EAF growth reshapes refractories demand as global steel output contracts 2026-06-12

Jun. 12, 2026 - The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) released the 17th edition of its World Steel Recycling in Figures report at its Ferrous Division meeting in Gothenburg in early June 2026, and the headline figures tell a story that refractory producers and furnace operators should not overlook. Global crude steel production fell by 1.9% in 2025 to approximately 1.85 billion tonnes. …

Guinea targets five alumina refineries by 2030 2026-06-09

Jun. 9, 2026 - Guinea, the world's largest bauxite exporter, is accelerating efforts to expand its domestic alumina processing capacity as part of a broader strategy to move further down the aluminum value chain. According to Guinea's Minister of Mines and Geology, Bouna Sylla, the country aims to have five alumina refineries in operation by 2030. Three projects are already under…

CNY 10.7 billion alumina project breaks ground in Inner Mongolia 2026-06-01

Jun. 1, 2026 - China Huaye officially commenced construction of the EPC alumina project for Inner Mongolia Xinlian Aluminum Co., Ltd. in the New Industrial Park of Tumd Right Banner, Baotou, Inner Mongolia. The project is designed to become one of the largest alumina production bases in northern China, with a planned annual capacity of 7 million tonnes. According to project infor…

UK ceramics industry faces growing threat from high energy costs 2026-06-01

Jun. 1, 2026 - The UK ceramics industry is under increasing pressure as soaring energy costs continue to undermine its competitiveness and long-term viability. Industry representatives warn that without additional government support, manufacturers could face further production cuts, job losses, and plant closures. Ceramics production relies on energy-intensive kiln operations tha…

Top 10 global refractories enterprises by revenue in 2025 2026-05-30

May 29, 2026 - The latest 2025 revenue ranking of global refractory enterprises, compiled by industry data platform Refractories Window (Refwin) from corporate financial reports and multiple other sources, has been released, showing a clear tiered pattern among the world's top 10 players focused on refractory core business. Per the ranking, the first tier is led by industry giant RHI …

EU Commission holds off on sanctioning Aughinish Alumina 2026-05-30

May 29, 2026 - The European Commission has decided not to propose sanctions at this time on Aughinish Alumina, the Shannon-based plant owned by a Russian company, which has been accused of exporting alumina that has ended up in Russian weapons and armaments used against civilian targets in Ukraine. RTÉ News understands that during discussions today between the European Commission and me…

Revenue of China's 9 A-share listed refractory companies in 2025 2026-05-29

May 29, 2026 - According to the 2025 annual reports, the financial performances of the nine A-share listed companies in China's refractory industry have shown significant differences: some players recorded robust revenue and profit growth supported by capacity upgrades, but major market incumbents faced sliding revenue and deepening net losses. Beijing Lirr was among the top…

Indonesia races to build aluminium industry, but bauxite supply lags 2026-05-29

May 29, 2026 - Indonesia’s ambitious plan to build a fully integrated aluminium industry is facing a growing challenge: not enough bauxite supply to support the country’s rapidly expanding downstream sector.                          Over the past several years, Indonesia has attracted billions of dollars in in…

Tanzania and Lindi Jumbo unite to expand graphite mining potential 2026-05-28

May 28, 2026 - Tanzania has signed agreements with Lindi Jumbo Limited for a joint venture in graphite mining through Ndovu Graphite Limited, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s position in the global critical minerals market. The signing ceremony took place at the project site in Ruangwa, Lindi Region, where the Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde signed on behalf of the Tanzan…

Ukraine seeks strategic investor for Mykolaiv Alumina Plant privatization 2026-05-28

May 27, 2026 - The Mykolaiv Alumina Plant is expected to be privatized through an auction, with the government planning to attract a strategic investor and make environmental requirements a core part of the deal. Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Daryna Marchak said in Mykolaiv that ecological safety will be embedded in the future privatization terms prepared by the…

China Exports of Refractory Materials and Products in Mar. 2026 2026-05-26

No. Commodity Export Qty (T) Export Qty (T) YoY Growth Rate (%) Mar-26 Mar-25 1 Natural flake graphite 8,…

China Imports of Refractory Materials and Products in Mar. 2026 2026-05-26

No. Commodity Import Qty (T) Import Qty (T) YoY Growth Rate (%) Mar-26 Mar-25 1 Natural flake graphite 3,…

Top bauxite producer Guinea to unveil export controls in June 2026-05-26

May 25, 2026 - Guinea, the world’s biggest bauxite producer, plans to announce reforms next month to control exports of the ore used in making aluminum as it bids to bolster prices. Bauxite shipments from Guinea, which accounts for more than a third of global production, surged by a quarter to 183 million tons in 2025, before growth accelerated further during the first three m…

China's output of refractories' downstream industries in Jan-Apr 2026 2026-05-23

May 23, 2026 - From January to April, the added value of industrial enterprises above designated size in China increased by 5.6% year-on-year. By major categories, the added value of the mining industry increased by 5.5% year-on-year, that of the manufacturing industry by 5.8%, and that of the power, heat, gas and water production and supply industry by 4.5%. The added value of the equip…

Global crude steel production down 1.9% YoY in April 2026 2026-05-23

May 22, 2026 - World crude steel production for the 69 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 153.4 million tonnes (Mt) in April 2026, a 1.9% decrease compared to April 2025. Crude steel production by region Africa produced 2.1 Mt in April 2026, up 11.5% on April 2025. Asia and Oceania produced 114.2 Mt, down 1.3%. The EU …