On April 8th, the European Union announced plans to ban imports of Russian coal. This, of course, comes in the wake of that country’s February invasion of Ukraine. The decision is part of the fifth round of sanctions against the Kremlin. And with the Russian economy already poised for a massive contraction, prices – including […]
Category: Uncategorized
Let’s Not Forget China
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sent shock waves throughout global metals markets. However, it’s important to remember that the most consistent longer-term driver of metal prices is Chinese demand. That’s why it’s surprising to see how little attention has been paid to the world’s largest consumer and producer of metals in recent months. It’s understandable […]
Russia sends in the troops, impacting metals markets
So, after weeks of will he, won’t he, Russian President Vladimir Putin finally ordered troops into two regions of eastern Ukraine. After recognizing Luhansk and Donetsk as independent states earlier this week, Putin made an emotional and rambling televised address to the Russian people. Where this will lead no one knows. But it seems unlikely […]
Metal inventory levels dwindle and that could hit metal prices
While inventory levels serve as an interesting measure for fundamental analysis, that measure remains irrelevant for the short term. But when inventory levels change dramatically and over a longer time frame, they can have both an impact on price and also reflect more profound changes within the market. Ultimately, if not immediately, those factors could […]
Ban on Australian coal imports has minimal impact on China steel prices
China and Australia appear to have finally moved away from each other. The relationship turned frosty after China imposed an “unofficial ban” on Australian coal imports back in November, 2019. At the time, many speculated that China would suffer more. But steel prices have held steadier as well. The dispute started between sometime in 2019 […]
The impact of Greensill Capital collapse on GFG Alliance and the UK steel making industry
Following the collapse of Greensill Capital in March 2021 many expected Sanjeev Gupta’s GFG Alliance metals empire to follow close behind. MetalMiner wasn’t alone in repeatedly questioning the murky financial structure of the sprawling group. Some media outlets suggested it reflected fraud bordering on a ponzi scheme. To most parties’ surprise, GFG has limped on […]
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. […]
Lithium prices outstrip even the base metals bull run
Base metal prices have seen significant increases over recent weeks. However, one metal has outperformed them all this month, lithium. The lithium spot market for battery grade salts, specifically carbonates and hydroxides, surged nearly 15% in just the last week, according to Fastmarkets. Fastmarkets’ price for lithium carbonate, 99.5% Li2CO3 min, battery grade, spot price […]
Bases metals prices with short term volatility followed by medium term falls
Many metals consumers normally buy if not spot then on a three-to-six-month time horizon. Still others book up to a year out. Those that fix for longer periods often publish annual sales price lists. These companies need to fix input costs to protect margins. However, that too comes at a cost. Of course there is […]
Raw Steels MMI: Prices slide while capacity grows
The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell by 4.6% month over month. U.S. steel prices continue to fall, led by HRC. Plate prices moved sideways. Nonetheless, they remain beneath their peak. U.S., Japan reach Section 232 tariff agreement The U.S. and Japan reached an agreement regarding steel imports from Section 232 tariffs. Announced Feb. […]
