Aluminium News

BHP Billiton: Mackenzie Starts As Non-Ferrous CEO Role

BHP Billiton said Monday that following the announcement on Nov. 20, Andrew Mackenzie has commenced his role as Group Executive and Chief Executive, Non Ferrous.

Alumina Says Business Remains Profitable Despite Slowdown

Alumina Ltd. said Monday its business is profitable and continuing to deliver strong cash-flow despite the sharp pullback in commodity prices.

Rusal Puts Into Operation Storage Facilities At Taishet

Russian aluminum producer United Company Rusal said Monday that it has put into operation storage facilities at the Taishet aluminum smelter, which is currently under construction in the Irkutsk region of Siberia.

Norsk Hydro Seeks M&A Opportunities From Fincl Crisis — Report

The chief executive of aluminum company Norsk Hydro ASA (NHY.OS) is looking at new acquisition opportunities stemming from the global financial meltdown, according to Norwegian financial daily Dagens Naeringsliv.

Rio Tinto Delays Investor Briefings On Market Turmoil

Rio Tinto Ltd. said Friday it is delaying planned briefings for investors in London and Sydney while it assesses the impact of the global financial crisis on its business.  The Anglo-Australian miner has emailed investors to tell them its financial community seminars, scheduled for Nov. 25 in Sydney and Nov. 27 in London, have been deferred.

Sergey Belsky Replaces Peter Finnimore At Rusal

Russian aluminum producer United Company Rusal said Thursday that it has appointed Sergey Belsky as director of sales, replacing Peter Finnimore who left Rusal for another company.

Vimetco: To Cut Output At Romania Operations By 65,000 Tons

Netherlands-based aluminum producer Vimetco NV (VICO.LN) is to cut output at its Romanian operations by up to 65,000 metric tons, taking its total output cuts in 2009 to 160,000 tons, the company said Wednesday.

Rio Tinto Confident Of Servicing Debt

Rio Tinto Ltd. said Wednesday it remains confident it can service its US$42 billion dollar debt despite analyst concerns that the global financial crisis will make it harder for the miner to meet its repayments.

Alcoa, Alumina Suspend Wagerup Refinery Expansion

Alcoa Corp.  and its joint venture partner Alumina Ltd. said Tuesday they have suspended work on a proposed multibillion dollar expansion of the Wagerup alumina refinery in Western Australia state due to market conditions. The deferral follows the news that Alcoa and Alumina will curtail aluminum production by about 15% due to market conditions and is a signal of the margin pressure producers are coming under as aluminum prices sag and demand falls.

Norsk Hydro May Cut Aluminum Output As Demand Falls

Norwegian metals company Norsk Hydro ASA  Monday became the latest company to say it is considering an aluminum production cut in response to falling demand for its products, triggered by a downturn in the construction and automotive industries.

Rio Tinto May Talk To Chinalco On Possible Australian JV 

U.K. mining company Rio Tinto PLC (RIO.LN) could possibly team up with China’s Chinalco in developing infrastructure in Queensland, Australia, as part of Rio Tinto’s interest in forming joint ventures with Chinese companies to strengthen its presence overseas, a spokesman said Sunday.

Rusal To Mine Bauxite, Produce Aluminum In Venezuela — Report

Russian aluminum producer United Company Rusal is planning to mine bauxite and produce aluminum in Venezuela, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin said Thursday, according to Interfax.

Rio Tinto To Feel Impact Of Global Slowdown — Moody’s

Rio Tinto Ltd. will be adversely affected by falling commodity prices and may raise less than previously expected from its planned asset sales, Moody’s Investors Service said Friday.  The mining giant is carrying US$42 billion in debt, raised to fund its US$38.1 billion acquisition of Alcan last year, but has said it is confident its strong cashflows will allow it to easily service the borrowings.

BHP Billiton Receives EU Objections To Rio Tinto Deal

BHP Billiton Ltd Tuesday confirmed that it had received a "statement of objections" to its bid for Rio Tinto PLC from European Union antitrust regulators.  "BHP Billiton is continuing to work cooperatively with the European Commission and, in accordance with the established merger review process, will be responding in due course to address the issues raised," the miner said in a brief statement.

Kaiser: Anglesey To Be Back At Capacity By Year-end

The Anglesey aluminum smelter in Wales is anticipated to return to full production by the end of the fourth quarter but a permanent shutdown is still being considered, Kaiser Aluminum Corp. (KALU) said Wednesday.

Midas Holdings Signs Letter Of Intent With Chinalco For JV to Produce Aluminium Plates

Singapore-listed Midas Holdings Ltd. Thursday said it signed a letter of intent with Aluminium Corp. of China, or Chinalco, to establish a joint venture company. Midas, in a filing with the Singapore Exchange, said it will take a 35% equity stake in the joint venture, which will manufacture thick aluminum alloy plates and sheets.

Rio Tinto Faces Investor Pressure Over BHP Bid

Rio Tinto Ltd. is facing pressure from some institutional investors in Australia to engage with BHP Billiton Ltd. over its hostile US$87 billion bid, traders and analysts said Thursday. Some investors that have been battered by the recent market turmoil appear to be eyeing the premium on offer in BHP’s bid, pitched at 3.4 of its shares for each Rio Tinto share, with Rio’s Australian listed stock currently trading below the offer ratio at about 2.7-for-one.

Rio Tinto CEO Says No Mining Companies Immune From Turmoil

Rio Tinto Ltd. Chief Executive Tom Albanese said Tuesday no one in the mining industry is immune from the global financial turmoil and criticized those who, like Rio’s predator BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP), are not publicly acknowledging a need to review investment programs. A sharp fall in commodity prices has prompted many miners across the world to close mines or curtail production and to defer spending on planned growth projects as profit margins come under pressure.

UC Rusal Launches Modernized Furnaces At Sayanogorsk Smelter

United Company Rusal has launched a modernized furnace at its Sayanogorsk smelter which will make the plant self-sufficient in the anodes it requires to produce aluminum, the Russian producer said Tuesday.

Rusal, Vietnam’s An Vien Sign MOU On Bauxite, Alumina Project

Russia’s aluminum producer United Company Rusal said Monday it has signed a memorandum of understanding with An Vien of Vietnam to create a vertically integrated bauxite and alumina complex.

Alcoa Leads Western Producer Cuts; Others Must Follow

U.S. Alcoa Inc. is resuming its traditional role as an aluminum industry leader by making cuts in line with falling demand, but producers and analysts told Dow Jones Newswires that plenty more companies need to follow its example.

Alcoa Supplies Spaceframe for Ferrari California ; Lightweight Solution Latest in Alcoa and Ferrari Innovation in Aluminum

Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products announced today that it has been selected by Ferrari S.p.A. to supply the all-aluminum spaceframe for the upcoming Ferrari California. The California, recently unveiled at the Paris International Motor Show, is the latest performance vehicle from Ferrari.

Alumasc’s Green Products Defy Building Slump; Shares Up 

Shares in Alumasc Group PLC advanced Thursday after the building and engineering group defied
 the downturn in the construction sector to report rising sales, as demand for its environmentally-friendly products continues  to grow.

Rio Tinto Denies Speculation It Is Talking To BHP

Rio Tinto Ltd. said Wednesday that it is unaware of any basis for speculation that it is negotiating with BHP Billiton Ltd. . Rio Tinto also said in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange or ASX that it could see no reason for a sharp rise in its share price since yesterday.

Chalco Cuts 720,000 Tons Aluminum Capacity,18% Of Co’s Total

Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd., or Chalco, China’s biggest aluminum and alumina producer by output, said Wednesday it is suspending about 720,000 metric tons of aluminum production capacity due to weak demand, low product prices and high costs.

Rio Tinto Invests Extra US$300 Million In Kitimat Smelter Project

Rio Tinto announced Wednesday that it is to invest an additional US$300 million in the modernisation of the Kitimat aluminium smelter in British Columbia, Canada, bringing the current project funding total to over US$500 million.

BHP Says China Softens, Long-Term Growth Intact

BHP Billiton Ltd. said Wednesday China’s growth has been softened by the global slowdown but that industrialization in emerging economies will continue to underpin strong demand for commodities.  The mining giant, which Wednesday posted a first quarter production report that came in slightly below analyst expectations, said China isn’t immune from the global slowdown and the nation’s growth had softened during the quarter.  Alumina production fell 5% on year due to scheduled maintenance and aluminum output was down 8% as South African smelters continued to be affected by power restrictions.

Hydro -12% As 3Q Net Slumps; Outlook Cautious

Shares in Norsk Hydro ASA (NHY), the world’s third-largest integrated aluminum supplier, fell nearly 12% Tuesday after it reported a sharp fall in third-quarter net profit and gave a cautious outlook due to deepening financial and economic turmoil.

Norsk Hydro: China 08 Aluminum Demand Growth Dropping

The increase in Chinese demand for aluminum is likely to slump by more than two thirds this year, putting an end to the "extraordinarily high" annual growth rate seen in 2007, Norsk Hydro ASA (NHY.OS) said Tuesday.

Rusal Begins Super Thin Aluminum Foil Output At Armenia Plant

Russian aluminum producer United Co. Rusal launched production of super thin foil at its Armenian aluminum foil plant after it invested $6 million during 2007–08 to increase production and "meet high demand from global markets," it said Tuesday.

Madras Aluminium 2Q Net Profit Down 90% As Raw Material Costs Rise

Madras Aluminium Company Ltd. Friday said its second-quarter net profit dropped 90% from the year earlier, reflecting high raw material costs and a one-time provision.

Chinalco,Chalco Delay Bond Sales Over Rio Tinto Stake

Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd., or Chalco, and its parent said Friday they delayed a combined CNY8 billion bond sale, while they arrange to transfer the parent’s stake in Rio Tinto PLC (RTP) held in an account with a unit of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc..

Apple introduces aluminium laptops

Apple introduced a new line of Macbook laptop computers on Tuesday, October 14, bringing prices down at the same time as improving function and design. The two most prominent new features of the new line-up are powerful new graphics capabilities provided by Nvidia chips that replace integrated Intel graphics chips that were used previously. Apple CEO Steve Jobs said the new chips improved graphics performance by a factor of five.

Rusal’s 9 Months Aluminum Production Up 6.5% To 3.3M Tons

Russia’s aluminum giant United Company Rusal said Thursday its primary aluminum production rose in the first nine months of the year but warned that the global industry would see cutbacks and project deferrals due to the economic slowdown.

Rio Tinto Alcan: May Make Sense To Buy, Not Build

The acquisition of aluminum assets or companies struggling under the weight of the downturn in the global economy and falling metals prices may make sense for Rio Tinto Alcan (RTP) going forward, its chief executive said Wednesday.

Chalco Shandong,Henan Units Cut Alumina,Aluminum Output

China’s biggest aluminum and alumina producer by output Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd. (ACH), or Chalco, has started to suspend part of its aluminum and alumina production capacity in Shandong and Henan units, squeezed by high production costs and slumping product prices.

Vedanta 2Q Zinc, Aluminum,Iron Output Up; Copper Dips

Metals and mining company Vedanta Resources PLC (VED.LN) Tuesday reported rising zinc, aluminum and iron ore output but falling copper production in its second quarter and said its expansion projects remained on track. Aluminum production climbed 7.1% to 106,000 tons from 99,000 tons in the period. Aluminum accounted for 15.5% of Ebitda in the first quarter.

BHP Says Rio Bid Compelling, But Moving Carefully

BHP Billiton Ltd.'s (BHP) conditional offer for Rio Tinto PLC (RTP) is constrained by market conditions that since May have wiped out mining company market capitalizations and metals prices, said Alberto Calderon, chief commercial officer at BHP Billiton.

Audi Selects Alcoa Wheel’s Dura-Bright^® Technology for New A6

Audi AG has selected Alcoa to supply forged aluminum wheels with Dura-Bright® technology surface treatment for the new 2009 Audi A6 recently debuting at the Paris International Motor Show. Dura-Bright® technology enhances the image of the vehicle and the ownership experience by making the wheels easy to clean while protecting against corrosion. Dura-Bright® technology is the latest innovation in aluminum from Alcoa, who first helped Audi pioneer the lightweight aluminum space frame on the original A8.

BHP Billiton To Close Beijing Office In Restructuring

BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) is closing its Beijing office as part of a restructuring, but China’s capital remains important to the company, the world’s third-largest iron-ore miner by output said Friday.  "The closure is just an internal company restructuring," Xu Feng, vice president of BHP Billiton China, told Dow Jones Newswires.  "It doesn’t signify any strategic change for BHP in China. Beijing is very important for us, as some of our key clients and government regulators are based here," he said.

S&P Cuts Alcoa’s Outlook To Negative But Affirms All Ratings

Standard & Poor’s lowered its outlook on Alcoa Inc. (AA) to negative, but affirmed all ratings for the largest U.S. aluminum producer. Alcoa shares were down 12.6% to $12.85 in  recent trading.

Alcoa CEO: Credit Crisis Starting To Hurt Construction Market

Alcoa Inc Chief Executive Klaus Kleinfeld said Tuesday that end markets for aluminum have weakened significantly, noting in particular that the credit crisis is starting to crimp the commercial building and construction sector.  The construction sector "has now begun to see the impact of the credit crunch," Kleinfeld told analysts on a post-earnings conference call. In European commercial building and construction markets, for instance, he said "the malaise has now spread" throughout the continent after being isolated in certain regions.

Alcoa Cuts Projected 2008 Global Aluminum Demand Growth To 6%

Alcoa Inc. has cut its projection for 2008 growth in global aluminum demand to about 6% from 8%, continuing a steady pattern of downward revisions to the forecast this year. Alcoa, the largest U.S. aluminum producer, said in January that it expected worldwide aluminum consumption to climb 9.6% this year. By July, however, the company had trimmed the figure to 8%.

Alcoa 3Q Net Drops 52% As Co Curtails Projects

Alcoa Inc.'s third-quarter net income dropped 52%, hurt by a charge for layoffs at a Texas aluminum smelter, as the company said it would stop all "non-critical" capital projects and suspend its share-buyback program.  "Given the sharp decline in metal prices and increasingly soft demand in our key markets, we are stopping all non-critical capital projects, making targeted reductions to match market conditions and are adjusting our manufacturing capacity to meet demand in rapidly changing upstream and downstream markets," said President and Chief Executive Klaus Kleinfeld.

Rio Tinto Alcan’s Icelandic ops not exposed to domestic banks

Rio Tinto Alcan’s aluminum operations in Iceland are unaffected by the liquidity crisis in the country’s banks, a company spokesperson said Tuesday.

Norsk Hydro pays $15m to up stake in Ascent to 35% from 26.5%

Norsk Hydro said Tuesday it has invested $15 million in U.S. solar energy company Ascent Solar on Monday. Ascent has developed a unique technology for the production of super thin and flexible solar cell modules that are well suited for integration in building systems. As Hydro is a major supplier of building systems in Europe, the partnership with Ascent is strategically important," says Einar Glomnes, head of Hydro’s solar business unit.

Chalco: 3Q Net Profit To Fall At Least 50% On Year

Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd. (ACH), or Chalco, Monday warned that its third-quarter net profit would fall by more than 50% from the same period a year earlier. Chalco said rising raw material and energy costs, coupled with price decreases for its products, were behind the fall in profit.

China govt adviser warns BHP’s RIO bid harmful

A top adviser to the Chinese government has warned a A$132 billion hostile takeover of Rio Tinto Ltd. (RTP) by global mining giant BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) would be harmful to China and unfair to the global economy, The Age reported Monday.

Rio Tinto CEO: Strength Of Commodities Mkts Remains In Place

Rio Tinto Ltd. Chief Executive Tom Albanese said Thursday that he expects commodity markets to remain strong and prices to remain above average through 2009 despite global financial market turmoil. Still, he said commodity markets would remain volatility due to the financial crisis and growth in China’s demand for commodities is slowing and a likely recession elsewhere in the globe will affect China’s exports.

Australia’s ACCC Won’t Oppose BHP Bid For Rio

BHP Billiton Ltd.  has cleared another hurdle in its drive to win regulatory approval for its US$119 billion bid for rival Rio Tinto Ltd. with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Wednesday saying it will not oppose the deal on competition grounds. The decision boosted flagging market confidence that BHP can win approval from regulators to bring the two mining giants together and sparked buying in Rio Tinto’s Australian-listed stock.

Alcoa Closes 150,000 Tons Capacity At Rockdale Smelter

U.S. aluminum producer Alcoa Inc. (AA) on Tuesday said it will immediately idle the remainder of its Rockdale, Texas aluminum smelter capacity, taking 150,000 metric tons out of the market. Alcoa blamed uncompetitive power rates and overall market conditions for the closure. The company earlier in June idled three of its six potlines, equivalent to 120,000 tons, on account of rising local energy prices.

Alumina Raises A$266 Million Through Retail Share Entitlement Offer

Alumina Ltd. said Friday it raised A$266 million through the retail component of its 5-for-19 share entitlement offer.

Norsk Hydro, Vale In Brazilian Alumina Project

Norsk Hydro and metals and mining company Vale said Thursday they have agreed to construct a new alumina refinery in northern Brazil, strengthening Hydro’s future alumina supply in line with its growth strategy.

BHP Says May Reconsider Rio Bid If Regulators Intervene

BHP Billiton Ltd. said Wednesday that if regulators force divestments that affect the rationale of its bid for Rio Tinto Ltd., it could be forced to reconsider the deal. Steelmakers have raised concerns that a combined BHP/Rio would have too much power to influence iron ore prices but BHP Chief Executive Marius Kloppers said BHP believes bringing the two together will actually benefit customers by bringing on new sources of supply quicker.

UC RUSAL: aluminum inventories in St Petersburg 140,000 tons

UC Rusal, one of the world’s largest aluminum producers, has about 140,000 metric tons of aluminum in St. Petersburg port, a spokesman for the Russian company said Monday.

UC RUSAL signs memo with Libya to build metals complex

Russian aluminum producer United Company RUSAL has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Libyan State Economic and Social Development Fund to create a joint venture to develop an energy and metals complex in Libya, according to a joint statement released Monday.

Rio Tinto, Atlas To Develop Surface Mining Drilling Solutions

Rio Tinto said Thursday that it has formed an alliance with Atlas Copco to work together to develop autonomous drilling solutions for surface mining.

Rio, GE To Develop Energy Efficient, Eco Friendly Solutions

Rio Tinto and General Electric Thursday announced that they are working together on two key strategic technology projects, Rio Tinto’s 'Mine of the Future(TM)' and GE’s 'Ecomagination'", to develop the most energy efficient and ecologically friendly solutions to support the future of mining.

Report: UC RUSAL to invest $3 billion in China within 7 years

Russian aluminum giant United Company RUSAL plans to invest up to U.S. $3 billion within the next seven years in China, where construction work will fuel demand for aluminum, China’s South China Morning Post reported Thursday citing RUSAL’s CEO Alexander Bulygin.

BHP Confident Of Commodity Demand Despite Volatility

BHP Billiton Ltd.  said Tuesday it is confident there will be continuing growth in demand for its products but that commodity markets are set to remain volatile in the short term.  BHP Chairman Don Argus said mining stocks had seen a significant de-rating since May on the back of short-term uncertainty but, while this was disappointing, the outlook for demand remains positive.

Rusal Says In Talks With Enel For Energy JV In Sverdlovsk

Russian aluminum producer UC Rusal is in talks with Italian power company Enel (ENEL.MI) over a proposed joint venture energy plant in the Sverdlovsk region, the company told Dow Jones Newswires Monday.

Power Key To New Aluminum Projects-Rio Tinto Alcan

MONTREAL (Dow Jones)-Cheap, reliable and environmentally friendly long-term power contracts are key to the development of new aluminum smelting capacity, a senior executive at Rio Tinto Alcan (RTP) said Tuesday.

Sterlite To Demerge Aluminum Operations To Madras Aluminum

NEW DELHI -(Dow Jones)- Sterlite Industries Ltd. (500900.BY) said Tuesday its parent company, Vedanta Resources PLC (VED.LN), approved a restructuring program in an effort to simplify the group’s diversified businesses.

UC RUSAL introduces new waste processing technology

UC RUSAL has announced that it has developed a unique process for waste recycling. This new technology is applied at the company’s smelting operations in Bratsk (BrAZ), the largest aluminium facility in the world, and allows saving over USD 2 million every year. The new technology helps to reduce quantities of solid waste from the smelter’s operational facilities stored in the disposal area by 5,500 tonnes less of waste. 

Chinalco sets up Tibet Mining Co to explore mineral resources

Aluminum Corp. of China, or Chinalco, has set up a mining unit in the Tibet Autonomous Region to engage in the prospecting, development and sales of mineral products.

Workers At BHP’s Hillside Smelter To Get 15% Wage Rise -Union

JOHANNESBURG -(Dow Jones)- About 350 workers at BHP Billiton Ltd.'s (BHP) Hillside aluminum smelter in South Africa will receive a 15% wage increase this year, trade union Solidarity said Tuesday.

Chinalco:No Decision Yet On Rio Tinto Stake Hike

SHANGHAI -(Dow Jones)- State-owned Aluminum Corp. of China hasn’t made a decision on raising its holding in Australian miner Rio Tinto PLC (RTP), Chinalco Chairman Xiao Yaqing said Monday.

Brazil Vale Intends Alumina Plant In North

RIO DE JANEIRO -(Dow Jones)- Brazilian mining giant Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (RIO) intends to build an alumina refinery in northern Brazil, not Espirito Santo state, the company’s press office told Dow Jones Newswires on Thursday.

Alumina A$592 Million Institutional Offer Complete — Source

Alumina Ltd. has successfully completed the A$592 million institutional entitlement leg of its A$910 million capital raising, with shares not taken up by U.S. investors priced at A$3.70 in an institutional bookbuild, a person familiar with the raising said Friday.

Rio Tinto CEO: Has Seen Some Drop Off In Spot LME Prices

Rio Tinto Ltd. Chief Executive Tom Albanese said Wednesday the mining giant has noted some drop-off in spot commodity prices, although key commodities such as aluminum and copper are still trading above January levels.

Rio Tinto CEO: Co Has Stronger Earnings Momentum Than BHP 

Rio Tinto Ltd. Chief Executive Tom Albanese Tuesday said the miner’s first half earnings result supports its value based rejection of the hostile US$160 billion takeover offer from rival BHP Billiton ltd. and that it has more momentum than its rival.

Rio Tinto 1st Half Net Profit Doubles To US$6.9 Billion From Year Ago 

Rio Tinto Ltd. (RTP) said Tuesday its net profit for the half ended June 30 more than doubled on year to US$6.91 billion, from US$3.25 million for the same period a year earlier.

Chinalco Reserves Right To Increase Rio Tinto Stake

MELBOURNE (Dow Jones)-Aluminum Corporation of China Ltd., or Chinalco, has reserved the right to boost its stake in Rio Tinto Ltd. (RTP) after the Australian government approved its current holding, but analysts said Monday its ability to influence BHP Billiton Ltd.'s (BHP) US$164 billion bid for Rio Tinto now looks limited.

ACCC Final Decision Date On BHP Bid For Rio Tinto Oct 1 

Australia’s competition regulator has called for further comments on BHP Billiton Ltd.'s (BHP) proposed takeover of mining rival Rio Tinto Ltd. (RTP), to be submitted by Sept. 5 with a final decision due for Oct. 1.

Pavlodar Smelter To Boost Consumption Of ENRC Alumina

Consumption of internally produced alumina at the new Pavlodar aluminum smelter in Kazakhstan is expected to rise in the second half of 2008, its owner, Eurasian Natural Resources Corp. PLC, said Thursday.

BHP CEO: China Expansion To Drive Demand For Materials

China’s demand for infrastructure development will continue to drive demand for commodities and raw materials, BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) Chief Executive Marius Kloppers said Tuesday.

BHP CEO: S Africa Aluminum Smelting Capacity Unlikely To Grow

Continuing power constraints in South Africa mean no new aluminum smelting capacity is likely there for at least a decade, BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) Chief Executive Marius Kloppers said Monday.

BHP Billiton Posts Record $15.4B FY Profit

BHP Billiton Ltd. Monday posted its sixth consecutive record full year profit, and while offering an upbeat outlook, also stressed that a tie up with takeover target Rio Tinto Ltd. (RTP) made more sense than ever in light of intensifying industry cost pressures.

The world’s largest miner by market value said net profit for the year ended June 30 rose 14.7% to $15.39 billion from $13.42 billion the previous year on higher prices and production volumes.

BHP CEO: Investors Taking «Wait And See» Attitude On Rio Bid 

BHP Billiton Ltd.  Chief Executive Marius Kloppers said Monday investors are taking a "wait and see" attitude toward the company’s proposed bid for rival Rio Tinto PLC (RTP).

Rio Tinto Has Unplanned Outage At Yarwun Alumina Refinery

Rio Tinto Ltd. (RTP) said Friday production at its Yarwun alumina refinery has been affected by an unplanned outage for two weeks and remediation works are set to continue through August.

Australia’s ACCC Finding On BHP Bid For Rio Tinto Bid On Hold

Australia’s competition regulator said Tuesday it will hold off on making a ruling on the US$148.2 billion BHP Billiton Ltd. bid for Rio Tinto Ltd.  while it awaits more information from BHP.

Rusal Offers To Study Environmental Program For Norilsk

Russian aluminum producer United Company Rusal, which owns a 25% stake in miner OAO Norilsk Nickel, said Tuesday it’s offering to prepare a feasibility study for a large-scale environmental modernization program of Norilsk Nickel’s facilities.

Rusal: Boguchanskaya Energy, Aluminum Ops To Start In 2010 

Russian aluminum giant United Company Rusal said Monday that its joint hydropower and aluminum smelter operation with Russian renewable energy company RusHydro is on track to begin by late 2010 and be at full capacity by 2012.

India Court Allows Sterlite Indus To Mine Bauxite In Orissa

India’s Supreme Court Friday allowed Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd. (500900.BY) to mine bauxite in the Niyamgiri hills in Orissa, said a senior company official.  A local tribe had opposed mining of bauxite on the hills, as they consider them sacred and alleged that mining activities in the area would also threaten their livelihood and environment.

Mining M&A More Than Doubles This Year-Dealogic

Mining M&A has more than doubled so far this year, boosted earlier Wednesday by Anglo-Swiss miner Xstrata PLC’s GBP5 billion unsolicited bid for Lonmin PLC.  The largest deal so far this year in the mining sector was Aluminium Corp of China Ltd (2600.HK) and Alcoa Inc.'s purchase of a 12% stake in Rio Tinto PLC for $14.3 billion. 

BHP Billiton: S Africa Operations At 99% Turnout Despite Strike

BHP Billiton Plc’s (BLT.LN) aluminum, coal and manganese operations in South Africa have been minimally affected by a one-day national strike, a company spokesman said Wednesday.

Rio Tinto: Simandou Uncertainty Doesn’t Hurt Defense

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Sam Walsh said Monday that uncertainty surrounding its giant Simandou iron ore project won’t damage the company’s defense against BHP Billiton Ltd.'s (BHP.AU) hostile takeover bid.  The miner last week received a letter from the Guinean president, which appears to rescind the concession for the US$6 billion project.

Vedanta India plans like razing St Paul’s Cathedral — aid group

A U. K. aid agency said Thursday it has submitted an application to demolish St. Paul’s Cathedral in London to protest against a mining company’s plan to extract bauxite from a sacred Indian mountain.

Alumina Happy To Keep Pace With Alcoa Despite Higher Costs

Alumina Ltd. said Thursday it is happy to continue to keep pace with the growth plans of its joint venture partner Alcoa Inc. (AA) despite the rising cash call from expansions.

Alumina 1st Half Profit Beats Forecasts, Costs Rise

Alumina Ltd. posted a first half profit ahead of market expectations Thursday and set the scene for upcoming results from other Australian miners with the revelation of major cost increases that analysts say will be a key theme this reporting season.

Rusal: Deripaska, Potanin Not In Norilsk Merger Talks

Russian aluminum giant United Company Rusal, which owns about 25% in Russian mining giant OAO Norilsk Nickel, said Wednesday its major shareholder Oleg Deripaska isn’t in talks with Norilsk’s major shareholder Vladimir Potanin about a possible merger of the two metal companies.

BHP Warns Rio Shares Would Fall Without Offer

BHP Billiton Ltd. Chairman Don Argus has issued a blunt warning to Rio Tinto Ltd. shareholders Wednesday that their stock would be trading lower without the support of BHP’s US$170 billion takeover offer. Argus said BHP’s offer of 3.4 of its shares for every Rio Tinto share represents a "substantial premium" of 45% and that this has been reflected in a large increase in Rio Tinto’s shares relative to BHP shares since the proposal became public.

Rexam 1st Half Strong, Mkts Still Buoyant

Consumer packaging company Rexam PLC Wednesday reported a strong increase in first-half
 results, buoyed by a focus on higher growth and emerging markets as well as acquisitions.
At 0712 GMT the shares were 23 pence or 6.5% higher at 370 pence.

Chinalco 1H Profit CNY7 Bln; Revenue Over CNY70 Bln

Aluminum Corp. of China, or Chinalco, said in a statement Wednesday its first-half profit totaled CNY7 billion (US$1.03 billion) and its revenue during the period topped CNY70 billion.

Vedanta: Jharsuguda Aluminum Smelter Expansion On Schedule

Work on the second phase expansion at the Jharsuguda aluminum smelter in India is on schedule, with the first phase of the plant commissioned in May, metals and mining company Vedanta Resources PLC said Tuesday.

Saudi Maaden, Rio Tinto JV To Cost $10.5B, Up From $7.5B — CEO 

Saudi Arabian Mining Co., or Maaden, will spend $10.5 billion on its integrated aluminum project with Rio Tinto Alcan (RIO.LN), up from the initial $7.5 billion estimated earlier this year, the company’s top executive told Zawya Dow Jones.  "The aluminum project with Rio Tinto Alcan is worth $10.5 billion and this has been reconfigured to produce 750,000 tons of aluminum (per year) rather than the 650,000 tons we started with in our earlier feasibility studies," Abdullah Dabbagh, Maaden’s chief executive officer told Zawya Dow Jones in an interview Sunday.

Rio Tinto To Double Uranium Output, Move To Potash

Rio Tinto Ltd.'s (RTP) plans to double uranium output within the next five years center on raising production at its existing operation in Namibia, but the miner is also in talks for new opportunities in Kazakhstan and Jordan, Preston Chiaro, chief executive of energy and minerals, said Friday.

BHP Billiton Posts Record 4Q Iron Ore, Copper, Oil Output

BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP.AU) Wednesday said it posted production records for key commodities of iron ore, copper and oil in the fourth quarter.

UC RUSAL eyes inert anode technology in 3–4 years

Russian aluminum giant United Company RUSAL plans to start intoroduction of inert anode technology at its plants within three to four years, Viktor Mann, the director of the company’s engineering division, said in an interview with Prime-Tass Tuesday.

Alumina Says Costs Higher At Alumar, Juruti Projects

Alumina Ltd. (AWC.AU) announced Monday major cost blowouts for the Alumar refinery expansion and Juruti mine development in Brazil.

Chalco Cuts Output At Two Shanxi Plants On Power Shortage

Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd. (ACH), or Chalco, expects two of its aluminum smelters in China’s northern Shanxi province will have to cut production by a total of 30,000 metric tons this summer because of an ongoing power shortage.

ALCOA, YUTONG introduce eco-friendly buses for beijing games

Alcoa, the world’s leading aluminum company, and Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Company (Yutong), China’s largest bus manufacturer and the number two producer in the world, today introduced two new environmentally-friendly bus prototypes that will be displayed and road tested during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing next month. The new aluminum-intensive bus body is approximately 46 percent lighter than a traditional bus and, therefore, requires less fuel and emits fewer greenhouse gases.

Rio Tinto: 2Q Iron Ore Output Up 13%, Copper Down

Rio Tinto Ltd. (RIO.AU) Wednesday posted record quarterly output for iron ore for the three months to June but reported sharply lower refined copper production because of scheduled maintenance at its Kennecott smelter, lower grades and problems with mining equipment availability. Rio’s aluminum division recorded another round of big output jumps, as a result of last year’s US$38.1 billion Alcan takeover. Bauxite production doubled to 8.515 million tons, alumina more than tripled to 2.266 million tons and aluminum production stood at 1.348 million tons.

RUSAL 1H 2008 revenue up 14% TO $8 billion

Russian privately-owned aluminum producer United Company Rusal Wednesday said its revenue increased over 14% to $8 billion in 2008 in the first half of 2008 due to increased production. UC Rusal, the largest aluminum and alumina producer in the world, said in a statement its first six months aluminum production was up 7.8% at 2.2 million metric tons and its alumina production was up 1.4% at 5.7 million metric tons.

Rusal Says Eying Energy And Metal Projects In Saudi Arabia

Russian aluminum giant United Company RUSAL is holding talks with Saudi Arabian state company Maadin to build a power and metallurgy complex in the desert kingdom, according to documents provided during the visit of Saudi Arabia National Security Council’s Secretary-General Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud to Moscow.

Norsk Hydro Sees 2Q Hit By Input Costs, Power Sourcing Pacts

Norsk Hydro said Monday it expects to report an underlying EBIT of approximately NOK1.6 billion for the second quarter compared to an underlying EBIT of NOK2.0 billion in the first quarter.

20 China Aluminum Smelters To Cut 5%-10% Output

A plan by 20 major aluminum smelters in China to cut output sent prices of the metal spinning to a record high Thursday, despite market watchers playing down the impact on supplies. Analysts said an output cut of between 5%-10% over the next month will mean a production loss of about 100,000 metric tons of aluminum.  The three-month LME aluminum price was quoted at $3,310 a metric ton at 1113 GMT. It hit a fresh record of $3,350 earlier on news that China — the world’s biggest aluminum producer — will cut output soon.

Rio Sells Kintyre As Part Of Divestment Plan

Rio Tinto Ltd. (RTP) has sold its Kintyre uranium project in Western Australia state to Cameco Corp. (CCJ) and Mitsubishi Corp. (8058.TO) for US$495 million as it presses on with plans for US$15 billion worth of asset sales aimed at paying down debt. Rio Tinto is targeting US$10 billion worth of asset sales this year and has said it will sell at least US$15 billion in total to help pay down the US$40 billion in debt it took on to fund its US$38.1 billion takeover of aluminum producer Alcan.

Alcoa Trims Growth Forecast For 2008 Aluminum Demand

Alcoa Inc. (AA) has trimmed its forecast for 2008 growth in worldwide aluminum consumption to 7.9% from 8.5%, although the company described the global aluminum market as "robust" overall. "Global supply and demand are essentially in balance," Chief Financial Officer Chuck McLane told analysts on a post-earnings conference call Tuesday. "Aluminum prices have continued to show strength."

Alcoa 2Q Net Down 24% But Shares Up As Results Beat Estimates

Alcoa Inc.'s (AA) second-quarter net income dropped 24% as aluminum prices failed to keep pace with climbing costs.  Still, shares rose 4% in after-hours trading as the results beat Wall Street’s expectations. Shares were at $33.65 after hours after the Dow component’s stock closed down 3.2% at $32.33 in regular trading.

Cameroon Has Aluminum Reserves For 50 Years — Government Minister

Cameroon has 50 years of aluminum reserves remaining, but investment in infrastructure is desperately needed, a senior official at the country’s Ministry of Industries, Mines and Technological Development told state-run Cameroon Radio.

Coal Of Africa, Rio Tinto In JV, Farm Swap Agreement

Coal of Africa Ltd. Monday said it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Kwezi Mining and Chapudi Coal, joint venture companies held by Rio Tinto PLC (RTP) and the Kwezi Group of South Africa.

BHP Extends EU Assessment Of Rio Bid To December 9 

MELBOURNE -(Dow Jones)- BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) said Monday it has exercised its right to ask for a 20 day extension of the European Commission’s review of its bid for rival Rio Tinto Ltd. (RTP), meaning an offer document for the bid could come as late as March 2009.

Aluminum Corp Of China Plans To Sell CNY3B 1-Year Bills Wed 

SHANGHAI (Dow Jones)-Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd. (ACH), China’s largest alumina producer by output, said Friday it plans to sell CNY3 billion worth of one-year bills Wednesday.

India National Aluminum Seeks 51% Stake In Tajik Co -Report

NEW DELHI (Dow Jones)-India’s state-run National Aluminium Co. is awaiting government approval to buy a 51% stake in Tajik Aluminium Company, or Talco, the Financial Express reported Thursday, citing unnamed sources.

European aluminium award 2008 call for entries

Companies with an innovative product that incorporates aluminium can win an important prize by taking part in this year’s European Aluminium Award. Winning a prestigious prize such as this European Aluminium Award not only recognises your innovative approach to business, but is also an important stimulus that helps to promote your company. The Awards will be handed out during the International World Trade Fair ALUMINIUM 2008, which is held on 23–25 September 2008 at Messe Essen in Germany.

Aluminum prices may rise 12%

According to UBS AG, aluminum prices may rise 12 percent next year as the higher cost of coal makes production more expensive.  It forces smaller plants to close.

Tata, Nalco To Ink JV For S Africa Aluminum,Pwr Plants -Report

BANGALORE (Dow Jones)-India’s state-run National Aluminium Co. Ltd. and the Tata Group are set to sign a joint venture agreement to set up an aluminum smelter and a power plant in South Africa at a cost of $3 billion, the Financial Express reported Friday, citing unnamed sources.

Aluminum Prices Could Reach $4,000/Ton By Year End — Analysts

CHICAGO -(Dow Jones)- Constricted supplies and robust world demand could push aluminum prices up to $3,600-$4,000 per metric ton by the end of the year and $4,250-$4,500/ton by the end of 2009, industry analysts said.

National Aluminium Sells 30,000 Tons Alumina At $457.57/Ton

MUMBAI (Dow Jones)-India’s state-run National Aluminium Co. sold 30,000 metric tons of alumina in a spot tender at $457.57/ton, free on board, a senior company official said Tuesday.

National Aluminium Production Hit By Coal Shortage — Exec

MUMBAI (Dow Jones)-India’s state-run National Aluminium Company Ltd.'s daily aluminum production was down by nearly 30% in the last four days due to a shortage of coal supply to power its smelter, the chairman and managing director of the company said Monday.

Alcoa: Sold 10% Stake In Ghana’s Valco Smelter To Government

LONDON -(Dow Jones)- U.S. aluminum producer Alcoa Inc. (AA) has sold its 10% stake in Ghana’s Volta Aluminum Company, or Valco, a company spokesman told Dow Jones Newswires Friday.

Alcoa Cuts 120,000 Tons Aluminum Output On High Power Prices

SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)-U.S. aluminum producer Alcoa Inc. (AA) will immediately cut aluminum output at its Rockdale smelter in Texas by half, or approximately 120,000 metric tons, on account of rising energy prices, the company said in a press statement.

UC Rusal invests more than USD 2 million to find new uses for aluminium

Moscow, 18 June 2008 – UC RUSAL, the world’s largest aluminium and alumina producer, has announced plans to invest more than USD 2 million to find the best new applications for aluminium and to develop innovative products. As part of this Global Technology and Innovation Research Project UC RUSAL and the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) are inviting leading universities and research centers from around the world to apply for the funding of innovative research projects. 

Hindalco Industries Considering $1B Rights Issue — Report

BANGALORE (Dow Jones)-India’s Hindalco Industries Ltd. (500440.BY) is considering a rights issue worth nearly $1 billion to part finance the acquisition of rolled aluminum products maker Novelis Inc., the Economic Times reported, citing unnamed sources.

Rio Tinto Launches Study Into US$1B Bauxite Mine

MELBOURNE (Dow Jones)-Rio Tinto Ltd. (RTP) said it is set to begin a study into a new US$1 billion bauxite mine south of its existing operations at Weipa in the Australian state of Queensland.

Vimetco Says Primary Aluminum Sales In Line With Expectations

LONDON (Dow Jones)-Netherlands-based aluminum producer Vimetco NV (VICO.LN) said Tuesday its overall sales volumes for the year-to-date are in line with expectations, company chairman Pierre Baillot said in a speech released ahead of the company’s annual general meeting.

Worsley Alumina Operations Back To Normal As Gas Secured-BHP

LONDON -(Dow Jones)- BHP Billiton Ltd’s (BHP) operations at its Worsley alumina refinery in Australia have returned to normal after extra gas was secured, a spokesman said Monday.

Alcoa WA Alumina Output Steady, Force Majeure Precaution

SYDNEY -(Dow Jones)- Production at Alcoa Inc.'s (AA) alumina joint venture operation in Western Australia is only marginally lower, and the company’s force majeure on alumina deliveries is a precautionary measure only at present, a company spokesman said Wednesday.

Russia’s Rusal To Invest Over $300M In Trans-Shipment Complex

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (Dow Jones)-Russia’s United Company Rusal, the world’s largest aluminum producer, said Sunday it will invest over $300 million into the construction of a trans-shipment complex.

Rusal Appoints Samsonov As Director For Control

ST. PETERSBURG (Dow Jones)-Russia’s United Company Rusal, the world’s largest aluminum producer, said Saturday it appointed Vitaliy Samsonov from Russia’s metals and mining company Metalloinvest as its director for control.

Alcoa W Australia Plants Output Unaffected By Gas Supply Cut 

SYDNEY (Dow Jones)-U.S. aluminum producer Alcoa Inc.'s (AA) plants in Western Australia are operating at full capacity, even after a force majeure declared by natural gas-supplier Apache Corp. (APA)

Chalco Cuts Alumina Price By 17%

SHANGHAI (Dow Jones)-Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd. (ACH), or Chalco, Tuesday cut its spot alumina price for the first time this year, following similar reductions by its rivals amid expanding domestic production capacity.

Aluminum Demand At 90M Tons By 2025 — McKinsey

Global aluminum demand is likely to grow faster than GDP growth and total around 90 million metric tons by 2025, says McKinsey & Company. This is more than double demand in '07 and +20% higher than market consensus, McKinsey notes.

Chalco To Add 880,000 Tons Alumina Capacity In June — Source

HONG KONG (Dow Jones)-Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd.'s (ACH) Pingguo plant in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region will add 880,000 metric tons of alumina output capacity at the end of June, a company official said Friday.

McKinsey study: Global demand for aluminum to grow faster than expected

McKinsey study indicates that, looking towards 2025, global demand for aluminum is likely to grow faster than GDP growth and will total approximately 90 million metric tons by 2025. This latter figure represents more than double the demand recorded by the industry in 2007, and is also 20% higher than the figure previously expected by industry analysts and participants. The main demand drivers will be infrastructure and business construction in developing economies, particularly in China, but also in other emerging regions, such as India and the Middle East.

Chalco To Sell CNY5 Bln 3-Year Bonds June 4 

SHANGHAI (Dow Jones)-Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd. (ACH), or Chalco, said Wednesday it will sell CNY5 billion worth of three-year bonds on June 4 and CNY5 billion worth of five-year bonds in the fourth quarter.

Rusal Wants Independent Chairman At Norilsk

LONDON (Dow Jones)-Russia’s United Co. Rusal, the owner of 25%-plus-two shares in Russian mining giant OAO Norilsk Nickel (GMKN.RS), wants changes to Norilsk’s board structure and an independent chairman, while questioning current Norilsk policy and strategy. "We consider it appropriate to change the current structure of the board to make it balanced and to have directors, representing interests of all three groups of shareholders equally," Rusal’s Director of Corporate Strategy Artem Volynets told Dow Jones Newswires Tuesday.

UC Rusal To Expand Irkutsk Casthouse To Meet Smelter Needs

LONDON (Dow Jones)-United Co. Rusal, Russia’s largest aluminum and alumina producer, said Thursday it plans to expand capacity at the Irkutsk aluminum smelters casthouse, to bring it in line with a recent expansion at the plant.

India National Aluminium Ups Pdt Prices By INR8,000/Ton-Exec

MUMBAI (Dow Jones)-India’s state-run National Aluminium Co.  hiked product prices by INR8,000 per metric ton over the weekend, a senior company official said Tuesday.

Rio Tinto Cuts New Zealand Aluminum Smelter Output By 2,900 Tons/Month

SYDNEY -(Dow Jones)- Rio Tinto Ltd. (RIO.AU) will lower aluminum output at its 350,000-metric-ton Tiwai smelter in New Zealand by around 2,900 tons a month, in a move to conserve energy as dam levels for hydropower generation drop to worryingly low levels.

UC Rusal Says First Metal At New Taishet Smelter Seen End 09 

LONDON (Dow Jones)-United Co. Rusal, Russia’s largest aluminum and alumina producer, said Wednesday it expects first metal from its Taishet aluminum smelter to be produced in 2009, boosting the company’s total annual production capacity by 18%.

Rio Tinto CEO: Output To Rise 8% A Year Across Commodities

LONDON -(Dow Jones)- Rio Tinto PLC (RTP) Chief Executive Tom Albanese Tuesday forecast the mining giant’s production would grow more than 8% across all commodities through 2015 as new projects come on line.

Russia’s Rusal Appoints Onexim CEO Razumov To Its Board

MOSCOW (Dow Jones)-Russia’s largest aluminum and alumina producer United Co. Rusal Tuesday said it has appointed Onexim Group’s Chief Executive Dmitry Razumov to its board.

Alumina: Finance Unit To Raise Around US$300 Million

SYDNEY -(Dow Jones)- Alumina Ltd. (AWC.AU) said Tuesday its wholly owned finance subsidiary, Alumina Finance Limited, has launched a convertible bond offering to raise approximately US$300 million.

Norsk Hydro Buys Alumafel In Spain For EUR77 Million

STOCKHOLM -(Dow Jones)- Norsk Hydro Friday said it has agreed to acquire the privately owned Alumafel Group, a Spanish provider aluminum building systems, for EUR77 million.

Kaiser Aluminum 1Q Net $39.1 Million On Derivative Gains

Kaiser ALuminum Corp.'s (KALU) first-quarter net income jumped to $39.1 million, or $1.92 a share, from $17.1 million, or 85 cents a share, a year ago, aided by "significant" unrealized mark-to-market gains on hedging derivative transactions.

Alcoa Names President, Operating Chief Kleinfeld As CEO

Alcoa Inc. (AA) named its president and chief operating officer, Klaus Kleinfeld, as chief executive to succeed Alain Belda, who will continue as chairman.

New low emission buses for Singapore built with Rio Tinto Alcan aluminium lightweight technology

Alcan Extruded Products, part of Alcan Engineered Products — a business unit of Rio Tinto Alcan, is pleased to announce that it is supplying the aluminium extrusions, sheets and joining elements for a series of 500 low-floor city buses for Singapore. This significant order is the starting point for the on-going replacement of SBS Transit, the local public transport company’s bus fleet of 2,700 vehicles.

ALCOA Plans Meeting With Vietnam Govt To Discuss Alumina JV

Alcoa Inc. (AA) plans to meet with the Vietnamese government to discuss a new government directive that will allow Alcoa a 40% stake in a domestic joint venture, a company spokesperson said Tuesday.

Vietnam Permits Alcoa To Take 40% Stake In Alumina JV 

HANOI (Dow Jones)-Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has agreed to allow the country’s largest mining firm Vinacomin to offer Alcoa Inc. (AA) a 40% stake in a joint venture to produce 600,000 metric tons of alumina a year from the central region, the government said Tuesday on its Web site.

BHP Approves US$1.9 Billion Worsley Alumina Expansion

MELBOURNE -(Dow Jones)- BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP.AU) has approved a US$1.9 billion expansion of its Worsley alumina refinery in Western Australia in a move analysts said signals its confidence in the aluminum outlook as well as a desire to limit rival Rio Tinto Ltd.'s (RTP) dominance of the sector.

Rio Tinto Alcan Open To Working With Chinalco — CEO 

MELBOURNE -(Dow Jones)- The head of Rio Tinto Ltd.'s (RTP) aluminum division said Wednesday the miner is open to working with Aluminum Corp. of China, also known as Chinalco, on projects and pointed to the Weipa and Aurukun projects in Queensland state as one possibility.

Vimetco To Expand Chinese Aluminum Capacity To 750,000 Tons

LONDON (Dow Jones)-Netherlands-based aluminum producer Vimetco NV (VICO.LN) said it is in negotiations to acquire a bauxite mine in West Africa as the company seeks to become raw material independent, the chief executive said Tuesday.

DJ China '08 Aluminum Output Growth To Slow To 20% — Antaike

SHANGHAI (Dow Jones)-China’s aluminum output growth is expected to slow to 20% this yeara gainst 34% last year because of an unusually harsh winter in the south, but is likely to pick up in the second half as more capacity comes on stream, a senior industry analyst said.

Rusal To Sell Pikalyovo Alumina Refinery To BasEl Unit

MOSCOW (Dow Jones)-Russia’s United Co. Rusal Friday said it would sell its Pikalyovo Alumina Refinery in the northwest of the country to a unit of Basic Element, or BasEl, for an undisclosed sum.

Rusal Closes Purchase Of 25% Norilsk Nickel Stake

MOSCOW (Dow Jones)-Russian aluminum giant United Co. Rusal Thursday said it has closed the acquisition of 25%-plus-one-share of OAO Norilsk Nickel (GMKN.RS), in a deal that will create one of the world’s top five miners by production and valuation.

Rusal Invested $20M In Nigeria’s Alscon In 2007 — Report

LONDON (Dow Jones)-Russia’s United Co. Rusal said Thursday it invested $20 million in Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria, or Alscon, in 2007, ITAR-TASS reported Thursday.

Chalco 1Q Net Profit CNY1.17 Bln

Hong Kong (Dow Jones)-Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd. (ACH), the world’s second-largest alumina producer by output after Alcoa Inc., said Tuesday its first-quarter net profit was CNY1.17 billion under Chinese accounting standards.

Hydro 1Q Net Pft Dn On Weaker Aluminum Price,Currency

OSLO (Dow Jones)-Norsk Hydro ASA (NHY.OS) Tuesday reported an 80% fall in net profit for the first quarter of 2007, reflecting weaker realized aluminum prices and negative currency effects, and said it expects to see high London Metals Exchange, or LME, prices throughout 2008.

Rio Tinto Sees Chinalco JV Possibility In Aluminum — Report

LONDON (Dow Jones)-Mining giant Rio Tinto PLC (RTP) sees the possibility of joint ventures with Alumnum Corp. of China (ACH), or Chinalco, particularly in aluminum, Chairman Paul Skinner told The Observer newspaper in an interview published Sunday.

Rio Tinto: Monitoring Dam Levels For New Zealand Aluminum Smelter

SYDNEY -(Dow Jones)- Global miner Rio Tinto PLC (RTP) said Friday it was closely monitoring low dam levels for hydroelectric power generation for its Tiwai aluminum smelter in New Zealand.

DJ Chalco Plant To Add 900,000 Tons Alumina Capacity — Xinhua

SHANGHAI (Dow Jones)-Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd.'s (ACH) Pingguo plant in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region will add 900,000 metric tons of alumina output capacity within three months, the official Xinhua News Agency said Thursday.

Kaiser Aluminum Names Rinkenberger Senior VP, Financial Chief

Kaiser Aluminum (KALU) named Daniel J. Rinkenberger senior vice president and chief financial officer to succeed Joseph P. Bellino, who left the company to pursue other interests.

Rio Tinto: 1Q Aluminum Production Up

MELBOURNE -(Dow Jones)- Rio Tinto Ltd. (RTP) said Wednesday it posted a big jump in aluminum production in the first quarter as its Alcan businesses contributed to output.

Rusal 1Q Primary Aluminum Output 1.10M Tons Vs 1.00M 1Q '07 

MOSCOW (Dow Jones)-Russia’s United Co. Rusal Tuesday said primary aluminum output rose 9.4% on the year during the first quarter of 2008 to 1.10 million tons.

National Aluminium Co Mulls Smelter Proj In S.Africa — Exec

NEW DELHI (Dow Jones)-India’s state-run National Aluminium Co. Ltd. (532234.BY) plans to establish an alumina smelter in S. Africa and another in Indonesia, a senior company executive said Thursday.

Alcoa Trims Growth Forecast For '08 Aluminum Demand

Alcoa Inc. (AA) is forecasting 8.5% growth in worldwide primary aluminum consumption this year, a decline from the company’s prior estimate of more than 9%.

Alcoa 1Q Net Slides 54%; Cuts '08 Global Demand

Alcoa Inc.'s (AA) first-quarter net income dropped 54% amid what the largest U.S. aluminum producer called "challenging economic conditions," and the company cut expectations for worldwide aluminum demand.

Rio Tinto Alcan Speeds Up Study Of Alma Smelter Growth Project

Rio Tinto PLC’s (RTP) Rio Tinto Alcan unit will proceed, on an accelerated basis, with the pre-feasibility study for an expansion of the Alma smelter in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec.

Hydro CEO:China Demand Real Support To Aluminum Price

OLSO (Dow Jones)- Norsk Hydro’s ASA (NHY) chief executive Thursday said high demand growth for primary alumina in China will be a key support for prices going forward, and that the country will account for 35% of total demand by 2020 from 13% in 2000.

Nalco 07–08 Aluminum Output 359,213 Tons Vs 358,734 Tons

MUMBAI (Dow Jones)-India’s state-run National Aluminium Co. (532234.BY) said Wednesday it produced 359,213 metric tons of aluminum during the financial year ended March, up from 358,734 tons in the previous year.

DJ Chalco Approved To Build 800,000 Ton Alumina Plant In Shanxi

SHANGHAI (Dow Jones)-The National Development and Reform Commission has approved a plan by Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd. (ACH), or Chalco, to build an alumina refinery with an annual production capacity of 800,000 metric tons in Xing county, Shanxi province.

Alcoa Taps Aluminum Demand With Brazil Bauxite Mine

JURUTI, Brazil (Dow Jones)-U.S.-based Alcoa Inc. (AA) has completed more than half the construction of a mine in this Amazon River village designed to eventually produce nearly 10% of the world’s supply of bauxite, a key resource for aluminum manufacturing.

DJ Rio Tinto Seeks More JVs With China State-Owned Cos 

BEIJING (Dow Jones)- Rio Tinto PLC (RTP) sees more joint-venture opportunities with China’s state-owned enterprises, Rio Tinto Chief Executive Tom Albanese said Saturday.

Rusal To Invest $20 Mln In Cathode Production In China

MOSCOW (Dow Jones)-United Co. Rusal, the world’s largest producer of aluminum and alumina, Thursday said it plans to invest $20 million in a newly acquired cathode plant in China.

Chinalco: No Decision Yet On Raising Rio Tinto Stake To 15%

HONG KONG -(Dow Jones)- Aluminum Corp. of China President Xiao Yaqing said Wednesday no decision has been made with Alcoa Inc. (AA) to raise their combined stake in Rio Tinto PLC (RTP) to 15% from 9%.

Chinalco Chairman: Considering Raising Stake In Rio Tinto

SHANGHAI -(Dow Jones)- Aluminum Corp. of China, or Chinalco, is likely raise its stake in Rio Tinto PLC (RTP), and the company is talking with Alcoa Inc. (AA), its bidding partner on the issue, Chinalco President Xiao Yaqing said Tuesday.

Alcoa CEO’s 2007 Compensation Doubles To Over $25M

PITTSBURGH (AP)- Alcoa Inc. (AA) Chief Executive Alain Belda received compensation valued at $25.65 million in 2007, a year in which the aluminum producer’s earnings climbed 14%, according to a regulatory filing Monday.

Rio Tinto Alcan To Meet Alumina Demand

LONDON (Dow Jones)- Rio Tinto Alcan said Tuesday that it is firmly positioned to meet growing global demand for alumina, with its Yarwun alumina refinery achieving record performance in November and December, and with significant progress being made on the refinery expansion project.

Chalco 2007 Net Profit CNY10.24 Bln Vs CNY11.84 Bln

HONG KONG (Dow Jones)- Aluminum Corp. of China Ltd. (ACH), China’s largest alumina and aluminum producer, said Monday its net profit last year fell 14% because of rising costs.

Norsk Hydro Says Draft Legislation Will Hinder Devt In Norway

STOCKHOLM (Dow Jones)- Norsk Hydro executive vice president for Energy, Jorgen C. Arentz Rostrup, said Friday "We have developed hydroelectric power in order to develop industry in Norway. We want to continue generating our own power, so that we can continue to produce aluminium. This proposal will make it more difficult to further industrial development in Norway."