February Aluminum Industry Average Cost Exceeds 7,700 yuan/mt

Indonesia's aluminum smelting industry is undergoing a massive expansion, with electricity supply emerging as the single most critical factor determining its success. Aluminum production is extremely power-intensive, requiring a steady, high-volume baseload of electricity for the electrolysis process, typically 12-15 MWh per tonne of primary aluminum produced. Any interruptions can halt operations and cause significant losses, making reliable 24/7 power non-negotiable.

Although Emirates Global Aluminium's core profit increased by 7% last year due to higher sales, the company suffered a major setback in Guinea—the local government revoked the bauxite concession of its subsidiary Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), resulting in an impairment loss of up to $765 million. The UAE opposed this decision, and Emirates Global Aluminium's President Bin Kalban revealed that consultations with Guinean authorities are still ongoing. In response to the supply disruption, Emirates Global Aluminium quickly launched a diversified supply strategy, signing alternative bauxite supply agreements with countries such as Australia and Ghana, which can currently meet over 70% of its raw material needs.

Recently, the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (TKV Group) held a special meeting to study the site selection for an aluminum smelter, officially disclosing that it will screen five potential sites to advance the construction project of an aluminum smelter with an annual capacity of 1 million mt. This project is not only a core initiative for TKV Group's aluminum industry layout but will also inject strong momentum into the socioeconomic development of the central-southern and Central Highlands regions of Vietnam.