China tightens grip on Brazil minerals as Chalco, Rio Tinto buy control of CBA for US$886m

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 75% complete by Igor PatrickFebruary 2, 2026 at 08:04 PM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

China's Chalco and Rio Tinto will jointly acquire a controlling 68.6% stake in Brazil's Companhia Brasileira de Aluminio (CBA) from Grupo Votorantim for US$886 million. The deal, executed through a Brazilian joint venture where Chalco holds 67% and Rio Tinto 33%, marks a significant foreign acquisition in Brazil's metals sector. CBA is Brazil's only fully integrated aluminum producer with operations across the aluminum value chain. The acquisition provides Chalco with a South American platform and access to renewable power. Rio Tinto aims to expand its low-carbon aluminum footprint and grow its bauxite and alumina supply chain in the Atlantic region.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

South America 40% Jerome Pecresse 50% Grupo Votorantim ×260% China ×380% Brazil ×485% Chalco ×490% Rio Tinto ×490% Companhia Brasileira de Aluminio (CBA) ×595%

Sentiment Analysis

Neutral

Score: 0.10

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Brazil

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).