In metal news today, Molycorp, Inc. is sitting a little bit prettier in its chapter 11 reorganization and South Africa’s Lonmin PLC is warning that layoffs could come from mine closures soon.

Molycorp Secures Financing

Molycorp, Inc., the only US-based producer of rare earth minerals, recently moved forward with its chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization process and received court approval for an improved debtor-in-possession financing package provided by Oaktree Capital Management LP.

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The approved DIP facility of new net financing of $130 million. Molycorp said the new funding will include additional liquidity, reduced costs, and additional time to develop a plan of reorganization that would be in the best interest of all parties.

Lonmin Warns of Layoffs

South African platinum producer Lonmin said on Friday it was planning to close or mothball several mine shafts, putting 6,000 South African jobs at risk, because of depressed metal prices. Platinum’s spot price is at 6-1/2 year lows less than $1,000 an ounce, while power and labour costs in South Africa have risen sharply.
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