China's 2005 alumina output to hig 8-mil mt in 2005: Antaike

摘要

China's alumina production is expected to rise to about 8-mil mt in 2005 from the 7.02-mil mt achieved in 2004, despite recent reports that state authorities have ordered a halt to nine alumina projects currently in the works, an analyst from Beijing Antaike told Platts last week. Five of those halted projects were in Henan, and four were in Shanxi. "I have personally seen the document issued by the National Development and Reform Commission on this matter, so it is a fact that several projects have been asked to halt progress for further review and approval," said the Antaike official. "But the document is not clear...the situation is very complex, and it seems to involve the projects clearing more paperwork issues." When contacted by Platts, the commission confirmed issuing such a document earlier in 2005, but declined to comment further. Recent local press reports said the document issued could mean a ban on the projects, which would impact a potential 3.2-mil mt/year of capacity.