2008 Minerals Yearbook

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

ALUMINUM [ADVANCE RELEASE]

November 2009
ALUMINUM—2008 [ADVANCE RELEASE] 5.1

ALUMINUM

By E. Lee Bray

Domestic survey data and tables were prepared by Paula R. Neely, statistical assistant, and the world production table was 

prepared by Lisa D. Miller, international data coordinator.

During 2008, domestic primary smelters produced 2.66 

million metric tons (Mt) of aluminum metal, 4% more than that 

in 2007, valued at $7.06 billion, 3% greater than the value of 

the production in the prior year. At yearend, 6 companies were 

operating 13 domestic primary aluminum smelters in 10 States. 

Smelters east of the Mississippi River accounted for about 70% 

of the production. At yearend, an additional fi ve were idle, 

including one that was closed during the year. Early in 2009, 

plans to close two additional smelters were announced. At 

yearend 2008, about 34% [1.23 million metric tons per year 

(Mt/yr)] of domestic primary aluminum smelting capacity, 

including idle potlines at operating smelters, was not being 

utilized. 

Aluminum recovered from purchased scrap decreased 

to 3.32 Mt. Of this recovered metal, 60% came from new 

(manufacturing) scrap, and 40% came from old (discarded 

aluminum products) scrap. Aluminum used beverage cans 

(UBCs) accounted for 51% of the reported old scrap consumed 

in 2008. 

The transportation and the container and packaging industries 

remained the leading markets for aluminum products in Canada 

and the United States in 2008. The transportation industry 

accounted for 33.0% of United States and Canadian metal 

shipments; containers and packaging, 26.1%; building and 

construction, 13.7%; electrical, 8.2%; machinery and equipment, 

8.0%; consumer durables, 7.1%; and other uses, 3.9%.

The 2008 annual average U.S. market price of primary 

aluminum ingot decreased slightly to $1.205 per pound from 

$1.222 per pound in 2007. The monthly average price was 

$1.136 per pound in January and rose steadily until it peaked in 

July at $1.426 per pound, then declined sharply to $0.715 per 

pound in December.

At the end of 2008, total world inventories of aluminum, 

as reported by the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) 

(2009), were 4% higher than those at yearend 2007. Combined 

inventories of aluminum metal and alloys held by the London 

Metal Exchange Ltd. (LME) increased by 148%.

Primary aluminum was produced in 42 countries in 2008. 

China, Russia, Canada, and the United States, in decreasing 

order of metal produced, accounted for almost 60% of total 

world production. World primary metal production increased 

by 3% compared with that of 2007, primarily owing to a 

600,000-metric-ton (t) increase in production in China and a 

400,000-t increase in production in Iceland. 

Production 

Primary.—In response to tightened credit conditions in the 

latter part of 2008, Alcoa Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA) announced it 

would stop all noncritical capital spending to conserve cash 

during the adverse economic environment. All projects were 

under review and would be decided upon on a case-by-case 

basis (Alcoa Inc., 2008g). 

In September, Alcoa announced it would close the remaining 

capacity at its 267,000-metric-ton-per-year (t/yr) smelter at 

Rockdale, TX, owing to continued high electricity prices and 

low aluminum prices (Alcoa Inc., 2008j). In June, Alcoa had 

closed 120,000 t/yr of capacity as a result of the inability to get 

reliable power at competitive prices. 

Alcoa partially shut down potlines at the 278,000-

t/yr Ferndale, WA, smelter in November in response to low 

aluminum prices. The specifi c amount of production capacity 

affected was not disclosed (Alcoa Inc., 2008i). Alcoa signed 

a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Bonneville 

Power Administration (BPA) to obtain power suffi cient to 

operate the Ferndale smelter at 50% capacity from 2011 through 

2028. Alcoa also planned to upgrade equipment to reduce 

emissions as part of the agreement (Alcoa Inc., 2008h). 

Alcoa announced a contract for the Chelan County Public 

Utility District to supply power to the 184,000-t/yr smelter at 

Wenatchee, WA. The 17-year contract will start in 2011 and 

enable the restart of a third potline in 2012, bringing production 

to approximately 142,000 t/yr from 100,000 t/yr (Alcoa Inc., 

2008e). 

Glencore International AG announced that its Columbia Falls, 

MT, smelter would shut all production by the end of February 

2009. In addition to low aluminum prices, the company cited a 

court ruling nullifying a low-cost power contract with the BPA 

as a reason for the closure. The smelter had been operating at 

only 25% of its 168,000-t/yr capacity since shutting two potlines 

in July. A subsequent deal with the BPA enabled the smelter to 

operate at 10% capacity until July 2009 (Platts Metals Week, 

2008b; Flathead Beacon, 2009). 

In December, Century Aluminum Co. announced that it was 

immediately closing a 42,500-t/yr potline at its primary smelter 

in Ravenswood, WV. The company also announced that it would 

close the entire 170,000-t/yr smelter in February 2009 (Century 

Aluminum Co., 2008d). 

Secondary.—Arkansas Aluminum Alloys Inc. closed its 

secondary smelter in Hot Springs, AR, at the end of November. 

A dramatic decline in demand for diecast aluminum alloys 

used in automobiles was the reason cited for the decision. No 

reopening date was projected (American Metal Market, 2008). 

Aleris International Inc. closed its secondary smelter at 

Tipton, IN, in March and later announced that the closure would 

be permanent (Aleris International Inc., 2008b). Aleris also 

permanently closed its secondary smelter in Shelbyville, TN, in 

the second quarter of 2008 (Aleris International Inc., 2008a).

In November, Alexin LLC opened a greenfi eld extrusion billet 

casthouse in Bluffton, IN. The company planned to use 80% 

scrap to produce up to 98,000 t/yr of billet (Alexin LLC, 2008). 
5.2 [ADVANCE RELEASE] U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2008

The Ohio Valley Aluminum Co. secondary smelter and billet 

casthouse in Boonville, IN, was closed in October owing to 

decreased orders from suppliers to the home construction and 

automobile manufacturing industries (Platts Metals Week, 

2008d). 

Logan Aluminum Inc. (a joint venture between Arco 

Aluminum Inc. and Novelis Inc.) commissioned a new furnace 

to recycle UBCs at its smelter and rolling mill in Russellville, 

KY. The new furnace has a stated capacity of 68,000 t/yr and is 

designed to not produce salt cake, a waste product commonly 

generated by scrap melting. The additional recycling capacity 

will replace deliveries of molten aluminum from an Aleris 

smelter at Morgantown, KY (Schaffer, 2008b). 

The recycling rate of aluminum beverage cans in California 

increased to 85% in the fi rst half of 2008 compared with 83% 

in the same period of 2007continuing the increasing trend 

from a rate of 77% in the fi rst 6 months of 2006. The increased 

recycling rate of UBCs was attributed to an increase in the 

deposit for beverage containers effective January 1, 2007 

(Schaffer, 2008a). 

Consumption

Apparent consumption of aluminum in the United States 

declined by 14% in 2008 compared with that in 2007. Shipments 

of aluminum by United States and Canadian producers to their 

combined domestic markets declined by 13% in 2008 compared 

with the amount shipped in 2007. Shipments of aluminum for 

containers and packaging in 2008 were unchanged from those 

in 2007, but shipments to all other major end use categories 

declined. Shipments fell to the transportation sector by 21%, 

building and construction by 16%, consumer durables by 9%, 

electrical by 8%, and the machinery sector by 7%.

The decline in shipments of aluminum to the transportation 

sector resulted primarily from a reduction in automobile 

production. Automobile manufacturing in North America 

declined by 16.1% in 2008 compared with production in 2007. 

Production in all months declined compared with production 

in the same month of the prior year, with production in the 

fourth quarter declining signifi cantly (25.8%) compared with 

production in the fourth quarter of 2007 (Wards Automotive 

Inc., 2009). 

Reduced aircraft production also accounted for part of the 

decline in aluminum shipments for use in transportation. The 

Boeing Co. (Chicago, IL) reported that deliveries of commercial 

aircraft were 15% lower than those in the previous year. A 

2-month strike by the International Association of Machinists 

Union was cited as the reason for the decline in production and 

delivery of commercial aircraft (Boeing Co., The, 2009). 

The decline in aluminum shipments for use in building and 

construction was mainly a result of reduced home construction. 

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing 

and Urban Development jointly reported that housing starts 

were down by 36.2% in 2008 compared with starts in 2007. 

The number of houses completed during 2008 was 25.7% less 

than the number completed the prior year (U.S. Census Bureau, 

2009b). These declines were partially offset by an 11.8% 

increase in spending on nonresidential construction during 2008 

compared with this type of spending in the prior year (U.S. 

Census Bureau, 2009a).

General Motors Corp. announced that it would use aluminum 

instead of cast iron and steel for engine blocks, heads, wheels, 

and other parts in its light trucks and sport utility vehicles 

starting with the 2009 models. The changes would reduce 

the total vehicle weight by approximately 69 kilograms (153 

pounds) and are intended to increase fuel effi ciency (Cowden, 

2008; General Motors Corp., 2008). 

Stocks

According to data reported by the Aluminum Association, 

United States and Canadian producers’ combined inventories 

of aluminum ingot, mill products, and scrap declined by 13% 

to 1.22 Mt at yearend 2008 from 1.40 Mt at yearend 2007 

(Aluminum Association Inc., 2009). The LME reported that 

primary aluminum metal ingot stocks at its U.S. warehouses 

nearly tripled to 1.05 Mt at yearend 2008 from 354,000 t at 

yearend 2007. At yearend 2008, LME warehouses in the United 

States also held about 104,000 t of North American special 

aluminum alloy contract (NASAAC) metal ingot, a 4% decrease 

from the 108,000 t held at yearend 2007 (London Metal 

Exchange Ltd., 2008). Primary smelters increased shipments to 

LME warehouses and shortened customer payment terms to 5 

days from 30 days after delivery in response to concerns over 

customer’s ability to fi nance purchases (Jennemann, 2008b). 

Prices 

The monthly average U.S. market price of primary aluminum 

metal, as reported by Platts Metals Week, increased from $1.107 

per pound in December 2007 to a peak of $1.426 per pound in 

July. The monthly average price declined over the next several 

months and fi nished 2008 at $0.715 per pound. The annual 

average price in 2008 decreased to $1.205 per pound from 

$1.222 per pound in 2007.

The LME and COMEX (COMEX division of the New York 

Mercantile Exchange, Inc.) average monthly cash prices for 

primary aluminum ingot followed the same general trend as 

the U.S. market price. The average monthly COMEX spot 

settlement price decreased to $0.711 per pound in December 

2008 from $1.079 per pound in December 2007 and averaged 

$1.183 per pound for the year compared with $1.176 per pound 

in 2007. The 2008 average annual LME cash price for highgrade primary aluminum ingot decreased to $1.167 per pound 

from $1.194 per pound in 2007.

The purchase prices for aluminum scrap, as quoted by 

American Metal Market, generally followed the same trend as 

primary ingot and were down by more than 50% at yearend 

2008 from prices at yearend 2007. The 2008 yearend price 

ranges for selected types of aluminum scrap were mixed lowcopper-content aluminum clips, 38 to 39 cents per pound; old 

sheet and cast aluminum, 34 to 35 cents per pound; and clean, 

dry aluminum turnings, 33 to 34 cents per pound. The aluminum 

producers’ buying price range for processed and delivered 

UBCs, as quoted by American Metal Market, began the year at 

81 to 83 cents per pound and closed the year at 44 to 46 cents 
ALUMINUM—2008 [ADVANCE RELEASE] 5.3

per pound, averaging 83.5 cents per pound in 2008 compared 

with 85.6 cents per pound in 2007.

The indicator prices for selected secondary aluminum ingots, 

as published in American Metal Market, followed the same 

trend as primary ingot. The yearend prices for 2008 were alloy 

A380 (3% zinc content), $0.665 per pound; alloy B380 (1% zinc 

content), $0.678 per pound; alloy A360 (0.6% copper content), 

$0.715 per pound; alloy A413 (0.6% copper content), $0.715 per 

pound; and alloy A319 (3% copper content), $0.725 per pound. 

Platts Metals Week published an annual average U.S. price of 

$1.123 per pound for A380 alloy (3% zinc content). The average 

annual LME cash price for a similar A380 alloy was $1.021 per 

pound, and the annual average LME NASAAC spot price was 

$1.024 per pound.

Foreign Trade

In 2008, total net imports of aluminum-base materials 

declined by 40% compared with net imports in 2007. Imports 

for consumption of crude aluminum decreased by 5%, and 

imports of semifabricated aluminum materials decreased by 

15% compared with those of 2007. Canada remained the leading 

source country accounting for 64% of the total imports in 

2008, and Russia continued to be the second ranked supplier, 

accounting for 8% of total imports of aluminum (table 11).

Exports of crude aluminum decreased by 12% and exports 

of semifabricated aluminum materials (plates, sheet, and bars) 

increased by 5% compared with those of 2007. Net exports of 

1.49 Mt of scrap increased by 38% compared with the amount 

in 2007. About 65% of total U.S. exports (crude, semifabricated, 

and scrap) in 2008 was shipped to China, Canada, and Mexico. 

Ninety-fi ve percent of the aluminum shipped to China was scrap 

(table 9). 

World Industry Structure

Production.—World primary aluminum production increased 

by 3% in 2008 compared with that of 2007, corresponding to 

an increase in smelter capacity. China, Russia, Canada, and the 

United States, in decreasing order of production, accounted for 

58% of total world primary aluminum production. 

Stocks.—Owing to the collapse of demand in the second 

half of the year, yearend global inventories of crude aluminum 

increased by 65% from the yearend 2007 level. Unwrought 

aluminum inventories held by member producers of the IAI 

increased by 8% to 1.68 Mt at yearend 2008 from 1.55 Mt at 

yearend 2007. Unwrought aluminum is defi ned by the IAI as 

aluminum in its basic form made from primary metal or from 

scrap and that is unworked in the metallurgical sense. Total IAI 

aluminum inventories increased by 4% to 2.96 Mt at yearend 

2008 from 2.85 Mt at yearend 2007. Total aluminum includes 

unwrought aluminum plus unprocessed scrap, metal in process, 

and fi nished semifabricated (mill) products (International 

Aluminium Institute, 2009).

Yearend 2008 inventories of primary aluminum metal held 

by the LME increased by 152% to 2.34 Mt from 929,000 t at 

yearend 2007; aluminum alloy inventories increased by 127% 

to 104,000 t from 45,800 t; and NASAAC ingot inventories 

increased by 127% to 245,000 t from 108,000 t (London Metal 

Exchange Ltd., 2008).

Mergers, Acquisitions, and Restructuring.—In November 

2007, BHP Billiton Ltd. (Melbourne, Australia) approached Rio 

Tinto plc (London, United Kingdom) with a takeover offer that 

was rejected by Rio Tinto’s board of directors. BHP Billiton 

then made a public offer to the shareholders of Rio Tinto. In 

November 2008, BHP Billiton withdrew its offer to purchase 

Rio Tinto, citing the debt of Rio Tinto as unacceptable in light 

of the credit crisis developing during the fourth quarter (BHP 

Billiton Ltd., 2008b, c). Alcoa and the Aluminum Corp. of 

China (Chinalco) jointly acquired 12% of Rio Tinto’s stock in 

February (Alcoa Inc., 2008d). 

Alcoa and its joint-venture partner Orkla ASA (Oslo, 

Norway) agreed to transfer full ownership of their primary 

smelters at Lista and Mosjoen, Norway, to Alcoa. In exchange, 

Alcoa transferred its share of Sapa Extrusions Inc. to Orkla. 

The smelters have a combined capacity of 282,000 t/yr. The 

exchange of assets was to be completed in the fi rst quarter of 

2009 (Alcoa Inc., 2008b). 

In November, Corus Group plc (London, United Kingdom) 

announced plans to sell its smelters at Delfzijil, Netherlands, 

and Voerde, Germany, to Klesch & Co. Ltd. (London), pending 

board review and regulatory approval. Each smelter has a 

capacity of 100,000 t/yr (Corus Group plc, 2008). 

World Review

Argentina.—Aluminio Argentino S.A.I.C. continued an 

expansion project started in 2007 on its smelter at Puerto 

Madryn. The project would increase the smelting capacity to 

460,000 t/yr from 410,000 t/yr when completed (scheduled for 

the third quarter of 2009). An additional expansion was planned 

that would increase capacity to 515,000 t/yr, but a construction 

schedule had not been determined (Aluminio Argentino 

S.A.I.C., 2008). 

Australia.—The Government of Australia proposed a capand-trade plan in an effort to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide 

and other greenhouse gases. Because aluminum smelters and 

alumina refi neries are energy intensive and produce carbon 

dioxide and fl uoride compounds, costs to the industry could be 

higher than for many other industries. However, the proposal 

included provisions for the aluminum industry to mitigate 

these cost increases during the fi rst several years if it is enacted 

(Australian Department of Climate Change, 2008).

Azerbaijan.—Construction started on a 100,000-t/yr smelter 

owned by Detal Group (Baku). Completion of the project was 

expected by May 2009 (CRU Aluminium Monitor, 2008a).

Brazil.—Companhia Brasileira de Aluminio Ltd. (Sao Paulo, 

Brazil) was constructing an expansion to the Aluminio smelter 

in Sorocaba. The smelting capacity would increase to 570,000 

t/yr from 475,000 t/yr by 2011 (CRU Aluminium Monitor, 

2008c).

In October, Companhia Vale do Rio Doce Ltd. (Rio de 

Janeiro, Brazil) shut down 38,000 t/yr of capacity at its 95,000-

t/yr Valesul smelter in Santa Cruz as a result of decreased 

demand and lower aluminum prices (Companhia Vale do Rio 

Doce Ltd., 2008).

In May, Novelis Inc. (Atlanta, GA) announced an 18-month 

investment plan that included an increase in aluminum recycling 
5.4 [ADVANCE RELEASE] U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2008

capacity at the Pindamonhangaba secondary smelter to 150,000 

t/yr from 80,000 t/yr (Novelis Inc., 2008). 

In 2007, Brazil recycled 96.5% of all aluminum beverage 

cans sold during the year. Brazil collected and recycled 160,600 

t of UBCs, the equivalent of 11.9 billion aluminum cans. The 

recycling rate was slightly higher than the rate of 94.4% in 2006 

and was the highest rate on record. Brazil remained the world 

leader in aluminum can recycling rates among countries that do 

not have mandatory recycling laws for the seventh consecutive 

year (Associacao Brasileira do Aluminio, 2008).

Brunei.—Alcoa signed an MOU with the Brunei Economic 

Development Board for a study to construct an aluminum 

smelter and natural-gas-fi red powerplant in Brunei. The initial 

capacity of the smelter would be 360,000 t/yr, but expansions 

could increase capacity to 700,000 t/yr. No schedule for 

completion was projected (Alcoa Inc., 2008a). 

Canada.—Alcoa and Hydro Quebec signed power contracts 

for Hydro Quebec to produce 2,100 megawatts per year 

until 2040 to supply Alcoa’s three smelters at Baie Comeau, 

Becancour, and Deschambault in Quebec. Alcoa will also make 

upgrades to the Baie Comeau smelter that were expected to 

reduce emissions and increase capacity to 550,000 t/yr from 

440,000 t/yr by 2014 (Alcoa Inc., 2008c). In order to complete 

the upgrades at Baie Comeau, the smelter was partially shut 

down in November; this move was also in response to declining 

aluminum prices (Alcoa Inc., 2008i). 

In April, Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. announced that it would 

conduct a feasibility study for an expansion to the smelter in 

Alma, Quebec. The proposed project would increase capacity to 

570,000 t/yr from 400,000 t/yr (Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008h, 

p. 3).

Rio Tinto Alcan announced it would conduct a prefeasibility 

study for a pilot plant using a newly designed smelting pot 

at Saguenay, Quebec. The pilot smelter would have an initial 

capacity of 60,000 t/yr, with later expansion to 140,000 t/yr. 

A second study would consider the feasibility of expanding 

the smelter to 400,000 t/yr. The completion schedule was not 

announced (Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008f).

In June, Rio Tinto Alcan commissioned a pilot plant for 

treating spent potlinings at Saguenay, Quebec. The facility has 

the capacity to treat 80,000 t/yr of spent potlinings (Rio Tinto 

Alcan Inc., 2008e).

Rio Tinto Alcan started modernization and expansion of the 

Kitimat, British Columbia, smelter after it secured all necessary 

environmental permits, labor contracts, and power supply 

agreements. The project would increase capacity to 400,000 

t/yr from 245,000 t/yr with commissioning expected by 2011 

(Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008g).

China.—In February, the Government of China announced 

that it was eliminating preferential pricing of electricity to 

aluminum smelters and alumina refi neries in response to 

electricity shortages (Interactive Investor, 2008). Snowstorms 

cut power to the Guizhou and Zunyi smelters in January. 

Production was restarted in February at the 400,000-t/yr 

Guizhou smelter, but the 110,000-t/yr Zunyi smelter was 

not able to restart until later (Platts Metals Week, 2008c). 

Production was reduced at the Sichuan Meishan smelter during 

the fi rst quarter of 2008 owing to power shortages, but full 

production resumed in May (CRU Aluminium Monitor, 2008b). 

Several smelters cut production in July and August to reduce 

electricity demand and pollution prior to the Olympic Games 

hosted by China. The cuts reduced production by about 83,000 

metric tons per month (Alumina and Aluminium, 2008). In 

December, China’s State Reserve Bureau reportedly purchased 

300,000 t of aluminum from Chinalco in an effort to remove 

surplus metal from the market and stabilize prices (Mason, 

2008).

An earthquake in Sichuan Province on May 12 reportedly 

caused damage to the 100,000-t/yr Aba smelter, causing 

production capacity to be reduced to 50,000 t/yr. The Sichuan 

Guangyuan smelter reported that it lost power for several hours 

after the earthquake and that 5% of its 120,000-t/yr capacity was 

damaged by the power failure. Although little or no damage was 

reported at other smelters, concerns about damage to railroads 

that deliver alumina to the smelters and haul ingot to customers 

resulted in a spike in prices in Chinese markets and on the LME 

(CRU Aluminium Monitor, 2008b; Platts Metals Week, 2008a). 

France.—Rio Tinto Alcan permanently closed its 

50,000-t/yr Lannenmezan smelter in the fi rst quarter of 2008 

(Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008h, p. 3).

Germany.—Norsk Hydro ASA (Oslo, Norway) and Novelis 

announced plans to construct a secondary aluminum smelter 

adjacent to the Alunorf rolling mill in Neuss. The smelter would 

have a production capacity of 50,000 t/yr and was expected to 

start up in 2010 (Norsk Hydro ASA, 2008c).

Ghana.—Alcoa sold its 10% share of the 200,000-t/yr Volta 

Aluminum Co. (VALCO) smelter to the Government of Ghana 

in June. The smelter had been closed since March 2007 owing 

to low water levels at the Volta Dam, the power source for 

the smelter (Kpodo and Thomson, 2008). The Government 

planned to restart the smelter using power generated by the 

Volta Dam and a powerplant using natural gas from Nigeria. 

The Government also planned to construct a bauxite mine and 

alumina refi nery to supply the smelter in the future; however, no 

construction plans were detailed (Mineprocessing, 2008).

Greenland.—Studies by Alcoa on the construction of a 

340,000-t/yr smelter at Maniitsoq and a hydroelectric power 

station progressed. Pending fi nal approval by the Government, 

the smelter could be in production by 2014 or 2015 (Alcoa Inc., 

2008k). 

Iceland.—Alcoa’s 346,000-t/yr smelter at Fjardaal, which 

opened in April 2007, reached full production in the second 

quarter of 2008. Alcoa and the national power company, 

Landsvirkjun, were conducting a study on the geothermal 

potential for a powerplant. Alcoa proposed constructing a 

250,000-t/yr smelter near Bakki if the geothermal powerplant 

proved to be feasible (Alcoa Inc., 2008f; Jennemann, 2008a).

Century started construction of a 250,000-t/yr smelter at 

Helguvik in March. The fi rst 150,000 t/yr of capacity was 

expected to be operational by late 2010 (Century Aluminum 

Co., 2008a). In October, the company stated that the collapse 

of Iceland’s banking system would not affect the fi nancing of 

the project, but construction was nearly halted during the fourth 

quarter as Century was reportedly conserving cash (Century 

Aluminum Co., 2008b, c).
ALUMINUM—2008 [ADVANCE RELEASE] 5.5

India.—Capacity at the National Aluminum Co. of India 

Ltd. (Nalco) Angul smelter was expanded to 460,000 t/yr 

from 345,000 t/yr, and production from the new capacity was 

expected in early 2009. Nalco planned for another expansion 

project to increase capacity to 580,000 t/yr, but no project 

schedule was announced. Nalco also planned to construct a 

500,000-t/yr smelter with a captive powerplant in Jharsuguda. A 

project schedule was not announced (National Aluminum Co. of 

India Ltd., 2008b).

Hindalco Industries Inc. moved forward with expansion 

plans on several projects. Expansion of the Hirakud smelter 

to 143,000 t/yr from 100,000 t/yr was completed in August. 

Further expansion to increase capacity to 151,000 t/yr was 

underway and scheduled for completion by August 2009. Work 

progressed on the Mahan smelter and captive powerplant, with 

production from the 359,000-t/yr smelter anticipated by July 

2011. Work progressed on the Aditya aluminum complex that 

included an alumina refi nery with a capacity of 1 to 1.5 Mt/yr, 

an aluminum smelter with a capacity of 260,000 to 359,000 

t/yr, and a captive powerplant. Initial smelter production 

was scheduled for October 2011, and initial production from 

the refi nery was expected by January 2013. Planning for the 

Jharkhand smelter and captive powerplant continued. The 

proposed capacity of the smelter would be 359,000 t/yr, with 

initial production planned for June 2012 (Hindalco Industries 

Ltd., 2008). 

Vedanta Resources plc began production at the 250,000-

t/yr Jharsuguda smelter at midyear. An additional 250,000 t/yr 

of capacity was under construction, although a completion date 

was not available (Vedanta Resources plc, 2008, p. 27).

Indonesia.—Nalco and the Government of Indonesia signed 

an MOU to construct a smelter and captive powerplant. Rak 

Minerals and Metals Investments Ltd. would also be a partner in 

the project, which would have an initial capacity of 250,000 t/yr, 

and a second phase would increase capacity to 500,000 t/yr. No 

projected completion date was announced (National Aluminum 

Co. of India Ltd., 2008a).

Iran.—Nalco and a consortium lead by Kerman Development 

Organization signed an MOU to construct a smelter and captive 

powerplant. The project would have a capacity of 330,000 

t/yr. No projected completion date was announced (National 

Aluminum Co. of India Ltd., 2008b).

Kazakhstan.—Eurasian Natural Resource Corp. attained 

full production from the 125,000-t/yr Pavlodar smelter in the 

second quarter of the year. Further expansion was underway that 

would bring capacity to 250,000 t/yr in 2010 (Eurasian Natural 

Resource Corp., 2009).

Libya.—United Company RUSAL (Rusal) signed an MOU 

with the Libyan State Economic and Social Development 

Fund to develop an aluminum smelter and natural-gas-fi red 

powerplant. The proposed smelter would have a capacity of 

600,000 t/yr, and construction would begin in 2010 if proven to 

be feasible (United Company RUSAL, 2008d).

Klesch signed an agreement with Libya Africa Investment 

Portfolio to build a 725,000-t/yr smelter to be completed by 

2011. The site of the smelter was not detailed (Klesch & Co. 

Ltd., 2008).

Malaysia.—Rio Tinto Alcan and partner Cahya Mata Sarawak 

Berhad received a permit to build a 550,000-t/yr smelter in 

Sarawak with expansion potential to 1.5 Mt/yr. A construction 

schedule was not announced (Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008b).

Mozambique.—In March, BHP Billiton announced that the 

production rate was reduced at its 265,000-t/yr Mozal smelter 

by approximately 12,000 t/yr because of power shortages (BHP 

Billiton Ltd., 2008a).

New Zealand.—Production in 2008 declined by about 38,000 

t principally because low rainfall forced Rio Tinto Alcan to cut 

production at the Tiwai Point smelter by about 10% for much of 

the year. The 281,000-t/yr smelter is powered by a hydroelectric 

powerplant (Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008i, p. 5).

Nigeria.—Rusal restarted production at the Alscon smelter in 

February, although production was halted in October owing to 

a power failure. The 197,000-t/yr smelter had been closed since 

1999. A modernization project to increase effi ciency and restore 

full production was expected to be completed in 2010 (Helmer, 

2008; United Company RUSAL, 2008b). 

Norway.—Norsk Hydro closed 24,000 t/yr of capacity 

from Soderberg pots at the Karmoy smelter in November and 

announced that the remaining 96,000 t/yr of Soderberg pots 

would be closed permanently by the end of the fi rst quarter 

of 2009. Low aluminum prices were cited as the reason for 

the closure, although all Soderberg pots had been scheduled 

for permanent closure by yearend 2009 to comply with 

environmental regulations (Norsk Hydro ASA, 2008b, d). Norsk 

Hydro said that proposed legislation to transfer ownership of 

hydroelectric generation from the company to the Government 

would make it unlikely that the Soderberg pots would be 

replaced as Norsk Hydro could not be assured of stable and 

competitively priced electricity (Norsk Hydro ASA, 2008a).

Oman.—Rio Tinto Alcan and its partners, Oman Oil 

Company S.A.O.C. and the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity 

Authority, completed construction of the 360,000-t/yr Sohar 

smelter and started production in June (Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 

2008h, p. 4).

Qatar.—Construction of the 585,000-t/yr Qatalum smelter 

at Mesaieed was progressing to the scheduled startup by early 

2010. Norsk Hydro and Qatar Petroleum Co. Ltd. were partners 

in the smelter (Norsk Hydro ASA, 2008e, 2009).

Romania.—Vimetco NV announced it would close 65,000 

t/yr of capacity at the 270,000-t/yr Arlo Slatina smelter in 

November owing to high electricity costs and low aluminum 

prices (Vimetco VN, 2008).

Russia.—In February, Rusal completed an expansion to 

the Irkutsk smelter, increasing capacity to 460,000 t/yr from 

290,000 t/yr (United Company RUSAL, 2008c).

Work progressed on Rusal’s 750,000-t/yr Taishet and 

600,000-t/yr Boguchansky smelters. Initial production at 

Taishet was planned by yearend 2009, and full production by 

yearend 2011; initial production at Boguchansky was planned 

by yearend 2010, and full production, in 2012 (United Company 

RUSAL, 2008a, e).

Saudi Arabia.—Rio Tinto Alcan withdrew its plan to invest 

in a joint venture with Saudi Arabian Mining Co. to build an 

aluminum complex that included a 3-Mt/yr bauxite mine, a 
5.6 [ADVANCE RELEASE] U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2008

1.6-Mt/yr alumina refi nery, and a 720,000-t/yr smelter at Az 

Zabirah. Plans for the complex were being revised in light of 

global economic conditions, with completion projected for 2012 

(Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008c).

South Africa.—Power shortages in the country led to 

BHP Billiton closing 92,000 t/yr of aluminum capacity at the 

194,000-t/yr Bayside smelter and 12,000 t/yr at the 704,000-t/yr 

Hillside smelter (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2008a).

Rio Tinto Alcan was in discussions with the South African 

Government and state power company Eskom on the timing of 

construction of the proposed Coega smelter. The smelter, to be 

built in two phases, would have a capacity of 720,000 t/yr when 

completed. A feasibility study was underway with a revised 

construction schedule to be announced pending the outcome of 

the discussions (Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008d).

Trinidad and Tobago.—Construction began on a smelter near 

Pitch Lake with funding from a Chinese company and was to 

be completed by 2011. Power for the smelter would come from 

natural gas produced in Trinidad and Tobago. Initial capacity 

would be 125,000 t/yr, with the option to expand capacity to 

250,000 t/yr (Fraser, 2008; Gumbs-Sandiford, 2008).

United Arab Emirates.—An expansion of Dubai Aluminium 

Co. Ltd.’s (Dubal) Jebel Ali smelter to increase capacity to 

950,000 t/yr from 910,000 t/yr was commissioned in February 

(Dubai Aluminium Co. Ltd., 2008a).

Construction on Dubal’s Emirates Aluminum smelter 

progressed on schedule toward completion of the fi rst phase 

with a capacity of 700,000 t/yr; initial production was scheduled 

to begin in 2011. An additional 700,000 t/yr of capacity would 

be constructed at a later date. The project is a joint venture 

between Dubal and Mubadala Development Co. (Dubai 

Aluminium Co. Ltd., 2008b).

Rio Tinto Alcan announced that it would put on hold plans to 

build a 700,000-t/yr smelter in Abu Dhabi after the Government 

of the United Arab Emirates declined a request for a contract for 

natural gas. The Government stated that it would prefer to use 

the gas for more profi table uses, such as chemicals, fertilizer, or 

export in liquefi ed form, rather than sell it to generate electricity 

for aluminum smelters (Jennemann, 2008c). 

United Kingdom.—In June, a fi re resulted in a power loss at 

the 150,000-t/yr Anglesey smelter, and two of the three potlines 

were shut down. One of the potlines was restarted in July, 

and the other potline restarted in August, with full production 

achieved by the end of 2008. The smelter, jointly owned by Rio 

Tinto Alcan and Kaiser Aluminum Ltd. (Foothill Ranch, CA), 

was scheduled to close permanently in September 2009 with the 

expiration of its power contract (Kaiser Aluminum Ltd., 2008; 

Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008i, p. 5).

Rio Tinto Alcan announced that modernization of the 

hydroelectric powerplant supplying power to its Lochaber, 

Scotland, United Kingdom, smelter would enable smelting 

capacity to be increased to 50,000 t/yr from 43,000 t/yr. The 

powerplant was constructed in 1929 and has been in continuous 

use to power the smelter (Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008a).

Venezuela.—Alcasa was planning an expansion to its smelter 

at Puerto Ordaz that would increase capacity to 450,000 t/yr 

from 240,000 t/yr. Construction would take about 3 years, but a 

schedule had not been determined (Beltran, 2008).

Outlook

During the fourth quarter of 2008 and early in 2009, 

numerous smelter closures were announced as aluminum 

prices continued to decline. By June 1, 2009, about 54% (1.94 

Mt/yr) of domestic primary aluminum smelting capacity was 

not being used. World demand for aluminum in 2009 was 

expected to remain at levels lower than in prior years owing to 

declines in automobile manufacturing and home construction. 

Consumer credit issues in the United States and Western Europe 

were expected to continue for the coming year. Decreased 

consumption of aluminum in developed economies resulting 

from the economic events of 2008 could keep aluminum 

production below the 2008 production rate for the next several 

years. The impact of the global recession was also expected 

to reduce demand for aluminum in emerging economies as 

manufacturers that sell goods to the United States and other 

developed economies reduce output. Credit constraints on 

construction in emerging economies also threaten to reduce 

consumption of aluminum for infrastructure projects. Lack of 

credit to aluminum companies was expected to cause delays 

in expansion projects in many parts of the world, although 

projects in places with low power costs were still expected to 

move forward. Relatively higher electricity prices in the United 

States compared with power prices in other nations diminished 

the likelihood of domestic smelters reopening in the near-term. 

New smelters constructed where power costs are relatively low 

were expected to replace production at high-cost smelters in the 

United States and other locations.

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ALUMINUM—2008 [ADVANCE RELEASE] 5.7

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operations: Monterey, CA, Century Aluminum Co. news release, October 6, 

1 p.

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earnings: Monterey, CA, Century Aluminum Co. news release, October 21, 

6 p.

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announces the curtailment of one potline at Ravenswood, WV smelter: 

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Companhia Vale do Rio Doce Ltd., 2008, Vale adjusts to the new global 

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Corus Group plc, 2008, Corus signs letter of intent with Klesch for disposal of 

aluminum smelters: London, United Kingdom, Corus Group plc news release, 

November 17, 1 p.

Cowden, Michael, 2008, Aluminum wins share from steel in GM vehicles: 

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May, p. 11–12.

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June, p. 11.

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capacity at Jebel Ali plant: Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dubai Aluminium 

Co. Ltd. news release, March 7, 1 p.

Dubai Aluminium Co. Ltd., 2008b, Dubal delegation visits EMAL project site: 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dubai Aluminium Co. Ltd. news release, 

 May 14, 1 p.

Eurasian Natural Resource Corp., 2009, Announcement of 2008 preliminary 

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Fraser, Tony, 2008, China to build $400M smelter in Trinidad: Associated 

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trinidad_china_aluminum.html?.v=1.)

General Motors Corp., 2008, GM full-size pickups and SUVs deliver better fuel 

economy and same great capabilities with new XFE models: Detroit, MI, 

General Motors Corp. news release, August 12, 2 p.

Gumbs-Sandiford, Anika, 2008, La Brea residents end protest as Alutrint hires 

six: Guardian, November 26. (Accessed June 26, 2009, at http://

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Helmer, John, 2008, Russian metals giant faces heat in Nigeria: Business Day, 

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Hindalco Industries Ltd., 2008, Hindalco announces outstanding results for Q2 

FY09: Mumbai, India, Hindalco Industries Ltd. news release, October 31, 5 p.

Interactive Investor, 2008, China to eliminate preferential power prices for 

aluminum producers: Interactive Investor, February 22. (Accessed 

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2557&action=article.)

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 3 p.

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Market, v. 116, no. 27–4, July 10, p. 10.

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American Metal Market, v. 116, no. 27–1, July 7, p. 1, 7.

Jennemann, Tom, 2008c, Mideast facing energy problems: American Metal 

Market, v. 116, no. 29–5, July 25, p. 10.

Kaiser Aluminum Ltd., 2008, Kaiser Aluminum provides update on status of 

Anglesey Aluminium Metal Ltd.: Foothill Ranch, CA, Kaiser Aluminum Ltd. 

news release, July 8, 1 p.

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Kingdom, Klesch & Co. Ltd. news release, February 19, 1 p.

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National Aluminum Co. of India Ltd., 2008a, Nalco-RMMI pact for Indonesia 

project: Bhubaneswar, India, National Aluminum Co. of India Ltd. news 

release, December 20, 1 p.

National Aluminum Co. of India Ltd., 2008b, Navratna Nalco announces 60% 

dividend payout of Rs.387 crore: Bhubaneswar, India, National Aluminum 

Co. of India Ltd. news release, September 20, 1 p.

Norsk Hydro ASA, 2008a, Hydro disappointed at reversion setback: Oslo, 

Norway, Norsk Hydro ASA news release, November 20, 1 p.

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percent: Oslo, Norway, Norsk Hydro ASA news release, November 20, 1 p.

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1 p.

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Novelis Inc., 2008, Novelis investing $30 million to improve and expand 

aluminum operations in Brazil: Sao Paulo, Brazil, Novelis Inc. news release, 

May 26, 2 p.

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news: Platts Metals Week, v. 79, no. 20, May 19, p. 1, 7–8.

Platts Metals Week, 2008b, Columbia Falls halts aluminum smelter, sends 

WARN notice: Platts Metals Week, December 29, p. 1, 6.
5.8 [ADVANCE RELEASE] U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2008

Platts Metals Week, 2008c, Guizhou restarts smelter operations: Platts Metals 

Week, v. 79, no. 8, February 25, p. 5.

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Week, v. 79, no. 41, October 13, p. 8.

Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008a, 45 million pound investment secures future of 

Scottish Highlands aluminium industry: London, United Kingdom, Rio Tinto 

Alcan Inc. news release, January 30, 2 p.

Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008b, Malaysian government gives stamp of approval for 

SALCO smelter: Melbourne, Australia, Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. news release, 

March 14, 2 p.

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project: Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. news release, 

December 17, 1 p.

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discussions on timing of Coega smelter project: London, United Kingdom, 

Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. news release, March 13, 2 p.

Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008e, Rio Tinto Alcan inaugurates breakthrough US$225 

million potlining treatment pilot plant in Quebec: London, United Kingdom, 

Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. news release, June 12, 2 p.

Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008f, Rio Tinto Alcan to accelerate pre-feasibility study 

for second phase of AP50 pilot plant in Saguenay, Quebec: London, United 

Kingdom, Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. news release, May 29, 2 p.

Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., 2008g, Rio Tinto to invest US $300 million to advance the 

Kitimat modernization project: London, United Kingdom, Rio Tinto Alcan 

Inc. news release, October 22, 1 p.

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United Kingdom, Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. news release, July 16, 29 p.

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United Kingdom, Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. news release, October 15, 29 p.

Schaffer, Paul, 2008a, California’s UBC recycling rate up in fi rst half of ’08: 

American Metal Market, v. 116, no. 48–4, December 4, p. 12.

Schaffer, Paul, 2008b, Logan Aluminum warms up gas-powered furnace: 

American Metal Market, v. 116, no. 16–4, April 24, p. 11.

United Company RUSAL, 2008a, UC RUSAL and RusHydro have invested 

over USD 1.8 bln in the BEMO project: Moscow, Russia, United Company 

RUSAL news release, August 11, 2 p.

United Company RUSAL, 2008b, UC RUSAL launches ALSCON aluminum 

smelter in Nigeria: Ikot Abasi, Nigeria, United Company RUSAL news 

release, February 22, 1 p.

United Company RUSAL, 2008c, UC RUSAL launches new potrooms at 

Irkutsk aluminum smelter: Moscow, Russia, United Company RUSAL news 

release, February 6, 1 p.

United Company RUSAL, 2008d, UC RUSAL signs memorandum of 

understanding with Libya to develop an energy and metals complex: Moscow, 

Russia, United Company RUSAL news release, September 22, 1 p.

United Company RUSAL, 2008e, UC RUSAL to invest over USD 700 million 

in construction of the Taishet aluminum smelter in 2008: Moscow, Russia, 

United Company RUSAL news release, May 14, 1 p.

U.S. Census Bureau, 2009a, December 2008 construction at $1,053.7 billion 

annual rate: Washington, DC, U.S. Census Bureau news release, February 2, 

5 p.

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Washington, DC, U.S. Census Bureau news release, January 22, 6 p.

Vedanta Resources plc, 2008, Annual report 2008: London, United Kingdom, 

Vedanta Resources plc, June 24, 178 p.

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Emirates, Vimetco VN news release, November 12, 1 p.

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2008: Detroit, MI, Wards Automotive Inc. news release. (Accessed June 24, 

2009, at http://wardsauto.com/keydata/NAProductionSummary0812/.)

GENERAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

U.S. Geological Survey Publications

Aluminum. Ch. in Mineral Commodity Summaries, annual.

Aluminum. Mineral Industry Surveys, monthly.

Aluminum and Bauxite. Ch. in United States Mineral 

Resources, Professional Paper 820, 1973.

Bauxite and Alumina. Ch. in Mineral Commodity Summaries, 

annual.

Historical Statistics for Mineral and Material Commodities in 

the United States. Data Series 140.

U.S. Trade in Bauxite and Alumina. Mineral Industry Surveys, 

quarterly.

World Bauxite Resources. Professional Paper 1076–B, 1986.

Other

Aluminum. Ch. in Mineral Facts and Problems, U.S. Bureau of 

Mines Bulletin 675, 1985.

Aluminum Statistical Review. Aluminum Association Inc., 

annual.
ALUMINUM—2008 [ADVANCE RELEASE] 5.9

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

United States:

Primary production:

Quantity thousand metric tons 2,516 2,481 2,284 2,554 2,658

Value millions $4,660 $4,980 $6,110 $6,880 $7,060

Price, average, U.S. market, spot cents per pound 84.0 91.0 121.4 122.2 120.5

Inventories (December 31):

Aluminum industry

2 thousand metric tons 1,470 1,430 1,410 1,400 1,220

London Metal Exchang 3 e, U.S. warehouses do. 116 209 228 463 1,290

Secondary recovery:

4

New scrap do. 1,870 1,950 2,280 r 2,220 r 1,980

Old scrap do. 1,160 1,080 1,250 r 1,530 r 1,340

Total do. 3,030 3,030 3,540 r 3,750 r 3,320

Exports, crude and semicrude do. 1,820 2,370 2,820 2,840 3,280

Imports for consumption, crude and semicrude do. 4,720 5,330 5,180 4,490 4,200

Supply, apparent5 do. 8,440 r 8,480 8,180 r 7,950 r 6,900

Consumption, apparent6 do. 6,570 r 6,530 5,900 r 5,730 r 4,920

World, production do. 29,900 31,900 33,900 38,000 r 39,000 e

United States and Canadian producers.

3

Includes aluminum alloyed material.

6

Apparent supply less recovery from purchased new scrap.

and industry stock changes.

5

Defined as domestic primary metal production plus secondary recovery plus imports minus exports plus adjustments for government

4

Metallic recovery from purchased, tolled, or imported new and old scrap expanded for full industry coverage.

2

Data from the Aluminum Association Inc.; includes ingot, semifabricated material, and scrap. Includes inventory levels for both

e

Estimated. rRevised. do. Ditto.

TABLE 1

SALIENT ALUMINUM STATISTICS1

1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits except “Primary production: Quantity” and “Price, average, U.S. market, spot.” 

Company and location 2007 2008 Ownership in 2008

Alcoa Inc.:

Alcoa, TN 215 215 Alcoa Inc., 100%.

Badin, NC 120 120 Do.

Evansville, IN (Warrick) 309 309 Do.

Ferndale, WA (Intalco) 278 278 Do.

Frederick, MD (Eastalco) 195 195 Do.

Massena, NY (St. Lawrence) 125 125 Do.

Massena, NY 130 130 Do.

Mount Holly, SC 224 224 Alcoa Inc., 50.3%; Century Aluminum Co., 49.7%.

Rockdale, TX 267 267 Alcoa Inc., 100%.

Wenatchee, WA 184 184 Do.

Total 2,050 2,050

Century Aluminum Co.:

Hawesville, KY 244 244 Century Aluminum Co., 100%.

Ravenswood, WV 170 170 Do.

Total 414 414

Columbia Falls Aluminum Co., Columbia Falls, MT 168 168 Glencore International AG, 100%.

Goldendale Aluminum Co., Goldendale, WA 160 160 Private interest, 60%; employees, 40%.

Noranda Aluminum Inc., New Madrid, MO 250 250 Apollo Managment LP, 100%.

Ormet Primary Aluminum Corp., Hannibal, OH 265 265 Ormet Corp., 100%.

Rio Tinto Alcan Ltd., Sebree, KY 196 196 Rio Tinto Alcan Ltd., 100%.

Vanalco Inc., Vancouver, WA 116 116 Glencore International AG, 100%.

Grand total 3,620 3,620

1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.

(thousand metric tons)

TABLE 2

PRIMARY ANNUAL ALUMINUM PRODUCTION CAPACITY IN THE UNITED STATES, BY COMPANY1

Yearend capacity

Do. Ditto. 
5.10 [ADVANCE RELEASE] U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2008

Class Consumption Aluminum Metallic

2007:

Secondary smeltersr 1,770,000 1,210,000 1,290,000

Independent mill fabricators3 2,400,000 2,000,000 2,120,000

Foundries 79,000 64,900 69,400

Other consumers 7,950 6,890 6,920

Totalr 4,250,000 3,270,000 3,480,000

Estimated full industry coverage

r 4,580,000 3,520,000 3,750,000

2008:

Secondary smelters 1,580,000 1,030,000 1,100,000

Independent mill fabricators3 2,180,000 1,800,000 1,910,000

Foundries 77,300 63,300 67,700

Other consumers 8,760 7,770 7,800

Total 3,850,000 2,900,000 3,090,000

Estimated full industry coverage 4,140,000 3,120,000 3,320,000

 Calculated recovery

r

Revised.

3

Includes plants previously categorized as “Integrated aluminum companies.” 

TABLE 3

U.S. CONSUMPTION OF AND RECOVERY FROM PURCHASED

NEW AND OLD ALUMINUM SCRAP, BY CLASS1, 2

(Metric tons)

totals shown.

1

Excludes recovery from other than aluminum-base scrap.

2

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to 
ALUMINUM—2008 [ADVANCE RELEASE] 5.11

Stocks, Net Stocks,

Class of consumer and type of scrap January 1 receipts3 Consumption December 31

Secondary smelters:

New scrap:

Extrusion 18,200 r 352,000 354,000 16,600

Can stock clippings 2,370 r 87,300 86,900 2,800

Other wrought sheet and clippings 1,260 r 139,000 139,000 1,340

Casting 1,060 r 33,600 34,000 711

Borings and turnings 2,420 r 103,000 105,000 1,180

Dross and skimmings 1,290 534,000 535,000 667

Other -- 7,380 7,380 --

Total 26,600 r 1,260,000 1,260,000 23,300

Old scrap:

Castings 2,670 r 50,000 51,000 1,720

Extrusion 1,880 r 45,700 45,800 1,820

Aluminum cans4 68 r 41,000 41,100 --

Other wrought products 1,590 r 82,800 82,700 1,650

Auto shredder scrap 2,570 r 70,800 72,300 1,010

Other -- 20,400 20,400 --

Total 8,780 r 311,000 313,000 6,200

Sweated pig 96 1,720 1,820 1

Grand total secondary smelters 35,500 r 1,570,000 1,580,000 29,500

Integrated aluminum companies, foundries, independent mill

fabricators, other consumers:

New scrap:

Extrusion 6,230 r 599,000 599,000 7,100

Can stock clippings 2,700 r 156,000 158,000 982

Other wrought sheet and clippings 3,230 r 170,000 169,000 4,620

Casting 512 r 34,000 34,300 243

Borings and turnings 903 r 31,300 31,800 473

Dross and skimmings 5,510 r 131,000 135,000 1,670

Total 19,100 1,120,000 1,130,000 15,100

Old scrap:

Castings 2,710 r 128,000 121,000 8,780

Extrusion 1,240 r 32,200 31,900 1,530

Aluminum cans4 8,150 r 704,000 704,000 8,150

Other wrought products 5,370 r 160,000 162,000 3,590

Auto shredder scrap 82 r 593 593 82

Other -- 124,000 124,000 --

Total 17,600 r 1,150,000 1,140,000 22,100

Sweated pig -- -- -- --

Grand total integrated aluminum companies, etc. 36,600 2,270,000 2,270,000 37,200

All scrap consumed:

New scrap:

Extrusion 24,400 r 951,000 952,000 23,700

Can stock clippings 5,070 r 243,000 245,000 3,780

Other wrought sheet and clippings 4,490 r 310,000 308,000 5,960

Casting 1,580 r 67,700 68,300 954

Borings and turnings 3,320 r 135,000 136,000 1,660

Dross and skimmings 6,800 r 665,000 670,000 2,340

Other -- 7,380 7,380 --

Total 45,700 r 2,380,000 2,390,000 38,400

See footnotes at end of table.

TABLE 4

U.S. STOCKS, RECEIPTS, AND CONSUMPTION OF PURCHASED NEW AND OLD ALUMINUM SCRAP

(Metric tons)

AND SWEATED PIG IN 20081, 2
5.12 [ADVANCE RELEASE] U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2008

Stocks, Net Stocks,

Class of consumer and type of scrap January 1 receipts3 Consumption December 31

All scrap consumed—Continued:

Old scrap:

Castings 5,380 r 178,000 172,000 10,500

Extrusion 3,120 r 77,900 77,700 3,350

Aluminum cans 8,220 r 745,000 745,000 8,150

Other wrought products 6,970 r 243,000 244,000 5,230

Auto shredder scrap 2,650 r 71,400 72,900 1,090

Other -- 144,000 144,000 --

Total 26,300 r 1,460,000 1,460,000 28,300

Sweated pig 96 r 1,720 1,820 1

Grand total of all scrap consumed 72,100 r 3,840,000 3,850,000 66,700

1

Includes imported scrap. According to reporting companies, 6.44% of total receipts of aluminum-base scrap, or 249,000

4

Used beverage cans toll treated for primary producers are included in secondary smelter tabulation.

r

Revised. -- Zero.

metric tons, was received on toll arrangements.

2

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.

3

Includes inventory adjustment.

(Metric tons)

TABLE 4—Continued

U.S. STOCKS, RECEIPTS, AND CONSUMPTION OF PURCHASED NEW AND OLD ALUMINUM SCRAP

AND SWEATED PIG IN 20081, 2
ALUMINUM—2008 [ADVANCE RELEASE] 5.13

Net Net

Production shipments2 Production shipments2

Diecast alloys:

13% Si, 360, etc. (0.6% Cu, maximum) 26,000 26,400 23,200 23,500

380 and variations 224,000 r 227,000 r 209,000 212,000

Sand and permanent mold:

95/5 Al-Si, 356, etc. (0.6% Cu, maximum) 32,900 33,000 r 29,500 29,100

No. 12 and variations 2,270 2,270 2,020 2,020

No. 319 and variations 74,900 76,000 r 66,600 66,700

F-132 alloy and variations 20,000 20,200 19,000 18,700

Al-Mg alloys 9,940 9,740 r 8,850 8,980

Al-Zn alloys 1,720 1,760 r 1,650 1,560

Al-Si alloys (0.6% to 2.0% Cu) 20,000 20,000 17,800 17,700

Al-Cu alloys (1.5% Si, maximum) 399 456 521 484

Al-Si-Cu-Ni alloys 9,680 9,940 8,610 8,050

Other 401 401 162 205

Wrought alloys, extrusion billets 703,000 702,000 662,000 661,000

Miscellaneous:

Steel deoxidation 42,900 42,900 39,900 39,900

Pure (97.0% Al) W W W W

Aluminum-base hardeners W W W W

Other

3 60,500 r 59,800 r 53,900 50,400

Total 1,230,000 r 1,230,000 r 1,140,000 1,140,000

Less consumption of materials other than scrap:

Primary aluminum 302,000 r XX 230,000 XX

Primary silicon 29,500 r XX 9,720 XX

Other 15,000 r XX 7,310 XX

Net metallic recovery from aluminum scrap and sweated

pig consumed in production of secondary aluminum ingot4 882,000 r XX 916,000 XX

TABLE 5

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENTS OF SECONDARY ALUMINUM ALLOYS BY INDEPENDENT SMELTERS

(Metric tons)

IN THE UNITED STATES1

2

Includes inventory adjustment.

3

Includes other diecast alloys.

4

No allowance made for melt loss of primary aluminum and alloying ingredients.

1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.

2007 2008

r

Revised. W Withheld to avoid disclosing company proprietary data; included with “Miscellaneous, other.” XX Not applicable.

Quantity Quantity

(thousand Percentage (thousand Percentage

Industry metric tons) of grand total metric tons) of grand total

Containers and packaging 2,230 r 19.9 2,230 22.2

Building and construction 1,410 12.6 1,180 11.7

Transportation 3,580 32.0 2,830 28.1

Electrical 762 r 6.8 r 700 7.0

Consumer durables 664 r 5.9 r 607 6.0

Machinery and equipment 736 6.6 688 6.9

Other markets 359 3.2 334 3.3

Total 9,730 r 87.0 8,560 85.2

Exportse 1,450 13.0 1,490 14.8

Grand total 11,200 100.0 10,000 100.0

Source: The Aluminum Association Inc.

1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.

e

Estimated. pPreliminary. rRevised.

2007 2008p

TABLE 6

DISTRIBUTION OF END-USE SHIPMENTS OF ALUMINUM PRODUCTS

IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA, BY INDUSTRY1
5.14 [ADVANCE RELEASE] U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2008

2006 2007 2008p

Wrought products:

Sheet, plate, foil 4,690 r 4,420 r 4,250

Pipe, tube, extruded shapes 1,920 r 1,640 r 1,430

Rod, bar, wire, cable 420 r 401 r 350

Forgings (including impacts) 134 126 97

Powder, flake, paste 54 r 56 r 49

Total 7,220 r 6,640 r 6,180

Castings:

Sand 335 315 254

Permanent and semipermanent mold 754 615 570

Die 1,170 1,260 1,030

Other 53 35 44

Total 2,310 2,230 1,900

Grand total 9,530 r 8,860 r 8,070

TABLE 7

U.S. NET SHIPMENTS OF ALUMINUM WROUGHT AND CAST PRODUCTS,

(Thousand metric tons)

BY PRODUCERS1, 2, 3

Source: The Aluminum Association Inc. 

3

Wrought products data series includes net shipments in the United States and Canada.

2

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.

shape from the domestic industry’s gross shipments of that shape.

1

Net shipments derived by subtracting the sum of producers’ domestic receipts of each mill

p

Preliminary. rRevised.

Quantity Value Quantity Value

Class (metric tons) (thousands) (metric tons) (thousands)

Crude and semicrude:

Metals and alloys, crude 349,000 $953,000 308,000 $890,000

Scrap 1,550,000 3,050,000 1,980,000 3,420,000

Plates, sheets, bars, strip, etc. 887,000 3,730,000 929,000 4,020,000

Castings and forgings 21,100 263,000 24,400 304,000

Semifabricated forms, n.e.c. 39,200 287,000 39,500 385,000

Total 2,840,000 8,280,000 3,280,000 9,020,000

Manufactures:

Foil and leaf 88,700 408,000 89,700 436,000

Powders and flakes 6,600 36,600 7,840 39,600

Wire and cable 45,700 179,000 52,900 207,000

Total 141,000 623,000 r 150,000 683,000

Grand total 2,980,000 8,910,000 3,430,000 9,710,000

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.

TABLE 8

U.S. EXPORTS OF ALUMINUM, BY CLASS1

2007 2008

r

Revised.
ALUMINUM—2008 [ADVANCE RELEASE] 5.15

Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value

Country (metric tons) (thousands) (metric tons) (thousands) (metric tons) (thousands) (metric tons) (thousands)

2007:

Brazil 1,930 $4,270 12,200 $70,800 4,690 $19,100 18,800 $94,100

Canada 116,000 315,000 422,000 1,660,000 158,000 327,000 696,000 2,310,000

China 1,310 3,660 23,900 157,000 803,000 1,590,000 828,000 1,750,000

France 869 3,590 10,800 85,600 203 563 11,800 89,800

Germany 2,810 10,900 9,820 73,300 1,200 3,060 13,800 87,200

Hong Kong 668 1,560 20,400 101,000 39,900 92,500 61,000 195,000

Italy 5,800 5,890 3,850 39,400 3,570 18,500 13,200 63,800

Japan 15,000 37,600 19,100 191,000 45,900 111,000 80,000 340,000

Korea, Republic of 565 2,470 18,400 111,000 198,000 384,000 217,000 497,000

Mexico 190,000 516,000 247,000 988,000 82,400 166,000 519,000 1,670,000

Netherlands 1,680 5,650 1,730 12,700 1,390 2,750 4,800 21,100

Russia 516 2,350 1,790 6,720 139 254 2,450 9,330

Saudi Arabia 18 136 29,900 108,000 -- -- 29,900 108,000

Singapore 352 1,260 2,760 22,900 329 592 3,440 24,800

Taiwan 356 1,630 6,310 33,600 134,000 212,000 141,000 247,000

Thailand 526 514 12,200 47,700 24,800 38,900 37,600 87,100

Ukraine 573 4,830 322 1,310 -- -- 895 6,140

United Kingdom 234 2,240 21,000 147,000 1,820 4,100 23,000 153,000

Venezuela 113 350 3,050 14,400 80 127 3,250 14,900

Other 9,550 33,300 80,700 r 404,000 r 45,900 76,900 136,000 r 515,000 r

Total 349,000 953,000 947,000 4,280,000 1,550,000 3,050,000 2,840,000 8,280,000

2008:

Brazil 400 1,120 9,820 63,800 4,300 10,200 14,500 75,100

Canada 103,000 287,000 413,000 1,680,000 161,000 336,000 678,000 2,300,000

China 1,020 2,450 41,300 302,000 893,000 1,740,000 936,000 2,050,000

France 749 3,140 10,900 99,000 113 500 11,800 103,000

Germany 2,780 12,100 10,700 74,400 1,210 2,890 14,700 89,300

Hong Kong 203 736 17,000 79,200 94,700 195,000 112,000 275,000

Italy 36 160 3,320 42,400 429 950 3,780 43,500

Japan 9,360 34,600 20,300 182,000 59,100 130,000 88,700 346,000

Korea, Republic of 865 2,160 16,300 115,000 223,000 387,000 240,000 505,000

Mexico 178,000 507,000 266,000 1,080,000 85,800 185,000 530,000 1,770,000

Netherlands 421 1,750 1,860 20,100 1,320 2,990 3,600 24,900

Saudi Arabia 264 519 43,400 193,000 18 8 43,700 194,000

Singapore 313 1,050 1,450 15,300 691 942 2,450 17,300

Taiwan 84 592 8,360 48,700 321,000 277,000 330,000 327,000

Thailand 256 383 12,100 47,600 72,800 63,800 85,200 112,000

United Kingdom 1,100 5,710 24,300 175,000 849 2,580 26,300 183,000

Venezuela 42 182 772 4,450 502 769 1,320 5,410

Other 8,830 29,600 91,900 489,000 61,700 86,100 162,000 605,000

Total 308,000 890,000 993,000 4,710,000 1,980,000 3,420,000 3,280,000 9,020,000

TABLE 9

U.S. EXPORTS OF ALUMINUM, BY COUNTRY1

Metals and alloys, crude Plates, sheets, bars, etc.2 Scrap Total

2

Includes castings, forgings, and unclassified semifabricated forms.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

r

Revised. -- Zero.

1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
5.16 [ADVANCE RELEASE] U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2008

Quantity Quantity Value

Class (metric tons) (metric tons) (thousands)

Crude and semicrude:

Metals and alloys, crude 2,950,000 $8,290,000 2,790,000 $7,810,000

Plates, sheets, strip, etc., n.e.c.2 801,000 3,070,000 693,000 2,770,000

Pipes, tubes, etc. 34,300 254,000 34,200 271,000

Rods and bars 235,000 985,000 186,000 825,000

Scrap 471,000 803,000 494,000 853,000

Total 4,490,000 13,400,000 4,200,000 12,500,000

Manufactures:

Foil and leaf3 127,000 586,000 130,000 590,000

Powders and flakes 9,480 42,600 9,150 43,000

Wire 194,000 598,000 185,000 574,000

Total 330,000 1,230,000 325,000 1,210,000

Grand total 4,820,000 14,600,000 4,530,000 13,700,000

TABLE 10

U.S. IMPORTS FOR CONSUMPTION OF ALUMINUM, BY CLASS1

2007 2008

Value

(thousands)

1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

3

Excludes etched capacitor foil.

2

Includes circles, disks, plates, and sheets.
ALUMINUM—2008 [ADVANCE RELEASE] 5.17

Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value

Country (metric tons) (thousands) (metric tons) (thousands) (metric tons) (thousands) (metric tons) (thousands)

2007:

Argentina 55,300 $158,000 56 $638 -- -- 55,400 $159,000

Australia 55,700 159,000 98 903 2,730 $7,380 58,500 167,000

Bahrain 36,100 106,000 18,100 62,800 -- -- 54,200 169,000

Belgium 94 370 11,700 63,700 14 25 11,800 64,100

Brazil 80,100 225,000 26,500 89,900 1 4 107,000 314,000

Canada 1,930,000 5,390,000 443,000 1,650,000 320,000 541,000 2,690,000 7,580,000

China 37,700 107,000 166,000 605,000 58 205 204,000 712,000

France 435 7,470 3,580 28,800 44 96 4,060 36,300

Germany 2,620 8,060 98,700 485,000 465 727 102,000 493,000

Italy 513 2,360 7,250 44,700 77 119 7,840 47,200

Japan 239 894 14,400 79,800 703 3,800 15,300 84,500

Korea, Republic of 2,510 7,910 2,940 14,200 69 182 5,510 22,300

Mexico 22,100 105,000 19,600 95,300 105,000 174,000 146,000 375,000

Netherlands 841 3,140 2,930 18,300 143 306 3,920 21,700

Norway 4,940 16,600 140 725 -- -- 5,080 17,300

Panama 20 38 10 42 3,450 6,850 3,480 6,930

Russia 434,000 1,200,000 55,900 241,000 1,660 3,900 492,000 1,440,000

Slovenia -- -- 3,940 18,700 -- -- 3,940 18,700

South Africa 62,500 164,000 47,800 176,000 -- -- 110,000 339,000

Spain 107 466 502 3,300 19 39 628 3,810

United Arab Emirates 108,000 317,000 -- -- 18 90 108,000 317,000

United Kingdom 3,990 11,300 5,870 43,700 1,110 1,970 11,000 57,000

Venezuela 63,800 162,000 8,770 26,500 486 1,270 73,000 189,000

Other 48,600 140,000 132,000 569,000 34,800 60,700 215,000 770,000

Total 2,950,000 8,290,000 1,070,000 4,310,000 r 471,000 803,000 4,490,000 13,400,000

2008:

Argentina 90,000 259,000 -- -- -- -- 90,000 259,000

Australia 39,900 117,000 120 1,350 109 240 40,100 119,000

Bahrain 8,930 26,700 18,200 63,400 -- -- 27,100 90,100

Belgium 87 468 4,790 24,700 -- -- 4,880 25,100

Brazil 82,500 226,000 13,800 45,900 367 650 96,700 273,000

Canada 1,990,000 5,510,000 379,000 1,450,000 330,000 558,000 2,700,000 7,520,000

China 21,900 63,200 151,000 567,000 33 70 173,000 630,000

France 511 8,500 4,140 35,700 799 1,180 5,450 45,400

Germany 2,460 7,320 88,500 488,000 386 1,410 91,300 496,000

Italy 32 171 6,120 38,000 18 32 6,170 38,200

Japan 1,030 2,180 10,700 61,300 818 4,960 12,500 68,400

Korea, Republic of 909 2,970 2,010 10,400 184 548 3,100 13,900

Mexico 23,900 109,000 17,800 99,000 114,000 196,000 155,000 405,000

Netherlands 1,130 3,560 2,330 16,500 191 421 3,650 20,500

Norway 2,710 8,750 14 172 -- -- 2,720 8,920

Panama 151 384 -- -- 2,410 4,860 2,570 5,250

Russia 288,000 795,000 45,900 202,000 1,490 4,380 335,000 1,000,000

Slovenia -- -- 3,550 18,000 -- -- 3,550 18,000

South Africa 9,440 23,700 40,100 156,000 500 190 50,000 180,000

Spain 161 715 149 1,310 8 31 318 2,060

Tajikstan 2,780 7,020 -- -- -- -- 2,780 7,020

United Arab Emirates 80,300 241,000 19 73 278 518 80,600 241,000

United Kingdom 1,760 3,930 7,930 46,600 6,460 12,900 16,200 63,400

Venezuela 103,000 282,000 3,690 10,700 2,500 5,420 110,000 298,000

Other 38,000 108,000 114,000 531,000 33,500 60,900 185,000 700,000

Total 2,790,000 7,810,000 914,000 3,860,000 494,000 853,000 4,200,000 12,500,000

TABLE 11

U.S. IMPORTS FOR CONSUMPTION OF ALUMINUM, BY COUNTRY1

Metals and alloys, crude Scrap Plates, sheets, bars, etc.2 Total

r

Revised. -- Zero.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.

2

Includes circles, disks, pipes, rods, tubes, etc.
5.18 [ADVANCE RELEASE] U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2008

Country 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008e

Argentina 272 271 273 271 r 343 3

Australia 1,890 1,900 1,930 1,960 r 1,970 3

Azerbaijan 30 32 32 39 40

Bahrain 532 751 872 865 r 865

Bosnia and Herzegovina4 121 131 136 122 r 123

Brazil 1,460 1,500 1,610 r 1,660 r 1,660 p, 3

Cameroon 86 90 88 r, e 87 r 91 3

Canada 2,590 2,890 3,050 3,080 3,120 p, 3

Chinae 6,670 7,800 9,360 12,600 13,200

Egypt 216 244 252 258 260

France 451 442 442 428 389

Germany 668 648 516 551 550

Ghana -- e 13 8 r -- r --

Greece 167 165 163 166 160

Hungarye 34 31 34 -- --

Iceland5 271 272 320 398 787 3

India6 861 r 942 1,110 r 1,220 r 1,310 3

Indonesia6 241 r 252 250 242 243 3

Irane 213 3 220 205 204 210

Italy 195 193 194 183 183 3

Japan7 6777 e 7 3

Kazakhstan -- -- -- -- 104

Montenegro 115 8 117 8 122 135 r 120

Mozambique 549 555 564 564 e 536 3

Netherlands 326 325 312 301 301

New Zealand 350 351 337 353 r 316 3

Nigeria -- -- -- -- 20

Norway 1,320 1,370 1,330 1,360 r 1,360 3

Oman -- -- -- -- 49

Poland9 46 55 58 59 r 58

Romania10 222 244 258 286 290

Russia 3,590 3,650 3,720 3,960 3,800

Slovakia6 175 158 180 190 r 190

Slovenia4 121 139 118 r 111 r 110

South Africa 866 846 931 r 914 r 811

Spain 398 394 349 r 350 e 350

Sweden 101 102 101 98 95

Switzerland 45 45 12 -- --

Tajikistan 358 380 414 419 339 3

Turkeye 60 60 60 65 r 65

Ukraine10 113 114 113 113 113 3

United Arab Emirates 683 722 e 861 r 890 910

United Kingdom 360 369 360 365 326 3

United States 2,516 2,481 2,284 2,554 2,658 3

Venezuela 624 615 610 e 610 e 610

 Total 29,900 31,900 33,900 38,000 r 39,000

3

Reported figure.

5

Ingot and rolling billet production.

2

Primary aluminum is defined as “The weight of liquid aluminum as tapped from pots, excluding the weight of any alloying

materials as well that of any metal produced from either returned scrap or remelted materials.” International reporting 

practices vary from country to country, some nations conforming to the foregoing definition and others using different 

that definition is provided in this table by footnote. Table includes data available through May 13, 2009.

4

Primary ingot plus secondary ingot.

definitions. For those countries for which a different definition is given specifically in the source publication,

TABLE 12

ALUMINUM, PRIMARY: WORLD PRODUCTION, BY COUNTRY1, 2

(Thousand metric tons)

e

Estimated. pPreliminary. rRevised. -- Zero.

1

World totals and estimated data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
ALUMINUM—2008 [ADVANCE RELEASE] 5.19

9

Primary unalloyed ingot plus secondary unalloyed ingot.

10Primary unalloyed metal plus primary alloyed metal, thus including weight of alloying material.

6

Primary ingot.

2006—49,700; 2007—55,000 (estimated); and 2008—52,000 (estimated).

ALUMINUM, PRIMARY: WORLD PRODUCTION, BY COUNTRY1, 2

7

Excludes high purity aluminum containing 99.995% or more as follows, in metric tons: 2004—55,400; 2005—45,400; 

8

Montenegro and Serbia formally declared independence in June 2006, from each other and dissolved their union.

TABLE 12—Continued