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Venezuela's bauxite reserves draw India's attention as mineral talks expand

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 02:30:00 +0530

As India looks to secure supplies of critical minerals and industrial raw materials, Venezuela's large bauxite reserves are attracting attention alongside its deposits of gold, diamonds, coltan and iron ore.

The issue came up during a conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in New Delhi on Thursday, where mining and mineral resources were being discussed.

Speaking after the meeting, Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs, said the discussions covered the broader mining sector, including critical minerals and other natural resources.

Venezuela is home to some of Latin America's largest bauxite deposits, with the Los Pijiguaos region alone estimated to contain billions of tonnes of the ore.

Bauxite is the main raw material used to produce alumina and aluminium. As India continues to expand manufacturing in sectors such as electric vehicles, aerospace, defence, renewable energy and power transmission, access to additional bauxite and alumina sources could become increasingly important.

Although Venezuela is widely known for its oil reserves, it also possesses significant deposits of iron ore, gold, diamonds, copper, nickel, coltan and other minerals that remain largely underdeveloped.

Many of these resources are located in the Orinoco Mining Arc, a mineral-rich region in southern Venezuela where commercially significant deposits of gold, diamonds, copper and coltan have been identified.

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Apart from bauxite, coltan is another resource that could attract India. The mineral contains tantalum and niobium, both of which are used in a range of industries.

Tantalum is used in semiconductors, mobile phones, medical devices, aerospace electronics and defence equipment, while niobium is used in steel alloys, aircraft engines and energy infrastructure.

Venezuela is believed to have sizeable coltan reserves, particularly in the southern part of the country. As India pushes ahead with electronics manufacturing and semiconductor production, such minerals are expected to become increasingly important.

The country is also believed to hold rare earth deposits, although they have not been explored as extensively as those in countries such as Australia and Brazil.

Rare earth elements are used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, radar systems, defence equipment and consumer electronics.

Iron ore is another resource that could be relevant for India. Venezuela has substantial iron ore reserves, particularly in the Guayana region, which supports steel production used in infrastructure, transport and industrial projects.

Gold and diamonds were also featured in the discussions. India remains one of the world's largest consumers of gold, while Surat continues to be one of the world's leading centres for diamond cutting and polishing. Access to additional sources of these minerals could create opportunities for Indian companies involved in mining and processing activities.

India's growing interest in Venezuela's mineral resources comes as demand for critical minerals rises across sectors such as electric vehicles, battery storage, semiconductors, renewable energy, aerospace, telecommunications and defence manufacturing.

To secure future supplies, India has expanded efforts to acquire mineral assets overseas through organisations such as Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), which has been exploring opportunities across Latin America, Africa and Australia.

A key objective of this strategy is to diversify sources of supply and reduce dependence on a limited number of countries for critical minerals.

The Venezuelan government has been seeking foreign investment to revive parts of its mining industry. Opportunities could include exploration projects, mine development, mineral processing facilities, geological surveys and infrastructure development.

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Indian companies with expertise in mining and mineral processing could potentially participate in such projects if cooperation between the two countries grows.

Ash Narain Roy, former Director of the Institute of Social Sciences and an expert on Latin America, said critical minerals have become an increasingly important part of relations between countries.

According to Roy, Venezuela may be looking not only for buyers of its mineral resources but also for partners that can help develop, process and refine those resources.

He also pointed out that India has strengthened ties with several Latin American countries because of their mineral wealth.

Roy cited Bolivia, Chile and Argentina, often referred to as the "Lithium Triangle", as examples of countries that have become important because of their large lithium reserves.

He said India's engagement with Latin America over the past decade has increasingly included a focus on minerals needed for future industries.

While Venezuela is not currently a major supplier of critical minerals to India, its reserves of bauxite, coltan, iron ore, gold, diamonds and potential rare earth deposits make it a country that could play a larger role in India's long-term mineral sourcing plans.

The discussions between Modi and Rodríguez indicate that India is looking beyond oil imports and exploring broader opportunities in mining as it seeks reliable supplies of raw materials for manufacturing and industrial growth.

Cameroon moves forward with rail project linked to Minim Martap bauxite development

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 02:30:00 +0530

Cameroon, Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and Camalco signed a memorandum of understanding in Yaoundé on June 4 for the proposed Edéa–Kribi–Lolabé–Campo rail corridor.

The agreement establishes a framework for discussions on the railway project, which is intended to connect the country's rail network with the deep-water Port of Kribi and support future mining exports.

The signing ceremony took place at the Starland Hotel under the patronage of Transport Minister Jean Ernest Massena Ngallè Bibehe.

The MoU covers discussions related to feasibility studies, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the railway infrastructure. It does not constitute a final investment decision.

The corridor has featured in Cameroon's railway development plans for several years. In 2021, authorities considered railway projects covering 291.5 km, including the 184.5-km Edéa–Kribi–Campo line and the 107-km Douala–Limbe–Idenau line.

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The government believes the project will improve transport links in southern Cameroon and strengthen trade corridors. AGL, which operates in rail and port logistics, will have a chance to expand its freight transportation activities through the corridor.

The project is also linked to the development of the Minim Martap bauxite project. Camalco, a subsidiary of Canyon Resources, is developing the project in the Adamawa Region. According to the company, Minim Martap contains 144 million tonnes of ore grading 51.2 per cent alumina and 1.7 per cent silica, with total resources estimated at 1.102 billion tonnes.

Canyon Resources has been advancing logistics preparations through Douala. Camalco recently increased its shareholding in Camrail from 9.1 per cent to 26.9 per cent through an investment of CFA 9.852 billion (USD 17.5 million). The company also invested CFA 347.447 million (around USD 616,000) in Terminal Bois du Port de Douala S.A.

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The first locomotives for the project are expected before the end of the second quarter of 2026, followed by wagon deliveries in July. The first shipment of bauxite is scheduled for the end of the third quarter of 2026.

However, Douala's location in the Wouri estuary is a limitation on its ability to handle large-scale mineral exports compared with a deep-water port. Improved rail access to Kribi could provide a more direct export route and reduce dependence on Douala over the longer term.

Several details regarding the proposed Edéa–Kribi–Lolabé–Campo corridor, including project cost, route alignment, concession structure and construction schedule, have yet to be announced.

Alcoa operations continue as Western Australia updates regulatory arrangements

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:30:00 +0530

The Government of Western Australia is updating the regulatory framework that applies to Alcoa's mining operations in the state.

Alcoa currently operates under an exemption order issued as part of the state government's transitional approvals framework. The order allows the company to continue operating while the Environmental Protection Authority assesses its proposed bauxite mining activities.

The Department of Energy and Economic Diversification is finalising an updated Mining Management Program (MMP) in consultation with relevant government agencies.

As part of the process, the existing exemption order must be revised to align with the updated MMP. The first step involves issuing a notice of intention to revoke the current order.

The revised MMP and updated exemption order are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks, after which a new exemption order will be tabled in Parliament.

Until the new order comes into effect, the existing exemption order will remain in place.

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Alcoa operates one of the world's largest integrated bauxite mining, alumina refining and aluminium smelting systems.

In 2024, the company's bauxite mines and three alumina refineries in Western Australia accounted for 45 per cent of Australia's alumina production. In Victoria, Alcoa's Portland Aluminium Smelter produced 19 per cent of the country's aluminium output.

Vedanta Aluminium’s hydrogeological plan focuses on groundwater recharge and runoff management

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 03:00:00 +0530

Vedanta Aluminium has developed a hydrogeological blueprint for the Sijimali region in Odisha, with the aim of improving water availability and strengthening long-term water security.

According to scientific studies conducted for the project, local water availability could increase by up to 200 per cent through better capture of rainwater runoff and improved groundwater recharge.

The plan proposes a range of soil and water conservation measures, including contour bunding, check dams, settling ponds, slope stabilisation structures and a 7,500-metre drainage network. These interventions are designed to improve rainwater flow into local catchments and water bodies.

Vedanta has shared that the project has been planned with measures to protect groundwater resources. Studies indicate that groundwater in the region is found at depths of around 350-550 metres below ground level. At the same time, the proposed activities will take place at much shallower levels, avoiding direct interaction with aquifers.

The company has also expanded its water stewardship and watershed development programmes in Odisha's Kalahandi and Rayagada districts around its Lanjigarh refinery.

According to the company, these initiatives have created more than 1.8 million cubic metres of water storage and groundwater recharge capacity. The projects are intended to improve irrigation access and strengthen water security in rural communities.

Vedanta said it has restored more than 73 water bodies across 26 villages through watershed and community water management programmes. The restored infrastructure has helped provide irrigation to over 1,600 acres of farmland and benefited more than 4,000 people.

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The company stated that these efforts aim to address water scarcity in parts of Odisha vulnerable to climate-related challenges.

Karbi Majhi, a resident of Banigaon village, said, “ With the restoration of water bodies in our village, water is available closer to home and throughout the year. It has reduced our hardship and improved our quality of life.”

Dhananjaya Patra, a farmer from Batelima village, said improved irrigation facilities have enabled farmers to cultivate their land more reliably and, in some cases, grow an additional crop, providing greater income stability.

Guinea's 150Mt bauxite export cap may create a market deficit of 33Mt - Can the world make up the difference?

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:10:00 +0530

For the past few years, Guinea has been the driving force behind the global bauxite trade. Production expanded rapidly, exports climbed to record highs, finding their way to refineries across the world. But after years of pushing output higher, Guinea is now considering a different approach - a possible export cap of around 150 million tonnes.

Such a move would mark a major shift for a country that exported nearly 183 million tonnes in 2025. If introduced, the cap could remove almost 33 million tonnes from the market, raising questions about where the industry would find replacement supply.

The proposal comes at a time when market conditions have changed significantly. Bauxite prices have fallen, freight costs have risen and concerns over surplus have grown. For Guinea, which holds an estimated 7.4 billion tonnes of bauxite reserves - the largest in the world, the focus appears to be shifting from maximising volumes to preserving value.

Now, the key question for the market is whether other suppliers can make up for the shortfall if Guinea exports less?

How did Guinea become indispensable to the bauxite market?

Few mining stories have been as dramatic as Guinea's rise. The country's bauxite production increased from 100 million tonnes in 2022 to 123 million tonnes in 2023, before climbing to 142 million tonnes in 2024 and reaching 178 million tonnes in 2025. In just three years, production expanded by nearly 78 per cent.

By contrast, global bauxite production increased from around 400 million tonnes in 2022 to an estimated 465-470 million tonnes in 2025, representing growth of about 16–18 per cent over the same period.

Exports followed the same trajectory. Guinea exported 77.7 million tonnes in 2021, increasing to 88.8 million tonnes in 2022. Volumes then accelerated to 119.8 million tonnes in 2023 and 129.8 million tonnes in 2024 before surging to 182.8 million tonnes in 2025. Overall, exports expanded by around 135 per cent between 2021 and 2025. For more market details, read Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook report.

Why is Guinea considering an export cap?

Ironically, the answer lies in the consequences of Guinea's rapid growth. As production and exports climbed, bauxite prices came under pressure

Guinea bauxite CIF prices, which reached around USD 92 per tonne in November 2024, steadily declined throughout 2025 as the market moved into oversupply. By June 2025, prices had fallen to around USD 74 per tonne, with most transactions occurring within the USD 73–75 per tonne range.

The pressure continued into 2026. Guinea FOB prices for 45/3 grade bauxite were quoted at around USD 38 per tonne in May 2026, while CIF prices stood at approximately USD 68 per tonne.

According to analysts, Guinean FOB prices had fallen to around USD 32–38 per tonne by April 2026, the lowest level since March 2022.

At the same time, freight rates increased because of disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict, squeezing margins across the mining sector. The combination of lower prices and higher logistics costs raised concerns over profitability, possible bankruptcies, job losses and pressure on government revenues.

Who would feel the impact first?

The clearest answer is China. Around 70 per cent of Guinea's bauxite exports are shipped to China, making the country the cornerstone of China's aluminium raw material supply chain.

China imported approximately 201.19 million tonnes of bauxite in 2025. Of that total, around 149.5 million tonnes came from Guinea, compared with approximately 110.6 million tonnes in 2024. Imports from Guinea therefore increased by about 35 per cent year on year.

Other countries like the United Arab Emirates, Ireland and Canada could also feel the impact. In 2025, they imported 11.15 million tonnes, 4.50 million tonnes and 3.42 million tonnes of bauxite respectively.

The increase in Guinea's exports was driven by production growth from major operators including SMB Guinea, CBG, Chalco and AGB2A, all of which expanded output as Chinese alumina refineries sought reliable long-term supply.

Which exporters could step in?

Several producers could potentially increase shipments, although none currently operate anywhere close to Guinea's scale. Read Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook report for an indepth analysis.

Australia: The largest alternative supplier

Australia remains the strongest alternative. The country holds around 3.7 billion tonnes of bauxite reserves and exports approximately 45 million tonnes (as of 2025).

China continues to be the dominant buyer, with imports rising from about 35.9 million tonnes in 2021 to nearly 41.6 million tonnes in 2025, after peaking at around 42 million tonnes in 2024.

By comparison, exports to South Korea remained relatively stable at around 445,500 tonnes in 2021–2022, before easing to 396,000 tonnes in 2023 and recovering to about 441,900 tonnes in 2025. Shipments to the United States were more volatile, falling from 133,566 tonnes in 2021 to 87,345 tonnes in 2022, rising to 286,278 tonnes in 2023 and easing to 181,503 tonnes in 2025.

Brazil: Gradual but steady growth

Brazil offers another source of supply, although on a much smaller scale. The country holds around 1.7 billion tonnes of reserves and exported 6.09 million tonnes in 2025, up from approximately 5.29 million tonnes in 2021.

Canada remained the largest destination for Brazilian bauxite last year, taking around 2.33 million tonnes, followed by Ireland at 1.48 million tonnes and China at nearly 1.27 million tonnes. Greece imported a further 547,530 tonnes.

Türkiye: Increasing exposure to China

Türkiye has also expanded its presence in the market. Exports almost doubled from around 1.84 million tonnes in 2021 to roughly 3.48 million tonnes in 2025, supported largely by growing sales to China.

Shipments to the country increased from about 464,356 tonnes in 2021 to nearly 2.49 million tonnes in 2025, although they remained below the 2024 peak of 3.14 million tonnes. Türkiye holds around 69 million tonnes of bauxite reserves.

Ghana: A growing African supplier

Among African producers, Ghana has steadily built its export profile. The country holds an estimated 900–960 million tonnes of reserves and exported around 1.35-1.45 million tonnes in recent years.

China has been the key driver of that growth, with imports rising from negligible volumes in 2021 to approximately 1.73 million tonnes in 2023 before easing to around 1.09 million tonnes in 2024.

New mining projects are emerging across key regions

Several projects are moving forward globally. In Cameroon, Canyon Resources is advancing the Minim Martap project, which contains more than 1.1 billion tonnes of resources grading 51 per cent alumina and 2 per cent silica. First shipments are targeted for late September 2026, with production planned to increase from an initial 1.2 million tonnes annually to 6.5 million tonnes and eventually 10 million tonnes per year.

Guyana is preparing to revive its bauxite sector after the government approved the restart of mining operations in the Berbice River area following almost six years of inactivity. Infrastructure rebuilding and preparations are underway in 2026, while full production is targeted by the end of 2027.

Vietnam, which holds around 3.1 billion tonnes of bauxite reserves, is also expanding its presence in the regional aluminium industry. Vietnam–Phuong Group is developing a USD 1 billion integrated bauxite-alumina-aluminium project in neighbouring Laos. The complex covers nearly 9,000 hectares and includes a 1 million tonne aluminium smelter powered by a 600 MW plant.

Full operations are expected by 2028, although much of the output is likely to support downstream aluminium production rather than significantly boost seaborne bauxite exports.

In Brazil, MRN's Projeto Novas Minas is expanding mining across the Rebolado, Escalante, Jamari, Barone and Cruz Alta Leste plateaus from 2026 onwards. However, the project is designed mainly to sustain production and replace depleting reserves rather than generate substantial export growth.

Australia's Metro Mining is also advancing a production ramp-up at its Bauxite Hills operation in Cape York following its 7 million tonne expansion programme, targeting stronger output growth during the second half of 2026.

India is strengthening domestic bauxite availability as well. Vedanta secured the Sijimali bauxite mine, which contains around 300 million tonnes of resources and has a mining capacity of 12 million tonnes. The mine is expected to meet approximately 67 per cent of Vedanta's future bauxite requirements for its alumina refineries.

The company also secured the Karnapodikonda bauxite mine in Odisha as part of its broader raw material strategy. Separately, NALCO is targeting the commencement of mining at the Pottangi bauxite deposit in Odisha by June 2026. Most Indian projects, however, are intended to support domestic alumina refining and aluminium production rather than export markets.

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Can the market really replace Guinea?

The short answer is not anytime soon. If Guinea proceeds with a 150 million tonnes export cap, replacing the resulting 33 million tonnes shortfall immediately would be extremely difficult. Australia, Brazil, Türkiye, Ghana and a number of emerging projects can help diversify supply, but none currently has the scale to match Guinea's position in the market.

Over the next several years, however, new mining developments could gradually help bridge the gap. Read Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price Outlook report for an indepth analysis.

At the same time, Guinea's strategy extends beyond restricting exports. The country is planning five to six alumina refineries by 2030–2032, adding around 7 million tonnes of refining capacity, with the first refinery under the SPIC agreement targeted for completion in 2027.

Last year, Guinea initiated proceedings to revoke the mining licence of Emirates Global Aluminium's (EGA) Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), underscoring the government's increasingly interventionist approach to the mining sector. However, EGA and the Guinean government later reached an agreement on bauxite supply and the resolution of outstanding disputes, helping to stabilise the company's operations in the country.

The export cap is also consistent with Guinea's aim to push bauxite prices towards USD100 per tonne as part of a broader strategy to extract greater value from its vast bauxite resources.

Can Jamaica seize the moment? JBI pushes bauxite growth amid Guinea uncertainty

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:27:00 +0530

The Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) has renewed its call for citizens to avoid occupying bauxite-bearing lands, highlighting growing concerns over unauthorised settlements on areas designated for mining, agriculture and future development projects. The statement may bear a twofold significance:

The urgency to pick up production pace to mitigate the output decline post-Hurricane Melissa in October 2025
An opportunity to deepen Jamaica’s footprint in the bauxite industry just as speculations stir the market about Guinea’s updated bauxite export restriction cap tightened at 150 million tonnes per annum (MTPA)

According to the Institute, bauxite lands play a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities before and after mining operations, requiring long-term planning and infrastructure development across Jamaica’s five bauxite-producing parishes.

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Kemoy Lindsay, Director of Bauxite Lands and Programme Manager for the Bauxite Community Development Programme (BCDP), mentioned that the JBI remains responsible for safeguarding and sustainably managing these lands.

Speaking during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank session in Kingston on May 21, Lindsay noted that initiatives such as the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) have already facilitated the establishment of “hundreds of greenhouses across three of those bauxite parishes in the first phase,” with further expansion planned under the programme’s “second phase”.

His observation is in line with the statement given by Honourable Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, who highlighted the urgent need for advancement in the mining sector, especially in the period of post-hurricane recovery and reconstruction.

“In 2025, export earnings from our bauxite and alumina subsector were USD 612 million, and we are seeing increased investor confidence, where the investment in our mining sector for bauxite moved from USD 251 million to USD 326 million last year,” Minister Green reported.

However, Director Lindsay pointed out that “squatting on bauxite lands has become a growing issue,” prompting the Institute to strengthen monitoring and protection measures.

Lindsay stated that the JBI has already undertaken actions and “several squatters from the bauxite spaces… lands earmarked for projects as well as lands that are earmarked for development.”

He added that enforcement efforts are expected to intensify in the coming financial year and “through the lifetime and life cycle of the bauxite industry in Jamaica,” as part of the Institute’s broader strategy to preserve land resources tied to the Jamaican bauxite industry.

The Jamaica Bauxite Institute serves as a key source of information and research on the country’s bauxite and alumina sector. The organisation is widely recognised for its data analysis and industry studies, making Jamaica one of the few developing nations with a dedicated institution focused on the research and development of a major mineral resource.

Jamaica’s standing in the bauxite industry

Hurricane Melissa, which hit Jamaica in October 2025, posed several operational and infrastructure challenges for the Jamaican bauxite industry. Consequently, production sustained a considerable year-on-year decline.

Although having an annual extraction capacity of about 6 million tonnes per year, Jamaica’s total bauxite output for 2025 stood at approximately 5.63 million tonnes, marking a 4.4 per cent decline compared to the corresponding period in 2024, which produced 5.9 million tonnes.

Nonetheless, Minister Green maintained an optimistic outlook and referred to the projects and investments that are in the pipeline and likely to support the bauxite sector of the nation:

Century Aluminum’s Jamalco refinery upgrade, involving approximately USD 80 million in capital investment, including a new turbine generator to enhance energy self-sufficiency. The project was expected to restore the plant to its full nameplate capacity of 1.4 million tonnes and be commissioned by the end of May 2026.
Discovery Bauxite’s infrastructure expansion, with USD 45 million earmarked for a new haulage road, maintenance upgrades and heavy-duty equipment purchases.
Alpart refinery reopening initiative, where the Jamaican government is seeking clarity from JISCO on the phased restart of the Saint Elizabeth operation, which remains a major pending project for the country's mining sector. This is expected to add another 1.7 million tonnes to the cumulative annual output.
Windalco’s haulage road project in Saint Ann, a USD 29 million investment that has already opened access to additional high-grade bauxite reserves.

However, the global industry is left to speculate on how far Jamaica’s preparation to etch its presence on the global platform can fill the supply deficit from Guinea’s export limits.

If Guinea advances to lower the bauxite export limit from an estimated 1.83 MTPA to 1.5 MTPA, the deficit of 33 MTPA is a large gap, which, with Jamaica’s present maximum output and Alpart’s anticipated restart, would be filled by approximately 7.7 MTPA or 23.33 per cent, still leaving behind a gaping annual deficit of 25.3 MTPA.

Further expansions, once commissioned, are expected to further close the gap, although the updated volumes post-expansion completion remain to be revealed.

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Congress Party urges review of the Koraput bauxite project

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:18:00 +0530

The Indian National Congress (INC), an Indian political party, has expressed concern to the Union Government over the proposed bauxite project at Odisha’s Koraput district. Mr Jairam Ramesh, the General Secretary of the INC, has referred to the Forest Rights Act, 2006, to safeguard tribal as well as forest rights.

The matter came to the forefront after a debate over the approval documents from the Gram Sabha meetings held for a bauxite mining project on the Balda Hill in the Nageswari forest reserve was brought into consideration.

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The Congress leader pointed out that the company in concern has assumed 400 acres of forest land originally owned by the localites who claim traditional and spiritual rights protected under the law over the land.

In addition, he sought better transparency and stakeholder engagement, mentioning the concerns expressed by local communities regarding the process through which Gram Sabha approvals were obtained. Ramesh noted that similar concerns have also been raised in connection with mining-related projects in Odisha's Kalahandi and Rayagada districts.

Stating that "The Union Minister of Tribal Affairs is responsible for implementing the Forest Rights Act in both letter and spirit,” he has urged Jual Oram, Union Tribal Affairs Minister, to take note of the requests made by the local villagers.

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Fresh bids, old questions: Odisha’s Karlapat bauxite mine returns to auction list

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:44:00 +0530

Odisha is advancing with the mining auction process for eleven mineral blocks across essential mining districts, reopening discussions around some of the state’s most coveted resource projects. Among the assets on offer is the Karlapat bauxite block in Kalahandi district, a deposit that has long remained at the centre of environmental and legal debates.

The Directorate of Mines and Geology has invited bids for mining leases (ML) covering eight mineral blocks and composite licences (CL) for three bauxite-bearing blocks located in Kalahandi, Keonjhar, Rayagada, Sundargarh and Bargarh districts.

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The Karlapat and Nunapaimali bauxite blocks, both considered strategically important for aluminium producers seeking long-term raw material security, are expected to draw increased attention. The Karlapat deposit alone is estimated to host around 220 million tonnes of bauxite spread across more than 3,100 hectares.

The renewed listing of Karlapat is likely to draw scrutiny from environmental groups because of its proximity to the ecologically sensitive Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary. The block previously became the subject of legal concerns involving forests, wildlife habitats and local water resources, considering which, in 2021 the Orissa High Court halted its auction.

Alongside the bauxite assets, Odisha has also offered several iron ore, manganese and mixed mineral blocks. These include the Gadadharpur iron ore block in Keonjhar district and two iron ore-manganese deposits in Sundargarh and the only non-metallic mineral asset of Behera-Banjipali limestone block in Bargarh.

The auction drive seals Odisha’s expanding efforts for mining pipeline to reinforce investments in aluminium, steel and other mineral-based industries. The state is striving to position itself as a major supplier of critical raw materials.

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Metro Mining’s non-executive director Jo-Anne Scarini steps down from the board

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:30:00 +0530

Metro Mining has announced that non-executive director Jo-Anne Scarini has resigned from the company’s board, with the resignation taking effect on May 30.

Scarini joined Metro Mining as a non-executive director in October 2024 and also served as Chair of the company’s Audit and Risk Committee. In addition, she was a member of the People and Culture Committee.

Commenting on her departure, Metro Mining Non-executive Chairman Douglas Ritchie described Scarini as a highly respected member of the board during her time with the company.

Ritchie thanked her for her contribution during what he described as an important period of growth for Metro Mining and wished her well for the future.

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The company has not announced a replacement for the position.

Metro Mining has been expanding production at its flagship Bauxite Hills Mine in Queensland.

Earlier this month, the company reported mining 563,000 wet metric tonnes of bauxite during April 2026, representing a 33 per cent increase compared with the same month last year.

Metro Mining operates the wholly owned Bauxite Hills Mine, located north of Weipa near the Skardon River in Far North Queensland.

The project remains the company’s key asset and one of Australia's notable bauxite-producing operations.

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Bauxite meets smart tech: Indonesia and China deepen industrial alliance

Fri, 29 May 2026 12:46:00 +0530

Indonesia is reportedly locking in industrial and technology partnerships with China as discussions with Hebei Province focus attention on smart manufacturing, strategic supply chains and downstream development of minerals such as bauxite and nickel.

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Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, recently received a delegation from China’s Hebei Provincial Government led by Deputy Governor Zhao Chenxin to explore broader cooperation in industrial transformation and smart-technology integration.

During the meeting, Hartarto highlighted the rapidly expanding economic relationship between Indonesia and China, noting that bilateral trade volume has now grown to nearly three times Indonesia’s combined trade with Europe and the US.

Indonesia is prioritising investments capable of generating stronger employment opportunities and foreign exchange earnings, with downstream processing of minerals like bauxite and nickel.

Hartarto also mentioned several strategic economic zones being developed for high-tech industries and artificial intelligence initiatives. North Sulawesi was identified as a potentially promising data centre due to its direct connectivity with the US.

The collaboration indicates growing Chinese interest in Indonesia’s industrial expansion plans. Zhao reportedly praised the role of Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and reiterated Hebei Province’s commitment to encouraging more Hebei-based enterprises to expand their operations within Indonesia.

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