Indonesia: Tsingshan advances HuaChin LME listing, expands Indonesia aluminium integration

11-May-2026

  • Indonesia Sulawesi smelter expands 480,000 t capacity
  • 2 mtpa alumina refinery planned in Riau Islands

China's Tsingshan Holding Group, also known in recent reports as "Tianshan," has applied to register its Indonesian aluminium brand HuaChin for delivery on the London Metal Exchange. The move marks a key step in integrating its Indonesian output into global benchmark pricing and delivery systems.

HuaChin is a joint venture between Tsingshan and Huafon Group, located in Indonesia's Sulawesi region. The facility has recently commenced its second phase of operations and now operates with an annual aluminium ingot capacity of around 480,000 tonnes, further expanding Southeast Asia's primary aluminium supply base.

If approved, HuaChin would become only the second Indonesian primary aluminium brand eligible for LME delivery, following state-owned Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum). This underscores Indonesia's rising role in the global aluminium market as it strengthens its presence in LME-aligned production.

Tsingshan is also deepening its upstream integration strategy in Indonesia. The group has secured rights to bauxite reserves in West Kalimantan exceeding 30 million dry tonnes, ensuring long-term raw material security for its aluminium operations. This development supports Indonesia's ambition to build a more self-reliant and vertically integrated metals ecosystem.

In addition, Tsingshan is developing a 2 million tonnes per annum alumina refinery in the Riau Islands. The project is expected to significantly enhance domestic alumina availability, reduce import dependence, and strengthen Indonesias position as a key aluminium processing hub in the APAC region.

With these investments spanning mining, refining, and smelting, Indonesia is steadily emerging as a critical node in the global aluminium value chain, supported by large-scale Chinese-led capacity expansion and increasing alignment with international metal markets.

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