Lithium-ion is having a bad day – or year. In fact, depending on the source, “years” might be more appropriate. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) has powered batteries for portable consumable electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and other products for over two decades. But now, with Tesla cars and millions of other products using the technology, the potential hazards […]
Category: Commodities
High Energy Costs: Can Hydro Power Help Alleviate Lower Smelter Output?
Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Trond Gjellesvik and Charlie Straface of Hydro. Hydro is a Norwegian company specializing in green energy and low-carbon aluminum products. It is based out of Oslo, but harbors multiple business locations around the globe. I was curious to learn how the company’s efforts correlated with the current price […]
Sibanye-Stillwater Bids for Aussie Zinc Mining Firm, Zinc Prices Weaken
Johannesburg-listed metals and mining multinational Sibanye-Stillwater recently launched a bid to acquire all shares in Australian zinc miner New Century Resources. Sibanye-Stillwater currently holds a 19.9% stake in NCR. Meanwhile, zinc price movements continue to ebb and flow between the A$4400 ($3,000) and A$5200 ($3,500) range per ton. “The proposed takeover is in line with […]
Turkey’s MMK Metalurji Resumes Steel Production After Earthquake
Turkey’s MMK Metalurji is resuming steel production following several major earthquakes that rocked the country’s southern and central regions. The first two earthquakes occurred on February 6th, while another smaller quake occurred on February 20th. That same day, Russian parent company Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel (MMK) declared that specialists inspected the production site and units […]
Chinese Steel Production Firm Baowu Pursues Rio Tinto’s Iron Ore
New developments continue to signal coming improvements in Chinese steel production. Among these is a forecast of prospects for the country’s vehicle sector and shipyards. This would ultimately thaw out the Sino-Australian relationship. One of the world’s biggest steelmakers, China’s Baowu Steel Group Corp., is keen to seek closer ties with Aussie iron ore miner […]
How ERP Systems Impact the Steel Industry: A Discussion by EOXS
MetalMiner’s own CEO Lisa Reisman caught up with Ravi of EOXS to discuss how ERP systems aid the steel industry, including both steel service centers and distributors. Currently, MetalMiner is looking to add ERP solutions to its metal price forecasting platform, MetalMiner Insights. EOXS, who specializes specifically in integrating ERP solutions into steel service centers, […]
Capitiano Tailored Automation and Pomini Upgrade Ovako’s Steel Bar Mill
Steel news sources report that Italy’s Capitiano Tailored Automation (AIC) has partnered with Pomini Long Rolling Mills. Together, the companies signed an agreement with Swedish specialty steels group Ovako to modernize the company’s Hällefors bar mill. In a February 9 statement, AIC explained the details of the contract. First and foremost, it stipulates that AIC […]
Construction MMI: Bar Fuel Surcharges Drop, Steel Prices Edge Up
The Construction MMI (Monthly MetalMiner Index) traded sideways, rising by just 1.97%. The index was pulled in multiple directions month-over-month, resulting in a lack of major movements. For instance, bar fuel surcharges dropped, while steel rebar, h-beam steel, and sheet aluminum all went up. This recent rise in steel prices has left the index facing […]
Several Turkish Steel Mills Suspending Operations After Earthquake
Several steel mills in central and southern Turkey have suspended operations, declaring force majeure. The decision comes after two earthquakes struck those areas and Syria on February 6. Flats and longs producer Isdemir, in Iskenderun, Hatay Province, said in a February 13 announcement that it is currently performing assessments. “Production has been suspended until the […]
Stainless MMI: Nickel Prices Return Sideways
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose 5.82% from January to February as the nickel price index lost upward momentum. Nickel prices returned sideways in the short term after finding a peak in January. Since the price has not bounced high enough to confirm an uptrend, downside risk may increase. Meanwhile, volume levels appear at […]