DGCX quarterly volumes see big jump in Q1 2015

[SMM Aluminum Express News] ABx Group advances Sunrise bauxite project in Queensland as environmental approval process enters public consultation. Australian bauxite developer ABx Group has reached a regulatory milestone for its Sunrise Bauxite Project at Binjour, Queensland, with its federal environmental referral now open for public comment until October 26, 2026. The project contains a 37 million mt JORC-compliant bauxite resource and is designed to produce approximately 600,000–800,000 mt/year, with potential output reaching 1.2 million mt/year and an expected mine life of 20–25 years. The proposed operation will initially focus on high-grade gibbsite-rich bauxite requiring only screening and sorting, with shipments planned through the Port of Bundaberg, approximately 115 km from the mine. ABx's development partner, Good Importing International (GII), has invested A$2.7 million in the project and secured a 70% interest in ABx3, the project-holding company. Environmental approvals remain targeted for 2027, meaning the project has not yet received final approval or commenced production. Once operational, Sunrise could provide an additional source of Australian metallurgical-grade bauxite for the seaborne alumina industry.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Vietnam's VCCI proposes eliminating aluminum export duties to support domestic producers. The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has urged the Ministry of Finance to reduce export duties from the proposed 1% to 0% for unwrought aluminum (HS 7601), aluminum bars, rods and profiles (HS 7604), and aluminum wire (HS 7605). The recommendation follows the Ministry's proposal to lower existing duties from 5% to 1%, as Vietnam seeks to ease inventory pressure and support domestic aluminum producers, particularly the newly operating Dak Nong aluminum smelter. VCCI also supported the proposed reduction in export duties on aluminum can-stock sheet from 20% to 0%. VCCI highlighted that aluminum supplied by domestic producers to export-processing enterprises and non-tariff zones is treated as an export and remains subject to export duties, while imported aluminum entering these zones can benefit from a 0% import tariff. Eliminating the export duty could improve the competitiveness of domestically produced aluminum, support sales negotiations for 2027 supply contracts and reduce inventory accumulation. The changes remain proposals and have not yet taken effect.