Asian Metal News
Shanxi Zhaofeng Alumina Refinery designed with 1.1 mtpy alumina capacity has decided not to resume its alumina production this year. According to an internal source, in view of tightening local bauxite supply and estimated natural gas supply shortages during the heating season of 2019~2020 winter, the company has decided not to resume alumina production until early 2020.
Zhaofeng has one 400 ktpy and one 700 ktpy alumina production line, capacity which has been idle since August 2019 due to the weak market. The company produced 700 kt of alumina in 2018 and its 2019 output was 300 kt.
At present, mainstream alumina prices stand at RMB 2,580~2,630/t ex-works in Shanxi, a decline of RMB 10/t from early last week.