FACE Aluminium brings you a roundup of last week’s aluminium news.
Among the latest main news: In Europe, Finnish Purso Oy group acquired Dutch aluminium company Nedal. In the world, Aluminium Bahrain is on its way to become the world’s largest aluminium smelter, Indian authorities consider tariffs as aluminium imports are on the increase, and doubts are raised about Jamaica’s aluminium industry.
Dutch Nedal Aluminium Bought By Finnish Purso Oy
The Finnish Purso Oy expanded its market position in Central Europe with the acquisition of the Dutch company Nedal Aluminium. Without disclosing the transaction price, the company said that this was its largest transaction in history and would allow it to double its production capacity. Nedal Aluminium manufactures large aluminium profiles at its production plant in Utrecht. Nedal Aluminium will continue operating as a separate, independent company in the Purso Group.
Purso Group expands and strengthens its market position in Europe
by acquiring the Dutch company Nedal Aluminium. Click on the link below for the press release.https://t.co/0yEdDztRHm#nedal #extrusion #lightingcolumns #80yearsinspecialistsinaluminium #purso pic.twitter.com/a6KyjAKqsK— Nedal Aluminium B.V. (@nedalaluminium) January 7, 2019
Alba Reaches A Historic 1 Million Metric Tonnes Production Mark
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) is on its way to becoming the largest smelter in the world as it surpassed 2018 production goal reaching 1MT – a three per cent increase over 2017. A ceremony to mark the milestone production was held on 06 January 2019 at Alba Oasis and was attended by Alba Executive Management, Directors, Managers and employees. Alba is one of the largest industrial companies in the Middle East and is one of the top ten aluminium producers in the world.
Alba achieved a breakthrough record by exceeding its 2018 #Production Target of 1,000,000 mtpa to mark 1,011,101 mtpa. 2018 production volume of 1,011,101 mtpa is the highest-ever achieved in Alba’s history https://t.co/sZ30FedbsJ pic.twitter.com/RItTejnlgU
— Aluminium Bahrain (@Alba4World) January 6, 2019
Brazil Sees The Lowest Aluminium Production Output In November
Brazil’s national aluminium association Abal released figures showing that the country’s primary aluminium output fell the lowest level in 2018 in November. Output decreased by 26.70 per cent year-on-year from the 66,600 tonnes produced in November 2017. Albras, one of only two primary aluminium producer-suppliers in Brazil is majority owned by Hydro. Monthly production has been affected by reduced capacity at the Alunorte alumina refinery with government-ordered curtailments due to environmental concerns.
India’s Aluminium Imports From The US Show A Significant Increase In 2018
India – one of the biggest aluminium importers from the US – saw a jump of 158% year-on-year in January-October 2018 in its American imports. During this period, the country imported 68,000 tonnes of crude metal and alloys, aluminium semi-finished products and scrap from the US. Imported aluminium scrap, which jumped by 156 per cent, has been a point of contention among Indian producers with some companies calling for import tariffs.
Broken Boiler To Halt Alumina Production In Jamaica
Eighteen months after the resumption of bauxite and alumina production at the JUSCO Alpart Facility in Jamaica, boiler failure is raising concerns over the future of the bauxite and alumina plant with a two-week long production stoppage. The plant is also experiencing continued labour uncertainty. The unfortunate developments led Minister Mike Henry of Jamaica’s parliament to express “great concern that the major investment projects may be affected, if these issues continue to affect production at the plant.”
Malaysia’s Moratorium On Bauxite Mining Extended To March
The local government extended the moratorium on bauxite mining and export activities in Pahang until 31 March 2019. The mining ban is set to be removed once new standard operation procedures on bauxite mining, transport, stockpile management and exports are in place. The moratorium has been in place for close to three years.
Primary Aluminium Future Prices Dampen Downstream Consumers’ Enthusiasm In China
Growing future prices are discouraging downstream consumers across spot aluminium markets in east and south China, finds Shanghai Metals Market.