Australia Alumina Exports To Rise 12%, A$5.6B in 2011 -Abare

SYDNEY, Sep 20, 2010 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- Australia's exports of alumina will rise 12% to A$5.6 billion in 2010-11 after a 17% fall to A$5 billion in the year to June 30, according to a report by a government statistical agency Tuesday.

Production of alumina, an intermediate-stage commodity in the production of aluminum from bauxite ore, rose 2% to 20.1 million tons in 2009-10 on the back of increased production at the Worsley and Gove refineries in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, and will likely rise 1% to 20.3 million tons in 2010-11 due to ramping up at the same refineries, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics said.

Australia's aluminum production fell 3% to 1.9 million tons over the past year thanks to lower production at Alcoa Inc.'s (AA) Portland smelter, and will likely be unchanged over the coming year.

Earnings from aluminum fell 19% to A$3.8 billion due to lower volumes and prices, but a small price increase over the coming year could add 2% to A$3.9 billion.