Key facts
- Vietnam's first primary aluminium smelter, Dak Nong smelter, has started production.
- The smelter is located in the Nhan Co Industrial Park in Dak Nong province.
- Initial capacity is 150,000 tonnes per year, with plans for expansion to 450,000 tonnes per year.
- The project supports Vietnam's goal of an integrated aluminium value chain.
- The smelter could reduce Vietnam's need for imported primary aluminium.
Vietnam's first primary aluminium smelter, the Dak Nong smelter, has commenced production, with its initial batch of metal produced in early July. Located in the Nhan Co Industrial Park in Dak Nong province, the facility's first phase has a nameplate capacity of 150,000 tonnes per year. Subsequent phases are planned to increase this capacity to 300,000 tonnes per year by early 2027, and ultimately to the full design capacity of 450,000 tonnes per year by late 2027 or 2028.
This development is a significant step in Vietnam's strategy to build an integrated aluminium value chain, leveraging the country's abundant bauxite reserves. Vietnam is already a notable alumina producer in Southeast Asia, having exported 1.37 million tonnes of alumina in 2025. The commissioning of the Dak Nong smelter is expected to boost domestic alumina consumption and potentially reduce the nation's reliance on imported primary aluminium.
Market participants are closely watching for the smelter to begin offering commercial volumes to the spot market, though it remains unclear when this will occur as the facility continues its ramp-up phase. The Dak Nong smelter is owned by Tran Hong Quan Metallurgical.