Aluminum
Projects
Major Aluminum Projects Worldwide
The development pipeline for Aluminum projects spans exploration through production across multiple jurisdictions. We track 3 key projects that will shape the future supply landscape for this base metal.
Current Production
70 million
tonnes
Top Producer
China
57% share
Projects Tracked
3
Reserves
32 billion tonnes (bauxite)
Aluminum Project Pipeline
The following projects represent the most significant Aluminum operations and development-stage assets worldwide:
Ma aden Aluminium (Ras Al Khair)
Saudi Arabian Mining Company
One of the largest integrated aluminum smelters built in the last decade
Hongqiao Indonesia
China Hongqiao Group
Massive greenfield smelter complex near nickel laterite resources
Tiwai Point Smelter
Rio Tinto
Southern hemisphere smelter powered by renewable hydro, closure deferred to 2028
Government Support and Strategic Initiatives
Recognizing the strategic importance of Aluminum, governments in major consuming nations have launched programs to support project development. These include direct financing, loan guarantees, streamlined permitting, and bilateral resource partnerships. As a USGS-listed critical mineral, Aluminum projects are eligible for various U.S. government support mechanisms including the Defense Production Act Title III program. EU Critical Raw Materials Act provisions enable fast-track permitting and financing support for Aluminum projects within the EU and partner nations.
Key Industry Developments
Recent developments affecting the Aluminum project landscape:
US imposed 10% tariffs on aluminum imports under Section 232, later raised to 25% for some countries
LME briefly suspended nickel trading; aluminum prices hit record $3,849/tonne amid Russia-Ukraine conflict energy crisis
EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) began transitional phase, impacting aluminum trade economics
China announced removal of 13% VAT rebate on aluminum exports, tightening global supply
More on Aluminum
Explore other aspects of the Aluminum value chain.
Uses & Applications
Explore uses & applications for Aluminum.
Supply Chain
Explore supply chain for Aluminum.
Mining & Processing
Explore mining & processing for Aluminum.
Refining & Grade Specs
Explore refining & grade specs for Aluminum.
Recycling
Explore recycling for Aluminum.
Substitutes
Explore substitutes for Aluminum.
Return to the Aluminum hub page or browse the full Mineral Library.