The global aluminium industry is showing renewed strength as key developments across production, raw material supply, and international trade unfold. India and the UAE are advancing their aluminium and steel cooperation under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), laying the groundwork for greater trade, investment, and industrial collaboration between the two nations. At the same time, world primary aluminium production surged in May 2025, reaching a five-month high with increased output across China, Africa, and North America, highlighting growing demand and supply resilience. Supporting this momentum, Guinea, the world’s largest bauxite exporter, recorded a remarkable 39 per cent year-on-year growth in bauxite exports during Q1 2025, driven by China’s strong appetite for the raw material essential for aluminium production. Together, these developments reflect a dynamic aluminium ecosystem, where rising production, robust supply chains, and deepening global partnerships are setting the stage for sustained industry growth.
In a continent that holds 40 per cent of the world’s natural resources, only 30 per cent have been fully explored. But the real challenge goes beyond geology, it’s rooted in governance. More precisely, the lack of accessible geological survey data across Africa creates an invisible barrier that could be holding back billions in potential investment. Click here to read more.
On July 1, 2025, Saudi Arabian Mining Company, Ma’aden, completed the acquisition of a 25.1 per cent stake in both MBAC (Ma’aden Bauxite and Alumina Company) and MAC (Ma’aden Aluminum Company), key components of Saudi Arabia’s aluminium value chain. The shares were previously held by Alcoa, with Ma’aden already owning the remaining 74.9 per cent. Click here to read more.
Under the primary aluminium sector
India’s aluminium sector is witnessing a transformative phase marked by strategic global alliances, corporate restructuring, and shifting export dynamics.
At the same time, domestic giants like Vedanta Limited are making headlines with their ambitious demerger plans and strong market performance, reflecting confidence in India’s metals landscape. However, this momentum comes at a time when India’s aluminium exports have seen a 10.79 per cent decline in FY25, underscoring the complex interplay between global demand, pricing pressures, and evolving trade policies. Together, these developments highlight the aluminium industry’s need to balance growth opportunities with market resilience in an increasingly interconnected world.
Aluminerie Alouette, a Quebec-based aluminium producer partially owned by Rio Tinto Plc, is reportedly planning to invest up to USD 1.1 billion to upgrade its facilities in northern Quebec. According to sources familiar with the matter, the company has secured a new electricity supply agreement with Hydro-Quebec, the province’s government-owned power utility. The sources requested anonymity as the details of the agreement have not yet been made public.
The aluminium processing industry faced a sharp slowdown in June 2025, as the composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 40.1 per cent, marking a decline of 9.7 percentage points from May and 1.5 per cent year-on-year. This significant drop pushed the index well below the crucial 50-point threshold, signaling contraction across the sector. The downturn reflects a widespread deceleration affecting all aluminium processing sub-sectors, driven by a complex mix of challenges.
Alcoa Corporation has announced the completion of its sale of a 25.1 per cent ownership stake in the Ma’aden Joint Venture to the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) under a binding share purchase and subscription agreement. Through this transaction, Alcoa has received approximately 86 million Ma’aden shares, valued at around USD 1.2 billion, along with USD 150 million in cash funds that will primarily be used to cover related taxes and transaction costs. Click here to read more.
Under the alumina segment
Vedanta Limited, India’s metal giant, has reported strong operational performance for the first quarter ending June 30, 2025, with notable growth in its aluminium value chain. A key highlight was record alumina production at its Lanjigarh refinery, which reached an all-time high of 587 thousand tonnes, up 9 per cent year-on-year and a significant 36 per cent higher than the previous quarter. Click here to read more.
The Indonesian Navy has raised strong objections to the proposed USD 4.9 billion alumina refinery on Singkep Island in Indonesia’s Riau Islands province. The project, led by China’s Tianshan Aluminium through its local subsidiary, Tianshan Alumina Indonesia, has been designated a National Strategic Project (PSN) as part of the government’s mineral downstreaming initiative. Click here to read more.
California-based Brimstone is moving forward with plans to build the first alumina refinery in the U.S. in over 50 years, marking a significant step toward revitalising the domestic aluminium supply chain. The company has signed a letter of intent with Oklahoma’s Dolese Bros. Co. to supply raw materials for the proposed Rock Refinery, which will produce smelter-grade alumina alongside Portland cement and supplementary cementitious materials (SCM).
According to SMM data, China’s metallurgical-grade alumina production in June 2025 (30 days) decreased by 0.19 per cent M-o-M and increased by 6.1 per cent Y-o-Y. As of the end of June, China’s existing capacity for metallurgical-grade alumina was approximately 110.82 million tonnes, with actual operating capacity increasing by 3.14 per cent M-o-M and an operating rate of 79.7 per cent.
Other significant happenings include
In a major boost to Chhattisgarh’s mining sector, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai has officially launched the e-auction process for new blocks of bauxite, iron ore, and limestone. A pre-bid conference held at Nava Raipur Atal Nagar sought to attract investors, encouraging them to tap into the state’s rich mineral resources and contribute to local industrial growth. Click here to read more.
At the 2025 Indonesia Mining Conference & Critical Metals Conference Aluminium Industry Forum, Dr Qingtao Zeng, founder and managing director of Australasian Gold Limited, shared insights on the topic of “High-Quality Bauxite with Strategic Growth Potential in Central Queensland, Australia.” Click here to read more.
The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) has announced a strategic partnership with the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, aimed at strengthening the UK aluminium sector’s international trade and technical expertise. Unveiled at ALFED’s House of Lords lunch last week, the partnership marks a significant step forward for the UK aluminium industry as it navigates new opportunities and pressing challenges. Click here to read more.