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Aluminium/Bauxite

‘Mixed emotions’ in Quebec as Rio Tinto rebranding drops Alcan moniker – by Bertrand Marotte (Globe and Mail – September 8, 2015)

The Globe and Mail is Canada’s national newspaper with the second largest broadsheet circulation in the country. It has enormous influence on Canada’s political and business elite.

MONTREAL – A move by Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto Group to drop the storied Alcan name has touched a nerve in Quebec and fostered a feeling in some quarters that the company is cold-heartedly discarding a priceless piece of Quebec’s heritage.

The chief executive of Rio Tinto’s Montreal-based aluminum division, Alfredo Barrios, said in a recent internal memo the corporate name is being changed from Rio Tinto Alcan to “the Aluminium product group of Rio Tinto” by way of aligning with Rio Tinto’s other product divisions in a uniform global branding effort.

Mr. Barrios acknowledged the change “may understandably generate mixed emotions” for employees from within the ranks of the former Alcan, which Rio Tinto took over in a $38-billion (U.S.) deal seven years ago.

When Rio Tinto’s aluminum division headquarters moves next year from its current Sherbrooke St. location in the “Maison Alcan” to the spanking new Deloitte Tower next door to the Bell Centre, the major new tenant will be identified only as Rio Tinto.

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Nalco executives to visit Iran for talks on $2 billion smelter plan – by Swansy Afonso (Live Mint.com – September 3, 2015)

http://www.livemint.com/

The company will discuss forming a joint venture with the IMIDRO, said T.K. Chand

Mumbai: India’s National Aluminium Co. Ltd (Nalco) executives plan to visit Iran this month for initial talks to build a $2 billion smelter in the Middle Eastern country, the first pick on its three-nation short list.

The company will discuss forming a joint venture with the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization, or IMIDRO, T.K. Chand, chairman and managing director of National Aluminium, or Nalco, said in an interview at his office in Bhubaneswar.

“Our consultant has shortlisted Iran, Oman and Indonesia for the smelter,” Chand said. “We have started discussions in order of preference starting with Iran. We will take a view on all countries and shortlist one taking into account the availability of gas and energy for making cost competitive power.”

Strong trade relations and a rupee trade system between India and Iran, as well easing global sanctions, make the Middle Eastern country a preferred choice, Chand said. Nalco is bullish about Indian demand, with per capita consumption forecast to grow to about 5 kilograms to 6 kilograms in the next five years from about 1.8 kilograms now, he said.

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Alcan Aluminium Limited History (1902 – 2000)

For a large selection of corporate histories click: International Directory of Company Histories

Strength, growth and value are at the core of Alcan’s strategic intent. We do more than make and sell aluminum–we build alliances with all our stakeholders. We also take pride in developing and delivering value-added differentiated aluminum products making Alcan the partner of choice. Strength reflects Alcan’s strong financial state, its healthy debt-to-equity ratio and improved profitability.

It also signifies the quality and dedication of Alcan’s employees. Finally, strength together with light weight, thermal and electrical conductivity, barrier qualities, infinite recyclability and many other characteristics make aluminum … the material of choice.

Growth is working with all our stakeholders to develop and deliver value-added, differentiated aluminum products, bringing increased value to our customers. It means continuous improvement in everything we do–earnings, technology, employee development, safety, and environmental stewardship. Growth is about looking to a new future as we enter the new millennium–fully optimizing our existing assets and aggressively pursuing opportunities to grow shareholder value.

Value is the reason we’re here. It is an ongoing commitment to our shareholders, to our customers, to and by our employees to create value in everything we do. It also symbolizes Alcan’s values–our ethics, our conduct, our reputation.

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Rio Tinto puts aluminium assets on block in potential $1bn deal – by James Wilson and Neil Hume (Financial Times – May 17, 2015)

http://www.ft.com/intl/companies/mining

London – Rio Tinto is making a fresh attempt to sell unwanted aluminium assets in a potential $1bn deal, the latest sign of global miners’ attempts to restructure in the face of a commodities downturn.

The Anglo-Australian company has engaged Credit Suisse to find a buyer for its Pacific Aluminium business, a group of smelters in Australia and New Zealand, according to people aware of Rio’s plans.

The move is part of trend among mining groups, which are cutting back on non-core assets. BHP Billiton, the world’s largest mining company, is spinning off a collection of assets into a separate company called South32, which is due to start trading Monday.

Rio has not created a separate spinout vehicle but has sold $4bn of assets in the past two years, chief executive Sam Walsh said this month.

The company has tried to sell Pacific Aluminium, known as PacAl, in the past, but halted its efforts in 2013 after there was scant interest in its lossmaking operations. “The market was aware PacAl wasn’t going to sell . . . I am a realist. Let’s get on with life,” Mr Walsh said at the time.

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Alcoa Inc. History (1888 – 2003)

For a large selection of corporate histories click: International Directory of Company Histories

Company Perspectives: At Alcoa, our vision is to be the best company in the world in the eyes of our customers, shareholders, communities and people. We expect and demand the best we have to offer by always keeping Alcoa’s values top of mind. Integrity: Alcoa’s foundation is our integrity. We are open, honest and trustworthy in dealing with customers, suppliers, coworkers, shareholders and the communities where we have an impact. Environment, Health and Safety: We work safely in a manner that protects and promotes the health and well being of the individual and the environment.

Customer: We support our customers’ success by creating exceptional value through innovative product and service solutions. Excellence: We relentlessly pursue excellence in everything we do, every day. People: We work in an inclusive environment that embraces change, new ideas, respect for the individual and equal opportunity to succeed. Profitability: We earn sustainable financial results that enable profitable growth and superior shareholder value. Accountability: We are accountable individually and in teams for our behaviors, actions and results. We live our Values and measure our success by the success of our customers, shareholders, communities and people.

Company History:

The largest aluminum manufacturer in the world, Alcoa Inc. produces aluminum and alumina for automotive, aerospace, commercial transportation, construction, packaging, and other markets. Active worldwide in all major elements of the industry, Alcoa’s operations include mining, refining, smelting, fabricating, recycling, and developing technology.

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RPT-COLUMN-China aluminium surplus to eat away global deficit – by Clyde Russell (Reuters U.S. – April 16, 2015)

http://www.reuters.com/

LAUNCESTON, Australia, April 16 (Reuters) – China’s exports of aluminium products have continued to surge, a trend that if continued may push the rest of the world toward a surplus.

China’s exports of primary, alloy and semi-finished aluminium grew by around 43 percent in the first quarter over the same period last year, according to preliminary customs data released on Monday.

While the initial data release doesn’t provide the detailed breakdown, figures for January and February show that the overwhelming share is semi-finished products, such as bars, rods, wire, plates, sheet and foil.

In the first two months of the year, exports in this category, commonly known as semis, surged 91 percent to 770,000 tonnes, a trend that will almost certainly be continued when the detailed March figures are released later this month. Exports of semis have surged because they get a 13 percent value-added tax rebate, that largely offsets the 15 percent export tax on aluminium.

The tax rebate doesn’t apply to exports of primary aluminium, but it’s a common view in the market that much of China’s exports of semis is melted down and re-fabricated by importers.

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COLUMN-Bauxite and the limits of resource nationalism – by Andy Home (Reuters U.S. – March 27, 2015)

http://www.reuters.com/

(Reuters) – It’s been over a year now since Indonesia imposed its ban on the export of unprocessed minerals. The aim of the January 2014 lock-down is to generate greater value for the country and its citizens by forcing operators to build processing plants and export value-added product not raw materials.

Other resource-rich countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, are travelling the same road but Indonesia is way out in front.

The country’s high-stakes strategy, implemented in the face of considerable opposition from both its own mining sector and overseas buyers, does appear to be largely working.

At a practical level flows of nickel ore and bauxite to Chinese buyers have been halted. Indonesia’s mining ministry says there are now 11 nickel-processing projects under way, many of them backed by Chinese nickel and stainless steel producers.

The country’s two top copper miners, Freeport McMoRan and Newmont Indonesia, have been successfully cajoled into committing to a new copper smelter in return for keeping their mining rights.

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UPDATE 1- Indonesia may ease bauxite export ban to help fund refineries – by Wilda Asmarini (Reuters Africa – March 23, 2015)

http://af.reuters.com/

JAKARTA, March 23 (Reuters) – Indonesia is looking at easing its mineral export ban for bauxite producers to help promote the building of domestic processing capacity, a mines ministry official said on Monday.

Early last year Indonesia put in place export restrictions aimed at forcing miners to develop smelting and processing facilities so that it can increase the value of the minerals it produces and create jobs.

“We need a breakthrough in the law to accelerate bauxite smelter development,” Said Didu, head of the national smelter development team at the energy and mineral resources ministry, told reporters. “To accelerate bauxite smelter development, they should pay a guarantee bond to develop smelters to the government.”

The government has already offered a similar deal to copper miners, allowing them to export concentrates again after paying an export tax and a bond as a sign of good faith that they intend to build smelting capacity.

If bauxite miners have at least 30 percent of their smelter or refinery construction completed, they can apply for a government licence to resume some exports in order to get funding for the rest of their facility, Didu said.

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South32 looks better bet than parent BHP Billiton by Clyde Russell (Reuters U.S. – March 17, 2015)

http://www.reuters.com/

LAUNCESTON, Australia – (Reuters) – BHP Billiton has done a great job in making its spin-off South32 look attractive, perhaps to the point where it may be a better bet than its parent.

The world’s largest miner released documents on Tuesday outlining details for the new company, which will take over BHP’s aluminum, manganese, nickel, silver and some coal assets.

These assets are often described in the media as “unloved,” but the outlook for many of them is better than the core of iron ore, petroleum, copper and metallurgical coal that will remain with BHP. South32, so named for the line of latitude that links its main operating centers of South Africa and Australia, will get a head start from its parent.

The new company will assume only $674 million in net debt, about half the level analysts had expected, providing a boost to the management should they decide to pursue mergers and acquisitions. Analysts expect the new company, which will list in Australia, the United Kingdom and South Africa, will be worth up to $13 billion.

The South32 assets contributed net profit after tax of $738 million to BHP for the half year to December 2014, again an upside surprise that bodes well for the new company’s reception.

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Rio Tinto Alcan open to expanding Canadian smelters once market rebounds: CEO – by Ross Marowits (Canadian Press/Vancouver Sun – February 18, 2015)

http://www.vancouversun.com/index.html

MONTREAL – Rio Tinto Alcan plans to expand its smelting capacity in Canada once the fragile aluminum market gains strength, the mining giant’s CEO said Wednesday.

Alfredo Barrios says aluminum prices, which have retreated since rising last year, are not encouraging investment at the moment because of excess smelting capacity.

But strong long-term fundamentals, including demand expected to grow through 2025 in part from the automotive sector, should eventually encourage new investments.

“If the market starts improving and the returns start remunerating the investments then there are a number of projects that we have across the world, even in Quebec, to potentially grow,” Barrios, who took the helm last June, told reporters. He pointed specifically to a new Alouette smelter and expansion of its AP60 pilot project in Quebec.

“When the moment is right, Quebec is a clear place where we will be investing in smelting. That is where our core smelting business is.” However, the 48-year-old former oil executive wouldn’t say how long it could take before these new projects could be built.

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Rio Tinto’s aluminum division was mining giant’s best performer in 2014 – by Ross Marowits (Canadian Press/Winnipeg Free Press – February 12, 2015)

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/

MONTREAL – After years of challenges, Rio Tinto’s aluminum division proved to be the mining giant’s best performer in 2014.

Underlying profits at the Montreal-based operations soared 124 per cent to US$1.25 billion, dramatically outpacing iron ore, copper, diamonds and energy, the company said Thursday.

Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) attributed the improvement to continuing cost reductions, productivity improvements, higher prices for valued-added products and weaker currency in Canada and Australia.

Aluminum was one of the few metals to see a price increase last year. On the London Metal Exchange, aluminum averaged US$1,867 per tonne in 2014, up one per cent.

Rio Tinto said value-added products, which represent 62 per cent of metal produced, allowed it to realize US$2,395 per tonne. Overall, the company’s underlying profits decreased nine per cent to US$9.3 billion, including a US$4.2-billion hit from lower metal prices, offsetting currency gains.

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COLUMN-China’s aluminium tug-of-war to repeat in 2015 – by Clyde Russell (Reuters India – February 12, 2015)

http://in.reuters.com/

LAUNCESTON, Australia, Feb 12 (Reuters) – Anybody looking at China’s vast aluminium sector may be struck by a sense of deja vu, as the issues of last year appear set for a repeat performance in 2015.

The sector is still plagued by overcapacity and poor profitability, but perhaps the biggest concern is the apparent lack of any willingness to deal with the issues.

China produced about 27.5 million tonnes of aluminium last year, according to consultants AZ China, a figure above the official 24.4 million tonnes, which AZ China says doesn’t include some privately-owned smelters.

This represents roughly half of global output, but is still some way short of China’s capacity to produce 36 million tonnes per annum. China will add as much as 3.5 million tonnes of new production this year, but not all of this will be fully utilised, AZ China said in a Jan. 9 briefing note.

With some additional capacity at existing plants, some planned closure of older smelters and the new plants, AZ China expects total Chinese aluminium output to reach 29 million tonnes in 2015, a gain of almost 5.5 percent on the 2014 figure.

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FORD MOTOR COMPANY NEWS RELEASE: WHY BARRICK GOLD CORP. HAS ORDERED 35 ALL-NEW FORD F-150S AFTER SECRETLY TESTING F-150 ALUMINUM CARGO BOXES


 

FEB 2, 2015 | DEARBORN, MICHIGAN

  • Barrick Gold USA, one of three Ford customers chosen to blindly test two prototype F-150 pickups with experimental aluminum-alloy cargo boxes, has placed an initial order for 35 all-new 2015 F-150 trucks
  • Barrick testing helped improve the all-new, high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy-bodied F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever
  • Barrick accumulated more than 100,000 miles on its two F-150 test vehicles, putting the trucks through the harshest challenges daily; workers would literally throw heavy pieces of equipment into the cargo bed, including large pumps, motors and specialty tools

After helping Ford torture test prototypes of aluminum pickup truck boxes, Barrick Gold USA is placing an initial order for 35 all-new F-150s – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 yet.

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Alcoa Profit Tops Estimates as Autos Drive Aluminum Use – by Liezel Hill (Bloomberg News – January 12, 2015)

http://www.bloomberg.com/

Alcoa Inc. (AA), the largest U.S. aluminum producer, posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings and sales as orders from the auto and aerospace industries boosted demand for the lightweight metal.

Profit excluding one-time items was 33 cents a share, the New York-based company said today in a statement, exceeding the 27-cent average of 19 estimates compiled by Bloomberg. Sales rose 14 percent to $6.38 billion, compared with the $6.05 billion average estimate. The shares rose as much as 2.4 percent in extended trading.

Alcoa shipped a record volume of automotive aluminum sheet in the quarter. Auto companies such as Ford Motor Co., which started making its lightweight, aluminum-bodied F-150 pickup in November, are using more of the metal to boost fuel efficiency. Alcoa also predicted orders of commercial and regional jets will help boost aerospace sales by as much as 10 percent this year. It said overall global aluminum demand will rise 7 percent in 2015.

“Fundamentally Alcoa continues to improve and we would continue to be buyers,” Josh Sullivan, an analyst at Stern Agee & Leach Inc. who has a buy rating, said in a note today.

The company, the first in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index to publish fourth-quarter earnings, reported after the close of trading.

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The next pop can? How Ford’s new F-150 trucks are shaking up the aluminum industry – by Kristine Owram (National Post – November 22, 2014)

The National Post is Canada’s second largest national paper.

After several years of turmoil, the North American aluminum industry may have found its saviour in Ford Motor Co.’s new F-150 — arguably the biggest thing to happen to the metal since Coke and Pepsi ditched steel cans in 1967.

“When cans transitioned to aluminum it was the beginning of a new era for the industry,” said Gervais Jacques, chief commercial officer at Rio Tinto Alcan, which sells aluminum to General Motors Co., Honda Motor Co. and Tesla Motors Inc. “This is to the same extent.”

Like many other metals, aluminum prices plunged at the start of the financial crisis in 2008. Several aluminum makers were forced to dramatically curtail production in response to a collapse in global demand and an increase in Chinese production that they had dramatically underestimated.

Rio Tinto Group Plc, the global miner that bought Montreal-based Alcan at the height of the market in 2007, has been forced to take US$25-billion worth of writedowns on that acquisition — more than two-thirds of the US$38-billion it paid for the takeover. But aluminum’s troubles may be over, thanks to the aluminum-bodied F-150 and the potential for many other vehicles like it.

One company that sees a massive opportunity arising from the auto industry’s new taste for aluminum is American Specialty Alloys Inc.

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