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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The Vietnamese government's decision to initiate bauxite mining in the northern region, focusing on three previously unexplored sites, marks a significant step towards resource diversification. This strategic move aims to harness the potential of these untapped locations and underscores the importance of sustainable resource management in driving economic growth. As the demand for aluminium continues to rise, this endeavour could contribute to local development and the broader industrial landscape. On August 9, 2023, the Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that the intention is to establish one location in Lang Son Province and two others in Cao Bang Province by 2030. However, the combined ore capacity will range from 1.55 to 2.25 million tonnes per year. Furthermore, two currently...
In July, the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) achieved remarkable milestones in handling bauxite and manganese, setting new records for the highest tonnage ever recorded in a calendar month. The port efficiently handled an impressive throughput of 259,242 tonnes of bauxite, surpassing its previous record of 181,741 tonnes in September 2016. This achievement was made possible by efficiently managing two vessels carrying bauxite. Visakhapatnam Port, situated on the Eastern Coast of India, is the sole major port in Andhra Pradesh and one of the twelve significant operational ports in the country. In terms of cargo volume handled it stands as India's third-largest state-owned port, underscoring its crucial role in maritime trade and commerce. Additionally, the VPA demonstrated its...
Rio Tinto announced its operational and financial results for the first half of 2023 ended June 30, revealing the bauxite and alumina production standing at 25.6 million tonnes and 3.7 million tonnes, respectively. On a year-on-year basis, Rio’s bauxite output edged an 8 per cent downfall as Weipa operations were affected by higher-than-average rainfall during the wet season, resulting in reduced pit access and longer haul distances. Production was further impacted by equipment downtime at both Weipa and Gove. The company’s alumina production, on the other hand, was relatively less affected as there was an ongoing improvement in operational stability at Yarwun and Vaudreuil refineries; however, offset by unplanned plant downtime at Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL). By the end of 2023, Rio...
A London-based independent provider of market intelligence reported that China's recent implementation of export controls on gallium and germanium had triggered conversations concerning the potential necessity to boost the production of these metals within Europe. However, the feasibility of such expansion remains to be determined, as it heavily depends on establishing a viable business case. Gallium is obtained as a by-product during bauxite ore processing to produce aluminium. Similarly, germanium is a by-product of the zinc refining process. Additionally, a portion of the global germanium supply is sourced from fly ash in coal deposits. Following China's announcement of export controls , European aluminium and zinc refineries have been approached to explore the feasibility of...
The bauxite mining subsidiary of Emirates Global Aluminium, Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC) and Electricité de Guinée (EDG), the national electricity company, has recently entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU). The primary objective of this MoU is to ensure a stable supply of 10 megawatts of electricity, facilitating the connection of GAC's port operations in Kamsar to the national grid. This connection will result in an annual supply of 26 million kilowatt hours, representing a significant milestone in the company's dedication to sustainable development. GAC presently relies on diesel generators to power its facilities. Nevertheless, under the consideration outlined in this MoU, there is a plan to transition towards hydroelectric power, which promises substantial...
China, the world's largest aluminium producer, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the mining industry by successfully implementing longwall shearers in bauxite mines, marking the world's inaugural application of this comprehensive mechanized mining technology underground. Spearheading this achievement is China Coal Technology and Engineering Group Corporation (CCTEG), the critical equipment supplier, which has ingeniously adapted coal mining machines into efficient bauxite extractors. Remarkably, this innovative approach yields an impressive mineral recovery rate exceeding 95 per cent while maintaining a remarkably low depletion rate of less than 5 per cent. Consequently, standard ore sections can now produce an annual output of over 500,000 tonnes, making it a significant...
On July 10, according to a report submitted to the Bucharest Stock Exchange, Alum Tulcea's shareholders approved the sale of Global Aluminium Ltd BVI, the subsidiary through which the company held ownership of the bauxite mines in Sierra Leone. However, Alum Tulcea is 99.4% owned by Romanian integrated aluminium company Alro. At the Annual General Meeting (AGM), Alum Tulcea, the sole shareholder, decided to divest by selling a certain number of shares, constituting the entire share capital of Global Aluminium Ltd BVI. The mandate was given to the Company's Board of Directors to negotiate and finalize the price and terms of the transaction. Earlier, it was disclosed by the company that an unsolicited proposal had been received from a local investor in Sierra Leone. The offer pertained to...
On July 3, 2023, China announced its intention to implement export restrictions starting from August 1 on specific gallium and germanium products. These metals are commonly utilized in computer chips and various other goods, and the aim behind these measures is to safeguard national security interests. Gallium is a valuable element in small quantities within bauxite and zinc ores. Gallium metal is also generated during the processing of bauxite for aluminium production. Approximately 80 per cent of gallium production occurs in China, as the CRMA (Comprehensive Resource Model Association) reported. Gallium plays a crucial role in manufacturing gallium arsenide, which is extensively utilized in the electronics industry. The CRMA states that only a handful of companies, primarily in Japan,...
Pankaj Oswal, an Indian business magnate, and his wife, Radhika, have recently acquired one of the most expensive homes in the world, Villa Vari, named after their daughters Vasundhra and Ridi. Oswal Group's leader, the bauxite mining and petrochemicals conglomerate, has spent almost $200 million or INR 1,649 crore for the house. The Oswal Group Global is a highly distinguished and reputable business conjunction with extensive interests in various industries worldwide. Their areas of expertise encompass petrochemicals, real estate, fertilisers, and mining, among others. Their operations span across multiple continents, including Africa, India, Australia, and Switzerland. The group's impressive portfolio comprises several enterprises, including PRO Industries PTE LTD, a renowned African...
PT Cita Mineral Investindo Tbk (CITA), one of the largest Bauxite Mining Groups in Indonesia and a producer of Smelter Grade Alumina (SGA) in Indonesia, managed to record positive performance in 2022 by recording a net profit of IDR 744.82 billion, an upswing of 31 per cent y-o-y. On June 28, 2023, Harry Kesuma Tanoto, the President Director in Jakarta, said, "The most significant contributor to this increase came from the absorption of profits from its associate entity PT Well Harvest Winning Alumina Refinery, an associated entity." The management of CITA also stated that the Company's performance is expected to have an impact in 2023 due to the ban on bauxite exports recently announced by the Indonesian Government. The ban, which became effective on June 10 2023, as stipulated in an...
At its Juruti bauxite mine in Pará state, the Brazilian unit of US-headquartered multinational aluminium company Alcoa is quickening the switch to clean energy. The US aluminium giant hopes to begin a project to switch from fossil fuel-fired generating to grid-connected power supply shortly. The project is anticipated to be finished in 2026 and will cut greenhouse gas emissions by about 35 per cent while also roughly halving plant energy expenditures in the future. Otávio Carvalheira, Alcoa Brasil President, said, "The future of aluminium involves investing in renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric power, in addition to optimizing bauxite extraction and the entire production process." At the moment, diesel-powered generators provide power to the port and Alcoa's washing facility...
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has stated that the government is prepared to respond should any countries seek legal action against the ban on bauxite exports implemented earlier this month. Joko Widodo announced on December 20, 2022, that the nation would ban bauxite exports , the primary ore source of aluminium, starting from June 2023 to boost the domestic processing of the material. The Indonesian government took this action to encourage the domestic aluminium industry. On June 18, 2023, the President said, "China, Indonesia's biggest bauxite importer, may file a complaint against Jakarta at the World Trade Organization (WTO)." "If anyone sues us, we'll face it. Please, let's not act like a small country. Indonesia is a big country. A big country shouldn't be gutless when getting...
Chinese cape specialist Winning International Group, headquartered in Singapore, has secured a third ship deal in 2023. The Winning International Group is a multifaceted conglomerate with operations in mining development, ship management, shipping operations, maritime transhipment, and railway construction. The Sun Xiushun-led consortium has emerged as the highest bidder for the 16-year-old Japanese-controlled capesize Atlantic Tiger, a 180,000 DWT Imabari-built vessel. The ship sold for $16.5 million. Winning owns and operates around 100 vessels, including 40 Capesize bulk carriers with a total capacity of 7.56 million DWT. Winning presently has 40 capes in its fleet, focusing on the West Africa-China tradeline. Winning International Group joined China's Weiqiao Group, China's Yantai...
The United States imports of crude and dried bauxite dropped drastically during the first quarter of 2023 both on a quarterly and annual basis, found the US Geological Survey. As per the data, the US imported 462,000 tonnes of bauxite in Q1 2023 ended March 31, which reflected a 38.97 per cent downfall from 757,000 tonnes in Q4 or December quarter of 2022. On a year-on-year calculation, the exports dwindled by 37.22 per cent from 736,000 tonnes. Jamaica continued to be the primary exporter of crude and dried bauxite to the US in Q1 2023, supplying 445,000 tonnes. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, Jamaica’s bauxite exports to the US registered a fall of 24.96 per cent from 593,000 tonnes and, on a year-on-year calculation, contracted by 28.46 per cent from 622,000 tonnes. Turkey, the...
Guinea is indeed one of the world's largest producers and exporters of bauxite, which is the primary source of aluminium. Historically, Indonesia was a significant bauxite supplier, but it implemented an export ban on unprocessed bauxite to encourage the development of its domestic aluminium industry. This export ban will lead to a shift in the global bauxite market dynamics. Guinea experiences a rainy season extending from May to November annually, while the dry season spans from December to April. Historical data indicates that the production and transportation of bauxite in Guinea have been affected during the rainy season. In the rainy season, a modest decrease in exports from Guinea is anticipated in the second half of the year compared to the first half. Notably, due to Indonesia's...
In the dynamic global landscape of mineral resources, bauxite production is a pivotal contributor to numerous industries. With its remarkable versatility and application in manufacturing, bauxite continues to fuel economic growth and development worldwide. As we delve into mineral production, let us explore the top bauxite-producing countries that significantly shaped the market in 2022. From vast mining operations to groundbreaking technological advancements and sustainable mining solutions , these nations have showcased their prowess in bauxite extraction and emerged as leaders in this crucial sector. Join us on this insightful journey as we uncover the key players driving the bauxite production landscape in the year gone by. We used a specific research technique and data from the...
Bauxite miners have once more pleaded with the Indonesian government to rethink the policy since domestic facilities are insufficient to process their output. However, this is to be noted that Indonesia is scheduled to restrict unprocessed bauxite exports in the next few days. Indonesia, the world's sixth-largest bauxite producer, is set to halt bauxite shipments from June 10, 2023, as part of a 2020 law prohibiting all metal ores exports to spur investment in refineries. The government last month granted miners of other ores, such as copper and iron, a one-year reprieve to provide extra time to complete smelter development, but it maintained the bauxite export prohibition. According to government data, Indonesia has three smelter-grade alumina refineries and one chemical-grade alumina...
The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has backed the opposition's proposal to add alumina, bauxite, aluminium, nickel, copper, zinc, potash, and phosphate to the list of critical minerals and welcomed the upcoming publication of the Australian Government's revised Critical Minerals Strategy. According to QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane, the rapidly rising global focus on essential mineral sources and supply chains means Australia and Queensland must move swiftly to capitalise on the investment and employment opportunities that will result from the surge in demand. "Critical minerals is the buzz term around the world at the moment, and for good reason because they are essential to the development of modern, low-emissions economies. Although there's not one globally agreed list of...
