Asian Metal News
14th Aug: Sierra Mineral Holdings Limited, a major bauxite producer in Sierra Leone has announced plans to export 1 mln t of bauxite to China by 2020.
The company, with bauxite capacity of 2 mtpy, has exported bauxite to an alumina refinery in Romania. According to a company source, the Romanian refinery will cut production by 50% next year, so they are in search of new bauxite buyers.
Affected by heavy rain, the company expects to produce 120 kt of bauxite in August, compared with normal monthly output of 170 kt. A total of 1.3 mln t of bauxite was produced between Jan-Jul this year. It is expected that annual output will reach 2 mln t in 2019. The company does not hold any stock at present.
The company mainly produces bauxite Al2O3 45%, SiO2 3%max. This will be loaded to 60kt Panamax vessels and offered at USD 38/t FOB Sierra Leone.
