Indonesia Became the World's 5th Largest Bauxite Producer in 2022

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that global bauxite production in 2022 reached 380 million dry metric tons.

In 2022, Australia was the largest bauxite producer, with a production volume of approximately 100 million dry metric tons.

Indonesia ranked fifth globally, with bauxite production of around 21 million dry metric tons.

Other countries among the largest bauxite producers include China, Guinea, Brazil, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Jamaica, and Vietnam, with details as shown in the graph.

However, this data does not include bauxite production from the United States (US). The USGS states that US production figures remain confidential for the benefit of related companies.

Bauxite is a raw material for making aluminum, a lightweight metal that can be compacted to be as hard as steel, is corrosion-resistant, and is a good electrical conductor.

Aluminum then becomes an important raw material for various industries, ranging from automotive, household appliances, to solar panel technology.

Starting in June 2023, Indonesia will ban bauxite exports. According to the Acting Director General of Minerals and Coal (Minerba) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Muhammad Wafid, the plan will be implemented starting tomorrow.

"Yes (the plan to ban bauxite ore exports) is still on. If that policy really has to be (implemented) on the 10th (June 2023)," said Muhammad Wafid to Detik.com, Thursday (8/6/2023).

The government is banning the export of this commodity to encourage the development of the domestic bauxite processing industry. However, according to the Minister of ESDM Arifin Tasrif, the construction of bauxite processing facilities or smelters in Indonesia is not yet optimal.

Arifin mentioned that there are currently only four bauxite smelters in Indonesia with a total absorption capacity of 13.9 million tons.

These four smelters are managed by PT Indonesia Chemical Alumina, PT Bintan Alumina Indonesia, PT Well Harvest Winning Alumina Refinery Line-1, and PT Well Harvest Winning Alumina Refinery Line-2.

In addition, there are seven smelters still under construction. However, the completion date of these new smelters is uncertain.

"Although verification results report progress in the construction (of bauxite smelters) between 30% and 66%, based on field reviews there is a very significant difference, it's still just an empty field," said Arifin, as reported by Katadata.co.id (24/5/2023).