SHANGHAI, Dec. 23 (SMM) – China’s alumina production hit record high of 4.4 million tonnes in November, SMM data showed. 

 

Strong alumina prices, high profit and strong demand from northeast China gave alumina refineries incentive to produce. 

 

Operating rates at Chinese alumina refineries rose 5 percentage points month-on-month to 86.4% in November, SMM survey showed. Shandong Xinfa Group, Bosai Minerals Group, among others, restarted idled capacity, while others, such as Shanxi Fusheng Aluminum Co. and Shandong Weiqiao Aluminum Co. put new capacity online. 

 

Prices for domestic alumina stayed high between 2,700-2,850 yuan ($439-463) per tonne, and profits in the industry ranged 200-600 yuan per tonne.