The Global Precious Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell 2.1% for this month’s value, as global silver demand will likely see a surge this year. Silver lining Gold gets most of the shine in the precious metals sector, but silver is also worth monitoring. Recently, retail traders, seemingly influenced by the Reddit-inspired run on GameStop, took […]
Fouad Egbaria
This Morning in Metals: December steel shipments jump 4.4%
This morning in metals news: December steel shipments rose by 4.4%; meanwhile, miner BHP announced plans to work with Japanese steelmaker JFE to study how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the steelmaking process; and, lastly, the copper price has bounced back after a January lull. Steel shipments rise in December US steel shipments rose […]
Rare Earths MMI: China mulling stricter rare earths regulations
The Rare Earths Monthly Metals Index (MMI) surged by 20.5% this month, as last month China indicated it is mulling stricter rare earths regulations. China to consider stricter rare earths regulations As nations and businesses around the world make pledges to commit to net-zero emissions targets, demand for rare earths will only increase. Rare earths, […]
This Morning in Metals: US steel sector capacity utilization rate dips to 75.2%
This morning in metals news: the US steel sector’s steel capacity utilization rate dipped to 75.2% last week; meanwhile, Tata Steel reported its highest ever consolidated quarterly EBITDA; and, lastly, the Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI) launched a new campaign advocating for infrastructure investment. Steel capacity utilization down to 75.2% The US steel sector’s capacity […]
This Morning in Metals: EIA forecasts renewables share of US electricity generation to double by 2050
This morning in metals news: the Energy Information Administration forecast the renewables share of US electricity generation will double by 2050; meanwhile, the US unemployment rate fell to 6.3% in January; and, lastly, the tin price has bucked the recent general trend for base metals prices. EIA: renewables share of electricity generation to double by […]
Biden executive orders target climate change, federal procurement of domestic goods
In just over two weeks, President Joe Biden has signed 28 executive orders aimed at a wide variety of issues. The orders range from Medicaid to the country’s pandemic response to augmenting public health supply chains. Relevant to metals, Biden signed two orders aimed at increasing domestic content in federal procurement and the climate crisis. […]
Week in Review: Copper retraces; USCIT rules on Section 232 steel tariff; Vale reaches $7B settlement
Before we head into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the week that was and the metals storylines here on MetalMiner, from steadier metals prices to the United States Court of International Trade’s recent ruling related to a Section 232 steel tariff challenge. Furthermore, Brazilian miner Vale reached a massive settlement two years […]
This Morning in Metals: Miner Vale reaches $7B settlement over Brumadinho disaster
This morning in metals news: Brazilian miner Vale reached a $7 billion settlement with the state of Minas Gerais two years after a fatal dam collapse; the US goods and services deficit decreased in December; and Ford Motor Co. announced an increase in its planned investment in electric and autonomous vehicles. Vale reaches $7B settlement Approximately […]
Construction MMI: Biden infrastructure plans likely to offer support to metals prices
The Construction Monthly Metals Index (MMI) picked up by 4.4% this month, as December construction spending rose and the Biden infrastructure plan could serve as a major support beam for metals prices. Biden’s infrastructure plans Despite the typically bipartisan support — at least in word — infrastructure spending typically garners, a major infrastructure bill never […]
This Morning in Metals: US trade court dismisses challenge to Section 232 steel tariff
This morning in metals news: the United States Court of International Trade issued a ruling on the Section 232 steel tariff; meanwhile, the Biden administration has reversed a Trump administration decision regarding tariffs on aluminum from the United Arab Emirates; and, lastly, new orders for manufacturing goods rose for an eighth consecutive month in December. […]