JBI Bulletin (December 2020)

Mixed performances from the bauxite and alumina sectors saw the industry faltering in the last month of 2020. In December, total bauxite production amounted to 689kt, reflecting a 5% decline from the 724kt produced December 2019. The year-on-year fall does not augur well for the industry that has been disadvantaged by Alpart’s suspended operations. Preliminary data indicate that total bauxite production rounded out 2020 at approximately 7.7 million tonnes, marking a second consecutive year of decline.
Crude bauxite output was down relative to December 2019, but trended higher in comparison to the previous month. Total kiln-dried bauxite amounted to 286kt in the review period, 26kt below the 312kt recorded a year ago. Meanwhile, annual production for 2020 was approximately 3.1 million tonnes, which reflects a 3% reduction when compared with 2019. Sales to third-party markets, particularly in Asia, were below expectation and contributed to the year’s performance.Read More