by Lisa Reisman on June 25, 2010
Style:
Category: Commodities, Global Trade, Green, Minor Metals, Non-ferrous Metals, Sourcing Strategies
Keywords: Conflict Minerals, Gold, Green, Non-ferrous Metals, Tantalum, Tin, Tungsten
Apple’s sleekly designed and well-made products have become more than a brand — these days, they’ve become a lifestyle. Politically, Apple leans toward the progressive, making public statements against Proposition 8 and promoting environmental stewardship. For the first time ever, Apple products are outselling those of Microsoft, and sparsely decorated Apple stores are constantly packed [...]
Researchers at Yissum, Research Development Company Ltd., the technology transfer arm of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, have proved that it is possible to make solid organic electric batteries based upon treated potatoes. Who wants a potato battery you may say, well the answer is there are many parts of the world lacking an electrical [...]
On balance Cuba isn’t having a great time. True nickel prices are doing okay and production at the country’s principal mines is doing well. The largest, Pedro Soto Alba plant, is a joint venture with Sherritt International of Canada and hit a monthly record in February producing 106 tons daily while a second plant state-run [...]
Crude Steel Production Up 29.1% From Last May Asia reports have China showing an increase of 20.9% compared to May 2009, Japan showing an increase of 50.2%, and South Korea showing an increase of 28%. The EU, US, and Brazil are also showing significant increases as well. The article goes on to say “However, while [...]
In the latest stark example of the export of American jobs, ThyssenKrupp of Germany and Vale of Brazil held the inauguration ceremony for a five million ton steel slab mill in a suburb of Rio de Janeiro. The mill is 73.13% owned by ThyssenKrupp and 26.87% owned by Vale, who will also supply the iron [...]
On the face of it, Reliance Industries of India’s purchase of a stake in Pioneer Natural Resources for US$1.35 bn looks like a simple diversification by India’s largest listed company into a solid long term investment. The report in FinancierWorldWide.com states that Reliance will take a 45% stake in the Eagle Ford shale gas field [...]
Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the 3rd Annual Harbor Aluminum Conference right here in Chicago. The conference runs for another half day but so far the content has been superb. We will write a series of posts on the aluminum market covering the following: a price outlook and forecast, the role of urbanization [...]
As a sign of the deteriorating position for steel sales in the US market, Severstal is closing some of its primary steel making facilities including Sparrows Point starting July 1. US BOF steel makers are caught between firm raw material costs in the form of iron ore and coking coal, and a weakening semi’s market [...]
