Archive > Metal Asia > December 2012

Metal Asia December 2012 Issue

A Complete Metal Magazine

SPECIAL COVERAGE

Secondary and Downstream Aluminium Markets in India
Bauxite reserves coupled with a huge pool of economic manpower gives the Indian aluminum industry a competetive edge compared with other emerging markets.

COMMENT

Non-ferrous metals appear to lack enthusiasm
The year-end rally seems to have collapsed as sluggish markets for a variety of non-ferrous metals have kept a cap on prices. Markets for some non-ferrous metals appear to lack enthusiasm.

NATIONAL TRENDS

• HZL deal will be positive for Sterlite Industries

  The buzz of Government's residual stake sale in Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) has lifted the share price of Sterlite Industries. In fact, a jump in volumes and five per cent gain have been observed in its share price.

• Non-ferrous Metal Cos: More upside ahead

  Most non-ferrous metal players, particularly Sterlite Industries and Hindalco, have seen a run-up in their stock prices from mid-November. The stocks trade 19 per cent and 11.3 per cent higher since the closing lows on 19th November.

• NALCO resumes bauxite mining

  Aluminium major National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has received the Temporary Work Permit (TWP) to resume mining operations at its Panchpatmali Bauxite Mines in Koraput district, Odisha, and the mining activities are in full swing now.

• Coal mines to get environment permission

  Coal mines, which were under the eyes of environment ministry, will sonn get permission to work upon their planning of increasing production.

• More capacity to shutdown, says NALCO

  NALCO is looking forward to shutdown more capacity compared to last year, being more than eight per cent.

• NMDC receives "Company of the Year" award

  NMDC received the prestigious "Company of the Year" award for the year 2012, organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce.

INTERNATIONAL TRENDS

• Acceptance certificate for FATA Hunter signed with ACCH Thailand for aluminium cold rolling mill

  On November 21, 2012 the final acceptance certificate for a 4Hi non-reversible aluminium cold rolling mill was signed by FATA Hunter and ACCH Thailand.

• UC RUSAL and Shandong Xinfa to study aluminium JV opportunities

  UC RUSAL, the world's largest aluminium producer, will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shandong Xinfa Group, one of China's largest private aluminium companies, detailing the study of future possible cooperation areas, including joint ventures in the aluminium industry.

• Alcoa opens Aluminium Wheel facility in China

  Alcoa announced that its Alcoa Wheel and Transportation (AWTP) business is opening a production facility in Suzhou, China, making an expansion that creates a full wheel manufacturing, distribution, sales and service network in China.

• Alcoa signs long-term power contract

  Alcoa has signed a long-term contract with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) for its Intalco Works aluminium smelter in Ferndale, Washington.

IN FOCUS

• Copper Concentrate to pour in

  Copper Concentrate is to pour in - thanks to International Copper Study Group (ICSG) which is supporting this view that the world will witness surplus copper concentrates in year 2013.

COMPANY NEWS

Contirod reduces carbon emissions

In the course of permanently improving the Contirod lines in terms of product quality, availability and reduction of processing costs, the improvement of energy efficiency is also in the focus

Strip Processing Lines

Even in an unfavourable market climate with continued price pressure in 2011, we were still able to considerably increase our order intake. We attracted orders for a total of eleven strip processing lines.

COMPANY REPORT

UC Rusal: Key Highlights 2012

Major aluminium producer UC RUSAL showcased series of key working fronts following year 2012. The highlights are being discussed here profusely.

PRODUCT / MARKET

New technology from SMS Meer saves energy

Energy saving, reduction of emissions and cost reduction are key buying arguments in all sectors of the steel and non-ferrous industry.

MorganMMS introduces Syncarb Z2 e2 Crucible

With a goal of generating longer crucible service life and increased energy savings, Morgan Molten Metal Systems (MorganMMS) has introduced its Syncard Z2 e2, the latest member of the Syncarb Z2 family.

TECHNOLOGY FOCUS

Recent Developments in Aluminium Alloy Reinforced Titanium Diboride in-situ Composites

Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) have been the subject of intense research for the past two decades and are being exploited in a range of commercial applications, particularly the aviation and automotive sector.

COAL TRENDS

Weathering of Coal : A Challenge to cokemaking

During transportation and stockpiling, coal is in contact with air for periods of time that may exceed 6 months. During this period, reaction with oxygen in presence of water, sunlight and possibly elevated temperatures may take place.

ARCHITECTURAL ZINC

Architectural Zinc - Constructing 'Building' Worldwide

Today, constructing buildings on a global scale inculcates the thought of being sustainable, energy and electricity - specific and environment friendly by using available natural resources.

BEARING INDUSTRY

Innovative Bearings for Printing Press and its Packaging

There are several processes involved in the act of papermaking and the equipments used in the papermaking and printing processes utilise more than 500 tapered roller bearings.

REFRACTORY

A New Calcium Aluminate Cement for Indian Castable Refractories

The advent of new generation monolithic castable refractories in 1980s gave rise to a sustained growth of monolithics, largely at the expense of shaped refractories.

ROLLING & CASTING

Improvements in surface quality of hot rolled products

Over the last forty years, the industry has seen huge advancements in the development of technology used to reduce strip thickness, increase dimensional accuracy, maintain and control quality thus allowing mills to produce more and remain competitive.

CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

Quality Days 2012 by Quality Alliance Group

Quality Days 2012 were organised on 27th November 2012 in Mumbai (The Leela) and on 29th November in Bhubaneshwar (The Trident) respectively. The events were graced by senior professionals of the metal industry and elicited an encouraging response from the participants.