Primary aluminium inventory falls faster on the week

[SMM Aluminum Express News] New Zealand’s Tiwai Point aluminum smelter is operating at full production as stronger aluminum prices support export earnings, with the country’s aluminum exports reaching around NZ$2.2 billion. The Rio Tinto-owned New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) produces more than 335,000 tonnes/year, around 90% of which is exported, and is one of the world’s lower-carbon primary aluminum operations due to its predominantly renewable hydropower supply. Further upside to Tiwai production could come from restarting the currently idle Line 4 potline. Rio Tinto and Contact Energy signed a letter of intent in May for a new power agreement that could support a 2030 restart, adding approximately 30,000 tonnes/year of primary aluminum production and an estimated NZ$100 million/year in additional exports. Further upside to Tiwai production could come from restarting the currently idle Line 4 potline. Rio Tinto and Contact Energy signed a letter of intent in May for a new power agreement that could support a 2030 restart, adding approximately 30,000 tonnes/year of primary aluminum production and an estimated NZ$100 million/year in additional exports.

The United Nations has selected six countries across Africa and Asia to receive support in capturing greater value from critical minerals essential to the global energy transition. UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced on Wednesday that the initiative will initially benefit Indonesia, Zambia, Guinea, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and Nigeria. UN agencies will coordinate their efforts to help these nations develop relevant industries. Zambia is Africa's second-largest copper producer, while Zimbabwe is a major supplier of battery-grade lithium on the continent. Indonesia is the world's largest nickel producer, and Guinea is the leading producer of bauxite, while also possessing untapped critical mineral resources. Madagascar holds reserves of cobalt, graphite, and nickel. Nigeria's mineral resources remain largely undeveloped.

Odisha’s aluminium story is gaining another significant raw-material link, with the state government committing to provide local bauxite for Vedanta’s alumina refinery at Lanjigarh in Kalahandi. The commitment came during a September 26 meeting between Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal, as both sides discussed accelerating the company’s proposed INR 1 trillion (USD 10.42 billion) aluminium investments in the state. The focus on bauxite security is particularly relevant for Vedanta’s integrated aluminium operations in Odisha, where Lanjigarh serves as a major alumina-producing asset. The latest commitment comes alongside plans for new large-scale aluminium and alumina capacity in the state.