# 2008 Minerals Yearbook

U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey 

# ALUMINUM [ADVANCE RELEASE]

November 2009ALUMINUM—2008 [ADVANCE RELEASE] 5.1 

# A LUMINUM

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 speci fi 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 suf fi 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 green fi 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 signi fi 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 ef fi 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 poundin 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 priceranges 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 centsALUMINUM—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 de fi 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 re fi 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 recycling5.4 [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 re fi 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 re fi 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 re fi 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 re fi 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 ef fi 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, a5.6 [ADVANCE RELEASE] U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2008 

### 1.6-Mt/yr alumina re fi 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 pro fi table uses, such as chemicals, fertilizer, or export in lique fi 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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### 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 industry2 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
Secondaryrecovery : 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, apparent 5 do. 8,440 r 8,480 8,180 r 7,950 r 6,900 Consumption, apparent 6 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.

6Apparent 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 4Metallic recovery from purchased, tolled, or imported new and old scrap expanded for full industry coverage. 2Data from the Aluminum Association Inc.; includes ingot, semifabricated material, and scrap. Includes inventory levels for both eEstimated. rRevised. do. Ditto. TABLE 1
SALIENT ALUMINUM STATISTICS 1

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 COMPANY 1

Yearend capacity

Do. Ditto.5.10 [ADVANCE RELEASE] U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2008 Class Consumption Aluminum Metallic
2007:

Secondarysmelters r 1,770,000 1,210,000 1,290,000

Indep endent mill fabricators 3 2,400,000 2,000,000 2,120,000 Foundries 79,000 64,900 69,400 Other consumers 7,950 6,890 6,920

Total r 4,250,000 3,270,000 3,480,000

Estimated full industrycoverag e r 4,580,000 3,520,000 3,750,000
2008:

Secondary smelters 1,580,000 1,030,000 1,100,000 Independent mill fabricators 3 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

rRevised.

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 CLASS 1, 2

(Metric tons)

totals shown. 1 Excludes recovery from other than aluminum-base scrap.

2Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add toALUMINUM—2008 [ADVANCE RELEASE] 5.11 Stocks, Net Stocks, Class of consumer and type of scrap January 1 receip ts 3 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 2008 1, 25.12 [ADVANCE RELEASE] U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2008 Stocks, Net Stocks, Class of consumer and type of scrap January 1 receip ts 3 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

4Used beverage cans toll treated for primary producers are included in secondary smelter tabulation. rRevised. -- Zero.

metric tons, was received on toll arrangements.

2Data 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 2008 1, 2ALUMINUM—2008 [ADVANCE RELEASE] 5.13 Net Net
Production ship ments 2 Production ship ments 2 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

p i gconsumed in production of secondaryaluminum in g ot4 882,000 r XX 916,000 XX TABLE 5
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENTS OF SECONDARY ALUMINUM ALLOYS BY INDEPENDENT SMELTERS

(Metric tons) IN THE UNITED STATES 1

2Includes inventory adjustment.

3 Includes other diecast alloys.

4No 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

rRevised. 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 Exports e 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. eEstimated. pPreliminary. rRevised. 2007 2008 p TABLE 6
DISTRIBUTION OF END-USE SHIPMENTS OF ALUMINUM PRODUCTS IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA, BY INDUSTRY 15.14 [ADVANCE RELEASE] U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2008 2006 2007 2008 p 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 PRODUCERS 1, 2, 3

Source: The Aluminum Association Inc. 3 Wrought products data series includes net shipments in the United States and Canada. 2Data 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 pPreliminary. 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 CLASS 1

2007 2008

rRevised.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 COUNTRY 1

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

2Includes castings, forgings, and unclassified semifabricated forms.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau. rRevised. -- 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 leaf 3 127,000 586,000 130,000 590,000 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 CLASS 1

2008 2007 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. 2Includes 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 COUNTRY 1

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

rRevised. -- Zero.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau. 1 Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.

2Includes circles, disks, pipes, rods, tubes, etc.5.18 [ADVANCE RELEASE] U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2008 Country 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 e 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 Herze g ovina 4 121 131 136 122 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

China e 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

Hun g ary e 34 31 34 -- --

Iceland 5 271 272 320 398 787 3

India 6 861 r 942 1,110 r 1,220 r 1,310 3

Indonesia 6 241 r 252 250 242 243 3

Iran e 213 3 220 205 204 210 Italy 195 193 194 183 183 3
Japan 7 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
Poland 9 46 55 58 59 r 58

Romania 10 222 244 258 286 290 Russia 3,590 3,650 3,720 3,960 3,800
Slovakia 6 175 158 180 190 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

Turkey e 60 60 60 65 r 65

Ukraine 10 113 114 113 113 113 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. 2Primary 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.

4Primary 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 COUNTRY 1, 2

(Thousand metric tons)

eEstimated. 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. 6Primary ingot.

2006—49,700; 2007—55,000 (estimated); and 2008—52,000 (estimated). ALUMINUM, PRIMARY: WORLD PRODUCTION, BY COUNTRY 1, 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