
A state-owned enterprise launched in 2001 through consolidation of 12 Chinese aluminum enterprises and institutions. Chinalco has since grown to become the largest alumina and primary aluminum producer in China; at the end of 2007, it was the world's second largest producer of alumina and third largest producer of aluminum. As of June 2008, Chinalco had registered capital of US$ 55.3 billion. The company seeks to become a diversified metals business. Not only does it mine minerals such as copper and process materials including aluminum, but Chinalco also provides engineering and technical services to the mining industry.