2006 Minerals Yearbook

Aluminum

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

November 2007
Aluminum—2006 5.1

Domestic primary smelters produced 2.28 million metric tons

(Mt) of aluminum metal valued at $6.11 billion during 2006.

At yearend, 6 companies were operating 14 domestic primary

aluminum smelters in 11 States. Smelters east of the Mississippi

River accounted for about 68% of the production. Five smelters

remained temporarily idled at the end of the year. At yearend,

about 36% [1.3 million metric tons per year (Mt/yr)] of

domestic primary aluminum smelting capacity, including idled

potlines at operating smelters, was not utilized.

Aluminum recovered from purchased scrap increased

to 3.51 Mt. Of this recovered metal, 66% came from new

(manufacturing) scrap, and 34% came from old (discarded

aluminum products) scrap. Aluminum used beverage cans

(UBCs) accounted for 54% of the reported old scrap consumed

in 2006. According to the Aluminum Association Inc. (2007b),

the United States recycling rate for aluminum UBCs was 51.6%.

The transportation and the container and packaging industries

remained the leading markets for aluminum products in

Canada and the United States in 2006. The transportation

industry accounted for 38% of United States and Canadian

metal shipments; containers and packaging, 22%; building and

construction, 16%; consumer durables, 7%; electrical, 7%;

machinery and equipment, 7%; and other uses, 3%.

The 2006 annual average U.S. market price of primary

aluminum ingot increased 33% to $1.214 per pound from 91.0

cents per pound in 2005. The monthly average price stayed

above $1.00 per pound throughout the year.

At the end of 2006, total world inventories of aluminum, as

reported by the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) (2007),

decreased by 8% compared with those of 2005. Combined

inventories of aluminum metal and alloys held by the London

Metal Exchange Ltd. (LME), however, increased by 10%.

Primary aluminum was produced in 42 countries in 2006.

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

order of metal produced, accounted for more than one-half

of total world production. World primary metal production

increased by 5% compared with that of 2005, primarily owing to

a 20% increase in production in China.

Production

Primary.—Domestic primary aluminum production, which

totaled a reported 2.28 Mt, decreased by 8% compared with

that of 2005. Domestic production data were obtained from

the six operating producers, all of which responded to the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS) request for production data.

The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) announced

plans to increase employment in the Northwest by providing

up to $59 million per year in payments to purchase electricity

starting in the fall of 2006 to three companies with smelters

idled or operating less than 30% of capacity. The companies

involved were Alcoa Inc., Columbia Falls Aluminum Co., and

Golden Northwest Aluminum Holding Co. (Bonneville Power

Administration, 2006).

Kentucky’s Governor signed legislation sought by the

operators of powerplants and the two primary smelters in the

State that would allow surplus electricity to be sold to out-ofState customers should there be a shutdown at a smelter. The

revisions to the law opened the way for Alcan Inc. to negotiate

a power contract with Big Rivers Electric Corp. for the Sebree,

KY, smelter through at least 2023. Century Aluminum Co. and

Kenergy Corp. negotiated a contract also to last until at least

2023 for the Hawesville, KY, smelter (Brooks, 2006a).

Following the financial assistance deal with the BPA, Alcoa

announced plans to restart a second potline in 2007 at the

278,000-metric-ton-per-year (t/yr) Intalco smelter in Ferndale,

WA. Only one of three potlines had been in operation since

2003 (Alcoa Inc., 2006a). In July, Alcoa obtained full ownership

of the Intalco smelter and the Eastalco smelter in Fredrick,

MD, from joint owners Mitsui & Co. Ltd. and YKK Corp. The

195,000-t/yr Eastalco smelter has been idled since December

2005 because of high electricity prices (Alcoa Inc., 2006f). The

United Steelworkers (USW) ratified a 4-year contract in June

with Alcoa, covering approximately 9,000 hourly employees at

15 locations nationwide (Alcoa Inc., 2006e).

In May, Century Aluminum Co. and the USW signed a 4-year

agreement at the Hawesville, KY, smelter. The smelter has a

capacity of 244,000 t/yr (Century Aluminum Co., 2006e). A 3-

year agreement between Century and the USW was ratified by

workers at the Ravenswood, WV, smelter in August (Century

Aluminum Co., 2006f). One potline was shut down for about 2

months after a strike notice was issued by the union during the

negotiations, which had started in May (Century Aluminum Co.,

2006d).

In December, production resumed at the 265,000-t/yr smelter

in Hannibal, OH, owned by Ormet Corp. (Ormet Corp., 2006c).

Production had stopped in November 2004 as a result of labor

disputes. While a new contract with the USW was ratified in

July that ended the strike, a new electricity supply contract was

not signed with American Electric Power Inc. until October

(Ormet Corp., 2006a, b).

Secondary.—Metal recovered from new and old scrap

increased to 3.51 Mt in 2006, according to data derived by the

USGS from its “Aluminum Scrap” survey (table 3). Of the 83

companies and/or plants to which survey requests were sent,

51 responded, representing 88% of the total scrap consumed

reported in table 4.

According to data released by the Aluminum Association, the

Can Manufactures Institute, and the Institute of Scrap Recycling

Industries Inc., 51.9 billion aluminum UBCs were recycled in

Aluminum

By E. Lee Bray

Domestic survey data and tables were prepared by Hoa P. Phamdang, statistical assistant, and the world production table 

was prepared by Glenn J. Wallace, international data coordinator.
5.2 u.s. geologicAl survey minerals yearbook—2006

the United States during 2006. The UBC recycling rate was

51.6%, a slight decline from the rate in 2005 of 52% (Aluminum

Association Inc., 2007b).

General Motors Corp. announced plans to improve energy

efficiency and increase capacity at its foundry in Bedford, IN,

which casts auto parts. The project began in July 2006, and

completion was projected for late 2008 (General Motors Corp.,

2006). G&S Metals Inc. opened a new secondary smelter

in Manchester, GA, to supply alloys for automotive parts

manufactures in the Southeast. Two furnaces started production

during the year, and two more are expected to be in production

in 2007 (Schaffer, 2006b).

Arkansas Aluminum Alloys Inc. temporarily closed

production of secondary aluminum after an explosion in October

killed two employees. A week after the accident, the plant was

operating at about one-half capacity. Secondary ingot production

equipment damaged by the explosion remained idle and was not

expected to be replaced until January 2007 (Schaffer, 2006a).

A fire at the Jupiter Aluminum Corp. rolling mill in Hammond,

IN, injured one employee, forcing the plant to shutdown in

November. Construction of a new mill with upgraded equipment

was expected to be completed in mid-2007. The plant produced

aluminum sheet for the construction industry (Jupiter Aluminum

Corp., 2007).

Consumption

Apparent consumption of aluminum in the United States

declined by 11% in 2006 compared with that in 2005. Shipments

of aluminum for building and construction declined by 2%, and

for transportation, by less than 1% in 2006 compared with the

amounts shipped in 2005. Although the price of aluminum rose

during recent years, prices for copper and steel increased at a

higher rate, leading to greater substitution by aluminum in products

such as cable, beverage cans in Europe, and automobile parts.

Although the economy of the United States experienced slowdowns

in consumption by the construction and transportation sectors,

Chinese consumption offset these declines (Lerner, 2006a).

Transportation.—Per unit aluminum use in automobiles

continued to increase, with the average passenger vehicle

produced in North America containing 145 kilograms of

aluminum. In 2006, aluminum surpassed iron as the second

most used material in automobiles by weight. For the first time

ever, more than one-half of all engine blocks manufactured in

North America were made from aluminum, a trend projected to

continue (Aluminum Now, 2006).

In the aerospace sector, several new supply contracts were

announced. Kaiser Aluminum Corp. signed a multiyear deal

with the Boeing Co. to supply heat-treat plate (Kaiser Aluminum

Corp., 2006a). Kaiser also extended a contract to supply

aluminum sheet and plate products to be used for manufacturing

small aircraft to A.M. Castle & Co. (Franklin Park, IL), a

subcontractor of Raytheon Co. (Kaiser Aluminum Corp., 2006c).

The first furnace of a three-furnace-expansion at Kaiser’s

Trentwood, WA, rolling mill was completed in 2006 to supply

increasing orders of heat-treat plate for aircraft manufacturers.

The next furnace was expected to be operating by mid-2007, and

the third, by 2008 (Kaiser Aluminum Corp., 2006b).

Alcan signed multiyear agreements to supply aluminum

products from the Ravenswood, WV, rolling mill for Boeing’s

787 Dreamliner and regional and business jets manufactured by

Bombardier Inc. (Alcan Inc., 2007, p. 67).

ThyssenKrupp Materials NA Inc.’s subsidiary TMX

Aerospace announced multiyear deals to supply Bombardier

and Boeing with cut-to-size aluminum sheet for manufacturing

aircraft (ThyssenKrupp Materials NA Inc., 2006a, b).

FreightCar America Inc. announced that it was stepping up

production of rail cars which carry coal. High demand for coal

from the Powder River Basin of Wyoming created a shortage of

coal cars made of aluminum (Reuters, 2006).

Containers and Packaging.—Crown Holdings Inc. converted

a 12-ounce (oz) can line at its Batesville, MS, plant to produce

16-oz cans. Specialty cans accounted for 10% of beverage cans

shipped during 2006 in the United States, an increase of 13%

from that of 2005 (Crown Holdings Inc., 2006).

Building and Construction.—Alcoa and E. I. du Pont de

Nemours and Co. have jointly developed architectural panels

from a combination of aluminum sheet, polyethylene, and

Kevlar®. The panels are designed to protect buildings from

debris blown at speeds of up to 130 miles per hour (Alcoa Inc.,

2006b).

Technology.—Novelis Inc. introduced a newly patented

technology that enables multiple alloys to be produced in a

single sheet. The process combines a core alloy with other

alloys outside the core to produce a product with properties of

multiple alloys. This process enables a strong core alloy to be

combined with an outer alloy with greater corrosion resistance,

or other desired qualities (Novelis Inc., 2006a).

Stocks

Total U.S. stocks of aluminum rose only slightly. According

to data reported by the Aluminum Association, the combined

United States and Canadian producers’ inventories of aluminum

ingot, mill products, and scrap decreased to 1.42 Mt at yearend

2006 from 1.43 Mt in 2005 (Aluminum Association Inc.,

2007a). The LME, however, reported that primary aluminum

metal ingot stocks at its U.S. warehouses increased to 92,700

metric tons (t) at yearend 2006 from 80,100 t at yearend 2005.

At yearend 2006, U.S. LME warehouses also held about

146,000 t of North American special aluminum alloy contract

(NASAAC) metal ingot, an increase from the 129,000 t held at

yearend 2005 (London Metal Exchange Ltd., 2006).

Prices

Global demand, especially in emerging markets such as

China, drove prices for all forms of aluminum in 2006. The

monthly average U.S. market price of primary aluminum metal,

as reported by Platts Metals Week, was volatile during the year.

After finishing 2005 at $1.061 per pound, the monthly average

price continued to rise, reaching $1.355 per pound in May, then

decreased to $1.193 per pound in June. The monthly average

price declined slightly over the next several months, then turned

higher, reaching $1.241 per pound in October and finishing the

year at $1.296 per pound. The annual average price in 2006
Aluminum—2006 5.3

increased to $1.214 per pound, up significantly from 91.06 cents

per pound in 2005.

The LME average monthly cash price for high-grade primary

aluminum ingot followed the same general trend as the U.S.

market price. The 2006 average annual LME cash price

increased to $1.163 per pound from 86.1 cents per pound in

2005. The average monthly Commodity Exchange (COMEX

division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc.) spot

settlement price for primary aluminum ingot also followed the

same general trend as the U.S. market and LME prices. The

notable difference was that the COMEX monthly average price

in October spiked to $1.291 per pound from $1.180 per pound

in September before retreating briefly to $1.217 per pound in

November. The COMEX monthly average spot settlement price

increased from $1.097 per pound in January to $1.255 per pound

in December and averaged $1.189 per pound for the year.

Except for a brief dip in February, the purchase prices for

aluminum scrap, as quoted by American Metal Market, followed

the upward trend in primary prices during the first half of the

year. From the end of June to the end of the year, prices traded in

a narrow range, with a general upturn. The 2006 yearend price

ranges for selected types of aluminum scrap were as follows:

mixed low-copper-content aluminum clips, 80 to 81 cents per

pound; old sheet and cast aluminum, 75 to 76 cents per pound;

and clean, dry aluminum turnings, 75 to 76 cents per pound.

Aluminum producers’ buying price range for processed and

delivered UBCs, as quoted by American Metal Market, also

closed higher at yearend, following similar trends observed in

the price of other scrap categories. The price range began the

year at 76 to 78 cents per pound and closed the year at 84 to

86 cents per pound, averaging 85.1 cents per pound in 2006

compared to 65.4 cents per pound in 2005.

The yearend indicator prices for selected secondary aluminum

ingots, as published in American Metal Market, also increased

compared with those at the beginning of the year. The closing

prices for 2006 were as follows: alloy A380 (3% zinc content),

$1.100 per pound; alloy B380 (1% zinc content), $1.182 per

pound; alloy A360 (0.6% copper content), $1.192 per pound;

alloy A413 (0.6% copper content), $1.191 per pound; and alloy

319, $1.150 per pound. Platts Metals Week published an annual

average U.S. price of $109.9 per pound for A380 alloy (3%

zinc content). The average annual LME cash price for a similar

A380 alloy was $1.039 per pound and the annual average LME

NASAAC cash price was $1.014 per pound.

During the year, most can sheet producers announced that

they would no longer offer a price ceiling in response to the

continued rise in energy and aluminum prices. While efforts to

remove price ceiling clauses from contracts were made in 2005,

the sheet producers were more successful in 2006. Companies

that announced the change in pricing policy included Alcoa,

Wise Metals Group LLC, and Novelis (Brooks, 2006b).

Foreign Trade

In 2006, net exports of scrap rose by 58% compared with the

amount in 2005. In 2006, net imports of crude metal declined by

7%, while the net amount of semifabricated aluminum products

imported declined by 6% compared with those of 2005.

Total exports of crude and semifabricated aluminum materials

from the United States in 2006 were 4% higher than those of

2005. About 79% of total U.S. exports in 2006 were shipped to

China, Canada, and Mexico. More than 95% of the shipments to

China were aluminum scrap (table 8).

Imports for consumption of crude aluminum decreased by 6%

while imports of semifabricated aluminum materials increased

by 2% compared with those of 2005. Canada remained the

major source country accounting for 55% of the total imports

in 2006, and Russia continued to be the second ranked supplier,

accounting for 14% of total imports of aluminum (table 11).

World Industry Structure

Production.—China, Russia, Canada, and the United States,

in decreasing order of metal produced, accounted for 55% of

total world production. Primary aluminum production increased

by 6% in 2006 compared with that of 2005 as a result of

increased smelter capacity, which rose by 19% during 2006

(table 12). However, owing to greater demand, particularly in

China, global inventories of crude aluminum decreased by 5%

from the 2005 yearend level.

Stocks.—Unwrought aluminum inventories held by producers

of the IAI decreased by 10% to 1.62 Mt at yearend 2006 from

1.80 Mt at yearend 2005. Unwrought aluminum is defined

by the IAI as aluminum in its basic form made from primary

metal or from scrap that is unworked in the metallurgical sense.

Total IAI aluminum inventories decreased by 8% to 2.94 Mt at

yearend 2006 from 3.19 Mt at yearend 2005. Total aluminum

includes unwrought aluminum plus unprocessed scrap,

metal in process, and finished semifabricated (mill) products

(International Aluminium Institute, 2007).

Yearend 2006 inventories of primary aluminum metal held by

the LME increased to 698,000 t from 644,000 t at yearend 2005.

Aluminum alloy inventories increased to 99,300 t at yearend

2006 from 52,900 t at yearend 2005, and NASAAC ingot

inventories increased to 136,000 t at yearend 2006 from 129,000

t at yearend 2005 (London Metal Exchange Ltd., 2006).

Industry Mergers.—In October, a deal was announced to

combine RUSAL (Moscow), SUAL Group (Moscow), and the

alumina assets of Glencore International AG (Baar, Switzerland)

into a single company. The combined company will be known as

United Company RUSAL and will be headquartered in Moscow.

It will have the world’s largest capacity for alumina and aluminum

production, with operations in 17 countries on 5 continents.

Total alumina capacity was expected to be 11 Mt/yr, and primary

aluminum capacity was expected to be 4 Mt/yr (RUSAL, 2006e).

The merger was completed in March 2007 (RUSAL, 2007).

Falconbridge Ltd.’s (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) subsidiary

Noranda Aluminum Inc. (Franklin, TN), which owns a primary

smelter in New Madrid, MO, became part of Xstrata plc (Zug,

Switzerland) when Falconbridge was acquired by Xstrata in

August (Xstrata plc, 2006).

World Review

Argentina.—Work continued on the expansion project at the

Aluar Aluminio Argentino S.A.I.C. (Aluar) primary aluminum
5.4 u.s. geologicAl survey minerals yearbook—2006

smelter in Puerto Madryn that would increase capacity at the

275,000-t/yr smelter by 141,000 t/yr. The project included

construction of a new 105,000-t/yr potline, increasing total

capacity at the three existing potlines by 36,000 t/yr, expansion

of the anode facility, construction of a new billet casting station,

and electrical generation equipment. Completion of the project

was scheduled for mid-2007 (Aluar Aluminio Argentino

S.A.I.C., 2006).

Azerbaijan.—The Government of Azerbaijan seized control

of Azeral from Fondel Metal Participants BV. Assets taken by

the Government included the Zaglik alunite mine, the Ganja

alumina refinery, and the Sumgait smelter. The Government

and Fondel had a 25-year agreement for the company to invest

$1 billion to modernize the country’s aluminum industry. The

investment plan projected increasing the smelter capacity to

100,000 t/yr from 30,000 t/yr. The Government claimed that

Fondel had not made required investments and terms of the

contract were unfavorable to the country (Interfax, 2006b). After

seizing control of the smelter, the Government announced plans

to expand capacity to 60,000 t/yr by 2008 (Interfax, 2006a).

Bosnia and Herzegovina.—Aluminij Mostar Inc. announced

plans to expand smelter capacity by 10,000 t/yr (CRU 

Aluminum Monitor, 2006d).

Brazil.—Expansion of the Alumar smelter in Sao Luis was

completed in March with the commissioning of 52 additional

smelting pots. In November 2005, 48 new smelting pots were

put into production at the smelter. The 100 pots increased total

capacity by 63,000 t/yr for a total of 433,000 t/yr at the smelter

jointly owned by Alcoa (60%) and BHP Billiton Ltd. (40%)

(Alcoa Inc., 2006d).

Companhia Brasileira de Aluminio (CBA) continued

expansion at its Aluminio (Sorocoba) smelter in Sao Paulo to

increase production to 470,000 t/yr by 2007 (Votorantim Group

Inc., 2006).

In 2005, Brazil recycled a record 96.2% of all aluminum

beverage cans sold during the year. Brazil collected and recycled

more than 9.4 billion aluminum cans, the equivalent of almost

128,000 t of aluminum, making Brazil the world leader in

aluminum can recycling rates for the fifth consecutive year

among countries that do not have mandatory recycling laws

(Associacao Brasileira do Aluminio, 2006).

Canada.—Alcan announced plans to modernize and expand

the smelter at Kitimat, British Columbia. The investment of $1.8

billion would increase capacity to 400,000 t/yr from 245,000 t/

yr. The modernization will replace Soderberg pots with the latest

AP 35 pot technology, which uses electricity more efficiently

and produces fewer emissions. The first phase of modernization

should come online in 2009 with completion of the project

expected by the end of 2011 (Alcan Inc., 2006a).

China.—Despite a rapid increase in production capacity

during recent years, continued expansion of China’s economy

has resulted in greater aluminum consumption, and China

continued as a net importer of aluminum. Scrap imports as

a source of raw material continued to grow in 2006. In order

to assure supply, China adjusted tax policies to discourage

exports of aluminum ingot and semifabricated products while

encouraging scrap use, the latter also to decrease electricity

consumption (Lerner, 2006b). Effective at the beginning 2006,

the 1.5% tax on scrap imports was removed (Teo, 2006). Despite

these tax policies, continued high prices for primary aluminum,

lower alumina prices, and capacity growth fueled strong exports

during the latter half of the year (Platts Metals Week, 2006c).

In response to high alumina prices at the beginning of the

year, at least 17 smelting companies agreed to cut production

of primary aluminum by 10% for a total of 335,000 t (Platts

Metals Week, 2006b). State-controlled Aluminum Corporation

of China Ltd. (Chalco), the country’s leading smelter and the

world’s second ranked refiner of alumina, however, did not cut

its production. By April, alumina prices for some smelters had

declined owing to long-term contracts and increased domestic

alumina production, and production at the smelters returned to

normal levels (Mok, 2006).

Chalco acquired interests in several smelters in an effort to

consolidate primary aluminum smelting capacity within China.

In March, Chalco closed a deal to obtain a 51% interest in the

220,000-t/yr Shanxi Huasheng smelter, and it acquired the

140,000-t/yr Fushun smelter. Chalco obtained a 29% share of

the 272,000-t/yr Jiaozuo Wanfang smelter in May, a 61.3%

interest in the 110,000-t/yr Zunyi smelter in June, a 55% interest

in the 100,000-t/yr Shangdong Huaya smelter in July, and 51%

interest in the 127,000-t/yr Gansu Hualu smelter in August

(Aluminum Corporation of China Ltd., 2007, p. 15-16).

In addition to the acquisitions, Chalco continued to expand its

primary aluminum capacity by greenfield construction as well as

increasing the capacity of a previously owned smelter and at two

of the newly acquired smelters. The new Shanxi Huaze smelter

was commissioned in January with a capacity of 280,000 t/yr.

Capacity expansions were announced for the Lanzhou, Fushun,

and Jiaozuo Wanfang smelters, but the size of these projects

and work schedules were not certain (Aluminum Corporation of

China Ltd., 2007, p. 33-34).

Qingtongxia Aluminum Co. Ltd. started production from

upgraded facilities at its smelter in February. The expansion

project increased the smelter’s capacity to 430,000 t/yr

(Platts Metals Week, 2006d). Shanxi Guanlu Aluminum Co.

Ltd. started production on new lines in March at its smelter,

which increased capacity to 330,000 t/yr from 110,000 t/yr

(Platts Metals Week, 2006e). The Datun smelter completed an

expansion that raised capacity to 110,000 t/yr from 55,000 t/yr,

but the startup was delayed by completion of a new powerplant

built to supply electricity to the smelter. Chinalco Guizhou

Zunyi Aluminium Co. Ltd. completed installation of 123 new

pots to replace the Soderberg potline at its 131,000-t/yr smelter

(CRU Aluminum Monitor, 2006b).

Yunnan Dongyuan Quijing Co. Ltd. had started an expansion

project in August 2005 to increase the capacity of its smelter

to 300,000 t/yr from 50,000 t/yr (CRU Aluminum Monitor,

2006g). Yinhai Aluminum Corp. announced plans to construct a

100,000-t/yr expansion to its smelter in Guangxi Province. The

project would raise capacity to 200,000 t/yr when completed

(Metal Bulletin, 2006c). Luneng Jinbei started construction on

a 125,000-t/yr smelter in Sichuan Province. Completion was

expected in May 2007 (Metal Bulletin, 2006b). Henan Shenhuo

Group Ltd. and Qin’ao Aluminum Power Group Ltd. started

construction on a smelter and powerplant project which would

have an initial capacity of 200,000 t/yr and would be expanded
Aluminum—2006 5.5

to 300,000 t/yr. The initial phase of construction was projected

to begin in early 2007 (CRU Aluminum Monitor, 2006c).

Bosai Minerals Group Ltd. announced plans to purchase the

Aba smelter in Sichuan Province and expand capacity to 80,000

t/yr from 19,000 t/yr. Gansu Lanzhou Co. Ltd. was expanding

its smelter capacity to 310,000 t/yr from 60,000 t/yr. The

project will also include a 900-megawatt (MW) electric plant.

Completion of the first phase of the expansion was expected in

early 2007, and the entire project was projected to be completed

in early 2008. The Sichuan E’Meishan Co. smelter was adding

an additional potline with a capacity of 150,000 t/yr, bringing

the smelter’s total capacity to 325,000 t/yr. The first part of

the expansion was expected to be operational by early 2007.

The Henan Wanji Aluminum Co. completed a 150,000-t/yr

expansion at its Wanji smelter, increasing capacity to 330,000

t/yr from 180,000 t/yr (CRU Aluminum Monitor, 2006d, p. 12).

Ethiopia.—An extrusion plant opened with a capacity of

1,500 t/yr and is the first business in the aluminum industry

located in Ethiopia. The extrusion plant is owned by EthioIran Aluminium Factory Ltd., a joint venture of the Ethiopian

Government and unnamed Iranian interests (Metal Bulletin,

2006d).

Germany.—The Hamburg Aluminium Werk GmbH was sold

by its owners (Norsk Hydro, Alcoa, and Austria Metall AG) to

Trimet Aluminium AG. Trimet plans to restart the 130,000-t/yr

smelter, which was closed in 2005 owing to high electric prices

(Norsk Hydro ASA, 2006b).

Norsk Hydro’s 70,000-t/yr Stade smelter was closed at the

end of the year owing to high electric prices and the lack of

economies of scale at the smallest primary smelter in Germany

(Norsk Hydro ASA, 2006a).

Ghana.—Volta Aluminium Co. (Valco) restarted production

at the 200,000-t/yr Tema smelter. Two of five potlines were

started early in the year after being shuttered since April 2003.

Part of one potline was shut later in the year owing to power

shortages (Mining Journal, 2006a).

Hungary.—Magyar Aluminium Group closed its 35,000-t/yr

Inota smelter owing to high electricity prices. The smelter had

been Hungary’s only primary aluminum producer (American

Metal Market, 2006).

Iceland.—Alcoa continued work on the Fjardaal smelter in

2006. Ground has been broken for the greenfield smelter in 2005

and completion was scheduled for 2007. The smelter will have

a capacity of 346,000 t/yr when completed (Alcoa Inc., 2007, p.

31). Alcoa began feasibility studies in the first quarter of 2006

on a second smelter at Bakki in the northern part of Iceland with

a proposed capacity of 250,000 t/yr (Alcoa Inc., 2006c).

Century completed expansion work and energized all new

pots at its Nordural smelter in September. The expansion

increased capacity to 220,000 t/yr from 90,000 t/yr (Century

Aluminum Co., 2006a). Having secured a power deal during

the first quarter of 2006, further capacity expansion to 260,000

t/yr was planned for completion in 2007 (Century Aluminum

Co., 2006b). Century was also moving forward with plans

for a 250,000-t/yr smelter at Helguvik, and in June, signed a

memorandum of understanding (MOU) with power producers

Hitaveita Sudurnesja Ltd. and Orkuveita Reyjavikur Ltd. to

supply electricity (Century Aluminum Co., 2006c).

India.—Vedanta Resources plc completed expansion of its

Korba smelter in late 2005, bringing its total capacity to 350,000

t/yr. Delays in the full startup of production were owing to

storms in May, which interrupted power supplies, but all pots

were operational by the end of the 2006. Work started on a

new $2.1 billion smelter and powerplant being constructed by

Vedanta in Jharsuguda, Orissa, with a capacity of 500,000 t/yr.

The first phase of construction was expected to be completed

in mid-2009, while the second phase was projected to be

completed in late 2010 (Vedanta Resources plc, 2006, p. 6-7).

Hindalco Industries Ltd. commissioned the first phase of an

expansion project at the Hirakud smelter ahead of schedule.

The expansion added 150 new pots and increased capacity

to 100,000 t/yr from 65,000 t/yr. The second phase to the

expansion project was progressing and will increase the

smelter’s capacity to 143,000 t/yr. Hindalco also progressed on

plans for the Aditya alumina refining and smelting complex.

The bauxite mine to supply the refinery has been permitted. The

project was slated to have 1.5 Mt/yr of alumina capacity and

325,000 t/yr of aluminum capacity (Hindalco Industries Ltd.,

2006).

National Aluminum Company of India Ltd. (Nalco) continued

progress on expanding its integrated aluminum capacity. The

capacity of the Panchpatmali bauxite mine was to increase to 6.3

Mt/yr from 4.8 Mt/yr; the capacity of the Damanjodi alumina

refinery was being expanded to 2.1 Mt/yr from 1.6 Mt/yr; and

the Angul smelter was to increase aluminum capacity to 460,000

t/yr from 345,000 t/yr. The expansion project was projected for

completion in 2008 (National Aluminum Company of India

Ltd., 2006).

Iran.—Vahid Shirvan Aluminium Co. announced plans to

construct a smelter with a capacity of 250,000 t/yr. The project

was to be constructed by China Nonferrous Metal Industry’s

Foreign Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd. (Mining Journal,

2006b).

Kazakhstan.—A 250,000-t/yr smelter in Pavlodar was being

built by Corica AG. The Government of Kazakhstan will own

68.24% of the smelter, and Corica will own the remainder.

Completion of the first 60,000 t/yr of capacity was expected in

December 2007, the next 65,000 t/yr capacity by September

2008, and completion of the entire project by 2012 (Interfax,

2006c).

Mozambique.—BHP Billiton announced that plans to expand

capacity at the Mozal smelter have been put on hold until it can

secure a contract for additional electricity from Eskom Holdings

Ltd., the South African state-owned utility. The company

intended to add a new potline, which will add 250,000 t/yr of

capacity. The smelter is a joint venture between BHP Billiton,

Mitsubishi Co., the Industrial Development Corporation of

South Africa, and the Government of Mozambique (Metal

Bulletin, 2006a).

Nigeria.—RUSAL acquired a 77.5% stake in the Aluminum

Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) for $250 million.

The remainder of ALSCON stock is held by the Government

of Nigeria (15%) and Ferrostaal AG (7.5%). RUSAL will

be responsible for dredging the river to better facilitate

transportation near the smelter in Akwa Ibom. The partners

also planned to invest $150 million during the next 3 years
5.6 u.s. geologicAl survey minerals yearbook—2006

to modernize the smelter, which had been closed since 2000

owing to high production costs, inadequate gas for the electric

generator, and problems with transportation from the smelter

to the port. No date for reopening the 193,000-t/yr smelter was

announced (RUSAL, 2006b).

Norway.—Norsk Hydro closed its 22,000-t/yr Soderberg

potline at its Hoyanger smelter in February (CRU Aluminum

Monitor, 2006a). Norsk Hydro received approval from the

Norwegian Pollution Control Board to continue operation of

the 48,000-t/yr Soderberg potline at its smelter in Ardal. The

potline had been scheduled for permanent closure by the end of

2006 but was expected to operate until the middle of 2007. The

smelter will have 172,000 t/yr of capacity remaining (Norsk

Hydro ASA, 2006e). Norsk Hydro also applied for a delay of

the closure of the 107,000-t/yr Soderberg potlines at the smelter

in Karmoy, which were scheduled for closure in November

2007. The company wanted to be allowed to operate the potlines

until the end of 2009. The smelter will have 160,000 t/yr of

capacity remaining (Norsk Hydro ASA, 2006c).

Oman.—Construction of the $1.7 billion primary aluminum

smelter in Sohar began in May. The project is a partnership

between Oman Oil Company SAOC (40%), the Abu Dhabi

Water and Electricity Authority (40%), and Alcan (20%). The

350,000-t/yr smelter was expected to begin production in the

third quarter of 2008. The smelter’s initial capacity would be

from a single AP35 potline but with provisions for a second

potline. In addition to casting and carbon facilities, a gas-fired

powerplant would also be constructed to give the smelter a longterm dedicated power supply sufficient to meet its electricity

requirements (Oman Oil Company SAOC, 2006).

Qatar.—Norsk Hydro and Qatar Petroleum Co. Ltd. signed

an agreement on the construction of a smelter with an initial

capacity of 585,000 t/yr, which could be expanded to 1.2 Mt/yr.

The facility will include a smelter, casthouse, carbon plant, and

a gas powerplant with a capacity of 1,350 MW. Construction is

scheduled to begin in mid-2007 with completion in late 2009.

Full production is expected to be achieved by mid-2010. Each

company has an equal share in the project (Norsk Hydro ASA,

2006d).

Russia.—RUSAL introduced the use of a 400-kiloampere

smelting pot at its Sayanogorsk primary smelter. The pot

design was expected to operate at a daily capacity of 3 t and be

94% efficient in electrical use. The new design will be used in

all smelters that the company plans to construct in the future

(RUSAL, 2006d).

RUSAL started production at its new smelter in Khakass.

Initial capacity of the smelter is 71,000 t/yr, but total capacity of

300,000 t/yr was expected when the construction of all potlines

is completed. Completion was expected in November 2007

(RUSAL, 2006c).

RUSAL announced plans to expand production at its smelter

at Bratsk by an additional 150,000 t/yr from the current

capacity of 955,000 t/yr and to start construction of a smelter

near Taishet. The greenfield smelter would have a capacity

of 600,000 t/yr but negotiations for additional power from

EvriSibEnergo may enable further expansion to 750,000 t/yr.

Completion of the smelter is anticipated by 2010 (MacMillan,

2006).

RUSAL and Russian power producer OAO Hydro OGK

announced plans to construct a hydroelectric powerplant

on the Angara River and a primary aluminum smelter at

Boguchanskaya. The powerplant would produce 3,000 MW of

electricity, and the aluminum smelter would have a capacity of

600,000 t/yr. Initial production from the smelter was expected in

2009 (RUSAL, 2006a).

Saudi Arabia.—Saudi Arabian Mining Co. was developing

the Az Zabirah aluminum project. The project was to consist

of a 3.3-Mt/yr bauxite mine at Az Zabirah to feed an alumina

refinery with a capacity of 1.4 Mt/yr at Ras Az Zawr and a

primary aluminum smelter, also at Ras Az Zawr, capable of

producing 620,000 t/yr. The project would also include an oilfueled power generation plant and desalinization facility. Initial

production was anticipated in 2008 (Saudi Arabian Mining Co.,

2006).

Slovenia.—The Talum smelter announced it would close

35,000 t/yr of capacity from pots that do not comply with

European Union environmental regulations. The smelter will

replace the pots by expanding another potline with pots that are

in compliance with the regulatory standards (CRU Aluminum

Monitor, 2006f).

South Africa.—BHP Billiton said that its plans to expand

capacity at its Hillside smelter have been put on hold until it

can secure a contract for additional electricity from Eskom. The

company intended to add a fourth potline if the power contract

can be obtained (Metal Bulletin, 2006a).

Spain.—Modernization of Alcoa’s Aviles and La Coruna

smelters continued in 2006. Completion of the Aviles project

was scheduled for the second quarter of 2007, and the La

Coruna project was scheduled for completion a year later (Alcoa

Inc., 2007, p. 31).

Switzerland.—Alcan closed the primary smelter and anode

plant at Steg in April. The high cost of electricity was cited as

the reason for the closure of the 44,000-t/yr smelter (Alcan Inc.,

2006b).

Novelis announced plans to construct a new casthouse at

its rolling mill in Sierre to produce 70,000 t/yr of multialloy

automotive sheet and other high performance products.

Completion was expected in early 2008 (Novelis Inc., 2006b).

Trinidad and Tobago.—Alutrin Ltd. signed a technical

agreement with the China National Machinery & Equipment

Import Corp. to build a 125,000-t/yr smelter. Construction was

planned to start as soon as environmental permits were received.

Alutrin is a joint venture between the Government-owned

National Energy Corp. and Venezuelan Sural Corp. (CRU 

Aluminum Monitor, 2006e).

United Arab Emirates.—Dubai Aluminium Co. Ltd.

announced that it had completed upgrades to capacity and

efficiency at its smelter in Dubai. The primary aluminum

smelter capacity increased by 100,000 t/yr to 861,000 t/yr

(Dubai Aluminium Co. Ltd., 2006b). Additional expansion

work was announced to increase the smelter’s capacity by an

additional 60,000 t/yr, bringing capacity to 920,000 t/yr. Further

plans to increase capacity to a total of 1.5 Mt/yr were being

considered (Dubai Aluminium Co. Ltd., 2006a).

United Kingdom.—Secondary ingot producer Bernhard

Metals Ltd. was liquidated after its 18,200-t/yr smelter closed at
Aluminum—2006 5.7

the start of the year. Difficulty securing scrap supplies, volatile

prices, and pricing pressure from customers in the automobile

industry reportedly made operating secondary smelters

unprofitable (Mason, 2006).

Venezuela.—A Venezuelan policy aimed at reducing exports

of raw materials resulted in domestic sales of primary aluminum

at prices 1% to 10% below the LME price. This policy was put

in place in 2005 and continued through 2006 (Kinch, 2006).

Upgrades to Corporacion Venezolana de Guayana’s Alcasa

smelter at Puerto Ordaz expanded capacity to 210,000 t/yr from

186,000 t/yr. Plans to expand capacity by another 80,000 t/yr

were being considered, and plans to add a fifth potline capable

of producing 150,000 t/yr were also being evaluated (Platts

Metals Week, 2006a).

Outlook

World demand for aluminum was expected to increase at

a slightly slower pace than the past few years. Demand from

China was expected to remain strong. Expansions of primary

smelters in locations with low-cost, low-polluting sources

of electricity were expected to offset idled older smelters in

regions with constrained power supplies and high labor costs,

and capacity was expected to keep pace with global demand.

Consolidation of primary producers was expected to continue

as a result of globalization of the commodities markets. A

relatively weak dollar, low labor costs, and cheap shipping rates

in containers being returned to China were expected to result

in continued scrap exports from the United States and Western

Europe.

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earnings: Monterey, CA, Century Aluminum Co. news release, July 27, 5 p.

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Ravenswood: Monterey, CA, Century Aluminum Co. news release,

September 25, 1 p.

Century Aluminum Co., 2006e, Steelworker employees at Century Aluminum

of Kentucky ratify agreement: Monterey, CA, Century Aluminum Co. news

release, May 23, 1 p.

Century Aluminum Co., 2006f, Steelworkers ratify agreement with Century of

West Virginia: Monterey, CA, Century Aluminum Co. news release, August

5, 1 p.

Crown Holdings Inc., 2006, Crown increases capability for the manufacture

of specialty beverage cans at two North American plants: Philadelphia, PA,

Crown Holdings Inc. news release, March 21, 1 p.

CRU Aluminum Monitor, 2006a, Cutbacks: CRU Aluminum Monitor, March,

p. 11.

CRU Aluminum Monitor, 2006b, Industry news: CRU Aluminum Monitor, June,

p. 12.

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August, p. 11-12.

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October, p. 11-12.

CRU Aluminum Monitor, 2006e, New smelter projects: CRU Aluminum

Monitor, January, p. 11.

CRU Aluminum Monitor, 2006f, Production: CRU Aluminum Monitor,

February, p. 11.

CRU Aluminum Monitor, 2006g, Production: CRU Aluminum Monitor, April,

p. 12.

Dubai Aluminium Co. Ltd., 2006a, Dubai Aluminum announces AED694-

million (US$189-million) phase II expansion plan on potline 5 and 6: Dubai,

United Arab Emirates, Dubai Aluminum Co. Ltd. news release, June 18, 1 p.

Dubai Aluminium Co. Ltd., 2006b, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan officially inaugurates

potlines 7B and 9B at Dubai Aluminum Company: Dubai, United Arab

Emirates, Dubai Aluminum Co. Ltd. news release, November 30, 2 p.

General Motors Corp., 2006, General Motors invests $48 million to produce sixspeed transmission castings at GM Powertrain Bedford: Bedford, IN, General

Motors Corp. news release, June 5, 2 p.

Hindalco Industries Ltd., 2006, Hindalco posts outstanding Q2 results: Mumbai,

India, Hindalco Industries Ltd. news release, October 18, 4 p.

Interfax, 2006a, Azerbaijan Aluminum to double output to 60,000 tonnes by

2008: Interfax, v. 15, no. 16 (729), April 14, p. 17-18.

Interfax, 2006b, Azerbaijan severs deal with Dutch co. to run aluminum plants:

Interfax, v. 15, no. 11 (724), March 10-16, p. 8-9.

Interfax, 2006c, Corica to boost investment in Pavlodar smelter project: Interfax,

v. 15, no. 4 (717), January 20-26, p. 39-40.

International Aluminium Institute, 2007, Aluminium inventories: London,

United Kingdom, International Aluminium Institute form 351, June 26, 3 p.

Jupiter Aluminum Corp., 2007, Jupiter Aluminum will resume operations this

summer: Hammond, IN, Jupiter Aluminum Corp., July. (Accessed April 30,

2007, via http://www.jupiteraluminum.com/.)
5.8 u.s. geologicAl survey minerals yearbook—2006

Kaiser Aluminum Corp., 2006a, Kaiser Aluminum and Boeing extend longterm agreement, further increasing supply of aluminum plate for commercial

aircraft: Foothill Ranch, CA, Kaiser Aluminum Corp. news release, August

16, 1 p.

Kaiser Aluminum Corp., 2006b, Kaiser Aluminum announces further expansion

at Trentwood facility: Foothill Ranch, CA, Kaiser Aluminum Corp. news

release, August 1, 1 p.

Kaiser Aluminum Corp., 2006c, Kaiser Aluminum extends contract with

A.M. Castle & Co. to provide high quality aluminum for Raytheon Aircraft

Company: Foothill Ranch, CA, Kaiser Aluminum Corp. news release, August

29, 1 p.

Kinch, Diana, 2006, Venezuelan Al sold locally at discount as exports cut: Metal

Bulletin, no. 8927, January 16, p. 9.

Lerner, Matthew, 2006a, Aluminum benefiting from substitution: American

Metal Market, v. 114, no. 47-4, November 30, p. 7.

Lerner, Matthew, 2006b, Chinese aluminum market to maintain balance:

American Metal Market, v. 114, no. 47-3, November 29, p. 1-2.

London Metal Exchange Ltd., 2006, Aluminium stocks: London, United

Kingdom, London Metal Exchange Ltd., December 29, 3 p.

MacMillan, Angus, 2006, Focus on FSU aluminium: Mining Journal, June 16,

p. 6.

Mason, Josphine, 2006, Bernhard Metals’ unsecured creditors “face slim” return

at best: Metal Bulletin, no. 8939, April 10, p. 16.

Metal Bulletin, 2006a, BHP expansion plans halted by failure to secure power

supply: Metal Bulletin, no. 8934, March 6, p. 12.

Metal Bulletin, 2006b, China’s Luneng Jinbei Aluminium: Metal Bulletin, no.

8960, September 4, p. 12.

Metal Bulletin, 2006c, China’s Yinhai Aluminium Corp: Metal Bulletin, no.

8955, July 31, p. 10.

Metal Bulletin, 2006d, Ethio-Iran aluminium factory: Metal Bulletin, no. 8927,

January 16, p. 9.

Mining Journal, 2006a, Ghanaian power crisis hits Valco aluminum smelting:

Mining Journal, September 8, p. 3.

Mining Journal, 2006b, Iranian smelter deal: Mining Journal, March 31, p. 3.

Mok, Yuencheng, 2006, China’s Yunnan Aluminium to resume normal output in

April: Platts Metals Week, v. 77, no. 14, April 3, p. 2-3.

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for restart: Oslo, Norway, Norsk Hydro ASA news release, November 10, 1 p.

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Ardal: Oslo, Norway, Norsk Hydro ASA news release, October 10, 1 p.

Novelis Inc., 2006a, Novelis technology achieves breakthrough in multi-alloy

casting: Atlanta, GA, Novelis Inc. news release, June 13, 2 p.

Novelis Inc., 2006b, Novelis to invest $32 million to install breakthrough casting

technology in Europe: Atlanta, GA, Novelis Inc. news release, September 6,

2 p.

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Corp. news release, July 17, 2 p.

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December 11, 1 p.

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RUSAL news release, March 27, 2 p.

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1AzZabirahAluminumProject.)

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September 2006: London, United Kingdom, Vendanta Resources plc,

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Paulo, Brazil, Votorantim Group Inc. news release, June 16, 1 p.

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U.S. Geological Survey Publications

Aluminum. Ch. in Mineral Commodity Summaries, annual.

Aluminum. Mineral Industry Surveys, monthly.

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annual.

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quarterly.

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Other

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Mines Bulletin 675, 1985.

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annual.
Aluminum—2006 5.9

TABLE 1

SALIENT ALUMINUM STATISTICS1

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

United States:

Primary production:

Quantity thousand metric tons 2,707 2,703 2,516 2,481 2,284

Value millions $3,870 $4,060 $4,660 $4,980 $6,110

Price, average, U.S. market, spot cents per pound 64.9 68.1 84.0 91.0 121.4

Inventories (December 31):

Aluminum industry

2 thousand metric tons 1,320 1,400 1,470 1,430 1,410

LME stocks in U.S. warehouses3 do. 45 207 116 209 229

Secondary recovery:

4

New scrap do. 1,750 1,750 1,870 1,950 r 2,310

Old scrap do. 1,170 1,070 1,160 1,080 r 1,200

Total do. 2,930 2,820 3,030 3,030 r 3,510

Exports, crude and semicrude do. 1,590 1,540 1,820 2,370 2,820

Imports for consumption, crude and semicrude do. 4,060 4,130 4,720 5,330 5,180

Su l t

5 pp y, apparen do. 8,070 7,880 8,460 8,480 r 8,160

Consump , t

6 tion apparen do. 6,320 6,130 6,590 6,530 r 5,840

World, production do. 26,100 28,000 29,900 31,900 33,700 r

Revised.

1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits except "Primary production."

2

Data from the Aluminum Association Inc.; includes ingot, semifabricated material, and scrap. Beginning in 2003, data series revised 

to include inventory levels for both United States and Canadian producers.

3

Includes aluminum alloyed material.

4

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

5

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

and industry stock changes.

6

Apparent supply less recovery from purchased new scrap.

TABLE 2

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

Yearend capacity

(thousand metric tons)

Company and location 2005 2006 Ownership in 2006

Alcan Aluminum Corp., Sebree, KY 196 196 Alcan Inc., 100%.

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 Xstrata plc., 100%.

Northwest Aluminum Corp., The Dalles, OR 82 82 Private interest, 100%.

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

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

Grand total 3,700 3,700 1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
5.10 u.s. geologicAl survey minerals yearbook—2006

TABLE 3

U.S. CONSUMPTION OF AND RECOVERY FROM PURCHASED

NEW AND OLD ALUMINUM SCRAP, BY CLASS1, 2

(Metric tons)

Calculated recovery

Class Consumption Aluminum Metallic

2005:

Secondary smelters 1,590,000 r 1,150,000 r 1,230,000 r

Integrated aluminum companies 812,000 r 680,000 r 723,000 r

Independent mill fabricators 842,000 739,000 788,000 r

Foundries 82,000 67,700 72,300

Other consumers 8,600 r 7,760 r 7,790 r

Total 3,330,000 r 2,640,000 r 2,820,000 r

Estimated full industry coverage 3,580,000 r 2,840,000 r 3,030,000 r

2006:

Secondary smelters 2,060,000 1,400,000 1,490,000

Integrated aluminum companies 901,000 759,000 807,000

Independent mill fabricators 946,000 830,000 886,000

Foundries 78,700 64,600 69,100

Other consumers 8,700 7,700 7,730

Total 3,990,000 3,060,000 3,260,000

Estimated full industry coverage 4,300,000 3,290,000 3,510,000 r

Revised.

1

Excludes recovery from other than aluminum-base scrap.

2

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

TABLE 4

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

AND SWEATED PIG IN 20061, 2

(Metric tons)

Stocks, Net Stocks,

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

Secondary smelters:

New scrap:

Extrusions 21,500 r 428,000 430,000 19,600

Can stock clippings 163 50,100 49,800 473

Other wrought sheet and clippings 1,690 r 174,000 174,000 1,360

Casting 1,870 r 81,300 80,700 2,430

Borings and turnings 3,610 r 210,000 208,000 5,480

Dross and skimmings 4,260 r 598,000 598,000 3,620

Other -- 8,590 8,590 --

Total 33,000 r 1,550,000 1,550,000 33,000

Old scrap:

Castings 3,210 r 125,000 125,000 3,010

Extrusion 2,090 r 69,900 70,500 1,540

Aluminum cans4 139 42,900 40,600 2,450

Other wrought products 460 r 57,600 55,500 2,600

Auto shredder scrap 2,890 r 186,000 186,000 2,670

Other -- 20,400 20,400 --

Total 8,800 r 502,000 498,000 12,300

Sweated pig 198 9,470 9,580 82

Grand total secondary smelters 42,000 r 2,060,000 2,060,000 45,300

See footnotes at end of table.
Aluminum—2006 5.11

TABLE 4—Continued

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

AND SWEATED PIG IN 20061, 2

(Metric tons)

Stocks, Net Stocks,

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

Integrated aluminum companies, foundries, independent mill

fabricators, other consumers:

New scrap:

Extrusion 13,700 r 749,000 751,000 11,800

Can stock clippings 1,980 r 205,000 206,000 967

Other wrought sheet and clippings 3,050 r 131,000 131,000 2,880

Casting 240 26,100 26,100 240

Borings and turnings 361 16,700 16,700 361

Dross and skimmings 168 7,900 7,850 215

Total 19,500 r 1,130,000 1,140,000 16,400

Old scrap:

Castings 889 30,100 29,900 1,090

Extrusion 55 1,360 1,410 8

Aluminum cans4 408 r 664,000 660,000 3,810

Other wrought products 2,890 r 86,500 87,100 2,260

Auto shredder scrap 52 647 623 76

Other -- 16,200 16,200 --

Total 4,290 r 799,000 796,000 7,250

Sweated pig 1 86 87 --

Grand total integrated aluminum companies, etc. 23,800 r 1,930,000 1,930,000 23,700

All scrap consumed:

New scrap:

Extrusion 35,200 r 1,180,000 1,180,000 31,400

Can stock clippings 2,140 r 255,000 256,000 1,440

Other wrought sheet and clippings 4,740 r 304,000 305,000 4,240

Casting 2,110 r 107,000 107,000 2,670

Borings and turnings 3,970 r 227,000 225,000 5,840

Dross and skimmings 4,430 r 606,000 606,000 3,830

Other -- 8,590 8,590 --

Total 52,600 r 2,680,000 2,690,000 49,400

Old scrap:

Castings 4,100 r 155,000 155,000 4,100

Extrusion 2,150 r 71,300 71,900 1,550

Aluminum cans 546 r 707,000 701,000 6,250

Other wrought products 3,350 r 144,000 143,000 4,860

Auto shredder scrap 2,940 r 186,000 187,000 2,740

Other -- 36,600 36,600 --

Total 13,100 r 1,300,000 1,290,000 19,500

Sweated pig 198 9,550 9,670 82

Grand total of all scrap consumed 65,900 r 3,990,000 3,990,000 69,000 r

Revised. -- Zero.

1

Includes imported scrap. According to reporting companies, 12.5% of total receipts of aluminum-base scrap, or 416,462

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.

4

Used beverage cans toll treated for primary producers are included in secondary smelter tabulation.
5.12 u.s. geologicAl survey minerals yearbook—2006

TABLE 5

PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENTS OF SECONDARY ALUMINUM ALLOYS BY INDEPENDENT SMELTERS

IN THE UNITED STATES1

(Metric tons)

2005 2006

Net Net

Production shipments2 Production shipments2

Diecast alloys:

13% Si, 360, etc. (0.6% Cu, maximum) 19,200 r 19,300 r 25,000 24,600

380 and variations 216,000 r 215,000 r 219,000 221,000

Sand and permanent mold:

95/5 Al-Si, 356, etc. (0.6% Cu, maximum) 19,400 19,400 33,000 33,200

No. 12 and variations 1,670 r 1,650 1,600 1,630

No. 319 and variations 73,600 r 74,300 r 82,500 82,200

F-132 alloy and variations 22,600 r 22,500 17,500 17,800

Al-Mg alloys 19,400 r 19,700 4,580 4,580

Al-Zn alloys 2,370 r 2,210 2,710 2,690

Al-Si alloys (0.6% to 2.0% Cu) 291 r 289 2,560 2,650

Al-Cu alloys (1.5% Si, maximum) 5,180 r 4,940 5,180 5,180

Al-Si-Cu-Ni alloys 483 r 480 483 483

Other 6,850 r 6,820 442 442

Wrought alloys, extrusion billets 301,000 r 303,000 r 667,000 665,000

Miscellaneous:

Steel deoxidation 18,100 r 18,100 40,800 41,100

Pure (97.0% Al) W W W W

Aluminum-base hardeners W W W W

Other

3 48,100 r 49,400 r 59,200 57,800

Total 754,000 r 757,000 r 1,160,000 1,160,000

Less consumption of materials other than scrap:

Primary aluminum 116,000 r XX 219,000 XX

Primary silicon 28,700 r XX 32,600 XX

Other 6,980 r XX 11,700 XX

Net metallic recovery from aluminum scrap and sweated pig

consumed in production of secondary aluminum ingot

4 602,000 r XX 898,000 XX r

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

1

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

2

Includes inventory adjustment.

3

Includes other diecast alloys.

4

No allowance made for melt loss of primary aluminum and alloying ingredients.
Aluminum—2006 5.13

TABLE 6

DISTRIBUTION OF END-USE SHIPMENTS OF ALUMINUM PRODUCTS

IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA, BY INDUSTRY1

2005 2006p

Quantity Quantity

(thousand Percentage (thousand Percentage

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

Containers and packaging 2,320 20.0 r 2,319 19.8

Building and construction 1,671 r 14.5 r 1,644 13.9

Transportation 3,939 34.0 r 3,931 33.4

Electrical 746 r 6.4 r 772 6.5

Consumer durables 708 6.1 r 746 6.3

Machinery and equipment 741 r 6.4 r 760 6.4

Other markets 336 r 2.9 r 330 2.8

Total 10,461 90.3 10,502 89.1

Exportse 1,125 r 9.7 r 1,285 10.9

Grand total 11,586 r 100.0 11,787 100.0 e

Estimated. pPreliminary. rRevised. 1

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

Source: The Aluminum Association Inc.

TABLE 7

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

BY PRODUCERS1, 2, 3

(Thousand metric tons)

2004 2005 2006p

Wrought products:

Sheet, plate, foil 4,750 4,700 r 4,690

Pipe, tube, extruded shapes 1,810 1,900 1,920

Rod, bar, wire, cable 397 397 r 420

Forgings (including impacts) 121 129 134

Powder, flake, paste 61 55 54

Total 7,140 7,180 r 7,210

Castings:

Sand 221 289 r 335

Permanent and semipermanent mold 735 785 r 754

Die 1,250 1,110 r 1,170

Other 161 108 r 53

Total 2,370 2,290 r 2,310

Grand total 9,510 9,470 r 9,520 p

Preliminary. rRevised. 1

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

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

2

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

3

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

Source: The Aluminum Association Inc. 
5.14 u.s. geologicAl survey minerals yearbook—2006

TABLE 8

U.S. EXPORTS OF ALUMINUM, BY COUNTRY1

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

Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value

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

2005:

Azerbaijan -- -- 2 $24 -- -- 2 $24

Brazil 226 $732 8,070 37,800 1,620 $2,390 9,920 40,900

Canada 128,000 261,000 487,000 1,540,000 146,000 203,000 761,000 2,000,000

China 491 1,890 41,600 158,000 581,000 703,000 623,000 862,000

France 838 2,350 9,100 64,000 48 101 9,990 66,500

Germany 859 6,460 8,400 55,900 306 499 9,570 62,900

Hong Kong 236 568 7,480 33,100 11,200 17,700 18,900 51,400

Italy 177 500 3,170 22,600 (3) 4 3,350 23,100

Japan 4,520 19,000 10,700 110,000 34,900 51,600 50,100 181,000

Kazakhstan -- -- 7 797 -- -- 7 797

Korea, Republic of 1,070 3,410 12,800 71,500 131,000 161,000 145,000 236,000

Mexico 184,000 342,000 232,000 697,000 75,200 109,000 490,000 1,150,000

Netherlands 131 1,380 685 5,130 103 237 919 6,750

Philippines 1 5 198 1,760 773 841 971 2,610

Russia 154 526 65 395 26 80 245 1,000

Saudi Arabia 8 18 31,100 77,000 -- -- 31,100 77,000

Singapore 356 1,110 2,490 15,900 658 365 3,510 17,400

South Africa 1 9 312 3,400 -- -- 314 3,410

Taiwan 360 1,780 9,320 42,500 48,400 66,700 58,100 111,000

Thailand 402 1,930 7,950 30,900 5,500 7,520 13,800 40,300

Ukraine -- -- 1 31 -- -- 1 31

United Kingdom 329 2,700 17,300 122,000 469 1,070 18,100 126,000

Venezuela 12 91 1,790 7,110 21 87 1,820 7,280

Other 7,480 18,200 59,900 273,000 49,700 49,600 117,000 341,000

Total 329,000 666,000 951,000 3,370,000 1,090,000 1,370,000 2,370,000 5,410,000

2006:

Azerbaijan -- -- (3) 9 -- -- (3) 9

Brazil 129 667 7,720 42,900 682 1,500 8,530 45,000

Canada 119,000 310,000 475,000 1,760,000 146,000 252,000 740,000 2,320,000

China 2,510 10,000 38,600 190,000 895,000 1,480,000 936,000 1,680,000

France 83 210 13,800 91,400 22 199 13,900 91,800

Germany 558 2,970 10,100 62,600 268 978 10,900 66,500

Hong Kong 1,100 3,930 11,500 60,200 26,100 66,800 38,700 131,000

Italy 809 2,950 4,710 35,900 728 2,640 6,250 41,500

Japan 10,000 34,600 19,300 174,000 43,500 88,600 72,800 297,000

Kazakhstan -- -- 3 169 -- -- 3 169

Korea, Republic of 747 2,930 14,200 80,800 153,000 258,000 168,000 342,000

Mexico 194,000 477,000 261,000 940,000 98,800 197,000 554,000 1,610,000

Netherlands 141 1,120 765 8,280 312 766 1,220 10,200

Philippines 3 25 239 4,170 233 197 475 4,390

Russia 1,140 4,040 207 1,370 24 149 1,370 5,550

Saudi Arabia 29 110 31,600 102,000 (3) 8 31,600 102,000

Singapore 167 765 1,990 18,000 241 1,330 2,400 20,100

South Africa 26 141 544 5,770 -- -- 570 5,910

Taiwan 349 876 9,160 45,800 55,700 102,000 65,200 148,000

Thailand 1,450 4,910 7,150 27,200 13,400 23,800 22,000 55,900

Ukraine 6 37 18 157 -- -- 24 193

United Kingdom 455 2,390 18,300 125,000 644 1,270 19,400 129,000

Venezuela 24 31 2,550 12,700 1 14 2,570 12,700

Other 13,900 46,700 62,000 317,000 46,600 64,200 123,000 428,000

Total 347,000 906,000 990,000 4,100,000 1,480,000 2,540,000 2,820,000 7,550,000

-- Zero.

1

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

2

Includes castings, forgings, and unclassified semifabricated forms.

3

Less than 1⁄2 unit.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Aluminum—2006 5.15

TABLE 9

U.S. EXPORTS OF ALUMINUM, BY CLASS1

2005 2006

Quantity Value Quantity Value

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

Crude and semicrude:

Metals and alloys, crude 329,000 $666,000 346,000 $906,000

Scrap 1,090,000 1,370,000 1,480,000 2,550,000

Plates, sheets, bars, strip, etc. 886,000 2,910,000 923,000 3,580,000

Castings and forgings 25,700 216,000 24,200 237,000

Semifabricated forms, n.e.c. 39,500 247,000 42,600 287,000

Total 2,370,000 5,410,000 2,820,000 7,550,000

Manufactures:

Foil and leaf 87,000 320,000 95,100 401,000

Powders and flakes 9,430 46,500 7,410 41,300

Wire and cable 38,800 115,000 40,500 148,000

Total 135,000 482,000 143,000 591,000

Grand total 2,500,000 5,890,000 2,960,000 8,140,000 1

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

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

TABLE 10

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

2005 2006

Quantity Value Quantity Value

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

Crude and semicrude:

Metals and alloys, crude 3,660,000 $7,140,000 3,440,000 $9,040,000

Plates, sheets, strip, etc., n.e.c.2 927,000 2,710,000 914,000 3,230,000

Pipes, tubes, etc. 32,800 181,000 34,000 216,000

Rods and bars 232,000 774,000 269,000 1,050,000

Scrap 482,000 658,000 527,000 930,000

Total 5,330,000 11,500,000 5,180,000 14,500,000

Manufactures:

Foil and leaf

3 136,000 506,000 141,000 600,000

Powders and flakes 6,320 25,800 6,320 31,200

Wire 195,000 432,000 197,000 571,000

Total 337,000 964,000 344,000 1,200,000

Grand total 5,670,000 12,400,000 5,530,000 15,700,000 1

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

2

Includes circles, disks, plates, and sheets.

3

Excludes etched capacitor foil.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
5.16 u.s. geologicAl survey minerals yearbook—2006

TABLE 11

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

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

Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value Quantity Value

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

2005:

Argentina 65,600 $126,000 2,980 $7,490 -- -- 68,600 $134,000

Australia 63,200 132,000 134 1,650 1,300 $2,620 64,600 137,000

Bahrain 22,700 46,600 15,500 38,600 -- -- 38,200 85,200

Belgium 36 152 13,100 41,300 28 35 13,200 41,500

Brazil 194,000 367,000 34,200 96,500 126 243 228,000 464,000

Canada 1,920,000 3,750,000 514,000 1,500,000 310,000 424,000 2,740,000 5,680,000

China 68,200 136,000 121,000 345,000 247 454 190,000 481,000

France 789 7,570 6,340 33,600 99 162 7,220 41,300

Germany 2,400 7,920 114,000 413,000 334 447 116,000 421,000

Italy 757 3,410 2,860 16,200 -- -- 3,620 19,600

Japan 536 1,750 20,400 89,800 521 1,950 21,500 93,500

Korea, Republic of 87 437 2,810 12,800 -- -- 2,900 13,200

Mexico 97 187 22,400 82,800 105,000 143,000 127,000 226,000

Netherlands 436 1,580 2,660 14,000 79 92 3,170 15,600

Norway 4,060 7,940 111 524 2 29 4,180 8,490

Panama 39 66 464 1,650 3,590 5,260 4,100 6,970

Russia 819,000 1,570,000 55,100 160,000 6,830 12,500 880,000 1,740,000

Slovenia -- -- 4,000 13,100 -- -- 4,000 13,100

South Africa 77,700 149,000 52,100 152,000 -- -- 130,000 301,000

Spain 79 279 3,100 8,050 106 203 3,280 8,530

Tajikstan 127,000 239,000 -- -- -- -- 127,000 239,000

United Arab Emirates 79,100 164,000 576 1,450 718 1,170 80,400 166,000

United Kingdom 22,600 45,800 7,410 32,800 2,470 3,380 32,500 81,900

Venezuela 145,000 280,000 11,200 24,400 8,950 12,100 165,000 317,000

Other 49,200 105,000 185,000 581,000 41,100 50,500 276,000 736,000

Total 3,660,000 7,140,000 1,190,000 3,670,000 482,000 658,000 5,330,000 11,500,000

2006:

Argentina 59,400 155,000 129 1,480 -- -- 59,500 156,000

Australia 58,200 152,000 186 1,130 2,760 6,560 61,100 160,000

Bahrain 76,000 208,000 15,100 46,400 -- -- 91,100 254,000

Belgium 216 727 7,860 36,400 122 242 8,200 37,400

Brazil 128,000 332,000 33,400 109,000 639 1,220 162,000 442,000

Canada 1,960,000 5,270,000 517,000 1,860,000 349,000 596,000 2,830,000 7,720,000

China 62,600 157,000 162,000 545,000 5 27 225,000 703,000

France 711 8,450 4,840 30,700 76 330 5,630 39,500

Germany 5,320 15,300 126,000 519,000 429 931 132,000 536,000

Italy 203 972 3,530 20,400 (3) 7 3,730 21,400

Japan 624 2,450 15,400 83,100 797 2,780 16,800 88,300

Korea, Republic of 872 2,780 2,880 12,500 195 383 3,950 15,700

Mexico 3,940 14,200 21,100 90,100 115,000 217,000 140,000 321,000

Netherlands 721 2,590 2,240 14,000 112 173 3,070 16,800

Norway 312 985 295 1,230 -- -- 607 2,220

Panama 93 194 298 1,100 3,130 6,430 3,520 7,720

Russia 660,000 1,670,000 51,500 192,000 8,360 19,000 720,000 1,880,000

Slovakia (3) 4 2 9 -- -- 2 13

Slovenia -- -- 4,170 16,000 -- -- 4,170 16,000

South Africa 80,000 201,000 54,300 169,000 -- -- 134,000 370,000

Spain 147 581 1,300 5,310 -- -- 1,450 5,890

Tajikstan 25,700 60,300 -- -- -- -- 25,700 60,300

Ukraine -- -- (3) 2 -- -- (3) 2

United Arab Emirates 99,600 266,000 54 165 1,670 3,290 101,000 270,000

United Kingdom 32,600 81,400 6,220 45,500 1,750 2,930 40,500 130,000

Venezuela 133,000 314,000 17,200 49,700 2,850 6,170 153,000 370,000

Other 48,400 128,000 170,000 643,000 40,100 67,200 258,000 838,000

Total 3,440,000 9,040,000 1,220,000 4,490,000 527,000 931,000 5,180,000 14,500,000

 -- Zero.

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.

3

Less than 1⁄2 unit.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Aluminum—2006 5.17

TABLE 12

ALUMINUM, PRIMARY: WORLD PRODUCTION, BY COUNTRY1, 2

(Thousand metric tons)

Country 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Argentina 269 272 272 272 r 272 e

Australia 1,836 1,857 1,894 1,903 1,932

Azerbaijan -- 19 30 30 30 e

Bahrain 519 532 532 751 872

Bosnia and Herzegovina

e, 3 102 113 121 131 135 e

Brazil 1,318 1,381 1,457 1,499 1,498 p

Cameroon 67 77 86 90 87 e

Canada 2,709 2,792 2,592 2,894 3,051

China

e 4,300 5,450 6,670 7,800 9,349

Egypt 195 195 216 244 252

France 463 443 451 442 421

Germany 653 661 668 648 r 537 e

Ghana 117 16 -- e 13 13

Greece 165 165 167 165 163

Hungary

e 35 35 35 35 (4) 5

Iceland

6 285 286 271 272 320

India

7 671 799 862 942 r 1,104

Indonesia

e, 7 160 200 247 r 252 r, 5 250 5

Iran 169 182 213 220 220 e

Italy 190 191 195 195 194

Japan8 6 6 6 7 7

Mexico7 39 -- -- e -- --

Mozambique 268 409 549 555 564

Netherlands 284 283 326 325 326

New Zealand 335 e 340 e 350 351 337

Norway 1,096 1,192 1,322 1,372 1,331

Poland

9 49 45 46 43 50

Romania

10 187 197 219 244 258

Russia 3,347 3,478 3,592 3,647 3,718

Serbia and Montenegro

3, 11 112 120 r 121 r 120 r 122

Slovakia

7 147 131 r 157 r 158 r 157

Slovenia

3 88 110 121 139 140

South Africa 707 738 866 r 846 r 895

Spain 380 389 398 395 350 e

Sweden 101 101 101 102 101

Switzerland 40 44 45 45 15 e

Tajikistan 308 319 358 380 414

Turkey

e 63 5 63 60 60 60

Ukraine10 112 114 113 114 113

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

e 536 560 5 683 5 722 r 730

United Kingdom 344 343 360 369 r 367

United States 2,707 2,703 2,516 2,481 2,284

Venezuela 605 601 624 615 r 610 e

 Total 26,100 28,000 29,900 31,900 33,700 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.

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

that definition is provided in this table by footnote. Table includes data available through May 5, 2007.

3

Primary ingot plus secondary ingot.

4

Less than 1⁄2 unit.

5

Reported figure.

6

Ingot and rolling billet production.

7

Primary ingot.

8

Excludes high purity aluminum containing 99.995% or more as follows, in metric tons: 2002—40,443; 2003—43,697 (revised); 2004—55,402;

2005—45,413 (revised); and 2006—46,000 (estimated).

9

Primary unalloyed ingot plus secondary unalloyed ingot.

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

11In June 2006, Montenegro and Serbia formally declared independence from each other and dissolved their union. Mineral production data for 2006, however,

still reflect the unified country.