The Weathering Product Minerals2010 Dr. B. C. PaulCredit is given particularly to the following sources, USGS, Mapofworld.com,

Weathering Can Enrich Minerals of Interest by Removing Other StuffMinerals that weather well may form Placer nuggetsGoldCassiterite (Tin)ZirconIllmeniteRutileDiamondsOften mixed with sand since quartz also weathers very well

Tropical Weathering Can Leave an Entire Mass of Depleted Soil and RockCalled LateritesNeed very wet cycleGood draining and a dry cycleNice warm temperaturesWet cycle leaches and soluabilizes ionsDry cycle brings them to the surfaceNext wet cycle can wash them awayNeed to have low erosion or everything can get washed away plains in stable continents in tropical areas are favorableLeaves silica, iron, alumina behindA lot formed in the Mesozoic Era was a major drop in world temp about 65 million years ago that we have never recovered from

Alumina Precipitates asGibbsite Al(OH)3, Diaspore AlO(OH), Boehemite AlO(OH) Mix often known as BauxiteEnriched in aluminum hydroxidesBecomes an ore of Aluminum

Major Bauxite Deposits

More Bauxite Deposits

Grade Tonnage Relationship for DepositsOver 28 Million tons above 45% Al2O3

Bauxite Production and ReservesProduction in MillionsOf TonsReserves in units of50 Million TonsReserveBaseIsHuge!

Chart1

61.3890.8622350.40.72.2218.52.0980.5521.211.40.5144.90.140.6718110.00860.00766.30.954375.230.0050.3505.50.03

158504617250164

Australia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brazil

Chinae

Dominican Republic

Ghana

Greece

Guinea4

Guyana4

Hungary

India

Indonesia

Iran

Jamaica4, 5

Kazakhstan

Malaysia

Montenegro

Mozambique

Pakistan

Russiae

Sierra Leone

Suriname

Tanzania

Turkey7

United States

Venezuela

Vietname

Other

Bauxite Production and Reserves

Text

Bauxite and Alumina in 2008

This workbook includes an embedded Word document and 10 tables (see tabs below).

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T1

TABLE 1

(Thousand metric tons)

20042005200620072008

United States:

Exports, as shipped:

Crude and dried4234201514

Calcined211814810

Imports for consumption, as shipped:

Crude and dried9,64011,80011,6009,84010,500

Calcined8008187528081,110

Consumption, dry equivalent13,60012,40012,30010,200r9,550

World, production164,000179,000192,000r201,000r205,000e

T2

TABLE 2

(Thousand metric tons)

20042005200620072008

United States:

Production:

Calcined alumina4,9904,7504,6103,7703,900

529708618717610

Total:

5,5205,4605,2304,4904,510

Calcined equivalent5,3505,2204,7004,240e4,300

Shipments:

Calcined alumina5,0004,7604,5803,7703,910

716658564667582

Total:

5,7205,4205,1504,4404,490

Calcined equivalent5,4905,1904,6704,2004,280

957834942437636

Imports for consumption1,6501,8601,8602,4402,530

Exports1,2301,2101,5401,1601,150

World, production61,700r64,400r71,500r77,000r81,600

T3

TABLE 3

(Thousand metric tons per year)

Company and plant20072008

Alcoa Inc., Point Comfort, TX2,3002,300

1,2501,250

Ormet Corp., Burnside, LA600600

1,6001,600

Total5,7505,750

T4

TABLE 4

U.S. CONSUMPTION OF BAUXITE,

(Thousand metric tons, dry equivalent)

Industry20072008

AbrasiveWW

Alumina9,830r9,310

ChemicalWW

RefractoryWW

Total10,200r9,550

data, included in Total.

may not add to totals shown.

T5

TABLE 5

(Dollars per metric ton)

20072008

Port ofDelivered toPort ofDelivered to

shipmentU.S. portsshipmentU.S. ports

Country

Australia23.8136.31NANA

Brazil38.8151.5838.6653.37

Guinea32.9748.4335.0447.50

Guyana40.0154.4437.1152.69

Jamaica20.4023.8121.3526.02

Weighted average31.2042.9126.4335.92

NA Not available.

U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce. Not adjusted for moisture content of bauxite or

differences in methods used by importers to determine value of individual shipments.

T6

TABLE 6

U.S. EXPORTS AND IMPORTS

FOR CONSUMPTION OF BAUXITE,

(Thousand metric tons)

Country20072008

Exports:

Belgium1--

Canada118

Germany11

Ireland(3)3

Venezuela(3)1

Other22

Total1514

Imports:

Brazil1,4101,940

Guinea1,9602,350

Guyana903723

4,4504,430

Sierra Leone832779

Other290260

Total9,84010,500

-- Zero.

may not add to totals shown.

Note: Total U.S. imports of crude and dried bauxite as

reported by the U.S. Census Bureau were as follows:

20078.68 million metric tons (Mt) and 20089.94 Mt.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau.

T7

TABLE 7

(Thousand metric tons and thousand dollars)

20072008

Refractory gradeOther gradeRefractory gradeOther grade

CountryQuantityQuantityQuantityQuantity

Exports:

Canada33791687727(3)9

Mexico127236911525(3)130

Other(3)53(3)81184(3)123

Total4705483991,3401262

Imports:

Australia----17413,000----1623,430

Brazil9339,7001456912558,500272,590

China11817,600477,22017763,1006614,300

Greece351,420542,720281,610----

Guyana366,3202129,6803913,80030514,500

Other----231,120r11001786,490

Total28265,00052534,300r370137,00073841,300

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

T8

TABLE 8

U.S. EXPORTS AND IMPORTS FOR CONSUMPTION OF ALUMINA,

(Thousand metric tons, calcined equivalent, and thousand dollars)

20072008

CountryQuantityQuantity

Exports:

Canada443r203,000629244,000

China1415,4001124,300

Iceland308108,00031199,100

Japan1586,0001040,600

Mexico50r38,8005439,100

Netherlands37,5202817,300

Norway22574,1003413,300

Other105r176,00072207,000

Total1,160709,0001,150684,000

Imports:

Australia833265,000930307,000

Brazil390142,000523207,000

Canada6754,3004940,200

Germany92106,00074103,000

Jamaica620250,000468173,000

Suriname28194,50026486,500

Venezuela7725,20015466,300

Other77103,00072121,000

Total2,4401,040,0002,5301,100,000

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

T9

TABLE 9

(Thousand metric tons)

Country2004200520062007

Australia56,59359,95961,78062,398r61,3893

Bosnia and Herzegovina9171,032854r867r860

Brazil20,95022,03422,05522,10022,000

17,00022,00027,00030,00035,000

Dominican Republic79535500e500e400

Ghana498607842748r700

Greece2,4442,4952,1632,2202,220

15,25416,81718,784r18,519r18,500

1,5061,6481,5581,6002,0983

Hungary647535e538546550

India11,28512,38513,94020,343r21,2103

Indonesia1,3311,4421,5021,2511,400

Iran420438500e500e500

13,29614,11614,86514,56814,000

Kazakhstan4,7054,815r4,884r4,943r4,900

Malaysia2592157r140

Montenegro6106726659667r6723

Mozambique710119r9

Pakistan57788

6,0006,4006,6006,4006,300

Sierra Leone----1,071r1,169r9543

Suriname4,0524,7574,9244,9005,230

Tanzania--2555

366475771344r350

United StatesNANANANANA

Venezuela5,8425,9005,9285,9005,500

20263303030

Total164,000179,000192,000r201,000r205,000

204,92423,800,000

Australia61.3891587,900,00061,389158000

Bosnia and Herzegovina0.86860

Brazil22502,500,00022,00050000

35462,300,00035,00046000

Dominican Republic0.4400

Ghana0.7700

Greece2.222,220

18.51728,600,00018,500172000

2.0982,098

Hungary0.55550

India21.2121,210

Indonesia1.41,400

Iran0.5500

14502,500,00014,00050000

Kazakhstan4.94,900

Malaysia0.14140

Montenegro0.671811672

Mozambique0.00869

Pakistan0.00768

6.36,300

Sierra Leone0.95437954

Suriname5.235,230

Tanzania0.0055

0.35350

United States0NA

Venezuela5.55,500

0.0330

Other1648,200,000164000

T9

Australia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brazil

Chinae

Dominican Republic

Ghana

Greece

Guinea4

Guyana4

Hungary

India

Indonesia

Iran

Jamaica4, 5

Kazakhstan

Malaysia

Montenegro

Mozambique

Pakistan

Russiae

Sierra Leone

Suriname

Tanzania

Turkey7

United States

Venezuela

Vietname

Other

Bauxite Reserves and Production

T10

Australia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brazil

Chinae

Dominican Republic

Ghana

Greece

Guinea4

Guyana4

Hungary

India

Indonesia

Iran

Jamaica4, 5

Kazakhstan

Malaysia

Montenegro

Mozambique

Pakistan

Russiae

Sierra Leone

Suriname

Tanzania

Turkey7

United States

Venezuela

Vietname

Other

Bauxite Production and Reserves

TABLE 10

(Thousand metric tons)

Country20042005200620072008

Australia16,70017,70418,31218,84419,321

Azerbaijan232315363185180e

Bosnia and Herzegovina360450390r304r340e

Brazil5,3005,3006,7936,8907,000

Canada1,1701,2141,281r1,300r, e1,310e

6,99048,61013,70019,50022,800

300200200200200

Germany1,174r1,255r1,393r1,388r1,395

Greece750750750750750

Guinea887740545r542r500e

300270r270300r330

2,6002,7002,8002,9003,000

1374200250250250

1,1001,1001,1001,1001,800

Italy1,1141,0931,1591,3271,330e

Jamaica4,0234,0864,0993,9414,0004

380r350r330r300r320

Kazakhstan1,4681,5051,5151,5561,713

Montenegro24562356236r240220

Romania560689622237--

Russia3,2693,2593,2653,300e3,200e

Slovakia157r162r161160163

3030303030

1,4001,4001,4001,4001,400

Suriname2,0391,9442,1532,2001,953

Turkey170e113150160e160e

Ukraine1,5631,6321,6721,700e1,700e

888427427

United States5,3505,2204,7004,240r4,300

Venezuela1,900e1,9201,8921,900e1,900e

Total61,700r64,400r71,500r77,000r81,600

exceptions, if known, are noted.

not adequate to formulate estimates of production levels. Production of aluminum hydroxide, in metric tons: 2004750,000;

2005740,000; 2006720,000; 2007700,000; and 2008700,000.

MBD0059EC7B.doc

Bauxite and Alumina

By E. Lee Bray

Domestic survey data and tables were prepared by Monica D. Ziegler, statistical assistant, and the world production tables were prepared by Lisa D. Miller, international data coordinator.

In 2008, almost all the 9.55 million metric tons (Mt) of bauxite consumed in the United States was imported. World production totaled 205 Mt; the leading producing countries were Australia, China, and Brazil. U.S. production of alumina (calcined equivalent) was 4.30 Mt. Of the 4.28 Mt of alumina (calcined equivalent) shipped by domestic producers in 2008, an estimated 91% was used for metal production. World production of alumina was estimated to be 81,600 Mt; China, Australia, and Brazil were the leading producing countries.

Production

Bauxite.For many years, domestic mines have supplied less than 1% of the U.S. requirement for bauxite, and all the domestic bauxite production was used in nonmetallurgical products, such as abrasives, chemicals, proppants, and refractories. Thus, the United States imported almost all the bauxite, especially metallurgical grade, that it required.

Alumina.U.S. production of alumina, which was derived exclusively from imported metallurgical-grade bauxite, was slightly higher than that of 2007 (table 2). During the first half of the year, rising prices for alumina and aluminum resulted in high production rates at operating refineries. However, as prices declined in the second half of the year, and especially during the fourth quarter, output declined, and there was no expectation that previously idled capacity would reopen in the near term.

In October, Alcoa Inc. announced that it was reducing alumina production at its 2.3-million-metric-ton-per-year (Mt/yr) refinery in Point Comfort, TX, by an additional 550,000 metric tons per year (t/yr). In 2006, Alcoa had closed one of six digesters. Reduced demand and lower prices for alumina and aluminum during the second half of 2008 were cited as reasons for the production cut (Alcoa Inc., 2008d; 2008e, p. 23).

Consumption

Bauxite.Domestic production and consumption data for bauxite and alumina were obtained by the U.S. Geological Survey from three voluntary surveys. The Bauxite Consumption survey was sent to 31 operations, 24 of which responded, representing approximately 89% of the bauxite consumed for uses other than cement listed in table 4.

Total domestic consumption of bauxite declined by 7% compared with that of 2007 as a result of cutbacks at alumina refineries during the second half of the year. In 2008, 98% of the bauxite consumed in the United States was refined to alumina [an estimated 2.17 metric tons (t) of dried bauxite was required to produce 1 t of alumina]; the remaining 2% was consumed in nonmetallurgical applications (table 4).

Alumina.An estimated 94% of the imported alumina and alumina shipped by U.S. alumina refineries went to primary aluminum smelters for metal production. In 2008, 14 domestic primary aluminum smelters consumed 5.32 Mt of alumina, an increase of 4% compared with the amount of alumina consumed in 2007. Consumption of various forms of alumina by the abrasives, chemicals, refractories, and other specialty industries accounted for the remainder of U.S. alumina use.

Prices

Most metallurgical-grade bauxite and alumina were purchased under long-term contracts. Contract terms for these mineral commodities normally were not made public. Spot prices for metallurgical-grade alumina and specialty forms of bauxite and alumina for nonmetallurgical applications, however, were published in trade journals.

Industrial Minerals (2008) quoted yearend prices for refractory-grade bauxite in China, 88% Al2O3 free on board (f.o.b.) ports, were as follows: Shanxi, round kiln, lump, $610 to $620 per metric ton; Shanxi, rotary kiln, lump, $610 to $620 per ton; and Guizhou, rotary kiln, lump, $410 to $430 per ton. The quoted f.o.b. price range for Guyanese refractory-grade bauxite was $540 to $570 per ton. The 2008 annual average values of U.S. imports of metallurgical-grade bauxite are listed in table 5.

Alumina prices generally followed the trend in aluminum prices. According to Metal Bulletin Ltd., metallurgical-grade alumina spot prices on international markets started 2008 in the range of $350 to $370 per ton and increased to $390 to $420 per ton by the end of January owing to firm demand by aluminum smelters worldwide. The price reached the $400- to $420-per-ton range by the end of April and by the beginning of July reached a range of $420 to $450 per ton. Prices gradually declined starting in mid-August to reach $340- to $360-per-ton range in mid-October. During the last 2.5 months of the year, prices declined dramatically to the $210- to $240-per-ton range in concert with the growing credit crisis and general collapse in commodity prices. Trade data released by the U.S. Census Bureau indicated that the 2008 annual average value of U.S. imports of calcined alumina was $403 per ton cost, insurance, and freight at U.S. ports.

World Industry Structure

Production.In 2008, world production of bauxite increased by 2% compared with that of 2007 (table 9). Mine production of 205 Mt was reported from 26 countries. The leading producers of bauxite, in decreasing order of tonnage mined, were Australia, China, Brazil, India, and Guinea. These countries accounted for more than three-quarters of total world production.

World output of alumina increased by 6% in 2008 compared with that of 2007 (table 10). The five principal producing countries, in descending order of quantity of alumina produced, China, Australia, Brazil, the United States, and Jamaica, accounted for 70% of world production; China and Australia together accounted for more than 50%.

Mergers, Acquisitions, and Restructuring.In November 2007, BHP Billiton Ltd. approached Rio Tinto plc with a takeover offer that was rejected by Rio Tintos board of directors. BHP Billiton then made a public offer to the shareholders of Rio Tinto. In November 2008, BHP Billiton withdrew its offer to purchase Rio Tinto, citing the debt of Rio Tinto as unacceptable in light of the credit crisis developing during the fourth quarter (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2008b, d). Alcoa and Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd. (Chinalco) jointly acquired 12% of the stock of Rio Tinto (Alcoa Inc., 2008b).

World Review

Australia.The Government of Australia proposed a cap-and-trade plan in an effort to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Because aluminum smelters and alumina refineries are energy intensive and produce carbon dioxide and fluoride compounds, costs to the industry could be higher than for other industries. However, the proposal included provisions for the aluminum industry to mitigate these cost increases during the first several years if it is enacted (Department of Climate Change [Australia], 2008).

On June 3, Alcoa declared a force majeure on alumina contracts with its refineries in Western Australia as a result of an explosion at a natural gas facility owned by Apache Corp. (Houston, TX). Apache was one of two gas suppliers to Alcoas refineries at Kwinana, Pinjarra, and Wagerup, which have a combined alumina capacity of 7.8 Mt/yr. The other supplier was still able to deliver gas to the refineries; the full impact of the gas shortage on alumina production was not announced. Apache resumed limited gas production in August, but full production was not expected until mid-2009 (Alcoa Inc., 2008c; Apache Corp., 2009).

In November, Alcoa announced that it was postponing expansion work on the Wagerup refinery until market conditions improve. The proposed project, which was originally scheduled to begin in 2010, would expand capacity of the refinery to 4.7 Mt/yr from 2.4 Mt/yr (Alcoa Inc., 2008f).

In May, BHP Billiton started an expansion and modernization project at the Worsley refinery. The project would increase refinery capacity to 4.6 Mt/yr from 3.5 Mt/yr and was scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2011. In addition to new refining capacity, the project would also involve expanding mining capacity and upgrading port facilities. The project remained on schedule despite the fourth quarter decline in alumina prices and the financial crisis (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2008a, 2009a).

Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. completed the expansion of the Gove refinery to 3.8 Mt/yr from 2 Mt/yr and began production in the second quarter of 2008. Production was halted at the 1.4-Mt/yr Yarwun refinery for about a month owing to a blockage in the waste pipeline, which occurred in July. Work continued on expansion of the Yarwun refinery to 3.4 Mt/yr, and initial production was expected in the second half of 2010, with full production expected in 2011. Rio Tinto Alcan started a feasibility study for an expansion of the Weipa mine. If approved, the capacity of the mine would increase to 35 Mt/yr from 18 Mt/yr (Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008b, c, p. 3-4).

Chinalco planned to start construction of a 10-Mt/yr bauxite mine at the Aurukun deposit and a 2.1-Mt/yr alumina refinery at Gladstone by yearend (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008e).

Brazil.Companhia Brasileira de Alumnio began production at the Mira Mine in August. Capacity of the mine was 1.85 Mt/yr with possible expansion to 5 Mt/yr (Companhia Brasileira de Alumnio, 2008).

In the second quarter, Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (Vale) completed construction of the Paragominas II Mine, which had a capacity of 4.5 Mt/yr. Vale and its partners, Dubai Aluminum Co. Ltd. (Dubal) and Norsk Hydro Inc., began constructing a refinery in Barcarena during the fourth quarter. The initial capacity of the refinery would be 1.9 Mt/yr with completion and production to begin in early 2012. Bauxite for the refinery would come from the nearby Paragominas III Mine, which would have a capacity of 5 Mt/yr when completed in the second half of 2012 (Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, 2008, 2009).

Expansion of the Alunorte refinery was completed and production began in August. The capacity of the refinery, owned by Vale and Norsk Hydro, was increased to 6.3 Mt/yr from 4.4 Mt/yr (Norsk Hydro Inc., 2008).

Despite lower alumina prices and the financial crisis, Alcoa continued to construct the Juruti bauxite mine in Para State and to expand the Alumar refinery in Sao Luis with expected completion in the first half of 2009. The mine would have a capacity of 2.6 Mt/yr, and the refinery capacity would increase to 3.5 Mt/yr from 1.4 Mt/yr (Alcoa Inc., 2009). The expansion project at the Alumar refinery, jointly owned by Alcoa and BHP Billiton, was on schedule for completion in mid-2009 (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2008c).

Cameroon.Dubal, Hindalco Industries Ltd., and Hydromine Ltd. created a joint venture to mine bauxite and refine alumina in Cameroon. The project, which would produce 3.2 Mt/yr of bauxite from a mine near the refinery, was scheduled to be completed in 2013 (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008i).

China.In January, the Government eliminated the 3% import tariff on alumina. Cold weather forced numerous aluminum smelters to reduce production as electricity was rationed, resulting in reduced demand for alumina during the first quarter (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008j). In February, China announced that preferential pricing of electricity for aluminum smelters and alumina refineries would be eliminated in response to power shortages (Thompson Financial News Ltd., 2008).

An earthquake in Sichuan Province on May 12 reportedly damaged the 100,000-t/yr Aba aluminum smelter and reduced the rate of production to 50,000 t/yr. Although three other smelters in the province reported that they had no damage, concerns about damage to railroads that delivered alumina to the smelters and hauled ingot to customers resulted in a temporary increase in prices in Chinese markets and on the London Metal Exchange Ltd. (LME) (Platts Metals Week, 2008b). The Chongqing alumina refinery, which was under construction, also suffered damage from the earthquake. Chinalco started cleanup efforts immediately, and construction resumed on the 800,000 t/yr refinery with the goal of reaching full production in 2009 (Aluminum Corp. of China Inc., 2008b).

In February, the 1.6-Mt/yr Guangxi Huayin refinery, completed at yearend 2007, was put into full operation (Aluminum Corp. of China Inc., 2008a). Chinalco also commissioned a bauxite mine with a capacity of 2.1 Mt/yr to supply the refinery (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008f). Work continued on the Zunyi alumina refinery, which would have a capacity of 800,000 t/yr when completed in late 2009 or early 2010 (Aluminum Corp. of China Inc., 2009, p. 51, 55). Chinalco planned two additional refinery increasesthe Zhongzhou refinery was to be expanded to 2.7 Mt/yr from 2 Mt/yr, and a new 800,000-t/yr alumina refinery and an adjacent bauxite mine were planned in Shanxi Province; construction schedules were not provided (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008d, f).

Coalmine Aluminium Co. completed an expansion to its refinery, increasing capacity to 1.6 Mt/yr from 1.2 Mt/yr (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008a). In January, Yangquan Coal Corp. started production from its new 400,000-t/yr refinery, and construction on a second phase began in the second half of the year with capacity expected to reach 800,000 t/yr in early 2009 and 1.2 Mt/yr in 2010 (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008b, c). In June, East Hope Group Ltd. completed expansion of its refinery in Henan Province to 2.1 Mt/yr from 1.6 Mt/yr (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008f).

Zhaofeng Aluminium and Electricity Group started construction of the second phase of its refinery that would increase capacity to 800,000 t/yr from 400,000 t/yr. Guizhou Guangly Aluminium Co. Ltd. began construction of a bauxite mine with a capacity of 1.6 Mt/yr in Qingzhen, Guizhou Province; the construction schedule was not announced (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008c). Yimei Group Ltd. was expanding its alumina refinery to 600,000 t/yr from 200,000 t/yr with startup scheduled for mid-2009 (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008g). Shandong Xinfa Aluminium Electricity Group Co. was building a 1.6-Mt/yr refinery in Jingxi. Full production was expected in 2009 (Boyko, 2008).

Shanxi Wusheng Aluminium Ltd. received regulatory approval to expand its refinery in Shanxi Province to 500,000 t/yr from 200,000 t/yr. A construction schedule was not announced (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008a). Yunnan Aluminium Co. announced that it planned to build an 800,000-t/yr refinery in Yunnan Province by yearend 2009 (American Metal Market, 2008).

Mengxi High and New Technology Co. Ltd. started construction of an alumina refinery at Erdos, Inner Mongolia. The refinery would have a capacity of 400,000 t/yr and reportedly would be the first refinery in the world to use fly ash from a coal-fired powerplant as the source of alumina (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008e).

Dominican Republic.Sierra Bauxita Dominica SA halted mining in October when the Government expropriated bauxite stockpiles at the Cabo Rojo port, and a new mining concession was not issued to the company. Production in 2007 was estimated to be 500,000 metric tons (Charles Speltz, vice president of Operations, Sierra Bauxita Dominica SA, written commun., October 23, 2008).

Ghana.In June, Alcoa sold its 10% share of the idle 200,000-t/yr Volta Aluminum Co. (VALCO) smelter to the Government of Ghana. The smelter had been closed since March 2007 owing to low water levels at the Volta Dam, the power source for the smelter (Kpodo, 2008). The Government planned to restart the smelter using power from the Volta Dam and a new powerplant that would use natural gas from Nigeria. The Government said that a bauxite mine and alumina refinery would be built to supply the smelter in the future; no plans were detailed for the restart and proposed mine and refinery (Mineprocessing.com, 2008).

Guinea.Following the death of President Lansana Conte in December, the new Government announced plans to review all contracts with mining companies operating in Guinea. Among the companies notified of the Governments review were Alcoa, Rio Tinto Alcan, and United Company Rusal (Rusal), which have bauxite interests in the country; Rusal also owns a 640,000-t/yr alumina refinery at Friguia (Matthews, 2008).

Global Alumina Corp. continued with a feasibility study for a refinery in Guinea. The refinery would have an initial capacity of 3.3 Mt/yr with possible expansion to 5 Mt/yr. If constructed, startup was slated for late 2011. The project was a joint venture with BHP Billiton, Dubal, and Mubadala Development Co. (Global Alumina Corp., 2008).

Guyana.China-based Chongqing Bosai Minerals Group Co. Ltd. (Bosai) and the Government of Guyana signed an agreement to construct a 1-Mt/yr alumina refinery. Construction was expected to start in 2009 with completion in mid-2011. Bosai would own 70%, and the Government would own 30% of the refinery (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008h).

India.National Aluminum Co. Ltd. (Nalco) was expanding capacity of the Damanjodi refinery to 2.1 Mt/yr from 1.58 Mt/yr. A further expansion project for the refinery was being planned to increase capacity to 3 Mt/yr; a construction schedule was not announced. Nalco was also expanding capacity of the Panchpatmali bauxite mine to 6.3 Mt/yr from 4.8 Mt/yr, with further expansion to 9 Mt/yr being planned. Although the initial refinery and mine expansions were slated to be completed by yearend, no details had been announced. Nalco was also negotiating with the Andhra Pradesh State government for permits to develop a 4.2-Mt/yr bauxite mine and construct a 1.4-Mt/yr alumina refinery (National Aluminum Co. Ltd., 2008).

Hindalco Industries Inc. progressed on several projects. Expansion of the Muri refinery was completed and production initiated, increasing capacity to 450,000 t/yr from 110,000 t/yr. Construction of the 1.5-Mt/yr Utkal refinery was underway and was scheduled for completion in early 2011. Mining of bauxite adjacent to the refinery was expected to start by yearend 2009. Work progressed on the Aditya aluminum complex that included an alumina refinery with a capacity of 1 to 1.5 Mt/yr, an aluminum smelter with a capacity of 260,000 to 359,000 t/yr, and a captive powerplant. Initial smelter production was scheduled for October 2011, and initial production from the refinery was expected by January 2013. Hindalco was seeking permits to mine bauxite adjacent to the Belgaum refinery as part of an expansion plan to increase refining capacity to 450,000 t/yr from 110,000 t/yr (Hindalco Industries Ltd., 2008).

Vedanta Resources plc was moving forward with a staged expansion of the Lanjiarh alumina refinery to 5 Mt/yr from 1.4 Mt/yr. The first stage would add 600,000 t/yr of capacity by March 2010. An additional digester would add 1 Mt/yr of capacity by mid-2010, with two more 1-Mt/yr digesters to be completed by mid-2011 (Vedanta Resources plc, 2008).

Indonesia.State-owned PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) announced plans to complete construction of a 300,000-t/yr alumina refinery in 2012 (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008g).

Italy.In the fourth quarter, Rusal closed 550,000 t/yr of production capacity at the Eurallumina refinery in Porto Vesme in response to decreased alumina prices. The refinery had a capacity of 1.1 Mt/yr (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008k).

Jamaica.In December, Rusal closed 420,000 t/yr of production capacity at the Kirkvine and Ewarton refineries in response to decreased alumina prices. The refineries had a combined capacity of 1.2 Mt/yr (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008k).

In March, Century Aluminum announced that it was conducting a feasibility study for a 1.5-Mt/yr refinery and that it had secured bauxite reserves to supply the proposed refinery. Further details on the project schedule were not announced (Platts Metals Week, 2008a).

Russia.Rusal sold the Pikalyovo refinery to Basel Cement. The refinery had produced alumina from nepheline syenite and had a capacity of 300,000 t/yr but had been closed since 2006 because the price of nepheline rose to unprofitable levels. After the sale, the refinery was converted to produce cement (United Company Rusal, 2008b).

Rusal and Gazprom signed an agreement for gas supplies for the Komi alumina refinery that was under construction. Construction had started in May 2007 but was put on hold during the negotiations for gas that lasted more than a year. Construction was expected to resume in 2009. When completed, the refinery would have a capacity of 1.4 Mt/yr (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008g).

Saudi Arabia.Rio Tinto Alcan withdrew from its plan to invest in a joint venture with Saudi Arabian Mining Co. (Maaden) to build an aluminum complex that included a 3-Mt/yr bauxite mine, a 1.6-Mt/yr alumina refinery, and a 720,000-t/yr smelter at Az Zabirah. Rio Tinto Alcan was continuing to provide technical support as Maaden continued to plan the operation. Plans for the complex were being revised in light of global economic conditions with completion projected in 2012 (Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008a).

Sierra Leone.Titanium Resources Group Ltd. sold its bauxite mine to Vimetco in July. The mine has a capacity of 1.2 Mt/yr (Vimetco N.V., 2008).

Suriname.BHP Billiton canceled plans for the Bakhuis bauxite project and planned to close operations at the Paranam refinery when the companys bauxite reserves are mined out in 2010 (Freed, 2008; BHP Billiton Ltd., 2009b, p. 8).

Vietnam.Vietnam National Coal-Minerals Industries Group (Vinacomin) signed an agreement for Chinalco to construct a 600,000-t/yr refinery in Dak Nong Province. The refinery and adjacent bauxite mine would be completed in 2010 and could be expanded to 1.8 Mt/yr by 2015 (CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008f). Vinacomin was developing a bauxite mine and a 600,000-t/yr alumina refinery in Lam Dong Province with projected completion in 2010 (Intellasia News Services, 2008).

Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals (AWAC) signed an agreement with Vinacomin to study the feasibility of constructing a 600,000-t/yr refinery at Nhan Co in Dak Nong Province. If constructed, ownership of the refinery and adjacent bauxite mine would be Vinacomin (51%), AWAC (40%), and other investors (9%). AWAC and Vinacomin also agreed to conduct studies on the Gia Nghia bauxite mine and alumina refinery, also located in Dak Nong Province. The refinery would have a capacity of 1 to 1.5 Mt/yr if constructed (Alcoa Inc., 2008a).

Rusal and An Vien Group Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a bauxite mine and alumina refining complex in Binh Phuoc. A feasibility study was expected to be completed by yearend 2010, and construction would begin in early 2012 if the project proves to be feasible. The refinery would have a capacity of 1.5 Mt/yr (United Company Rusal, 2008a).

Outlook

Demand for bauxite and alumina was expected to closely follow the downward trend of the aluminum market. During the fourth quarter of 2008 and early in 2009, alumina demand dropped sharply as numerous smelter closures were announced, prices continued to decline, and several mining and refining companies announced reduced production. World demand for bauxite and alumina was expected to remain at levels sharply lower than in prior years owing to declines in aluminum demand from numerous consumers worldwide. Consumer credit issues in the United States and Western Europe continued into 2009, resulting in reduced manufacturing of automobiles as well as home construction compared with that of prior years. Decreased consumption of aluminum in developed economies because of the economic events of 2008 could result in bauxite and alumina production remaining below the 2008 production level for the next several years. The impact of the global recession was also expected to reduce demand for aluminum in emerging economies as manufacturers that sell goods to the United States and other developed economies reduce output. Credit constraints threaten to reduce consumption of aluminum for infrastructure projects in developing nations as well as cause delays in mine and refinery expansion projects in many parts of the world. Projects in locations with high-grade bauxite deposits were still expected to move forward if they were projected to be in the lowest quartile of production costs. Adjacent alumina refineries were expected to be constructed at most new bauxite mines, and in some places, even aluminum smelters are being constructed near bauxite deposits. Further near-term cuts by domestic refiners were expected in response to weak demand.

References Cited

Alcoa Inc., 2008e, Focused on sustainable growth2007 annual report: Pittsburgh, PA, Alcoa Inc., March 5, 86 p.

Alcoa Inc., 2008a, Alcoa announces cooperation agreement with Vietnam on development of bauxite mining and alumina refineries: Washington, DC, Alcoa Inc. news release, June 24, 1 p.

Alcoa Inc., 2008b, Alcoa Inc. partners with Chinalco to acquire a 12% stake in Rio Tinto: New York, NY, Alcoa Inc. news release, February 1, 1 p.

Alcoa Inc., 2008d, Alcoa of Australia declares force majeure: New York, NY, Alcoa Inc. news release, June 10, 1 p.

Alcoa Inc., 2008e, Alcoa to reduce production at Pt. Comfort, TX refinery 25%: Pittsburgh, PA, Alcoa Inc. news release, October 23, 1 p.

Alcoa Inc., 2008f, Global financial crisis puts Wagerup 3 on hold: Applecross, Western Australia, Australia, Alcoa Inc. news release, November 11, 1 p.

Alcoa Inc., 2009, Alcoa reports 4th quarter 2008 results: Pittsburgh, PA, Alcoa Inc. news release, January 12, 9 p.

Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd., 2008a, First phase of Hua Yin alumina project put into operation: Beijing, China, Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd., press release, February 25, 2 p.

Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd., 2008b, General manager Xiao Yaqing guided the earthquake reconstruction work and offered consolation to the workers in Chongqing branch: Beijing, China, Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd., press release, June 6, 1 p.

Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd., 2009, 2008 annual report: Beijing, China, Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd., April 14, 256 p.

American Metal Market, 2008, Yunnan Aluminium plans 800,000t alumina refinery: American Metal Market, v. 116, no. 23-3, June 11, p. 11.

Apache Corp., 2009, Apache reports strong first quarter operating results in the face of substantially lower commodity prices: Houston, TX, Apache Corp. news release, April 30, 7 p.

BHP Billiton Ltd., 2008a, BHP Billiton approves Worsley alumina efficiency and growth project: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, BHP Billiton Ltd. news release, May 1, 1 p.

BHP Billiton Ltd., 2008b, BHP Billiton offer for Rio Tinto lapses: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, BHP Billiton Ltd. news release, November 27, 1 p.

BHP Billiton Ltd., 2008c, BHP Billiton quarterly report on exploration and development activities quarter ended 31 March 2008: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, BHP Billiton Ltd. news release, April 23, 2 p.

BHP Billiton Ltd., 2008d, Our offer for Rio Tinto: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, BHP Billiton Ltd. news release, February 6, 2 p.

BHP Billiton Ltd., 2009a, BHP Billiton quarterly report on exploration and development activitiesQuarter ended 31 December 2008: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, BHP Billiton Ltd. news release, January 21, 4 p.

BHP Billiton Ltd., 2009b, BHP Billiton results for the half-year ended 31 December 2008: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, BHP Billiton Ltd. news release, February 4, 33 p.

Boyko, Eugene, 2008, Xinfa Aluminium and Electricity Group builds aluminous factory: Xinfa Motor.com, September 12. (Accessed July 8, 2009, at http://www.xinfamotor.com/?p=20.)

Companhia Brasileira de Alumnio, 2008, CBA expande producao de bauxita: Sao Paolo, Brazil, Companhia Brasileira de Alumnio news release, August 25, 1 p.

Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, 2008, Vale has approved bauxite and alumina projects: Rio de Janerio, Brazil, Companhia Vale do Rio Doce news release, September 24, 1 p.

Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, 2009, Form 20-F: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, April 28, 67 p. plus appendix.

CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008a, Industry news: CRU Alumina Monitor, January, p. 5-6.

CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008b, Industry news: CRU Alumina Monitor, March, p. 5-6.

CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008c, Industry news: CRU Alumina Monitor, April, p. 7-8.

CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008d, Industry news: CRU Alumina Monitor, May, p. 5-6.

CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008e, Industry news: CRU Alumina Monitor, June, p. 7-8.

CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008f, Industry news: CRU Alumina Monitor, July, p. 5-6.

CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008g, Industry news: CRU Alumina Monitor, August, p. 5-7.

CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008h, Industry news: CRU Alumina Monitor, October, p. 7-8.

CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008i, Industry news: CRU Alumina Monitor, November, p. 5.

CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008j, Market summary: CRU Alumina Monitor, January, p. 2-3.

CRU Alumina Monitor, 2008k, UC Rusal curtails alumina capacity at Eurallumina and Windalco: CRU Alumina Monitor, December, p. 3.

Department of Climate Change [Australia], 2008, Carbon pollution reduction scheme Australias low pollution future: Canberra, New South Wales, Australia, Department of Climate Change news release, December 15, 4 p. (Accessed May 13, 2009, at http://www.climatechange.gov.au/emissionstrading/index.html.)

Freed, Jamie, 2008, BHP Billiton exits bauxite venture: The Sydney Morning Herald, October 30. (Accessed February 22, 2009, at http://www.smh.com.au/buisness/bhp-billiton-exits-bauxite-venture-20081029-5bg0.html.)

Global Alumina Corp., 2008, Global Alumina updates status of project: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Global Alumina Corp. news release, January 31, 4 p.

Hindalco Industries Ltd., 2008, Hindalco announces outstanding results for Q2 FY09: Mumbai, India, Hindalco Industries Ltd. news release, October 31, 5 p.

Industrial Minerals, 2008, Prices: Industrial Minerals, no. 495, December, p. 88.

Intellasia News Services, 2008, Vinacomin pledges to maintain growth in 2009: Intellasia News Services, December 30. (Accessed July 8, 2009, at http://www.intellasia.net/news/articles/resources/111254898.shtml.)

Kpodo, Kwasi, and Thomson, Alistair, 2008, Ghana buys Alcoas stake in aluminium smelter: Thomson Reuters, June 20. (Accessed June 20, 2008, at http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idINL20964220080620?rpc=44.)

Matthews, R., 2008, Military coup in Guinea clouds plans for mining companies: The Wall Street Journal, December 31, p. A5.

Mineprocessing.com, 2008, New bauxite mine and alumina refinery for Ghana as it buys Alcoa stake in VALCO: Mineprocessing.com, June 23. (Accessed October 3, 2008, at http://www.mineprocessing.com/news/detail-a11-b0-c-e-f.html.)

National Aluminum Co. Ltd., 2008, Navratna Nalco announces 60% dividend payout of Rs.387 crore: Bhubaneswar, India, National Aluminum Co. Ltd. news release, September 20, 1 p.

Norsk Hydro Inc., 2008, Third quarter 2008Results hit by falling markets and input cost pressures: Olso, Norway, Norsk Hydro Inc. news release, November 6, 5 p.

Platts Metals Week, 2008a, Century to begin smelter construction, study refinery: Platts Metals Week, v. 79, no. 9, March 3, p. 11.

Platts Metals Week, 2008b, Chinese prices, LME aluminum surge on earthquake news: Platts Metals Week, v. 79, no. 20, May 19, p. 1, 7-8.

Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008a, Rio Tinto Alcan alters role in Maaden aluminium project: Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. news release, December 17, 2 p.

Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008b, Rio Tinto Alcans Yarwun refinery idled: London, United Kingdom, Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. news release, August 15, 1 p.

Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008c, Second quarter 2008 operations review: London, United Kingdom, Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. news release, July 16, 29 p.

Thompson Financial News Ltd., 2008, China to eliminate preferential power prices for aluminum producers: Thompson Financial News Ltd., February 22. (Accessed February 22, 2008, at http://www.iii.co.uk/shares/?type=news&articleid=6562557&action=article.)

United Company Rusal, 2008a, UC Rusal and An Vien Group of Vietnam sign MOU to create new complex: Moscow, Russia, United Company Rusal press release, October 27, 1 p.

United Company Rusal, 2008b, UC Rusal sells Pikalyovo alumina refinery to Basal Cement: Moscow, Russia, United Company Rusal press release, April 25, 1 p.

Vedanta Resources plc, 2008, Vedanta Resources to produce fully integrated 2.6 mtpa of aluminium to become a top 5 global producer: London, United Kingdom, Vedanta Resources plc news release, September 9, 2 p.

Vimetco N.V., 2008, Acquisition of bauxite mine in Sierra Leone: Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Zurich, Switzerland, Vimetco N.V. press release, July 25, 2 p.

GENERAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

U.S. Geological Survey Publications

Aluminum. Ch. in Mineral Commodity Summaries, annual.

Aluminum. Mineral Industry Surveys, monthly.

Aluminum and Bauxite. Ch. in United States Mineral Resources, Professional Paper 820, 1973.

Bauxite and Alumina. Ch. in Mineral Commodity Summaries, annual.

Primary Aluminum Plants Worldwide. Mineral Industry Surveys, 1998.

U.S. Trade in Bauxite and Alumina. Mineral Industry Surveys, quarterly.

World Bauxite Resources. Professional Paper 1076-B, 1986.

World Nonbauxite Aluminum Resources; Alunite. Professional Paper 1076-A, 1978.

World Nonbauxite Aluminum Resources Excluding Alunite. Professional Paper 1076-C, 1990.

Other

Alumina Monitor. CRU, monthly.

Aluminum. Ch. in Mineral Facts and Problems, U.S. Bureau of Mines Bulletin 675, 1985.

10.2U.S. Geological Survey Minerals Yearbook2008

bauxite and alumina200810.1

Mining BauxiteBecause they tend to be weathered layers on flat lying low erosion topography they are usually strip mined

Processing BauxiteOften begin with screeningSome of the silica is inThe form of fines that can beSeparated from the courserAlumina minerals

Next to Pressurized Alkali DigestionRaise the temperature to 450 F and500 Psi

The dissolve with sodium hydroxide(lye) pH 14

Use Counter Current Decantation through thickeners to remove iron mudFresh wash waterDirtiestSolution

FilterRemaining fine silicate particles areFiltered out with vacuum filter presses

Cooled in Crystalization TankA white powder of Al2O3 and AlOH is produced

The precipitate is collected by filtration.

Calcined in a Rotary Kiln at 800F to convert everything to Aluminum Oxide

Aluminum SmeltingAluminum Oxide is mixed with cryolite flux to lower the melting temperature.A molten bath is prepared.A carbon electrode is lowered Carbon combines with oxygen and leaves aluminumHall Heroult Process

What is Aluminum Used For?

Chart1

33

26

14

8

8

7

4

Uses of Aluminum

Sheet1

Transportation33

Cans and Packaging26

Building14

Electrical8

Machinery8

Consumer Durables7

Other4

Sheet1

Uses of Aluminum

Sheet2

Sheet3

What is Aluminum Worth?Aluminum is worth around $1/lb

Chart1

ALUMINUM STATISTICS1

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

[All values are in metric tons (t) aluminum content unless otherwise noted]

Last modification: September 14, 2009

Year

8.3937534858

8.3937534858

8.3937534858

7.7941996654

8.3937534858

8.3937534858

8.3937534858

10.192414947

7.194645845

5.2760736196

5.1561628555

4.6765197992

4.9163413274

5.1261851645

3.9930284439

7.194645845

11.9910764083

8.693530396

4.7964305633

4.0050195204

3.5133853876

2.6560234244

2.3982152817

3.1956218628

3.3994701617

3.3035415505

3.2735638595

3.1356664808

3.0577244841

3.0577244841

3.0877021751

3.2975460123

3.6752649191

3.8791132181

3.7711935304

3.141662019

3.1896263246

2.9857780257

3.0577244841

3.1056887897

2.8718627998

2.4162018963

1.9845231456

1.8706079197

1.8346346905

1.8046569994

1.6547685443

1.4509202454

1.4029559398

1.5408533185

1.5828220859

1.5828220859

1.5768265477

1.6847462354

1.7506971556

1.9065811489

1.9005856107

1.9425543781

1.8526213051

1.8226436141

1.8885945343

1.8286391523

1.6967373118

1.5888176241

1.6487730061

1.6667596207

1.6247908533

1.6127997769

1.5888176241

1.6008087005

1.5948131623

1.5408533185

1.2890407139

1.2770496375

1.8825989961

1.3909648634

1.5588399331

1.6907417736

1.6787506972

2.0984383714

1.9905186838

1.4209425544

1.0432236475

1.4808979364

1.2710540993

0.9832682655

1.0971834914

1.3669827105

2.0085052984

1.5288622421

1.2170942554

0.941299498

0.8873396542

0.7974065811

1.0372281093

1.2110987172

0.9772727273

1.0372281093

0.8633575014

0.851366425

0.9293084216

0.8393753486

0.7794199665

0.7974065811

0.9592861127

1.0072504183

1.2950362521

1.2710540993

1.2110987172

1Compiled by D.A. Buckingham (retired), P.A. Plunkert (retired), and E.L. Bray.

Data are calculated, estimated, or reported. See notes for more information.

Price/lb

Aluminum Price/lb

Aluminum

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

[All values are in metric tons (t) aluminum content unless otherwise noted]

Last modification: September 14, 2009

YearPrimary productionSecondary production old scrapSecondary production new scrapSecondary productionShipmentsImportsExportsIndustry stocksLME stocksGovernment stocksTotal stocksApparent consumptionUnit value ($/t)Unit value (98$/t)World productionEmploymentNet import reliance (%)

19002,2962,30072114,0006,8008.3937534858

19012,6032,60072814,0006,8008.3937534858

19022,6152,62072814,0007,9008.3937534858

19033,0103,01072813,0008,5007.7941996654

19043,6743,67077214,00010,0008.3937534858

19054,9034,90077214,00013,0008.3937534858

19066,4076,41078914,00017,0008.3937534858

19077,4057,41099217,00022,00010.192414947

19084,8444,84063312,00017,0007.194645845

190913,19013,2004858,80030,0005.2760736196

191016,06016,1004928,60045,0005.1561628555

191117,4201,89019,3004437,80046,0004.6765197992

191218,96010,30029,3004858,20058,0004.9163413274

191321,4504,2204,22010,50032,0005208,55065,0005.1261851645

191426,3004,1004,1007,37033,7004106,66069,0003.9930284439

191541,0507,7107,7103,87044,90075012,00078,0007.194645845

191652,21017,50017,5003,02055,2001,34020,000106,00011.9910764083

191758,90014,60014,600274,55054,4001,14014,500123,0008.693530396

191856,58013,70013,70081610,90046,4007398,000128,0004.7964305633

191958,28017,00017,0006,2802,28062,3007086,680121,0004.0050195204

192062,61014,10014,10017,8004,27076,2007215,860125,0003.5133853876

192124,7408,0708,07014,80099638,5004874,43070,0002.6560234244

192233,40014,80014,80019,9002,13051,2004124,00087,0002.3982152817

192358,36019,30019,30019,3002,51075,1005605,330141,0003.1956218628

192468,30024,50024,50014,4002,88079,8005955,670168,0003.3994701617

192563,56039,90039,90019,1005,73076,9005955,510178,0003.3035415505

192665,00040,10040,10032,4003,46093,9005955,460195,0003.2735638595

192773,00041,90041,90028,4006,59094,8005605,230220,0003.1356664808

192895,00043,40043,40017,6007,130105,0005365,100258,0003.0577244841

1929102,00043,90043,90023,1007,730117,0005365,100280,0003.0577244841

1930103,90035,00035,00011,5007,860108,0005255,150272,0003.0877021751

193181,00027,50027,5006,7302,13085,6005145,500220,0003.2975460123

193247,00021,80021,8003,7102,01048,7005146,130153,0003.6752649191

193338,61030,40030,4006,9202,59042,9005146,470142,0003.8791132181

193433,65042,10042,1008,4303,80038,3005166,290170,0003.7711935304

193554,11046,60046,6009,6601,80062,0004415,240259,0003.141662019

1936102,00046,70046,70011,600728113,0004525,320360,0003.1896263246

1937132,80056,80056,80020,5002,440151,0004394,980482,0002.9857780257

1938130,10035,20035,2008,0505,720132,0004415,100579,0003.0577244841

1939149,00034,30014,70048,90013,00033,600163,0004415,180720,0003.1056887897

1940187,10041,60031,30072,90016,40025,300220,0004124,790787,0002.8718627998

1941280,40039,10057,80096,90012,2006,770325,0003644,0301,040,0002.4162018963

1942472,70037,800140,000178,000619,000102,00035,200577,0003313,3101,400,0001.9845231456

1943834,60030,000255,000285,000892,000123,000107,000881,0003313,1201,950,0001.8706079197

1944704,00020,800275,000295,000976,00091,600171,000646,0003313,0601,690,0001.8346346905

1945449,10024,800246,000271,000845,000303,0005,350772,0003313,010870,0001.8046569994

1946371,90082,100170,000252,000740,00038,70015,100478,0003312,760790,0001.6547685443

1947518,900149,000164,000313,000862,00028,40057,300639,0003312,4201,080,0001.4509202454

1948565,20086,800173,000260,000985,000146,00044,90000753,0003462,3401,270,0001.4029559398

1949547,00040,500124,000164,000713,000114,00033,700327,00015,000342,000667,0003752,5701,310,0001.5408533185

1950651,90069,000152,000221,0001,090,000232,00020,900363,00041,000404,000871,0003902,6401,490,0001.5828220859

1951759,30070,000196,000266,0001,120,000147,00013,600399,00091,000490,000876,0004192,6401,800,0001.5828220859

1952850,00064,000212,000276,0001,210,000137,0009,980435,00077,000512,0001,020,0004282,6302,060,0001.5768265477

19531,136,00072,000263,000335,0001,470,000326,00013,600454,000218,000672,0001,360,0004612,8102,470,0001.6847462354

19541,325,00060,000224,000284,0001,360,000221,00045,400508,000738,0001,250,000987,0004812,9202,810,0001.7506971556

19551,421,00091,000285,000376,0001,810,000217,00030,800544,000936,0001,480,0001,460,0005223,1803,140,0001.9065811489

19561,523,00088,000300,000388,0001,840,000240,00061,700581,000950,0001,530,0001,740,0005293,1703,370,0001.9005856107

19571,495,00089,000315,000404,0001,720,000234,00057,200680,0001,150,0001,830,0001,460,0005603,2403,370,0001.9425543781

19581,421,00073,000249,000322,0001,580,000266,00074,400689,0001,570,0002,260,0001,260,0005473,0903,510,0001.8526213051

19591,773,00094,000313,000407,0002,170,000274,000149,000689,0001,630,0002,320,0001,930,0005453,0404,060,0001.8226436141

19601,827,00086,000311,000397,0001,870,000178,000348,000780,0001,690,0002,470,0001,590,0005733,1504,490,0001.8885945343

19611,727,000142,000299,000441,0002,110,000231,000216,000898,0001,740,0002,640,0001,720,0005623,0504,700,0001.8286391523

19621,921,000152,000377,000529,0002,430,000342,000235,000989,0001,780,0002,770,0002,050,0005272,8305,060,0001.6967373118

19632,098,000144,000449,000593,0002,680,000423,000265,0001,110,0001,780,0002,890,0002,280,0004982,6505,320,0001.5888176241

19642,316,000147,000494,000641,0002,990,000411,000317,0001,270,0001,730,0003,000,0002,240,0005222,7505,940,00017,0001.6487730061

19652,498,000186,000566,000752,0003,440,000562,000286,0001,420,0001,700,0003,110,0002,850,0005402,7806,310,00018,6001.6667596207

19662,693,000170,000635,000805,0003,830,000616,000299,0001,460,0001,400,0002,860,0003,430,0005402,7106,880,00019,9001.6247908533

19672,966,000159,000638,000797,0003,760,000489,000332,0001,600,0001,340,0002,950,0003,200,0005512,6907,570,00021,7001.6127997769

19682,953,000164,000740,000904,0004,230,000719,000318,0001,690,0001,290,0002,980,0003,480,0005642,6508,020,00021,9001.5888176241

19693,441,000181,000862,0001,040,0004,460,000506,000522,0001,720,0001,170,0002,880,0003,710,0006002,6708,970,00024,7001.6008087005

19703,607,000179,000728,000907,0004,060,000425,000555,0001,990,0001,140,0003,130,0003,380,0006332,6609,650,00025,300E1.5948131623

19713,561,000196,000757,000953,0004,480,000626,000266,0002,280,0001,140,0003,420,0003,770,0006392,57010,300,00023,50001.5408533185

19723,739,000227,000795,0001,020,0005,210,000720,000298,0002,210,0001,140,0003,340,0004,410,0005512,15011,000,00022,500101.2890407139

19734,109,000240,000886,0001,130,0006,240,000557,000509,0001,980,000475,0002,460,0005,250,0005822,13012,100,00024,400171.2770496375

19744,448,000276,000887,0001,160,0005,810,000571,000475,0002,340,00012,0002,350,0004,860,0009503,14013,200,00028,10031.8825989961

19753,519,000305,000816,0001,120,0004,140,000499,000399,0002,720,00010,0002,730,0003,500,0007672,32012,100,00023,200E1.3909648634

19763,856,000371,000963,0001,330,0005,260,000679,000439,0002,590,0002,0002,590,0004,530,0009082,60012,600,00024,80071.5588399331

19774,118,000482,000974,0001,460,0005,570,000758,000373,0002,590,0002,0002,590,0004,900,0001,0502,82013,800,00026,40061.6907417736

19784,358,000522,000996,0001,520,0006,200,000980,000472,0002,490,0002,0002,490,0005,400,0001,1202,80014,100,00028,600101.6787506972

19794,557,000557,0001,060,0001,610,0006,210,000762,000701,0002,330,0002,0002,330,0005,270,0001,5603,50014,600,00029,60032.0984383714

19804,654,000617,000960,0001,580,0005,410,000647,0001,350,0002,300,0002,0002,300,0004,540,0001,6803,32015,400,00027,200E1.9905186838

19814,489,000758,0001,030,0001,790,0005,500,000848,000787,0003,000,0002,0003,000,0004,530,0001,3202,37015,100,00028,100E1.4209425544

19823,274,000782,000884,0001,670,0004,910,000878,000748,0002,800,0002,0002,800,0004,320,0001,0301,74013,400,00021,40061.0432236475

19833,353,000820,000953,0001,770,0005,850,0001,090,000776,0002,260,0002,0002,270,0004,940,0001,5102,47013,900,00019,300151.4808979364

19844,099,000825,000935,0001,760,0006,350,0001,480,000734,0002,690,0002,0002,690,0005,100,0001,3502,12015,700,00021,40031.2710540993

19853,500,000850,000912,0001,760,0006,380,0001,420,000908,0002,340,0002,0002,350,0005,080,0001,0801,64015,400,00018,600140.9832682655

19863,037,000784,000989,0001,770,0006,520,0001,970,000753,0002,240,0002,0002,240,0004,970,0001,2301,83015,400,00013,900231.0971834914

19873,343,000852,0001,130,0001,990,0006,870,0001,850,000917,0001,890,0002,0001,900,0005,290,0001,5902,28016,500,00015,700211.3669827105

19883,944,0001,050,0001,080,0002,120,0006,840,0001,620,0001,250,0001,880,0002,0001,890,0005,170,0002,4303,35018,500,00019,40032.0085052984

19894,030,0001,010,0001,040,0002,050,0006,760,0001,470,0001,620,0001,820,0002,0001,820,0004,740,0001,9402,55019,000,00019,900E1.5288622421

19904,048,0001,360,0001,030,0002,390,0006,640,0001,510,0001,660,0001,820,0002,0001,820,0005,050,0001,6302,03019,300,00077,900E1.2170942554

19914,121,0001,320,000969,0002,290,0006,350,0001,490,0001,760,0001,780,000168,0002,0001,950,0004,830,0001,3101,57019,700,00074,400E0.941299498

19924,042,0001,610,0001,140,0002,760,0006,850,0001,730,0001,450,0001,880,000224,00057,0002,160,0005,450,0001,2701,48019,500,00073,500E0.8873396542

19933,695,0001,630,0001,310,0002,940,0007,330,0002,550,0001,210,0001,980,000169,00057,0002,210,0006,310,0001,1801,33019,800,00073,200160.7974065811

19943,299,0001,500,0001,580,0003,090,0008,170,0003,380,0001,370,0002,070,00018,00057,0002,150,0006,480,0001,5701,73019,200,00074,100261.0372281093

19953,375,0001,510,0001,680,0003,190,0008,260,0002,980,0001,610,0002,000,00045,00057,0002,100,0005,880,0001,8902,02019,700,00075,300171.2110987172

19963,577,0001,570,0001,730,0003,310,0008,330,0002,810,0001,500,0001,860,00033,00057,0001,950,0006,210,0001,5701,63020,800,00075,800170.9772727273

19973,603,0001,530,0002,020,0003,550,0008,880,0003,080,0001,570,0001,860,0008,0003801,870,0006,260,0001,7001,73021,700,00076,600181.0372281093

19983,713,0001,500,0001,950,0003,440,0009,260,0003,550,0001,590,0001,930,00013,00001,940,0006,590,0001,4401,44022,600,00077,800210.8633575014

19993,779,0001,570,0002,120,0003,700,0009,840,0004,000,0001,640,0001,870,00014,00001,880,0007,160,0001,4501,42023,600,00076,300250.851366425

20003,668,0001,370,0002,080,0003,450,0009,830,0003,910,0001,760,0001,550,00012501,550,0006,890,0001,6401,55024,300,00077,800270.9293084216

20012,637,0001,210,0001,760,0002,970,0009,310,0003,740,0001,590,0001,300,00028,00001,330,0005,720,0001,5201,40024,300,00071,200330.8393753486

20022,707,0001,170,0001,750,0002,930,0009,640,0004,060,0001,590,0001,320,00045,00001,370,0005,850,0001,4301,30026,100,00061,700340.7794199665

20032,703,0001,070,0001,750,0002,820,0009,760,0004,130,0001,540,0001,400,000207,00001,610,0005,680,0001,5001,33028,000,00058,000340.7974065811

20042,516,0001,160,0001,870,0003,030,00010,400,0004,720,0001,820,0001,470,000116,00001,590,0006,060,0001,8501,60029,900,00057,500390.9592861127

20052,481,0001,080,0001,950,0003,030,00010,500,0005,330,0002,370,0001,430,000209,00001,640,0005,990,0002,0101,68031,900,00058,400411.0072504183

20062,284,0001,250,0002,280,0003,540,00010,500,0005,180,0002,820,0001,410,000228,00001,640,0005,980,0002,6802,16033,900,00057,300311.2950362521

20072,554,0001,530,0002,220,0003,750,0009,730,0004,490,0002,840,0001,400,000463,00001,860,0005,110,0002,7002,12038,000,00056,600191.2710540993

20082,658,0001,340,0001,980,0003,320,0008,450,0004,200,0003,280,0001,220,0001,290,00002,510,0003,790,0002,6602,02039,000,00053,900E1.2110987172

Data are calculated, estimated, or reported. See notes for more information.

Aluminum

Price/lb

Aluminum Price/lb

Notes

Aluminum Worksheet Notes

Data Sources

Sources of data for the aluminum worksheet are the mineral statistics publications of the U.S. Bureau of Mines and the U.S. Geological SurveyMinerals Yearbook (MYB) and its predecessor, Mineral Resources of the United States (MR); and Mineral Commodity S

Primary Production

Data are domestic primary aluminum production. Data are reported in the MR and MYB.

Secondary Production Old Scrap

Domestic metal recovered from post-consumer aluminum scrap. Data are reported in the MR and MYB. Production data are not available for years 190038.

Secondary Production New Scrap

Domestic metal recovered from fabrication aluminum scrap. Data are reported in the MR and MYB. Production data are not available for years 190012.

Secondary Production

Total domestic metal recovered from old and new aluminum scrap. Data are reported in the MR and MYB. Production data are not available for years 190012.

Shipments

Data are the net shipments to domestic aluminum markets. Data are from the Aluminum Association, Inc. Data are not available prior to 1941.

Imports

Aluminum imports into the United States. Data are reported in two sources. Import data for years 191120 are reported in the MSAl and data for years 1921 to the most recent are reported in the MR and MYB. Data for years 190010 are not available.

Exports

Aluminum exports from the United States. Data are reported in two sources. Export data for years 191720 are reported in the MSAl and data for years 1921 to the most recent are reported in the MR and MYB. Data for years 190016 are not available.

Industry Stocks

Industry stocks data as of end of year (December 31). Data are reported in the MR and MYB. Stock data for years 190048 are not available.

LME Stocks

London Metal Exchange (LME) stocks of primary aluminum and aluminum alloy ingots at the end of the year (December 31) in U.S. warehouses only. Data are from the LME. Data prior to 1991 are not available.

Government Stocks

U.S. Government stocks as of end of year (December 31), of primary aluminum ingots held in the Defense National Stockpile. Data are reported in the MR and MYB. Data prior to 1949 are not available.

Total Stocks

Total aluminum stocks of the United States, includes industry, LME, and Defense National Stockpile stocks as of end of year (December 31). Data sources include the MR and the LME. Data prior to 1916 are not available.

Apparent Consumption

Estimated U.S. aluminum apparent consumption was calculated using the following equation:

APPARENT CONSUMPTION = PRIMARY PRODUCTION + SECONDARY RECOVERY (OLD SCRAP) + IMPORTS EXPORTS ADJUSTMENTS FOR INVENTORY (STOCK) CHANGES.

If data for a particular category were unavailable, the data were presumed to be zero in making the above calculation.

Unit Value ($/t)

Unit value is defined as the value of 1 metric ton (t) of aluminum. It is calculated using the Annual Average Primary Aluminum Price, in U.S. dollars, as reported in the MP98 and the MYB.

Unit Value (98$/t)

The Consumer Price Index conversion factor, with 1998 as the base year, is used to adjust unit value in current U.S. dollars to the unit value in constant 1998 U.S. dollars.

World Production

Data are defined as world primary aluminum production. Data are reported in the MR and MYB.

Employment

Data are the number of production workers employed at domestic primary aluminum smelters. Data are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Net Import Reliance

Data are defined by the following equation, as a percentage (%) of apparent consumption.

IMPORTS EXPORTS ADJUSTMENTS FOR GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY STOCK CHANGES.

Data are reported in the CDS and MCS. The E indicates that the United States was a net exporter of aluminum for that year.

References

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 192734, Mineral Resources of the United States, 192431.

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 193396, Minerals Yearbook, 193294.

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 196277, Commodity Data Summaries, 196277.

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 197895, Mineral Commodity Summaries, 197895.

U.S. Department of Commerce, 1956, Materials SurveyALUMINUM, compiled for the Office of Defense Mobilization.

U.S. Geological Survey, 190127, Mineral Resources of the United States, 190023.

U.S. Geological Survey, 19972007, Mineral Commodity Summaries, 19972007.

U.S. Geological Survey, 19972009, Minerals Yearbook, v. I, 19952008.

U.S. Geological Survey, 1999, Metal Prices in the United States through 1998.

U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1996, Mineral Commodity Summaries, 1996.

Recommended Citation Format:

U.S. Geological Survey, [year of last update, e.g., 2005], [Mineral commodity, e.g., Gold] statistics, in Kelly, T.D., and Matos, G.R., comps., Historical statistics for mineral and material commodities in the United States: U.S. Geological Survey Data Se

For more information, please contact:

USGS Aluminum Commodity Specialist

USGS Aluminum Commodity Specialist

MBD0015434B.doc

Aluminum Worksheet Notes

Data Sources

Sources of data for the aluminum worksheet are the mineral statistics publications of the U.S. Bureau of Mines and the U.S. Geological SurveyMinerals Yearbook (MYB) and its predecessor, Mineral Resources of the United States (MR); and Mineral Commodity Summaries (MCS) and its predecessor, Commodity Data Summaries (CDS). The years of publication and corresponding years of data coverage are listed in the References section below. Other data sources include the Materials SurveyALUMINUM, compiled for the Office of Defense Mobilization by the U.S. Department of Commerce, 1956, (MSAl); Metal Prices in the United States through 1998 (MP98), compiled and published by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1999; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; the London Metal Exchange (LME); and the Aluminum Association, Inc. The E indicates that the United States was a net exporter of aluminum for that year. Blank cells in the worksheet indicate that data are not available.

Primary Production

Data are domestic primary aluminum production. Data are reported in the MR and MYB.

Secondary Production Old Scrap

Domestic metal recovered from post-consumer aluminum scrap. Data are reported in the MR and MYB. Production data are not available for years 190038.

Secondary Production New Scrap

Domestic metal recovered from fabrication aluminum scrap. Data are reported in the MR and MYB. Production data are not available for years 190012.

Secondary Production

Total domestic metal recovered from old and new aluminum scrap. Data are reported in the MR and MYB. Production data are not available for years 190012.

Shipments

Data are the net shipments to domestic aluminum markets. Data are from the Aluminum Association, Inc. Data are not available prior to 1941.

Imports

Aluminum imports into the United States. Data are reported in two sources. Import data for years 191120 are reported in the MSAl and data for years 1921 to the most recent are reported in the MR and MYB. Data for years 190010 are not available.

Exports

Aluminum exports from the United States. Data are reported in two sources. Export data for years 191720 are reported in the MSAl and data for years 1921 to the most recent are reported in the MR and MYB. Data for years 190016 are not available.

Industry Stocks

Industry stocks data as of end of year (December 31). Data are reported in the MR and MYB. Stock data for years 190048 are not available.

LME Stocks

London Metal Exchange (LME) stocks of primary aluminum and aluminum alloy ingots at the end of the year (December 31) in U.S. warehouses only. Data are from the LME. Data prior to 1991 are not available.

Government Stocks

U.S. Government stocks as of end of year (December 31), of primary aluminum ingots held in the Defense National Stockpile. Data are reported in the MR and MYB. Data prior to 1949 are not available.

Total Stocks

Total aluminum stocks of the United States, includes industry, LME, and Defense National Stockpile stocks as of end of year (December 31). Data sources include the MR and the LME. Data prior to 1916 are not available.

Apparent Consumption

Estimated U.S. aluminum apparent consumption was calculated using the following equation:

APPARENT CONSUMPTION = PRIMARY PRODUCTION + SECONDARY RECOVERY (OLD SCRAP) + IMPORTS EXPORTS ADJUSTMENTS FOR INVENTORY (STOCK) CHANGES.

If data for a particular category were unavailable, the data were presumed to be zero in making the above calculation.

Unit Value ($/t)

Unit value is defined as the value of 1 metric ton (t) of aluminum. It is calculated using the Annual Average Primary Aluminum Price, in U.S. dollars, as reported in the MP98 and the MYB.

Unit Value (98$/t)

The Consumer Price Index conversion factor, with 1998 as the base year, is used to adjust unit value in current U.S. dollars to the unit value in constant 1998 U.S. dollars.

World Production

Data are defined as world primary aluminum production. Data are reported in the MR and MYB.

Employment

Data are the number of production workers employed at domestic primary aluminum smelters. Data are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Net Import Reliance

Data are defined by the following equation, as a percentage (%) of apparent consumption.

imports exports adjustments for Government and industry stock changes.

Data are reported in the CDS and MCS. The E indicates that the United States was a net exporter of aluminum for that year.

References

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 192734, Mineral Resources of the United States, 192431.

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 193396, Minerals Yearbook, 193294.

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 196277, Commodity Data Summaries, 196277.

U.S. Bureau of Mines, 197895, Mineral Commodity Summaries, 197895.

U.S. Department of Commerce, 1956, Materials SurveyALUMINUM, compiled for the Office of Defense Mobilization.

U.S. Geological Survey, 190127, Mineral Resources of the United States, 190023.

U.S. Geological Survey, 19972007, Mineral Commodity Summaries, 19972007.

U.S. Geological Survey, 19972009, Minerals Yearbook, v. I, 19952008.

U.S. Geological Survey, 1999, Metal Prices in the United States through 1998.

U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Bureau of Mines, 1996, Mineral Commodity Summaries, 1996.

Recommended Citation Format:

U.S. Geological Survey, [year of last update, e.g., 2005], [Mineral commodity, e.g., Gold] statistics, in Kelly, T.D., and Matos, G.R., comps., Historical statistics for mineral and material commodities in the United States: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 140, available online at http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2005/140/. (Accessed [date].)

For more information, please contact:

USGS Aluminum Commodity Specialist

What Happens When A Mantle Melt Intrusion is Tropically Weathered?Garnierite a mixture of Ni bearing layered magnesium silicatesProduced by weathering of Serpentine and Dunite

Nickel Laterites Have 3 Times the Reserves in Traditional Sulfides

Distribution of Resources

Grade Tonnage RelationsAround 1.5 to 3%With about330,000,000 tons

Importance of Laterites is Increasing

Processing of Nickel LateritesMost currently done by PyrometallurgyDry and Calcine in a Rotary KilnSmelt in an Electric Furnace with Carbon to take away the Oxygen and leave metal