More China Al Smelting Capacity, Industry Expert

International Aluminium Institute’s secretary general Ron Knapp said to a reporter of Japan Metal Bulletin on Monday in Tokyo he expects Chinese smelting capacity would increase more despite of Chinese government effort to avoid power consuming new capacity. However, he said smelters shift the plants to southwestern part of China while local governments have each industrial policy.

Mr. Knapp said Chinese aluminium demand keeps growing steady under stable economy growth. He said Chinese smelting capacity would increase in mid-term while Chinese government tries to minimize the capacity increase. He said electricity cost depends on local condition and some provinces try to support aluminium smelters as the growth engine. He also sees many smelters try to shift the production to power rich areas including Inner Mongolia.

Mr. Knapp visited Beijing to discuss officials in Chinese industry. International Aluminium Institute confirmed closed cooperation with Chinese counter part on lower emission of perfluorinated compound and management of bauxite residue.

International Aluminium Institute renewed alumina technology road map to improve efficiency in the industry. The institute tries to improve energy saving, emission control for bauxite residue and treatment high silica bauxite through cooperation with Chinese and other countries’ counterparts.