【SMM Aluminum Flash News】UN Selects 6 Nations for Support in Critical Mineral Development Amid Global Energy Transition

[SMM Aluminum Express News] New Zealand’s Tiwai Point aluminum smelter is operating at full production as stronger aluminum prices support export earnings, with the country’s aluminum exports reaching around NZ$2.2 billion. The Rio Tinto-owned New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) produces more than 335,000 tonnes/year, around 90% of which is exported, and is one of the world’s lower-carbon primary aluminum operations due to its predominantly renewable hydropower supply. Further upside to Tiwai production could come from restarting the currently idle Line 4 potline. Rio Tinto and Contact Energy signed a letter of intent in May for a new power agreement that could support a 2030 restart, adding approximately 30,000 tonnes/year of primary aluminum production and an estimated NZ$100 million/year in additional exports. Further upside to Tiwai production could come from restarting the currently idle Line 4 potline. Rio Tinto and Contact Energy signed a letter of intent in May for a new power agreement that could support a 2030 restart, adding approximately 30,000 tonnes/year of primary aluminum production and an estimated NZ$100 million/year in additional exports.

Odisha’s aluminium story is gaining another significant raw-material link, with the state government committing to provide local bauxite for Vedanta’s alumina refinery at Lanjigarh in Kalahandi. The commitment came during a September 26 meeting between Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal, as both sides discussed accelerating the company’s proposed INR 1 trillion (USD 10.42 billion) aluminium investments in the state. The focus on bauxite security is particularly relevant for Vedanta’s integrated aluminium operations in Odisha, where Lanjigarh serves as a major alumina-producing asset. The latest commitment comes alongside plans for new large-scale aluminium and alumina capacity in the state.

Greenland’s newly signed security agreement is bringing fresh attention to the island’s critical-minerals potential — and AnorTech is positioning its sustainable alumina project to benefit from the stronger investment environment. AnorTech has welcomed the Greenland Security Agreement signed by Greenland, Denmark and the United States at the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, saying the framework could strengthen the environment for critical-mineral development and secure supply chains. For AnorTech, the development comes as it advances its Gronne Bjerg anorthosite project and works towards commercialising a portfolio that includes zero-waste smelter-grade alumina (SGA) and high-purity alumina (HPA). The company said the agreement strengthens regional defence cooperation, affirms Greenland’s sovereignty and self-determination, and recognises the strategic importance of critical-mineral projects. AnorTech President Jim Cambon said the company expects increased investment in Greenland’s critical-mineral projects to follow.