International Responsible Business Conduct (IRBC) has completed a project examining aluminium and bauxite supply chains to improve transparency and traceability in materials supporting the renewable energy transition. The project brought together wind energy company Siemens Gamesa, Dutch cable manufacturer TKF, Digital Product Passport (DPP) technology provider Minespider, and project partner Responsible Trade. The initiative mapped selected upstream aluminium and bauxite supply chains and tested secure DPPs to organise and present traceability and sustainability information across multiple supplier tiers. Explore the production, demand and consumption forecasts of bauxite and alumina in our report: " Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price...
Mount Ridley Mines has reported 94.9 per cent gallium recovery from a third-party bauxite sample using its patent-pending Selectro process, alongside recoveries of 92 per cent aluminium and 97 per cent iron in a single low-temperature leach. The test also produced a silica-rich residue instead of conventional red mud, highlighting the technology’s potential to recover multiple metals from bauxite through one processing route. The sample was provided by Australian Silica Quartz Group from its Darling Range bauxite project in Western Australia. It comprised material collected from 16 vacuum drill samples across four holes at the Athena and Ceres prospects. Containing 80 parts per million of gallium, the sample yielded an extraction rate of 94.9 per cent into solution. Mount Ridley said this...
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Rio Tinto's Weipa operations bounced back in a big way in 2023. Despite a slow start to the year, the mining company managed to ship 35.12 million tonnes of bauxite from Weipa, an improvement from 34.52 million tonnes in 2022. The journey wasn't without its challenges, as weather and equipment issues raised concerns during Easter. Only 7.49 million tonnes were shipped in the first quarter of the year. However, each quarter saw an increase, reaching 8.81, then 9.0, and finally 9.81 million tonnes in the last quarter of 2023. Shona Markham, the general manager of Rio Tinto's Weipa operations, noted, "Due to the wet weather in Q1, 2023 was a challenging year but were able to make a strong recovery in the second half of the year". Markham commended the team's efforts, saying, "We had a strong...
On January 10, 2023, a senior government official stated that Saudi Arabia had initiated a $182 million incentive program for mineral exploration. This move is a part of the country's broader efforts to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil. The kingdom is actively pursuing the expansion of its mining sector to harness extensive deposits of phosphate, gold, copper, and bauxite. Future Minerals Forum While speaking at the Future Minerals Forum, Bandar Alkhorayef, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, said, "This programme will de-risk investments in our exploration, securing to enable new commodities, greenfield projects and junior miners." During this week's industry event in Riyadh, agreements totalling 75 billion riyals ($20 billion) are anticipated to be...
After a year of cautious deployment and comprehensive promotion, the Loufan Mine of the Shanxi Branch of Chinalco completed the acceptance examination and was chosen as one of Taiyuan's third batch of municipal green mining projects. Between November 10th and 11th, 2023, a team comprising 23 experts from various bureaus, including the Natural Resources Bureau, Finance Bureau, Emergency Bureau, Environmental Protection Bureau, Urban Construction Bureau, etc., conducted a thorough evaluation and acceptance of the establishment of the Loufan aluminium mine in Taiyuan. After conducting on-site verification and consulting relevant materials, the expert group meticulously assessed and scored various facets of Loufan Aluminum Mine's operations. This encompassed considerations such as...
In the heart of the Simandou Mountains in southeastern Guinea, a monumental $20bn mining project is poised to reshape the world's metal and mining industry landscape. After a protracted 27-year journey marred by coups, legal battles, and strategic shifts, Rio Tinto, the UK-listed mining giant, is on the verge of commencing the ambitious iron ore, rail, and port development. As the world anticipates this ground-breaking venture, the intricate interplay between geopolitics, corporate dynamics, and the pursuit of resources unfolds, promising significant implications for the aluminium sector. Ultimately, in 2024, Rio Tinto plans to begin the most complex project in its history once its state-owned Chinese partner, the Chinalco consortium, receives approval from Beijing. Rio Tinto's chief...
Carmaker Truong Hai Group Corporation (THACO), one of the pioneers in the Vietnamese auto industry, has unveiled plans for a VND103 trillion (US$4.1 billion) circular economy complex dedicated to mining and processing bauxite in Lam Dong Province. Dubbed Lam Dong 2 Aluminum Complex, this innovative initiative will unfold across Bao Lam, Da Huoai, Da Teh districts, and Bao Loc City. Going beyond conventional boundaries, the comprehensive project spans the entire spectrum from bauxite mining and aluminium processing to the restoration of the local environment, cultivation of crops, and the promotion of ecotourism in the region. A significant share, nearly one-third, of the project's substantial capital will be contributed by THACO, with the remaining funding secured through strategic loans....
On December 18th, Aluminum Corporation of China (CHINALCO) disclosed its intention to collaboratively invest RMB 2 billion with its controlling shareholder, Chinalco Group, along with subsidiary entities such as China Copper and Chinalco Capital Holdings. The objective was to establish a new entity called Chinalco Xiongan Mining Co., Ltd. With Qu Bo serving as its legal representative, this recently established company boasts a registered capital of RMB 2 billion. Chinalco Xiongan Mining Co., Ltd. specializes in various activities within the mining sector, including exploration of mineral resources, exploitation in non-coal mines, sales of metal ore, import and export of goods, investment activities using its funds, and project management services. As per shareholder information, the...
Recent events have occurred at the Conakry Kalum oil depot in Guinea, affecting the largest oil storage facility in the country. The government of Guinea has reported that 13 out of 18 warehouses in the oil storage area were destroyed, leading to potential fuel shortages in the future. It is important to note that Guinea's production of refined oil products is limited, and most of its gasoline and diesel fuels are imported from other regions. In light of the explosion, the main fuel supply is currently relying on the northern Kamsar Port oil storage area, and the shortage of fuel supply has impacted the daily lives of residents in the country. Recuperations after the incident The National Oil Company of Guinea has stated that rebuilding a new oil storage warehouse will take approximately...
As per the reports, the Western Australian government has agreed to allow Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals (AWAC) to continue bauxite mining and downstream alumina refining in the state. The Western Australian government has declared that it would accept the newest five-year mining plan (also known as the 2023-2027 Mining and Management Plan (MMP)) created by AWAC for the Huntly and Willowdale bauxite mines as of the date of this statement. CITIC Resources has disclosed that it currently possesses a 9.6117 per cent ownership interest in Alumina Limited (AWC), an Australian company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. Additionally, CITIC Resources holds an equity stake in the worldwide asset portfolio of upstream mining and smelting within the aluminium industry. Consequently, via...
Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), a subsidiary of Emirates Global Aluminium, has offered the Guinea government the use of GAC's petroleum port and bulk storage facilities to assist in dealing with the aftermath of an oil terminal explosion. After the December 18 explosion destroyed gasoline tanks at the major oil terminal managing fuel imports, supply from Guinea, the world's third biggest supplier of alumina raw material bauxite, has been in focus, bolstering aluminium prices in London. GAC stated there would be no effect on its production or client shipments. The business also anticipates no disruptions to its mining, rail, and export operations. Guinea said on Saturday that the gasoline supply to petrol outlets is expected to improve substantially due to diplomatic initiatives with...
The recent fuel depot explosion in Guinea has raised fears of a bauxite shortage, which may affect alumina production in China. China secures the lion's share of bauxite from Guinea, which they refine into alumina and used for aluminium smelting. The fear of bauxite shortage and alumina production cut as a result has increased the aluminium ore purcase enthusiasm, driving the price hike. Although Guinean authorities have authorised a gradual resumption of gasoline distribution after a five-day ban following the blast, it is limited to 25 litres for vehicles and 5 litres for motorcycles, said the government in an open statement. Sales of fuel in cans are still prohibited. All this will impact the transportation from Guinea to China. The possibility of a bauxite shortage in China has raised...
Hydro Paragominas in Para, a bauxite mining company, has reportedly partnered with Irmen Máquinas to acquire two 100 per cent electric SANY SKT90E trucks, each with a bauxite loading capacity of 60 tonnes. Hydro is increasing its electric transport fleet as part of the 2030 decarbonisation strategy. Edil Pimentel, Mine Operation Manager at Hydro Paragominas, explains that each of these electric trucks will reduce about 190 tonnes of carbon emissions per year with a higher capacity than 8×4 model with a capacity of only 36 tonnes. Hydro has also included battery electric trucks in its transport fleet to contribute to its decarbonisation by 2030. Another significant measure Hydro has taken for decarbonisation is replacing 50 per cent of its diesel combustion fleet with ethanol combustion...
The global mining group Rio Tinto has named Martina Merz and Sharon Thorne non-executive directors. Martina Merz is set to become a Board member on February 1, 2024, and will subsequently be a candidate for election at the company's annual general meetings in 2024. Similarly, Sharon Thorne is scheduled to join the Board on July 1, 2024, and will stand for election at the annual general meetings in 2025. Newly appointed directors’ profile Martina Merz, a German national, possesses a wealth of leadership and operational expertise. Her most recent role was as the Chief Executive Officer of ThyssenKrupp, a conglomerate specialising in industrial engineering and steel production. Martina has held various leadership positions, including notable roles at Robert Bosch GMBH and Chassis Brakes...
In a groundbreaking move, Mytilineos SA has secured its position as the largest bauxite producer in the European Union with the approval of the acquisition of Imerys Bauxites by the Hellenic Competition Commission. This strategic development marks a significant milestone in the metallurgy sector as Mytilineos expands its operations and strengthens its commitment to sustainability. Largest bauxite producer in EU The merger of Imerys Bauxites' operations with Mytilineos' wholly-owned subsidiary, Delphi Distomon, propels the company to an annual bauxite production exceeding 1.2 million tonnes. This achievement establishes Mytilineos as the largest bauxite producer in Europe and positions it among the global leaders in bauxite production. Comprehensive integration of mining activities The...
Yemi Osinbajo, the former Vice President of Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa with a GDP of $477.38 billion, contends that by prioritising renewable energy resources, both Nigeria and the broader African continent could potentially slash energy expenses by 30 per cent and significantly decrease carbon emissions by 90 per cent. Yemi Osinbajo, serving as the global advisor for the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), emphasised key points during his address, aptly titled, “Climate Positive Growth: Africa as a Climate Action Partner for the UAE And the World,” at the New York University (NYU), Abu Dhabi Campus, UAE. The GEAPP stands as a global organisation dedicated to assisting the international community in achieving crucial climate objectives over the next decade....
As per the USGS statistics, the First Half of 2023 marked a total import value of 1.195 million tonnes of crude and dried bauxite to the USA, which dropped by 13.4 per cent or 185,000 tonnes from 1.38 million tonnes estimated in the First Half of 2022. On the other hand, the export of crude and dried bauxite from the USA marked a rise of 1,398 tonnes or a massive 168 per cent, from 834 tonnes in the First Half of 2022 to 2,232 tonnes during the same period in 2023. If we take the third quarter of 2023 into account, we can calculate a Quarter-on-Quarter dip of 3.14 per cent or 21,000 tonnes in crude and dried bauxite imports to the USA from 669,000 tonnes registered in 2022 to 648,000 tonnes accumulated in Q3 2023. If we consider the exports from the USA, there has been a...
In a recent announcement, Metro Mining Limited, a key player in the bauxite industry, proudly disclosed a noteworthy achievement in its operations despite facing a temporary setback due to Tropical Cyclone Jasper. As of December 13, 2023, the company has successfully produced and shipped 4.51 million Wet Metric Tonnes (WMT) of bauxite since April 2023, meeting the lower range of their projected sales guidance for the 2023 operating season. November was a standout month for Metro Mining, with a record-breaking 697,000 WMT shipped. Daily production rates aligned with the ambitious 7.0 million WMT per annum expansion rate set for 2024. This indicates a robust operational performance and a promising trajectory for the company's growth. However, Metro Mining encountered a temporary hurdle in...
The Western Australian Government has recently granted a conditional exemption to Alcoa, a major player in the mining and alumina refining industry, under section 6 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The exemption aims to safeguard local jobs and maintain compliance with environmental standards, acknowledging the unique circumstances surrounding Alcoa's operations governed by a 60-year-old state agreement. Alcoa's mining and refinery activities have long been managed through a state agreement, distinct from the regulations applied to other resource projects in Western Australia (WA). While most projects are regulated under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and the Mining Act 1978, bringing Alcoa under the same acts would require an immediate cessation of activities, potentially...
According to China customs data, China’s bauxite imports in October 2023 stood at 11.1273 million tonnes, reflecting a month-on-month increase of 11 per cent and a year-on-year hike of 23.97 per cent. Guinea was the highest exporter of bauxite to China in the said month, supplying 7.084 million tonnes, up by 4.61 per cent M-o-M and 60.51 per cent Y-o-Y. Australia was the second largest exporter, providing 3.4229 million tonnes - 26.86 per cent more than the previous month and 3.44 per cent higher than a year ago. Other significant exporters were Turkey, supplying 226,700 tonnes; Sierra Leone, providing 147,600 tonnes; and Ghana, exporting 104,400 tonnes. Other countries that exported substantial quantities of bauxite to China in October 2023 were Jamaica (45,000 tonnes), Brazil (43,500...
