Steel is the world’s second-largest commodity after crude oil. It is 15 times the size of all other metals markets combined in terms of metric tons. Furthermore, it is worth twice their value. Yet, until recently, it was an industry that saw little use for a futures market. That is primarily because major steel participants […]
Year: 2021
Week in Review: January 2021 MMI is out; what’s in store for iron ore?; Oyu Tolgoi expansion faces pushback
Before we head into the weekend, let’s take a quick look back at the week that was and the metals storylines here on MetalMiner, including the release of the January 2021 MMI, a look at what might happen to the iron ore price and much more. Inauguration Day draws near for President-elect Joe Biden, leaving […]
This Morning in Metals: U.S. import prices up 0.9% in December
This morning in metals news: U.S. import prices rose in December; the Aluminum Association commented on potential changes to the Section 232 aluminum tariff program; and November steel shipments dropped by 11.9%. U.S. import prices gain by 0.9% in December U.S. import prices jumped by 0.9% in December, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Furthermore, […]
India reports finding of 1,600-ton lithium deposit
An Indian agency has reported evidence that shows the presence of a lithium deposit of about 1,600 tons in the southern province of Karnataka. It may be a small find. Still, it is important, especially with the world moving away from fossil-fueled vehicles to electric vehicles. Lithium deposit in India Initial surveys by the Atomic […]
Stainless MMI: Demand, prices to increase in 2021; ATI exits standard stainless sheet product market
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) increased by 6.0% this month, as ATI issued a major announcement and China ups its stainless imports from Indonesia. ATI exits stainless steel commodity market products Allegheny Technologies Incorporated (ATI) announced Dec. 2 that the company would exit the standard stainless sheet product market. The move reduces availability of […]
This Morning in Metals: Rio Tinto, Meridian Energy reach deal on Tiwai Point aluminum smelter
This morning in metals news: Rio Tinto and Meridian Energy have reached a deal that will allow New Zealand’s Aluminum Smelter to continue operating the Tiwai Point aluminum smelter; BHP unveiled plans to build a new wind fence; and the Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts U.S. oil and natural gas production will fall this year. […]
Raw Steels MMI: Index increases by double digits as steel prices gain to close 2020
The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) increased by 16.5% this month, as steel prices showed strength in December. U.S. steel events The American Iron and Steel Institute, the Steel Manufacturers Association, the United Steelworkers union, the Committee on Pipe and Tube Imports and the American Institute of Steel Construction sent a letter to Joe […]
Copper MMI: Prices pick up after a slow December
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) increased 3.3% this month, as copper producers have faced challenges that are impacting supply. After a slow December, copper prices continued to increase the first week of January. Prices surpassed the $8,000/mt mark. However, copper prices remain volatile. As the pandemic continues to develop, the U.S. dollar remains around […]
This Morning in Metals: Industry groups urge Biden to keep steel tariffs
This morning in metals news: several industry groups urged President-elect Joe Biden to continue existing steel tariffs and quotas; Germany’s OGE and Thyssenkrupp and Norwegian energy company Equinor are collaborating to mitigate emissions; and Norsk Hydro and Nuvosil are working on aluminum and silicon recycling technology. Industry groups urge Biden to keep steel tariffs President […]
Renewables/GOES MMI: First Cobalt inks refinery feedstock deals with Glencore, IXM SA
The Renewables Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose 2.7% this month, as Toronto-based First Cobalt signed multiple refinery feedstock agreements. (Editor’s note: This report also includes coverage of grain-oriented electrical steel, or GOES.) First Cobalt signs refinery feedstock agreements Toronto-based First Cobalt announced Tuesday it has achieved a “key milestone” with new refinery feedstock agreements reached […]