#Scrap trading singapore
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mwrecycles · 1 month ago
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In today's rapidly advancing scientific landscape, the proper disposal of lab equipment and medical machines has become a critical concern. In Singapore, the increasing volume of waste generated by laboratories necessitates a responsible approach to disposal. With regulations in place to protect the environment and public health, safe and eco-friendly disposal services have emerged as essential components of waste management.
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centrally-unplanned · 6 months ago
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Adam Tooze giving some pitch-perfect pornography targeted at me specifically with Israel's "Gaza 2035: A three-step master plan to build what they call the Gaza-Arish-Sderot Free Trade Zone", capped with an AI generated Gaza-Dubai:
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I'm in love, this is so glorious. "The world if Israel could play around with Gaza like a little set of Legos" tell me this is not identical energy:
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Except its not a shitpost its an actual report from the Office of the Prime Minister. And folks we have got it all! The most convoluted administration system you could possibly imagine for no reason:
The new free trade zone would be administered by Israel, Egypt, and what the Israeli Prime Minister calls the Gaza Rehabilitation Authority (GRA)—a proposed Palestinian-run agency that would oversee reconstruction in Gaza and “manage the Strip’s finances.”
A cutesy little minimalist graphic of all the brand new industries that will magically become globally competitive in export markets because Israel says so:
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The beach resorts are in my beloved!! But what are the little factories you ask? Oh nothing, just electric car production facilities!
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Remember, before building your first factory, you need 18 Burj Khalifas. We economists call this "infrastructure development", take notes.
It will have high-speed rail through its center, oil projects on the coast, and of course, I'm saving the best for last - a rail project to NEOM:
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 🥳The 🥳Line 🥳Mentioned 🥳
The legend on the map literally just says "a mega project" like, oh yeah, one of those! See em all the time.
Now, you might be asking - Ash, if this is your goal wouldn't you have not destroyed every square inch of habitable urban infrastructure in Gaza and shredded their economy into scraps of paper soaked in blood if your plan was to Singapore-on-the-Sea the place? You sweet summer child, those apartments? They are apartments of the past, darling, you don't need organically developed urban ecologies built over time to compliment human habitation. That is for fucking libs. All of this "war" thing was just set-up to create a blank slate for the construction of The Line 2: Its Definitely Real This Time!
I am going to murder James C Scott myself just so I can hover this plan over his corpse and watch the sheer hubris of this monument to the state's desire for legibility and technocratic solutionism resurrect him from the goddamn grave.
"Well....at least after all this they would have to recognize Palestine as a stat-" Woah woah woah woah, hold on:
The final stage would be when Palestine signs the Abraham Accords signaling “Palestinian self-rule,” albeit without statehood
Lets not...lets not get overambitious here. Baby steps, you know? We have to be careful.
Anyway this is the most ludicrously ill-considered and ill-presented reconstruction plan I have ever seen in my life and I shudder to think that, instead of it being an off-hand drip of propaganda intended solely to brush off nosey reporters and diplomats, it might actually be serious. Bibi hasn't let me down yet on the "thinking things through" front!
But tbc if this was fiction - instead of a ruthlessly grim reality - the Regional Deputy Minister of Trade charged with implementing this technocratic abortion would be my precious little blorbo and I would stan her to hell and back.
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edelstahlviratiberica · 8 months ago
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Intro: EDELSTAHL VIRAT IBERICA in #portugal An emerging importer Exporter, Supplier & Stockiest of Tool steel, Die & Mold Steels, Recycling products etc.
Tool Steel & Mold Steel Products: https://moldsteel.eu/steel-products/
🏆PLASTIC MOLD STEELS (DIN 2738, 2311 ) – Low / High Hard 🏆HOT WORK STEELS (DIN 1.2714, 2343, 2344) 🏆COLD WORK STEELS (DIN 2379, 2080) 🏆HIGH SPEED STEELS (DIN 3243, 3343, 3355) 🏆CHIPPER KNIFE STEEL (DIN 2631) 🏆ALLOY STEELS, BRIGHT BARS, EN-SERIES ETC.
Scrap / Recycling Products: https://moldsteel.eu/recycling-products/
👉 Used Tools(Carbide, Threading & HSS Cutting Tool Scrap) 👉Die & Mold Steel Blocks, Holder etc. 👉Steel lots, Cut short length, Prime over run 👉2344 Used Mandrel Bars 👉2344 Used Extrusion Dies 👉Forging Dies 👉Electric Motors 👉Used Machineries etc.
We are also involved in trading of Ferrous, Non Ferrous, Alloy steel scrap etc. The dynamic management has enabled the company to grow organically and sustainably in its search for Moving ahead globally with the exploration of Business Opportunities in several nations, including the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, Middle East, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, India, and Philippines, etc.
Our business scope in B2B and B2C at many stages (finish products, scrap and recycling products, etc.), set us apart from other companies in this sector.
We work with a wide range of industries, including those related to Drop Forging, Aluminum Extrusion, Automotive, Mining, PDC, Power Generation, Petrochemical, Aviation, Railways, Agricultural, Oil and Gas, Drilling, Hand Tools, Bulk Material Handling, etc.
New Development in Special Steels, Recycled Products and Machine tools etc.
TO LEARN MORE >> https://moldsteel.eu/ WhatsApp Chat: +351-920016150 Email: [email protected]
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molten137steel · 4 months ago
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Scrap Ship Propeller Buyers in Singapore
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Molten Steel Pte Ltd is one of the leading provider for collection, trading, and recycling of all grades of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, industrial scraps and electronic wastes. We also supply different type of industrial machineries & equipments.
Scrap Ship Propeller Buyers in Singapore
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omkarcorporation · 5 months ago
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Stainless Steel 309 Round Bars Manufacturers in India
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Omkar Metal Corporation stands as a distinguished figure in the industry, renowned for its manufacturing prowess, supply efficiency, export reliability, and trading versatility, particularly in the domain of Stainless Steel 309 Round Bars. Our extensive array of Round Bars encompasses a myriad of grades, specifications, shapes, and dimensions, tailored to meet the discerning requirements of our esteemed clientele. Whether it's bespoke configurations or standard offerings, we cater to both, ensuring utmost satisfaction.
Embodying high corrosion resistance coupled with formidable strength, our Stainless Steel 309 Round Bars epitomize excellence. Notably, these products exhibit a diverse range of dimensions and specifications, meticulously crafted to align with market dynamics. Austenitic in nature, our Round Bars find widespread utility in welding applications, seamlessly melding with base metals of similar compositions. Moreover, they serve as indispensable elements in welding heat-resistant alloys and other straight chromium-grade stainless steels, wherein conventional pre/post-heat treatments aren't feasible.
The versatility of our high-caliber Stainless Steel 309 Round Bars extends across a spectrum of industries, including but not limited to food processing, dairy, beverages, paper, chemicals, cryogenics, automotive, aerospace, generators, shafts, cement, gas, power projects, and electrical sectors. Such wide-ranging applicability underscores the indispensability of our products in diverse operational landscapes.
At Omkar Metal Corporation, our commitment to quality is unwavering. Employing top-tier raw materials, cutting-edge technology, and state-of-the-art machinery, we ensure the production of Stainless Steel S30900 Round Bars of unparalleled excellence, manufactured at scale to meet market demands. Our adherence to stringent quality control measures, overseen by a team of adept professionals and quality inspectors, guarantees the delivery of flawlessly crafted Round Bars, precision-engineered to perfection.
To ascertain product integrity, our diligent team conducts an array of both destructive and non-destructive quality tests, scrutinizing every facet to uphold uncompromised quality standards. This meticulous approach not only mitigates defects but also ensures the seamless provision of tailor-made solutions, precisely tailored to meet client specifications.
With a well-maintained inventory of ready-to-ship Stainless Steel 309 Round Bars, we stand poised to fulfill urgent orders with prompt efficiency. What's more, our competitive pricing ensures access to premium-quality Round Bars at economical rates, reaffirming our commitment to delivering unparalleled value to our esteemed clientele.
We Buy and sell Scrap From cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, New Delhi, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Gurgaon, Navi Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Noida, Riyadh, Vadodara, Visakhapatnam, Ludhiana, Haryana, ranchi, uttarpradesh, uttershiv, mirzapur, aligarh, coimbatore, goa, kohlapur, solapur, navi mumbai, midc, gidc, sangli, pune, ankleshwar, chennai, alang, bhavnagar, alwar.
We Buy and sell All Types of Scrap to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, China, Peru, Nigeria, Jordan, Muscat, Kuwait, Dubai, Thailand (Bangkok), Venezuela, Germany, Canada, Russia, Australia, Vietnam, Kazaksthan, Jiddah, Libya, Yemen, Algeria, Qatar, Oman, Iran, United States Of America, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, Mexico, Turkey, France, European Union, New Zealand, Angola, Congo, Kenya, Lebanon, Spain, Indonesia, Malaysia, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Poland, Italy, Brazil, Sudan, Singapore And Netherlands.
For more information :
Website: https://www.omkarmetalcorporation.com/
Contact us: 9320777637
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fg-concept · 5 months ago
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How Do Corporate Gifts Suppliers Ensure Sustainability And Ethical Sourcing?
In today's business landscape, sustainability and ethical practices are no longer optional—they are imperative. Companies are increasingly aware of their environmental and social impact, striving to align their practices with these values. This shift has profoundly influenced the corporate gifting industry, where corporate gifts suppliers are now prioritizing sustainability and ethical sourcing to meet the evolving demands of conscious consumers and businesses.
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Understanding Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
Sustainability in corporate gifts refers to practices that minimize environmental impact, from the production of materials to the disposal of the product. This includes using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and ensuring the longevity and recyclability of gifts.
Ethical sourcing involves ensuring that products are obtained in a responsible and sustainable way, which includes fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and environmentally friendly production processes.
Key Strategies for Ensuring Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
Use of Eco-Friendly Materials
Recycled and Recyclable Materials: Singapore corporate gifts suppliers are increasingly using recycled plastics, metals, and papers in their products. These materials help reduce the environmental footprint and promote a circular economy.
Biodegradable Options: Products made from bamboo, organic cotton, and other biodegradable materials are becoming popular. These materials decompose naturally, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Fair Labor Practices
Auditing Supply Chains: Regular audits ensure that suppliers adhere to fair labor practices, prohibiting child labor, ensuring fair wages, and maintaining safe working conditions. Companies often partner with third-party organizations to verify compliance.
Transparency: Ethical suppliers maintain transparency in their supply chains, providing detailed information about the origin of materials and the working conditions in their production facilities.
Eco-Friendly Production Processes
Reducing Carbon Footprint: Suppliers are adopting energy-efficient production methods and using renewable energy sources to minimize their carbon footprint.
Waste Reduction: Implementing zero-waste manufacturing processes helps minimize waste. This includes recycling scrap materials and reusing by-products in the production cycle.
Certifications and Standards
Eco-Certifications: Certifications like Fair Trade, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) provide assurance that products meet high environmental and social standards.
Adherence to Global Standards: Suppliers align with international standards such as ISO 14001 for environmental management systems, ensuring that their practices are environmentally responsible.
Long-Term Usability and Minimalism
Functional and Durable Products: Gifts designed for long-term use reduce the frequency of replacement and disposal, promoting sustainability.
Minimalist Packaging: Reducing packaging waste by using minimal, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging materials contributes to environmental conservation.
Local Sourcing
Supporting Local Communities: Sourcing materials locally not only reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation but also supports local economies and communities.
Craftsmanship and Traditional Methods: Emphasizing traditional crafting methods helps preserve cultural heritage and provides fair employment opportunities to local artisans.
The Business Case for Sustainable and Ethical Corporate Gifts
Choosing sustainable and ethically sourced corporate gifts is not just an ethical decision but also a strategic business move. It enhances brand reputation, aligns with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, and meets the expectations of increasingly eco-conscious consumers and clients. Companies that prioritize these values can differentiate themselves in the market, building stronger relationships with stakeholders who share these commitments.
Conclusion
The shift towards sustainability and ethical sourcing in the corporate gifting industry reflects a broader commitment to responsible business practices. By adopting eco-friendly materials, ensuring fair labor practices, implementing green production processes, obtaining certifications, and supporting local communities, corporate gifts suppliers in Singapore are setting new standards. These practices not only help protect the planet but also foster a more equitable and sustainable global economy.
As businesses continue to prioritize sustainability and ethics, the corporate gift in Singapore will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping a more responsible and conscientious future.
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dextratechnology · 1 year ago
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Your Trusted Choice for  Engineering & Services Pte Ltd in Singapore - Sperta Trading Pte Ltd 
Sperta is an innovative Singapore-based platform that specializes in transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. With a keen eye for aesthetics and functionality, Sperta offers a curated selection of home and lifestyle products, making it easy for customers to enhance their surroundings with stylish and practical items. Discover unique and inspiring design solutions that elevate your living spaces at Sperta.
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whattheabcxyz · 1 year ago
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2023-06-24
Singapore
Government to announce new incentives for family offices here - new Trade Finance Registry also set up to mitigate risks such as duplicate financing
Economy to get a boost from several upcoming concerts by big names - mainly Coldplay, Taylor Swift & Jacky Cheung
More than 100 haj pilgrims here stuck in plane on runway for hours before being finally told to go home - the Saudia plane they were on had supposedly experienced technical issues
Barriers erected at 3 sites in Zhenghua Nature Park to keep residents safe from wild boars - it wouldn’t have come to this if our government hadn’t persistently deforested our island, robbing wildlife of their homes!!!
Nature
Tonga volcanic eruption last year generated 192K lightning flashes across 11 hours - there were 2.6K flashes per minute at its peak!
Architecture
Singapore: The Reserve Residences in Bukit Timah promises “forest reserve living” - how ‘bout NOT cutting down forests to build more homes in the 1st place?!
Sports
Singapore: Olympic Esports Week action kicks off at Suntec - what are they in actual sports gear for?! lol
Science
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^ Physicists knew black holes eventually disappear particle by particle... now they think everything else does, too
Education
Singapore: P6 & Sec 4 students flock to tuition centres for mock exams after scrapping of school midterms
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whatisonthemoon · 2 years ago
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South Korean Government Program to Import Filipina Maids
Tweets from Raphael Rashid (koryodynasty)
The South Korean government is considering a pilot programme to import Filipina maids to Seoul later this year to ease childcare burdens and address the low birthrate problem. But concerns have been raised about forced labour and impact on local workers. https://www.news1.kr/articles/5041042
Bringing foreign nannies and housekeepers to South Korea to help increase the country's birthrate is not a new idea. Recently, the proposal sparked outrage when politicians wanted them to be exempt from the minimum wage. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/30/foreign-maids-and-no-military-service-south-korea-criticised-over-ideas-to-boost-birthrate
Under the new proposal, the maids would be subject to the minimum wage, which is KRW 9620/hour, and the plan is to have them commute to and from work instead of living in their employers' homes.
The monthly salary for working 8 hours/day, 5 days/week, incl. holidays, is around 2 million won, which is less than the salary for Korean or Chinese domestic workers, the latter of whom in particular are already subject to discrimination and human rights abuses.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) has demanded that the government scrap the idea, raising concerns about the labour rights of female migrant workers and the quality of care for children. http://nodong.org/statement/7814948
It said that the visa under which the women would enter, the E-9, which is typically reserved for low-skilled workers, is a form of modern-day slavery with weak labour rights protections, and that women are exposed to sexual violence due to limited ability to move workplace.
The KCTU also raised the issue of potential exploitation and abuse given their vulnerable position as non-native speakers and foreigners in an unfamiliar culture.
The focus for now seems to be on bringing maids from the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian countries. Critics are saying their introduction would undercut the existing market leading to job losses, and that the government should focus on nurturing workers at home.
Other concerns are that if foreign maids are paid minimum wages and commute from their homes, they will not be able to save much money after house and commute expenses are deducted. https://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/1091243.html
More importantly, there are concerns that such a system would fail to address the issue at hand: the low birthrate. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is the most vocal supporter of this proposal, expressing a strong desire to bring in foreign domestic workers.
In a Facebook post, Oh agreed with Nobel laureate Michael Kremer, a professor at the University of Chicago, who believes that Korea needs an immigration policy that includes a special visa programme for foreign domestic workers, similar to Hong Kong and Singapore.
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While such a system would undoubtedly benefit some families who already have children or those who definitely want children, it is unclear whether the birthrate would actually increase. Singapore and Hong Kong have some of the world's lowest birth rates.
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euro-journal-english-news · 2 years ago
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FOREX-Dollar slips as risk appetite rises; Australia, NZ dollars surge
FOREX-Dollar slips as risk appetite rises; Australia, NZ dollars surge
By Rae Wee SINGAPORE, Dec 27 (EuroJournal) – The dollar moved broadly lower on Tuesday, while Australia’s and New Zealand’s currencies climbed with a rise in risk appetite after China said it would scrap its COVID-19 quarantine rule for inbound travellers – a major step in reopening its borders. The New Zealand dollar surged more than 0.5% in early Asia trade and was last 0.28% higher at $0.6288,…
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petnews2day · 2 years ago
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Crypto Lender Amber Scraps Bonuses, Cuts Jobs as FTX Crisis Turmoil Continues
New Post has been published on https://petn.ws/vjE1
Crypto Lender Amber Scraps Bonuses, Cuts Jobs as FTX Crisis Turmoil Continues
Amber Group, one of Asia’s biggest trading and lending platforms for digital currencies, has canceled this year’s staff bonuses as the one-time industry darling grapples with the crypto downturn.   The Singapore-based outfit told employees this week that it is scrapping performance-based bonuses for 2022 due to slower business growth and market uncertainties, in an […]
See full article at https://petn.ws/vjE1 #OtherNews
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mwrecycles · 3 months ago
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Reliable Scrap Metal Dealers in Singapore - Find the Best Deals
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Finding a trustworthy scrap metal dealer in Singapore is essential for both individuals and businesses looking to sell or trade scrap metal. With numerous options available, it's important to know where to find reliable dealers who offer competitive deals and professional service.
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1. Scrap Metal Dealers in Joo Koon: Local Expertise
To meet the demands of the community, scrap metal dealers in Joo Koon offer customized services. These dealers offer convenient access and personalized service, making it easier to manage your scrap metal transactions. Their knowledge of local regulations and market trends ensures that you get fair prices and efficient processing.
2. Scrap Trading Singapore: Market Insights and Opportunities
Engaging in scrap trading Singapore involves navigating a dynamic market with fluctuating prices and varied demand. Reliable scrap metal dealers offer valuable insights into market trends and trading opportunities. By working with experienced dealers, you can stay informed about current market conditions and secure the best deals for your scrap metal.
3. Scrap Metal Dealers in Singapore: Quality and Trust
When choosing scrap metal dealers in Singapore, focus on those with a reputation for reliability and transparency. Reputable dealers ensure fair pricing, accurate weight measurements, and prompt payment. Their commitment to quality service helps build trust and ensures a smooth transaction process.
Summary:
At MW Recycling Acquiring the greatest prices and guaranteeing a hassle-free experience require collaborating with reputable scrap metal merchants located in Singapore. Whether you’re in Joo Koon or elsewhere, working with experienced dealers who understand the market can help you maximize the value of your scrap metal. Trust in reputable dealers to provide competitive prices and professional service, making your scrap metal transactions both profitable and efficient.
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lhmetal411 · 2 years ago
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Above are some tools you should bring with you when visiting scrapyards. Also, if you are looking for Metal Waste Buyers in Singapore, you can strike up a polite chat with the scrapyard staff and inquire about the best tool that someone should bring with them to the scrapyard. You can also rely on LH metal for Metal Waste Buyers Services since we have professionals on hand to assist you whenever you have questions about scrap metal or Scrap Metal Price Singapore. We never let our customers down and always give them a fair price for scrap metal. Call us at (65) 9106 7577
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edelstahlviratiberica · 6 months ago
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Intro: EDELSTAHL VIRAT IBERICA in Portugal An emerging importer Exporter, Supplier & Stockiest of Tool steel, Die & Mold Steels, Recycling products etc.
Tool Steel & Mold Steel Products: https://moldsteel.eu/steel-products/
🏆PLASTIC MOLD STEELS (DIN 2738, 2311 ) – Low / High Hard 🏆HOT WORK STEELS (DIN 1.2714, 2343, 2344) 🏆COLD WORK STEELS (DIN 2379, 2080) 🏆HIGH SPEED STEELS (DIN 3243, 3343, 3355) 🏆CHIPPER KNIFE STEEL (DIN 2631) 🏆ALLOY STEELS, BRIGHT BARS, EN-SERIES ETC.
Scrap / Recycling Products: https://moldsteel.eu/recycling-products/
👉 Used Tools(Carbide, Threading & HSS Cutting Tool Scrap) 👉Die & Mold Steel Blocks, Holder etc. 👉Steel lots, Cut short length, Prime over run 👉2344 Used Mandrel Bars 👉2344 Used Extrusion Dies 👉Forging Dies 👉Electric Motors 👉Used Machineries etc.
We are also involved in trading of Ferrous, Non Ferrous, Alloy steel scrap etc. The dynamic management has enabled the company to grow organically and sustainably in its search for Moving ahead globally with the exploration of Business Opportunities in several nations, including the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, Middle East, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, India, and Philippines, etc.
Our business scope in B2B and B2C at many stages (finish products, scrap and recycling products, etc.), set us apart from other companies in this sector.
We work with a wide range of industries, including those related to Drop Forging, Aluminum Extrusion, Automotive, Mining, PDC, Power Generation, Petrochemical, Aviation, Railways, Agricultural, Oil and Gas, Drilling, Hand Tools, Bulk Material Handling, etc.
New Development in Special Steels, Recycled Products and Machine tools etc.
TO LEARN MORE >> https://moldsteel.eu/ WhatsApp Chat: +351-920016150 Email: [email protected]
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shaniyaschowalter · 3 years ago
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Metal Waste Trading Singapore
LH Metal is a reputed metal scrap trading company specializing in buying and dealing with Metal Waste Trading in Singapore and overseas. Since 2004, we've been in the metal scrap trading request, gaining a character for being one of Singapore’s commanding metal scrap dealers. We track public and foreign requests, furnishing our guests with specialized influence to make informed opinions. Call us at (65)91067577.
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southeastasianists · 3 years ago
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The artefacts had lain in the sea near an isolated rock outcrop, undisturbed for centuries.
Then in 2015, commercial and salvage diver Ahmad Qamarulhazman was scanning for debris underwater near Pedra Branca when he saw what looked like a stack of plates.
But they were covered with so much marine growth - algae, molluscs and other organisms - that he thought it may have been a ship’s radiator. Whatever it was, it didn’t look like it belonged there - wedged between rocks at about 8m underwater.
When Mr Ahmad surfaced, he told his supervisor Ramdzan Salim.
That chance sighting led to the discovery of the first ancient shipwreck in Singapore waters, with the largest haul of blue-and-white porcelain from any documented shipwreck in the world.
"IT'S MIND-BOGGLING"
Pedra Branca, located near the eastern entrance of the Strait of Singapore, is off-limits to most people. The subject of a territorial dispute between Singapore and Malaysia since 1979, the Hague determined in 2008 that it belonged to Singapore.
What prompted divers to head down was a maritime accident on Dec 30, 2014.  
A Singapore-registered barge, POE Giant 12, had run aground at Pedra Branca due to bad weather. The barge was carrying two bulk loader cranes and they were in danger of toppling on Pedra Branca’s historic Horsburgh Lighthouse.
As part of the salvage operation, the cranes were blown up and the divers were there to clear the debris from the explosions.
On that salvage operation in 2015, Mr Ahmad had been on his last dive and they were making sure scraps of metal from the demolished cranes were cleared.
Instead, he found celadon plates lost in the sea since the 14th century.
Back then, his supervisor Mr Ramdzam was sceptical when he was told about the items Mr Ahmad saw.
The waters around Pedra Branca were rough. How could ceramic or porcelain plates survive such conditions, as well as the construction of the lighthouse in 1851 and the explosions that had just gone off?
“It’s mind-boggling, isn't it?” Mr Ramdzam told CNA in an interview at his home on Wednesday (Jul 7).
“To us, especially, (who were) on the job - we were dealing with explosives … And on the very last day when Ahmad did the post-removal survey, we find fragile stuff still intact - literally like an elephant stepping on an egg!”
“Maybe it's fate - that these things wanted us to find them,” he added.
CLUES FROM EMPRESS PLACE EXCAVATION
When their work was done, a small group of divers went out in a dinghy and retrieved a few marine growth-encrusted plates from the seabed - but it was a mystery what they were and how they ended up there.
Mr Ramdzan, 49, recounted how at a team dinner later, someone alerted him to television news footage of excavation findings at Empress Place.
He caught only a glimpse of the news broadcast, but when he read the newspapers the next day, he saw a plate that looked exactly like one of those he had retrieved from Pedra Branca.
Archaeologists had discovered Chinese imperial grade ceramics among other artefacts at Empress Place. Lead archaeologist Lim Chen Sian said then that the artefacts could reveal details about life in Singapore before the early colonial days.
Archaeological digs since then have found artefacts dating back to the 13th century, substantiating the belief that Singapore was a trade hub before colonial times.
It took a while for Mr Ramdzan to reach the right person at the National Heritage Board (NHB). At the same time, he had also contacted an auction house. But when someone at NHB got back to him, he turned down an offer from the auction house to evaluate the items.
Mr Ramdzam recalled that they rode to a meeting at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute with the plates in a box perched on his motorcycle.
“We put them out on the meeting table ... and we can see their amazement ... we'd got some good pieces,” he said.
NERVOUS, UNSURE
Nine months later, Mr Ramdzan and Mr Ahmad, 33, were back at Pedra Branca with a small team from NHB and ISEAS, including Dr Michael Flecker, a visiting fellow at the archaeology unit at ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute.
The divers were initially nervous as they were unsure what exactly they had found.
“Could it be that those pieces we first found were the only ones there?” Mr Ramdzan said. “And then we mobilised the whole team ... only to find an empty seabed.”
But Dr Flecker came up from his first dive with a Chinese seal, said Mr Ramdzan, confirming that there was a wreck there. It was later said to be about 100m to the northwest of Pedra Branca.
During future expeditions, the treasures that were recovered included Longquan dishes and bowls, as well as blue-and-white porcelain pieces, either whole or in shards. But there were nearly no traces of the vessel that had carried them.
At a press conference revealing the haul on Jun 16, Dr Flecker, who has more than 30 years of experience in marine archaeology, said: “Remarkably, the first ancient shipwreck found in Singapore waters seems to be contemporary with 14th century Temasek.
“Apart from a large cargo of Longquan green-ware and other ceramics, she carried more Yuan dynasty blue-and-white porcelain than any other documented shipwreck in the world. Many of the pieces are rare, and one is believed to be unique.”
That piece was a blue-and-white bottle with a flanged straight neck that was still intact.
IT TAKES A TRAINED EYE
Juggling work and other commitments, Mr Ramdzan went on six other trips to Pedra Branca with the team over the next five years. But Mr Ahmad could not join any of the expeditions due to his work.
Mr Ramdzan said each trip began at the break of dawn. They would take more than three hours to sail from Singapore to the islet, then do two dives before heading back, reaching the mainland at about 8pm.
Excavation of the shipwreck’s contents went on until 2019, but the team continued work on another shipwreck that was found from detection surveys conducted by ISEAS in the area.
The second shipwreck is likely to be the Shah Munchah, a merchant vessel built in India, which sank while voyaging from China back to India in 1796.
Artefacts recovered from this wreck include Chinese ceramics and copper-alloy, glass and agate objects, as well as anchors and cannons of the ship.
How did delicate porcelain plates and ceramic artefacts lay under the waves for 700 years undiscovered?
Many were hidden in rocks or buried in the seabed, said Mr Ramdzan. For the first shipwreck, the items that were exposed were covered in marine growth or coral and it took a trained eye to recognise the treasures that lay barely 100m from Pedra Branca.  
What will go on display at the museum has been thoroughly cleaned and scrapped to reveal the original designs and carvings that lie beneath.
"INDIANA JONES"
A commercial diver since the age of 17, Mr Ramdzan had been on four wreck expeditions, the most memorable being the Tek Sing in 1999. Then, he helped retrieve more than 350,000 pieces of porcelain from the 19th-century Chinese junk, which sank to the bottom of the South China Sea in 1822 off the island of Bangka in Indonesia.
Wreck salvaging is rarer for Mr Ahmad, who in 2015 also joined Dr Flecker in searching for artefacts on the Empress of Asia, which was sunk by the Japanese in 1942. Such jobs are “rare”, he said.
Often, they would be called upon when ships are on fire, had run aground or when there is an oil spill or the threat of one.
“We respond to disasters globally worldwide pretty much like the fire service,” said Mr Ramdzan.
“Especially in the salvage industry, it's a dirty job ... You'll be diving in oil, you'll be diving in less than ideal conditions, in cargo holds or inside engine rooms,” he said.
“It is very rare that you actually dive in blue or clear waters.”
For them, salvaging wrecks is a “good break” from their daily jobs, said Mr Ramdzan.
And it was clear from Mr Ramdzan’s flat in the west of Singapore that he has a soft spot for things lost underwater. The living room was like a maritime museum, filled with artefacts he has reclaimed from the ocean.
“Someone labelled me as an ‘Indiana Jones’ because most of the things that I collect are novelty items from jobs,” he said.
“Most of the things that I put on display tell a story in their own way and some of them I wouldn't trade for all the riches in the world because I know there's only like one of them.”
22 notes · View notes