Primary aluminium smelters in Africa continue to narrow down the rate of production by 16,000 tonnes, as of Feb 2022

Total Aluminium production worldwide for the month of January 2022 has been 5.641 million tonnes with a decline the next month by 9.34 per cent, amounting to 5.114 million tonnes. African production of aluminium has been on a steep decline from January to February 2022 totalling to 139,000 tonnes and 123,000 tonnes respectively.

Primary aluminium production is defined by the quantity of aluminium produced through electrolytic reduction of aluminium oxide in a given period of time. The IAI statistical report has been derived from the data provided by either IAI certified bodies or other noncertified but reliable sources. Though the data might be revised on being updated globally, but it is by far the best source of knowledge for seekers.  

If we calculate data pertaining to the first two months of the financial year 2021 and 2022, we find Africa has enjoyed progress in aluminium production by 8,000 tonnes. The production was 254,000 tonnes for Jan-Feb of 2021 which has increased to 262,000 tonnes in 2022 (Jan-Feb) but the worldwide production of aluminium was 11.006 million tonnes in Jan-Feb 2021 which has decreased by 2.28 per cent, i.e. 10.755 million tonnes in the year 2022.

On the last quarter 2020, African production was 400,000 tonnes while at the same time span, 2021 it had summed up to 406,000 tonnes, with a difference of 6,000 tonnes only. Similarly the worldwide production of aluminium in Q4 of 2020 has been 16.821 million tonnes but it has decreased in weight by 184,000 tonnes in Q4 2021.

Comparing Q-o-Q (third and fourth) 2020 and 2021, we find aluminium production was on a worldwide rise since the former year’s collection amounted up to 33.223 million tonnes, and it was preceded by 33.535 million tonnes considering the same time frame in both years. Surprisingly enough keeping the exact time span in mind, for the financial years 2020 and 2021, we can infer, Africa did witness a minimal rise in aluminium production. While the total keep for the year 2020 in Africa was 801,000 tonnes, it ascended to become 809,000 tonnes in the year 2021.

To conclude the study, the total production recorded for the financial years 2020 and 2021 should be compared. When we do that, it comes to our attention that 65.325 million tonnes of primary aluminium was produced in 2020, worldwide, which was surpassed the next year, 2021 by 2.93 per cent, when the total production amounted to 67.243 million tonnes. On the other hand, Africa has faced a decline in annual production, if we consider the reports; they showcase a dearth as 16, 05,000 tonnes were produced in 2020 while the year 2021 could only give 15, 90,000 tonnes.