Boston, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/16/2014 -- Primary aluminum production is one of the most energy intensive industries in the world, and has suffered from anemic commodity prices and rising energy costs. Rio Tinto Alcan, the result of one of the largest ever mining mergers in 2007, has been particularly susceptible to current market conditions, having to sell assets and close smelters in order to survive.

Features and benefits

- Focuses on Rio Tinto Alcan and its difficulties, looks at why aluminum prices have remained low, and the reasons behind the global aluminum glut.
- Also provides insight into increasing energy costs and how it has impacted the primary aluminum production industry and Rio Tinto Alcan.
- Looks at the primary aluminum production situation in China.

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Highlights

Rio Tinto purchased Canadian aluminum producer Alcan in the summer of 2007 for $38.1bn to take advantage of booming aluminum prices. By 2009, prices had declined 36.9% and China had resolved to become self-sufficient in aluminum production. Rio also had to contend with rising energy costs, and had writtendown $20bn in assets by 2012.

Your key questions answered

- What were the reasons behind the Rio Tinto Alcan merger? Why did aluminum prices fall, and remain so low? What is China's role in this?
- How are rising energy costs affecting primary aluminum producers and why? What is the impact of low aluminum prices and high electricity costs?

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