Vietnam's first primary aluminium smelter, the Dak Nong smelter located in the Nhan Co Industrial Park in Dak Nong province, produced its first batch of metal in early July, market sources familiar with the matter told Argus.
The facility has a first-phase nameplate capacity of 150,000 t/yr. A second phase is expected to increase capacity to 300,000 t/yr in early 2027, before the smelter reaches its full design capacity of 450,000 t/yr in late 2027 or 2028.
Vietnam is a key alumina producer in southeast Asia, supported by its abundant bauxite reserves. The country exported 1.37mn t of alumina in 2025, according to Vietnam customs data and Global Trade Tracker.
The project marks a significant step in Vietnam's efforts to develop an integrated aluminium value chain spanning bauxite mining, alumina refining, and primary aluminium smelting. The commissioning of the Dak Nong facility could increase domestic consumption of alumina and reduce the country's reliance on imported primary aluminium.
Market participants are waiting for the smelter to begin offering metal to the spot market, traders said. It remains unclear when commercial volumes will become available as the facility continues its ramp-up phase.
The Dak Nong smelter is owned by Tran Hong Quan Metallurgical.
