Nonferrous Department

ALUMINUM RECOVERY REACHES HIGH IN 1996

According to a survey of aluminum scrap conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, metal recovered from old and new scrap reached a historic high of about 3.3 million tons in 1996. Annual or monthly surveys were sent to 90 companies, and 71 responded.

Recycling of aluminum used beverage cans was also up slightly, according to figures from the Aluminum Association, the Can Manufacturers Institute and the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, which reported a 63.5 percent recycling rate in 1996 compared to 62.2 percent in 1995.

ASSOCIATION ENDORSES 75% UBC RECYCLING RATE

The Aluminum Association, Washington, has endorsed a 75 percent recycling rate goal for used aluminum beverage cans. While the aluminum can is already widely recycled, member companies of the association that produce can sheet are implementing a strategy to re-energize consumer interest in recycling, which will include reminding consumers about aluminum’s value.

Presently, the aluminum industry recycles 63.5 percent of the 99 billion aluminum cans produced. The recycling challenge was made to the industry in May by Brian Sturgell of Alcan during his remarks at The Aluminum Association’s international exhibition and conference, Alumitech ‘97.

"We heartily endorse this challenge," says David Parker, president of the association. "We intend to find ways to remind the consumer about the benefits of the aluminum can and the value in recycling it. We look forward to the day in the not so distant future when we will announce a 75 percent recycling rate for used aluminum beverage cans."

GOLD INSTITUTE RELEASES ANNUAL REPORT

India led the world in jewelry consumption in 1996 with 405 tons, which was up from 371 tons in 1995 and 326 tons in 1994, according to Gold 1997, the annual industry report compiled by Gold Fields Mineral Services.

"The fact that Indian demand in terms of gold doubled, and then doubled again in a 10-year period, undoubtedly represents the most dramatic development in the gold market during recent years," the report notes.

Turkey showed a big jump to 127 tons in 1996, up from 93 tons in 1995. The U.S. also increased consumption, from 311 tons in 1995 to 317 tons in 1996.

Although total fabrication in industrial countries showed virtually no growth since 1990, fabrication in developing countries increased 40 percent.

Producer forward sales were at 14 tons, the result of a net year-on-year decline in forward-selling positions. On the supply side, worldwide mine production rose 3.4 percent in 1996 to 2,346 tons – the fastest rate since 1992 – with the largest percentage increases coming from Latin America and Asia.

Copies of Gold 1997 are available from the Gold Institute, Washington; to obtain one, call (202) 835-0185 or fax (202) 835-0155.