Rio Tinto’s Q2 alumina production slightly up due to strong operational performance at the refineries; Aluminium output rises 4%

Rio Tinto’s alumina production stood at 2.0 million tonnes in the second quarter of 2021, 1% higher than the corresponding period of 2020, reflecting strong operational performance at the refineries.  On a quarter-on-quarter basis, the output was down 1%, primarily due to a planned refinery shutdown at Yarwun during the quarter.

In the first half of 2021, the alumina production was 4.0 million tonnes. That was 1% year-on-year.

As far as aluminium is concerned, aluminium production came in at 0.8 million tonnes, 4% higher than the same period of 2020, “underpinned by the ISAL smelter in Iceland and Becancour smelter in Quebec operating at full capacity, and the Kitimat smelter in British Columbia nearing completion of its pot relining cycle. The Saguenay smelters had a strong performance in the second quarter, with stable performance maintained across the remaining portfolio.”

Value-added product sales have improved to 50% in the first half of 2021 (first half 2020: 40%). Product premiums for VAP sales remained steady, averaging $207 per tonne of VAP sold (first half 2020: $208 per tonne).

“We are closely monitoring the impact of global chip shortages on the automotive industry, and so far strong demand in other sectors has offset any impact on overall demand for aluminium,” Rio Tinto said.