Domestic spot alumina prices edged down slightly last week amid flat trading activity. Recent alumina price movements were mainly attributed to earlier concentrated restocking by downstream buyers, which has led to accumulating inventories at rail stations and smelters. Coupled with supply-side maintenance-driven output cuts that are still building, readily available spot volumes have tightened relatively. Only sporadic tender deals were heard recently, leaving prices in a temporary steady phase. On the bauxite front, domestic ore prices saw limited movement last week. Supply-side bottlenecks are unlikely to ease in the near term, with mines prioritising captive supply, leaving little excess spot material available. For imported ore, freight rates rebounded slightly and consecutively last...
The global aluminium supply chain is facing a series of changes that extend from bauxite mines and alumina refineries to smelters, regional premiums and finished-metal trade. In 2026, the market’s direction is being shaped not only by production volumes but also by freight costs, export restrictions, shifting Chinese demand and tariffs. Developments across Guinea, Australia, China, Europe and North America point to a market where access to supply is increasingly as important as the availability of raw materials. Bauxite supply: Guinea’s cap meets a well-stocked China, but is it stable? Guinea remains central to the seaborne bauxite market, with its shipment connections to China demonstrating the importance of reliable logistics. A new sea-rail route has enabled a Guinea bauxite shipment...
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Alcoa is set to invest US$163 million (AU$260 million) in a now-mandatory water management system at its caustic red mud storage site in Kwinana, as savings from the shutdown of its 60-year-old alumina refinery have been slower than anticipated. The closure, announced in January 2024, was initially expected to cost up to US$200 million (AU$319 million), including US$81 million earmarked for water management and US$55 million allocated for the redundancy or redeployment of 800 employees. Furthermore, Alcoa intends to spend US$70 million in 2024, preparing for a shift to a new mining area within the Jarrah forest, with more significant investments expected in 2026. This comes as the company continues to face scrutiny in Western Australia (WA) after revelations two years ago that its strip...
South32, a globally diversified mining and metals company, reported strong aluminium production figures for the half-year ended December 2024. The report strongly highlights the company’s focus on operational excellence and resilience amidst external disruptions. According to the company’s December 2024 Quarterly Report, total aluminium production increased by 5 per cent to 604 kilotonnes, compared to 575 kilotonnes in the corresponding period of the previous year. Image Source: https://www.south32.net/ Aluminium’s operational performance The increase in aluminium output was primarily driven by the improved performance of South32’s operations at Hillside Aluminium, Mozal Aluminium, and Brazil Aluminium. Hillside Aluminium in South Africa delivered robust results as the smelter operated...
Despite persistent efforts by government authorities to promote piped natural gas (PNG) for industrial operations, refractory manufacturers in Punjab have raised significant concerns, citing technical challenges. They argue that PNG is unsuitable for high-temperature manufacturing processes and are urging the authorities to permit the use of pet coke under stringent pollution control measures. Image generated with AI tool The issue is currently being examined by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which is hearing a complaint regarding air quality violations by coal-fired furnaces in Mandi Gobindgarh. These furnaces are associated with industries such as recycled steel production, ceramics/refractories, cupola furnaces, and rolling mills. In response to pollution concerns, the NGT...
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU), a public research university in Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan, have developed cutting-edge nanostructured alumina surfaces that deliver remarkable antibacterial resistance while promoting the healthy growth of cultured cells. The team used advanced electrochemical techniques with concentrated sulfuric acid to create anodic porous alumina (APA) surfaces with exceptional antibacterial properties. These innovative surfaces effectively prevent bacterial growth without compromising cell cultures, paving the way for safer and antibiotic-free cell culture environments. This breakthrough technology holds the potential to revolutionise regenerative medicine by enabling the production of high-quality, contamination-free cell cultures. Antibacterial...
Brimstone, a U.S.-based industrial innovator, has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in its operations with the production of smelter-grade alumina through its deeply decarbonised cement manufacturing process. This milestone marks a pivotal moment for the US industry, with far-reaching implications for national security, economic growth, and the resilience of domestic supply chains. Image Source - Freepik/Shutterstock Aim of Brimstone Brimstone aims to reduce the country's reliance on imports and fortify the US aluminium supply chain, which has long been dependent on foreign sources, by focusing on alumina production. Once operational, the Brimstone facility could emerge as the first new domestic source of smelter-grade alumina in decades, challenging a market currently dominated by...
Hydro's Alunorte alumina refinery located in Brazil has reportedly brought two new electric boilers into operation that produce steam using renewable energy as a source of electricity instead of coal to reduce up to 550,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Image source: Hydro The world's largest single-plant alumina refinery, Alunorte, has invested NOK 580 million (US$51.37 million) to add these two new electric boilers to an existing one installed in 2022. Now, the three boilers saving substantial amounts of carbon emissions reinforce Alunorte's position as one of the lowest emission refineries in the alumina refinery. The new boilers can produce a total of 270 tonnes of steam per hour, sourcing energy from the Brazilian Mendubim solar plant and the Ventos de São Zacarias...
South32 concluded 2024 on a strong note, securing State Government approval for its Worsley Alumina mine development project in Western Australia. On December 20, WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby granted approval for the project following his decision to amend specific conditions previously recommended by the WA Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Image Source - Freepik Worsley Alumina recently earned certifications from the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, affirming its alumina production aligns with global standards for responsible practices. The project extension is anticipated to receive Federal Government approval in early 2025. The Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) WA applauded the WA Government’s decision on Worsley Alumina, with CMEWA Chief Executive Officer Rebecca...
Alcoa's (NYSE: AA) share value has dropped nearly 60 per cent since March 2022, which was its all-time peak. During the same period, the S&P 500 index has increased by 33 per cent, yet this has not been enough to offset Alcoa's incredibly sharp decline compared to its peers. For instance, Century Aluminum Co. has seen a 33 per cent decline, while Kaiser Aluminum Corp. has dropped 28 per cent. Alcoa is well-positioned in the aluminium products and alumina production sector. The gradual sell-off of its stock has been influenced by various macroeconomic factors, which have hindered the strong rally in aluminium prices that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Image credit: Flickr (handle: abasstreppas) Generic market scenario Aluminium prices have greatly decreased from a peak of around...
The smelter grade alumina refinery (SGAR) multi-phased project of PT Borneo Alumina Indonesia (BAI) as a joint venture between PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum) and PT Aneka Tambang (Antam), is projected to give economic benefits for Mempawah region, West Kalimantan. Image Source: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/ The project, which involves a total of US$ 900 million (RP 14.5 trillion) worth investment, is scheduled to be executed in phases. The project will positively boost employment in the region as the opening of SGAR will attract job openings to the surrounding community. The development of Indonesia's aluminium industry holds substantial promise despite the slow progress seen in recent years. A senior government official had earlier revealed that till date one of the...
On Sunday, December 15th, Chalco's Investment Management Department conducted a preliminary design review for the alumina energy-saving and efficiency-enhancing upgrade project at Chinalco Shanxi New Materials. The review, which was done in collaboration with the Finance, Science and Technology Innovation, and Safety, Environment, and Health Departments, required a team of experts to conduct the design review. Image Source: Flickr (Jorge Sá) The experts unanimously approved the preliminary design, signifying a significant milestone in advancing this key project. During the project review meeting, representatives from Shenyang Al-Mg Design and Research Institute and Henan Huahui Design Institute presented the preliminary design. The design covered various aspects including the project...
Chinese enterprise State Power Investment Corp. (SPIC) sparked excitement at the beginning of the calendar year as it announced a heavy-duty alumina refinery to be established in Guinea. The newest project was announced after it successfully carried out bauxite production in the West African country for the past three years. The plant, with its massive structural planning, has the potential to become the country's biggest preceding production to the only other refinery of Russian-owned United Co. Rusal Friguia's refinery, which has the capacity to produce at least 600,000 tonnes a year. SPIC will start the construction in March and complete the refinery that will have the capacity to produce 1.2 million tons of alumina per year by the end of 2027, the presidency said in a statement. "The...
According to the International Aluminium Institute, Asia & Africa region produced 1.164 million tonnes of alumina (metallurgical + chemical) in November 2024. While metallurgical-grade alumina output was 1.135 million tonnes, chemical-grade production was 29,000 tonnes. Compared to the previous month, the metallurgical-grade alumina production in November recorded a drop of 5.18 per cent from 1.197 million tonnes, in tandem with the fall in daily average output from 38,600 tonnes to 37,800 tonnes. However, on a year-on-year basis, Asia & Africa’s alumina production registered a growth of 1.16 per cent from 1.122 million tonnes. In November, Asia & Africa’s metallurgical-grade alumina production accounted for 9.8 per cent of the world’s 11.508 million tonnes of output, compared to 10 per...
An Iranian knowledge-based firm, Nano Pouyesh Yekta Nano, has successfully developed a portfolio of 50 nano-based products, including gamma alumina oxide nanopowder. Nazanin Farhadyar, the Managing Director of Nano Pouyesh Yekta Nano, stated to an Iranian news agency, "So far, we have succeeded in making over 50 products in the field of nanomaterials, and the company's knowledge-based product is nanopowder of gamma alumina oxide." As a result of its hardness, thermal stability, and high specific surface area, nano alumina has numerous applications in various industries. Alumina nanoparticles are widely used in the adsorption and catalysis fields because of their acid-base properties, high specific area, and mechanical and thermal stability. Nazanin said, "This material is used in...
Through the first eleven months of 2024, the world’s metallurgical-grade alumina production stood at 125.66 million tonnes, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 1.91 per cent from 123.304 million tonnes, according to the latest data revealed by the International Aluminium Institute (IAI). Separately, the chemical-grade output amounted to 8.113 million tonnes, up 3.97 per cent from 7.803 million tonnes. In November 2024, the world’s monthly production of metallurgical-grade alumina was 11.508 million tonnes, down by 3.22 per cent from 11.891 million tonnes in October, in tandem with the dip in daily average output. In November, the production each day was 100 tonnes less, standing at 383,500 tonnes versus 383,600 tonnes in October. However, on an annual basis, the world’s alumina...
On Tuesday, December 3, two technical standards related to red mud road construction were officially published on the National Group Standard Information Platform. The two technical standards developed by the Guangxi Branch of Chalco included Technical Specifications for the Production and Application of Red Mud-based Lightweight Soil and Red Mud -based Cementing Material. Image Source:ResearchGate (Red mud of the second mud storage of the Mykolaiv Alumina Plant) The Technical Specification for Production and Application of Red Mud -based Lightweight Soil outlines essential aspects such as - production processes design principles raw material selection construction preparation mix proportioning quality control acceptance criteria This standard applies to various construction and municipal...
Iran's alumina powder production has recorded a five per cent growth during the first eight months of the current Iranian calendar year, spanning March 20 to November 20, as reported by the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organisation (IMIDRO). According to IMIDRO's data, the country produced a total of 159,416 tonnes of alumina powder during this period, marking an increase from the 152,293 tonnes produced in the same timeframe last year. This steady rise in production highlights Iran's continued focus on enhancing its industrial capabilities in the mining and metallurgy sectors. Alumina, a key material for aluminium production, plays a critical role in supporting the country's broader economic and industrial goals. IMIDRO's efforts to boost output align...
According to the United States Geological Survey, the United States alumina imports through the first three quarters of 2024 reflected a year-on-year downfall of 1.1 per cent, despite sequential growth in the second and third quarter of the year. Image Source: iStock A sharp fall in Q1 by 20.33 per cent Q-o-Q and 11.46 per cent year-on-year to 286,000 tonnes has contributed to the downfall in the United States year-to-date alumina imports. Even the subsequent increase in the second and third quarter by 13.64 per cent and 16.31 per cent, respectively, failed to offset the year-to-day downtick. In the second quarter of 2023, the United States alumina imports were 325,000 tonnes, which climbed up in Q3 to 378,000 tonnes, also up by 5.29 per cent Y-o-Y from 359,000 tonnes. From January to...
The Australian-based company specialising in producing ultra-high purity alumina (HPA), Alpha HPA, has achieved a significant milestone by securing $400 million in debt financing to advance its High Purity Alumina (HPA) First Project in Gladstone, Queensland. The funding, supported by Export Finance Australia (EFA) and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF), paves the way for Alpha HPA to develop Australia’s first large-scale high-purity alumina processing facility. The financing package includes a $320 million construction loan and an $80 million contingency fund for potential cost overruns. The company announced that both facilities have competitive interest rates and an 11-year repayment term starting from the financial close. Alpha HPA's Managing Director, Rimas...
