For the longest time, the world relied solely on China for its supply of rare earths. Now, it seems that most countries have woken up to the “rare earths reality.” That is, we are starting to understand how important these elements are for vital sectors like defense as well as for products we use every […]
Tag: China
US Charges Towards Green Energy
The US seems well on its path to green energy. President Joe Biden recently signing into law the biggest clean energy investment in US history. The package includes $370 billion in subsidies for solar and wind energy development, electric vehicles, etc. Taking a cue, the United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) and Shell US Gas […]
China’s Steel Supply Encounters Significant Hurdles.
Everyone thought a COVID-19 ravaged steel supply market in China took a turn towards recovery. However, many other hurdles now stand in the way, both long & short term. Power cuts and muted demand driven by the construction crisis in China stand in the path of growth. Even worse, the cascading effect has affected the […]
The Microchip Craze – Supply Shortages, Sources, Materials and Imports
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Russia, Ukraine, and the “New Normal” of Global Steel Supply
Steel prices have waxed and waned more than usual this past year. MetalMiner has reported extensively on all of the various factors contributing to this unpredictability. Of course, you can’t ignore China’s rolling COVID lockdowns or the year-long supply chain hangups. However, we feel one of the biggest X factors for the global steel supply […]
China Creates New Centralized Company to Tackle Global Iron Ore Market
It’s no secret that China believes in the concentration of power. However, that philosophy extends far beyond governance. It also dramatically affects the way the country does business. For instance, earlier this week, we saw the inauguration of the state-owned and centrally administered China Mineral Resources Group. Many mining companies perceive the move as China […]
Coal Imports: The World is Re-Embracing Coal (For Now)
Despite the best efforts to the contrary, short-term global reliance on coal has only increased. The main reason is, of course, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Indeed, energy is getting harder and harder to come by, and most countries are falling back on reliable – if dirty – sources. How will this affect coal imports and […]