SHANGHAI Jun.1 (CBI China):Feicheng Minging Group’s subsidiary, Pingyin Aluminum Company Ltd., successfully started up 70 new aluminum cells. An additional 110 cells are now under construction or testing.

    When all 180 aluminum cells are operational, the new total capacity of Pingyin Aluminum will increase to 360kt p.a, and the expanded facility will produce aluminum for internal manufacturers of plate, wire, cast-rolling sheet and bar, aluminum sheet, strip and foil.

    CBI believes domestic market supply should increase during the remainder of 2007.  Aluminum smelters have been active in launching new expansion projects since 2006 due to the huge profit margins. Many small-sized smelters followed suit.