Insight
China alumina: Shanxi research trip takeaways
*Please note that this report only includes an Excel data file if this is indicated in "What's included" below
Report summary
China’s alumina prices have skyrocketed since the start of the year. Spot prices vaulted higher, mainly supported by supply disruptions and feedstock bottlenecks. An uptick in alumina prices and increased margins encouraged some refineries to restart capacity that was suspended at the end of last year. During our recent field trip to Shanxi province, we observed that some alumina refineries were better prepared to restart operations than others. These were ones that had been building stock of imported and domestic bauxite in recent months. Meanwhile, other refineries were cought unprepared and still face operating challenges. In this insight, we cover the major challenges they are experiencing and potential opportunities.
Table of contents
-
Executive summary
- Domestic mining activity is restricted
- which promotes the consumption of imported bauxite
- Various bauxite sources influence product quality
- Bauxite imported from Guinea and Australia
- The rising cost of imported bauxite
- Storage lifespan of red mud facilities varies from refinery to refinery
- Restarting of smelting capacity benefits alumina spot prices in the short term
- Conclusion
Tables and charts
This report includes the following images and tables:
-
Production shares of China’s alumina supply by province, 2014 vs. 2024Guinea's share and prices increasing in China bauxite importsThe storage lifespan of red mud facilities in some Shanxi refineries
What's included
This report contains:
Other reports you may be interested in
Insight
China thermal coal: Guangdong and Fujian research trip takeaways
Indonesian exports drive China’s QHD coal prices in 2025
$1,100
Asset Report
Shanxi Zhongrun aluminium smelter
A detailed analysis of the Shanxi Zhongrun aluminium smelter.
$2,250
Insight
Indonesia coal research trip 2018: key takeaways
Under policy uncertainties, Indonesian miners plan to produce more to maximise value in the short-term. Will seaborne market support it?
$1,100
