Alumina Production Was Sharply Cut Down by Heavy Rains in Shanxi

SHANGHAI, Oct 8 (SMM) – According to SMM survey, the open-pit bauxite mines in the Jinzhong area of Shanxi were basically suspended due to heavy rains. The bauxite inventories in some alumina plants that use domestic bauxite were less than ten days. At the same time, the roads were blocked, and the transportation efficiency of raw materials such as coal and caustic soda declined. The production capacities of some alumina plants dropped from 4,000 mt/day to the current 2,000 mt/day in September.

Xinfa Chemical in Xiaoyi area had to suspend an alumina production line with the capacity of 1.2 million mt/year as the rainwater flooded into the factory due to the low terrain. If the rainfall decreases in recent days, the water in the plant can be discharged in about 3 days and normal production can be restored.

The alumina plants in other areas in Shanxi are unaffected as they are located on higher geographical positions.

SMM will continue to monitor the impact of heavy rains on local open-pit mines in Shanxi, as well as the obstruction of the road transportation of raw materials and finished products.