Eurobench.com

voda 5 november 2021 06:22

0

Japanese Steel Exports Surge by 12% YoY in H1 of 2021

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
05 Nov, 2021, 4:40 am

According to latest data from Japan Iron and Steel Federation, Japanese steel manufacturers boosted exports of ordinary steel in Q1-Q2 of the new FY April 2021-March 2022 amid growing overseas demand in downstream sectors. In April-September 2021, Japanese suppliers exported 11.23 million tonnes of ordinary steel, up 12.4% compared to the same period last year

The biggest increase was seen in HDG sales, which gained 51.6% YoY at 1.29 million tonnes, following the sales of CRC up 50.4% to 1.04 million tonnes and plates up 10.8% to 1.39 million tonnes in H1. Meanwhile, sales of HRC added only 0.6% on the year, reaching 5.3 million tonnes

Demand for steel products from Japan was strong in main markets such as South Korea up 14% YoY, Thailand up 135% YoY, US up 12% YoY and Taiwan up 0.6% YoY. Meanwhile, buying interest in China was lower than last year with ordinary steel shipments dropping by 11.5% to 1.53 million tonnes in H1

Japanese suppliers are expected to boost exports of ordinary and special steel by 16.9% YoY to 7.11 million tonnes in October-December, according to the preliminary data from the Ministry of Finance. However, JISF emphasizes that there are risks related to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which may affect export numbers.

voda 5 november 2021 06:23

0

Vale & POSCO to Develop Decarbonization in Steel Production

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
05 Nov, 2021, 4:42 am

Vale has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with POSCO in which both agreed to pursue opportunities to develop iron making solutions focused on reducing CO2 emissions. Vale and POSCO intend to develop solutions for decarbonization in iron making and are under discussion to find the most suitable pathways by using Vale’s wide range of product portfolio, including high-grade iron ore products such as pellets, fines and briquettes, as a potential solution for reducing fossil fuel consumption, that aim to bring a remarkable contribution to the POSCO's roadmap to reach the carbon neutrality in integrated steel production process by 2050.

Vale’s Executive Vice President Iron Ore Mr Marcello Spinelli said “Steel and mining industry are already under transformation to develop low carbon solutions, and we are happy to be with POSCO on this journey. The decarbonization pathway definition will be critical to set how the industry will meet Paris Agreement’s targets and deliver an important legacy to society and our planet. Vale is well positioned to lead the industry with our high-quality and world-class portfolio and with innovative technologies.”

POSCO’s Head of Steel Business Unit Mr Hagdong Kim added “Both companies have the goal to achieve carbon net-zero by 2050, an important social responsibility that we must fulfil as members of society. Instead of trying alone, if we work together, we will create more synergy. By signing the MOU, I look forward to greater synergy between Vale and POSCO toward carbon neutrality.”

This initiative contributes to achieving Vale’s commitment to reduce 15% of net Scope 3 emissions by 2035. Additionally, Vale seeks to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 33% by 2030 and achieve neutrality by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement, leading the evolution process towards low carbon mining.

voda 5 november 2021 06:23

0

Russel Metals to Acquire Boyd Metals

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
05 Nov, 2021, 4:30 am

US steel service center Russel Metals Inc has entered into an agreement to acquire a group of companies that operate as Boyd Metals for USD 110 million, subject to closing adjustments. Boyd operates five service centers in Fort Smith in Arkansas, Little Rock in Arkansas, Joplin in Missouri, Oklahoma City in Oklahoma and Tyler in Texas. Boyd's product mix is primarily comprised of carbon steel products, but also includes stainless steel, aluminum and other related industrial products. Boyd also offers value-added processing services and has invested to expand such capabilities over the past several years. For the twelve months ended September 30, 2021, Boyd generated revenues of USD 244 million and Adjusted EBITDA of USD 39 million.

The purchase price of USD110 million includes working capital, buildings and equipment, real estate and other related assets.

The transaction will be financed from Russel's cash on hand and/or drawings under its existing bank facility. At September 30, 2021, Russel had USD 337 million of cash and substantial availability under its bank facility. The transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Russel Metals is one of the largest metals distribution companies in North America. It carries on business in three segments: metals service centers, energy products and steel distributors. Its network of metals service centers carries an extensive line of metal products in a wide range of sizes, shapes and specifications, including carbon hot rolled and cold finished steel, pipe and tubular products, stainless steel, aluminum and other non-ferrous specialty metals.

voda 5 november 2021 06:58

0

German rebar rebound continues
1237 Views

German rebar mills appear to have been successful in asking for higher prices in reaction to their increasing production costs, and given the need for restocking in the market.

According to a buyer in central Germany, volumes delivered in the summer months have now been largely used up and reordering has resumed. Consequently, production and lead times are stretching at the mills, he says.

By early October, prices had come down from the summer peak by around €100/tonne ($116) to a temporary low point of €520/t base. In the meantime, they have rebounded halfway, by €50, to €570/t now, which plus the size extra of €265 translates to €835/t delivered, a western German buyer tells Kallanish. When it was at the low point, “we all thought it would drop further, but were proven wrong”, he adds.

In eastern Germany, the price is seen somewhat lower still, at €550/t, but accompanied by signals heard “from domestic mills only yesterday, that they might ask more next week”, a manager says. The price spread between straight bar and rebar in coil, which has gradually widened since the start of the year, is remaining intact. For the latter, the eastern manager just paid a base price of €590/t for a small lot, he says.

Christian Koehl Germany

voda 8 november 2021 07:15

0

Ternium Announces Record Surge in EBITDA per ton in Q3 of 2021

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
08 Nov, 2021, 4:50 am

Ternium SA announced that EBITDA per ton in the third quarter of 2021 increased by USD 149.5 sequentially, to USD 612.4. On a year-over-year basis, EBITDA per ton increased USD 488.2. The sequential and year-over-year improvements in the third quarter of 2021 were mainly the result of higher realized steel prices, partially offset by higher costs of raw materials and purchased slabs. The company's net income in the third quarter of 2021 was USD 1.4 billion on operating income of USD 1.7 billion and an effective income tax rate of 26%.

Ternium's shipments in the third quarter of 2021 were 3.1 million tons, stable sequentially as higher finished steel shipments in the US market were offset by slightly lower volumes elsewhere. During the third quarter of 2021, Ternium continued ramping-up its new hot-rolling mill in Pesquería, although at a slower pace than anticipated reflecting energy-related bottlenecks that have already been worked out. The strength of steel prices in the company's main steel markets led to new record-high realized steel prices in the period. On an year-over-year basis, shipments in the third quarter of 2021 were up by 8%, reflecting a recovery of 17% in Mexico and 14% in the Southern Region as Ternium's markets were affected in 2020 by restrictions implemented to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by a 12% decrease in the Other Markets region. The decrease in the Other Markets region was due mainly to lower slab volumes shipped to third parties as the company's slab facility in Brazil increased its integration with other Ternium's mills, partially offset by higher finished steel shipments in Colombia and the US market.

Ternium's steel shipments in the first nine months of 2021 were 9.2 million tons, up 946,000 tons compared to shipment levels in the same period in 2020 reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the prior-year first nine months. Shipments in the first nine months of 2021 increased 20% in Mexico and 48% in the Southern Region, and decreased 19% in the Other Markets region mainly due to lower slab shipments to third parties partially offset by higher finished steel shipments in Colombia.

EBITDA per ton increased $365.7 year-over-year in the first nine months of 2021 to $471.8, mainly due to higher steel prices partially offset by higher costs of raw materials and purchased slabs. The company's net income in the first nine months of 2021 was $3.2 billion on operating income of $3.9 billion and an effective income tax rate of 25%.

Outlook – “Ternium expects to maintain strong performance in the final quarter of 2021, following record EBITDA in the third quarter. The company anticipates a slight sequential decrease in fourth quarter EBITDA, with relatively stable shipments and a lower margin. Ternium anticipates cost per ton to increase in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter, primarily due to higher raw material and slab costs flowing through the company's inventories. This increase in costs would be partially offset by higher revenue per ton, driven by the quarterly reset of contract prices which reflect, with a lag, higher average prices during the third quarter. The company anticipates volumes sold in the USMCA region to slightly increase in the fourth quarter. In Mexico, industrial customer steel demand remains solid across the market, with the exception of the automotive industry, which continues to be significantly challenged by global semiconductor scarcity. Steel demand linked to construction activity in the country also continues to weaken into the fourth quarter. In Argentina, Ternium expects shipments to remain steady in the fourth quarter as compared to shipments in the third quarter, with a slight decrease in December due to seasonality. The country's main steel consuming sectors, including the construction and manufacturing industries, continue to perform well, although unstable macroeconomic variables in Argentina bring uncertainty to this market in 2022.”

voda 8 november 2021 07:16

0

Tata Steel BSL Ships LD Slag to Bangladesh

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
08 Nov, 2021, 4:53 am

Tata Steel BSL has exported 9000 tonnes of Linz Donawitz slag through Dhamra Port Company Limited to Bangladesh market from its unit located in Dhenkanal district of Odisha. Cemcoa Limited, a Hong Kong based trade house and an existing buyer of Tata Steel BSL, has shown keen interest in the market development of LD Slag in the cement-making process in Bangladesh and facilitated the export. Test and trial of LD slag has already been done in the concerned plant in Bangladesh. The proposed plan is to export 100,000 tonnes of LD slag per annum.

LD slag is a by-product in the steel making process and Tata Steel BSL at present generates approximately 1 million tonne of it per annum. In collaboration with its customers, the steel major has developed a 0-6 mm size slag range, for applications in slag cement, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag and clinker making.

As part of its sustainable operations of by-products, Tata Steel BSL has been supplying LD slag to brick makers around the plant, national highway work, for hard surfacing and low land area filling, cement companies in Odisha and West Bengal, distributors in coastal Odisha for use in highway and brick work.

voda 8 november 2021 07:16

0

ANDRITZ to Supply Pickling Line & ARP to voestalpine

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
08 Nov, 2021, 4:56 am

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from voestalpine Stahl GmbH to supply the chemical process equipment for continuous pickling, acid regeneration, silicon removal and acid purification plants as part of the BETA 3 project to build an integrated pickling plant in cold-rolling mill 3. The scope of supply also includes the design, engineering, erection and start-up work as well as optimization support. Start-up of the plants is scheduled for the end of 2023.

The main features of the various plants are as follows:

The continuous pickling plant is designed to process advanced steel grades as well as special materials for the electric mobility of the future. This pickling plant has a capacity of around two million tons per year and operates with hydrochloric acid that is recycled in a regeneration plant.

The world’s most modern acid regeneration plant meets the strictest requirements for exhaust gas treatment and wastewater. By achieving recovery rates of almost 100% and reusing various media, the plant makes a substantial contribution towards environmental protection and sustainability.

Highly pure iron oxide, an important raw material in the electric mobility sector for example, occurs as a by-product of the acid regeneration process. A separate acid purification plant will also be installed.

Several systems for removing silicon from the acid loops contribute towards ensuring smooth operation and highest availability as well as top-quality pickled steel strip.

The ANDRITZ equipment will enable the customer to perform pickling and cold rolling in a combined plant in future in cold-rolling mill #3. In addition, the world’s most modern acid regeneration plant will be built, complying with the highest environmental standards, and also enabling flexible production of high-purity iron oxide. An underground route for the transfer of media between the individual plants completes the package.

voda 8 november 2021 07:19

0

British MPs call for Investigation into GFG Alliance Affairs

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
08 Nov, 2021, 4:58 am

British MPs have called for investigations into the owners of Liberty Steel and boss Mr Sanjeev Gupta in a bid to avert another crisis in the industry. Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee Chair Mr Darren Jones said “The systemic issues at the heart of GFG Alliance have highlighted the vulnerabilities of Liberty Steel and its place in the wider steel sector in the UK. We met with hard working and dedicated workers at Liberty Steel and want to ensure that the UK steel sector is able to continue to support their jobs. However, the evidence we heard during our inquiry has highlighted serious problems with high-risk financial practices, weaknesses in audit, and about inadequate accountability and corporate governance arrangements within GFG Alliance. Sanjeev Gupta must urgently fix these problems if he is to be seen as a fit and proper owner of steel companies in the UK.”

The report describes the use of high-risk financial practices as being at odds with the requirements of any future steel sector deal and recommends the Financial Conduct Authority and HM Treasury investigate the use of, and accounting rules for, future or prospective receivables.

The report highlights the audit of Liberty Steel UK businesses by audit firm King & King and questions their capacity to complete audits effectively. The report finds it utterly unconvincing” that King & King had the capacity, expertise, or resources to audit the accounts of multiple large GFG Alliance and Liberty Steel UK companies representing over GBP 2.5 billion of revenue”.

Ministers should reflect on the systemic risks to the UK steel industry posed by such unusual corporate structures as those used by GFG Alliance

1. Liberty Steel owner, Sanjeev Gupta, put senior members of his staff in an unacceptable position by employing them with job titles associated with traditional executive functions in well run companies, without giving them the required access to information or decision-making powers necessary for them to perform their duties.

2. The regulatory authorities should undertake an investigation into King & King, the auditors of a number of GFG Alliance businesses

3. The Insolvency Service may wish to consider whether Mr Gupta has breached his fiduciary duties as a company director.

The Committee’s report urges the Government to consider formalising a fit and proper person test for private company directors within any future steel sector deal and that a review be undertaken to consider the systemic risks associated with high-risk financial practices in the steel sector.

voda 8 november 2021 07:20

0

BlueScope Acquires MetalX Ferrous Recycling Business in US

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
08 Nov, 2021, 5:01 am

BlueScope has entered into a binding agreement to buy the ferrous scrap steel recycling business of MetalX LLC, the leading supplier of scrap feed to Ohio-based mini-mill business, North Star BlueScope Steel. BlueScope will pay USD 240 million to acquire two of MetalX’s operating sites which are located in Indiana and in Ohio, immediately adjacent to North Star facility in Delta. The transaction is on a cash free and debt free basis, and includes working capital.

BlueScope Managing Director & CEO Mr Mark Vassella said “The US is a key focus for BlueScope’s future growth. The MetalX ferrous acquisition adds to our extensive US asset footprint of over USD 3.0 billion, which spans steelmaking, steel coating and painting, engineered building systems and industrial property development. And we have current and intended expansion projects totalling up to USD 1.5 billion, including the NorthStar expansion project. Using our strong financial position, moving upstream to acquire a scrap supply business helps underpin North Star’s supply chain and its great competitiveness. North Star will soon move from a two million tonnes per annum mill to almost three million tonnes per annum, and as the business expands, securing scrap is the right play.”

North Star has a diverse base of scrap steel suppliers; MetalX is largest, currently supplying around 20% of the scrap used by North Star. The acquisition brings us a crucial presence and expertise in scrap processing to further secure our scrap needs further, the MetalX ferrous acquisition will enable NorthStar to improve the quality and quantity of obsolete scrap it uses, and reduce the mix of prime scrap.

The acquisition is expected to complete by end of December 2021.

voda 8 november 2021 07:22

0

Ludhiana Based Cycle Makers Protesting against Steel Price Hike

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
08 Nov, 2021, 5:03 am

Indian Express reported that Ludhia based United Cycles Parts and Manufacturers Association continued protests against steel prices last week. They raised slogans against the Centre and demanded the formation of a regulatory body at the national level to control the prices. United Cycles Parts and Manufacturers Association General Secretary Mr Manjinder Singh Sachdeva said “Steel prices have increased from INR 65 a kg to INR 85 a kg in the past six months. No reason for this arbitrary price hike. Earlier there used to be a regulatory body to determine the prices. We used to get steel on quota as well from district industry centre. It existed during the Vajpayee government and even during Manmohan Singh government Now simple black bicycle prices have increased to INR 4,500 which used to be nearly INR 3,000-3,300 a year ago. Poor man’s ride is getting costlier and sales are dropping.”

He added “Our industry is left with no working capital. These are hard times for industry and Union government needs to think about us rather than supporting only corporates.”

Representatives of industrial associations like UCPMA, Federation of Industrial and Commercial Organisation, Bahadurke Road Textile and Knitwear Association and Bicycle Research And Development Organisation participated in the protest.Every day, nearly 25-30 industrialists sit for an hour on dharna holding placards seeking regulations in price hike, outside the UCPMA building on Gill Road.

voda 8 november 2021 07:22

0

BE Group to Distribute Fossil Free Steel from H2 Green Steel

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
08 Nov, 2021, 5:06 am

BE Group AB and H2 Green Steel have signed a letter of intent regarding cooperation and distribution of fossil-free steel at the Nordic market. The agreement means that BE Group will have the capacity to deliver the steel to its customers starting from 2025. The new cooperation is also an important step in BE Group's ambition to, in the long run, offer a more complete assortment of sustainable steel. As an independent steel distributor, BE Group is having discussions with several European steel producers.

H2GS has the ambition to start the steel production in 2024 and by 2030 at the latest, they plan to have a production capacity of five million tons of high-quality steel. In the production process of the fossil-free steel, the carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by up to 95 percent and the aim for H2GS is to reduce emissions further.

BE Group, which is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange, is a trading and service company in steel, stainless steel and aluminium. BE Group offers efficient distribution and value-adding production services to customers primarily in the construction and manufacturing industries. In 2020, the Group reported sales of SEK 3.7 billion and delivered 307,000 tons of steel. BE Group has approximately 630 employees, with Sweden and Finland as its largest markets. The head office is located in Malmö, Sweden.

H2 Green Steel AB was founded in 2020, aiming to build a large-scale fossil-free steel production in northern Sweden. H2 Green Steel will produce 5 million tons of fossil-free steel by 2030. By doing this, the company will contribute to the decarbonizing of the European steel industry, one of the largest carbon dioxide emitters. H2 Green Steel will establish operations in Boden and Luleå. The founder and largest shareholder is Vargas, which is also co-founder and one of the largest shareholders in Northvolt.

voda 8 november 2021 07:24

0

Tata Steel BSL Board Approves Merger with Tata Steel

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
08 Nov, 2021, 5:09 am

The board of directors of Tata Steel BSL Limited has approved the merger of the company with Tata Steel Limited. The merger of the company is as per sanction of India's National Company Law Tribunal. Tata Steel BSL informed BSE “Taken on record the Order dated October 29, 2021, of the Hon'ble NCLT Mumbai sanctioning the Scheme of Amalgamation. It approved November 16 2021 as the Record Date for the purpose of determining the shareholders of Tata Steel BSL Limited who shall be entitled to receive fully paid-up equity shares of Tata Steel Limited in the share exchange ratio as per the Scheme of Amalgamation. Tata Steel will issue and allot to those shareholders of the Company whose names would appear in the Register of Members on the Record Date, 1 fully paid-up equity share of INR 10 each of Tata Steel, for every 15 equity shares of the face value of INR 2 each held by such member in the Company.”

Tata Steel BSL Limited is India's fifth-largest steel producer with an installed capacity of 5.6 million tonnes per year. In 2018, Tata Steel Limited acquired Bhushan Steel Limited through the bankruptcy resolution process and renamed the company Tata Steel BSL Limited.

Tata Steel BSL Limited recently reported net sales of INR 8,308.72 crore in July-September 2021 up 50.54% from INR 5,519.40 crore in July-September 2020. Quarterly Net Profit at INR 1,809.59 crore in Q2 of 2021 up 451.57% from INR 328.08 crore in September 2020. EBITDA stands at INR 2,427.14 crore in September 2021 up 112.97% from INR 1,139.65 crore in Q2 of 2020-21.

voda 8 november 2021 07:30

0

Lawmakers Seek Government Support for Crisis Hit UK Steel Industry

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
08 Nov, 2021, 5:11 am

UK’s Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee in a report said that UK’s steel sector cannot continue to lurch from crisis to crisis and action is needed now if the UK is to retain a resilient and competitive domestic industry. The report calls on the Government to establish a new Steel Sector Deal to address long-running challenges to the industry’s competitiveness, including those from high energy prices and barriers to supplying steel for major public projects, as part of a strategic plan for decarbonising the industry and protecting jobs.

Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee Chair Mr Darren Jones said “Steel is a national strategic asset, a foundation industry, and a sector which the UK cannot afford to lose. There is an urgent need for Government support for the steel industry on long-standing issues including electricity costs and better use of public procurement to support steel in the UK. But the Government should go further by bringing forward a steel sector deal which helps UK producers compete internationally and provides the long-term, sustainable policy support necessary for the steel industry to transition to a low-carbon future.”

The report notes that as a significant contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonising the steel industry will be an important part of meeting the Government’s target to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 and to cut emissions by 78% by 2035. However, the report notes that the Government currently lacks a clear roadmap or overarching strategy for decarbonising steels. The report identifies a range of options for decarbonising the steel industry and finds the steel sector is holding off on investing in these technologies without certainty and direction from Government. The Committee recommends the Steel Sector Deal deliver a cohesive plan for decarbonising the steel industry and that it should be developed in response to the Steel Council's report later this year and announced no later than summer 2022.

voda 8 november 2021 07:31

0

SAIL RSP Achieves Best Ever Performance in H1 of 2021-22

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
08 Nov, 2021, 5:13 am

Indian state owned steel giant Steel Authority of India Limited’s Rourkela Steel Plant has registered the best ever production performance for the April-October 2021l in three key segments of hot metal, crude and saleable steel. During the first seven months of the 2021-22 fiscal, the plant produced 2.463 million tonnes of hot metal, 2.297 million tonnes of crude steel and 2.090 million tonnes of saleable steel, up by 30.7%, 31.1% and 35.3% YoY respectively

The dispatch from the steel plant also excelled in tandem with production. RSP supplied 2.105 million tonnes of saleable steel, achieving the best-ever figure in the first seven months of FY 2021-22. The plant registered an overall growth of 27.8% in dispatch in the April-October period over the same months last year.

voda 8 november 2021 08:16

0

Marampa Mines Ships Iron Ore from Freetown Port

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
05 Nov, 2021, 9:15 am

Marampa Mines Limited, a subsidiary of Gerald Group, one of the world's leading metals merchants, has completed loading of its first Capesize and set sail carrying over 175,000 WMT of premium grade iron ore concentrate. The Capesize, MV Athenian Phoenix, completed cargo loading and departed from Freetown Outer Anchorage yesterday evening the 28 October 2021.

Gerald has implemented a new logistics solution for marine transportation of material from MML's own Thofeyim River Terminal to Freetown Port Harbour, by purchasing its own fleet of river coasters and a transhipper, thereby enhancing efficiencies in the export logistics process. This export solution does not rely on 3rd party contracted river barges or smaller geared Ocean-Going Vessels which are less efficient. With the new logistics solution, Capesize vessels are able to be loaded efficiently at a deep-water anchorage at Freetown Harbour on a consistent and stable basis.

With the export of the current Capesize, Marampa Mines is about two-thirds through exporting its initial "Stockpile" of ~707k tonnes of iron ore concentrate, beneficiated by $L Mining Limited and known as Marampa Blue™, following an out of court settlement, which ended a long-standing dispute between the Government of Sierra Leone and SL Mining. As per the "Contract Regarding Sale of Iron Ore Stockpile" signed on 25 May 2021 pursuant to the binding settlement signed on 7 May 2021, the Company has paid USD 10 million to the Government on 29 October 2021, the first installment of a fixed sum of USD 20 million as the Stockpile is monetised, and the second installment of USD 10 million by 31 December 2021.

Marampa Mines successfully restarted mining and processing of Marampa Blue™ on 1 September 2021, and will raise production of >65% iron ore concentrate from 2M tonnes per year to 3.25M tonnes per year within 12 months. MML will concurrently look at options to implement major expansions to leverage on its compliant mineral resources of approximately 1.7B tonnes of ore. Today, MML employs around 800 people on-site, of which approximately 90% are Sierra Leoneans, and the Project is expected to create a total of 1,400 jobs by early 2022. The Company is implementing a comprehensive modular training program for Sierra Leonean staff, including training women for the workforce and within the community.

Bijlage:

voda 8 november 2021 16:39

1

Beursblik: Chinese staalexport onder druk
Jefferies ziet marges ook dalen.

(ABM FN-Dow Jones) De Chinese staalexport is in oktober nog eens met 9 procent op maandbasis gedaald. Dit zag analist Alan Spence van Jefferies.

Inmiddels zit de Chinese staalexport op het laagste niveau dit jaar.

En aangezien de staalprijzen harder daalden dan de prijzen voor ijzererts en kolen, stonden de marges ook onder druk volgens Spence.

Handelaren bouwen hun voorraden ook in een hoger tempo dan gebruikelijk af.

Overigens lag de export in oktober nog wel altijd 11 procent hoger dan in oktober 2020.

Door: ABM Financial News.

info@abmfn.nl

Redactie: +31(0)20 26 28 999

voda 9 november 2021 08:12

0

Researcher Replace Ti with SS in PEMWE for Hydrogen Production

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
09 Nov, 2021, 4:35 am

Researchers have reduced the cost of making a Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyser by developing stainless steel-based components to replace titanium ones. PEMWEs can be used for green hydrogen production but the cost of titanium components had been limiting their commercial viability, a problem that this research could help address. The research brief said “When using uncoated SS components in the PEMWE cell, the cell depolarizes rapidly, reaching 2 V at only 0.15 A cm-2. After the application of non-precious metal coatings of Ti and Nb/Ti on the ss-BPP and ss-PTL, respectively, the current density can be increased by a factor of 13 while maintaining the same performance. Extensive physical and electrochemical characterization supported by pore network modelling shows that the Nb/Ti coating on the ss-PTL leads to efficient water and gas transport at the interface with the anode. The PEMWE cell with coated ss components was evaluated in an accelerated stress test for more than 1000 h. No sign of Fe contamination in either the membrane or the electrodes is observed at the end of the test. With our results, we demonstrate that PEMWE cells can be manufactured almost entirely in ss, facilitating an unprecedented cost reduction in this technology and advancing the widespread use of green H2.”

German Aerospace Centre has previously demonstrated that stainless steel can serve as a base material for bipolar plates by using a coating to protect it against corrosion. And other researchers have experimented with porous transport layers made from coated and uncoated stainless steel. The porous transport layers and the bipolar plates represent between 60-70% of the PEMWE stack cost so the opportunities for cost savings are significant. Building on their previous work, the team has now developed a working PEMWE cell with mainly stainless steel components. ‘There were two main challenges: protect the stainless steel against corrosion in such an aggressive environment, and use the cheapest stainless steel porous structure and modify it to achieve performances equal to any commercial electrolysers. They used vacuum plasma spraying to coat four-layer mesh-type stainless steel porous transport layers with niobium and titanium. Using these coated porous transport layers alongside titanium-coated stainless steel bipolar plates on the anode side, and uncoated versions on the cathode side, they tested the cell’s durability using an accelerated stress test.

Not only did the coating protect against corrosion and catalyst poisoning, it also reduced electrical resistance. This meant an efficiency increase of 12% and comparable performance to commercial electrolysers. While this is important in reducing the cost of hydrogen production, Gago points out there are still challenges ahead. ‘There is still much to be done to reduce the cost of the electrolyser, electricity, water and many other factors that contribute to the high cost of green hydrogen. However, the use of stainless steel in PEMWE should have a positive impact on the cost, especially at large scales.’

Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysers running on surplus renewable energy. It’s a promising alternative to fossil fuels and renewable technologies that rely on certain weather conditions and geographical locations. The most commonly used electrolytic methods for generating hydrogen are Alkaline Water Electrolysis and Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyser. While PEMWE could potentially produce over 12 times more hydrogen than AWE, it has a higher capital cost due to its titanium cell components, namely its porous transport layers and bipolar plates. Titanium is used as it can resist the corrosive electrolysis conditions and avoids poisoning the device’s catalyst-coated membrane.

Bijlage:

voda 9 november 2021 08:17

0

SSAB Report Strong Earnings in Q3 of 2021

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
09 Nov, 2021, 4:38 am

SSAB has reported a continued strong earnings trend for Q3 2021. High steel prices in combination with a strong and stable internal performance saw us exceed the record in Q2, despite planned maintenance outages. Operating profit for Q3 2021 increased to SEK 5,800 (-973) million, a new record for a single quarter. Net cash flow was strong and amounted to SEK 2.8 (0) billion and net debt decreased to SEK 3.4 billion, equating to a net debt/equity ratio of 5% (22%).

SSAB Special Steels’ shipments were 348 (259) thousand tonnes. Operating profit increased to SEK 1,006 (34) million and the operating margin to 17% (1%). Our special steels support, among other things, our customers’ sustainability strategies and their aim to improve productivity and sustainability performance in machinery and other equipment.

SSAB Europe’s result increased to SEK 2,524 (-631) million and the operating margin to 23% (-10%). The upswing was primarily explained by a high price level. SSAB Americas’ result increased to SEK 1,871 (-395) million, driven by rising market prices for heavy plate. The operating margin increased to 31% (-15%).

Outlook – “Looking ahead, we expect Q4 to show good development, partly because there is a certain lag in the realization of our steel prices, compared to the spot market. However, there is uncertainty in demand on the European market, among other things due to the shortage of semiconductors, which primarily affects the vehicle industry.”

voda 9 november 2021 08:18

0

OMK to Supply Structures for Arenas of Krasnodar Football Club

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
09 Nov, 2021, 4:40 am

Russian pipe maker United Metallurgical Company OMK will supply 840 tonnes of metal structures for the construction of large and small arenas for the football academy of FC Krasnodar. Metal arches will be manufactured by the Belgorod plant OMK. To shelter two football fields from the weather, the plant will produce spatial trusses * that, after installation, will hold an awning made of special synthetic fabric. For the large arena, 8 prefabricated arches will be made 67 meter long and 15.6 meter high each, for the small one 6 arches 50 meter long and 12.4 meter high each.

Spatial trusses are made from bent pipes with a diameter of 108 to 325 mm. The production of such metal structures is impossible without special equipment for bending and cutting metal. The technological equipment of the OMK Belgorod plant allows performing all the necessary operations with high quality and on time.

Since the dimensions of the finished sections do not fit into the standard dimensions, the metal structures are delivered unassembled to the assembly site by special vehicles. Before sending them to the customer, the specialists of the OMK plant in Belgorod carry out a control assembly of the halves of each arch and paint them in green - the club color of FC Krasnodar. The high precision in the manufacture of metal structures in the future ensures their 100% convergence during installation.

Now at construction sites in Krasnodar, the first structures of future arenas delivered to the site are being assembled. Deliveries under this contract will be completed in December.

voda 9 november 2021 08:19

0

EU Steel Imports Surge by 48% YoY in Q2 of 2021

Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
09 Nov, 2021, 4:42 am

European Steel Association EUROFER in its latest Economic and steel market outlook 1121-2022 Fourth quarter 2021 report, which has data up to second quarter 2021, reported that total imports of finished products into the EU rose considerably over the second quarter of 2021 by 48% year-on-year, mirroring improved demand across the EU but also partially reflecting the record-low levels of the second quarter of 2020. In the first seven months of 2021, imports of finished products rose by 32%, imports of flat products by 35% and imports of long products by 23%. Imports of flat products over the second quarter of 2021 rose by 49% year-on-year, keeping up with the positive trend started in the first quarter of 1%. Imports of long products increased by 42% in the second quarter of 2021 as compared to 4% in the first quarter, after a slump in 2020 of minus 16%.

In the first seven months of 2021, the main countries of origin for finished steel imports into the EU market were Turkey, the Russian Federation, South Korea, 59% of total EU finished steel imports. Turkey and The Russian Federation were the largest exporters of finished steel products to the EU with a share of 15.6% and 14% respectively, followed by India 13.2%, Ukraine 8.8% and South Korea 7.3%. Record increases were registered in imports from India 112% and Ukraine 79%, followed by Russia 25% and Turkey 15%, whereas imports from South Korea fell significantly by minus 20%.

Customs data show that both flat and long product imports increased by 35% and 23% respectively in the first seven months of 2021. The share of long products out of total finished steel product imports was 21%. Within the flat product market segment, over the first seven months of 2021 imports of all flat products rose considerably. Imports of coated sheet grew by 58%, as well as imports of hot dipped and hot-rolled wide strip by 54%. The same trend was recorded for imports of cold-rolled sheet 24%, coated sheet 45%, hot dipped 53%, while imports of quarto plate expanded only marginally 2%. Correspondingly, all long product imports were higher in the first seven months of 2021 compared to the same period of the previous year. Imports increased for rebars by 43%, wire rod 35% and heavy sections 20%. Imports of merchant bars grew more moderately by 10%.

In 2020 total imports from third countries decreased by minus 17%, following the downward trend of 2019 of minus 11%. Similarly, imports of finished products sharply dropped by minus 15%. Imports were volatile across 2020 and in early 2021, continuing a trend seen in 2019. The year 2019 had already seen unusual monthly peaks, including an all-time record level of 4.4 million tonnes in August. This was followed by much lower tonnages in the subsequent months down to subdued levels in historical terms, with more stable figures and reduced volatility up to April 2020 reflecting an exceptionally weak demand. Imports surged again for some products in July 2020 and showed some volatility from September to November, down to a 12-month low in December. Imports raised considerably once more in early 2021 and particularly over the second quarter, mirroring improvement in steel demand.

Vertraagd	20 feb 2025 17:35
Koers	26,820
Verschil	0,000 (0,00%)
Hoog	27,510
Laag	26,820
Volume	2.493.470
Volume gemiddeld	2.619.776
Volume gisteren	2.493.470

11 feb	Von der Leyen verwerpt Amerikaanse im...	2
10 feb	Trump dreigt met importheffingen op s...
09 feb	ArcelorMittal en Aperam weekwinnaars
07 feb	Deutsche Bank verhoogt koersdoel Arce...
06 feb	Beursblik: ArcelorMittal overtreft ve...
06 feb	AEX opent waarschijnlijk hoger. Let o...	2
06 feb	ArcelorMittal ziet verlies afnemen	1
05 feb	Beursblik: beter vierde kwartaal bij ...
03 feb	Deze 5 aandelen kunnen deze week voor...
03 feb	Video: optimisme beursexperts volledi...	1

Arcelor Mittal « Terug naar discussie overzicht

Nieuws en info hier plaatsen (deel 4)

Meedoen aan de discussie?

Direct naar Forum

Detail

ArcelorMittal nieuws