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Global Use of Bauxite and Bauxite Reserves Left to Human

Author : Jordan Last Updated :
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According to the data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the global bauxite resources left to humans are 55-75 billion tons, and the basic reserves are 30 billion tons. Based on the annual mining of 300 million tons, bauxite can be mined for at least 100 years. It is a mineral with abundant reserves.

Global bauxite reserves distribution

From the perspective of global bauxite reserves distribution, Guinea, Australia, and Vietnam have more bauxite resources. The three countries account for 56% of the global reserves.

Proportion of global bauxite reserves

Among them, Guinea has the largest bauxite reserves in the world. Guinea's basic bauxite resources are about 7 billion tons, accounting for reaching 24%. Australia's bauxite reserves are 5.84 billion tons, accounting for 20%, ranking second. Vietnam's bauxite reserves are 3.5 billion tons, accounting for 12%, ranking third.

The global bauxite reserves by country are as follows:

Country Bauxite reserves (million tons) Proportion of reserves
Guinea 7000 24%
Australia 5840 20%
Vietnam 3500 12%
Brazil 2630 9%
Jamaica 2040 7%
Indonesia 1170 4%
China 880 3%
Russia 580 2%
India 580 2%

Global bauxite production distribution

From the perspective of production distribution, the global bauxite production in 2021 is 390 million tons, mainly concentrated in Australia, China, and Guinea. The output of the three countries was 281 million tons, accounting for 71.9% of the world.

Proportion of global bauxite production

Among them, Australia is the largest bauxite producer in the world, accounting for 28.2% of the global output. Although China's bauxite reserves rank seventh, its output ranks third in the world, accounting for 22%. Guinea is the third largest producer with an output of 85 million tons, accounting for 21.7%. The bauxite output in other countries is relatively small.

The global bauxite production by country in 2021 is as follows:

Country Bauxite production (million tons) Proportion of production
Australia 110 28.2%
China 86 22%
Guinea 85 21.7%
Brazil 32 8.2%
India 22 5.6%
Indonesia 18 4.6%
Russia 6.2 1.5%

Demand trends of the primary aluminum

The promotion and popularization of renewable energy and electric vehicles will bring significant opportunities for the aluminum industry. Global primary aluminum demand is strong and it is expected to grow by more than 4% annually by 2030.

Global aluminum consumption

The growth of primary aluminum demand will drive the continued growth of the alumina and bauxite markets, and their markets are also expected to increase by 4%. The best thing is this trend is expected to continue until 2030.

Why is the bauxite market hot?

Bauxite is the best raw material for the production of aluminum products, and it is also the main application field. Aluminum metal is popular because it has the following properties:

  • Light in weight
  • Anti-corrosion
  • High strength
  • Conductivity
  • Good ductility
  • Beautiful appearance
  • 100% recyclable

Over the years, the global aluminum industry has formed a relatively complete system from bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminum processing, scrap aluminum recycling, and secondary aluminum production.

What is the global bauxite used for?

Bauxite is the primary raw material for the commercial production of alumina (Al2O3) and metallic aluminum. Due to the excellent properties of aluminum, it is widely used in construction, transportation, foil packaging, electronics, machinery and equipment, and consumer goods.

The main uses of bauxite

The main uses of global bauxite in the world

Aluminum alloy products are the most widely used in the following four fields, accounting for more than 77% of the global bauxite uses.

1. Modern construction

Bauxite use: modern construction

Aluminum is a core material for high-rise buildings and skyscrapers. Aluminum is easy to process, durable, and corrosion-resistant. It is used to make aluminum doors and windows, decorative panels, aluminum curtain walls, etc.

2. Automobile and transportation

Bauxite use: automobile and transportation

Aluminum's light weight reduces both the weight of cars and fuel consumption. Therefore, the transportation industry relies on aluminum alloys, such as aluminum auto parts, aluminum plates for new energy vehicles, and subway carriages.

3. Packaging materials

Bauxite use: packaging materials

As a packaging material, aluminum foil has the properties of anti-corrosion, shading, and non-toxicity, and is used to manufacture cans. The packaging of cigarettes, cosmetics, food, and medicines is also inseparable from aluminum.

4. Electronic products

Bauxite use: electronic products

Aluminum is more delicate and lighter than steel and has a better ability to absorb and dissipate heat. In production, electronic products such as smartphones, tablet computers, and monitors are increasingly using aluminum.

The world's largest bauxite producers

The top 10 bauxite-producing countries account for about 95% of global bauxite production. In the world, who is the largest producer of bauxite with companies and bauxite mines?

  1. 1Guinea
    Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinea – Sangaredi Mine (Guinea's biggest bauxite mine)
    Emirates Global Aluminium PJSC – GAC Mine
  2. 2Australia
    BHP Billiton – Boddington Mine
    Alcoa Corp – Huntly and Willowdale Mine
    Rio Tinto – Weipa Mine
  3. 3Vietnam
    Vinacomin – The Vietnamese Mining Giant
    Chalco – Aluminum Corporation of China Limited
  4. 4Brazil
    Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN) – Porto Trombetas Mine (Brazil's biggest bauxite mine)
    Vale – Paragominas Mine
    Alcoa – Juruti Mine
  5. 5Jamaica
    Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partnership (NJBP) – St. Ann Bauxite Mine
    Jamalco – Mount Oliphant Mine
  6. 6Indonesia
    Kendawangan Mine
    Tangerang Mine
    East Kotawaringin Mine
  7. 7China
    Aluminium Corporation of China – The leading bauxite producing company
    Jiakou Bauxite Mine – China's biggest producing bauxite mine
    Xiaoyi – Xingan and Shaoy Mine
  8. 8India
    Nalco – Panchpatmali Mine
    Hindalco – Baphlimali Mine
  9. 9Russia
    Severo – Uraisk Mine (Russia's biggest producing bauxite mine)
    Sredne – Timan Bauxite Mine
  10. 10Malaysia
    Pahang – Malaysia's third-largest state and a key bauxite producer

Sources from: Mineral metals - Aluminum Facts
What is Bauxite and Principal Uses of Bauxite
The World's Biggest Bauxite Producers

Author : Jordan Jordan is the writer of the blog with a broad knowledge of this industry. Most importantly, he hopes to help you in your projects sincerely.

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