Microchips, along with their parts and components have become a huge part of modern life. They’re used in computers, machinery, phones and many other electronics and appliances we use on a daily basis. Of course, various metal parts and components are integral to the manufacturing of these microchips. How has the microchip industry been impacted […]
Category: Sourcing Strategies
Base Metal Prices Contradict the Changing Supply Scenario
Given the state of the world, one would expect base metal prices to show every sign of a resurgence. Certainly, analysts have been bullish about a supply squeeze for months because sky-high natural gas prices forced record electricity costs across Europe. Just this week, the FT reported that Aluminum and Zinc smelters continue to close […]
Aluminum MMI: Aluminum Prices Consolidate 39% Beneath March Peak
After seeing a short-term bullish rebound in July, aluminum prices began to modestly decline again in early August. All in all, the rebound was insufficient to suggest a bullish reversal. As such, global aluminum prices remain within a macro downtrend despite recent directional uncertainty. The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) dropped by 2.4% month over […]
UK Hopes to Get Ahead of Rare Earths Supply Problem
By: Sohrab Darabshaw Rare earths have seen a surge in demand all around the world. After all, these minerals are key components of everything from solar panels to electric car batteries to defense equipment. And with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupting much of the supply chain, the need for rare earths has become even more […]
Rare Earths MMI: Rare Earth Prices Slide Further as World Looks for New Supplies
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly MetalMiner Index for rare earth metals) extended its decline in July, dropping another 2.8%. This is a significant move for rare earths prices, and reinforces the subtle downtrend that began back in April. Now more than ever, countries are frantically searching for ways to separate their rare earths supply from […]
Tesla Shows Why Procurement Needs To Keep An Eye On Cash Flow
Recently, the MetalMiner team shared a laugh over BMW’s announcement that it would introduce a “subscription service” in certain markets for the use of their cars’ heated seats. While some of us remain avid BMW aficionados, whether or not customers will pay for the right to warm their seat remains unclear. This brings us cash […]
Buying Strategies in Falling Aluminum and Steel Price Markets
Recent key shifts in macroeconomic indicators could significantly impact both aluminum and steel prices. Historically, the best way for companies to protect themselves during times of uncertainty is to change buying strategies. Most commodities have traded in a bull market for the past one and a half years. This has allowed companies of all sizes […]
Rising Lithium prices fuel EV anxiety
MetalMiner welcomes Henk Van Alphen, CEO of Wealth Minerals, (WML – TSX.V) a company focused on the acquisition and development of lithium projects in South America. He can be reached at: henk@wealthminerals.com. As the price of lithium has skyrocketed over 400% in the past year, the demand for lithium-ion batteries appears more intense than ever. […]
China’s land and expand plan to source critical metals and materials globally
In 1953, China spelled out its 1st “Five-Year Plan”. The strategy involved maximizing the nation’s control over exploration, production, and exports of natural resources. Based upon all available indicators, the country seems to have succeeded in “extending” that plan around the globe. News out of China earlier this week confirmed this fact. Ecuadorean President Guillermo […]
Automotive MMI: Index drops 2% while Stellantis takes a page from the GM supplier handbook
The Automotive Monthly Metals Index (MMI) dropped by 2.5% for this month’s reading, following last month’s 3.4% decline. However, from a historical perspective, the Automotive MMI sits just off its all-time high. For nearly all of 2021, the entire automotive industry has felt pain. That pain has come in the form of high prices, lack […]