[SMM Aluminum Express News] Metro Mining CEO and Managing Director Simon Wensley described 2026 as a pivotal year for the company, with a focus on maximising value from its expanded operations at the Bauxite Hills mine. “We’re really just trying to extract the maximum out of our 7 million tonne expansion,” he said, referring to the strategic expansion announced to the market at the end of 2022. Production was temporarily paused for seasonal maintenance but is expected to resume in early March. Wensley noted that the second half of the year is the “sweet spot,” thanks to optimal weather and tidal conditions. Looking further ahead, he highlighted the company’s strong reserve base and surrounding resources, which provide significant longer-term growth optionality.

Metro Mining is planning to increase production at its Bauxite Hills bauxite mining project in Queensland, raising its 2026 bauxite shipments to 6.5 million tonnes. Metro Mining reportedly shipped a record 2.3 million wet metric tons in the third quarter of this year, and its year-to-date shipments have reached 4.1 million wet metric tons, primarily driven by a 6% increase in bauxite production in August, with shipments reaching 753,101 wet metric tons that month.

On April 18, the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference & Expo, hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), co-organized by Zhongyifeng Jinyi Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. and Lezhi County Qianrun Investment Promotion Service Co., Ltd., and sponsored by Shangli County Keyuan Metallurgical Materials Co., Ltd., Press Metal International Ltd., Delta Metal (Holdings) Limited, Jinqiao Light Alloy Technology (Jiangmen) Co., Ltd., and other entities as forum title sponsors, Sunstone Development Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Jialang Industrial Co., Ltd. as forum co-organizers, and supported by various specially invited supporters, conference supporters, conference acknowledgment units, and media partners, successfully concluded at the Suzhou International Expo Center in Jiangsu!

China, the leading alumina and aluminium producer, heavily relies on imported bauxite, which surged to 57 per cent in 2024, owing to declining domestic ore grades and export restrictions from Indonesia.

On April 16, at the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference & Aluminum Industry Expo - Alumina and Aluminum Raw Materials Forum, hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), SMM Metal Exchange Center, and Shandong Aisi Information Technology Co., Ltd., and co-organized by Zhongyifeng Jinyi (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Lezhi County Qianrun Investment Promotion Service Co., Ltd., Ding Long, General Manager of the Asia Market Department at Metro Mining Limited, Australia, provided an overview of Metro Mining and shared insights into the potential impact of Indonesia's new alumina production on China's alumina market. Indonesia's Alumina Capacity and Planning As of 2025, Indonesia has 11 alumina projects under construction or planned, with a total capacity of 25.5 million mt. Key Periods: 2024-2025: Approximately 8.5 million mt of new capacity (including production resumptions). After 2025: Over 10 million mt of new capacity is planned. Regional Distribution and Progress of Indonesia's Alumina Capacity Key Region: West Kalimantan (accounting for over 60% of planned projects). Projects with Rapid Progress: •Mempawah Alumina Refinery (3 million mt, with Phase 1 of 1 million mt commissioned in September 2024). •Nanshan Aluminum's Indonesia Base: Total alumina capacity has reached 2 million mt (1 million mt each for Phase 1 and Phase 2), with actual production reaching 1.91 million mt in 2023, accounting for 34.9% of the Southeast Asian market share. The new 2 million mt alumina expansion project is progressing as planned and is expected to be commissioned in 2026. •Jinjiang Group's PT BAP: Total planned capacity of 4.5 million mt/year. Phase 1, a 1 million mt/year alumina refinery, was officially commissioned in January 2025 and is entering the ramp-up stage; Phase 2 (2 million mt/year) is planned to commence in 2026. •A senior executive from Xinfa revealed that Xinfa is preparing to collaborate with local Indonesian enterprises to build power plants and aluminum enterprises. Feasibility studies are currently underway. East Hope Group to Invest in Indonesia's Aluminum Industry Key Region: West Kalimantan (accounting for over 60% of planned projects). East Hope Group: Will launch a 6 million mt alumina and 2.4 million mt aluminum project in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. The 6 million mt alumina project, located in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, will leverage the geographical advantages of being "near the port and near the mine" by constructing its own terminal and power plant, forming a closed-loop system of "bauxite mining - alumina smelting - aluminum production." The project will adopt the world's most advanced technology to ensure "ultra-low emissions" and green production, creating 3,000-3,500 jobs. The project will be constructed in three phases, with the first phase of 2 million mt capacity planned for commissioning in 2028. This will directly reduce domestic aluminum enterprises' raw material procurement costs by approximately 15% and mitigate supply chain risks associated with the over-concentration of bauxite sources in Guinea. Risks and Challenges in Investing in Indonesia's Alumina Industry Infrastructure Backwardness: Unstable power supply and high logistics and transportation costs in remote mining areas directly affect production efficiency and operating costs. Environmental Pressures: Stringent government environmental regulations require significant investment in environmental protection facility upgrades, such as waste (e.g., red mud) treatment to meet standards. Policy and Approval Risks: Projects require approval from both Indonesian and domestic governments, and policy adjustments may lead to project delays or terminations. Political and Economic Instability: Includes local separatism, exchange rate fluctuations, inflation risks, and policy uncertainties. Labor Skill Limitations: Alumina production requires skilled workers, but local labor skills are insufficient, and restrictions on foreign labor increase employment costs. Supply Chain Challenges: Poor management of bauxite mining may lead to supply disruptions, and inefficient logistics affect raw material transportation. Natural Disaster Risks: Indonesia is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis may threaten project safety. Australia Has a Fully Integrated Aluminum Industry But has surplus bauxite available for export to China. History of Bauxite Mining on the Weipa Plateau COMALCO commenced production in Weipa in 1963; signed its first long-term bauxite contract with China from Weipa in 2008; in 2018, Metro established the Hill Alumina Mine 100 km north of Weipa; Weipa Plateau bauxite grade: 50%+ alumina, 8%-12% silica; Metro has 130 million mt of resources; high-alumina bauxite, direct shipping ore; 2025 target to expand to 7 million mt annual production; Metro is Australia's only pure bauxite producer, not producing alumina to compete with its customers in the market. Northern Australian Bauxite Offers Significant Maritime Advantages Shipping time to China: 45 days from Guinea compared to 10 days from northern Australia. Australia's Bauxite Resources Additionally, it provided an overview of the 2024 alumina market disruptions. China's Alumina Trade China's alumina imports are expected to decline. China plays a crucial role in balancing the ROW alumina market. During periods of severe shortages, as seen in 2018, China became a net exporter. After Australia implemented an alumina export ban in 2022, China also increased its alumina exports to Russia. 4-6 mt of bauxite can produce 1 mt of aluminum Global aluminum demand is expected to grow by approximately 40% by 2030 Aluminum is a key metal for long-term renewable energy generation/storage, electric vehicles, and electrification. "By 2030, aluminum use in power generation will more than double that of copper" – IEA The aluminum required for the world's transition to green energy will exceed current power sector consumption by 50%. Solar PV power generation is expected to double in the next four years. By weight, aluminum accounts for 85% of the materials used in solar panels. By 2050, wind turbines will require 35 million mt of aluminum annually (4% of materials used). The EV industry will increase global aluminum consumption by 60% to 31.7 million mt by 2030. By 2030, China's aluminum consumption is expected to grow by 12.3 million mt to 56.1 million mt (47% of global demand). Asia (excluding China) aluminum consumption is expected to grow by 8.6 million mt by 2030, with approximately 61% coming from India (35%), the Middle East (19%), and Japan (7%). Aluminum: Already Essential in Modern Society, "Critical" for Energy Transition Technologies •Diverse demand for aluminum in the clean energy transition; •40% growth in aluminum demand from 2020 to 2030; •3-4% annual growth, higher than potential GDP growth. The EV industry will increase global aluminum consumption in transportation by 60% to 31.7 million mt by 2030 Aluminum is characterized by its lightweight, corrosion resistance, durability, high strength, low cost, and high electrical conductivity •It is expected that by 2030, the use of aluminum in European vehicles (both gasoline and electric) will increase from the current 197 kg to 256 kg. •EVs have a higher aluminum content compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, approximately 30% higher For example, Tesla's all-aluminum chassis is a notable example. •By 2030, the global EV fleet is expected to reach 40 million units, a transformation that will revolutionize the automotive industry and significantly boost aluminum demand. •In EV batteries, aluminum is the second most important metal element, accounting for approximately 20% of the battery by weight. Aluminum is extensively used in battery components such as the casing, cathode, and current collector. •EV charging infrastructure will also heavily rely on aluminum for transmission cables, casings, heat sinks, and screw holes. Introduction to Metro Mining Limited Since its commissioning in 2018, Metro Mining Limited has become Australia's second major, independent, and reliable bauxite producer, headquartered in Brisbane, Queensland, with mining operations on the Weipa Plateau. Under the leadership of the management team of newly appointed CEO Mr. Simon Wensley in July 2021, this Australian publicly listed firm has established a reputation for timely bauxite supply in the international financial markets, particularly in the Chinese bauxite market. Metro: Summary and Updates Despite significant impacts from typhoons, 2023 production and shipments reached a record 4.6 million wet metric tons (WMT). Total shipments in 2024 reached 5.7 million WMT, an annual record, representing a 24% increase from 2023. Ikamba demonstrated operational resilience under adverse weather conditions in the second half of December. The 2025 shipment target is 6.5 million to 7 million WMT. Production has commenced. The first shipment of bauxite in 2025 began loading on March 20. Additionally, it provided an overview of Metro's production process, the commissioning of apron feeders and vibrating screens, the commencement of operations at the Ikamba – offshore floating terminal, and the experienced leadership team and board of directors. 》Click to view the special report on the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference & Aluminum Industry Expo

Currently, the aluminum industry is at a critical juncture of profound transformation and rapid development. From an industrial dynamics perspective, the global aluminum industry is actively responding to the call for green development, accelerating the transition to cleaner production. From an industrial status perspective, China dominates the global aluminum supply chain. However, China's dependence on bauxite imports remains high. Against this backdrop, US tariff policies have had a significant impact on the global aluminum industry. Facing the challenges posed by US tariffs, Chinese aluminum companies are actively seeking countermeasures. On one hand, they are accelerating their layout in the high-end aluminum sector, increasing R&D investment, and driving product transformation towards higher value-added products, such as aviation plates and power battery foils, whose exports are gradually increasing. On the other hand, they are vigorously developing the secondary aluminum industry, as the energy consumption of secondary aluminum is only 5% of that of primary aluminum, aligning with green development needs. Some companies are using transshipment trade through third countries like Malaysia and Thailand to reduce tariff costs. Others are actively applying for green certifications, reducing export costs through digital carbon management systems, and establishing hydropower aluminum bases in the southwest to increase the proportion of green electricity usage, thereby meeting international market demand for green aluminum products. From April 16-18, the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference and Expo, hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd., SMM Metal Trading Center, and Shandong Aisi Information Technology Co., Ltd., and co-organized by Zhongyifeng Jinyi (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Lezhi Qianrun Investment Service Co., Ltd., was grandly held at the E3-F3 Hall of the Suzhou International Expo Center in Jiangsu! This summit will delve into and exchange views on hot topics such as the development trends of the global aluminum market, aluminum price forecasts, supply-demand balance, and business opportunities and technical exchanges. At the same time, it will explore how to promote the aluminum industry towards a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable direction, jointly addressing global climate change and environmental challenges! This conference includes nine forums: the Alumina and Aluminum Raw Materials Forum, Aluminum Melting and Casting Technology Forum, Aluminum Die-Casting Industry Development Forum, Supply-Demand Exchange - Domestic and International Aluminum Scrap Supply-Demand Forum, Aluminum Plate/Sheet, Strip and Foil Industry Development Forum, Main Forum, Aluminum Industry Chain Sustainable Development Forum, Global Secondary Aluminum Industry Development Forum, and Industrial Aluminum Extrusion Forum. The conference also features guest speeches, SMM Price Seminar, roundtable discussions, conference dinner & awards ceremony, and other exciting segments! This article is a live text broadcast of the Alumina and Aluminum Raw Materials Forum, Supply-Demand Exchange - Domestic and International Aluminum Scrap Supply-Demand Forum, and Aluminum Plate/Sheet, Strip and Foil Industry Development Forum. Additionally, SMM will also provide live photo and video broadcasts. Please refresh to view~ Click to view the summit video live broadcast Click to view the summit photo live broadcast View the summit text report April 16 Conference Registration & Networking Alumina and Aluminum Raw Materials Forum Speech Topic: Introduction to Metro Mining, Potential Impact of Indonesia's New Alumina Production on China's Alumina Guest Speaker: Long Ding, General Manager of Asia Market Department, Metro Mining Ltd., Australia (09:00-09:25) Speech Topic: 2024 Global Alumina Market Price Review and 2025 Trends Guest Speaker: Mingxin Guo, Senior Bauxite Analyst, SMM (09:25-09:50) Speech Topic: How the Aluminum Industry Can Achieve Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction Through Technological Innovation Guest Speaker: Xuemin Liang, Distinguished Professor of Zhengzhou University, Leader of Aluminum Metallurgy Discipline, Executive Director (09:50-10:15) Speech Topic: How New Energy Enterprises Can Promote Green Electricity and Low-Carbon Transformation Guest Speaker: Kang Yi, Director of Industrial and Commercial ESS Solutions, Integrated Energy Business Department, CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Research Institute Co., Ltd. (10:15-10:40) Speech Topic: Comprehensive Energy-Saving Solutions for Fluid Delivery Systems in the Aluminum Industry Guest Speaker: Yuhong Liu, Senior Solutions Expert, Shanghai Ruichen Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. (10:40-11:05) Roundtable Discussion: Green Transformation of the Aluminum Industry - Development and Prospects of the Low-Carbon Aluminum Market Moderator: Yanchen Wang, General Manager of SMM London Office Panelists: Yi Sun, Deputy Chief Engineer, Shenyang Aluminum & Magnesium Engineering & Research Institute Co., Ltd. Jie Meng, Senior Expert, Aluminum Branch, China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association Dahai Meng, Head of Environmental Protection and Materials, NIO Bensong Chen, Chief Engineer (Aluminum), Yunnan Aluminum Co., Ltd. (11:05-12:00) Speech Topic: Research on Aluminum Price Changes in 2025 Under Green Transformation Guest Speaker: Jinyu Lin, Aluminum Industry Researcher, SPIC Aluminum Industry International Trade Co., Ltd. (13:30-14:20) Speech Topic: Optimization of Domestic Prebaked Anode Supply Structure and Demand Growth Forecast Guest Speaker: Wanting Wang, Market Analyst, Sunstone Development Co., Ltd. (14:20-14:50) Speech Topic: Graphitized Cathode Technology and Market Development Trends Guest Speaker: Zhaoyang Wang, General Manager, Luoyang Wanji Carbon Co., Ltd. (14:50-15:20) Speech Topic: How to Achieve Sustainable Development and Enhance Corporate Competitiveness Through ASI Certification Guest Speaker: Chu Zhou, Senior Technical Manager, Green and Low-Carbon Development Center, Zhongbiao Hexin (Beijing) Certification Co., Ltd. (15:20-15:30) Speech Topic: Supply-Demand Imbalance, Analysis of Calcined Coke Market Trends Guest Speaker: Zuoyou Wang, General Manager, Jining Jitan Import & Export Co., Ltd. (15:30-16:00) Speech Topic: Current Status of Domestic Petroleum Coke and Import Trend Analysis Guest Speaker: Huimin Liu, Senior Analyst of Aluminum Auxiliary Materials, SMM (09:00-09:25) Supply-Demand Exchange - Domestic and International Aluminum Scrap Supply-Demand Forum (09:00-12:00) Aluminum Plate/Sheet, Strip and Foil Industry Development Forum Speech Topic: Analysis of the Competitive Landscape and Hot Topics in China's Aluminum Plate/Sheet, Strip and Foil Industry Guest Speaker: Yuting Zhang, Senior Manager, SMM Consulting Division (13:30-14:00) Speech Topic: Rolling Process and Performance Challenges of Ultra-Thin Lithium Battery Aluminum Foil (≤10μm) Guest Speaker: Qian Wen, R&D Engineer, North China Aluminum New Material Technology Co., Ltd. (14:00-14:30) Speech Topic: Development Opportunities and Technical Requirements of Aluminum Alloy Automotive Plates Under Carbon Reduction Background Guest Speaker: Zhenshan Liu, Deputy General Manager, Chalco Materials Application Research Institute (14:30-15:00) Roundtable Discussion: Internal and External Challenges - Exploring New Paths for Aluminum Plate/Sheet, Strip and Foil Enterprises in the Mist Moderator: Bai Zhou, Executive Vice President, SMM Panelists: Wenjun Wu, Vice Chairman and General Manager, Wanji Holding Group Weixin Chen, Board Secretary, Jiangsu Dingsheng New Energy Materials Co., Ltd. Bingxu Ji, Chairman, Luoyang Longding Aluminum Co., Ltd. Zhigang He, Deputy General Manager, Henan Mingtai Aluminum Co., Ltd. (15:00-16:00) Speech Topic: Innovation-Driven: The Impact of Smart Factory Transformation on Plate/Sheet, Strip and Foil Enterprises Guest Speaker: Zengbing Fang, Deputy General Manager, Hefei Jingsong Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. (16:00-16:30) Speech Topic: New Journey, New Breakthrough - Gränges Asia's Innovation Path in Medium-Thickness Plates Guest Speaker: Fenghua Gao, Senior R&D Engineer, Gränges Aluminum (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (16:30-17:00) Click to view the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference and Expo special report