43rd International Conference and Exhibition ICSOBA 2025

Technical Field Trips

Two field trips were organized by Chinalco during ICSOBA 2025, both of which drew strong participation from conference attendees.

On the morning of Friday, 31 October 2025, participants visited Guangxi Hualei New Material Co., Ltd in Guangxi, where the tour focused on the smelter potline as well as the power plant and its control room.

The remainder of the day was dedicated to visiting the Guangxi Branch of Chinalco, including a tour of the smelter and the Red Mud Iron Recovery site.

Guangxi Hualei New Material Co., Ltd.

Friday, October 31 2025

Guangxi Hualei New Material Co., Ltd.

Guangxi Hualei New Material Co., Ltd. is a modern integrated enterprise focused on primary aluminium production, power generation, and aluminium processing. Using advanced technology and strong operational practices, the company delivers high efficiency, solid environmental performance, and reliable product quality.

Construction began in July 2016, with the first electrolytic cells commissioned in September 2017 and full completion in May 2018. Backed by a RMB 6.1 billion investment, the smelter operates with a capacity of 400,000 tonnes of primary aluminium per year and features GP500 kA cell technology. In 2024, it was recognized by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology as the country’s only electrolytic aluminium producer to achieve Energy Efficiency Benchmarking Enterprise status for 2023.

Located about 130 kilometres from Nanning, the site is reached by a bus ride of just under two hours. The tour highlights the potline’s intelligent crust-breaking systems, dual-pipe flue-gas collection, anode coatings, and low-energy cathodes, along with a visit to the power plant and control room, which generate 6.2 billion kWh annually through three 350 MW ultra-supercritical units.

Overall, Guangxi Hualei stands out as a highly efficient, technologically advanced, and environmentally conscious aluminium production base.

Guangxi Branch of Chinalco

Friday, October 31 2025

Guangxi Branch of Chinalco

The Guangxi Branch of Chinalco is a state-of-the-art industrial complex recognized as one of China’s most advanced and innovative production bases. With an annual output of 6 million tonnes of bauxite and 2.5 million tonnes of alumina, the facility plays a central role in supporting the country’s aluminium supply chain. Its operations combine modern processing technologies, rigorous quality controls, and a strong focus on sustainable resource management.

Located roughly 130 kilometres from Nanning, the site is accessible by a bus ride of just under two hours. Visitors are offered guided tours that typically include the alumina refinery, where the full transformation process from raw ore to refined alumina can be observed. The visit also features the red mud iron recovery site, an area showcasing the company’s innovative approach to resource utilization and waste reduction.

Overall, the Guangxi Branch of Chinalco provides a compelling look at large-scale industrial production driven by technological advancement and environmental responsibility.