Vietnam’s Lam Dong bauxite-aluminium chain expands as alumina output hits 1Mt, ingot production begins

Vietnam’s Lam Dong province is expanding its bauxite-aluminium production chain, with alumina output rising in the first nine months of 2026 and the launch of the country’s first aluminium ingot production at Nhan Co Industrial Park in July.

Lam Dong’s industrial production index (IIP) increased 12 per cent in the first nine months of 2026 from the same period last year. The bauxite mining industry grew 19 per cent, while processing and manufacturing increased 19.4 per cent.

Alumina production rises as aluminium ingot production begins

Alumina production in the province reached an estimated around 1 million tonnes in the first nine months, up 1.7 per cent year on year. Third-quarter production was around 380,000 tonnes, an increase of 9.3 per cent.

Vietnam produced its first aluminium ingot at Nhan Co Industrial Park in Nhan Co commune on July 26. This marks a move from alumina production to aluminium metal production in the bauxite-aluminium value chain. Aluminium ingot production was estimated at 20,551 tonnes in the third quarter, including 14,540 tonnes in September alone.

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 Outlook"

The Dak Nong Aluminium Electrolysis Plant, invested by Tran Hong Quan Metallurgical Co., Ltd., has a designed capacity of 450,000 tonnes of aluminium per year. The project is being implemented in three phases.

Phase 1 has a capacity of 150,000 tonnes per year, while Phase 2 will increase capacity to 300,000 tonnes per year. After Phase 3 is completed, expected in the first quarter of 2027, the plant is expected to reach its full designed capacity.

The aluminium metal production stage is expected to support the development of supporting industries, mechanical engineering, materials and other aluminium-using sectors in the province.

Looking for alumina refinery raw materials? Compare grades, explore sourcing options, and connect with global suppliers on AL Biz.

Lam Dong attracts investment into industrial zones

Lam Dong also recorded growth across other industrial sectors during the first nine months of 2026. Ready-mixed concrete production rose 21 per cent, processed fruits and vegetables 19 per cent, construction stone 19 per cent, and fertilisers and nitrogen compounds 16 per cent.

Electricity production rose by around 27,000 million kWh, while commercial electricity increased around 5,000 million kWh.

The province also attracted 18 new projects to its industrial zones during the first nine months, including 14 domestic projects and four foreign-invested projects. The projects had registered capital of VND 814 billion (USD 31 million) and USD 25 million.

Unlock key insights from leading companies and experts across the aluminium ecosystem with our e-Magazine - Mine to Market: Aluminium Producers & Manufacturers 2026

Lam Dong had 249 active investment projects in industrial zones, with total registered capital of more than VND 46 billion (USD 2 million) and USD 545 million. The occupancy rate of the industrial zones reached 57 per cent.

The province is continuing to work on investment procedures, land resources and infrastructure while addressing obstacles affecting power generation and wind power projects linked to overlapping mineral resource planning.