preliminary-license-for-bauxite-project-lifespan-extension-111886
In August 2024, Australian bauxite miner Metro Mining reached a new shipping milestone as expansion efforts at its Bauxite Hills Mine in Queensland significantly increased production. The company saw a 13% rise in shipments compared to July, with 720,000 wet metric tonnes (WMT) shipped during the month. This represents a 29% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/metro-mining-sets-new-bauxite-shipments-record-in-august-2024-111895
Metro Mining Limited has significantly boosted throughput rates at its Bauxite Hills operation in Western Australia, mainly due to the commissioning of two new Cat 992 Wheel Loaders and the installation of a new screening system. The company introduced a new apron/wobbler feeder screening circuit in May, a crucial element in its expansion strategy.
To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/big-wheels-bigger-results-cat-992-loaders-drive-bauxite-hill-output-to-the-maximum-111907
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has announced plans to explore the expansion of the country's mining operations with the assistance of U.S. Army engineers, focusing on rare earth element extraction. Speaking at an event in New York, Abinader highlighted the nation's abundant reserves of gold, silver, nickel, and bauxite and emphasized that rare earth elements—vital to high-tech industries—are often found within bauxite deposits.
To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/bauxite-deposits-in-focus-as-dominican-republic-eyes-rare-earth-potential-111908
Vibrantz Technologies, Inc., a global leader in colour solutions, functional coatings, and speciality minerals, announced on August 30 its acquisition of Micro Abrasives Corporation, a speciality alumina manufacturer based in Westfield, Massachusetts. Micro Abrasives specialises in producing calcined alumina for the automotive refinishing, optics polishing, and industrial lapping industries. The company operates two facilities, one in Westfield, Massachusetts, and another in Alexandria, Louisiana, employing over 50 people.
China currently has over 80 million tonnes of alumina production capacity, leading to a significant challenge in sourcing enough bauxite to meet demand. Despite this, new alumina refining capacity is entering the market, which may seem ill-timed given the supply struggles. While market conditions can fluctuate, built capacity tends to remain fixed. The operators of this new alumina capacity may be banking on sustained high prices and improved access to bauxite in the future.
To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/press-release/china-s-alumina-capacity-grows-fueling-bauxite-supply-challenges-111911
China's metallurgical-grade alumina production exceeded 7 million tonnes in July 2024 and continued its upward trend in August, with a month-on-month increase of 0.67%, according to the Shanghai Metals Market. August's output saw a 2.82% rise compared to the same period last year.
Alpha HPA has officially commenced the second stage of construction on what is poised to become the world’s largest single-site ultra-high purity aluminium materials refinery. Known for setting new standards in aluminium purification to produce sustainable, ultra-high purity aluminium products in commercial quantities, Alpha HPA has reached a significant milestone in developing its high-purity alumina plant.
To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/stage-two-begins-alpha-hpa-expands-world-leading-high-purity-alumina-facility-111883
In a major policy shift, the Indian government announced on September 4, 2024, that it will relax import regulations for calcined and raw pet coke, broadening the scope of allowable inbound shipments. Previously restricted to the aluminium industry, these imports are now authorized to serve a wider range of domestic sectors. This change is anticipated to significantly boost industries dependent on calcined pet coke, extending beyond aluminium production.
The LME aluminium benchmark price opened the week on Monday, September 2, with a 2-week low as China’s manufacturing activity slowed down. As per the data, the benchmark aluminium price arrived at US$2390.50 per tonne after recording a downfall of US$73 per tonne. On Tuesday, the price fell by US$8.5 per tonne, followed by a drop of US$14.5 per tonne on Wednesday, settling at US$2,382 per tonne and US$2367.50 per tonne. On Thursday, the LME aluminium price decreased to US$2366 per tonne.
To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/lme-aluminium-benchmark-price-moves-down-to-us2366-t-shfe-price-loses-us3-t-111903
China’s A00 aluminium ingot price opened the week with a fall of RMB 170 per tonne to halt at RMB 19,460 per tonne. On Tuesday, the SMM aluminium ingot price was added RMB 30 per tonne to settle at RMB 19,490 per tonne, followed by a drop of RMB 30 per tonne on Thursday and RMB 90 per tonne on Friday.
In July 2024, Africa's primary aluminium production hit a new peak compared to the previous six months, reaching 135,000 tonnes—an increase of 6,000 tonnes or 4.65 per cent from June 2024. This marks the highest monthly output in seven months. However, the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) reported a year-on-year decrease, with production down by 1,000 tonnes compared to July 2023.
On Friday, Aldel (Damco Aluminum Delfzijl Cooperatie U.A.), a Dutch aluminium producer based in Delfzijl, announced that it would suspend the remaining operations at its Farmsum facility. This decision comes in response to high energy costs and inadequate government support. Aldel's move is part of a broader trend of companies scaling back or halting production across Europe due to skyrocketing gas and electricity prices, which have surged hundreds of per cent compared to 2021.
To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/netherlandss-sole-primary-aluminium-producer-halts-production-owing-to-high-energy-costs-111870
The drive to minimise emissions extends beyond major aluminium and steel producers; their suppliers are also facing increasing pressure to cut emissions throughout the supply chain. Renewable energy providers are experiencing a surge in demand that exceeds current capacity, with future production already sold out for several years. The European Union has implemented the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in alignment with global climate change mitigation efforts.
To know more: https://www.alcircle.com/news/europes-carbon-border-tax-fuels-green-power-rush-amongst-indian-aluminium-steel-producers-111866
On August 20th, Sun-stone Development announced a capital increase agreement with Geely Baikuang to invest a total of 290 million yuan into Tiandong Baikuang Santian Carbon Co., Ltd. Under this agreement, Sun-stone Development will hold a 66 per cent stake, while Geely Baikuang will hold 34 per cent. The investment will be used to build a new 600,000-tonne prebaked anode production facility.
EPIQ Machinery, a leading equipment manufacturer, is set to expand rapidly with the acquisition of the mining and metals operations of Alizent Canada and Alizent USA. This acquisition will lead to the formation of a new entity, EPIQ DIGITAL.
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