Archive · 22 Jan 2026
NALCO Projects Volume Gains but Faces Alumina Price Pressures in FY26
NALCO, a big Indian company that makes aluminum, expects to make more aluminum and alumina in the next year.
But, the price of alumina is going down because there's too much of it in the world.
This is because some countries, like China, are making less aluminum.
NALCO is trying to make more to make up for the lower prices.
They are also looking for other minerals, like lithium, in Argentina to help them in the long run.
They hope other big Indian companies will join them in this new adventure.
NALCO expects to exceed production targets for alumina and metals in FY26.
Alumina prices are projected to decline to $320-$340 per tonne due to global surplus.
Global smelting capacity reductions, including China's cap, are contributing to the price drop.
NALCO aims to mitigate price impacts through higher volumes and cost-efficiency measures.
The company is exploring critical minerals in Argentina, with potential investments from ONGC Videsh and Coal India.
- Who
- National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)
- What
- Projected volume gains in FY26 but faces alumina price pressures
- When
- Fiscal Year 2026-27
- Where
- India, Argentina (for critical minerals)
- Why
- Global alumina surplus and reduced smelting capacity
- Company
- National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)
- Expected Alumina Production
- 23 lakh tonnes by end of FY26
- Expected Metal Production
- 4.70 lakh tonnes by end of FY26
- Alumina Price Range
- $320 to $340 per tonne
- Global Alumina Surplus
- Due to reduced smelting capacity
- Critical Minerals Venture
- Exploration in Argentina via KABIL
- Potential Investors
- ONGC Videsh, Coal India