Asian Metal News
East Hope Jinzhong Aluminium Co. Ltd. has designed alumina capacity of 3.2 mtpy, comprising three production lines – two 1 mtpy lines and one 1.2 mtpy line. Production on the 1.2 mtpy line was suspended in mid-July due to weak alumina prices (under RMB 2,500/t), a level which saw most local Shanxi refineries in loss.
East Hope Jinzhong is the source of alumina supply for East Hope Group’s two aluminium smelters in IM. One smelter plans to increase its October output, consequently parent company East Hope Group, has decided to restart the 1.2 mtpy alumina production line at Jinzhong this week to guarantee sufficient supply. East Hope Jinzhong overhauled the line when it was under suspension. The company’s operational rate is presently 80%.
East Hope Jinzhong produced 2.4 mln t of alumina in 2018 and output during the first eight months of 2019 totaled 1.5 mln t. August output was 150 kt and September is estimated at 200 kt. The company currently holds no inventory.
At present, mainstream alumina prices are standing at RMB 2,560~2,610/t ex-works in Shanxi, the same as earlier this week.
