Plizio Visual Lab

Bauxilum Alumina Plant

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

CVG Bauxilum is the company responsible for bauxite mining and its conversion into alumina in Venezuela. It consists of two main operational units: the bauxite mine in Los Pijiguaos and the alumina plant in Ciudad Guayana. Bauxilum was created in 1994 through the merger of Bauxiven and Interalumina to integrate the entire production process. The alumina plant utilizes the Bayer process to chemically refine the ore into aluminum oxide. The facility is strategically vital as it supplies the necessary raw material to the downstream aluminum smelters, Venalum and Alcasa. Geographically, the link between the mine and the plant is maintained via the Orinoco River, where the ore is transported by barge over hundreds of kilometers. Historically, the integration of Bauxilum was a significant step toward industrial self-sufficiency in the metallurgical sector. Despite logistical challenges, Bauxilum remains the indispensable foundation of Venezuela's entire aluminum value chain.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	28	29	30	29	28	27	27	28	28	28	27
Rain mm	42	21	21	37	87	160	154	141	90	94	92	74

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Bauxilum alumina plant in Venezuela is the crucial link in the aluminum production chain, where bauxite is converted into alumina. It supplies the intermediate product to the domestic aluminum industry.

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Visiting

The plant is a large industrial complex and usually not open to the public. From surrounding streets, production facilities, tanks, and conveyor belts can be seen.

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Where to view it

A viewpoint can be found on a hill near the plant, from where the entire facility with its silvery tanks can be overlooked. The coastal road also has views of the industrial complex.

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Local products

The plant produces alumina (aluminum oxide), which is the raw material for aluminum production. In the region, local shops also offer bauxite samples and aluminum-bearing minerals.

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Active season

Production runs continuously as the plant has strategic importance for the national aluminum chain. Bottlenecks may occur due to supply issues with bauxite or energy.

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Nearby

A visit to the region around the plant can be combined with the port city of Puerto Ordaz and the nearby Caroní River. The impressive Salto Angel waterfall is also accessible as a day trip from here.