WHAT WE TRADE / BAUXITE
Bauxite. The starting point of aluminium.
Indonesia’s bauxite deposits connect mineral resources with alumina refining and aluminium production. From transport to construction, this value chain supports materials used every day.
INDUSTRY PHOTOGRAPHY / ILLUSTRATIVE — NOT A TPM MINE OR ASSET
2.8bn t
Bauxite reserves · USGS 2025
32m t
Estimated mine output · 2024
Ore → alumina
The first stage of aluminium production
01 / THE INDONESIAN LANDSCAPE
West Kalimantan & the Riau Islands
Indonesia’s bauxite is associated with lateritic weathering. West Kalimantan is an important resource region, with historic deposits also found around Bintan and the Riau Islands. Ore quality varies by deposit and horizon. The reserve and production figures shown refer to bauxite ore, not aluminium metal or alumina.
02 / INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
Where the resource becomes useful.
Alumina refining
Bauxite is refined into alumina, commonly through the Bayer process. Available alumina and reactive silica are important considerations for refinery compatibility and processing economics.
Aluminium production
Alumina is the feedstock for aluminium smelting. Aluminium is used in transport, buildings, packaging, power infrastructure and many lightweight engineered products.
Specialist applications
Selected grades may be used for refractory, abrasive and cement applications. Suitability depends on chemistry and processing; these uses should not be assumed for every ore source.
03 / SOURCING CONSIDERATIONS
The right material starts with the right questions.
Discuss available alumina, total and reactive silica, iron oxide, moisture and particle size. Indonesia introduced a bauxite ore export ban in 2023 to support domestic refining; supply arrangements must reflect applicable regulations and approved routes.
Let’s discuss your bauxite requirements.
Share your application, quality parameters, destination and volume. Availability, specifications and regulatory requirements are confirmed for each enquiry.
SOURCES & DATA NOTES
National industry data is provided for context, not as a statement of TPM inventory, reserves or supply capacity. Figures are dated snapshots and may be revised. Resources and reserves are not interchangeable.