Month-over-month, the Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) broke its short-term sideways trend and once again spiked down. Overall, the index witnessed a 10.03% decrease as reduced short-term demand continues to cause more and more supply to build up. This leaves rare earth prices struggling to find support. However, the prospect of China offering a […]
Category: Non-ferrous Metals
Another Semiconductor Shortage? What to Expect from China’s Restriction on Gallium and Germanium Exports
China’s announced restriction on the export of gallium and germanium goes into effect in August. Both of these elements are vital to the microchip industry. Many worry that the move will lead to another major semiconductor shortage. As per the new rule, export of these strategic metals now requires Beijing’s permission. Exporters violating the rule […]
Renewables/ GOES MMI: Cobalt Rallies, Renewable Energy Storage Facilities Expanding
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) saw little movement month-over-month. The index held sideways and only dropped a mere 0.12%, just narrowly missing trading flat. Moreover, the main factor which pushed the index sideways instead of down (according to renewable energy news) was cobalt rallying. It’s the first significant price rise cobalt has seen since […]
Power Cuts, Low Rainfall Impact Chinese Aluminum Supply, Drive Import Surge
China has significantly increased its reliance on aluminum imports this year due to lower domestic aluminum supply. According to reports, the move is part of a strategic measure to partially offset the below-average output in domestic production. Indeed, new customs data reveals that China saw a notable 10.7% increase in aluminum imports during the first […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Precious Metal Prices Moving Up, but for How Long?
Precious metal prices (especially silver) began a brief rally on July 12 before retreating again. Whether or not the bulls are here to stay is a question up for debate. Many remain optimistic that gold prices will continue upward until the end of 2023. However, gold and other precious metals markets still face some bearish […]
Demand for Copper Tempered by Innovations in the EV Market
Two firms, Goldman Sachs & Consultancy CRU Group, recently revised their forecasts for copper usage in electric vehicles (EVs). Indeed CRU Group now predicts that the average EV will use between 51-56 kilograms of copper from this year to 2030. This is a significant decrease from their previous estimate of 65-66 kilograms. Similarly, Goldman Sachs predicts […]
Automotive MMI: Automobile Sales Rise, but Falling Steel Demand Impacts Market
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) continued its decline in June, this time falling by 3.28%. The aluminum and copper components of the index traded sideways. However, all other parts of the index dropped. Lead prices managed to trend more sideways in June than in May, but weak demand continues to impact lead and steel […]
Boliden’s Tara Zinc Mine on Hold Due to Dwindling Profits, Escalating Expenses
Plummeting zinc metal prices and rising energy costs recently prompted Boliden to place its Tara zinc mine on care and maintenance until further notice. “The business is currently cash flow negative due to a combination of factors,” the Swedish metals producer said. Officials went on to specify that these operational challenges included “a decline in […]
Rare Earths MMI: Rare Earth Race Continues Between U.S. and China
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) saw little change month-on-month. Overall, the index continued its sideways trend, dropping a slight 2.5%. Rare earth carbonate saw the largest price shift between June 1 and July 1, dipping 10.59%. Still, as a whole, the index continues to trend in stark difference to the sharp price drops […]
Are Copper Futures REALLY as Bullish as Some Say?
We’ve all heard the story. “The green energy movement will keep copper up!.” But, realistically, how bullish is the long-term outlook for copper? Here at MetalMiner, we’ve pondered this question quite a bit. Ultimately, we’ve come to the conclusion that the copper futures indeed possess a lot of long-term potential. However, is it possible that […]
