Jinbei Aluminum Industry Corporation to Double Alumina Capacity in 2008

SHANGHAI Oct.19 (CBI China)--In September 2007, the NDRC approved Jinbei Aluminum Industry Corporation’s alumina expansion project scheduled to begin later this year. The new 1 million mt p.a. alumina project will give the corporation a total alumina capacity of 2 million mt p.a. when the project is completed in late 2008.

The Chinese Central Government has tried since 2003 to restrain investment in the energy-intensive aluminum industry, but its efforts have been futile as smelters continue to expand capacity.  As a result, in 2008, China’s alumina capacity is expected to reach 36 million mt p.a.  China’s alumina output will likely reach 30 million tons in 2008, enough to produce 15 million tons of primary aluminum.