SMM February 28 News: On February 28, the conflict between Iran and Israel escalated, with an attack on the Iranian capital, Tehran, drawing market attention. The following is an overview of the aluminum industry information in the Iran region: Bauxite & Alumina: There is only one alumina refinery in the Iran region, which also has associated bauxite mining operations. Annual alumina production and bauxite output are approximately 250,000 mt and 650,000 mt, respectively. Its alumina production cannot meet the domestic demand for electrolytic aluminum production, and it relies on alumina imports year-round. India is the main source, with Iran's alumina imports from India accounting for 40-80% of its total imports. Aluminum: Iran has four aluminum smelters, all currently in operation, with a national average operating rate above 90% and an annual output exceeding 600,000 mt. Its production exceeds domestic consumption, leading to some exports, mainly to Türkiye, China, and other countries. Net exports account for 30-50% of production. Overall, if the local aluminum industry production in Iran collapses due to the geopolitical conflict, overseas aluminum supply is expected to tighten, while the alumina surplus is expected to worsen further. However, there is a considerable spatial distance between Iran's aluminum industry plants and the attacked city of Tehran. The closest is the Arak aluminum plant, nearly 300 km away. Nevertheless, subsequent attention must be paid to whether the geopolitical conflict escalates, affecting other regions, such as near the Strait of Hormuz, or whether it will impact Iran's electricity supply or alumina import supply, consequently affecting electrolytic aluminum production.

On June 13, at the 2025 SMM (13th) Minor Metal Industry Conference - Rare and Scattered Metals Forum (Indium, Germanium, Gallium, Bismuth, Selenium, Tellurium), hosted by Shandong Humon Smelting Co., Ltd. and SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd., Long Wensheng, General Manager of Changsha Aochang Nonferrous Metals Co., Ltd., elaborated on "The Current Application Status and Future Prospects of Minor Metal Selenium.

The need, for wheel steel remains dynamic and industry professionals find it crucial to grasp the pricing patterns associated with it as they evolve over time. This piece explores the complexities of wheel steel pricing by providing details on its background and current trends across different regions. Understanding the factors that influence price fluctuationss key in navigating through the changing market landscapes and economic dynamics, within the sector.

The steel industry has long been a cornerstone of modern manufacturing and infrastructure development. One critical component in the production of steel is coking coal, a vital input in the steel-making process, particularly in blast furnaces. The prices of coking coal have a significant impact on steel production costs, influencing everything from raw material sourcing to overall profitability. Understanding how fluctuations in coking coal prices affect supply chains within the steel industry is essential for stakeholders aiming to maintain competitive advantage and ensure sustainability.

The price of lithium has been fluctuating a lot in the ten years mostly due to demand from different industries especially in making electric vehicles (EVs) and storing renewable energy. The changes, in lithium prices are closely connected to where the lithium comes from, around the world, which brings both advantages and difficulties for businesses that need this metal. To grasp how this market works we need to look not at how prices change but at all the different factors that affect how lithium is supplied.

Aluminium ash, in a narrow sense, specifically refers to the infusible inclusions, oxides, additives and reactants that chemically react with the additives floating on the surface of the aluminium melt during aluminium smelting, aluminium alloy and secondary aluminium processing and production.