Asian Metal News
Xiaoyi Tianyuan Chemical, with alumina capacity of 400 ktpy, has decided to use imported bauxite for alumina refining in December 2019. Tianyuan Chemical, has one alumina production line with a HT to LT conversion technology upgrade underway at present, scheduled for completion by end-November. According to an inside source, the company will start using imported bauxite due to a shortfall in local supply. According to the source, the company’s November output is estimated at 20 kt, lower than the level of 25 kt set in October.
Tianyuan Chemical purchased 170 kt of Guinean bauxite at the beginning of November with December consumption estimated at 100 kt. The company is capable of using 1.2 mln t of bauxite per annum, with its 2018 consumption at 900 kt and 600 kt in the year to date.
At present, mainstream Guinean bauxite prices stand at USD 52.5/t CIF China, at grade 45% Al2O3 min and SiO2 3% max. Truck transportation costs from Huanghua Port Hebei to Xiaoyi Shanxi are presently RMB 110/t.
