Feb. 21 (Bloomberg) -- Alumina production for aluminum smelting rose 5.1 percent last year after Rio Tinto Group opened the world's first new plant in 14 years, according to the International Aluminium Institute.

Metallurgical alumina output totaled 56.8 million metric tons, up from 54.1 million tons in 2003, according to data published today on the London-based institute's Web site.

Two tons of alumina are need to smelt one ton of aluminum, a lightweight metal used to make cars parts and beverage cans. London-based Rio, the world's third-largest mining company, in November began producing alumina at its Comalco refinery in Queensland, Australia.

Production of chemical-grade alumina, used to make abrasives, rose 8.7 percent to 5.05 million tons.

To contact the reporter on this story: Simon Casey in London at scasey4@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: February 21, 2005 06:46 EST