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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The Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT), which deals with disputes involving unionised as well as non-unionised workers, is settling a wage dispute between Windalco (UC Rusal Alumina Jamaica) Limited and the Union of Clerical, Administrative & Supervisory Employees, increased Windalco's offer to six per cent for the period November 2019 to November 2021. In addition to other benefits, the union requested a 12 per cent wage increase for year one and a 15 per cent for year two. Last month, the Tribunal said the one per cent increase was based on the circumstances of gradual improvements in the company's finances and the inflation out-turn in 2020 and 2021, which accumulated to a 12.5 per cent increase. King's Counsel Allan Wood, the company representative, stated that the union's claim...
According to the data published by a significant Iranian state-owned company active in the mining sector, Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO) that the nation's alumina production has leapt by two per cent in the H1 of the current Iranian calendar year (March 21-September 22), against the same period in 2021. The IMIDRO’s data reveals that the alumina powder output in the six months of this year was 118,845 tonnes, while the figure was 116,192 tonnes in the same period of the previous year. However, the organization has formerly recorded alumina powder production growth by 11 per cent in Q1 2022 from the first quarter of 2021. Alumina powder production reached 62,291 tonnes in the first three months of 2022, compared with 55,974 tonnes in...
In August 2022, alumina production in South America stood at 996,000 tonnes, reflecting an increase of 22,000 tonnes or 2.21 per cent month-on-month. In July, the output totalled 974,000 tonnes, a surge of 73,000 tonnes or 8.10 per cent from 901,000 tonnes in June. That brought the three-month production to 2.871 million tonnes; however, down by 3.5 per cent from 2.975 million tonnes. On a year-on-year calculation, alumina output in South America edged a 6.30 per cent hike over 937,000 tonnes. From January to August, South America’s alumina output totalled 7.603 million tonnes, down by 9.21 per cent from 8.303 million tonnes during the corresponding period of the previous year. Daily average alumina production in South America stood at 32,100 tonnes, up by 2.23 per cent month-on-month and...
The Indian chemical substance-producing company, promoted by the Gujarat State Government, Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL), has recently accomplished multiple projects to produce new chemicals and broaden the current product lines' capacities. Also, a joint venture with National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) recently installed an 800 TPD caustic soda plant with an integrated 130 MW captive cogeneration plant. On 10th October, the Prime Minister of India dedicated the new projects 173,250 TPA caustic soda expansion at Dahej and 267,000 TPA new caustic soda plant with 130 MW Thermal Power Plant at Dahej, put up as a joint venture between GACL and NALCO, 105,000 TPA Chloromethanes Project at Dahej and 10,000 TPA Hydrazine Hydrate Project at Dahej to the Nation during the...
Russia is reportedly mulling building an alumina refinery to reduce its dependence on imports from China. As per a document seen by Reuters, China’s alumina exports to Russia have increased since the Russia-Ukraine conflict started. A draft of the plan for the development of Russia’s metal industry until 2030 has shown that Russia, one of the world’s leading aluminium producers, procures 65 per cent of its required alumina through imports, mostly from China, which as a result, has raised the production costs of aluminium. In addition, the output halt at Ukraine’s alumina refineries and a ban on Australia’s exports to Russia have also contributed to Russia’s aluminium production cost rise, creating supply disruption of the ore. Rusal said last month that its aluminium production cost...
In Europe (incl. Russia), alumina production during August 2022 stood at 660,000 tonnes, reflecting a downfall of 33,000 tonnes or 4.76 per cent month-on-month, found the International Aluminium Institute. In July’22, alumina output in Europe (incl. Russia) amounted to 693,000 tonnes, which remained muted M-o-M. On a year-on-year basis, alumina production in Europe (incl. Russia) also recorded a plunge of 254,000 tonnes or 27.8 per cent in Aug’22 from 914,000 tonnes. Europe’s (incl. Russia) daily average alumina production stood at 21,300 tonnes in August 202, down by 4.91 per cent from 22,400 tonnes and 27.8 per cent less than 29,500 tonnes. From January to August 2022, alumina output in Europe (incl. Russia) totalled 5.881 million tonnes versus 6.964 million tonnes during the...
The workers at a major West Australian refinery have walked off their jobs over what they call a "two-tiered" workplace. In a significant escalation of ongoing industrial action, workers at South32's Worsley alumina and bauxite facility have downed tools for 48 hours. Previously, the workers staged four-hour walkouts but escalated the situation after South32 responded. In addition to the 48-hour walkout, night shift employees are not showing up to work. Adam Woodage, the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) spokesman, said, "The action had not been taken lightly. It is a big escalation. What the company has been putting up is garbage, so we felt we had no choice but to send a powerful message. It will have a significant impact because these electricians are highly skilled, highly trained."...
Suzhou Hongnuan Electronic Technology CO., LTD joined Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) as an Industrial User member. Alumina materials are the focus of Suzhou Hongnuan Electronic Technology CO., LTD, a specialised surface treatment business. They produce, sell, research and develop top-class alumina materials. Manufacturers have built a whole set of technical and production systems to offer total solution providers for 3C consumer electronics, mechanics, and external metal materials through constant technological innovation and an emphasis on product quality. As part of its previous projects, it has used metal anode aluminium for 3C, recycled aluminium anode aluminium, low carbon aluminium anode aluminium, high-strength aluminium anode aluminium, and ultra-light metal materials to...
The Australian hydrous kaolin producer and exploration company Suvo Strategic Minerals has publicized its plan to secure a 26% stake in low-carbon high purity alumina (HPA) production. Through a private placement, the ASX-listed company will acquire a stake in Australian proprietary company Dingo, which intends to produce HPA from recycled aluminium feedstock. In order to complete the placement, Suvo will acquire 220, 000 shares at A$1 each. Aside from the placement, Dingo will grant Suvo a clear path to acquire up to 76% of the company's issued capital. As soon as the Stage 3 earn-in period ends, Suvo will have an exclusive opportunity to negotiate a share purchase acquisition of Dingo, subject to further regulatory approvals. A concept study is currently being conducted on Dingo's...
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the first aluminium smeleter in the Middle East, and KCC Chartering AS, a subsidiary of Klaveness Ship Holding AS, have jointly announced the signing of a four-year contract of affreightment (COA) for transporting alumina from Australia to Bahrain starting 2022. The contract continues to represent the long-lasting relationship between Alba and KCC. KCC is a world-famous combination carrier that can carry both wet and dry bulk cargoes. Through high utilisaton and efficiency, KCC’s carriers emit up to 40 per cent less carbon dioxide per transported tonne than any standard vessels. KCC's CEO, Engebret Dahm, commented: "We have enjoyed a strong business relationship with Alba on a continuous basis for more than thirty years and are proud to continue serving...
The average alumina spot price in China has decreased for the sixth day in a row by RMB 12 per tonne to stand at RMB 2,881 per tonne on Monday, September 26. Over a week, the price has dwindled by RMB 40 per tonne from RMB 2,921 per tonne, found the Shanghai Metals Market. The decline in domestic price is seen across all the leading alumina producing areas to varying degrees, as the fall in demand has outpaced the drop in supply. In Guangxi, alumina spot price has slipped by RMB 20 per tonne to rest at RMB 2,850 per tonne, while the price in Shandong and Henan has shrunk by RMB 15 per tonne to hover around RMB 2,870 per tonne and RMB 2,940 per tonne. In Shangxi, alumina spot price has dipped by RMB 10 per tonne to settle at RMB 2,830 per tonne. Meanwhile, Australian alumina FOB price has...
A joint venture formulated between Indonesian entities Aneka Tambang (Antam) and Inalum, most commonly known as Borneo Alumina Indonesia, might discard its plan of constructing an $831.5 million alumina refinery located at Mempawah Regency in the West Kalimantan Province of Borneo Island. This decision was taken due to prevailing disagreements between the contractors, as was reported by the director of MIND ID. MIND ID is Indonesia’s mining industry holding company that has been constituted with the help of institutions like PT Bukit Asam, PT ANTAM Tbk, PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum), PT Freeport Indonesia and PT Timah Tbk. Danny Praditya, the director of MIND ID, has disclosed during a parliamentary hearing that if the affair is not dealt with by October, the contract would be...
China’s domestic metallurgical-grade alumina production in August 2022 (31 calendar days) edged 1.4 per cent lower month-on-month to total 6.844 million tonnes, found the Shanghai Metals Market. However, on a year-on-year calculation, the August output stood 11.16 per cent higher, with an average daily production at 220,800 tonnes, down by 1.38 per cent from 223,900 tonnes in July. The operating capacity in August was 80.583 million tonnes, and the operating rate stood at 85 per cent. In individual provinces like Shandong, domestic alumina production stood at 2.17 million tonnes, up 2.3 per cent month-on-month. In Henan, the output increased as well by 6.9 per cent to stand at 789,000 tonnes. In Shanxi and Guizhou, alumina production fell by 5.5 per cent to 1.698 million tonnes and 1.3...
Alumina powder, also known as aluminium oxide, is a chemical compound mainly used to produce aluminium – one of the essential metals in advancing a low-carbon economy and throughout the global industry. In addition to being ideal for aluminium production, alumina also provides excellent hardness and chemical resistance, particularly in applications requiring durable materials. The week witnessed a few exciting events related to the alumina segment. The Russian aluminium giant Rusal-owned Aughinish Alumina gets clearance to expand its bauxite residue (red mud) storage capacity at the West Limerick refinery until 2039. While in Southeast Asia, PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), the Indonesian government-owned corporation energy distributor, has inked an MoU to supply energy to PT Bintan...
An Bord Pleanála, an independent, statutory, quasi-judicial body in the Republic of Ireland, has granted permission to the Russian-owned Aughinish Alumina Limited to enlarge its bauxite residue disposal area (BRDA) on the Shannon Estuary to continue to operate until 2039. The permission followed a formal application by the refinery last year, notwithstanding several oppositions from local farmers and environment groups like Environmental Trust Ireland and Futureproof Clare. The BRDA, also known as red mud pond, currently has a capacity for bauxite reside until 2030 at the refinery site in West Limerick. The new expansion plan will extend the lifetime of the BRDA until 2039, enabling the residue deposition of 1 million m3 per annum and even 8 million m3 as projected for the future. The...
Glencore, with mirth, declared that it has stepped into a ten-year-long alumina supply and aluminium offtake arrangement with the Malaysian green aluminium producer, Press Metal Bintulu Sdn. Bhd. In accordance with the Paris Agreement of 2016, Glencore wishes to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Press Metal Bintulu is an 80 per cent subsidiary of Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad, listed on the main market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. Founded in 1986 by the Koon brothers, Press Metal has its headquarters in Kaula Lampur and is the largest integrated aluminium producer in the Southeast Asian region. The smelters of the organisation, located in Sarawak, Malaysia, are mainly powered by hydro-based electricity. The facilities can produce low carbon content aluminium with 4...
Jamalco experienced one of the worst disasters in its 63-year history on 22nd August 2021 and marked 22nd August 2022 as the first anniversary of the fire incident at its alumina refinery. Jamalco is a joint venture between General Alumina Jamaica Limited and Clarendon Alumina Production Limited (CAP), focusing on bauxite mining and alumina production. Jamalco mines bauxite and refines it into alumina before it is exported from its port at Rocky Point, Clarendon. An extensive fire broke out at the company's powerhouse on Sunday, August 22, 2021, damaging it extensively and dislocating its source of power, compressed air, and steam used for refining operations. Production was halted for over ten months as a result of the event. A year later, the company reports that phase one of the...
ElementUS Minerals, LLC, a Dada Holding company, has announced that it has signed an exclusive agreement with the partners of LAlumina to process bauxite residue located at LAlumina’s refinery in Burnside, Louisiana. ElementUS is technologically advanced in extracting and refining strategic minerals, including pig iron, alumina and rare earth elements from bauxite residue with zero mining impact. The provider of ESG-friendly sources of critical materials, ElementUS, whose process will serve the dual purpose of extracting strategic minerals without the scars of mining activities and simultaneously cleaning up the environment by eliminating bauxite residue, is intended to be adapted and applied to many other alumina refining facilities around the world. However, this agreement marks a vital...
