Alcoa lowers alumina production outlook following cyclone disruption
2026-07-17 12:00:06 [Print]
Alcoa Corp. has trimmed its annual production forecast for alumina after operational issues at an Australian refinery weighed on output, partially offsetting a quarter in which stronger aluminum prices lifted the company's revenue.
In a statement on Thursday, the Pittsburgh-based producer revised its 2026 alumina production guidance-the refined material essential for aluminum smelting-down to between 9.5 million and 9.6 million metric tons, from a prior range of 9.7 million to 9.9 million tons. The company also cut its alumina shipment forecast, while maintaining its outlook for both aluminum production and deliveries.
Alcoa attributed the weaker guidance to reduced output at its Pinjarra refinery in Western Australia, where operational instability that emerged in late March was exacerbated by gas supply interruptions linked to Cyclone Narelle. The Pinjarra facility is one of Alcoa's largest alumina producers, serving as a critical bridge between bauxite mining and primary aluminum production.
In a statement on Thursday, the Pittsburgh-based producer revised its 2026 alumina production guidance-the refined material essential for aluminum smelting-down to between 9.5 million and 9.6 million metric tons, from a prior range of 9.7 million to 9.9 million tons. The company also cut its alumina shipment forecast, while maintaining its outlook for both aluminum production and deliveries.
Alcoa attributed the weaker guidance to reduced output at its Pinjarra refinery in Western Australia, where operational instability that emerged in late March was exacerbated by gas supply interruptions linked to Cyclone Narelle. The Pinjarra facility is one of Alcoa's largest alumina producers, serving as a critical bridge between bauxite mining and primary aluminum production.
Alumina 98.5%min EXW Shanxi
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China alumina producers' operating rate statistics by province by month
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