Tata Steel Europe is eyeing a refractory reline of one of the two blast furnaces at its IJmuiden works (Tata Steel Netherlands) in 2022, a source close to the company told MetalMiner. He declined to say either which of IJmuiden’s two furnaces – BF 6 or BF 7 – would undergo a refractory reline or […]
Year: 2021
What does the IPCC report mean for metals markets, industries?
The media has been buzzing with various interpretations of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on rising greenhouse gas emissions and the likely scenarios before us for the next decade (and through to the end of the century). Interpretations vary between “the end of the world is nigh” and “this is getting […]
This Morning in Metals: Steel capacity utilization dips to 84.8%
This morning in metals news: the U.S. steel capacity utilization rate dipped to 84.8% for the week ending Aug. 7; BHP and the labor union representing workers at the Escondida mine reportedly extended contract talks by a day; and, lastly, nonfarm labor productivity rose by 2.3% in Q2 2021. Cut-to-length adders. Width and gauge adders. […]
Salzgitter-Flachstahl and Anglo American to cooperate on decarbonizing steel operations
German flats producer Salzgitter-Flachstahl, part of the Salzgitter group, and Anglo American have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate on decarbonizing steel production, the London-headquartered company announced. The work will include methods to reduce carbon emissions by researching iron ore pellets and lump ores that would be suitable for use in direct reduction […]
China witnesses a decline in steel prices as emissions targets are eased
Despite all the media coverage and public proclamations, did we really believe China was going to force its massive steel industry to shutter capacity and retrench if it meant an impact on GDP growth? For a while it seemed as if they were going to follow through on their declarations. Certainly prices rallied strongly on […]
Metal News for the Day: On Monday, there is an almost 3% decrease in oil prices
This morning in metals news: Oil price fall nearly 3% on Monday. Chinese steel exports rise in July. Copper and cobalt production to double at Tenke Fungurume mine in the DCR with a $2.5 billion investment from a Chinese firm. Cut-to-length adders. Width and gauge adders. Coatings. Feel confident in knowing what you should be […]
Copper MMI: Fears over tight copper market
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) increased by 3.5% for July’s reading, as the LME copper price increased by approximately the same. LME trading volumes, along with prices, traded sideways for the first three weeks of the month and picked up pace toward the end of the month, signaling an uptrend. Prices reached $9,856/mt before […]
Week in Review: Natural gas prices soar; China steel reduction; Aluminum prices
Before we head into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the news that was and some of the metals storylines here on MetalMiner: Soaring natural gas prices and inflation; China’s aims to further reduce steel output; Aluminum prices near a decade high, according to our Monthly Metals Index coverage. Look for the Copper […]
This Morning in Metals: Global semiconductor shortage may continue into 2023
This morning in metals news: The global semiconductor shortage may continue into the next year or more. In other news, after failing to reach an agreement Thursday on the $1 trillion infrastructure bill, the U.S. Senate aims to finalize it Saturday. Also in the news, South Korea plans to raise its stockpiles of 35 “critical […]
Aluminum MMI: Prices almost reach decade high
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) increased by 7.0%. Prices remain historically high, with Chinese prices increasing the most this month. Throughout July, LME aluminum traded mostly sideways until the last few days of the month when the price spiked. LME prices reached $2,619/mt on Aug. 1. Prices are close to the decade high of […]