China's Guangxi sends first full-load alumina container train

Located in the western part of Guangxi, Baise is one of China's key aluminium industry hubs, boasting rich bauxite resources and high alumina output. The city holds 732 million tonnes of proven bauxite reserves, accounting for about one quarter of the national total. In 2024, Baise produced 11.75 million tonnes of alumina, representing approximately 13.1 per cent of the country's total output, according to Guangxi Daily. Alumina is a key raw material for producing primary aluminium.

 Xinjiang is a major base for China's primary aluminium production, drawing on its abundant energy resources and lower electricity costs. In 2024, the region produced about 6.42 million tonnes of primary aluminium or 14.5 per cent of the national total, according to publicly available data.

Previously, alumina shipments from Baise to Xinjiang relied mainly on highway transport, which was costlier, less efficient, and limited in shipment volume. Road transport was also susceptible to uncertainties caused by weather and road conditions.

In recent years, Baise has been promoting a shift toward low-carbon, green logistics by transitioning alumina transportation from road to rail. With the adoption of containerized rail transport and integrated logistics solutions, railway shipments have risen significantly. So far this year, alumina transported by rail from Baise East Station to Xinjiang has reached 376,500 tonnes, already exceeding the full-year total for 2024.

Note: This news is published under the collaboration with MySteel.