Aluminum Prices Drop, Trading Sluggish in Central China Market

SPIC Inner Mongolia Company Huomei Hongjun Aluminum Power Company is actively advancing the mechanization upgrade of anode changing operations. By replacing traditional manual operations with multi-function unit grabs, it has achieved remote and precise cleaning of crust and sediment at the bottom of electrolysis cells. Operators control the entire process from a safe distance, fundamentally changing the previous high-risk mode of working close to high-temperature electrolysis cells with handheld shovels. Since the company launched the grab upgrade at the end of 2024, the results have been remarkable: the grab utilization rate has reached 87.8%, the average current efficiency of aluminum electrolysis cells has remained stable at 93.5%, anode changing workers have been reduced by one-third compared with previous levels, and labour intensity has dropped by more than 60%. According to estimates, each 0.1% improvement in current efficiency can raise annual aluminum production by more than 50 mt. Currently, the company is accelerating the repair and upgrade of the second batch of six multi-function unit grabs. Once all 12 units are put into use, anode changing operations will achieve a comprehensive upgrade that is more efficient and safer.

Alumina transaction: On August 13, 2026, 30,000 mt of alumina was traded at a transaction price of $374/mt CFR Malaysia, for August shipment.

Alumina transaction: On August 13, 2026, 30,000 mt of alumina was traded at a transaction price of $360/mt FOB Western Australia or $358/mt FOB Eastern Australia, for October shipment.