Rio Tinto Q1 2026 Aluminum Output Rises 1% Amid Stronger Alumina Production and Global Supply Tightness

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Canyon Resources is advancing its Minim Martap bauxite project in Cameroon with integrated mine-to-port logistics ahead of first production in late 2026. The company has increased stakes in Camrail (26.9%) and the Port of Douala operator (42.8%) to secure rail and export capacity. Trial mining began in April 2026, with rail, port, and rolling stock commissioning underway. First bauxite shipment is targeted for late September 2026, while offtake talks and a potential alumina refinery study (due Q3 2026) are ongoing. The project targets high-grade bauxite averaging ~51% alumina and ~2% silica.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Century Aluminum reported Q1 2026 results with net sales of $649.2M, net income of $337.5M, and adjusted EBITDA of $231.4M. Net income included one-time gains from the Hawesville asset sale and insurance compensation related to the Iceland equipment failure. Liquidity stood at $611M as of March-end. The company expects Q2 adjusted EBITDA of $315–335M, supported by higher aluminum prices and ramp-up at Mt. Holly.

Scientists at King's College London in the UK successfully developed a powerful new-type aluminum compound. The compound's unique triangular structure endows it with extraordinary stability and reactivity. With these properties, it can replace expensive and rare metals, thereby significantly reducing costs. This major discovery is expected to drive the emergence of more environmentally friendly and cost-effective industrial processes, and may even give rise to entirely new materials. The related research findings have been published in the latest issue of the journal *Nature Communications*.