SMM News, August 31:
According to SMM statistics, primary aluminium output outside China in August 2026 fell 4.7% year‑on‑year, mainly due to lower operating rates at Middle Eastern smelters. The average daily production rose 2.1% month‑on‑month, supported by ongoing production restarts in the Middle East and output gains from capacity ramp‑ups at newly commissioned projects in Indonesia, Vietnam and India.
Key operational updates for overseas primary aluminium capacity in August are outlined below:
- On August 12, EGA’s semi‑annual results update revealed the production resumption progress at the Al Taweelah smelter, which was shut down following an attack on March 28. Out of the plant’s total 1,262 reduction cells, 227 had been restarted, representing around 280 ktpa of capacity. A full return to pre‑incident output is expected in Q1 2027, an earlier timeline than previously guided.
- On August 26, a fresh announcement from EGA showed the smelter had completed 25% of its reduction cell restart programme, with capacity recovery proceeding steadily. 315 out of 1,262 cells have been energised, equivalent to roughly 390 ktpa of capacity. To accelerate restart work, EGA carries out parallel repairs across three potlines: Potline 1, Potline 3 and Potline 2 were energised on 26 May, 13 July and 3 August respectively.
- Foreign media reported on August 29 that Slovalco commenced a gradual restart of its Žiar nad Hronom aluminium smelter. The first batch of reduction cells started up on 29 August. By the end of February 2027, 100 out of the 226 cells are scheduled to come online, delivering 75 ktpa capacity, versus the plant’s full‑nameplate capacity of 175 ktpa. The decision whether to restart the remaining 126 cells will hinge on future market conditions and the availability of competitively‑priced power.
Looking ahead to September 2026, production restarts in the Middle East are set to continue, while recently launched projects in Indonesia and India will keep ramping up, which is likely to push overseas average daily output higher. Nevertheless, several Middle Eastern projects have yet to release restart timelines, and some greenfield commissioning schedules have been delayed by construction bottlenecks. Significant uncertainty remains over overseas primary aluminium supply. Further official announcements from smelters in the Middle East, Indonesia and India will require close monitoring.
