Whether we agree with the rationale or not, the carbon footprint of everyday materials like steel and aluminum is becoming an increasingly important component of consumers’ purchasing decisions. In the US, some states — like California — have mandated purchasing departments for state projects to report the carbon footprint or CO2 content of the products […]
Category: Product Developments
Week in Review: Semiconductor shortage; MetalMiner webinar; rising Midwest Premium
Before we head into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the week that was and the metals storylines here on MetalMiner, including coverage of the semiconductor shortage, the Midwest Premium and more. A fire at a Japanese chip-making plant last week has slammed automotive operations. General Motors, Ford and many other automakers have […]
This Morning in Metals: U.S. Steel unveils new sustainable steel product line
This morning in metals news: U.S. Steel announced it will offer a new sustainable steel product line called verdeX™; meanwhile, Intel will invest $20 billion toward two new factories to serve the “incredible global demand for semiconductor manufacturing”; and, lastly, Century Aluminum announced a power contract in South Carolina for its Mt. Holly aluminum smelter. […]
Europe’s automakers rush to go electric
Most carmakers had a pretty torrid first half of 2020, with factories disrupted, show rooms closed and consumers bunkered down in their homes. Sales plummeted across Europe and North America. However, the second half of last year and, particularly, the first quarter of this year have seen carmakers’ prospects come roaring back. The move to […]
Germany’s thyssenkrupp wins contract to build 88 MW water electrolysis plant in Quebec
German steelmaker thyssenkrupp has won a contract to build an 88 megawatt (MW) water electrolysis plant for Canadian energy company Hydro-Québec, the firm announced Monday. “This project is an excellent illustration of how important the interaction of secure access to competitive renewable energy and the use of scaled technology for hydrogen production is,” said Sami […]
LME steel contracts build momentum
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 […]
This Morning in Metals: U.S. steel capacity utilization rate rises to 75.4%
This morning in metals news: U.S. steel capacity utilization reached 75.4% for the week ending Jan. 9; General Motors announced the launch of BrightDrop; and Rusal America announced a new line of aluminum additive manufacturing powders. Volatility is the name of the game. Do you have a steel buying strategy that can handle the ups […]
Week in Review: Organic molecules and machinability; gold prices; allocation market for steel
Before we head into the penultimate weekend of 2020, let’s take a look back at the week that was and some of the metals storylines here on MetalMiner, including: research findings related to organic molecules’ impact on machinability; gold prices; and the arrival of an allocation market for steel-buying organizations, as explained by MetalMiner CEO […]
This Morning in Metals: Researchers release findings on organic molecules, machinability
This morning in metals news: Purdue University researchers have released findings about the impact of organic molecules on machinability; Glencore made an operational update; and the WTI crude oil price ticked up this week. Cut-to-length adders. Width and gauge adders. Coatings. Feel confident in knowing what you should be paying for metal with MetalMiner should-cost […]
Indian researchers develop new lithium-sulfur battery
A team of researchers in India have introduced an eco-friendly and energy-efficient battery that is being touted as “the future” of batteries — not only for the automobile world but for drones and other tech gadgets, too. We’re offering timely emails with exclusive analyst commentary and some best practice advice – and you choose how […]
