Bauxite prices in north China to rise on environmental inspections in Shanxi and Henan

SHANGHAI, Apr 14 (SMM) – As of April 12, bauxite in Xiaoyi, Shanxi with Al/Si ratio of 5 and alumina content of 58%, traded between 360-430 yuan/mt (excluding tax, delivery to factory). Bauxite in Sanmenxia, Henan with Al/Si ratio of 4 and alumina content of 56%, traded between 300-340 yuan/mt (including resource tax, excluding VAT, delivery to factory).

Prices of bauxite in Sanmenxia, Henan with Al/Si ratio of 5 and alumina content of 58%, were stable between 320-360 yuan/mt (including resource tax, excluding VAT, delivery to factory). Bauxite in Guizhou with Al/Si ratio of 6 traded between 260-300 yuan/mt (excluding tax). Prices of bauxite in Guangxi with Al/Si ratio of 6 were stable around 220 yuan/mt (excluding tax). Recently, the environmental protection inspection team has strengthened checks on mines in Henan and Shanxi. 

Mines in Henan that used to "mine while treating pollution” now have to “mine after pollution treatment”. Supply is expected to tighten in Q2, and this will provide support for ore prices. Jiaokou Xinfa is about to resume alumina production, which will boost demand for bauxite. Bauxite prices in north China are expected to rise slightly in April and May, while those in south China may remain stable. 

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