Houston, 6 June (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap processor buying prices fell to their lowest levels Tuesday since November 2016 amid weaker raw material prices and soft consumer demand for July. Argus assessed buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solids at 48-50¢/lb, down from
Houston, 6 June (Argus) — US import licenses for steel products increased by 25pc in May from a year earlier. Import licenses increased to 3.26mn metric tonnes (t) from 2.61mn t a year earlier, according to US Commerce Department licensing data collected through 2 June. May import licen
Sao Paulo, 6 June (Argus) — Brazilian automobile production rose by more than a third in May from a year earlier offering further signs that the country is emerging from its severest recession. May output totalled 237,060 vehicles, a 33.8pc year-on-year increase. Production rose by 25.1
Houston, 6 June (Argus) — Crude futures rose today as the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) cut its forecast for Opec output while Russian production declines. Nymex July light, sweet crude futures rose by 79¢/bl to $48.19/bl, more than recouping the previous session's losses.
Houston, 6 June (Argus) — The Comex copper price weakened Tuesday for a third straight day as traders cut their positions ahead of expected volatility later in the week. The Comex most active month settled at $2.547/lb, down by 1.05¢/lb from $2.5575/lb Monday, as copper settled at its l
New York, 6 June (Argus) — US antimony prices fell in response to a decline on the Chinese market. The cobalt market was stable as adequate near-term suppliers offset steady spot demand. Silicon prices were unchanged as buyers continued to resisted higher offer prices. Antimony Prices
New York, 6 June (Argus) — US high-grade cobalt prices traded steady in the latest week as existing supplier inventories negated spot market demand. US high-grade cobalt (Co 99.8pc) prices were unchanged at $27.15-28.50/lb Tuesday. Traders and distributors were content to sell at curre
London, 6 June (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged Tuesday at $271/metric tonne (t) amid no confirmed deals, bids or offers in the market. Turkish scrap market participants expect prices to be flat over the next two weeks and sa
Houston, 6 June (Argus) — Brazilian exports of pig iron to the US rose by 88pc in May from a year earlier. Shipments of Brazilian basic pig iron to the US increased to 81,189metric tonnes (t) in May from 43,226t a year earlier, according to Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry and
Houston, 6 June (Argus) — ArcelorMittal USA and US Steel-Posco Industries (UPI) have become the latest domestic steel producers to attempt a price increase for flat-rolled steel sheet prices, both announcing $30/net ton (nt) ($33.07/metric tonne) hikes yesterday and today. Both increase
Houston, 6 June (Argus) — US exports of scrapped lead batteries and recovered lead from batteries fell in April from a year earlier, while other lead scrap exports rose. Shipments of scrapped whole lead batteries fell by 14.6pc to 1,375metric tonnes (t) in April while exports of recover
London, 6 June (Argus) — Russian scientists have successfully 3D printed hafnium carbide, the metallic compound with the highest melting point, using electron beam melting. The new process, tested on an experimental installation, offers the key to cost-effective manufacture of component
Johannesburg, 6 June (Argus) — South Africa slipped into a technical recession in the first quarter of 2017, despite the mining sector growing by 12.8pc on the fourth quarter of 2016. The country's gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 0.7pc in the quarter, following a 0.3pc contra
Johannesburg, 6 June (Argus) — Singapore-headquartered ferro-alloys producer OM Holdings has commissioned a fourth manganese alloy furnace at its Sarawak operation in Malaysia and will start another two in July. As of 30 May, 12 out of 16 furnaces are in operation at OM Materials Sarawa
Beijing, 6 June (Argus) — China's industry and IT ministry has published another list of recommended new energy vehicle (NEV) models, confirming their eligibility for government subsidies. The latest list is the fifth so far this year and includes 309 NEV models manufactured by 92 compa
Beijing, 6 June (Argus) — UK-Australian mining company Rio Tinto has signed an interim agreement to discuss potential collaboration on mineral exploration with Chinese state-owned mining company Minmetals. The agreement follows an earlier initial agreement signed in March, and sets out
Australia's South32 raises Mn ore China export prices Beijing, 6 June (Argus) — Australia-based mining company South32 has raised its manganese ore export prices for China for July shipment. South32 has increased its prices for Australian lumpy manganese ore 45.5pc, Fe 5pc to $6.5/metric
Johannesburg, 6 June (Argus) — Perth-based metals developer Cape Lambert Resources is to acquire a 70pc stake in the Kitwe Cobalt-Copper Tailings Project in Zambia after completing technical and due diligence. The project is near the Zambian Copperbelt city of Kitwe and 170km from the c
China's GTA cuts June tungsten guide price Beijing, 6 June (Argus) — China's Ganzhou Tungsten Association (GTA) has reduced its tungsten concentrate guide prices for June delivery because of rising supply. GTA cut its guide price for tungsten concentrate by 1,500 yuan/t to Yn82,000/t for
Johannesburg, 6 June (Argus) — Perth-based metals developer Rift Valley Resources is to assess the economic viability of its 70pc-owned Longonjo Magnet Metals Project in Angola and has appointed a consulting firm to undertake a scoping study. The rare earths project is located within th
Houston, 5 June (Argus) — The US International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to conduct a full, five-year review on antidumping duty orders on silicon metal from China. The decision to conduct a full review means the commission will engage in further investigative activities which
Houston, 5 June (Argus) — The US International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to conduct an expedited five-year review of antidumping duty orders on brass sheet and strip from France, Germany, Italy and Japan. USITC generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative act
Houston, 5 June (Argus) — Nucor and NLMK have announced steel sheet price increases of $30/net ton (nt) for all new orders, effective immediately. The price increases are for hot-rolled, cold-rolled and hot-dipped galvanized sheet products and follow a similar announcement by California
Houston, 5 June (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap prices inched higher Monday but expectations of weaker chromium prices is expected to place downward pressure on prices this week. Market participants expect nickel-bearing scrap prices to drop by 2-3¢/lb after the European chromium bench
Houston, 5 June (Argus) — Mexico on Monday set countervailing duties (CVD) of up to 76.33pc on galvanized sheet imports from China and Taiwan. Galvanized sheet imports from China's Baoshan received duties of 22.22pc. Beijing Shougang, Shougang Jingtang and Tangshan were handed duties of
Houston, 5 June (Argus) — US premiums for special high-grade zinc fell by 1¢/lb this past week as a drop in demand and lower steel prices pressured the market. Argus assessed the US zinc premium at 7.5-8.5¢/lb Monday, down from 8.5-9.5¢/lb a week earlier. A drop in London Metal Exch
Houston, 5 June (Argus) — US ferrous scrap imports from Canada, the country's largest foreign supplier, rose by 51pc in April from a year earlier. Import volumes rose to 254,504t from 168,192t a year earlier amid increased intake from a rising number of locations. Imports into Detroit
Houston, 5 June (Argus) — US weekly raw steel production dropped by 0.2pc from the prior week as Great Lakes output fell to its lowest weekly level since the week ended 19 November 2016. Total raw steel production for the week ended 3 June was 1.749mn net tons (nt) (1.59mn metric tonnes
Houston, 5 June (Argus) — The Comex copper price weakened Monday following crude prices lower amid resistance from a stronger dollar. The Comex most active month settled at $2.5575/lb, down by 1.7¢/lb from $2.5745/lb Friday, as crude dropped below $48/bl and the dollar strengthened in e
Houston, 5 June (Argus) — Crude futures fell today as it appears a diplomatic row between Qatar and Saudi Arabia and others in the region may not have immediate impact on the energy sector. Nymex July light, sweet crude futures fell by 26¢/bl to $47.40/bl. Ice August Brent eased by 48¢/
London, 5 June (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged Monday at $271/metric tonne (t) amid a stand-off between buyers and sellers. Turkish mills are trying to push scrap import prices below $270/t cfr by citing less favourable cond
Mexico City, 5 June (Argus) — Mexico's light vehicle sales increased 1.1pc in May to 122,916 units from 121,587 vehicles sold in the same month of 2016. Vehicle sales for the first five months of the year rose 4.8pc from the prior-year period to 615,641 units, the Mexican Association fo
Houston, 5 June (Argus) — US exports of aluminum scrap were up by 15pc in April compared with the prior year period. Exports rose to 121,409metric tonnes (t) from 105,703t, according to data from the US Commerce Department. Used aluminum beverage can (UBC) exports fell by 44pc to 2,549
Houston, 5 June (Argus) — US imports of aluminum scrap were up by 19pc in April compared with a year earlier. Imports rose to 60,255metric tonnes (t) in April from 50,476t, according to data from the US Commerce Department. Used aluminum beverage can (UBC) imports rose by 40pc to 19,54
London, 5 June (Argus) — Argus has corrected its fob US warehouse tellurium (PA0015831) prices between 18 April and 23 May. As part of this correction, Argus also corrected the units for the fob US warehouse tellurium price between 11 March 2016 and 23 May 2017 to US dollars/kilogram fr
Beijing, 5 June (Argus) — Reduced dolomite production in China's Shanxi province, caused by pollution checks, may affect magnesium metal supply and offset recent domestic price falls. Shanxi province is China's main dolomite producer and supplies the feedstock to magnesium producers in
London, 5 June (Argus) — Chinese domestic steel prices fell sharply over the weekend and today on a slowdown in demand from the construction sector as it moved into the less active summer season. The price of 150mm Q235 billet in Tangshan was 2,950 yuan/t ($433.60/t) today, down Yn130/t
Sao Paulo, 5 June (Argus) — Brazil's foundry production remained flat in April from a year earlier, underlining the industry still has more to do to fully shake off the effects of the country's worst recession. Foundry output was 174,867t in April, just 179t or 0.1pc less than in the sa
Moscow, 5 June (Argus) — Russian pipe producers TMK and Chelpipe have signed long-term contracts to supply steel pipes to Russian oil producer Rosneft. TMK will supply 3.5mn t of casing and tubing pipes over five and a half years at formula-based prices, with shipments starting in the
China's Mengtai to launch aluminium smelter Beijing, 5 June (Argus) — Chinese private-sector Mengtai Coal Power Group will launch a 500,000 t/yr aluminium smelter in November. Located in Erdos, Inner Mongolia, which contains abundant coal resources, the company can produce over 30mn t/y
London, 5 June (Argus) — London Metal Exchange's (LME) global primary aluminium stocks fell by 1.1pc to 1.48mn t in the week ending 2 June compared with a week earlier. European inventories fell the most by 2.2pc to 643,275t. The biggest drop in Europe was registered at Vlissingen in th
Johannesburg, 5 June (Argus) — Perth-based lithium developer Prospect Resources has received Zimbabwean environmental and investment approvals for its Arcadia lithium project. An Environmental Impact Assessment was approved by the Environmental Management Agency of Zimbabwe and an Inves
China's Southern Rare Earth releases weekly prices Beijing, 5 June (Argus) — China's leading rare earth producer state-controlled Southern Rare Earth has released its selling prices for medium and heavy rare earths for the first week of June. The company started issuing weekly selling pr
Johannesburg, 5 June (Argus) — Australian cobalt developer Cobalt Blue Holdings upgrades the resource at its Thackaringa project in New South Wales and is on track to complete a scoping study by the end of June. The mineral resource increased by 66pc to 54.9mn t grading 910 parts per mi
Beijing, 5 June (Argus) — Chrome ore stocks at China's main ports rose by 82,000t to 2.37mn t in the week ending 2 June, Chinese importers, logistics and warehousing companies said. New shipments arrived at the ports of Zhanjiang, Qinzhou, Shanghai, Tianjin and Chongqing in the past w
Beijing, 5 June (Argus) — Large Chinese titanium producer private-sector Jinzhou Titanium Industry has rolled over its high titanium slag procurement tender price for June delivery. Jinzhou Titanium's tender price is seen as a reference for spot prices in the northern Chinese market as
Houston, 2 June (Argus) — Bulk sales to Turkey, India and Bangladesh caused small movements in some dock markets while most wait for US domestic trade for June to offer more insight on price direction. A US sale to Turkey at $271/metric tonne (t) cfr for HMS 1/2 (80:20) sent this week's
Houston, 2 June (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap prices were mixed Friday as raw material prices diverged and market participants are cautious about the outlook for July amid low raw material prices and destocking. Stainless 316 scrap solids traded at 65.5-66.5¢/lb, up from 65-66¢/lb, wh
Houston, 2 June (Argus) — Plate prices in the US remain rangebound but the service center resale market continues to pressure mill prices. Prices for commodity grade A36 plate were between $740-760/net ton (nt) on a delivered basis into the Midwest, as mills maintain offer prices despit
Houston, 2 June (Argus) — US consumption of aluminum scrap rose by 2.6pc in the first quarter from a year earlier as old scrap consumption increased by 5.7pc. Total aluminum scrap consumption increased to 948,000metric tonnes (t) in the first quarter from 924,000t a year earlier, accord
New York, 2 June (Argus) — US imports of key bulk alloys nearly doubled in April from a year earlier amid greater volumes from South Africa, Norway, Kazakhstan and Georgia. The US imported 162,727metric tonnes (t) of bulk alloys in April, up from 84,261t a year earlier, according to US
Houston, 2 June (Argus) — US copper scrap exports rose by 2.9pc in April from a year earlier, as gains in other refined copper outstripped declines in bare bright, red brass and yellow brass scrap. Copper scrap exports rose to 82,531metric tonnes (t) in April from a year earlier, accord
Houston, 2 June (Argus) — The Comex copper price weakened on Friday as crude prices fell and US job growth weakened last month. The Comex most active month settled at $2.5745/lb, down from $2.5875/lb Thursday as crude dropped below $48/bl to reach a new low for the week. WTI crude was
Houston, 2 June (Argus) — WTI crude futures fell today as the US rig count continued its steady rise, adding to signs of growing domestic output. Nymex July light, sweet crude futures fell by 70¢/bl to $47.66/bl. The contract fell by 4.3pc for the week, giving up more than $2/bl. Ice
Houston, 2 June (Argus) — Secondary aluminium scrap prices were unchanged in the latest week despite buyer pressure to lower prices. Consumer demand in China continued to drop as inventories of scrap remain high and weak ingot sales narrow margins. Demand will also be negatively impacte
Houston, 2 June (Argus) — US sales of light vehicles fell by 1.3pc in May to the second-slowest annualized pace in more than a year, led by weakening car sales. Light vehicle sales weakened to a 16.66mn unit seasonally adjusted annualized rate in May from a 16.88mn unit pace in April, a
Houston, 2 June (Argus) — US combined imports of ferrous scrap and pig iron into the southeast rose by 25pc in April from a year earlier. In the three major southeastern ports tracked by Argus : New Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; and Charleston, South Carolina; combined imports of ferrous s
Houston, 2 June (Argus) — The US International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to continue investigations on cold-drawn mechanical tubing imports from six countries. The commission determined there is reasonable indication that the US industry is materially injured by imports of the prod
Houston, 2 June (Argus) — US base metals scrap exports rose by 8.8pc in April from a year earlier, as more shipments of aluminum and copper scrap offset declines in zinc and nickel scrap. Base metals scrap exports totaled 215,429metric tonnes (t) in April compared with 198,069t a year e
London, 2 June (Argus) — Turkish steel market participants were baffled earlier this week when media reports emerged indicating that Turkey's ministry of economy was working on a draft regulation to reduce rebar import duties. The ministry is still to make an official announcement but do
London, 2 June (Argus) — Austrian steelmaker Voestalpine expects a solid performance in the current financial year, after posting its best quarterly results for three years in January-March, with recent investments expected to contribute strongly. Voestalpine reported a drop in profits
London, 2 June (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged at $271/metric tonne (t) Friday after a Baltic sale affirmed this week's price drop. A Baltic supplier sold 15,000t of HMS 1/2 80:20 at $271/t, 6,000t of shred at $276/t and 1,0
Houston, 2 June (Argus) — Benchmark secondary aluminum alloy A380.1 prices were unchanged Thursday, as concerns about silicon have supported the spot market and the London Metal Exchange Nasaac. A380.1 prices stayed at 90-92¢/lb for a fourth week, as Nasaac three-month prices held above
Houston, 2 June (Argus) — US base metals scrap imports rose by 28.5pc in April from the same month a year earlier, led by gains in aluminum and copper imports. Base metals scrap imports totaled 80,511metric tonnes (t) in April compared with 62,662t a year earlier, according to the lates
Houston, 2 June (Argus) — US ferrous scrap exports to Mexico rose by 51pc in April from a year earlier as fewer shipments from Laredo, Texas, were offset by more shipments from San Diego. The US sent Mexico 115,680metric tonnes (t) of ferrous scrap in April, up from 76,490t a year earli
Houston, 2 June (Argus) — US ferrous scrap exports rose by 25pc in April from a year earlier, amid increased shipments to Turkey, Taiwan, Mexico and Vietnam. Scrap exports rose to 1.05mn metric tonnes (t) in April from 843,647t a year earlier, according to the US Commerce Department. S
New York, 2 June (Argus) — US high-carbon ferro-manganese prices increased in the latest week as spot market and long-term contract demand outpaced available alloy supplies. US high-carbon ferro-manganese (Mn 80pc, C 6-8pc) prices rose to $1,420-1,450/gt from $1,400-1,430/gt a week earl
Sao Paulo, 2 June (Argus) — Brazil's industrial production fell 4.5pc in April year on year despite official figures published this week indicating the country has pulled out of recession. Industrial production in April was up 0.6pc against March after falling nearly every month for the
London, 2 June (Argus) — Chinese billet prices edged down slightly today, with other steel product prices level as sales picked up slightly from yesterday. The price of 150mm Q235 billet in Tangshan fell by 10 yuan/t ($1.50/t) to Yn3,080/t ex-works, while export offers were level at $42
New York, 2 June (Argus) — US silicon metal was unchanged in the latest week as buyers continued to reject higher offers. US silicon metal (Si 98.5pc) prices were flat at $1.09-1.12/lb in the latest week. Spot market trading volumes were little changed as buyers purchased a handful of
Sao Paulo, 2 June (Argus) — UK-Australian resources group BHP has lifted a force majeure declaration that continued to hang over the Escondida copper mine in Chile — the world's largest copper production site — following the end of a six week strike in late March. BHP invoked the force
China's antimony metal, trioxide output diverge Beijing, 2 June (Argus) — China's antimony metal production fell in April, while trioxide production increased, China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association data show. The country produced 6,416t of antimony metal in April, down by 8.5pc ye
Beijing, 2 June (Argus) — Chinese manganese flake prices may extend recent losses on increased supply as government environmental inspections in major producing regions ended this week. Some production of flake material was suspended during government inspections in Hunan and Guizhou p
Beijing, 2 June (Argus) — Beijing plans to remove an exemption that allows captive power plants that supply aluminium smelters to avoid paying special fees levied on coal-fired power generation, as part of measures to reduce air pollution. The implementation date has not been announced.
China's automobile inventory falls in May Beijing, 2 June (Argus) — China's automobile inventory fell in May as demand rose, according to the the Vehicle Inventory Alert Index (VIA) issued by Chinese automobile dealers association CADA. The index fell to 51.8pc in May from 59.2pc in the
China's rare earth magnet exports rise in April Beijing, 2 June (Argus) — China's exports of rare earth permanent magnets rose in April, while imports fell, customs data show. The country exported 2,575t of rare earth permanent magnets in April, up by 4.4pc from a year earlier. The avera
Houston, 1 June (Argus) — US carmaker General Motors plans to reduce output at its Warren, Michigan, transmission plant as a result of lower passenger car production. The company will eliminate one production shift "starting in late June," affecting 150 employees, most of which are temp
Updates throughout Washington, 1 June (Argus) — President Donald Trump will withdraw the US from the Paris climate accord, citing potential economic harm from the deal. Trump today said the US will pull back from the global climate agreement and halt implementation of all related pro
Houston, 1 June (Argus) — US prices for old cast aluminum scrap rose this week amid concerns about the direction of silicon prices. Old cast rose to 59-61¢/lb from 59-60¢/lb a week earlier. Argus- assessed prices for silicon 5-5-3 were flat this week at 1.09-1.12¢/lb, but smelters we
Trump's Paris exit may have muted effect on coal Washington, 1 June (Argus) — President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement may be of only moderate benefit to the US coal industry, its effect softened by market forces. Trump's decision today follows thro
Houston, 1 June (Argus) — Copper scrap price spreads to Asian ports were mixed in the latest week as additional copper scrap became available amid the US summer slowdown at factories. Argus -assessed price spreads for #1 wire and tube slipped to 18-20¢/lb under July from 16-19¢/lb the
Houston, 1 June (Argus) — The correlation between China's iron ore and Turkey's ferrous scrap import prices significantly weakened in the first half of 2017 amid a drop in the average ratio between the two materials. An analysis of Argus indexes shows that the average ratio between t
Houston, 1 June (Argus) — Lack of prompt spot nickel in North America put upward pressure on premiums in the latest week. Premiums for full truckload melting grade, 4x4inch nickel cathodes were assessed at 24-26¢/lb on Thursday, up from 22-25¢/lb a week prior. Premiums for full truckloa
Houston, 1 June (Argus) — Stainless steel processor buying prices dropped Thursday amid growing expectation that mill demand for June and July will drop from previous months. The weakness led nickel-bearing scrap to its lowest prices of the year. Argus assessed buying prices for singl
Houston, 1 June (Argus) — Stainless steel 304 scrap prices fell in the latest week in east Asia amid sliding demand across the region. Mills and brokers notched prices lower in line with recent declines in exchange traded nickel and ahead of expected drops in intrinsic values of the allo
Houston, 1 June (Argus) — WTI crude futures moved slightly higher today after giving up stronger gains earlier in the session as the US reported a larger-than-expected decline in stocks. Nymex July light, sweet crude futures rose by 4¢/bl to $48.36/bl. Prices moved as high as $49.17/bl
New York, 1 June (Argus) — Texas-based spent catalyst recycler Gladieux Metals Recycling acquired ferro-vanadium and ferro-molybdenum toll converter Gulf Chemical and Metallurgical for $600,000 and assumption of certain liabilities. Gladieux purchased Gulf's assets with the intent to "p
Houston, 1 June (Argus) — US flat-rolled sheet prices this week continued to drift lower from mid-May levels as mills look to fill holes in order books. Prices for smaller-volume orders of hot-rolled coil (HRC) fell to $580-600/net ton (nt) on an ex-works basis after trailing at around
London, 1 June (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment dropped by $4/metric tonne (t) to $271/t Thursday following sales out of the US and Europe. A US exporter late Wednesday sold HMS 1/2 80:20 at $271/t, shred at $276/t and bonus at $281/t cfr Marma
Houston, 1 June (Argus) — The Comex copper price strengthened Thursday, following crude and equities higher. The Comex most active month settled at $2.5875/lb, up from $2.58/lb Wednesday as crude rebounded from its low for the week and London Metal Exchange (LME) copper inventories cont
London, 1 June (Argus) — Scrap freight rates for bulk vessels from from US to Turkey strengthened over the past week, while European rates dropped amid growing vessel availability and a lack of scrap cargoes in the market for shipment. Freight rates for 40,000metric tonnes (t) scrap car
New York, 1 June (Argus) — US seaborne coking coal prices fell in the latest week as producers sought to lock in orders before the end of the second quarter. Low-volatile coking coal for prompt delivery fob Hampton Roads, Virginia, decreased in the week ended 1 June by $1.25/tonne to $
London, 1 June (Argus) — The Argus fob Black Sea price assessments for CIS basic pig iron (BPI) have fallen further in the past week, with Italy booking more Ukrainian material, at a lower price level than last week. A 10,000-15,000t cargo of Ukrainian BPI has changed hands at $350/t ci
London, 1 June (Argus) — Canada-based rare earth exploration and development company Medallion Resources has entered into an agreement with US-based rare earth processor Rare Earth Salts to produce rare earth oxides from 2019. Production of separated rare oxides is expected to reach 50
New York, 1 June (Argus) — North American ferro-titanium prices increased in the latest week amid stronger demand from cored wire producers. US ferro-titanium (Ti 70pc) prices moved up to $2.19-2.28/lb from $2.17-2.26/lb a week earlier. Greater spot market demand from US cored wire pro
London, 1 June (Argus) — A technical problem caused a delay to the update of non-dollar denominated prices between 23 May and 1 June on Argus Metals. This issue has been resolved and all data feeds and historical prices series are correct as published. We apologise for any inconvenience
New York, 1 June (Argus) — Thin inventories and strong overall mill demand lifted US ferro-manganese prices. Higher raw material and alloy replacement prices forced ferro-vanadium up. Meanwhile, ferro-titanium prices moved up amid consistent cored wire orders. FeCr Prices for high-carb
Houston, 1 June (Argus) — Pittsburgh-based US Steel has appointed an interim chief financial officer (CFO) to fill the vacancy left by David Burritt's promotion to chief executive. Pipasu Soni will act as interim chief financial officer until the active search for a permanent CFO is com
London, 1 June (Argus) — Chinese domestic steel prices edged down slightly today as sales slowed, but remained relatively supported after a strong decline in futures prices this week. The price of 150mm Q235 billet in Tangshan fell by Yn30/t to Yn3,090/t on the back of a decline in sale
Johannesburg, 1 June (Argus) — Perth-based metals developer Zinc of Ireland declares a maiden mineral resource at its Kildare zinc project in central Ireland. The mineral resource is 5.2mn t grading 8.6pc combined zinc and lead containing an estimated 374,000t of zinc and 72,800t of lea
Johannesburg, 1 June (Argus) — Southern hemisphere-focused metals developer South32 has signed an exploration agreement with Australia's AusQuest to consider the Cerro de Fierro iron-oxide, copper-gold project in southern Peru. This is the third copper-gold exploration project that Sout
Houston, 31 May (Argus) — Used aluminum beverage can (UBC) spreads narrowed Wednesday as most consumers were out of the spot market and have yet to adjust bids down with a drop in London Metal Exchange (LME) pricing. Spreads narrowed to 70-73pc of the Argus midwest transaction price
Houston, 31 May (Argus) — The midwest premium for primary aluminum declined for a fourth week, as a recurring backwardation has caused expectations of more metal to be available on the spot market in the future while scrap remains plentiful. The premium declined to 8.8-9¢/lb, its lowest
Houston, 31 May (Argus) — US copper cathode premiums strengthened slightly in the latest week as stockpiles continued their downward trend. Argus assessed grade A cathode premiums at 5.25-5.75¢/lb delivered midwest consumer, marginally stronger from 5-5.5¢/lb a week earlier. Annual
Houston, 31 May (Argus) — Price spreads for bare bright and #1 wire and tube scrap weakened as the availability of copper scrap increased amid softening demand. Argus assessed price spreads for #1 wire and tube were weaker in the latest week, at 13-15¢/lb under July, down from 11-13¢/
Houston, 31 May (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap prices fell Wednesday amid continued drops in London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel prices, lower domestic mill demand for June material and declines in intrinsic values, particularly for chrome. Stainless 316 scrap solids declined to 66-67¢/
Houston, 31 May (Argus) — WTI crude futures fell by nearly 3pc today, dropping below $49/bl as the prospect of oversupply persisted amid fresh signs of growing US output. Nymex July light, sweet crude futures fell by $1.34/bl to $48.32/bl, the lowest settle for a prompt-month contract
Houston, 31 May (Argus) — Canadian mineral exploration company Highland Copper has acquired all of the upper peninsula Michigan exploration mineral properties of two Rio Tinto group subsidiaries for $18mn. The properties were acquired by Highland's wholly owned subsidiary UPX Minerals y
Houston, 31 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price strengthened on Wednesday as a report showed China's factory sector continuing to expand. The Comex most active month settled at $2.58/lb, up 1.6¢ from $2.564/lb Tuesday as investors saw positive news out of China, the world's largest co
Houston, 31 May (Argus) — The US Commerce Department delayed preliminary countervailing duty (CVD) determinations for steel wire rod imported from Italy and Turkey to no later than 25 August. Nucor, a petitioner in the investigation, requested that the department postpone the preliminar
London, 31 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged at $275/metric tonne (t) Wednesday following a UK sale. An Iskenderun mill booked a UK cargo containing 23,500t of HMS 1/2 80:20 at $272/t, 15,000t of shred at $277/t and 1,500t
Houston, 31 May (Argus) — Michigan recycler Schupan and Sons has hired Andrew McKee to serve as president of material trading. In the newly created role, McKee will oversee used aluminum beverage can (UBC) trading for Schupan Recycling, as well as trading of scrap generated by manufactu
Sao Paulo, 31 May (Argus) — Chile's molybdenum concentrate production rose by 50.4pc in April to 6,170t compared to the same month last year, data from the national statistics institute show. Output was up by 19.7pc against March this year. Production in the first four months of this y
London, 31 May (Argus) — Global ferro-manganese and manganese ore output in January-April rose on the year while silico-manganese production decreased, data from the International Manganese Institute (IMnI) show. Ferro-manganese High-carbon ferro-manganese production totalled 341,000t
London, 31 May (Argus) — China's official manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) was unchanged in May from April and above the market consensus. The domestic manufacturing PMI was 51.2 in May, remaining below the five-year high of 51.8 in March, but indicating stability for the m
Singapore, 31 May (Argus) — China's purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the steel sector touched a 12-month high in May, on signs mills expanded output and sales during the month. The steel PMI rose by 5.7 points from April to 54.8, the highest level since May 2016, according to the C
Johannesburg, 31 May (Argus) — Perth-based metals developer Metals X has increased the ore reserve at its Nifty copper project in Western Australia. Ore reserve rose to 9.75mn t grading 1.58pc copper for 153,000t of contained copper from a previous reserve of 5.24mn t grading 1.85pc for
Houston, 31 May (Argus) — US imports of crude aluminum metal and alloy increased by more than twofold in the first quarter from a year earlier as domestic primary aluminum production dropped by 35pc. Crude imports of the metal, which include primary aluminum, rose sharply to 1.33mn metr
Sao Paulo, 31 May (Argus) — Chile's copper production fell by 1.8pc in April compared with the same month last year, data from the national statistics institute show. Copper production including concentrate, fines contained in cathode and blister anodes totalled 429,000t, down from 437,
London, 31 May (Argus) — Cancelled copper warrants on London-based metal exchange LME have risen to a three-year high this week, with cancellations concentrated in Asian locations. Cancelled tonnage rose for seven consecutive reporting days to 161,700t on 30 May, up from 102,875t on 18
New York, 31 May (Argus) — US selenium prices moved down in the latest week, in line with growing supplier inventories and weak offshore markets. US selenium (Se 99.5pc) prices fell to $17.00-18.00/lb from $17.75-18.50/lb a week earlier. Offers were down early in the week in response t
London, 31 May (Argus) — Chinese domestic billet prices increased over the Dragon Boat holiday as a result of active sales throughout the period, but the rise was dented today as transactions decreased following a sharp drop-off in steel futures prices. The price of 150mm Q235 billet in
Johannesburg, 31 May (Argus) — Indonesian metals producer PT Antam has started to export low grade nickel ore to China as part of a government sanctioned export arrangement. A first shipment of 165,000 wet metric tons (wt) grading less than 1.7pc nickel was exported to China and it is a
China's lithium battery output rises in April Beijing, 31 May (Argus) — China's lithium-ion battery production rose in April, ministry of industry and information technology data show. China produced 735mn units of lithium-ion battery in April, up by 27.2pc year on year. Year-to-date ou
China's manganese ore port stocks fall Beijing, 31 May (Argus) — Manganese ore stocks at China's main ports fell to 2.87mn t today, down by 2pc from 2.93mn t a week ago. Tianjin port holds 2.1mn t, while Qinzhou and Fangcheng have 720,000t and 30,000t in storage, respectively. Inventorie
China's Yaogangxian Mine to restart tungsten output Beijing, 31 May (Argus) — Chinese state-owned tungsten concentrate producer Yaogangxian Mine will restart production in July after a one-year suspension. Yaogangxian Tungsten Mine is a subsidiary of China's leading nonferrous metals en
Houston, 30 May (Argus) — Spreads for aluminum scrap purchased by extruders weakened Tuesday from a week earlier as consumers found plentiful supply. Spreads for 10/10 extrusions, purchased by secondary smelters and extruders alike, widened to 17-20¢/lb under the Argus midwest transac
Houston, 30 May (Argus) — US raw steel production increased for a second week, reaching its highest level in 11 weeks. The US produced 1.75mn net tons (nt) (1.59mn metric tonnes) of raw steel in the week ended 27 May, up by 0.7pc from the previous week's output of 1.74mn nt and 1.2pc ab
New York, 30 May (Argus) — A New York battery consortium comprising five companies has signed a joint manufacturing establishment agreement with Huron Campus to construct a manufacturing location for lithium-ion batteries. The consortium includes New York-based Charge CCCV, Primet Preci
Houston, 30 May (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap prices were flat Tuesday, but weakening mill demand for June material and declines in intrinsic values, particularly for chrome, may signal declines in scrap in coming days. Stainless 316 stainless scrap solids remained at 69-70¢/lb while
Houston, 30 May (Argus) — Texas lawmakers passed a "Buy American" bill over the weekend requiring all government projects to use iron and steel products made in the US. For iron and steel products to qualify as made in the US, all manufacturing processes, from initial melting through ap
Houston, 30 May (Argus) — Texas lawmakers passed a "Buy American" bill over the weekend requiring all government projects to use iron and steel products made in the US. For iron and steel products to qualify as made in the US, all manufacturing processes, from initial melting through ap
London, 30 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged Tuesday at $275.0/metric tonne (t). The first few days of Ramadan have seen very little deep-sea scrap deal activity, with no concrete negotiations understood to be in place but
Houston, 30 May (Argus) — WTI crude futures settled lower today amid continuing signs of global oversupply and rising US production. Nymex July light, sweet crude futures settled at $49.66/bl, down by 14¢/bl compared to the 26 May settle before the US Memorial Day holiday. The WTI cont
New York, 30 May (Argus) — US antimony prices moved higher on increased demand from battery and alloy producers. Rising imports and stocks weighed on the selenium market. Low spot buying interest ahead of the public holiday on 29 May pushed indium prices lower. Antimony Increased dema
Houston, 30 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price was little changed Tuesday after dropping over 3¢/lb on Friday ahead of the long holiday weekend. The Comex most active month settled at $2.564/lb, marginally down from $2.566/lb on Friday. Trading volumes remained low for a second day as
Houston, 30 May (Argus) — China's planned reform of its scrap metals imports will have "severe" consequences for nonferrous scrap exports to that country and suppliers should be ready to adjust their business models accordingly, delegates told a recent recyclers' convention. Ma Hongchan
Johannesburg, 30 May (Argus) — AIM-listed Savannah Resources confirms the potential of the Mutamba heavy minerals sands project in Mozambique and is expecting first production in 2020. A completed scoping study supports the case for an initial 30-year mine life based on a mineral resour
Mexico City, 30 May (Argus) — Mexico's heavy vehicle retail sales fell 9.6pc year-over-year in April to 3,129 units, while wholesale heavy vehicle sales increased by 0.2pc in the same period to 3,272 units. Cumulative wholesale heavy vehicle sales for the first four months of the year r
New York, 30 May (Argus) — US high-grade cobalt prices were unchanged in the latest week as suppliers anticipated weaker demand ahead of the Memorial Day holiday. US high-grade cobalt (Co 99.8pc) prices were flat at $27.15-28.50/lb Tuesday, after rising a week earlier. Traders and dist
New York, 30 May (Argus) — The US International Trade Commission has approved an investigation into US imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (CSPV) cells and modules following a request from domestic producer Suniva. Since the investigation is "extraordinarily complicated," the US
Johannesburg, 30 May (Argus) — Perth-based metals developer Ram Resources has upgraded the mineral resource at its Patricia deposit at the Paguanta zinc-lead-silver project in Chile. The resource is increased to 2.4mn t grading 5pc zinc, 1.4pc lead, 88 g/t silver and 0.3 g/t gold transl
Johannesburg, 30 May (Argus) — Australian heavy mineral sands developer Image Resources is reviewing financing options for its Boonanarring and Atlas project after releasing a positive bankable feasibility study. The study supports an initial eight year mine life during which around 1.8
Indian Nalco's aluminium output rises Mumbai, 30 May (Argus) — Indian state-controlled metals and mining company National Aluminium (Nalco) increased aluminium production by 4pc year on year to 387,000t in the financial year ending 31 March. Nalco reported operating at 100pc capacity uti
London, 30 May (Argus) — London Metal Exchange's (LME) primary aluminium stocks fell by 0.7pc to 1.5mn t in the week ending 26 May. Stocks did not decline as steeply as they had in previous weeks because of an overall increase in Asia. Asia-Pacific inventories increased by 0.6pc overal
Johannesburg, 30 May (Argus) — Chinese copper producer Wanbao Mining agrees with Australia's Havilah Resources to conduct a pre-feasibility study on the Kalkaroo copper-gold project in South Australia. The study will determine whether Wanbao enters a financing and development agreement
Johannesburg, 30 May (Argus) — Perth-based lithium developer Dakota Minerals has produced battery grade lithium carbonate from material sourced from its Sepeda project in Portugal. This confirms that industry standard, commercially proven methods can be used for lithium carbonate produc
Johannesburg, 30 May (Argus) — Australian bauxite developer Metro Mining has signed a letter of intent to supply China's Shandong Aluminium Company (Lebei) with offtake from its Bauxite Hills project in Queensland. The non-binding agreement is for the supply of 500,000-1.0mn t/yr over a
Houston, 26 May (Argus) — Export yard buying prices in the US diverged this week depending on region as bulk activity paused to assess market direction. An increasingly bearish market sentiment on demand from Asia hit prices in Seattle-Portland this week, while vessel loading propped up
Houston, 26 May (Argus) — St. Louis-based metals brokerage Alter Trading has acquired the assets of Illinois scrap processor Harris Silver and Sons in a bulk sale for an undisclosed amount. Prior to Alter's interest in the assets, they were set to be auctioned on 16 May. "With the scra
Houston, 26 May (Argus) — US premiums for special high-grade zinc strengthened after holding flat for three weeks as a perceived deficit may be boosting premiums. Argus assessed the US zinc premium at 8.5-9.5¢/lb Friday, up from 8-9¢/lb a week earlier. Traders expect the premiums to r
US stainless: 316 drops amid uncertain demand Houston, 26 May (Argus) — Stainless steel processor buying prices for 316 scrap dropped following a 6pc decline the prior day in stainless 304 material, amid uncertainty over mill demand for molybdenum-bearing grades in July. Stainless 316 st
Houston, 26 May (Argus) — Chile's state-run Codelco produced 11pc less copper in the first quarter from a year earlier even as it swung into a profit of $534mn after a year-earlier loss. Codelco, the world's largest copper miner, produced 390,000metric tonnes (t) of output from its own
Houston, 26 May (Argus) — A bill paving the way for the possible restart of an idled primary aluminum smelter once owned by Noranda Aluminum has passed in the Missouri senate and is now on its way to be signed by governor Eric Greitens. The legislation authorizes utility companies to of
Houston, 26 May (Argus) — Prices for secondary aluminum alloy A380.1 were unchanged this week, supported by firm spot demand and rising North American Specialty Aluminum Alloy Contract (Nasaac) price. A380.1 remained at 90-92¢/lb, as Nasaac three-month official prices stayed above 85¢/l
Houston, 26 May (Argus) — Crude futures rose amid expectations of greater compliance from producers to a plan to cut output to balance demand and supply. Nymex July light, sweet crude futures rose by 90¢/bl to settle at $49.80/bl. Ice July Brent gained by 69¢/bl to $52.15/bl. The Brent-
Houston, 26 May (Argus) — Prices of old sheet and old cast aluminum scrap strengthened in China amid an uptick in demand in the latest week while scrap in South Korea was mixed. The price of old sheet imported from the US strengthened to 59-60¢/lb from 58-60¢/lb the prior week, while
New York, 26 May (Argus) — US high-carbon ferro-manganese moved into a tighter range in the latest week amid thin supplier stocks. US high-carbon ferro-manganese (Mn 80pc, C 6-8pc) prices were assessed at $1,400-1,430/gt, compared to $1,380-1,450/gt the prior week. Medium-carbon ferro-m
London, 26 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment was unchanged Friday at $275/metric tonne (t) as the first day of Ramadan kept deal talk at a minimum with only a few mills engaged in discussions with north American exporters. A steady US dome
Houston, 26 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price settled lower as investors took profits before US and Chinese holidays. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.566/lb, down from $2.5975/lb on Thursday. Trading volumes were also down before Monday's US Memorial day holid
Houston, 26 May (Argus) — The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) ruled imports of certain fabricated industrial steel components from China, South Korea and Spain caused injury to domestic industry, paving the way for duties as high as 46pc on those products. The final determi
New York, 26 May (Argus) — US silicon metal prices traded flat in the latest week amid firm aluminum alloy demand. US silicon metal (Si 98.5pc) prices were steady at $1.09-1.12/lb in the latest week. Domestic suppliers sold at least two 20t lots, little changed from the previous week.
London, 26 May (Argus) — Domestic steel prices in China moved down today, with the market quiet and sales showing signs of slowinging slightly from yesterday. The price of 150mm Q235 billet in Tangshan edged down by 10 yuan/t ($1.46/t) late in the day, to Yn3,090/t ($450.60/t). The exp
Johannesburg, 26 May (Argus) — West Australian lithium producer Galaxy Resources has completed 2016 contract pricing offtake shipments from its Mt Cattlin operation and will make its first 2017 contract pricing delivery in the first week of June. A final 2016 contract shipment to China
China's Tianqi to up lithium carbonate output in June Beijing, 26 May (Argus) — China's largest lithium producer private-sector Tianqi Lithium will restart lithium carbonate production in Jiangsu province in June. The company halted the 17,000 t/yr Jiangsu smelter in May for maintenance
Johannesburg, 26 May (Argus) — Australian joint venture partners Conico and Barra Resources have completed initial metallurgical work towards development of the Mt Thirsty cobalt project in Western Australia. Mt Thirsty is one of Australia's largest stand-alone cobalt resources with est
China's magnesium output rises in 1Q Beijing, 26 May (Argus) — China's magnesium production increased in the first quarter of 2017 because of higher production in Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces, China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association data show. Output rose by 9.8pc year on year to 2
Johannesburg, 26 May (Argus) — Perth-based Poseidon Nickel is considering a plan to reopen the Silver Swan underground nickel mine in Western Australia to take advantage of any upturn in the global market for the metal. A newly-completed definitive feasibility study indicates an initial
South Africa's UMK raises Mn ore export price for July Beijing, 26 May (Argus) — The world's fourth-largest manganese ore producer, South African United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK), has raised its export price for South African manganese ore for July shipments, Chinese importers said. UM
Houston, 25 May (Argus) — The US Commerce Department increased duties on imports of certain carbon and alloy cut-to-length steel plate from Taiwan-based producers because of a ministerial error. Taiwan company China Steel will now face a 75.42pc antidumping margin, up from 6.95pc given
New York, 25 May (Argus) — United Technologies subsidiary Carrier will lay off 632 workers from its Indianapolis fan coil facility, despite efforts by President Trump to keep nearly 1,000 jobs late last year. Carrier plans to begin layoffs on 20 July with the process finalizing in late
Houston, 25 May (Argus) — Copper scrap price spreads to Asian ports warded off downward pressure from a 6.6¢/lb increase in Comex copper prices and held close to prior week levels. Steady scrap spreads indicate that the market has found a balance between supply and demand since a big in
Houston, 25 May (Argus) — Stainless steel processor buying prices for 304 scrap fell by 6pc Thursday as uncertainty over US mill demand for July caused purchasing activity and prices to tumble. Argus assessed buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solids at 52-53¢/lb, down from 5
Houston, 25 May (Argus) — Smelter-grade aluminum scrap grades that trend with the London Metal Exchange (LME) rose this week as terminal prices reached their highest levels in approximately four weeks. Mixed low-copper clip prices into secondary smelters increased to 64-65¢/lb Thursday,
Houston, 25 May (Argus) — US spot nickel premiums held unchanged in the latest week in thin trade as consumers avoided the spot market and relied on contractual commitments. Premiums for full truckload melting grade, 4x4inch nickel cathodes were assessed at 22-25¢/lb and premiums for f
Houston, 25 May (Argus) — Stainless steel 304 scrap prices fell this past week in east Asia as buyers lowered bids in line with recent declines in prices of nickel and other raw materials. Prices for 304 stainless steel scrap moved down to 55-56¢/lb in the latest week from 55-57¢/lb a
New York, 25 May (Argus) — Texas-based chemical manufacturer Huntsman will merge with Swiss specialty-chemical producer Clariant by the end of 2017. The new company will be named HuntsmanClariant and will have a combined enterprise value of $20bn, with $13.2bn/yr in sales. The merger
Houston, 25 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price settled Thursday at its highest since 2 May on short covering ahead of the long holiday weekend and amid disruption concerns. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.5975/lb, up from $2.5835/lb on Wednesday. Trading volume
Houston, 25 May (Argus) — Crude futures fell for a second day even as Opec and non-Opec producers agreed to extend output cuts until March 2018. Nymex July light, sweet crude futures fell by $2.46/bl to settle at $48.90/bl. Ice July Brent declined by $2.50/bl to $51.46/bl. The Brent-WT
New York, 25 May (Argus) — Steel mills remained largely out of global seaborne coking coal markets, pushing down prices for US exports and other varieties. Although a few deals were struck, most steel producers appeared to be waiting for a further price correction as global supply and d
New York, 25 May (Argus) — Renewed steel mill and cored wire demand lifted North American ferro-titanium prices in the latest week. US ferro-titanium (Ti 70pc) prices rose to $2.17-2.26/lb from $2.08-2.18/lb a week earlier. Demand from US cored wire producers and steelmakers was up fol
Houston, 25 May (Argus) — Missouri's House of Representatives has passed a bill authorizing utility companies to offer special rates to large industrial customers, in a move aimed at allowing the restart of an idled smelter formerly owned by Noranda Aluminum. Sponsored by representative
London, 25 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment increased by 10¢/metric tonne (t) Thursday to $275/t on the back of two European deals, and bid and offer indications for premium quality cargoes. Turkish scrap import prices edged up today as Tu
London, 25 May (Argus) — Scrap freight rates from US east coast ports and Europe to Turkey decreased in the past week, pressured by a lack of outgoing scrap cargoes from the US and increased availability of vessels in Europe and adjacent regions. Freight rates for 40,000t scrap cargoes
London, 25 May (Argus) — Market participants paint a mixed picture of the near-term outlook for CIS basic pig iron (BPI) export prices, with a few more Mediterranean bookings emerging this week. A 15,000t cargo of Ukrainian BPI has been sold to Italy at $360/t cif Marghera for July ship
Houston, 25 May (Argus) — US steelmaker Nucor is investing $176mn to build a hot band galvanizing and pickling line at its sheet mill in Ghent, Kentucky. The new line will expand Nucor Steel Gallatin's product capabilities and have an annual capacity of 500,000net tons (453,592metric to
New York, 25 May (Argus) — Renewed steel mill and cored wire demand raised ferro-titanium prices in the latest week. Thin inventories of ferro-silicon further supported higher offers. Meanwhile, offers for ferro-molybdenum and ferro-vanadium rebounded on higher raw material costs. FeCr
Houston, 25 May (Argus) — The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season may be more active than normal because of the potential for warm ocean waters and the absence of a storm-suppressing El Niño weather pattern, according to a US government outlook released today. The US National Oceanic and Atm
London, 25 May (Argus) — Latin American steel demand is expected to rise in the next two years on the back of improved economic conditions, although the industry continues to face significant risks, Latin American steel association Alacero said. The region's demand for steel is projecte
Johannesburg, 25 May (Argus) — Johannesburg and Sydney-listed lithium developer Tawana Resources expects to release a maiden mineral resource at its Bald Hill project in Western Australia within the next two weeks. Tawana and its partner Alliance Mineral Assets have completed off-take p
Mumbai, 25 May (Argus) — India's renewable energy ministry aims to raise 23.6bn Rupees ($365.8mn) in a bond placement to develop the renewable sector. India's union cabinet has approved the bond issuance which will be carried out by the renewable energy development agency. The ministry
London, 25 May (Argus) — Chinese domestic steel prices rose today after falling for the past two days as sales activity improved. The price of 150mm Q235 billet rose by Yn40/t ($5.80/t) today to Yn3,100/t ex works, offsetting the drop of the same amount yesterday. Export offers stayed
Johannesburg, 25 May (Argus) — International mining companies are increasingly focusing on developing the rich heavy mineral sands resources in various parts of the African continent's coastline to meet growing demand. Large global mineral sands producers Rio Tinto and Iluka Resources a
Johannesburg, 25 May (Argus) — Perth-based Plymouth Minerals announces a maiden mineral resource at its San Jose lithium-tin project in Spain. A mineral resource of 92.3mn t grading 0.6pc lithium oxide and 0.02pc tin makes it one of the biggest lithium discoveries in Europe. The resour
Houston, 24 May (Argus) — Mexican integrated steel producer Altos Hornos de Mexico (Ahmsa) closed its iron ore mine in Durango, Mexico, amid conflict with a workers' union over profit-sharing. The Cerro de Mercado mine, which operates under Ahmsa's Minera del Norte subsidiary, accounts
Houston, 24 May (Argus) — Used aluminum beverage can (UBC) scrap spreads weakened Wednesday as mills have built significant inventories and most have stopped adjusting daily bids with to London Metal Exchange to draw in units from suppliers. Spreads widened to 70-72pc of the Argus mid
Houston, 24 May (Argus) — Price spreads for bare bright and #1 wire and tube scrap weakened as the availability of copper scrap increased on a near-4¢ gain in Comex copper from a week earlier. Argus assessed price spreads for bare bright copper scrap at 5-6¢/lb under July Comex, down
Houston, 24 May (Argus) — US copper cathode premiums held unchanged in the latest week amid muted demand in the domestic spot market as consumers fill their needs with annual contracts. Argus assessed grade A cathode premiums at 5-5.5¢/lb delivered midwest consumer, unchanged for the
Houston, 24 May (Argus) — The midwest premium for P1020 aluminum slipped under 9¢/lb on Wednesday for the first time since mid-January, as an abundant supply of scrap weighed on demand for primary metal. The Argus P1020 premium fell to a four-month low of 8.75-9.25¢/lb from 9-9.25¢/lb
Houston, 24 May (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap processor buying prices fell Wednesday, following London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel prices lower. Three-month LME nickel dropped nearly 2pc after settling at $9,340/t Tuesday. Argus assessed processor buying prices for single loads of
Houston, 24 May (Argus) — The US Commerce Department plans to complete its section 232 investigation on the impact of steel imports on national security by the end of June, commerce secretary Wilbur Ross said in a hearing today. The secretary's report on the investigation, launched in A
Houston, 24 May (Argus) — Crude futures fell today, reversing two days of gains, as the continuous rise in US output overshadowed a plan by major producers to cut production. Nymex July light, sweet crude futures fell by 11¢/bl to settle at $51.36/bl. Ice July Brent declined by 19¢/bl
Hong Kong, 24 May (Argus) — China's recent spate of steel scrap exports are being seen as a temporary destocking by induction furnaces that will shut down operations over the next few months. China's blast furnace-based mills are expected to absorb any surplus scrap stocks once stocks h
Houston, 24 May (Argus) — The US International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a domestic industry is materially injured by imports of finished carbon steel flanges from Spain, paving the way for antidumping duties. USITC's final determination was the last step before the
London, 24 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment increased by $2.40/metric tonne (t) to $274.90/t cfr Wednesday following sales out of Europe. Firm demand from Turkish mills resulted in European suppliers achieving slightly higher prices for car
Houston, 24 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price reversed its latest three-day rally and settled lower as Moody's Investors Service downgraded China's credit rating for the first time since 1989. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.5835/lb, down from $2.596/lb on Tu
Beijing, 24 May (Argus) — China's titanium concentrate imports rose in April as producers restocked in response to rising prices for titanium dioxide, customs data show. Titanium concentrate Imports rose by 50pc year on year to 247,837t in April. Rising titanium dioxide prices encoura
London, 24 May (Argus) — The refined global lead market was in a 44,000t supply deficit in the first quarter of 2017, according to preliminary data from international lead and zinc study group ILZSG. Refined global lead usage was up by 12.3pc to 2.98mn t in the first quarter of 2017, fr
New York, 24 May (Argus) — US selenium prices declined in the latest week as supplies outweighed demand. US selenium (Se 99.5pc) prices fell to $17.75-18.50/lb from $18.75-20.00/lb in the prior week. US glass and battery producers lowered bids in an attempt to ride recent downward mome
China's rare earth exports up in April Beijing, 24 May (Argus) — China exported 5,068t of rare earths in April, up by 37pc compared with 3,696t a year earlier, customs data show. Export revenues totalled Yn281.14mn ($40.8mn) in April, a rise of 94pc from Yn145mn in the same month last ye
Johannesburg, 24 May (Argus) — Australian metals developer Top End Minerals has taken an exclusive option to acquire up to 85pc of the highly prospective Bawdwin zinc-lead-silver-copper mining lease in Mynmar. It has agreed to pay Win Myint Mo Industries (WMM) $1.5mn for a six month opt
London, 24 May (Argus) — The international tin industry organisation (ITRI) has launched a responsible tin supply group (RTS) to focus on a credible, responsible and more co-ordinated supply chain for tin. The group will bring together industry participants in order to enhance the excha
China's tungsten oxide exports rise in April Beijing, 24 May (Argus) — China's tungsten oxide exports rose in April as a result of higher demand from key consuming sectors, automotive manufacturing and mining and oil and gas exploration. Tungsten oxide China exported 582t of tungsten o
London, 24 May (Argus) — Chinese domestic steel prices continued to fall today, as trading activity weakened across most grades. Billet prices for 150mm Q235 slipped by 40 yuan/t ($5.80/t) to Yn3,060/t ex-works, equivalent to yesterday's decline. Export offers are unchanged at $420-430/
China's ferro-molybdenum exports soar in April Beijing, 24 May (Argus) — China's ferro-molybdenum exports surged in April amid rising prices in Europe caused by tight supply. Ferro-molybdenum China exported 2,047t of ferro-molybdenum in April, up from 65t a year earlier, as China's ave
Johannesburg, 24 May (Argus) — Vancouver-based metals developer Ivanhoe Mines has received the final payment from China's Zijn Mining Group for its stake in the Kamoa-Kakula copper project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Zijin paid $41.2mn to take its total payment to $412mn, givin
Johannesburg, 24 May (Argus) — Perth-based international heavy mineral sands producer Iluka Resources increased its zircon reference price with effect from 1 July. The price rose by $130/t or 13pc to $1,100/t, underlining a general strengthening of heavy mineral sands prices over the pa
Houston, 23 May (Argus) — Tenaris is in the final testing phases of its TenarisBayCity hot-rolling mill in Texas, with operations set to begin in the fall. Once preparation is complete, the mill will be able to produce seamless pipe. "We are making sure all the equipment installed, th
Houston, 23 May (Argus) — Steel imports into the US rose by more than a fifth through April from a year earlier as semi-finished and finished imports increased. Total steel imports rose by 22.6pc to 12.3mn net tons (11.1mn metric tonnes) year to date April from a year earlier, according
Houston, 23 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price was little changed Tuesday after rising by 6.4¢ the prior two days and as reports suggested weakening fundamentals for the metal. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.596/lb, up by 0.05¢ from $2.5955/lb on Monday, as a
Houston, 23 May (Argus) — Mill-grade aluminum scrap spreads were mixed Tuesday as London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminum fell from its May high in the prior trading session. Spreads for industry bellwether 6063 extrusions narrowed to 5-6¢/lb under from 6-7¢/lb under as prices rose to 90-9
Houston, 23 May (Argus) — Stainless scrap prices were little changed Tuesday from the prior day as processors were trying to get guage consumer prices and requirements as negotiations for June begin. Argus- assessed buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solids traded at 56-57¢/lb
Houston, 23 May (Argus) — Crude futures rose for a second day as more producer countries said they would back a plan to cut output. Nymex July light, sweet crude futures rose by 34¢/bl to settle at $51.47/bl. Ice July Brent gained by 28¢/bl to $54.15/bl. The Brent-WTI spread narrowed b
London, 23 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment decreased by 80¢/metric tonne (t) to $272.50/t cfr Tuesday on the back of the latest bid and offer indications. Turkish mills in all three major purchasing regions continued their enquiries for de
New York, 23 May (Argus) — US high-grade cobalt prices increased in the latest week in line with renewed demand from alloy producers. US high-grade cobalt (Co 99.8pc) prices rose to $27.15-28.50/lb Tuesday from $26.00-27.50/lb a week earlier. Offers moved up early in the week in respon
Houston, 23 May (Argus) — Crude steel production in North America was up by 2.9pc in April compared with the same prior-year period as the US, Mexico and Canada all increased output. Total North America production for April rose to 9.6mn metric tonnes (t) from 9.3mn t a year earlier, ac
London, 23 May (Argus) — Global crude steel production rose again in April compared with a year earlier, although it fell against March when output reached a record monthly high, according to the World Steel Association. Global output increased by 5pc on the year to 142.1mn t last month
Houston, 23 May (Argus) — The value of freight moved between the US and North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta) partners Canada and Mexico rose by 10.9pc in March according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) data. March marked the fifth straight month that Nafta freight va
New York, 23 May (Argus) — US cobalt prices moved up in the latest week, supported by several low-volume orders to alloy producers. Rising inventories of selenium and low demand weighed on prices. And competitive supplier offers for antimony undercut expectations that supplies would tigh
London, 23 May (Argus) — Global pig iron production edged down in April after hitting a 26-month high in March, with an uptick in Chinese output offset by slight declines in several other key producing regions, according to the World Steel Association (WSA). In all, global pig iron outp
Beijing, 23 May (Argus) — Hong Kong-based GCL-Poly Energy has increased polysilicon output as it ramps up silicon wafer production to feed growing demand from the domestic photovoltaic (PV) solar power industry. It produced 19,508t of polysilicon in January-March, up by around 7pc from
Johannesburg, 23 May (Argus) — Melbourne-based Clean Teq has received approval to produce scandium oxide as a by-product at its Syerston nickel-cobalt project in New South Wales. The company has already received development consent to mine at a rate of 2.5mn t/yr for 21 years at Syersto
London, 23 May (Argus) — The global refined copper market was in a 150,000t surplus in the first two months of 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, the International Copper Study Group (ICSG) said in its preliminary data release for February. Global refined copper production was
Johannesburg, 23 May (Argus) — Perth-based heavy mineral sands developer Base Resources is to reorganise its mine plan at the Kwale project in Kenya. The company aims to earn revenue earlier by maintaining current production levels for the remainder of the mine's life. This will overcom
Corrects tonnage of contained tungsten metal from 37,720t to 32,720t in paragraph 2. Johannesburg, 23 May (Argus) — South Australia-based metals developer Thor Mining has upgraded the mineral resource at its Pilot Mountain tungsten project in the US state of Nevada. The overall indic
Chinese steel: Prices drop after yesterday's rise London, 23 May (Argus) — Chinese domestic steel prices fell back today after gains yesterday, with billet and hot rolled coil (HRC) prices dropping as trading slowed. The price of 150mm Q235 billet in Tangshan fell by Yn40/t ($5.80/t) to
New York, 22 May (Argus) — US companies Charge CCCV, C D Assembly and Primet Precision Materials as well as Australian-based Magnis Resources and Boston Energy and Innovation (BEI) signed a joint manufacturing establishment agreement to set up a 15GWh lithium-ion battery facility in New
Houston, 22 May (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap prices held firm Monday amid downward pressure for all nickel-bearing grades as raw material prices are expecting to weaken in the coming weeks on downward pressure from China. Argus assessed buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap s
Houston, 22 May (Argus) — The large price differential between prime and shredded scrap in the US ferrous market is expected to continue until the last quarter of the year, according to market participants surveyed by Argus . Expectations on when the gap will narrow from the current $
Pittsburgh, 22 May (Argus) — US raw steel production increased as output in the south continued to rise. The US produced 1.74mn net tons (nt) (1.58mn metric tonnes) of raw steel for the week ended 20 May, up by 0.8 from the previous week's output of 1.73mn nt and 0.5pc above 1.73mn nt
Houston, 22 May (Argus) — Noranda Bauxite and Alumina plans to spend $35mn on its Gramercy, Louisiana, alumina refinery in an expansion that is expected to directly create as many as 65 new jobs. The company will also move its headquarters to the same complex where refinery is located,
Houston, 22 May (Argus) — US premiums for special high-grade zinc held unchanged in the latest week at a seven-week low, but Monday's 2.5pc gain in exchange zinc prices may signal higher premiums in coming weeks. Argus assessed the US zinc premium at 8-9¢/lb Monday, unchanged from a w
Pittsburgh, 22 May (Argus) — Ohio-based Republic Steel faces $279,578 in fines after Occupational Safety and Health Administration agency investigations found workers at the Canton, Ohio facility were exposed to machine hazards and lead. During two investigations in December 2016, the U
Houston, 22 May (Argus) — Crude futures rose today as producers appeared ready to extend to next year an agreement to cut output to balance market demand and supply. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures increased by 40¢/bl to settle at $50.73/bl. Ice July Brent gained by 26¢/bl to $53.
Houston, 22 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price continued to strengthen on Monday after finishing up by 5¢ on Friday as crude resumed it rise, lifting copper with it. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.5955/lb, up from $2.5815/lb on Friday, with higher crude prices
London, 22 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged Monday at $273.30/metric tonne (t). Deep-sea scrap ferrous scrap activity was muted today with no new deals or major price movements at export terminals. Turkish mills' strong
Pittsburgh, 22 May (Argus) — Nucor is adding a new walking beam furnace at its Marion, Ohio, bar mill as part of an overall $85mn upgrade at the facility. The SMS Group was awarded the purchase order and will supply the steelmaker with a new walking beam reheating furnace rated at 120ne
London, 22 May (Argus) — High iron ore inventories and rising seaborne supply will push down the price for 62pc Fe iron ore to $50/t by the fourth quarter of this year, Germany's Deutsche Bank said. The price will average $54/t in 2018, the bank forecasted. The Argus ICX, the price f
Bogota, 22 May (Argus) — Coking coal and metallurgical coke shipments from Colombia's Pacific ports have been halted for almost a week because of a general strike and widespread protests in the city of Buenaventura. Buenaventura citizens have blocked access to the city, forcing port te
Houston, 22 May (Argus) — Ford Motor Company, the second-largest US automaker by volume, has appointed Jim Hackett to replace Mark Fields as president and chief executive, effective immediately. Prior to the appointment, Hackett served as chairman of the company's Ford Smart Mobility su
New York, 22 May (Argus) — US high-carbon ferro-chrome prices fell again in the latest week in response to a weakening Chinese market. US high-carbon ferro-chrome (Cr 60pc C 6-8pc) prices declined to $1.35-1.41/lb Thursday from $1.40-1.46/lb a week earlier. US traders and distributors
Houston, 22 May (Argus) — Miami-based Georgian American Alloys' (GAA) subsidiary in its namesake republic, Georgian Manganese, faces up to $160mn in fines from the Georgian government for alleged tax and environmental violations, allegations the US company is contesting. GAA called the
London, 22 May (Argus) — London-based metals producer Ferroglobe switched a furnace to ferro-silicon production from silicon metal output in the first quarter at its Sabon facility in northwest Spain. The converted furnace has a capacity of around 20,000 t/yr of ferro-silicon, the compa
London, 22 May (Argus) — Chinese domestic billet and hot rolled coil prices increased again today despite moderate sales, as the entire steel market was pulled upward by the continued rise in pricing and demand for rebar. The price of 150mm Q235 billet in Tangshan rose by Yn60/t ($8.71/
Beijing, 22 May (Argus) — China's ferro-tungsten production is falling in May, as a result of higher ore feedstock prices amid tighter supply caused by government anti-pollution measures. Prices for 65pc grade wolframite rose to 83,500 yuan/t ($12.1/kg) on 19 May, up by 11pc from Yn75,
Beijing, 22 May (Argus) — China's ferro-tungsten production is falling in May, as a result of higher ore feedstock prices amid tighter supply caused by government anti-pollution measures. Prices for 65pc grade wolframite rose to 83,500 yuan/t ($12.1/kg) on 19 May, up by 11pc from Yn75,
Beijing, 22 May (Argus) — China's motorcycle production and sales rose in April on higher demand from courier firms amid rapid development of China's online shopping industry. Growth centred on rising demand for three-wheel motorcycles which can carry more but are still able to manoeuvr
Johannesburg, 22 May (Argus) — South Australia-based metals developer Thor Mining has upgraded the mineral resource at its Pilot Mountain tungsten project in the US state of Nevada. The overall indicated and inferred mineral resource has increased by 55pc to 11.73mn t grading 0.28pc wol
Johannesburg, 22 May (Argus) — South Australia-based metals developer Thor Mining has upgraded the mineral resource at its Pilot Mountain tungsten project in the US state of Nevada. The overall indicated and inferred mineral resource has increased by 55pc to 11.73mn t grading 0.28pc wol
China's Southern Rare Earth releases weekly prices Beijing, 22 May (Argus) — China's leading rare earth producer state-controlled Southern Rare Earth has released its selling prices for medium and heavy rare earths for the fourth week of May. The company on 17 April released its rare ear
Johannesburg, 22 May (Argus) — Perth-based metals developer Cape Lambert Resources has agreed terms with Australia Mining Company Zambia to acquire a controlling stake in a cobalt tailings project in Zambia. This comes just a few weeks after finalising a joint venture cobalt-copper agre
Johannesburg, 22 May (Argus) — Australian metals developer Metallica Minerals is targeting first output in the third quarter of 2017 from its Urquhart bauxite joint venture in Queensland. Metallica has appointed LCR Group as mining and haulage contractor to deliver production and manage
Sao Paulo, 22 May (Argus) — Prospective Brazilian rare earths producer Mineracao Serra Verde is aiming to start production at its Minacu site in Brazil's central Goias state by early 2020. The company plans to produce 5,000 t/yr, selling a heavy and what it terms "critical" rare earths
London, 20 May (Argus) — State-owned Saudi Aramco signed $50bn worth of energy-related agreements with 13 US companies today in a ceremony attended by Saudi Arabia's king Salman bin Abel-Aziz and visiting US president Donald Trump. A tweet attributed to Salman welcomed Trump's visit, sa
Houston, 19 May (Argus) — US ferrous scrap market sentiment has split by region as the consensus view on prices for June delivery points to a flat market in the midwest and Ohio valley, and a flat to down $10-20/gross ton (gt) market in the south and southeast. Market participants in th
Houston, 19 May (Argus) — US buying prices at most east and west coast bulk docks were mostly unchanged this week while docks in Houston raised prices by $10/metric tonne (t). Bangladesh booked a cargo off the west coast at a price level of $288/t cfr for shredded scrap, while Turkey bo
Houston, 19 May (Argus) — US imports of used aluminum beverage cans (UBC) jumped by 80pc in the first quarter compared with a year earlier, as Mexico overtook Canada as the top international supplier. Total US imports rose to 65,689metric tonnes (t) in the first quarter from 36,552t in
Houston, 19 May (Argus) — Stainless steel processor buying prices for nickel-bearing scrap increased Friday as nickel on the London Metal Exchange (LME) rose amid continued strong consumer demand for May and material tightness. Argus- assessed buying prices for single loads of 304 scra
Houston, 19 May (Argus) — The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) urged the EPA to modify regulations to distinguish scrap from waste destined for disposal, as key among a series of recommendations it presented to alter current regulations to cut costs. ISRI this week said cu
Houston, 19 May (Argus) — Crude futures rose today as more countries indicated they may join the ongoing Opec and non-Opec production cut agreement. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures increased by 98¢/bl to settle at $50.33/bl, gaining for four of the five days this week. Ice July B
London, 19 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged at $273.30/t cfr Friday. A Canadian exporter sold 10-15kt of HMS 1/2 90:10 at $275/t, 30-37kt of shred at $277/t and 3-5kt bonus at $282/t for latest 30 June shipment Thursday a
Houston, 19 May (Argus) — Asian secondary aluminum scrap prices continued their decline in the latest week amid reduced demand from consumers. Chinese demand remained weak with raw material supply sufficient to meet any domestic demand. Old sheet dropped to 59-60¢/lb in the latest week
Houston, 19 May (Argus) — Prices for A380.1 were unchanged this week as smelters selling Nasaac material into London Metal Exchange warehouses continue to keep US supply of spot alloy tight. A380.1 prices held at 90-92¢/lb. Still, some market participants said they had heard whispers of
Houston, 19 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price strengthened on Friday to finish up by 5¢ for the day, rebounding with crude and equities from their mid-week slide. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.5815/lb, up from $2.5315/lb on Thursday, with higher oil and a w
New York, 19 May (Argus) — US silicon metal prices were flat in the latest week amid steady demand from aluminum alloy producers. US silicon metal (Si 98.5pc) prices were unchanged at $1.09-1.12/lb in the latest week. Domestic suppliers and traders sold several 20metric tonne (t) lots
New York, 19 May (Argus) — US high-carbon ferro-manganese prices rose in the latest week amid steady steel mill demand and relatively tight supply. US high-carbon ferro-manganese (Mn 80pc, C 6-8pc) prices increased to $1,380-1,450/gt from $1,360-1,430/gt in the latest week. Medium-carbo
London, 19 May (Argus) — Domestic steel prices in China rose today on improved sales volumes, while rebar export offers moved higher despite a lack of interest from foreign buyers. The price of 150mm Q235 billet in Tangshan rose by Yn30/t ($4.40/t) today to Yn3,080/t ex works, with expo
Johannesburg, 19 May (Argus) — Sydney-listed metals developer Zinc of Ireland has appointed an independent firm to calculate a maiden mineral resource at its Kildare zinc project in Ireland. The maiden resource will be calculated from more than 4,500 assays at the McGregor and Shamrock
Amsterdam, 19 May (Argus) — European aerospace giant Airbus will start negotiations in the fourth quarter 2017 for long-term contracts with suppliers as current contracts are due to run out in 2020. The new contract terms will take into account fundamental changes since previous discuss
China's domestic appliance output up in April Beijing, 19 May (Argus) — Chinese production of three main white goods rose in April, while TV production fell, data issued by the national statistics agency show. Air conditioner production increased by 20.50pc year on year to 19.5mn units i
Amsterdam, 19 May (Argus) — Titanium demand in airframes is growing faster than competing materials, a titanium industry conference heard this week. In terms of buy weight – the total weight of material required to be purchased before fabricating and machining into finished parts – tita
Johannesburg, 19 May (Argus) — South African mining investment firm Pallinghurst Resources is considering a move to become an operating mining company to unlock value from its underlying investments. Pallinghurst's major interests are in manganese and platinum group metals in South Afri
China's manganese ore port stocks continue to fall Beijing, 19 May (Argus) — Manganese ore stocks at China's main ports fell to 2.93mn t today, down by 6pc from 3.12mn t last week. Tianjin port holds 2.2mn t, while Qinzhou and Fangcheng have 680,000t and 30,000t in storage, respectively.
Beijing, 19 May (Argus) — China's Huayun New Material has launched trial production at its 500,000 t/yr aluminium smelter. The company is owned by state-owned Baotou Aluminium, which holds 50pc, and another state-owned firm Baotou Transportation Investment Group which holds the remaind
Sao Paulo, 19 May (Argus) — US-based Albemarle's Chilean lithium producing division will increase lithium carbonate production capacity sharply as it inaugurates the expansion of its processing facilities. A $450mn investment raises capacity to 44,000t from 25,000t, with a 76pc increase
London, 18 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment increased by 80¢/metric tonne (t) to $273.30/t Thursday, following a US sale. A US exporter sold 16,000t of HMS 1/2 80:20 and 14,000t of P S at an average price of $278/t cfr Iskenderun for full J
Houston, 18 May (Argus) — Stainless 409/410 mix and 430 solids dropped in the latest week as high-carbon ferro-chrome prices fell by 3.5pc. Ferritic stainless 409/410 scrap solids for single loads traded in the range of $400-425/gross tonne, down from $400-450/t the prior week, while 43
Houston, 18 May (Argus) — Spreads for copper scrap to Asian ports were mixed in the latest week as scrap availability tightened but demand remained tepid. Argus assessed bare bright spreads at 8-9¢/lb under July Comex, weakening from 6-8¢/lb under the prior week. The prior week, expor
Houston, 18 May (Argus) — US spot nickel premiums remained unchanged in the latest week in the face of volatile exchange nickel prices. Nickel premiums for full truckload melting grade, 4x4inch cathodes were assessed at 22-25¢/lb and premiums for full truckload plating grade, 1x1inch ca
Pittsburgh, 18 May (Argus) — Import options for US flat-rolled sheet buyers are limited amid an uncertain outlook because of an ongoing section 232 investigation of steel imports and the threat they allegedly pose to national security. Hot-rolled coil import prices into the Gulf coast
Houston, 18 May (Argus) — Smelter-grade aluminum scrap prices fell Thursday as alloy producers reduced bids in preparation for a seasonal slowdown in contract business from the US automotive sector. Prices for bellwether old cast aluminum declined to 59-62¢/lb from 61-64¢/lb a week earl
Pittsburgh, 18 May (Argus) — A seasonal summer slowdown is impacting the US sheet market slightly earlier than expected as prices continued to slide from a week ago. Most of the price competition is occurring between midwest mini-mills, while integrated producers are looking to fill la
Houston, 18 May (Argus) — WTI crude futures rose for a second straight session on signs that an Opec-led production cut agreement might be extended as the market awaits a key meeting next week. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures increased by 28¢/bl to settle at $49.35/bl. Ice July
Houston, 18 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price fell for a second day Tuesday, dropping to a one-week low as profit-taking continued amid mounting political uncertainty after a special prosecutor was named to probe President Donald Trump's alleged ties to Russia, in a move that is likel
Corrects details on registration, yard size and raw material sources Houston, 18 May (Argus) — Ken Baird, a former director with Triple M Metal, exited the Canada-based recycler on 12 May to start a new scrap recycling business in St Catharines, Ontario. The new business has been reg
New York, 18 May (Argus) — US prices for ferro-silicon rose in the latest week, supported by tight supplies and consistent steel mills demand. Declining Chinese stainless mill tenders and flat US trading volumes weighed on ferro-chrome prices. Meanwhile, lower molybdenum oxide prices and
New York, 18 May (Argus) — Minimal spot market demand pressured US ferro-titanium prices down in the latest week. US ferro-titanium (Ti 70pc) prices moved down to $2.08-2.18/lb from $2.13-2.22/lb a week earlier. Limited demand from US steel mills and cored wire producers outweighed hig
Houston, 18 May (Argus) — Stainless steel 304 scrap prices fell in the latest week in Asia on the back of a 3.5pc decline in London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel. Prices for 304 stainless steel scrap moved down to 55-57¢/lb throughout the region on Tuesday. That is down from 57-58¢/lb in
London, 18 May (Argus) — Scrap freight rates from Europe to Turkey increased over the past week, with one shipbroker negotiating a fixture at a higher rate owing to a lighter volume of available vessels in the last few days. Freight rates for 30,000t scrap cargoes on Supramax vessels f
London, 18 May (Argus) — Overall trading activity in the CIS export basic pig iron (BPI) market has remained subdued in the past week, but a couple of fresh sales have been concluded at widely ranging price levels – demonstrating the significant divergence between price expectations in t
New York, 18 May (Argus) — US seaborne coking coal prices fell again this week as demand for prompt deliveries weakened and supply continued to increase in competing markets. Prices of low volatile coking coal for delivery in the prompt 90 days fob Hampton Roads, Virginia, fell by $19.
London, 18 May (Argus) — Canada's Trevali Mining has received backing from its shareholders for the proposed $400mn acquisition of Glencore zinc assets in Africa. Trevali said shareholders voted in favour of all resolutions supporting the acquisition. The company will acquire an 80pc i
Johannesburg, 18 May (Argus) — Perth-based metals developer Celsius Resources has defined an exploration target of 33-42mn t at its Opuwo cobalt project in north-west Namibia. The ore target follows a drilling programme, which has yielded grades of 0.13-0.17pc cobalt and 0.45-0.65pc cop
Johannesburg, 18 May (Argus) — Sydney and Johannesburg-listed metals developer Tawana Resources has begun development at its Bald Hill lithium-tantalum project in Western Australia. Engineering firm Primero will complete a design and flowsheet for a 1.2mn t/yr spodumene concentrator uti
London, 18 May (Argus) — China increased refined copper production in April compared with the same period last year as it continues to reduce its reliance on imported material. China's refined copper output grew by 4.3pc to 724,000t in April from 694,000t in April 2016, the national bu
London, 18 May (Argus) — Rising domestic rebar prices in China continued to lead producers to increase output to maximum levels and look to restart idled capacity, while billet export offers edged up today following yesterday's rises. Domestic prices for rebar in Henan province were as
Johannesburg, 18 May (Argus) — Toronto-listed Ivanhoe Mines has upgraded the indicated mineral resource at its combined Kamoa-Kakula copper project in the Democratic Republic of Congo to more than 1bn t. This includes an increase of 50mn t to 116mn t in the indicated mineral resource at
London, 18 May (Argus) — Netherlands-based aluminium producer Constellium has signed a new multi-year contract to continue supplying Bosch with anti-lock braking system (ABS) fabricated profiles. Constellium provides Bosch with customized aluminium alloy extrusions from its Decin plant
Santiago, 18 May (Argus) — Chile's state-controlled development agency Corfo and foreign investment promotion agency InvestChile have renewed calls to interested companies to participate in a tender to develop lithium value-added products, such as cathodes and battery components, on an i
Houston, 17 May (Argus) — US copper cathode premiums were unchanged as muted demand in the domestic spot market has kept premiums near their lows for the year. Argus assessed grade A cathode premiums at 5-5.5¢/lb delivered midwest consumer, unchanged for all of May. Consumers and scr
Houston, 17 May (Argus) — Price spreads for bare bright scrap held onto recent gains as scrap availability tightened but demand was tepid. Argus assessed price spreads for bare bright copper scrap at 4-6¢/lb under July Comex, holding flat from the prior week. Current bare bright spr
Houston, 17 May (Argus) — Stainless steel processor buying prices fell for all nickel-bearing scrap Wednesday as the market reacted to the prior day's 2.5pc decline in London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel. Argus- assessed buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solids traded at 55-56
Houston, 17 May (Argus) — Spreads for used aluminum beverage cans (UBCs) were weaker on Wednesday as no US can sheet mills were purchasing for May and most have made progress on securing July volumes. UBC spreads widened to 70-71pc of the Argus Midwest transaction from 71-72pc for the
Houston, 17 May (Argus) — The midwest premium for primary aluminum declined this week as US consumers are well supplied and London Metal Exchange (LME) contracts settled at a backwardation for a second trading day. The Argus P1020 premium fell to 9-9.25c/lb from 9.25-9.5c/lb in the pr
London, 17 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged Wednesday at $272.50/metric tonne (t) cfr as the market paused to consider the potential ramifications of a US trade ruling on rebar. The US announced final determinations in th
Pittsburgh, 17 May (Argus) — JSW Steel increased its production and utilization at its US plate and pipe mills during its fiscal fourth quarter. The steelmaker produced 47,015net tons (nt) (42,651metric tonnes) of plate during the fiscal fourth quarter ended 31 March compared with 32,4
Houston, 17 May (Argus) — WTI crude futures rose today after the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a sixth consecutive decline in domestic crude stocks. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures increased by 41¢/bl to settle at $49.07/bl, the highest close for a prompt-mon
Houston, 17 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price dropped as traders took profits and sought safe haven amid mounting controversy surrounding President Donald Trump's administration and questions over his ability to push forward his growth agenda. The Comex price for the most active mon
London, 17 May (Argus) — A focus on long-term contracts instead of spot deals and lower-priced Russian-origin alloy weighed on the European ferro-titanium market. Standard-grade alloy Prices for western-grade duty-paid alloy fell to $4.10-4.40/kg yesterday from $4.20-4.50/kg on 11 May
London, 17 May (Argus) — Low prices and a lack of US demand for higher-value magnet rare earths are limiting the potential for a US domestic source of supply. Several new exploration and development projects in the US and Canada continue, but are yet to begin commercial operations, with
London, 17 May (Argus) — The Indian government's supportive anti-dumping measures on steel imports will improve the demand and profitability outlook for the country's steel industry, but aggressive national capacity expansion may place additional risk on its steelmakers' recovering credi
Houston, 17 May (Argus) — Ken Baird, a former director with Triple M Metal, exited the Canada-based recycler on 12 May to start a new scrap recycling business in St. Catharines, Ontario. The new business, registered with the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association under the name TKC M
Sao Paulo, 17 May (Argus) — Australian resources and investment company Cape Lambert and joint venture partner Paragon Mining sign an agreement to develop cobalt and copper projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A new 50:50 joint venture company will be established in the D
Pittsburgh, 17 May (Argus) — US imports of rebar from Turkish producer Habas could be tempered following final dumping and subsidy rulings by the Commerce Department, according to KeyBanc. The final antidumping (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD) for the producer were at an "all-in" r
London, 17 May (Argus) — The primary aluminium market was in deficit in the first quarter of this year, the World Bureau of Metal Statistics (WBMS) said. The aluminium market recorded a deficit of 356,000t in January-March. Global demand for primary aluminium in the first quarter incre
New York, 17 May (Argus) — US selenium prices moved down for a second week amid growing resistance from domestic consumers. US selenium (Se 99.5pc) prices declined to $18.75-20.00/lb in the latest week from $18.75-20.25/lb the week prior. Minimal spot market demand and increasing hesit
Johannesburg, 17 May (Argus) — Cash-strapped Zimbabwe has announced plans to build a $200mn platinum group metals refinery in a joint venture with an Australian company. The refinery will be owned by government's mining arm, Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (30pc), Australian com
London, 17 May (Argus) — The copper market remained in surplus in the first quarter because of lower demand in China and higher global mine production, the World Bureau of Metal Statistics said. The market recorded a surplus of 148,000t in January-March. The surplus for the whole of 201
London, 17 May (Argus) — The global nickel market was in surplus in the first quarter, the World Bureau of Metal Statistics said. Global refined production was 391,500t and global demand was 388,200t in January-March. Mine production was down by 47,000t at 417,000t compared with a year
Q A: Bushveld targets steel, batteries for vanadium London, 17 May (Argus) — Southern Africa-focused mining developer Bushveld Minerals, recently completed the acquisition of the Vametco vanadium mine and processing plant in South Africa. Chief executive Fortune Mojapelo and executive d
London, 17 May (Argus) — The global zinc market was in a supply surplus of 86,000t in the first quarter of this year, compared with a deficit of 235,000t for the whole of 2016, the World Bureau of Metal Statistics said. Global refined zinc production in the period increased by 4.4pc and
London, 17 May (Argus) — Domestic steel prices in China moved higher today, supported by an upturn in the futures market driven by the People's Bank of China (PBOC)'s injection of liquidity into the financial system yesterday. PBOC injected around $24.67bn into the banking system yeste
Greely Auto ranks first in China's NEV sales in April Beijing, 17 May (Argus) — China's Greely Auto sold the most new energy — electric and hybrid — vehicles (NEV) in April, data issued by China's passenger car association (CPCA) show. Greely Auto sold 6,295 units of NEVs in April, up b
London, 17 May (Argus) — Hong Kong-listed iron and titanium miner IRC is considering a restart of its idled Kuranakh iron ore and ilmenite mine in Amur region, eastern Russia. IRC is analysing the restart and operational costs and contributions that Kuranakh could bring, including the o
China's Ningxia Tianyuan launches Mn mine in Ghana Beijing, 17 May (Argus) — China's largest manganese producer Ningxia Tianyuan has launched production at a manganese mine in Ghana. Tianyuan's supply of Ghanian manganese ore previously came from Australia's Consolidate Minerals before
Johannesburg, 17 May (Argus) — Lithium developer Galaxy Resources is undertaking a drilling programme and pit optimisation review to update the life of mine plan at its producing Mt Cattlin mine at Ravensthorpe in Western Australia. An increase in the mine's recoverable resource to 15mn
Beijing, 17 May (Argus) — Environmental inspections have delayed magnesium metal shipments from Tianjin port, China's main export outlet for the light metal. The municipal government of Tianjin has closed four acid pickling plants at the port because of substandard effluent disposal an
Johannesburg, 17 May (Argus) — South Africa's Thakadu Battery Materials is considering financing options for a battery-grade nickel sulphate plant to treat nickel sulphate sourced from platinum group metals producer Lonmin. Production at 25,000 t/yr of pure nickel sulphate of is expecte
China's Hunan antimony trioxide producers cut output Beijing, 17 May (Argus) — A number of antimony trioxide producers in China's Hunan province have suspended production this month because of environmental inspections and a supply shortage of feedstock antimony metal. China launched an
Beijing, 17 May (Argus) — One of the world's largest manganese ore producers, South Africa's Tshipi Kalahari Manganese (Tshipi), has raised its export prices for South African manganese ore for July shipments, Chinese importers said. Tshipi released its prices for South African lumpy ma
Pittsburgh, 16 May (Argus) — The US Commerce Department published the final antidumping duties for imports of Turkish and Japanese rebar, which were mostly unchanged from preliminary findings. Final dumping margins for Turkey ranged between 5.39-8.17pc, compared with 5.29-7.07pc followi
Houston, 16 May (Argus) — Spreads for two high-value scrap grades purchased by rolling mills were weaker on Tuesday as consumer inventories weighed on prices. Spreads for 5052 clips, an industrial grade in tight supply, according to dealers and brokers, widened to 10-11¢/lb under the A
Houston, 16 May (Argus) — Processor buying prices for nickel-bearing stainless steel were flat Tuesday from the prior day but a 2.5pc drop in exchange nickel may signal a decline in stainless scrap prices in coming days. Argus assessed buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solid
New York, 16 May (Argus) — New York-based specialty solder, alloy, and indium supplier Indium agreed to partner with Yunnan Tin Group to provide indium parts for the Chinese flat panel display markets. The agreement includes local production and supply of indium-based materials designed
Houston, 16 May (Argus) — WTI crude futures settled lower today coming down from a rally earlier in the session as the IEA said "much work remains to be done" in the second half of 2017 to ease the global crude surplus. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures fell by 19¢/bl to settle at $
Pittsburgh, 16 May (Argus) — The US Commerce Department increased final antidumping duties for Mexican wire rod following the conclusion of an administrative review. Final antidumping duties against wire rod imports from Mexican producer Deacero were increased to 40.52pc from 17.02pc i
New York, 16 May (Argus) — US antimony prices declined in the latest week on the back of lower European prices and minimal trading. Increasing hesitance among selenium buyers encouraged offers to fall in the latest week. Demand for silicon metal was flat amid signs of renewed scrap suppl
Houston, 16 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price rose for a fourth day as the US dollar continued to lose ground. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.5505/lb, up from $2.539/lb on Monday, as the US dollar dropped to its lowest level since early November. The US doll
London, 16 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment increased by 10¢/metric tonne (t) Tuesday to $272.50/t following a deal concluded in the afternoon. Turkish mills continued to purchase deep-sea cargoes at the same levels as they have since 9 Ma
New York, 16 May (Argus) — The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) has initiated an inquiry into whether the government of Kazakhstan "substantially determined" silicon prices as a part of its ongoing investigation against Brazil, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Norway, Russia and Thailan
London, 16 May (Argus) — Indian private-sector steelmaker Tata Steel increased its steel deliveries in the fourth quarter of the 2016-2017 financial year to 31 March, with demand and prices strengthening across its Asian and European markets. Steel deliveries rose by 9.5pc on the year t
Chile's CAP makes 1Q profit as iron ore shipments rise London, 16 May (Argus) — Chilean steel and iron ore producer Compania de Acero del Pacifico (CAP) moved to a profit in the first quarter from a loss in the same period last year, buoyed by increased shipments and higher selling prices
London, 16 May (Argus) — Analysts have lowered their nickel price outlooks for 2017 because of recent supply developments in the Philippines and Indonesia. Director of metals research and strategy at Citigroup David Wilson said the bank's short-term price forecast for nickel is now $8,5
London, 16 May (Argus) — Global mining group Rio Tinto is confident in the health of China's economy and forecasts that the country's restructuring of its steel industry will increase demand for higher grade iron ore, chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques said at the 2017 Global Metals
Brazil's slab and billet exports drop in April London, 16 May (Argus) — Brazil's exports of slab and billet dropped on the year in April, although the rise in global prices in the first quarter supported the total value of the country's shipments, data from the trade ministry show. Slab
New York, 16 May (Argus) — Colombian seaborne coking coal prices fell in the latest week as steelmakers held back from the market and instead sought coal for more-forward delivery dates. Prices of mid-volatile coking coal fob Colombian ports for delivery in the prompt 90 days fell by $
Colombia's Coquecol: Coking coal exports flat in 2017 Bogota, 16 May (Argus) — Coquecol, Colombia's largest coking coal exporter, expects 2017 shipments to be steady on 2016 because some mines that shut in 2014-15 have not reopened, despite the rise in prices last year, general manager Ot
New York, 16 May (Argus) — The US Commerce Department will delay its preliminary determination on countervailing duties against imports of silicon metal from Australia, Brazil and Kazakhstan. The department will deliver its initial decision on 7 August, instead of the previous 1 June d
Houston, 16 May (Argus) — Canadian zinc and lead miner Trevali Mining boosted sales and profit in the first quarter as its Caribou mine in eastern Canada ramped up to commercial production at a time of rising zinc prices. The company is focusing on its planned $400mn acquisition of zinc
Pittsburgh, 16 May (Argus) — President Donald Trump's executive order signed in mid-April regarding the enforcement of "Buy American" policies has raised concerns over steel industry jobs, according to Bob Miller, president and chief executive of NLMK USA. To qualify for government fund
New York, 16 May (Argus) — US high-grade cobalt prices were flat in the latest week as traders anticipated a return to lower inquiries and sales. US high-grade cobalt (Co 99.8pc) was steady at $26.00-27.50/lb Tuesday after falling a week earlier. Traders and distributors resisted cutti
Ukraine's pig iron exports dip, but revenue up Riga, 16 May (Argus) — Ukraine's exports of pig iron in January-April declined compared with the corresponding period of 2016 as the ongoing trade blockade in eastern Ukraine severely disrupted several mills. But revenue from those exports ro
London, 16 May (Argus) — Ukrainian titanium mining firm United Mining and Chemical (UMCC) is boosting spending on mining after focusing on sales last year. The company is spending more on excavation to expand mine access as well on sales logistics. But it warned that profits are declini
London, 16 May (Argus) — Canadian mine developer RNC Minerals' has lowered its full-year gold production guidance, as it reported that nickel output declined in the first quarter because of depressed nickel prices RNC's Beta Hunt mine in Australia produced 5,535oz of gold, down from 5,
Mumbai, 16 May (Argus) — India has imposed an antidumping duty of $22.89/unit on imports of aluminium radiators from China in an effort to shield the domestic industry from cheap imports. The duty applies to aluminium radiators used in vehicles and generators, mostly relating to the sp
London, 16 May (Argus) — Domestic billet prices in China fell slightly today after yesterday's hike, as sales showed no signs of picking up. The price of 150mm Q235 grade billet in Tangshan fell by Yn30/t ($4.40/t) to Yn2,990/t ex-works, having risen by Yn70/t yesterday. Export offers w
London, 16 May (Argus) — Peruvian exports of copper, zinc and molybdenum increased in March compared with a year earlier, while lead and tin shipments declined, according to data from Peru's central bank. Copper exports rose by 9.6pc to 192,000t in March from 175,100t in the same month
Johannesburg, 16 May (Argus) — Sydney-based Hastings Technology Metals is in the final stages of a drilling programme that aims to upgrade the rare earth resources at its Yangibana project in Western Australia and contribute to a definitive feasibility study. The programme is aimed at u
Johannesburg, 16 May (Argus) — London and Johannesburg listed mining company Tharisa increased output of chrome and platinum group metals in its fiscal first half to 31 March and is on track to meet guidance for the year to 30 September. It increased its output of chrome concentrate by
Houston, 15 May (Argus) — Stainless steel processor buying prices for 304 scrap continued to rise Monday as availability remained tight. US mill demand is strong for May and processors are finding difficulties fulfilling requirements for the month. This apparent tightness caught some
Houston, 15 May (Argus) — US premiums for special high-grade zinc held unchanged in the latest week as inventories have grown since 8 May. Argus assessed the US zinc premium at 8-9¢/lb Monday, unchanged from a week earlier and 1¢/lb lower than two weeks ago. London Metal Exchange zin
Pittsburgh, 15 May (Argus) — Total raw steel production in the US declined for a second week, as a decline in the Great Lakes weekly output offset a rise in the southern region. The US produced 1.73mn net tons (nt) (1.57mn metric tonnes) of raw steel for the week ended 13 May, down by 0
Sao Paulo, 15 May (Argus) — Peruvian mining company Minsur experienced a sharp increase in ferro-niobium and ferro-tantalum alloys production in the first quarter of 2017 at its Tobaca division in Brazil. Output totalled 541t, a 31pc increase on the 413t produced a year earlier. This w
London, 15 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment increased by 40¢/metric tonne (t) Monday to $272.40/t cfr following an European sale. A continental European exporter sold 17,000t of HMS 1/2 75:25, 3,000t of shred and 5,000t of bonus at an avera
Houston, 15 May (Argus) — US nonferrous metals recyclers are bracing for the impact of China's environmental crackdown on imports of metal and other scrap on pricing and flows. "Restrictions on the movements of recyclable metals can have a huge impact on pricing," Andy Wahl, vice presid
Houston, 15 May (Argus) — WTI crude futures rose today as Saudi Arabia and Russia said they both support extending an output cut agreement by nine months. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures increased by $1.01/bl to settle at $48.85/bl. Prices moved as high as $49.66/bl earlier in th
New York, 15 May (Argus) — The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) delayed its preliminary determination on imports of silicon metal from Brazil, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Norway, Russia, and Thailand, citing issues related to "complexity and novelty" of the investigation. The CBSA
Houston, 15 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price rose for a third day as oil moved higher with extended curtailments of oil production for the second half of the year. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.539/lb, up from $2.524/lb on Friday, on the back of higher crud
London, 15 May (Argus) — Chinese output of non-ferrous metals grew by 5pc year on year in April, Chinese National Bureau of Statistics data show. China produced 4.51mn t in total of 10 kinds of non-ferrous metals, namely copper, aluminium, zinc, lead, tin, mercury, nickel, titanium, an
China's lithium battery output rises in 1Q Beijing, 15 May (Argus) — Chinese lithium-ion battery production rose substantially in January-March, ministry of industry and information technology data show. China produced 1.92bn units of lithium-ion battery in the first three months, up by
Houston, 15 May (Argus) — Canadian service center shipments of aluminum, excluding extrusions, were 4.3pc lower in April compared with a year earlier, as inventories declined by 4.2pc. Shipments fell to 9,600nt in April from 10,000nt in the prior year, according to the latest data from
Houston, 15 May (Argus) — Metal recycler Industrial Services America (ISA) has restarted its auto shredder in Louisville, Kentucky. The Louisville-based company said late last week that it intends to run the shredder in the normal course of business subject to market conditions and oper
Houston, 15 May (Argus) — US service center shipments of aluminum products were little changed in April from a year earlier, as inventories dropped by 1pc. Shipments were nearly flat at 127,500nt (115,666 metric tonnes) compared with 128,000nt a year earlier, according to Illinois-base
Pittsburgh, 15 May (Argus) — US service center shipments of steel declined by 4.2pc in April from a year earlier while inventories fell by 6pc. Shipments totaled 3.11mn net tons (nt) (2.82mn metric tonnes) in April compared with 3.25mn nt in April 2016 and 3.66mn nt in March, according
Singapore, 15 May (Argus) — China's crude steel output hit new highs in April, surpassing the record set in March as producers kept operations at peak levels amid continued profitability. Crude steel output in April was 72.78mn t, higher by 1.08pc from 72mn t in March and higher by 4.9p
New York, 15 May (Argus) — US high-carbon ferro-chrome declined for a fourth straight week amid lower demand and prices in China. US high-carbon ferro-chrome (Cr 60pc C 6-8pc) fell to $1.40-1.46/lb Thursday from $1.41-1.48/lb a week earlier. Lower high-carbon alloy prices in China agai
Sao Paulo, 15 May (Argus) — First quarter vanadium pentoxide output at Canada's Largo Resources' Maracás Menchen mine in northeast Brazil increased sharply from a year earlier. Production was 2,062t compared with 1,169t in the opening quarter of 2016, a 76.4pc increase. Output was down
Johannesburg, 15 May (Argus) — Johannesburg and Toronto-listed platinum group metals producer Atlatsa Resources is considering chrome extraction from UG2 ore tailings at its Bokoni joint venture in South Africa. Preliminary studies have indicated that 10,000-12,000 t/month of chromite c
London, 15 May (Argus) — Domestic billet prices in China rose sharply today after a number of producers in Hebei received notice on 12 May to halt sintering operations during the One Belt, One Road conference currently being held in Beijing. The price of 150mm Q235-grade billet in Tangs
China's Hongdian Ferroalloys raises FeSi output Beijing, 15 May (Argus) — Chinese ferro-alloy producer state-owned Hongdian Ferroalloys has increased its ferro-silicon output because of stronger demand from its parent company Jiuquan Iron and Steel (Jisco). Hongdian Ferroalloys has only
Beijing, 15 May (Argus) — China's leading alumina and aluminium producer state-owned Chalco will suspend 970,000 t/yr of combined capacity because of falling alumina prices. The company will suspend plants at two of its subsidiaries — Chalco Shanxi branch with 2.4mn t/yr of capacity and
Johannesburg, 15 May (Argus) — European Lithium has become the third Australia-based lithium producer to sign a concentrate offtake agreement with Chinese lithium carbonate developer, privately-owned Shandong RuiFu Lithium. The Perth-based company will supply 50,000 t/yr of 6pc lithium
Johannesburg, 15 May (Argus) — Base and minor metals developer Australian Mines has started to build a demonstration plant to process offtake from its Sconi and Flemington cobalt-scandium-nickel projects in Queensland and New South Wales. The Perth-based plant is scheduled for completio
Beijing, 15 May (Argus) — China's leading rare earth producer state-controlled Southern Rare Earth has released its selling prices for medium and heavy rare earths for the third week of May. The company's listed price for 99.99pc europium oxide is 620 yuan/kg ($90.11/kg) today, up by Yn
Johannesburg, 15 May (Argus) — Platinum producer Lonmin reports lower output in line with its strategy of removing high cost production from its South African operations. Refined platinum output for the six months to 31 March was 301,261oz, compared to 348,885oz a year earlier. Palladiu
Sao Paulo, 15 May (Argus) — Brazilian ferro-chrome producer Ferbasa's first-quarter ferro-alloys production increased sharply, helped by higher chrome alloys demand and after executives opted to produce as much as possible using electricity purchased on the open market. Ferbasa produces
Houston, 12 May (Argus) — US east coast export yard buying prices rose this week as bulk exporters filling cargoes raised prices to secure material for shipment to Turkey. Off the west coast, two bulk sales to Pakistan this week failed to lift prices after sales prices stayed unchanged.
New York, 12 May (Argus) — US molybdenum concentrate production rose by 7.3pc in February from a year earlier amid higher exports to the UK and Netherlands. The US produced 2,940metric tonnes (t) of molybdenum concentrate in February, up from 2,740t a year earlier, according to the US G
Houston, 12 May (Argus) — Stainless steel processor buying prices for nickel-bearing scrap strengthened Friday on rising nickel prices and supply concerns. There is a perception that scrap is tight and secondary nickel units are increasingly hard to source. Mill demand is also expected
Houston, 12 May (Argus) — Asian secondary aluminium scrap import prices fell this week on weaker demand and increased supply. A 1.5pc decrease in the London Metal Exchange aluminium futures prices contributed to the weakness. In China, poor demand for secondary ingot continues to keep
Pittsburgh, 12 May (Argus) — Evraz North America will build a new heat-treat line at its Alberta, Canada oil country tubular good (OCTG) facility. The steelmaker has approved engineering design work and ordering of long-lead time equipment to install the new line. It is expected to be o
Houston, 12 May (Argus) — Crude futures rose today as all Opec members have agreed to extend production cuts for a further six months, an Iraqi official said. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures rose by just 1¢/bl to settle at $47.84/bl, but has ended higher for four of five days this
Washington, 12 May (Argus) — Solving the problem that is the Chicago, Illinois, interchange hub is not as easy as altering an agreement between carriers or building a new rail line in the suburbs. Railroads and shippers have been struggling to resolve congestion in Chicago for at least
Houston, 12 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price rose for a second day to end the week with a solid trend after five days of volatility. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.524/lb, up from $2.508/lb on Thursday, and gained back most of this week's drops. Weaker tha
Houston, 12 May (Argus) — Spot prices for A380.1 dropped by 1-2¢/lb this week amid rising Nasaac inventories and downward pressure on scrap. London Metal Exchange's North American Specialty Aluminum Alloy Contract (Nasaac) three-month prices settled just below 82¢/lb Friday, down from 8
London, 12 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment fell by $1.80/metric tonne (t) to $272/t Friday after a Baltic cargo traded at this price level. Deep-sea scrap exporters to Turkey appear to have accepted mills' price expectations, as a Baltic o
New York, 12 May (Argus) — US silicon metal prices were unchanged in the latest week after a drop in demand negated rising offers. Argus assessed US silicon metal (Si 98.5pc) at $1.09-1.12/lb Thursday, flat from a week earlier. Domestic suppliers pushed for higher offers early in th
Pittsburgh, 12 May (Argus) — Plate prices in the US remained unchanged from last week with mills holding offer prices despite sparse spot buying activity. The limited spot activity indicates most service centers have chosen not to restock from leaner inventory positions allowing the mi
London, 12 May (Argus) — US government concerns over the lack of domestic supply of rare earths could benefit mining and production projects outside China, UK-based rare earth developer Rainbow Rare Earths said. "The fact that the subject was discussed at a [Congressional] hearing focu
Mexico City, 12 May (Argus) — Mexico's new hybrid and electric vehicle sales in February were more than five times higher than the prior-year period, with 755 vehicles sold across the country, the Mexican Association for the Automotive Industry (AMIA) said. Some 724 hybrid vehicles and
Houston, 12 May (Argus) — North America's largest railroads moved substantially less ferrous scrap cargo in the fourth quarter of 2016 than they had in the same period five years earlier. But while all the carriers experienced volume declines, their decisions as to handle rates were deci
London, 12 May (Argus) — Canadian copper producer Turquoise Hill Resources has signed a new power supply agreement for its Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia, ensuring continuous operations while it expands and develops a power plant. The agreement has been signed with the National Power Tran
New York, 12 May (Argus) — US ferro-manganese prices were little changed in the latest week as adequate supplier stocks offset higher demand. Argus assessed US high-carbon ferro-manganese (Mn 80pc, C 6-8pc) prices at $1,360-1,430/gt Thursday, unchanged from a week earlier. Medium-carb
Houston, 12 May (Argus) — Chicago-based recycler Acme Refining, along with its president Laurence Baron, plead guilty to impairing and impeding the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as part of a larger investigation of cash transactions in the Chicago-area scrap industry. Baron directed
London, 12 May (Argus) — Canada-based Lundin Mining has completed a feasibility study on a zinc expansion project at its Neves-Corvo mine in Portugal. Zinc production is forecast to peak above 180,000 t/yr after the expansion. The company expects production to average 150,000 t/yr in 20
Pittsburgh, 12 May (Argus) — ArcelorMittal's operations in North America increased output in the first quarter amid higher demand and prices. The company's Nafta segment's first quarter crude steel production rose by 10.1pc to of 6.2mn metric tonnes (t) from 5.6mn mt a year earlier. Shi
Sao Paulo, 12 May (Argus) — Canada's Sierra Metals, which has operations in Peru and Mexico, reported a sharp increase in first-quarter copper production from a year earlier, helping the company swing to a quarterly profit. Copper output rose by 24.9pc against the same period of 2016 t
Shutdown hits Aperam's 1Q stainless shipments London, 12 May (Argus) — Luxembourg-based steelmaker Aperam's shipments of stainless and electrical steel declined on the previous year because of a shutdown at one of its European operations. January-March stainless and electrical steel ship
Beijing, 12 May (Argus) — The Chinese government will continue to strengthen its control over the country's rare earth industry and crack down on illegal production, China's ministry of industry and information technology said. The government has inspected 415 operations in 23 province
Johannesburg, 12 May (Argus) — Botswana-focused copper developer Aletco Minerals has produced its first commercial copper from its Mowana project. Over 1,900t of copper concentrate has so far been sold to offtake partner Fujax Minerals and Energy, the company said. The project has indi
London, 12 May (Argus) — Domestic hot rolled coil (HRC) prices in China fell slightly on lower sales, but billet prices edged up with more purchase volumes. The price of SS400 5.5mm HRC fell by Yn20/t ($2.90/t) to Yn3,040/t ex warehouse today. Export offers were level, at $425/t fob nor
Beijing, 12 May (Argus) — China's largest antimony producer state-owned Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star has suspended output to upgrade its facilities to comply with new rules on maximum sulphur dioxide emissions. Located in Lengshuijiang, Hunan province, the producer is a subsidiary of st
South Africa's UMK raises Mn ore export price for June Beijing, 12 May (Argus) — The world's fourth-largest manganese ore producer, South African United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK), has raised its export price for South African manganese ore for June shipments, Chinese importers said. UM
Johannesburg, 12 May (Argus) — Platinum group metals and chrome producer Lonmin suspends operations at two mine shafts in South Africa after protests by local community members seeking jobs. The shafts were suspended on Thursday and remain closed on Friday. It is estimated that Lonmin w
Johannesburg, 12 May (Argus) — South African mining production in March rose by 15.5pc on a year-on-year basis while February minerals sales were 10pc higher than a year earlier, with manganese and chromium the main performers. It is the biggest improvement in production and sales for m
Sao Paulo, 12 May (Argus) — London-based tungsten producer W Resources has increased grade and quality at its La Parrilla tungsten mine in Spain. Indicated resources at La Parrilla have increased in grade and the resource categorisation uprated with part of the resource being upgraded t
China's new energy vehicle output rises in April Beijing, 12 May (Argus) — China's new energy vehicle (NEV) production rose in April, data issued by China's automobile manufacturers association Caam show. NEV production rose by 19pc year on year to 37,306 units in April. Output of pure
Pittsburgh, 11 May (Argus) — ArcelorMittal and United Steelworkers members ratified a new four-year collective agreement covering the steelmaker's operations in Freemont and Port-Cartier, Quebec. Following an almost unanimous union vote late last week to reject a contract offer that in
Houston, 11 May (Argus) — Amsterdam-headquartered aluminum mill Constellium today officially opened a 135,000-ft2 plant in White, Georgia. The facility will manufacture advanced aluminum components and crash management products for US automakers located in the southeast. It is expected
Houston, 11 May (Argus) — US spot premiums for melting grade nickel eased in the latest week even as nickel climbed over 3pc on the London Metal Exchange (LME). Premiums for full truckload melting grade, 4x4inch nickel cathodes were assessed at 22-25¢/lb, down from 23-25¢/lb a week earl
Houston, 11 May (Argus) — Smelter-grade aluminum scrap prices were mixed Thursday as some suppliers diverted loads from a major consumer, making more material available on the spot market. Prices for bellwether old cast aluminum rose to 61-64¢/lb from 60-63¢/lb, while prices for old she
Houston, 11 May (Argus) — Stainless steel processor buying prices for 316 scrap rose Thursday amid continued tightness and higher raw material prices. Stainless 316 stainless scrap solids traded at 70-72¢/lb, up from 70-71¢/lb Wednesday, while 316 turnings were assessed at 62-64¢/lb, up
Houston, 11 May (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap prices rose in Asia this week after the London Metal Exchange nickel price increased by $320/metric tonne (t) over the past week. European prices were unchanged. Asian prices strengthened as buyers worked to maintain a steady flow of scrap
Houston, 11 May (Argus) — Spreads for all copper scrap to Asian ports strengthened in the latest week as scrap availability tightened. Argus assessed bare bright spreads at 6-8¢/lb under July Comex, from 8-10¢/lb under the prior week. Exporters have raised offers ahead of second-half
New York, 11 May (Argus) — Michigan-based investment firm Speyside Equity acquired Ashland Foundry and Machine Works, West Coast Stainless Products, and machining services provider Dynatek. The acquisition of Ashland was finalized 1 May with the subsequent purchases of West Coast Stainl
New York, 11 May (Argus) — US imports of key bulk alloys fell by 6.4pc in the first quarter from a year earlier, led by sharp declines in imports from Australia, Georgia, and Norway. The US imported 304,580metric tonnes (t) of bulk alloys in the first quarter, down from 325,541t a year
Houston, 11 May (Argus) — Crude futures rose for a second day on signs that producers may agree to extend an output cut beyond the initial six months. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures rose by 50¢/bl to settle at $47.83/bl. Ice July Brent gained by 55¢/bl to $50.77/bl. The July Bre
Houston, 11 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price strengthened on Thursday, following crude higher. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.508/lb, up from $2.4945/lb on Wednesday. The Comex price has been seesawing for the last six settlement days, with the negatives out
London, 11 May (Argus) — Scrap freight rates from the US east coast ports remained flat in the latest week while rates from the continent continued to edge down amid smaller volumes of outgoing cargoes. Freight rates for 40,000metric tonne (t) scrap cargoes on Supramax vessels from New
London, 11 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged Thursday at $273.80/t with no new deals in the deep-sea market. Scrap exporters resisted selling at lower prices by highlighting the wide spreads between Turkish domestic rebar
New York, 11 May (Argus) — A lack of buying interest dragged down US seaborne coking coal prices this week. Prices of low-volatile coking coal fob Hampton Roads, Virginia, for delivery in the prompt 90 days fell by $25.25/tonne to $181.25/t in the week ended 11 May. High volatile typ
Pittsburgh, 11 May (Argus) — The US International Trade Commission has voted to continue the antidumping and countervailing duty investigation of steel wire rod imports from ten countries. The commission determined there was a reasonable indication the US industry is materially injured
New York, 11 May (Argus) — US ferro-titanium prices increased in the latest week, supported by higher domestic and European scrap costs. US ferro-titanium (Ti 70pc) prices moved up to $2.12-2.22/lb from $2.05-2.15/lb a week earlier. Rising raw material costs forced North American alloy
London, 11 May (Argus) — Russian and Ukrainian basic pig iron (BPI) export prices remain unchanged this week, with sales to the Mediterranean region having stalled amid a price stalemate that has become a regular feature of this market since supply disruption in eastern Ukraine drove pri
Pittsburgh, 11 May (Argus) — Prices in the US flat-rolled market continued to drift lower from a week ago as pressure was sustained by seasonality and uncertainty. The next two to six weeks will be "a bit choppy," according to one mini-mill as automotive producers release their summer s
New York, 11 May (Argus) — Connecticut-based titanium dioxide and chemicals producer Tronox will replace chief executive Tom Casey with Peter Johnston as interim chief executive. Casey is set to retire 15 May for "health reasons" but will remain on the board to oversee the Cristal Chemi
New York, 11 May (Argus) — Greater mill demand and less availability of standard grade ferro-silicon lifted prices in the latest week. Early signs of higher raw material costs and steady demand supported higher ferro-molybdenum. Meanwhile, scrap prices and in particular demand in Europe
Sao Paulo, 11 May (Argus) — Anglo-Australian mining group BHP Billiton is exploring the possibility of selling off its Cerro Colorado copper mine in Chile. No decisions have been made and the process at a very early stage. Any potential deal would be subject to detailed evaluation, the
London, 11 May (Argus) — Steel product buyers in China erred on the side of caution today, after gains in the market yesterday pushed billet and hot rolled coil (HRC) prices close to a resistance level. Buying volumes subsided dragging down the price of 150mm Q235 grade billet in Tangs
London, 11 May (Argus) — The total traded volume of base metals on London-based metal exchange LME fell year on year in January-March, LME parent company Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEx) said. Average daily trading volumes fell by 4.6pc in the first quarter to 607,251 lots from 6
Johannesburg, 11 May (Argus) — Metals developer Australian Mines is to build a demonstration process plant to fast-track offtake talks for output from its Flemington cobalt-scandium-nickel project in New South Wales. The plant will be built in Perth, Western Australia. It is expected to
Sao Paulo, 11 May (Argus) — Canadian mining company Lithium Americas is awaiting Chinese government approval of a deal to construct the 25,000 t/yr Cauchari-Olaroz project in Argentina. Lithium Americas has settled all relevant paperwork to allow China's Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium to inves
Johannesburg, 11 May (Argus) — Non-conventional lithium developer Lithium Australia has produced battery grade lithium carbonate from a pilot plant which has demonstrated its ability to process metallic by-products. The company's proprietary Sileach process generated 99.8pc lithium carb
New York, 10 May (Argus) — South Carolina-based electronic component manufacturer Kemet raised revenues for the fiscal year by 3.1pc following the acquisition of NEC Tokin in late February. Revenues for the year ending 31 March rose to $758mn, up from $735mn in the prior year. Kemet ea
Houston, 10 May (Argus) — Shipments of Ohio-based secondary aluminum producer Real Alloy were flat in the first quarter from a year earlier, as increases in specification ingot sales offset declines in tolling business. Sales volumes were little changed at 291,800 metric tonnes (t), wi
Houston, 10 May (Argus) — Price spreads for bare bright scrap held for a third week as copper scrap availability continued to tighten. Argus assessed price spreads for bare bright copper scrap at 4-6¢/lb under May Comex, holding flat for a third week. Current bare bright spreads rema
Houston, 10 May (Argus) — US process buying prices of stainless steel were flat Wednesday, shrugging off a 3pc gain in exchange nickel over as many days. Argus assessed buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solids at 55-56¢/lb, while turnings traded at 50-51¢/lb, both unchanged
Houston, 10 May (Argus) — The midwest premium for primary aluminum was unchanged Wednesday as merchants faced uninterested mills that are well-supplied with scrap. Traders do not anticipate that lower offers will generate significant interest. The premium held at 9.25-9.5¢/lb, flat from
Pittsburgh, 10 May (Argus) — Mario Longhi has stepped down as chief executive of US Steel and will be replaced by current president and chief operating officer David Burritt. Longhi's move was announced internally on Monday but he will remain on the board of directors as an employee of
Houston, 10 May (Argus) — Spreads for used aluminum beverage cans were weaker Wednesday as consumers are well-supplied and completed purchases for May weeks ago. Price spreads widened to 71-72pc of the Argus midwest transaction price from 71-73pc as outright prices fell to 67-68¢/lb f
Houston, 10 May (Argus) — US copper cathode premiums held unchanged amid persistent tepid demand. Argus assessed grade A cathode premiums at 5-5.5¢/lb delivered midwest consumer, unchanged from the prior week and near the lowest level of the year. Even with consumers and scrap dealer
Pittsburgh, 10 May (Argus) — The Commerce Department has initiated a new investigation into imports of cold-drawn mechanical tubing products from six countries. Following a 19 April petition from domestic producers including ArcelorMittal Tubular Products, Michigan Seamless Tube, PTC A
Houston, 10 May (Argus) — US aluminum remelt scrap ingot (RSI) imports shot up by 325pc in the first quarter, with Venezuela replacing Canada as the country's top offshore supplier. Total RSI imports jumped to 5,085metric tonnes (t) in the first quarter compared with 1,366t a year earli
Washington, 10 May (Argus) — Barge operations along the entire Mississippi river have resumed following the reopening of a 77-mile stretch in Illinois, but traffic delays continue. The US Coast Guard yesterday reopened a portion of the river extending from Chester, Illinois, to Cairo, I
Houston, 10 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price edged lower Wednesday, nearly matching its lowest level of the year and reacting to strong two-day gains in the dollar index and high levels of warehouse stockpiles. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.4945/lb, down fr
Houston, 10 May (Argus) — Oil futures rose today following a larger-than-expected decline in US crude inventories, as well as draws in gasoline and diesel stockpiles. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures rose by $1.45/bl to settle at $47.33/bl. Ice July Brent gained by $1.49/bl to $50
London, 10 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment increased by $1.80/t to $273.80/t cfr Wednesday after higher offer prices failed to find any takers. Two Turkish mills were confirmed to be looking for deep-sea cargoes, with one unwilling to pay
Houston, 10 May (Argus) — Rolled aluminum shipments of US-based mill Novelis were nearly flat in fiscal 2017, as operational efficiencies and sales of higher-margin products enabled the company to return to profit. The company shipped 3.07mn metric tonnes (t) of rolled products in the
London, 10 May (Argus) — Two Turkish mills were confirmed to be looking for deep-sea cargoes today, one of which was unwilling at this stage to pay a higher price than the deal levels of Baltic cargoes concluded yesterday afternoon. The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap a
London, 10 May (Argus) — The current pullback in base metal prices offers buying opportunities for base metals and mining equities, panellists at the 121 mining investment conference in London said today. "This is just a normal pullback and people are just rolling out the usual excuses
New York, 10 May (Argus) — Thin spot market demand and firming expectations that supplies would rebound pressured US selenium prices down in the latest week. US selenium (Se 99.5pc) prices fell to $18.75-20.25/lb from $19.00-21.50/lb in the latest week. Offers declined in response to g
Houston, 10 May (Argus) — Austrian steelmaker Voestalpine's newest direct reduction (DRI) plant in Corpus Christi, Texas is fully operational. Following a six-month run-up and performance tests, the facility became fully operational on 1 April. The $1.012bn-facility has the capacity t
Houston, 10 May (Argus) — The ratio between delivered US #1 busheling and Chinese iron ore prices expanded to 5.5 in May, its highest level since January 2015. Buying prices for #1 busheling delivered to Chicago mills on a metric tonne (t) basis rose by $4.92/t to $354.31/t in May, whil
Miami, 10 May (Argus) — Major changes in the steel industry since the last Section 232 investigation around the industry in 2001 are likely to deliver a more positive result this year as the Trump administration has expressed a true concern around the issues, according to Nucor's chief e
Sao Paulo, 10 May (Argus) — Brazilian refractory metals producer Magnesita's first-quarter production fell 3.4pc from a year earlier, but rose compared to the previous quarter on higher demand from steel producers in Western Europe, the US and Canada. Output of 239,000t in the first thr
Mexico City, 10 May (Argus) — Mexico's light vehicle production rose 3.2pc in April to 278,173 units from 269,604 vehicles produced in the same month of 2016. Cumulative production for the first four months of the year was 1.22mn vehicles, up by 13.6pc from the same period a year ago, t
Pittsburgh, 10 May (Argus) — Steel mills in the US shipped 4.3pc more steel in March than a year earlier, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute. US mills shipped 7.69mn net tons (nt) (6.98mn metric tonnes) of steel in March, up from 7.38mn nt in March 2016, while shipments
London, 10 May (Argus) — Steel prices in China rose today as output cuts in some provinces loomed large, boosting sales in physical and paper markets. Yunnan province administration's announcement that it will cut electricity supply to outdated steelmaking plants planned for closures, c
Johannesburg, 10 May (Argus) — Australian mining companies are increasingly focused on developing hard rock and brine lithium resources to meet growing demand from Chinese offtake partners and international electric vehicle battery manufacturers. The most advanced projects and offtake a
Beijing, 10 May (Argus) — Chinese steel mills have raised vanadium-nitrogen alloy tender prices for May delivery. Laiwu Iron and Steel secured 150t of 77pc vanadium, 16pc nitrogen grade alloy at Yn151,800/t ($28.74/kg) paid by acceptance bill, up by 19,800/t compared with April's tender
Sao Paulo, 10 May (Argus) — Chile's molybdenum concentrate production rose by 7.2pc year on year in March to 5,011t, data from the country's copper commission Cochilco shows. Higher production at Andina, Salvador and El Teniente, Los Pelambres and Amerigo's MVC waste processing operatio
China's stainless steel output rises Beijing, 10 May (Argus) — Chinese stainless steel output rose in line with higher consumption in January-March. Domestic stainless steel output rose by 20pc year on year to 6.23mn t in January-March, industry association CSSC data show. Production o
Sao Paulo, 10 May (Argus) — Chilean copper production fell sharply for a second consecutive month in March led by the six-week strike at Escondida, the world's largest producing site, data from Chilean copper commission Cochilco shows. Output was down by 23.5pc from a year earlier at 37
Beijing, 10 May (Argus) — China's tungsten concentrate production reached 26,403t tungsten trioxide (WO3) in January-March, up by 12pc year on year, national statistics agency NBS data show. Production growth was driven by higher prices. Average monthly prices for tungsten concentrate r
France's Eramet Comilog raises Mn ore export prices Beijing, 10 May (Argus) — Leading French Mining group Eramet Comilog has raised its manganese ore export prices for China for June shipment, Chinese importers said. Eramet Comilog offered Gabonese lumpy manganese ore 45pc at $5.9/metric
Beijing, 10 May (Argus) — China's electric bike production rose by 14pc year on year to 2.83mn units in March, national bureau of statistics (NBS) data show. Production in January-March reached 9.95mn units, up by 7.2pc year on year. The first quarter is the peak season for sales of
Johannesburg, 10 May (Argus) — Australia's biggest lithium development project has received its final environmental approval and can now move to development stage. Pilbara Minerals has received all approvals for its Pilgangoora project in Western Australia, including the acceptance of i
Corrects name of company Johannesburg, 10 May (Argus) — Australian base metals developer Heron Resources signs an exclusive offtake agreement for zinc, lead and copper concentrate output from its Woodlawn base metals project in New South Wales. The agreement with Louis Dreyfus Compan
Johannesburg, 10 May (Argus) — Australian base metals developer Heron Resources signs an exclusive offtake agreement for zinc, lead and copper concentrate output from its Woodlawn base metals project in New South Wales. The agreement with Louis Dreyfus Company Metals (LDC Metals) covers
Johannesburg, 10 May (Argus) — Australian bauxite developer Metro Mining has begun early development of its Bauxite Hills mine in Queensland's Cape York Peninsula with first production expected in the second quarter of 2018. Environmental approvals are being finalised and tenders for al
Houston, 9 May (Argus) — Mill-grade aluminum scrap spreads were mixed Tuesday as suppliers had varied reactions to a drop in three-month London Metal Exchange prices which fell to nearly 2-month lows. Segregated alloy clip spreads narrowed as they are in shorter supply than other mill g
Houston, 9 May (Argus) — US processor buying prices remained unchanged Tuesday as scrap prices have yet to react to a near 3pc increase in nickel on the London Metal Exchange (LME) in the last several trading sessions. Argus assessed buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solids
New York, 9 May (Argus) — Virginia-based chemicals and metals producer Synalloy expects to surpass its previous annual revenue estimate following higher order activity in the first quarter. Annual revenues are projected to surpass the initial $184mn estimate should order activity contin
New York, 9 May (Argus) — Texas-based chemical manufacturer Huntsman will raise prices for all of its titanium dioxide pigments sales for June and July. Prices for North American sales will rise by 8¢/lb, effective 1 June. This is the largest increase since April 2016 and the second ti
Houston, 9 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price moved higher Tuesday on bargain hunting after settling the prior day at a four-month low. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.4980/lb, up from $2.4935/lb on Monday, which was the lowest settlement since 23 December.
Houston, 9 May (Argus) — Ohio-based recycler PSC Metals generated a profit of $2mn in the first quarter amid increased sales. The Icahn Enterprises subsidiary sold $103mn of material in the first quarter, up by 78pc from $58mn a year earlier when it posted a $6mn loss. Sales increased
Houston, 9 May (Argus) — Crude futures fell as the EIA raised its US crude output forecast, while also lowering its price expectations for the year. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures fell by 55¢/bl to settle at $45.88/bl, reversing all of the previous session's gains. Ice July Bren
Houston, 9 May (Argus) — US exports of whole spent lead batteries rose by 40pc in the first quarter, while exports of lead recovered from batteries rose by 16.1pc. Shipments of whole spent batteries climbed to 6,457metric tonnes (t) in the first quarter while exports of lead scrap recov
London, 9 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment decreased by $2/metric tonne (t) to $272/t Tuesday on the back of bid and offer indications. Five deep-sea deals were confirmed after Argus went to press today and consequently could not be factor
Houston, 9 May (Argus) — US imports of brass mill products rose by 6pc in the first quarter but were outpaced by a 10pc gain in exports. Imports of brass mill products totaled 113.9mn lbs in the first quarter from 108mn lbs the same year-earlier period, according to the Washington, DC-b
New York, 9 May (Argus) — US high-grade cobalt prices declined in the latest week amid growing supplier inventories, ending a three-week standoff between suppliers and consumers. US high-grade cobalt (Co 99.8pc) moved down to $26.00-27.50/lb Tuesday from $26.50-28.00/lb a week earlier.
Turkey's steel export geography shifts London, 9 May (Argus) — Turkish rebar exporters ramped up their deliveries to alternative destinations in January-April, as their traditional major markets of Egypt and the UAE became less accessible because of trade defence measures and increased lo
China's capacity cuts to be harder in 2017: Fitch London, 9 May (Argus) — The Chinese government's steel capacity reduction target in 2017 will be more difficult to achieve than cuts made last year, credit ratingd agency Fitch said. This will put a limit on the rise in international steel
London, 9 May (Argus) — Copper prices yesterday fell to the lowest level in 2017 and are expected to drop further this year, analysts said. London Metal Exchange (LME) three-month official copper prices fell to $5,491/t yesterday, the lowest since 22 December when it was $5,440/t. Coppe
New York, 9 May (Argus) — US cobalt prices declined on rebounding supplier inventories. Falling Chinese export prices undercut the US antimony and bismuth markets, and plentiful alloy scrap and lower import prices pushed magnesium prices down. Antimony Prices for 99.65pc metal fell by
New York, 9 May (Argus) — The US Commerce Department has determined in a preliminary administrative review that two Ukrainian exporters sold silico-manganese at less than "normal value" between 2015 and 2016. Exporting companies Zaporozhye Ferroalloy and Nikopol Ferroalloy will receive
Houston, 9 May (Argus) — US exports of copper scrap rose by 19.3pc in the first quarter from a year earlier, led by shipments of other scrap and other refined copper scrap. Exports of copper scrap totaled 252,263metric tonnes (t) in the first quarter, compared with 211,528t in the same
China's Northern Rare Earth raises May listed prices Beijing, 9 May (Argus) — China's largest light rare earths producer state-owned Northern Rare Earth has raised its listed prices for praseodymium-neodymium, neodymium, lanthanum and cerium to underpin the domestic market. Northern Rar
Houston, 9 May (Argus) — US imports of base metals scrap rose by 38pc in the first quarter from a year earlier, led by gains in aluminum, copper and tin shipments. Imports of base metals totaled 232,508metric tonnes (t) in the first quarter, compared with 168,583t a year earlier, accord
Houston, 9 May (Argus) — US aluminum scrap imports were up by 34pc in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the year-prior period, as used beverage cans (UBCs), remelt scrap ingot (RSI) and other grades each logged increases. Aluminum scrap imports rose to 179,519metric tonnes (t) in
Houston, 9 May (Argus) — US exports of base metal scrap rose by 16.3pc in the first quarter from a year earlier, led by gains in aluminum and copper shipments. Exports of base metal scrap rose to 644,989metric tonnes (t) in the quarter from 554,778t a year earlier, according to the lat
High-speed steel output drives China's W demand Beijing, 9 May (Argus) — China's increasing production of high-speed tool steel has driven demand for tungsten-bearing feedstocks, but ferro-tungsten consumption in the sector is declining. Steel production High-speed tool steel output rea
India's JSW Steel lifts output in April London, 9 May (Argus) — Indian steelmaker JSW Steel increased production of crude and finished steel in April, despite a reduction in domestic consumption . Output of crude steel rose by 7pc year on year to 1.3mn t. Output of flat-rolled products
Johannesburg, 9 May (Argus) — AIM and Johannesburg-listed Jubilee Platinum is progressing chrome and platinum group metals tailings projects in South Africa and Australia and is on the lookout for surface ore treatment in other parts of the world. Its tailings recovery plant at Hernic F
Mexico City, 9 May (Argus) — France's Engie and heavy industry were among the big winners in Mexico's long-awaited open season for natural gas pipeline capacity awarded yesterday. Mexican gas pipeline administrator Cenagas awarded 2.3mn GJ/d, or 85pc of the 2.7mn GJ/d of capacity on off
London, 9 May (Argus) — Domestic steel prices in China edged down today, as sales slowed. Billet prices have declined by 10 yuan/t ($1.45/t) in Tangshan to Yn2,910/t ex-works for 150mm Q235, after climbing by Yn70/t yesterday. Export offers are stable at $400-410/t fob north China, havi
London, 9 May (Argus) — Belgian metals producer Umicore is investing heavily in expanding its capacity for nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cathode materials to meet rising demand from the lithium-ion battery sector. The company is investing a total of €300mn ($327mn) in the expansion proj
London, 9 May (Argus) — Lithium Australia has extended its bid for rival Australian prospective lithium processor Lepidico from 5 to 19 May. The two companies are at pilot testing stage of developing competing technologies for producing battery chemical precursor lithium carbonate from
Sao Paulo, 9 May (Argus) — Revenues from Chile's unroasted molybdenum concentrate exports rose by 35.2pc in April from a year earlier to $13.6mn, helped by higher prices. But the value of molybdenum concentrate shipments was down by 38.1pc against March, central bank data showed. Ferr
Sao Paulo, 9 May (Argus) — Revenues from Chilean copper exports increased by 3.3pc in April against the same month last year to $2.19bn. Revenues were down by 5.2pc against March but 0.3pc higher than in the opening four months of the year at $8.85bn, central bank data showed. Copper c
Sao Paulo, 9 May (Argus) — Chile's lithium carbonate export revenues rose by 79.3pc in April from a year earlier to $78.8mn, central bank data showed. The figure was up by 89pc against March revenues, amid rising demand for rechargeable batteries. As producers lift production, prices h
Miami, 8 May (Argus) — Most steel consuming market segments in the US are showing positives in 2017 but oversupply and unfairly traded imports remain key concerns, according to industry executives. Executives from Nucor, SSAB, Reliance, O'Neal Industries, and Ryerson spoke today at the
Houston, 8 May (Argus) — US premiums for special high-grade zinc dropped in the latest week as cheaper material became available. Argus assessed the US zinc premium at 8-9¢/lb Monday, down from 9-10¢/lb a week earlier. Some sellers are trying to push premiums higher but tepid demand
Houston, 8 May (Argus) — US processor buying prices were flat Monday as nickel on the London Metal Exchange (LME) edged above the $9,000/metric tonne (t) threshold following four consecutive days of losses. Argus assessed buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solids at 55-56¢/lb
Houston, 8 May (Argus) — US raw steel production fell in the week ended 6 May, lowering the capacity utilization rate to 74.5pc. The US produced 1.74mn net tons (nt) (1.59mn metric tonnes) of raw steel, down by 0.6pc from the previous week's output of 1.75mn nt and 0.3pc above 1.73mn nt
New York, 8 May (Argus) — The US defense department's procurement arm the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) raised its sales of ferro-chrome, chrome metal and tungsten ores in April after selling no volumes a year earlier. The DLA sold 2,340 short tons (st) of ferro-chrome in April, which
Washington, 8 May (Argus) — The Mississippi river around the freight hub of St Louis, Missouri, reopened to barges this afternoon but remains shut along a 77-mile stretch further south. The Arkansas river also remains shut to freight traffic because of high water and swift currents that
Kingston, 8 May (Argus) — Switzerland-based commodity trading house Trafigura is nearing completion on a $278mn mining joint venture to produce 220 t/yr of lead and zinc concentrates in western Cuba, Trafigura told Argus today. The project is managed by Emincar, a 50:50 joint venture
Houston, 8 May (Argus) — Total ferrous scrap volumes traded between the US and Canada rose to 276,520t in March from 187,318t a year earlier amid a 29pc rise in US imports of Canadian scrap and a nearly three-fold increase in US exports to Canada. Imports rose to 214,777metric tonnes (
Houston, 8 May (Argus) — Crude futures rose as Saudi Arabia's oil minister expressed confidence of an extension of an agreement to cut production to balance the market. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures rose by 21¢/bl to settle at $46.43/bl. Ice July Brent rose by 24¢/bl to $49.34/
Houston, 8 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price weakened on Monday to settle at its lowest level of the year as a report showed China's imports of refined copper fell in April. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.4935/lb, down by 3.5¢/lb from $2.5285/lb on Friday. Co
London, 8 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged at $274.5/metric tonne (t) Monday after uncertainty on demand paused trade. Most Turkish mills may need to be buy at least one more deep-sea cargo of June shipment material, but
Houston, 8 May (Argus) — Brazilian exports of pig iron to the US fell by 36pc in April from a year earlier. Shipments of Brazilian basic pig iron to the US fell to 61,051metric tonnes (t) in April from 94,966t a year earlier, according to Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry and F
Sao Paulo, 8 May (Argus) — Workers at the Collahausi copper-molybdenum mine in Chile have agreed a new three year contract. The deal, which was agreed earlier than expected, runs from October 2017 until 2020. Around 1,500 workers will receive a one-off bonus but no salary increase. Ope
Houston, 8 May (Argus) — US combined imports of ferrous scrap and pig iron into the southeast increased by 14pc in March from a year earlier on increased pig iron shipments. In the three major southeastern ports tracked by Argus : New Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; and Charleston, South Car
London, 8 May (Argus) — China's exports of unwrought aluminium and aluminium products were at their highest since November 2015 last month, Chinese customs data show. Unwrought aluminium and aluminium product shipments reached 430,000t in April, up from 400,000t a year earlier. Exports
Houston, 8 May (Argus) — Canada-based Teck Resources has "temporarily suspended" operations at two of three active pits at the Highland Valley copper mine in British Columbia because of flooding. Vancouver-based Teck said mining had been stopped as a precautionary measure, as unusual sp
Houston, 8 May (Argus) — US ferrous scrap exports to Mexico fell by 20.8pc in March from a year earlier amid decreased shipments from Laredo, Texas. The US shipped 93,273t of ferrous scrap to Mexico in March, down from 117,768t a year earlier. Laredo shipped 31,004metric tonnes (t) of
New York, 8 May (Argus) — Weakening spot market demand forced US high-carbon ferro-chrome prices down for a third consecutive week. US high-carbon ferro-chrome (Cr 60pc C 6-8pc) moved down to $1.41-1.48/lb Thursday from $1.42-1.48/lb a week earlier. Domestic traders and distributors we
Saudi Ma'aden Aluminium reports higher output London, 8 May (Argus) — Ma'aden Aluminium, a joint venture between Saudi mining firm Ma'aden and US aluminium producer Alcoa increased primary aluminium production in the first quarter, as a result of efficiency improvements and higher output
London, 8 May (Argus) — Steel prices in China rebounded today, with sales volumes higher, after the price slump last week. The price of 150mm Q235 billet in Tangshan was up by Yn70/t ($10.14/t), at Yn2,920/t ex-works, making up the ground lost in the fall on 5 May. The rise prompted pro
Beijing, 8 May (Argus) — China's leading rare earth producer state-controlled Southern Rare Earth has announced its selling prices for medium and heavy rare earths for the second week of May. The company started to release weekly selling prices on 17 April prior to which this informatio
Beijing, 8 May (Argus) — China's Guangzhou Automobile Group plans to increase its production capacity for electric and hybrid cars — new energy vehicles (NEVs) — in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. The company will invest 4.7bn yuan ($0.68bn) in a 200,000 unit/yr production line and cons
China's rare earth exports rise in April Beijing, 8 May (Argus) — China exported 5,068t of rare earths in April, up by 37pc compared with 3,696t in the same month last year, customs data show. Export revenues of 281.14mn yuan ($40.86mn) in April were 94pc higher year on year at Yn145mn,
Johannesburg, 8 May (Argus) — Australian mineral sands developer Image Resources has significantly increased the mineral resource at its Atlas heavy minerals project as part of a bankable feasibility study. The mineral resource estimate has risen by 68pc to 18.1mn t with contained heavy
Johannesburg, 8 May (Argus) — Australian metals developer Core Exploration has declared a maiden mineral resource at its Grants lithium prospect at its Finniss project near Darwin in the Northern Territory. The inferred and indicated resource of 1.8mn t grading 1.5pc lithium oxide is on
Corrects headline month to April Sao Paulo, 8 May (Argus) — Brazilian automobile production rose in April from a year earlier but fell sharply against the previous month as the country battles to pull out of one of its longest and deepest recessions. April output totalled 191,069 veh
China's steel exports fall in April Singapore, 8 May (Argus) — China's steel exports fell in April, as higher domestic prices made overseas sales less attractive. Exports totalled 6.49mn t in April, down by 29pc from 9.08mn t in the same month last year and lower by 14pc from March, prel
China's Shanxi magnesium smelter starts furnace repairs Beijing, 8 May (Argus) — Large Chinese private-sector Shanxi New Energy Resources Magnesium Industry is carrying out repairs to fix furnace problems which are expected to take one week. The company has a capacity of 20,000 t/yr and
Johannesburg, 8 May (Argus) — Australian metals developer Neometals is to build a pilot plant in Montreal, Canada, to recover high value metals from recycled lithium-ion batteries. The Perth-based company has reached agreement to construct a hydrometallurgical pilot plant that is expect
Johannesburg, 8 May (Argus) — AIM-listed metals developer Kodal Minerals has landed a three year offtake agreement subject to the completion of a scoping study at its Bougouni lithium project in southern Mali. The binding agreement with Singapore-based Suay Chin International is for 80p
Sao Paulo, 8 May (Argus) — Brazilian automobile production rose in April from a year earlier but fell sharply against the previous month as the country battles to pull out of one of its longest and deepest recessions. April output totalled 191,069 vehicles, up by 11.4pc year on year but
Beijing, 8 May (Argus) — Chrome ore stocks at China's main ports rose by 33,600t to 1.99mn t in the week ending 8 May, Chinese importers, logistics and warehousing companies said. New shipments arrived at the ports of Qinzhou, Fangchenggang, Shanghai, Taicang and Jingtang in the past we
Australia's South32 raises Mn ore China export prices Beijing, 8 May (Argus) — Australia-based mining company South32 has raised its manganese ore export prices for China for June shipment, Chinese importers said. South32 has increased its prices for Australian lumpy manganese ore 45.5pc
Sao Paulo, 8 May (Argus) — Brazil's foundry production increased in March, providing further signs that the industry is slowly emerging from one of the country's worst ever recessions. It is the seventh year-on-year production increase in the past nine months, although output is still w
Sao Paulo, 8 May (Argus) — Brazilian ferro-niobium exports in April rose by 20.2pc from a year earlier to 5,287t, government data showed. Shipments were 30.1pc higher in the first four months of the year compared with the same period of 2016 at 27,360t. Increased demand and tight avail
Houston, 5 May (Argus) — US ferrous scrap prices traded in slightly different directions for May deliveries from a month earlier depending on region and grade. Prime grade prices in the midwest and Ohio Valley rose as mills looked to secure supply amid a slowdown in the US automotive s
Houston, 5 May (Argus) — Volatile aluminium terminal markets amid tight old sheet and old cast supply in the US combined with a drop in demand from Japan and South Korea to create a mixed seaborne market for secondary grades of aluminium scrap this week. An increase in production of shr
Houston, 5 May (Argus) — Processors raised 304 stainless steel scrap buying prices Friday to improve scrap flows into yards that had been squeezed by exchange nickel's 5pc decline in the prior three sessions. Argus assessed buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solids at 55-56¢/l
Houston, 5 May (Argus) — The US International Trade Commission (USITC) today cleared the way for imposition of antidumping duties as high as 148.02pc on imports of carbon and alloy steel cut-to-length plate from eight countries. The USITC determined that a US industry is materially inju
Houston, 5 May (Argus) — WTI crude futures moved higher today, rebounding from a five-month low in the prior session, after Russia expressed support for an extension of the Opec and non-Opec deal to curb output. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures increased by 70¢/bl to settle at $46.
Houston, 5 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price halted a three-day rout as investors saw a good buying opportunity, matching a similar reversal in oil. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.5285/lb, up by 1.7¢/lb from $2.5115/lb on Thursday. Copper moved higher after m
London, 5 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment decreased by $1.60/t to $274.50/t cfr Friday following two North American cargo sales. A US supplier sold 40,000t of HMS 1/2 80:20 at $274/t cfr Marmara for June shipment midday Friday. And a north
London, 5 May (Argus) — Nickel declines after the Philippines senate rejected the appointment of Regina Lopez as environment secretary on Wednesday, which calls into question her attempts to reduce up to 50pc of the country's nickel output. Lopez has a long record as an environmental ac
London, 5 May (Argus) — Price competition in the global long steel market remains high, despite a slight easing of oversupply, but the second-quarter outlook is "satisfactory", international rebar producers' and exporters' association Irepas said. Global demand for steel is increasing
London, 5 May (Argus) — Copper prices have fallen this week as China's macroeconomic outlook has caused investor sentiment to weaken. Three-month copper prices on the London-based metal exchange LME fell to $5,570/t on 4 May from $5,712/t on 27 April. The official Chinese manufacturing
London, 5 May (Argus) — London-based metal exchange LME will stay focused on physical market users as it looks to widen participation and increase volumes, chief executive Matthew Chamberlain told Argus in an interview on 5 May. "We have no hesitation in saying we are going to listen
New York, 5 May (Argus) — Gerdau Construction Products, a division of steelmaker Gerdau, has sold over half of its locations to Construction Supply Group. Gerdau Construction Products sold five of its nine locations to the portfolio company in a transaction that closed on 1 May. The com
Houston, 5 May (Argus) — China and Taiwan surpassed Turkey as the top export destinations for US scrap in March amid a 10.9pc drop in total US exports. US scrap exports fell to 820,473metric tonnes (t) in March from 920,985t a year earlier, according to the US Commerce Department. Ship
Sao Paulo, 5 May (Argus) — Brazilian exports of ferro-silicon with more than 55pc silicon content fell by 58pc to 6,590t in April from a year earlier, government data show. Shipments dropped by just over a half in the first four months of this year to 26,550t, compared with the same per
New York, 5 May (Argus) — Steel plate prices in the US have held steady in the past month amid limited spot buying from service centers even as contract and project orders have kept mills busy. Limited spot buying kept many service centers at unchanged offer prices from domestic mills a
London, 5 May (Argus) — Global demand for aluminium rolled products will surpass capacity after 2020, delegates told Argus at the European Aluminium conference in Brussels last week. Industry participants from US-based companies Novelis and Constellium said global demand growth for ro
London, 5 May (Argus) — Domestic and export billet prices in China fell today after yesterday's slump amid low sales volumes, but hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices remained stable as trading volumes picked up. The market outlook continued to grow bearish amid continuing silence from Beijing
Beijing, 5 May (Argus) — One of the world's largest manganese ore producers, South Africa's Tshipi Kalahari Manganese (Tshipi), has rolled over its export prices for South African manganese ore for June shipments, Chinese importers said. Tshipi released its prices for South African lump
China's manganese ore port stocks up Beijing, 5 May (Argus) — Manganese ore stocks at China's main ports rose to 3.27mn t today, up by 3.8pc from 3.15mn t last week, data from trading and logistics companies show. Tianjin port holds 2.5mn t, while Qinzhou and Fangcheng have 720,000t and
Beijing, 5 May (Argus) — Rare earth exports from Inner Mongolia, China's production hub for light rare earths, increased by 160pc to 2,602.9t in January-March 2017, according to data issued by the customs agency. Export revenues reached 600mn yuan ($87.20mn) in the first quarter of 2017
China's lithium hydroxide exports rise sharply Beijing, 5 May (Argus) — China's lithium hydroxide exports rose sharply in March 2017 on the back of its globally increasing uses in lithium-ion anode materials. China exported 1,944t of lithium hydroxide in March, up by 390.99pc compared wi
Beijing, 5 May (Argus) — Zircon sand stocks at China's main ports fell by 2,000t to 106,000t this week, according to Chinese importing, logistics and warehousing companies. Lower stocks are the result of fewer shipments and higher demand from zirconium manufacturers. Manufacturers are e
Beijing, 5 May (Argus) — Titanium ore stocks at China's main ports fell by 79,600t to 247,900t this week, Chinese importers, logistics and warehousing companies said. Reduced shipments arriving and less withdraws by titanium product manufacturers are the main reasons for the fall in por
Perth, 5 May (Argus) — Perth-based metals developer Venturex Resources has appointed an adviser to review funding options for the development of its Sulphur Springs zinc-copper project near Port Hedland in Western Australia. A value engineering study has confirmed the potential for the
Perth, 5 May (Argus) — South African precious metals group Sibanye Gold has completed the acquisition of US-based Stillwater Mining Company to become the world's third largest platinum and palladium producer. The $2.2bn transaction was finalised on 4 May with the Montana located platinu
Sao Paulo, 5 May (Argus) — Brazil's industrial production increased 1.1pc in March year on year as the country struggles to emerge from one of its worst recessions, national statistics institute IBGE said. March saw a second year-on-year increase in three months after a run of 34 consec
Houston, 4 May (Argus) — US ferrous markets in Detroit and Chicago traded higher in May for prime grades amid tight supply, while obsolete grade prices were unchanged or lower from a month earlier as mills reduced buying programs. Prime prices in Detroit rose by more than in Chicago aft
Houston, 4 May (Argus) — Spreads for copper scrap to Asian ports were mixed in the past week with bare bright down, #1 wire and tube flat and #2 copper up. Argus assessed bare bright spreads at 8-10¢/lb under July Comex, down from 7-9¢/lb the prior week. Customers in Asia continued to
Houston, 4 May (Argus) — Nickel premiums held unchanged this week as inquiries picked up ten-fold in reaction to the nearly 5pc slide in exchange nickel in the past week. Nickel premiums for full truckload melting grade, 4x4inch cathodes were assessed at 23-25¢/lb and premiums for full
Houston, 4 May (Argus) — Global Brass and Copper Holdings held its 2017 output guidance unchanged today as first quarter volumes rose by 2pc from the same period a year earlier. Illinois-based Global Brass and Copper is forecasting shipments to total 530-560mn lbs this year, which would
Houston, 4 May (Argus) — Stainless steel processor buying prices for nickel-bearing scrap fell Thursday, reacting to nickel's near 5pc drop on the London Metal Exchange (LME) in the latest week. Argus assessed buying prices for single loads of nickel-bearing 304 scrap solids at 54-55
Mexico City, 4 May (Argus) — Mexico's light vehicle sales fell 3.3pc in April to 114,477 units from 118,407 vehicles sold in the same month of 2016. Vehicle sales for the first four months of the year rose 5.8pc from the prior-year period to 492,725 units, the Mexican Association for th
Houston, 4 May (Argus) — WTI futures tumbled to a five-month low today amid uncertainty that an Opec-led agreement to curb output will be extended and continuing signs of rising US production. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures fell by $2.30/bl or 4.8pc to settle at $45.52/bl, the lo
New York, 4 May (Argus) — Connecticut-based titanium dioxide and chemicals producer Tronox expects rising pigment prices, and rebounding conditions in titanium feedstock and co-products through the remainder of 2017. Tronox's first quarter revenues increased by 19.5pc to $569mn in compa
New York, 4 May (Argus) — Delaware-based metals holding company Braidy Industries plans to build a rolling mill in Kentucky, the first such greenfield mill in the US in over 30 years. Braidy will begin construction of the 370,000metric tonne/year facility in eastern Kentucky during the
Houston, 4 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price dropped for a third consecutive day on mounting concerns of slowing demand in China, the largest copper consumer, falling oil prices and rising inventories at exchange warehouses. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.511
London, 4 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment increased by $1.10/metric tonne (t) Thursday to $276.10/t cfr following the conclusion of seven bulk cargo deals. Multiple deep-sea deals were concluded Wednesday afternoon and at least one was boo
New York, 4 May (Argus) — Stelco shipped less steel but at significantly higher prices in March compared to March 2016 as uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration persist. In a monthly update, the Canada-based steelmaker shipped 158,938net tons (nt) during the month of March, do
New York, 4 May (Argus) — The annual cash flow outlook from Colorado-based aluminum packaging manufacturer Ball was unchanged from previous estimates following higher sales in all segments except food and aerosol in the first quarter. Ball expects between $750-850mn in free cash flow du
Houston, 4 May (Argus) — US-based aluminum sheet maker Aleris expects its second quarter performance to be "in line with" the same period a year earlier, amid ongoing demand growth for North American building. Aleris anticipates favorable scrap spreads from higher aluminum prices while
London, 4 May (Argus) — Scrap freight rates from US east coast ports resisted downward pressure this week from falling sentiment in the Americas and the continent due to tight tonnage levels, but rates from European ports softened with less outgoing cargo availability. Freight rates for
New York, 4 May (Argus) — US seaborne coking coal prices were mixed in the latest week, as buyers held back from the market and supply remained short. Prices of high volatile type-A coking coal for delivery in the prompt 90 days fob Hampton Roads, Virginia, increased by $6.70/tonne to
New York, 4 May (Argus) — Easing raw material and alloy supplies forced prices for US ferro-molybdenum to fall in the latest week. Ferro-vanadium prices moved down amid competitive offering. Meanwhile, stronger demand from traders and mills supported higher ferro-silicon prices. FeCr U
Houston, 4 May (Argus) — Brazil-based steel producer Gerdau produced and shipped more steel at its North American operations in the first quarter of 2017 from a year earlier even as sales fell by 15.7pc. The company's North America unit, which includes the US, Canada and Mexico, produce
London, 4 May (Argus) — CIS export prices of basic pig iron (BPI) have slipped in the past week, with some sellers giving in to downward price pressure in order to shift product. The Argus fob Black Sea weekly price assessment for Ukrainian BPI has fallen by $7.50/t week on week to se
New York, 4 May (Argus) — The US market for ferro-titanium was unchanged in the latest week amid flat 6-4 and mixed turnings scrap prices. US ferro-titanium (Ti 70pc) prices were steady at $2.05-2.15/lb, after rising the prior week. North American alloy producers were content to mainta
Houston, 4 May (Argus) — Vancouver-based copper producer Taseko Mines continues to focus on reducing costs at its flagship Gibraltar mine as it benefits from higher metal prices and a weak Canadian dollar. Taseko Mines' copper sales rose by 34pc to 40.8mn lbs in the first quarter from 3
New York, 4 May (Argus) — Ryerson anticipates higher average selling prices during the second quarter driven by strength in the oil and gas markets as well as construction end markets. The company had "notably improved" demand in those two sectors during the first quarter while other i
London, 4 May (Argus) — Switzerland-based trading and mining company Glencore's copper and nickel output dropped in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, while its cobalt output increased. Total copper production in the first quarter decreased by 3pc to 324,10
London, 4 May (Argus) — Glencore's ferro-chrome output rose on the year in the first quarter, but vanadium pentoxide and manganese alloy production fell because of plant maintenance. Ferro-chrome production in January-March totalled 439,000t, up by 10pc on the year and by 5pc on October
London, 4 May (Argus) — Chinese domestic steel prices fell again today in line with falls in futures prices and increasing frustration among market participants over the steel output restrictions ahead of the 14-15 May One Belt One Road meeting in Beijing. With the exact dates of possib
Beijing, 4 May (Argus) — Silicon production costs in China's Nujiang prefecture, Yunnan province has fallen because of the approach of the wet season. Yunnan province is one of China's largest silicon producing regions. The electricity price in the region has recently fallen to Yn0.28-
Anti-pollution drive reduces China's APT output Beijing, 4 May (Argus) — China's ammonium paratungstate (APT) production has fallen because of new environmental protection checks. The Chinese government sent environmental inspection teams to seven provinces in April, including Hunan and
Perth, 4 May (Argus) — South African precious metals producer Sibanye Gold increased its output of platinum group metals in the March quarter, but said the country's regulatory environment has become increasingly uncertain. Sibanye increased its platinum group metals output to 323,162oz
Perth, 4 May (Argus) — AIM-listed Premier African Minerals makes its first concentrate delivery from its RHA tungsten mine in Zimbabwe after completing upgrades to plant infrastructure. First wolframite was shipped at the beginning of May and the mining operation is on track to exceed b
Perth, 4 May (Argus) — Sydney-based metals developer Heron resources has awarded an engineering, procurement and construction contract for the development of its Woodlawn base metals project in New South Wales. On-site work on the $107mn ($80mn) project by contractor Sedgman will begin
Sao Paulo, 3 May (Argus) — US-based miner Southern Copper, which operates mines in Peru and Mexico, produced less copper in the first quarter than a year earlier while its sales rose. Production by the Arizona-based company, a majority-owned indirect subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, fell by
New York, 3 May (Argus) — Kansas-based aerostructure manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems' annual revenue forecast was unchanged from the previous estimate amid greater sales of fuselage and wings in the first quarter. Spirit expects revenues of between $6.8-6.9bn in 2017, unchanged from it
New York, 3 May (Argus) — Finished steel imports into the US during April were up by 5.6pc from March and up 13.2pc year to date in 2017. Finished steel imports totaled 2.66mn net tons (nt) compared with 2.52mn nt for March's preliminary Census data, according to import permit applicati
Houston, 3 May (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap processor buying prices for molybdenum-bearing stainless 316 fell Wednesday as nickel prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) put pressure on prices. Stainless 316 scrap solids, which also contain smaller quantities of nickel, traded at 7
Houston, 3 May (Argus) — US copper cathode premiums moved to near the lowest levels of the year as dealers sought to generate spot business. Argus assessed grade A cathode premiums at 5-5.5¢/lb delivered midwest consumer, down from 5-6¢/lb a week earlier. Demand ticked higher but th
Houston, 3 May (Argus) — The US midwest premium for primary aluminum declined for a fourth week, as mills well-supplied with scrap have been able to meet requirements for prime with contract purchasing. The Argus P1020 premium declined to 9.25-9.5¢/lb from 9.25-9.7¢/lb, reaching its l
Houston, 3 May (Argus) — US spreads for used aluminum beverage cans (UBC) are at their weakest since the beginning of the year as most mills are well-supplied and now purchasing for July. Spreads widened to 71-73pc of the Argus midwest transaction price from 74-75pc a week earlier, as
Houston, 3 May (Argus) — Price spreads for bare bright scrap held for a second week as copper scrap availability tightened. Current bare bright spreads remain the most expensive for the year as scrap flows into yards weakened with the drop in the Comex copper price. Argus assessed p
New York, 3 May (Argus) — Conditions in the US hot-rolled coil market were mostly unchanged from the prior week as prices remained soft and spot buying slow. There were some mills trying to maintain spot prices as high as $650/net ton (nt) as a result of limited spot availability becau
Houston, 3 May (Argus) — The US ferrous scrap market is expected to maintain the balance it experienced in the first quarter of the year, though the export market poses threats in the short term. Increased steel demand from steel mills servicing the automotive and oil sectors have kept
Houston, 3 May (Argus) — WTI futures pared gains today after the US reported a smaller-than-expected draw in domestic crude stocks, but prices still ended the session slightly higher. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures moved up by 16¢/bl to settle at $47.82/bl, after hitting a six-w
Houston, 3 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price weakened for a second day in the largest single-day drop since 2015 in profit taking after hitting a three week high on Monday. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.5435/lb, down from $2.6355/lb on Tuesday. The day's 9.2
Sao Paulo, 3 May (Argus) — Australia-based copper miner Avanco Resources agrees to take an option on the Planalto copper project in Brazil's northern Pará state from Canada's Lara Exploration. The exploration stage site is situated near to Avanco's Antas and Vale's Sossego mines. Avanc
Moscow, 3 May (Argus) — Mexico has extended its anti-dumping duty on imports of Russian hot-rolled steel plate and coil for five years from June 2016, according to the country's economy ministry. The renewed anti-dumping duty is levied at 29.3pc, and affects products with a thickness of
Brazil's iron ore, flat rolled steel exports fall London, 3 May (Argus) — Brazilian exports of iron ore and flat-rolled steel products fell in April on a year on year basis, but their value surged as a result of higher prices, according to the country's ministry of industry, trade and ser
London, 3 May (Argus) — Japanese battery chemicals trader Hanwa has taken a 10pc stake in Canadian-UK lithium development company Bacanora Minerals as part of an off-take agreement for lithium carbonate from the Sonora project in Mexico. Bacanora raised £10.2mn ($13.14mn) to advance the
Houston, 3 May (Argus) — Flooding along the Mississippi river and a rash of derailments in the western US have disrupted rail service — and some delays may linger. Union Pacific (UP) was by far the hardest hit by the floods. Its line between St Louis and Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and line
London, 3 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment increased by $3/metric tonne (t) to $275/t Wednesday following a US sale. A US supplier set a new reference point for the Turkish scrap import price with a sale today of HMS 1/2 80:20 at $275/t cfr
London, 3 May (Argus) — The closure of medium induction furnaces in China has led to a sharp rise in scrap exports from China, but the uplift is only likely to be a short-term phenomenon, US bank Morgan Stanley said. Wider Chinese scrap availability has been the result of the country's
New York, 3 May (Argus) — The US Commerce Department has set antidumping margins for imports of oil country tubular goods (OCTG) from one Vietnamese producer. Following an administrative review, the department set a negative final antidumping margin of 72.25pc against OCTG imports from
Washington, 3 May (Argus) — The Mississippi river around the freight hub of St Louis, Missouri, has been closed to barges carrying fertilizer, petroleum coke and other commodities because of potentially dangerous high water levels that have flooded nearby areas. Barges carrying fertil
Sao Paulo, 3 May (Argus) — Canada's Amerigo Resources, which processes copper and molybdenum from waste deposits in Chile, is aiming to complete the construction of phase two of the Cauquenes project expansion in the second half of 2018. Detailed engineering design work is underway as a
New York, 3 May (Argus) — Russel Metals expects a stable price environment to continue through the second quarter as well as improved demand in its energy products segment from a year earlier. The steel price recovery, which began at the end of 2016, has stabilized and will contribute t
New York, 3 May (Argus) — US tellurium prices decreased in the latest week amid plentiful availability of Russian, Chinese and Japanese origin metal. Prices for tellurium (Te 99.95pc) fell to $21-31/lb from $25-35/lb a week earlier. Oversupply, primarily of Asian origin metal, weighed
London, 3 May (Argus) — The Philippines senate has rejected the appointment of Regina Lopez as environment secretary, calling into question her attempts to reduce up to 50pc of the country's nickel output. Lopez has a long record as an environmental activist and championed the curtailme
China's automobile production rises in 1Q Beijing, 3 May (Argus) — China's automobile production and sales increased in the first quarter of 2017, data issued by the China Automotive Industry Association said. The rise is a result of increasing demand for trucks and preferential purchase
Sao Paulo, 3 May (Argus) — Sociedad Minera Corona, the Peruvian division of Toronto-based zinc and copper mining company Sierra Metals, said a sharp increase in copper production at its Yauricocha mine and higher prices helped the unit swing to a first quarter profit. Copper output rose
London, 3 May (Argus) — China's steel market activity has slowed down today, with market participants growing wary of the dynamic lasting throughout May. The price for billet in Tangshan rose by Yn30/t ($4.35/t) to Yn3,010/t ex-works for Q235 150mm cross section billet, having fallen by
Perth, 3 May (Argus) — Perth-based metals developer Valor has completed its acquisition of the Berenguela silver-copper-manganese project in Peru from Toronto-based Silver Standard Resources. Berenguela has an indicated mineral resource of 15.6mn t grading 132 g/t silver, 0.92pc copper
China's Dongfang Resource FeMn output rises Beijing, 3 May (Argus) — China's largest private-sector high-carbon ferro-manganese alloy producer Shanxi Dongfang Resource has raised April output in response to higher demand from steelmakers. Dongfang Resource's high-carbon ferro-manganese c
Beijing, 3 May (Argus) — China has announced anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on polysilicon imports from the EU. The policy will only affect imports of solar-grade polysilicon rather than polysilicon used in the semiconductor industry. All EU-based polysilicon producers will pay
Perth, 3 May (Argus) — Australian metals developer Energia Minerals is reconfiguring its Gorno zinc project in Italy to find a faster and less expensive way to develop its resources. A new mineral resource estimate has more than doubled the indicated mineral resource at the project's Co
Perth, 3 May (Argus) — South Australian metals developer PNX Metals announces a mineral resource at its Hayes Creek zinc project in Australia's Northern Territory and is on track to complete a pre-feasibility study by the middle of the year. The Iron Blow and Mt Bonnie deposits within t
Beijing, 3 May (Argus) — Titanium ore stocks at China's main ports rose by 21,500t to 327,500t in the week ending 28 April, Chinese importers, logistics and warehousing companies said. More shipments arrived last week and titanium product manufacturers reduced buying due to relatively h
Perth, 3 May (Argus) — Australian metals developer Ram Resources begins drilling at its Keel zinc project in Ireland in an attempt to increase and upgrade the current mineral resource. The project has an inferred mineral resource of 6.9mn t grading 5.6pc zinc and 0.8pc lead with a cut-o
Beijing, 3 May (Argus) — Zircon sand stocks at China's main ports fell by 2,500t to 108,000t in the week ending 28 April, according to Chinese importing, logistics and warehousing companies. Lower stocks are the result of fewer shipments and stronger demand from zirconium manufacturers.
China's chrome ore stocks fall Beijing, 3 May (Argus) — Chrome ore stocks at China's main ports declined by 25,000t to 1.95mn t in the week ending 28 April, Chinese importers, logistics and warehousing companies said. A number of mining companies sold material at lower prices and ferro-c
Houston, 2 May (Argus) — Shipments of integrated extruder Bonnell Aluminum rose by 8.4pc in the first quarter compared with a year earlier, boosted by the company's acquisition of Utah-based Futura Industries in February. The Tredegar subsidiary shipped 45mn lbs of extrusions in the qua
Houston, 2 May (Argus) — Mill-grade aluminum scrap spreads were mixed Tuesday as consumers were well supplied and the midwest transaction price fell by nearly 2¢/lb. Spreads for 1100/3003 alloy clips widened the most of all grades, to 15-14¢/lb under the Argus midwest transaction pric
Pittsburgh, 2 May (Argus) — Essar Steel Algoma has warned that recent market uncertainty could impact its financial results in the summer. In a monthly update released today the producer said a continued decline in steel prices would impact financial performance gradually developing in
Houston, 2 May (Argus) — Processor buying prices for 304 stainless steel scrap fell Tuesday amid uncertainty over US mill buying prices for the month. Processor buying prices for single truckloads of nickel-bearing 304 scrap solids were assessed at 55-56¢/lb, down from 56-57¢/lb, while
Pittsburgh, 2 May (Argus) — Evraz North America will supply 250,000metric tonnes (t) of pipe to Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain pipeline across western Canada. The deal is subject to Kinder Morgan's final investment decision on its $7.4bn expansion project. More than 75pc of the pipe nee
New York, 2 May (Argus) — Delaware-based chemical and titanium dioxide producer Chemours raised its annual outlook by 20pc following stronger than expected demand for titanium dioxide and refrigerants in the first quarter. Chemours expects annual earnings before interest taxes depreciat
Houston, 2 May (Argus) — WTI futures fell below $48/bl today amid forecasts for a build in US products stocks even as talks continued on a possible extension of an Opec-led production cut. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures fell by $1.18/bl or 2.4pc to $47.66/bl, the lowest settle fo
Houston, 2 May (Argus) — Former marine yard and recycling facility, Esco Marine, was purchased yesterday in a joint-venture between Hilco Redevelopment Partners and MCM Marine. The acquisition will be renamed SteelCoast and will be headquartered at its 70-acre facility in Brownsville,
Houston, 2 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price receded after the prior day's climb of more than 5¢/lb on Monday, partially prompted by weaker China manufacturing data. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.6355/lb Tuesday, down from $2.6605/lb on Monday, dropping 2.5¢
New York, 2 May (Argus) — The US defense department's procurement arm the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) reopened offers for three lots of low-carbon and high-carbon ferro-chrome from its Point Pleasant, West Virginia facility today. The DLA opened solicitations on 2,166,109lbs or 1,083
Houston, 2 May (Argus) — Toronto-based Centerra Gold is targeting payable copper output from its Mount Milligan mine to range between 55-65mn lbs this year, unchanged from its prior forecast. Centerra Gold in October took a 92pc stake in US-based Thompson Creek Metals and its Mount Mill
New York, 2 May (Argus) — Canadian magnesium producer Alliance Magnesium has completed production of magnesium ingots from its Danville demonstration plant. Magnesium ingot is now being produced on a "regular basis" at the facility for validation in the manufacturing process developed a
Houston, 2 May (Argus) — Retail auto sales for the US rebounded in April from March's 12-month low, rising 1.6pc to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 16.88mn units. April light vehicles sales climbed from an annual rate of 16.62mn units in March, according to Autodata. April's rate w
Sao Paulo, 2 May (Argus) — Canadian resource company Sherritt International has agreed to reduce its stake in the Ambatovy nickel-cobalt joint venture project in Madagscar to 12pc from 40pc. This comes after the company reached a revised agreement on the structure of the joint venture w
London, 2 May (Argus) — Global refined copper production is likely to fall short of anticipated demand in 2017, intergovernmental copper industry group ICSG said in its latest outlook, having previously forecast a production surplus. ICSG forecasts that global refined copper demand will
New York, 2 May (Argus) — Production of antimony at Montana-based US Antimony fell by 42pc in April amid the switch to its own ores and concentrates at its Madero smelter in January. US Antimony produced 201,814lbs (91.5t) of antimony metal in April, down from 349,224lbs a year earlier.
London, 2 May (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment increased by $3/metric tonne (t) to $272/t Tuesday as information of more deals trickled into the market. Market participants expect further increases in the coming days on the back of strong mill
New York, 2 May (Argus) — The continuation of US and Canadian trade cases lifted domestic silicon metal prices. Competitive bidding and low demand weighed on US bismuth and antimony markets, while oversupply of tellurium prompted traders to reduce their offer prices. Antimony Prices fo
New York, 2 May (Argus) — Colorado-based molybdenum mine developer General Moly continues to expect "stringent" cost management and rescheduling of equipment purchases into the second quarter of 2018. Spending will be "prudently managed" during 2017 excluding efforts to achieve investme
New York, 2 May (Argus) — US high-grade cobalt prices were unchanged for a third week as suppliers and consumers remained in a standoff. US high-grade cobalt (Co 99.8pc) prices settled flat at $26.50-28.00/lb Tuesday. Suppliers and consumers both remained reluctant to press for additio
Pittsburgh, 2 May (Argus) — The United Steelworkers (USW) has objected to terms of the planned sale of Canadian steelmaker Stelco to Bedrock Industries as agreed by active and retired salaried employees in a vote last week. A finalized deal between Stelco and Bedrock to end the steelma
London, 2 May (Argus) — Billet prices in China fell today after rising over the weekend, with demand showing signs of slowing compared with last week, when increased sales supported upward price movement. The price for billet in Tangshan increased by 60 yuan/t ($8.70/t) over the weekend
Beijing, 2 May (Argus) — China's leading rare earths producer state-controlled Southern Rare Earth has listed its selling prices for medium and heavy rare earths for the first week of May. The company on 17 April released its rare earth selling prices for the first time. The company
China's Erdos raises ferro-alloys output in 2016 Beijing, 2 May (Argus) — China's leading ferro-alloys producer and private sector company Erdos raised its ferro-silicon and silico-manganese production in 2016. The company is located in Inner Mongolia and produced 1.4292mn t of ferro-sil
Perth, 2 May (Argus) — Tanzania-focused heavy minerals developer Strandline Resources significantly increases the mineral resource at its Fungoni heavy minerals project 25km south of the capital city of Dar es Salaam. The overall mineral resource rose by 38pc to 21.7mn t grading 2.8pc t
Perth, 2 May (Argus) — Perth-based Redstone Resources announces a maiden cobalt mineral resource at its Tollu project in the West Musgrave region of Western Australia. An indicated and inferred mineral resource of 3.8mn t grading 0.01pc cobalt for 535t of contained cobalt metal has been
Houston, 1 May (Argus) — US aluminum mill Arconic has appointed Eric Roegner president of the company's global rolled products group, effective immediately. Prior to his latest appointment, Roegner was chief operating officer of investment castings, Arconic titanium and engineered produ
Houston, 1 May (Argus) — US aluminum mills remain ahead of schedule on scrap purchases, despite steady demand for beverage can and auto body sheet. Some mills reduced the amount of scrap purchased on contract in 2017 and instead more have decided to "play" the spot market, according to
Houston, 1 May (Argus) — US premiums for special high-grade zinc rose Monday amid limited spot sales and declining inventories. Argus assessed the US zinc premium at 9-10¢/lb Monday, up from 8-10¢/lb a week earlier. Premiums were expected to strengthen with the supply deficit and the
Houston, 1 May (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap processor buying prices in the US held steady Monday as the London Metal Exchange (LME) was closed for a bank holiday. LME nickel prices increased by 3pc Friday which prompted an increase in scrap prices for nickel-bearing stainless scrap.
Houston, 1 May (Argus) — Steelmaker ArcelorMittal is undergoing an unplanned outage at its Dofasco facility located in Hamilton, Ontario. A failed transformer at the facility's electric arc furnace forced the plant to take the outage, and the company expects the furnace to come back onl
Pittsburgh, 1 May (Argus) — Total raw steel production in the US increased for the week ended 29 April, as all regions posted week-on-week gains with the exception of the midwest. The US produced 1.75mn net tons (nt) of raw steel, up by 2pc from the previous week's output of 1.72mn nt
Houston, 1 May (Argus) — American Zinc Recycling LLC, formerly known as Horsehead Holding LLC, a major global recycler of electric arc furnace (EAF) dust, has changed the name of its wholly owned subsidiary Horsehead Corp to American Zinc Recycling Corp. "The new name allows us to highl
Pittsburgh, 1 May (Argus) — Canada today initiated a re-investigation of rebar imports from China, South Korea and Turkey to update the normal values and export prices as well as Chinese subsidy amounts. The re-investigation forms part of the enforcement action following a threat of in
Houston, 1 May (Argus) — US auto salvage firm and parts supplier LKQ kept its organic sales growth forecast steady at 4-6pc for 2017, reinforced by strong first quarter revenues from North American and European operations. Counting currency effects and acquisitions, first-quarter global
Houston, 1 May (Argus) — The Comex copper price climbed by more than 5¢/lb on Monday in mostly technically driven trading, as the London and Shanghai markets were closed for a labor day holiday. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.6605/lb Monday in thin trading volum
Houston, 1 May (Argus) — Crude futures fell today as continuing signs of growing US production offset a possible extension of an Opec-led agreement to limit output. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures fell by 49¢/bl to settle at $48.84/bl, the lowest close for a prompt-month contract
Pittsburgh, 1 May (Argus) — US Steel is scheduled to take an outage at its Great Lakes facility during May, as part of its multi-year asset revitalization plan. Multiple market sources said the maintenance project is scheduled for one of the facility's two blast furnaces and will take a
Houston, 1 May (Argus) — US specialty producer Universal Stainless Alloy Products anticipates continued topline growth, supported by increased order backlog. The company's first quarter sales rose by 23.4pc to $48.9mn from a year earlier amid increased total sales, premium alloy sale
Houston, 1 May (Argus) — France-based tubular steel producer Vallourec expects its US revenue to "rebound more significantly than previously expected" following a price increase in company products. North American revenues increased by 46pc to €187mn ($198.2mn) in the first quarter from
New York, 1 May (Argus) — US high-carbon ferro-chrome prices moved down for a second straight week in response to thin spot market demand. US high-carbon ferro-chrome (Cr 60pc C 6-8pc) prices fell to $1.42-1.48/lb Thursday from $1.44-1.50/lb a week earlier. Offers declined for a second
Perth, 1 May (Argus) — Russia's Norilsk Nickel said it will start legal proceedings against Botswana to recover more than $275mn owing to it from the 2014 sale of nickel mining assets in the country and neighbouring South Africa. The company said it has served notice against the Botswan
Perth, 1 May (Argus) — Australian copper producer Cudeco resumed mining operations during the January-March quarter and reached nameplate capacity at its Queensland processing plant in April. Mining operations resumed in mid-March, with processing rates reaching and exceeding the namepl
Perth, 1 May (Argus) — Indonesian metals producer Antam produced less ferro-nickel during the January-March quarter compared with a year earlier, although it said it is on track to significantly increase its output this year. Ferro-nickel output fell to 2,934t from 4,357t the previous q
Houston, 28 April (Argus) — An uptick in bulk prices to Turkey failed to prevent US east coast export yard buying prices from falling this week as weaker sentiment about domestic trade pushed prices lower. Turkey booked a 25,000metric tonne (t) cargo from the US at an HMS 1/2 80:20 pric
Houston, 28 April (Argus) — Four US producers of aluminum extrusions suffered facility damage or lost some production time this year after accidentally charging an obscure scrap grade, according to Pennex Aluminum remelt operations manager, Harry Dillman. New production aluminum extrusi
Houston, 28 April (Argus) — Japanese manufacturer Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products (KAAP) is planning a $51.3mn expansion of its Bowling Green, Kentucky, facility. The company will add two new forging presses, one heat treatment line, one etch and penetrant line, a melting furnace, a c
Houston, 28 April (Argus) — Mexican integrated steel producer Altos Hornos de Mexico (Ahmsa) will bring online a vacuum degassing plant as part of its expansion into the specialty steel segment. The Coahuila, Mexico-based company sold 13.6pc less steel in the first quarter compared with
Houston, 28 April (Argus) — Mexican steel maker Grupo Simec is aiming to expand its installed capacity to 8-10,000 metric tonnes (t) in 2017. The Guadalajara-based company reiterated its fourth-quarter goal of expanding through acquisitions or the construction of new steel mills. Expans
Pittsburgh, 28 April (Argus) — Nucor, SSAB and ArcelroMittal all independently increased their US quenched and tempered plate prices this week. No price increase for carbon plate accompanied the announcements. Nucor informed its customers it would be increasing its prices effective imm
Pittsburgh, 28 April (Argus) — Nucor, SSAB and ArcelroMittal all independently increased quenched and tempered plate prices this week. No price increase for carbon plate accompanied the announcements. Nucor informed its customers it would be increasing its prices effective immediately
Turkish scrap: Market slows after yesterday's deals London, 28 April (Argus) — Scrap suppliers mostly held off from making new offers today, preferring to wait for an arbitrage opportunity as steel markets showed signs of strengthening heading into next week. Suppliers absorbed news of
Houston, 28 April (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap processor buying prices rose Friday on the back of a 3pc rebound in exchange nickel and amid tight scrap supply. Single truckloads of 316 stainless scrap solids traded at 71-73¢/lb, up from 70-72¢/lb Thursday, while 316 turnings were as
Houston, 28 April (Argus) — Crude futures rose today as declining Russian output overshadowed a steady increase in US drilling activity. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures rose by 36¢/bl to settle at $49.33/bl, gaining for three of the five days this week. Ice June Brent rose by 29¢/
Houston, 28 April (Argus) — US-based TimkenSteel expects higher melt utilization in the second quarter and a 5pc increase in shipments. Shipments are expected to total 10,000-20,000net tons (9,000-18,000metric tonnes) in the quarter, with shipments of billets to tube makers projected to
New York, 28 April (Argus) — US-based China focused semiconductor manufacturer AXT surpassed initial first quarter revenue forecasts by 3pc despite a mid-March fire at its Beijing processing facility. The company posted $20.6mn in quarterly revenues, up from previous estimates of $19.5-
Houston, 28 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price rose on Friday, supported by a weaker dollar and an uptick in oil. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.6075/lb, up from $2.5930/lb on Thursday. Comex was up four out of five days this week for a total increase of 5.
Houston, 28 April (Argus) — European and Asian secondary aluminium scrap prices remained unchanged in the latest week amid short supply and as exchange aluminium traded in a narrow range. European clean old cast remained unchanged at 64-65.5¢/lb while clean old sheet remained flat at 6
Noranda Income's zinc output down on strike Houston, 28 April (Argus) — Noranda Income Fund's zinc metal production fell by 26pc in the first quarter from the same period a year earlier, impacted by a strike of unionized workers at its Quebec zinc processor that began on 12 February and i
London, 28 April (Argus) — US rolled aluminium producer Novelis expects 110pc growth in automotive demand for aluminium products in the next decade. Aluminium is increasingly used as a lightweight alternative to steel in vehicles — initially used for doors and hoods, but now for overal
London, 28 April (Argus) — Australian rare earths developer Hastings Technology Metals has produced high-grade rare earth concentrate from Yangibana mineral samples. Small-scale lab tests of beneficiation processes for extracting rare earth concentrate recovered 81pc of the rare earths
Iran's Nakhlak mine increases lead concentrate output London, 28 April (Argus) — Iranian lead concentrate mining firm Impasco produced 2,419t of lead concentrate from the Nakhlak mine in the Iranian year ending 20 March 2017. This was an increase of 36pc on the previous Iranian year when
London, 28 April (Argus) — Australia-based rare earth mining company Arafura Resources reported primary extraction results, securing of funds and initial regulatory approvals during the first quarter. Tests from concentrate generated by the first two phases of pilot extraction of minera
Sao Paulo, 28 April (Argus) — Australian mining company Wolf Minerals has upgraded its Drakelands tungsten mine processing plant in Devon, England, resulting in higher tungsten concentrate grades. Major shutdowns in the first two months of this year for changes in the processing plant w
Pittsburgh, 28 April (Argus) — Olympic Steel shipped more carbon and specialty steel in the first quarter at higher prices compared to the same year-earlier period amid broad-based demand improvements. The Ohio-based company sold 303,792net tons of carbon steel flat products in the fir
New York, 28 April (Argus) — US high-carbon ferro-manganese prices were unchanged in the latest week amid thin spot market trading. US high-carbon ferro-manganese (Mn 80pc, C 6-8pc) prices were flat at $1,380-1,430/gt in the latest week. Medium-carbon ferro-manganese (Mn 80pc, C 1-2pc)
Corrects headline to FeSi Perth, 28 April (Argus) — Australia-listed ferro alloy producer OM Holdings achieved record ferro-silicon sales in the March quarter and expects to complete the modification of four furnaces to produce manganese alloys by the middle of this year. Ferro-silic
Sao Paulo, 28 April (Argus) — Diversified global mining group Anglo American plans to restart operations at its El Soldado mine in Chile as soon as possible after a revised mining plan was approved. Production was halted on 17 February after the company's mine plan was rejected by the c
New York, 28 April (Argus) — US silicon metal prices moved up in the latest week, supported by ongoing trade cases and thin inventories. US silicon metal (Si 98.5pc) prices rose to $1.07-1.11/lb from $1.06-1.10/lb a week earlier. Traders and suppliers raised offers early in the week f
London, 28 April (Argus) — Steel demand on China's domestic market returned today, supporting higher prices. The recovery in demand was attributed to closures of galvanising and pickling lines in Tianjin and expected output restrictions for the One Belt, One Road conference in Beijing on
Beijing, 28 April (Argus) — China exported 2,483t of rare earth permanent magnets in March, up by 30pc from a year earlier, customs data show. The average export price fell by 10pc year on year to $48.20/kg. Exports in January-March totalled 6,637t, up by 18.5pc year on year at an aver
China's Eontec builds light metal die-cast plant Beijing, 28 April (Argus) — Private-sector Dongguan Eontec is working with China's largest magnesium alloy producer, Nanjin Yunhai Special metals, on a new production facility for light metal precise die-cast products to service rising dema
China's Zhangyuan Tungsten builds new powder plant Beijing, 28 April (Argus) — Chinese private-sector Zhangyuan Tungsten is building an 8,000 t/yr tungsten powder plant in Ganzhou, Jiangxi province, and aims to commission it by the end of 2017. The company has an 8,000 t/yr capacity for
China's manganese ore port stocks fall on higher demand Beijing, 28 April (Argus) — Manganese ore stocks at China's main ports fell to 3.15mn t today, down by 3pc from 3.25mn t last week, data from trading and logistics companies show. Tianjin port holds 2.4mn t, while Qinzhou and Fangch
Beijing, 28 April (Argus) — China's Guoguang Electric, a private-sector electronic equipment and lithium-ion battery producer plans to increase and broaden its capacities for lithium-ion anode material. The company is targeting a 20,000 t/yr capacity for nickel-cobalt-manganese/aluminum
China's antimony production rises in March Beijing, 28 April (Argus) — Chinese antimony metal and trioxide production reached 5,792t and 8,277t in March, up by 20pc and by 13pc year on year, respectively, China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association data show. China produced 18,313t of a
Perth, 28 April (Argus) — Australia-based heavy minerals developer Strandline Resources has signed a joint venture agreement with global mining giant Rio Tinto concerning heavy minerals exploration interests in southern Tanzania. Rio Tinto will have the option to spend up to $9mn on pro
Perth, 28 April (Argus) — Australia-listed ferro alloy producer OM Holdings achieved record ferro-silicon sales in the March quarter and expects to complete the modification of four furnaces to produce manganese alloys by the middle of this year. Ferro-silicon sales of 41,319t in the qu
Perth, 28 April (Argus) — Australian base metals developer Red River Resources starts mining sulphide ore from the West 45 underground mine at its Thalanga zinc project in Queensland. The first ore has been delivered to the run of mine pad for processing through the Thalanga mill in the
Sao Paulo, 28 April (Argus) — Australia's Avanco Resources produced 3,506t of copper concentrate in the first quarter at its Antas mine in Brazil's northeast Para state as expansion operations continue. Output exceeded company expectations for January-March after production began in Mar
Houston, 27 April (Argus) — Spreads for copper scrap to Asian ports were mixed in the past week with bare bright flat, #1 wire and tube down and #2 copper up. Argus assessed bare bright spreads at 7-9¢/lb under July Comex, unchanged from the prior week. Customers in Asia continued to
New York, 27 April (Argus) — Specialty chemical and material manufacturer Dow forecasts revenue to rise by as much as 4.5pc sequentially in the second quarter, driven by "solid" consumer demand and improving infrastructure, automotive, and packaging sectors. Michigan-based Dow anticipat
Houston, 27 April (Argus) — US processor buying prices for stainless scrap were stable Thursday as nickel dropped by 1pc on the London Metal Exchange (LME). Argus assessed buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solids at 55-57¢/lb, while turnings traded at 50-52¢/lb, both unchang
Houston, 27 April (Argus) — Most smelter-grade aluminum scrap was unchanged in the latest week while mixed low-copper clips and cast aluminum each increased by one cent per pound. Consumers remain well supplied and found no reason to follow the London Metal Exchange (LME) prices higher.
Houston, 27 April (Argus) — Premiums for nickel cathodes remained unchanged in the latest week amid tightening supply of prompt material in North America. Premiums for full truckload melting grade, 4x4inch cathodes were assessed at 23-25¢/lb and premiums for full truckload plating grade
Houston, 27 April (Argus) — Prices of 304 stainless steel scrap edged higher in northern Europe and were unchanged in Asia as London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel continued to decline. Rotterdam and German blenders raised prices of nickel-bearing 304 scrap to 54-56¢/lb from 54-55¢/lb the
Houston, 27 April (Argus) — Premiums for full-plate nickel cathodes were unchanged in the latest week amid steady European demand and lower exchange pricing. Premiums for newly produced cathodes remained at $150-165/metric tonne (t) in-warehouse Rotterdam, unchanged from the prior week.
Houston, 27 April (Argus) — Crude futures fell today on a possible recovery in Libyan supplies, which may further prolong the return of supply and demand balance. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures fell by 65¢/bl to settle at $48.97/bl, reversing the past two days of gains. Ice June
Houston, 27 April (Argus) — Global steel tube producer Tenaris expects an increase in sales in the second half of the year, driven by increased demand from North America and Argentina. Luxembourg-based from the US and Canada where the recovery of shale drilling "has been impressive" ov
Houston, 27 April (Argus) — Latin America-focused steelmaker Ternium expects a rise in shipments and higher realized prices in the second quarter on "healthy" demand in Mexico and increased demand in Argentina. Ternium anticipates higher cost per ton amid "the pass-through to the compan
Houston, 27 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price broke this week's trend on Thursday and dropped after three days of gains, following oil lower. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.5930/lb Thursday, down from $2.6005/lb on Wednesday. Spot month for Comex is now May
New York, 27 April (Argus) — Finnish-based stainless steel producer Outokumpu boosted its Americas stainless shipments by 13pc during the first quarter amid higher demand across markets. Shipments of stainless steel from Americas operations rose to 182,000t, up from 161,000t a year ear
New York, 27 April (Argus) — US seaborne coking coal prices plunged this week, as a major rail line in Australia resumed operations and calmed global supply concerns for short-term delivery. The price of low-volatile coking coal fob Hampton Roads, Virginia, for delivery in the prompt 90
London, 27 April (Argus) — Freight rates for scrap cargoes from both US east coast and European ports to Turkey softened this week, as routes in the Atlantic and Pacific basins showed signs of cooling off. Freight rates for 40,000t scrap cargoes on Supramax vessels from New York to Iske
London, 27 April (Argus) — A confirmed scrap sale from a US supplier to an Iskenderun mill late in the afternoon raised the HMS 1/2 80:20 price, as the US re-entered the market for the first time in three weeks to take advantage of Turkish mills requirement for premium material. The de
Mexico City, 27 April (Argus) — Mexican steel company Deacero is considering participating in the country's long-term power auction launching tomorrow that will allow private-sector buyers for the first time, Deacero's energy director Patricio Gamboa told Argus . "It's an option we are
Beijing, 27 April (Argus) — China exported 4,694t of rare earths in March, up by 8.1pc compared with 4,343t in the same month last year, customs data show. Consumers outside China, particularly other Asia Pacific nations, bought more in March on expectations of price rises as Beiing is
London, 27 April (Argus) — CIS export prices for basic pig iron (BPI) held steady on the week on sparse trading activity, staving off pressure from softening coking coal, iron ore and European scrap prices. No new sales of CIS BPI were seen this week in the Turkish, Italian or US market
Pittsburgh, 27 April (Argus) — UK-based GFG Alliance and Chippewa Capital Partners' $1bn bid for the iron ore assets of US-based Messabi Metallics Company has been accepted. The bid includes $250mn of equity investment and $650mn to fund the construction and operation of the former Ess
Pittsburgh, 27 April (Argus) — US imports of steel products rose by 25pc in March from the prior month, driven by increases in semi-finished products as well as rebar, oil country tubular goods (OCTG) and hot-rolled coil. Imports of carbon and alloy semi-finished steel products, which i
Seoul, 27 April (Argus) — South Korean steel producer Hyundai Steel is ramping up production and sales by volume faster than planned as firmer demand boosts profit margins. Production during January-March rose by 7.4pc from a year earlier to 5.14mn t, while sales by volume advanced by 8
New York, 27 April (Argus) — Pennsylvania-based specialty metals producer Carpenter Technology increased its shipments by 3.1pc in the first quarter, led by volumes from its specialty alloy segment. Carpenter shipped 63.3mn lbs of specialty alloys during the quarter, up from 61.3mn lbs
Pittsburgh, 27 April (Argus) — NLMK'S US operations boosted first quarter sales of hot-rolled coil and hot-dipped galvanized sheet products amid improved demand. Sales totaled 561,582metric tonnes, up by 19.9pc from the first quarter of 2016's level of 468,518t, the US unit of the Russi
New York, 27 April (Argus) — US ferro-titanium prices increased in the latest week, reflecting higher raw material costs. US ferro-titanium (Ti 70pc) moved up to $2.05-2.15/lb from $2.01-2.12/lb the week prior. Rising prices for titanium scrap and sponge forced North American alloy pro
Houston, 27 April (Argus) — The US Commerce Department has launched a probe to determine whether aluminum imports from China and other countries threaten national security, following a similar investigation last week into steel imports. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the investigat
London, 27 April (Argus) — Russian diversified metal producer Nornickel said it could fall short of its 2017 production guidance for nickel and platinum group metals by up to 3pc. The potential shortfall is the result of plans to complete the processing of previously stored pyrrhotite c
New York, 27 April (Argus) — US ferro-vanadium prices moved down in the latest week, reflecting competitive offers and limited demand. Higher raw material prices lifted the North American ferro-titanium market. Meanwhile, limited stainless steel and foundry demand forced prices for high-
New York, 27 April (Argus) — Pennsylvania-based advanced materials producer Kennametal reduced its fiscal year cash flow outlook as it anticipates more spending to meet higher demand from most end markets. Kennametal expects to generate $60-80mn in cash by the end of the fiscal quarter
London, 27 April (Argus) — Chinese domestic and export steel prices remained level today, with buying volumes slightly lower than yesterday, as the market started to slow before three-day long May day holidays. The price of Q235 250mm billet in Tangshan remained at Yn2,780/t ex-works, r
Perth, 27 April (Argus) — South Africa-based Sibanye Gold's $2.2bn takeover offer for the only US-based platinum group metals producer Stillwater Mining has received the approval of Sibanye and Stillwater shareholders and is expected to be completed by 4 May. The combined company will b
Perth, 27 April (Argus) — Australian nickel producer Western Areas is on track to achieve the upper end of production guidance of 22,500-24,500t from its Forrestania operation in Western Australia in its 2017 fiscal year. March third quarter output of 6,778t increased its fiscal year to
Perth, 27 April (Argus) — South Africa-based platinum producer Impala Platinum increased its refined platinum output in the nine months to end March and is on track to achieve guidance of 1.5mn oz in its 2017 fiscal year. Implats increased its nine month output by 6.2pc to 1.1mn t compa
Perth, 27 April (Argus) — Perth-headquartered metals producer South32 increased its aluminium output in the nine months to end March, but production of alumina, silver, lead, zinc and ferro-nickel was lower than a year earlier. Aluminium output from South Africa and Mozambique rose by 2
Perth, 27 April (Argus) — Diversified metals and minerals producer South32 increased manganese ore output by 5pc in the nine months to end March, but manganese alloy output fell by 9pc due mainly to the suspension of several furnaces. Manganese ore output from Australia and South Africa
Sao Paulo, 27 April (Argus) — Canada-based Sherritt International said finished nickel production from joint ventures in Cuba and Madagascar was down by 11.8pc in the first quarter from a year earlier as operations recover from bad weather and technical issues. Finished nickel productio
Sao Paulo, 27 April (Argus) — European steel producer ArcelorMittal's Brazilian division has agreed to take a controlling stake in Sao Paulo-state based steel wire producer and coating technology specialist Sumare, owned by Belgium's Bekaert. ArcelorMittal will increase its market share
Houston, 26 April (Argus) — Price spreads for bare bright and C260 strengthened in the latest week while #1 wire and tube weakened. Argus assessed price spreads for bare bright copper scrap at 4-6¢/lb under May Comex, from 6-8¢/lb under the previous week. Tighter supply was the reason
Houston, 26 April (Argus) — Spreads for 6063 extrusions and EC wire traded at 6¢/lb under the Argus midwest transaction price from 4-6¢/lb under a week earlier, as outright prices rose to 92¢/lb from 91-92¢/lb. Ten-ten extrusion spreads returned to 18-19¢/lb under from 17-18¢/lb under
Houston, 26 April (Argus) — US copper cathode premiums were unchanged in the latest week amid tepid US spot business and ready availability of grade A and off-grade material. Argus assessed grade A cathode premiums unchanged at 5-6¢/lb delivered midwest consumer, where it has held sin
Pittsburgh, 26 April (Argus) — US Steel plans to spend over $1bn in a multi-year asset revitalization program aimed at generating long-term commercial and operational benefits. The company plans to accelerate the amount of investment into the project for 2017, according to its first qu
Houston, 26 April (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap processor buying prices held steady amid positive indications for May orders. With nickel on the London Metal Exchange (LME) trading under $10,000/metric tonne (t) every session since April 12, tightness in scrap availability, especially
Houston, 26 April (Argus) — Vancouver-based Capstone Mining held its 2017 copper production guidance unchanged as its copper sales fell by 23pc in the first quarter from a year earlier. Capstone expects to produce 94,000metric tonnes, plus or minus 5pc, from its Pinto Valley, Cozamin an
Houston, 26 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price rose for a third day Wedneday on optimism that President Donald Trump may push through a tax reform plan that aims to cut corporate and individual taxes to boost growth. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.5885/lb W
Houston, 26 April (Argus) — Nymex crude futures rose for a second day on a larger-than-expected draw in US crude inventories. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures rose by 6¢/bl to settle at $49.62/bl. Ice June Brent fell by 28¢/bl to $51.82/bl. The Brent-WTI spread narrowed by 34¢/bl t
Houston, 26 April (Argus) — The Argus midwest premium for P1020 aluminum declined this week amid ongoing lack of spot demand from US consumers, who remain well supplied with scrap and primary metal. The premium declined to 9.25-9.7¢/lb from 9.5-9.7¢/lb the prior week. London Metal E
New York, 26 April (Argus) — Connecticut-based aerospace manufacturer United Technologies (UTC) maintained its 2017 revenue forecast following its first quarter results, amid higher aerospace sales. United Tech expects annual revenues of between $57-59bn, unchanged from the prior estima
London, 26 April (Argus) — Russian nickel producer Nornickel has completed maintenance work on the No 4 ore-thermal electric arc furnace at its Kola MMC subsidiary's plant in Monchegorsk. Routine repairs will insure stable operation of the furnace until a programme of capital upgrades i
London, 26 April (Argus) — Russia's oldest uranium processing plant Dalur has begun to commission a pilot production line to manufacture by-product scandium oxide. The plant is located in the southern Urals and is part of state nuclear corporation Rosatom's uranium mining division AMRZ.
Sao Paulo, 26 April (Argus) — Canada-based tungsten miner Almonty Industries expects to begin shipping concentrate from the 2,000 t/yr Sandong mine in South Korea in the first quarter of 2019. This comes as Almonty unveils a investment in the company by leading consumer Global Tungsten
Pittsburgh, 26 April (Argus) — UK-based GFG Alliance, which includes global metals group Liberty House, has submitted a consortium bid for all of US-based Mesabi Metallics' assets. The assets include a 7mn metric tonne/year iron ore pellet plant in Nashwauk, Minnesota, with an expansion
London, 26 April (Argus) — Consumption of nickel in the aerospace industry is likely to rise in the coming years, but not at the same rate as for traditional engines given increasing use of aluminium to reduce aircraft weight. Materials used in aircraft are required to provide high stre
Pittsburgh, 26 April (Argus) — AK Steel plans to keep its Ashland blast furnace idled until the long-term market outlook shows sustainable improvement. The long-term outlook has been aided by recent trade cases but is still subject to volatility which has prevented the restart, AK Stee
Sao Paulo, 26 April (Argus) — Copper output from UK-based Chilean producer Antofagasta rose by 9.4pc in the first quarter from a year earlier and was lifted by output increases at Centinela, Antucoya and Zaldivar. Production totalled 171,900t in the opening three months of the year, up
New York, 26 April (Argus) — Chicago-based aerospace manufacturer Boeing maintained its revenue and deliveries outlook for 2017 despite falling sales in the first quarter. Boeing's annual revenue forecast was flat between $90.5-92.5bn compared with estimates at the start of the year. Th
New York, 26 April (Argus) — US selenium prices moved up in the latest week on the back of ongoing supply tightness and offshore production issues. US selenium (Se 99.5pc) prices rose to $19.00-21.50/lb from $19.00-20.50/lb a week earlier. Offers were up early in the week amid persist
London, 26 April (Argus) — Chinese domestic and export steel prices increased again today, boosted by another rise in sales, causing a sizeable gap to open between export bids and offers. The Tangshan billet price rose sharply, by Yn100/t ($14.50/t) to Yn2,870/t ex-works for Q235 150mm
China's Wenxi Shengfu raises Mg powder output Beijing, 26 April (Argus) — China's private-sector Wenxi Shengfu Magnesium Powder Factory is operating at a 100pc utilisation rate in response to rising prices and demand from steelmakers. Output at the Shanxi-based producer has risen to 1,50
Beijing, 26 April (Argus) — China's ferro-niobium, manganese ore, chrome ore and ferro-nickel imports rose in March, customs data show. Ferro-niobium China imported 2,558t of ferro-niobium in March, up by 159pc compared with 989t in the same month of 2016. Chinese steelmakers have p
Beijing, 26 April (Argus) — State-owned China Energy Storage Material has signed an agreement with Fangchenggang's municipal government to build a vanadium and titanium industrial park. The complex will be located in the Fangchenggang economic development zone in Guangxi province and ha
Beijing, 26 April (Argus) — China state-owned tungsten concentrate producer Dajianshan Mine raised production by 31pc year on year in the first quarter of 2017. The output amount is not yet available. Dajianshan Tungsten Mine, a subsidiary of China's leading tungsten producer Jiangxi T
China's germanium exports rise sharply in March Beijing, 26 April (Argus) — Chinese germanium exports rose sharply in March as buyers outside China replenished stocks in expectation of price rises, customs data show. Germanium Germanium exports reached 3,066kg in March 2017, up by 383
Perth, 26 April (Argus) — Australia-based rare earths developer Peak Resources is in discussions with ERP Strategic Minerals regarding a bid to acquire certain assets and property rights relating to Molycorp's Mountain Pass rare earths project in the US. Mountain Pass is currently in ca
South Africa's UMK raises Mn ore export price for June Beijing, 26 April (Argus) — The world's fourth-largest manganese ore producer, South African United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK), has raised its export price for South African manganese ore for June shipments, Chinese importers said.
Beijing, 26 April (Argus) — China's ferro-silicon exports rose sharply in March amid stronger demand from Japan and South Korea, customs data show. Ferro-silicon China exported 26,795t of ferro-silicon in March, up by 56pc from 17,189t a year earlier as buyers in Japan and South Korea
Perth, 26 April (Argus) — Sydney and Johannesburg-listed metals explorer Tawana Resources signs an offtake agreement for lithium concentrate from its 50pc-owned Bald Hill project near Kambalda in Western Australia. The agreement is to exclusively supply Hong Kong-listed commodities trad
Perth, 26 April (Argus) — Perth-based metals producer Independence Group increased its nickel output in the March quarter, but its zinc and copper production was lower. Nickel output from the Long mine in Western Australia rose to 2,136t in the fiscal third quarter from 2,063t in the De
Perth, 26 April (Argus) — The Ramu nickel-cobalt mine in Papua New Guinea exceeded internal production targets for the March quarter despite two of the processing plant's three autoclaves being shut down for 12 days of scheduled maintenance. Nickel in concentrate output for the quarter
Perth, 26 April (Argus) — Australian metals producer Finders Resources aims to attain and maintain nameplate capacity of 28,000 t/yr of copper cathode from its 70pc-owned Wetar project in Indonesia in the June quarter. The company reported copper cathode output of 6,125t during the Marc
Perth, 26 April (Argus) — Australian metals explorer White Rock Minerals announces a maiden mineral resource at its Red Mountain zinc project in Alaska. A total inferred mineral resource of 16.7mn t has been declared at a grade of 8.9pc zinc equivalent for an estimated 1.48mn t of zinc
Perth, 26 April (Argus) — Global resources group BHP Billiton produced 20pc less copper in the nine months to 31 March than a year earlier due mainly to industrial action and weather problems, but its non-core zinc and nickel output was higher. Copper output for the first three quarters
Sao Paulo, 26 April (Argus) — UK and Canada listed mining firm Horizonte Minerals says a feasibility study for the Araguaia nickel project in Brazil's northern Para state is on schedule for the end of this year. This comes as Horizonte has been awarded three new concessions near the Ara
New York, 25 April (Argus) — Total global rolled product shipments of US aluminum mill Arconic increased by 7.5pc in the first quarter amid higher volumes across segments. The company shipped 414,000 metric tons (mt) during the first quarter, which includes 130,000mt from toll processin
Houston, 25 April (Argus) — Mill-grade aluminum scrap spreads weakened and outright prices were mostly unchanged as London Metal Exchange aluminum traded within a very narrow range over the week. The spread of 5052 clips fell to 10-11¢/lb under the premium, from 9-10¢/lb under the prio
Pittsburgh, 25 April (Argus) — US Steel anticipates stronger results from its flat-rolled, European and tubular segments in 2017 in the event market conditions remain stable. Market conditions factored into the company's outlook included spot prices, raw material costs, customer demand
New York, 25 April (Argus) — Chicago-based primary smelter Century Aluminum raised its quarterly shipments by 16.4pc, driven primarily by higher volumes from operations in Iceland. Century shipped 186,395t of primary aluminum during the first quarter, up from 160,119t a year earlier, ex
Pittsburgh, 25 April (Argus) — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) made its final determinations on the dumping of certain fabricated industrial steel components originating in or exported from China, South Korea and Spain and subsidies from China. Dumping margins for China ranged
New York, 25 April (Argus) — Automotive-focused aluminum die caster Nemak lifted its first quarter shipment levels by 2.3pc as rising European volumes outpaced fewer US shipments. Mexico-based Nemak shipped 13.2mn units during the first quarter, up from 12.9mn units a year earlier. Nort
Houston, 25 April (Argus) — Processor stainless scrap buying prices fell Tuesday as nickel on the London Metal Exchange continues to trend downward, trading below $10,000/metric tonne (t) for an eighth consecutive session. Processors attempted to lower buying prices for 304 scrap solids
Houston, 25 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price gained for a second day, following stocks higher amid optimism that President Donald Trump will unveil a tax plan this week that will slash corporate taxes and boost growth. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.5785/
Houston, 25 April (Argus) — Crude futures rose on the prospect that data to be released tomorrow will show a drop in US inventories. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures rose by 33¢/bl to settle at $49.56/bl. Ice June Brent gained by 50¢/bl to $52.10/bl. The Brent-WTI spread widened b
Houston, 25 April (Argus) — Vancouver-based Copper Mountain Mining boosted copper sales by 5pc in the first quarter from a year earlier, generating a 26pc gain in overall revenues amid higher prices. The company sold 19mn lbs of copper, up from 18.1mn lbs a year earlier. Its realized sa
New York, 25 April (Argus) — US specialty metals producer Allegheny Technologies (ATI) maintained its annual outlook of 10pc growth in high performance materials sales after posting greater sales of next-generation jet engines in the first quarter. ATI expects its high performance mater
Houston, 25 April (Argus) — Diversified US-based miner Freeport-McMoRan lowered its copper sales target by 4.9pc for this year from its prior guidance because of restrictions on its concentrate exports from its Grasberg mine in Indonesia. Regulatory restrictions on exports from Grasberg
New York, 25 April (Argus) — US-based industrial manufacturer Mueller Industries remained optimistic about domestic and international markets amid an 8.5pc growth in quarterly revenues. Mueller's revenues totaled $578mn in the first quarter, up from $533mn a year earlier. Quarterly prof
New York, 25 April (Argus) — Environmental inspections in China and steady demand supported higher US bismuth prices. Weak demand from US and international indium-tin-oxide producers pushed indium prices down. And, selenium prices moved up on continuing problems at production facilities.
Pittsburgh, 25 April (Argus) — Ohio-based AK Steel shipped 10pc less steel in the first quarter compared to the same year-earlier period but was able to increase sales by 1pc as it continued to focus on higher value-added products. The steelmaker shipped 1.49mn net tons (nt) during the
New York, 25 April (Argus) — US high-grade cobalt prices settled flat in the latest week as traders and consumers stepped back from the spot market. US high-grade cobalt (Co 99.8pc) prices were flat at $26.50-28.00/lb Tuesday compared with a week earlier. Traders and distributors maint
London, 25 April (Argus) — Swedish mining and smelting company Boliden's zinc output fell in the first quarter of 2017 because of an unplanned stoppage at the Odda smelter in Norway. Output this quarter will also be affected, the company said. Refined zinc production in the first quarte
London, 25 April (Argus) — Domestic steel prices in China rose today owing to increased sales and Chinese exporters kept offers stable in response. The Tangshan billet price drove up by 50 yuan/t ($7.26/t) to Yn2,770/t ex-works for Q235 150mm cross-section billet, recovering from the bu
Sao Paulo, 25 April (Argus) — Production at mining firm Southern Copper's Cuajone and Toquepala copper mines and the separate Ilo processing plant in Peru has resumed after a 12-day strike ended. The company reached an agreement with representatives of around 3,000 workers on 21 April.
New York, 24 April (Argus) — US smelter Alcoa maintained its outlook for 2017 following improved pricing across the alumina and aluminum segments during the first quarter. Alcoa expects annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of between $2.1-2.3bn, unchang
Pittsburgh, 24 April (Argus) — US raw steel production declined by 1.4pc for the week ended 22 April following two weeks of increases. Steel production last week was up by 1pc from the same year-earlier period. Output fell to 1.72mn net tons (nt) (1.56mn metric tonnes) from 1.74mn nt
Houston, 24 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price strengthened on Monday as equity markets rallied on a first-round French presidential vote that signaled the country is likely to remain in the EU. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.5525/lb Monday, up from $2.5375/
Houston, 24 April (Argus) — Processor stainless steel scrap buying prices were flat Monday as dealers and processors expect the market to remain relatively quiet this week as most participants are at the annual Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) convention and exposition in N
Pittsburgh, 24 April (Argus) — Spot buying in the US hot-rolled coil (HRC) market was limited despite industry data highlighting lean inventory levels held by service centers. Last week's Metals Service Center Institute inventory and shipment data showed just 1.82 carbon flat-rolled mo
Houston, 24 April (Argus) — Premiums for US special high-grade zinc were down marginally amid tepid demand and an ongoing strike at Quebec zinc refinery CEZinc. Argus assessed the US zinc premium at 8-10¢/lb Monday, down from 9-10¢/lb a week earlier. Workers continue walking the pick
Houston, 24 April (Argus) — Crude futures fell today as the potential for rising US output offset expectations for Opec and non-Opec producers to extend output cuts. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures fell by 39¢/bl to settle at $49.23/bl. Ice June Brent eased by 36¢/bl to $51.60/bl
London, 24 April (Argus) — Global crude steel production reached an record monthly high in March, with volumes up in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, according to the World Steel Association. Global output increased by 4.6pc on March 2016 to 145mn t last month, lifting the first-q
London, 24 April (Argus) — Turkish steel producers continued to feel the pressure on their finished product offers, as scrap collectors supplying deep-sea exporters refused to reduce their prices. Both scrap collectors and Turkish mills are on the verge of seeing their margins get squee
London, 24 April (Argus) — Prices for European secondary alloys have declined in the past week on falling offer prices, while a shortage of scrap continues to drive UK alloy higher. The European 226 alloy decreased to 88-91¢/lb from 89-91¢/lb two weeks ago. Market participants said ther
London, 24 April (Argus) — Global pig iron production rose sharply in March, reaching its highest monthly level since January 2015 amid an uptick in output in every major producing region, according to the World Steel Association (WSA). Global output reached 102.1mn t last month, up fro
London, 24 April (Argus) — London-based metal exchange LME and LME Clear have published a discussion paper on the exchange's market structure that aims to establish the LME's vision for its development and invites feedback from market participants. The exchange said it will embark on a
Sao Paulo, 24 April (Argus) — Australian project developer King River Copper (KRC) plans a study on the feasibility of producing high purity vanadium pentoxide, vanadium electrolyte and titanium dioxide. KRC is encouraged by higher vanadium and titanium prices in the past six months. I
Beijing, 24 April (Argus) — The Chinese government will shut down all unauthorised aluminium producing projects that are under construction or have started production since May 2013. Aimed at reducing excessive aluminium capacity, the move is regarded as a "supply-side reform" in the Ch
London, 24 April (Argus) — Domestic billet prices in China fell by Yn60/t ($8.70/t) over the weekend of 22-23 April, amid sluggish trading activity. But buying picked up somewhat today. The price remained at Yn2,720/t ex-works for Q235 150mm cross section billet in Tangshan. Export bil
London, 24 April (Argus) — London-based metal exchange LME's primary aluminium stocks were down by 4.1pc in the week ended 21 April. Inventories fell furthest in Asia, which were down by 6.3pc to 796,125t from 849,850t in the previous week. Kaohsiung, Taiwan, recorded the biggest drop o
Sao Paulo, 24 April (Argus) — Chile-based molybdenum processor Molymet has approved plans to invest $44mn in a chemicals plant in Belgium. The plant will complement existing molybdenum roasting and ferro-alloy conversion facilities at the Sadaci division in Ghent. The chemicals plant i
New York, 24 April (Argus) — US high-carbon ferro-chrome prices settled lower in the latest week, reflecting weakened demand from stainless steel producers. US high-carbon ferro-chrome (Cr 60pc C 6-8pc) prices declined to $1.44-1.50/lb Thursday from $1.46-1.55/lb a week earlier. Distri
London, 24 April (Argus) — Russian aluminium producer Rusal said consumer spending and fixed asset investments in the advanced economies were the main drivers behind higher aluminium demand and sales in the first quarter of 2017. Rusal cited low interest rates in the eurozone and higher
Beijing, 24 April (Argus) — Titanium ore stocks at China's main ports rose by 26,000t to 306,000t in the week ending 21 April, Chinese importers, logistics and warehousing companies said. More shipments arrived last week and demand from titanium product manufacturers weakened as invento
Perth, 24 April (Argus) — South Africa-based, world number one platinum producer Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) increased its output of refined platinum, palladium and rhodium in the March first quarter when compared with a year earlier. Refined platinum output rose to 576,900oz comp
Perth, 24 April (Argus) — Perth-based metals explorer Australian Vanadium has completed one environmental study and another two are underway towards gaining a mining license for its Gabanintha vanadium project in Western Australia. The company has one of the world's major undeveloped va
Johannesburg, 24 April (Argus) — Australian copper producer Aeris Resources reports a fall in output in the March quarter, mainly as a result of lower grades and inaccessible production areas at its Tritton mine in New South Wales. Output for the quarter fell to 5,048t from 6,024t in th
Perth, 24 April (Argus) — Diversified global mining group Anglo American reports lower copper and nickel output in the March quarter compared to a year earlier, but a rise in platinum and manganese ore production. Copper output in the March quarter was 3pc lower than a year earlier at 1
Houston, 21 April (Argus) — US domestic ferrous scrap prices for May deliveries are expected to move by $10/gross ton (gt) in either direction of April's prices amid steady capacity utilization rates and mill order books. Just over half the market participants surveyed by Argus this w
Houston, 21 April (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap buying prices for 304 scrap rose Friday as processors looked to increase buying activity and compete with one large processor that is paying 1-2¢/lb more for the same material. Some processors attempted to push prices down mid-week but m
Houston, 21 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price followed oil lower Friday amid tepid spot demand and data showing a widening in the global copper surplus. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.5375/lb Friday, down from $2.5420/lb on Thursday and the fourth lowest s
Houston, 21 April (Argus) — WTI crude futures fell below $50/bl today as a rising US rig count added to signs of growing domestic production. Nymex June light, sweet crude futures fell by $1.09/bl to settle at $49.62/bl. It marked the lowest settle for a prompt-month contract since 29
Houston, 21 April (Argus) — ArcerlorMittal has agreed to sell its Georgetown Steelworks in South Carolina to Liberty House. The sale includes the facility's 600,000net ton/year electric-arc furnace and 750,000nt/yr rod mill, which has been closed since August 2015. When the deal is co
Houston, 21 April (Argus) — The US International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined there was "reasonable indication" that a US industry is being "materially injured" by imports of Chinese aluminum. The USITC's determination sets the stage for the Commerce Department to continue
London, 21 April (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment rose by 70c/t Friday to $263.90/t amid an uptick in domestic demand. An increase in short-sea trading activity and domestic scrap prices led many market participants to believe that Turkish mill
New York, 21 April (Argus) — North American billings of semiconductor equipment increased by 69pc in March from a year earlier, spurred by the recent semiconductor investment cycle. The North American semiconductor equipment billings rose to $2.03bn, up from $1.20bn the same month a ye
Houston, 21 April (Argus) — Tightening scrap supply worldwide caused an uptick in select secondary aluminium scrap grades in both Europe and Asia in the latest week. Prices of European clean old cast increased to 64-65.5¢/lb in the latest week from 62-64¢/lb a week prior while clean ol
Houston, 21 April (Argus) — US steelmakers Nucor and Steel Dynamics (SDI) in earnings calls this week both reiterated the importance of Mexico despite uncertainty surrounding US policy in the region. John Ferriola, chief executive officer of Nucor expressed no concerns regarding the ste
London, 21 April (Argus) — US protectionist measures on Chinese steel imports could damage ‘legitimate' exports from the UK, British steel trade association UK Steel said today. The warning comes after President Trump signed a memorandum yesterday , initiating an investigation on the e
Houston, 21 April (Argus) — The US drilling rig count rose for the 14th week, a shift that has led oilfield service provider Schlumberger to redeploy idled North American equipment. The count total rose by 10 to 857, the highest since 4 September 2015, according to weekly data from Bake
London, 21 April (Argus) — Global steel demand will continue to grow at a subdued rate over the next two years as a result of forecast growth in emerging economies, but will be offset by a slowdown in China, the World Steel Association (WSA) said in its latest Short Range Outlook . The
Houston, 21 April (Argus) — SSAB Americas crude steel production fell by 8pc in the first quarter from the prior year. Still, despite production dropping to 569,000metric tonnes (t), sales shipments of steel during the quarter rose by 2pc to 486,000t from a year earlier. The company c
London, 21 April (Argus) — Mining cuts implemented by western miners Glencore and Nyrstar in late 2015 are being offset by growing Chinese demand, which is dragging down prices. Three-month zinc prices rose slightly to $2,622/t on 20 April from $2,585/t on 13 April. Global zinc output
New York, 21 April (Argus) — The US International Trade Commission (USITC) agreed today to continue investigations into imports of silicon metal from Australia, Brazil, Kazakhstan and Norway. The Commission has determined in its preliminary phase to continue with antidumping and counter
London, 21 April (Argus) — Copper production expanded in the first quarter of the year, which increased the market surplus and added downward pressure on prices this week. Copper mine production increased by 4pc to 1.64mn t in January from 1.58mn t in the same month last year, the Inter
London, 21 April (Argus) — Copper production expanded in the first quarter of the year, which increased the market surplus and added downward pressure on prices this week. Copper mine production increased by 4pc to 1.64mn t in January from 1.58mn t in the same month last year, the Inter
New York, 21 April (Argus) — US silicon metal prices were unchanged in the latest week as consumers rejected higher offers. US silicon metal (Si 98.5pc) prices were flat at $1.06-1.10/lb in the latest week. Several traders and suppliers attempted to raise offers for 20t lots as high a
New York, 21 April (Argus) — US high-carbon ferro-manganese settled flat in the latest week as buyers were slow to return from recent holidays. US high-carbon ferro-manganese (Mn 80pc, C 6-8pc) was steady at $1,380-1,430/gt in the latest week. Medium-carbon ferro-manganese (Mn 80pc, C 1
London, 21 April (Argus) — Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) and the London Metal Exchange (LME) have appointed Matthew Chamberlain as the new chief executive of the LME. Chamberlain joined the LME in 2012. He has been acting as interim chief executive since the resignation of his
London, 21 April (Argus) — The ferro-titanium market has stabilised at the start of the second quarter, as participants become more focused on long-term contracts after a rise in spot activity in the first quarter. FeTi Prices for western-grade duty-paid alloy held at $4.40-4.55/kg, wi
London, 21 April (Argus) — Chinese domestic steel prices increased again today, boosted by an increase in sales as some buyers sought to take advantage of the sharp drop in prices over the previous ten days. The price for billet in Tangshan rose by Yn60/t ($8.70/t) to Yn2,780/t ex-work
China's Wenxi Zhenxin raises magnesium alloy capacity Beijing, 21 April (Argus) — Chinese magnesium alloy producer private-sector Wenxi Zhenxin will launch a new production line in May, amid rising demand and prices. The new line will more than double the Shanxi-based producer's capacity
Sao Paulo, 21 April (Argus) — Canada's Amerigo Resources produced 15.1mn lbs of copper in the first quarter of 2017, a 17.8pc year on year increase helped by completion of the first phase of expansion plans. Amerigo's MVC plant produces copper concentrate by processing waste deposits fr
Sao Paulo, 21 April (Argus) — Brazilian ferro-chrome producer Ferbasa's production of ferro-alloys rose by 11.8pc on the year in March to 21,089t, it said. This follows a sharp increase in chrome alloys output, the company said. Ferbasa produces low and high-carbon ferro-chrome, as wel
Beijing, 21 April (Argus) — Zhejiang Quzhou Yongdong Chemical aims to launch lithium hydroxide production in the second half of this year. Yongdong is building a 5,000 t/yr smelter and will buy crude lithium carbonate to produce hydroxide. Total investment is projected at 102mn yuan (
Beijing, 21 April (Argus) — Chinese zirconium oxychloride producer private-sector Deqing Chemical will restart production in the next few days in response to higher prices. The company, located in Deqing county in Zhejiang province, suspended production in August 2016 as part of anti-po
Beijing, 21 April (Argus) — China's magnesium output rose by 6.74pc year on year to 139,400t in the first two months of 2017, data issued by China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association show. The growth was driven by higher output in Shaanxi province — China's largest producing region
Beijing, 21 April (Argus) — Chinese private-sector Ganzhou Qiandong has signed an investment agreement to develop rare earth material projects at Shuixi industrial park in Zhanggong district in Ganzhou, Jiangxi province. The projects include the refining of rare earth metals and alloy p
China's Bingma Silicon halts for maintenance Beijing, 21 April (Argus) — Chinese silicon producer private-sector Bingma Silicon has suspended production for furnace maintenance and expects to restart in mid-May. Located in Baoshan city, Yunnan province, the company has only one furnace
China's manganese ore port stocks rise Beijing, 21 April (Argus) — Manganese ore stocks at China's main ports rose to 3.25mn t today, up by almost 4pc from 3.13mn t two weeks ago, data from trading and logistics companies show. Tianjin port holds 2.5mn t, while Qinzhou and Fangcheng have
Johannesburg, 21 April (Argus) — Sydney and Hong Kong listed metals producer MMG increases copper in concentrate and lead output in the first quarter of 2016, but copper cathode and zinc production is lower than a year earlier. Copper in concentrate output from the Las Bambas mine in Pe
Johannesburg, 21 April (Argus) — Australian metals producer Oz Minerals reports lower copper output in the March quarter, but remains on track to achieve annual output guidance. Copper output in the first quarter was 25,079t compared to 31,018t a year earlier with a cash cost of $1/lb f
Houston, 20 April (Argus) — Smelter-grade aluminum scrap that are directly influenced by terminal market movements rose Thursday following an increase in London Metal Exchange prices. Higher cash official aluminum prices have negated less demand for scrap as consumers remain well suppli
Houston, 20 April (Argus) — US processor buying prices for stainless 304 scrap dropped Thursday as London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel prices have been falling for more than a week. Buying activity picked up Thursday as dealers were more apt to move material and not wait for a rebound i
Houston, 20 April (Argus) — Spreads for copper scrap to Asian ports weakened in the past week along with the all-in price as Comex and the London Metal Exchange copper prices settled lower from a week earlier. Argus assessed bare bright spreads at 7-9¢/lb under May Comex, from 6-8¢/lb
Houston, 20 April (Argus) — Nickel premiums in the US were unchanged this week amid tight supply and exchange traded prices falling below the $10,000/metric tonne (t) mark. Spot premiums for full truckload melting grade, 4x4inch nickel cathodes were assessed at 23-25¢/lb and premiums f
London, 20 April (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment decreased by $1.80/t to $263.20/t Thursday amid downward pressure from buyers. Some Turkish mills are understood to be preparing for the start of negotiations next week. These mills made some en
Houston, 20 April (Argus) — Evraz North America is anticipating crude steel output in the second quarter to decline between 5-10pc from the prior quarter as a result of a planned outage at its Regina facility. The Saskatchewan-based mill is scheduled to complete the installation of ste
Houston, 20 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price edged higher for a second day on Thursday as traders jumped back into the market following recent declines and the dollar slumped. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.5420/lb Thursday, up from $2.5345/lb on Wednesday
New York, 20 April (Argus) — US seaborne coking coal prices were steady this week as steel mills held back from the market, awaiting the normalization of rail line operations in Australia following flooding earlier in the month. Prices of low volatile coking coal fob Hampton Roads, Vir
Houston, 20 April (Argus) — WTI crude futures fell today for a fourth straight session but stayed above $50/bl as high US stockpiles and growing domestic production continued to pressure the market. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures fell by 17¢/bl to settle at $50.27/bl. The May cont
New York, 20 April (Argus) — US consumption of vanadium alloys was little changed in January from a year earlier amid steady vanadium-aluminum and ferro-vanadium volumes. The US consumed 290t of vanadium alloys in January, little changed from 289t a year earlier, according to the US Geo
London, 20 April (Argus) — Russian pipe producer TMK expects rising demand in Europe and the US in 2017, despite reporting flat sales for pipe products in the first quarter. TMK shipped 843,000t of pipe products in total in the first quarter of 2017, a fall of 0.3pc compared to products
Houston, 20 April (Argus) — Premiums for full-plate nickel cathodes rose by $5/metric tonne (t) this past week amid steady demand and tight supply. Premiums for newly produced full-plate cathodes rose to $150-165/t in-warehouse Rotterdam from $150-160/t the prior week. Demand for London
Houston, 20 April (Argus) — Prices of 304 stainless steel scrap fell in Europe and Asia in the latest week, following London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel lower. Rotterdam blenders reduced prices of the nickel-bearing 304 scrap to 54-55¢/lb from 56-57¢/lb the prior week, while prices of 3
Houston, 20 April (Argus) — President Donald Trump today signed a memorandum prioritizing an investigation of the harm caused to national security by steel imports. The investigation will look to determine if steel imports cause American workers to lose jobs needed to meet security requ
London, 20 April (Argus) — Copper and nickel output at Brazilian mining company Vale fell in the first quarter because a furnace was shut down at its Sudbury mine in Canada, the company said today. Vale's copper output declined by 11pc to 107,000t in the first quarter of the year from 1
London, 20 April (Argus) — Freight rates for scrap cargoes from the US east coast to Turkey experienced a sharp uptick in the past week, boosted by increased demand for Supramax vessels from outgoing grain cargoes in East Coast South America (ECSA). Freight rates for 40,000t scrap carg
London, 20 April (Argus) — Trading in the CIS export basic pig iron (BPI) market has picked up slightly in the past week, with a Ukrainian mill achieving new sales. Suppliers continue to focus most of their efforts on the US market, which has yielded the highest prices in recent weeks.
Vale's manganese ore output falls London, 20 April (Argus) — Brazil-based diversified mining firm Vale's manganese ore production fell in the first quarter, amid declining ore grades and halted operations. Ore production at the firm's mines totalled 544,000t in January-March, down by 6.2
London, 20 April (Argus) — Global copper concentrate output rose in January, boosted by rising capacity in Peru, the International Copper Study Group (ICSG) said. Production rose despite declining output in Chile and Indonesia's ore export ban. Copper mine production increased by 4pc t
Houston, 20 April (Argus) — American Steamship's (ASC) cargo volumes were up in the traditionally light first quarter, even though the company is operating one less vessel than it was a year ago. The company, which specializes in Great Lakes iron ore, coal and aggregate movements, shipp
Houston, 20 April (Argus) — Nucor expects second-quarter earnings to improve on first-quarter results as its metal margins are set to expand at its sheet mills amid contract-pricing delays. The company's plate mills are expected to realize higher margins through the entire quarter. Dow
Santiago, 20 April (Argus) — General Motors ceased operations in Venezuela following the takeover of its local assembly plant, one of the few remaining non-oil industries left in the volatile country. "GMV's plant was unexpectedly taken by the public authorities, preventing normal opera
New York, 20 April (Argus) — Elevated raw material prices forced US ferro-vanadium prices up in the latest week. US ferro-molybdenum also rose in the latest week amid prior gains in molybdenum oxide prices. Meanwhile, falling steel mill demand encouraged traders to cut prices for electro
New York, 20 April (Argus) — US ferro-titanium prices settled flat in the latest week amid lower steel mill demand and steady European markets. US ferro-titanium (Ti 70pc) prices were unchanged at $2.01-2.12/lb in the latest week. Alloy producers attempted to raise prices early in the
New York, 20 April (Argus) — Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) Industries expects "modest" growth in most of its segments across North American and European regions, while it sees increasing consumer demand in Asia. First quarter revenues were little changed at $3.57bn compared with the sam
London, 20 April (Argus) — China continued expanding its refined copper production in March, reaching its highest level since December 2015 as it increases capacity and reduces imports, the national bureau of statistics said. Refined copper output grew by 8.5pc year on year to 764,000t
London, 20 April (Argus) — UK-Australian mining company Rio Tinto's aluminium production rose slightly in the first quarter because of a ramp-up at its Kitimat smelter in Canada. Aluminium production increased by 2pc in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the first three months of l
London, 20 April (Argus) — Steel prices in China were unchanged today after an initial fall of Yn30/t in the morning and a subsequent rise by the same amount in later trading, supported by late upward movement in the futures market. The price for billet in Tangshan remained steady at Yn
London, 20 April (Argus) — Global aluminium production rose in March following February's seasonal lows after the Chinese lunar new year holiday, International Aluminium Institute (IAI) data show. Global production in March rose by 8.4pc month on month to 5.03mn t from 4.64mn t in Febru
Johannesburg, 20 April (Argus) — Mineral sands producer Iluka Resources increased its output in the March quarter, aided by a first full contribution from Sierra Leone-based Sierra Rutile, which it acquired in December 2016. Total mineral sands output of 336,900t was 45pc higher than in
Johannesburg, 20 April (Argus) — Perth-based Gulf Manganese aims to run eight furnaces to produce low and medium carbon ferro-manganese at its Kupang Smelter Complex in Timor, Indonesia. The first two furnaces are being imported from Transalloys in South Africa and will be commissioned
Beijing, 20 April (Argus) — China's leading molybdenum producer private-sector New China Dragon Molybdenum cut its production in 2016 because of high stocks. Located in Jinzhou city, Liaoning province, the company produced 20,920t of roasted molybdenum concentrate in 2016, down from 24
Beijing, 20 April (Argus) — China's leading molybdenum producer private-sector New China Dragon Molybdenum cut its production in 2016 because of high stocks. Located in Jinzhou city, Liaoning province, the company produced 20,920t of roasted molybdenum concentrate in 2016, down from 24
Houston, 19 April (Argus) — US-based Steel Dynamics (SDI) expects macroeconomic and market conditions to "benefit the domestic steel industry" in 2017 after shipping more steel at higher average prices in the first quarter of 2017. SDI shipped 2.5mn net tons (nt) (2.3mn metric tonnes) o
Houston, 19 April (Argus) — Used aluminum beverage can (UBC) spreads were weaker on Wednesday, as one consumer was out of the market and others have scaled back buying because of high inventories. UBC spreads widened to 74-75pc of the Argus midwest transaction price from 75-76pc a wee
Houston, 19 April (Argus) — The Argus midwest premium for P1020 aluminum declined this week amid a lack of spot demand from US consumers, who are well supplied on scrap and primary metal. The premium declined to 9.5-9.7¢/lb from 9.5-9.85¢/lb, falling to its lowest level since January.
Houston, 19 April (Argus) — US mill Kaiser Aluminum continues to anticipate an overall decline in demand caused by destocking, especially from aerospace. The company first offered this view late last year in its forecast for 2017 and remains of the same view despite concluding a strong
Houston, 19 April (Argus) — Price spreads for bare bright weakened in the latest week while #1 wire and tube strengthened. Argus assessed price spreads for bare bright copper scrap were at 6-8¢/lb under May Comex, from 5-7¢/lb under the previous week, as some consumers were out of the
Washington, 19 April (Argus) — Eastern railroad CSX boosted coal deliveries to export terminals by 50pc in the first quarter, benefiting from global demand for US coal. CSX hauled 8.8mn short tons (7.9mn metric tonnes) of export coal, up by 50pc from 5.8mn st in first quarter 2016. Meta
Houston, 19 April (Argus) — US copper cathode premiums were unchanged for a third week as US spot business remained limited amid a widening surplus of readily available material. Argus assessed grade A cathode premiums at 5-6¢/lb delivered midwest consumer. Spot copper cathode busin
Houston, 19 April (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap buying prices held firm Wednesday amid stable mill demand as London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel hit its lowest since 27 January. Argus -assessed processor buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solids traded at 56-57¢/lb, turnings
Houston, 19 April (Argus) — Shipments of US and Canadian-produced aluminum plate and sheet were up by 2.5pc in the first quarter, according to the latest data from The Aluminum Association. Shipments rose to 966,151 metric tonnes (t) (2.13bn lbs) year-to-date March, compared with 944,28
Houston, 19 April (Argus) — WTI crude futures fell by nearly 4pc today, trading near $50/bl as the US reported a large weekly build in gasoline stocks but a drop in crude inventories. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures fell by $1.97/bl to settle at $50.44/bl, the lowest close for a p
Houston, 19 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price edged higher Wednesday on opportunistic buying after falling by 6.7¢/lb on Tuesday. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.5345/lb Wednesday, marginally up from $2.529/lb on Tuesday and remaining near the low for the ye
Houston, 19 April (Argus) — Five US producers have petitioned the Commerce Department to impose antidumping (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD) on certain cold-drawn mechanical tubing imports from six countries. The petitioners, ArcelorMittal Tubular Products, Michigan Seamless Tube, P
New York, 19 April (Argus) — The US International Trade Commission (USITC) agreed to apply antidumping duties as high as 54.69pc against imports of ferro-vanadium from South Korea today. The USITC determined in its final decision that a US industry is materially injured by imports of th
London, 19 April (Argus) — Ukrainian titanium miner United Mining and Chemical Company (UMCC) almost doubled its ilmenite concentrate output to 111,509t in the first quarter of 2017 from 63,807t a year earlier. The public company, which is being prepared for privatisation, operates stat
London, 19 April (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged at $265.0/t Wednesday. Turkish mills are expected to wait until finished steel prices become clearer before determining what the level for scrap import prices should be. Mill
Houston, 19 April (Argus) — The impact of Turkish scrap import prices for HMS 1/2 (80:20) on US export yard buying prices in Philadelphia weakened in the first quarter of 2017 from the fourth quarter of 2016. A regression analysis of Argus indexes shows that the impact of a $1/gross t
Houston, 19 April (Argus) — Premiums for P1020 duty unpaid and paid aluminium remained unchanged amid thin trade over the holiday-shortened week. Trading remained in a narrow, $28-range on the London Metal Exchange (LME) over the past week. Billet premiums increased slightly with a lim
Removes reference to numnber of tungsten and chrome ore solictations New York, 19 April (Argus) — The US defense department's procurement arm the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) opened solicitations today for tungsten ore and chrome metal. The agency offered 14 lots of mixed tungsten
London, 19 April (Argus) — A supply surplus on the copper market increased in the first two months of the year on weaker Chinese consumption and higher mine output, the World Bureau of Metal Statistics said. The market recorded a surplus of 335,000t in January-February, up from a surplu
Sao Paulo, 19 April (Argus) — Hong Kong and Sydney-listed mining company MMG, controller of the Las Bambas copper site in Peru, is not ruling out acquiring a new mine in the country. Production at Las Bambas, which shipped its first copper in January 2016, was 330,227t last year. Las
Houston, 19 April (Argus) — The US Commerce Department initiated antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of imports of alloy steel wire rod from 10 countries. The AD investigation covers imports of carbon and alloy steel wire rod from Belarus, Italy, South Korea,
Beijing, 19 April (Argus) — China's carbon anode supply has tightened because of anti-pollution measures and rising demand from aluminium smelters. Domestic production of carbon anode, which is used in the aluminium electrolysis process, is around 17.5mn t/yr. Shandong province and Hen
Beijing, 19 April (Argus) — An increase in alloy supply and lower ore costs will continue to weigh on silico-manganese prices in the near term, with most large smelters still operating at high utilisation rates. Alloy supply China's silico-manganese alloy production is mainly located i
New York, 19 April (Argus) — US selenium rallied in the latest week in line with higher Asian and South American import prices. US selenium (Se 99.5pc) prices increased to $19.00-20.50/lb from $18.00-20.50/lb a week earlier. Traders and distributors raised offers for a ninth consecuti
Beijing, 19 April (Argus) — China's anti-pollution drive has forced all antimony blast furnaces in the country's major producing region Lengshuijiang in Hunan province to suspend operations. The inspections in Hunan province will last from April-June and limit the amount of sulphur dix
China's ferro-alloy output edges higher London, 19 April (Argus) — Chinese production of ferro-alloys in January-March rose slightly on the previous year, national bureau of statistics (NBS) data show. Production totalled 8.25mn t in the first three months of the year, up by just 1pc fro
France's Eramet rolls over Mn ore China export prices Beijing, 19 April (Argus) — Leading French Mining group Eramet Comilog has rolled over its manganese ore export prices for China for May shipment, Chinese importers said. Eramet Comilog offered $5.2/metric tonne unit (mtu) cif China f
London, 19 April (Argus) — Domestic billet prices in China increased slightly today, but there was no notable improvement in sales and there was widespread anticipation among market sources that prices will fall further this month. The price for billet in Tangshan rose by Yn40/t ($5.81/
China's Sancai switches to medium-carbon FeMn output London, 19 April (Argus) — Chinese private-sector producer Sancai Group's Sixth Subsidiary in Inner Mongolia suspended high-carbon ferro-manganese production in January and recently started producing medium-carbon ferro-manganese alloy.
Sao Paulo, 19 April (Argus) — Peruvian tin concentrate production fell by 15.8pc year on year to 1,253t in February, and was 10.8pc lower than in January. In the first two months of this year production was 2,657t, down by 0.7pc compared with the same period last year. Output of 18,790t
Sao Paulo, 19 April (Argus) — Peruvian molybdenum production rose sharply in February from a year earlier, helped by higher output at Cerro Verde operations. Output was up by 26.1pc to 1,991t, increasing by 4pc against January, data published to the nearest tonne by the country's mining
Sao Paulo, 19 April (Argus) — Peru's zinc concentrate production rose by 1.9pc to 108,752t in February from the same month a year earlier. Sharp production increases at the Antamina, Admirada-Atila, Colquijirca, El Recuerdo, Santa Luisa, Acumulacion Raura and Acumulacion y Auricocha min
Sao Paulo, 19 April (Argus) — Peru produced 63t of cadmium in February, 8.6pc higher than a year earlier. Output was 6t or 8.7pc lower against January but 9.1pc higher in the opening two months of this year at 132t, data published by the country's mining ministry to the nearest tonne sh
Sao Paulo, 19 April (Argus) — Peru's copper concentrate production in February increased by 5.4pc from a year earlier, as the country's copper mining industry benefited from new projects and expansions. February output from some 80 pits across Peru was 178,283t, data from the mining min
London, 19 April (Argus) — Iran became the world's fifth largest copper producer last year, as it sought to attract international investment to develop its mining industry and diversify its economy. Copper ore production rose by 10pc to 1.07mn t in the Iranian year to 20 March compared
Johannesburg, 19 April (Argus) — Australian metals developer Investigator Resources upgrades the mineral resource estimate at its Paris silver-lead project in the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. The overall mineral resource is upgraded to 9.3mn t grading 139 g/t silver and 0.6pc lead
Johannesburg, 19 April (Argus) — A completed pre-feasibility supports the potential for the Cinovec lithium project in the Czech Republic to become one of the world's lowest cost lithium carbonate producers. The project could produce 20,800 t/yr of battery grade lithium carbonate from j
Johannesburg, 19 April (Argus) — Admiral Bay zinc project in north-west Australia is focusing on a high grade zone as the quickest route to access one of the world's largest undeveloped zinc resources. Drilling options are being considered to increase confidence in the high grade zone o
Houston, 18 April (Argus) — Aluminum extrusion scrap spreads were stronger Tuesday as consumers purchasing for the near term competed with others purchasing for as far out as June. Spreads for industry bellwethers 6063 extrusions and EC wire narrowed to 4-6¢/lb under the Argus midwest
Houston, 18 April (Argus) — US Steel has successfully completed the restart of its Midwest Plant following a waste water leak into a tributary of Lake Michigan. The restart was "controlled, phased and highly monitored" the steelmaker said, and it had not encountered any additional issu
London, 18 April (Argus) — The result of last week's constitutional referendum in Turkey has lifted political uncertainty and sparked long-term optimism in its steel sector. Still, short-term steel demand has not picked up despite president Recep Tayyip Erdogan's strong support for dom
Houston, 18 April (Argus) — US processor buying prices for stainless steel scrap dropped Tuesday after nickel prices on the London Metal Exchange fell below $10,000/metric tonne (t) for a third trading session. Argus assessed processor buying prices of 304 scrap solids at 56-57¢/lb T
Houston, 18 April (Argus) — WTI crude futures fell today for the second straight session as signs of rising US supply countered a possible extension of an Opec-led production cut agreement. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures fell by 24¢/bl to $52.41/bl. Ice June Brent declined by 47¢/
London, 18 April (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged at $265/t Tuesday. Details of three Baltic deep-sea cargo deals were released to the market today but reflected purchases made by an Izmir mill last week and the week before i
Houston, 18 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price dropped Tuesday as profit taking spurred high volume trading after traders returned from the Easter holiday. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.529/lb Tuesday, down from $2.596/lb on Monday, dropping to its lowest
New York, 18 April (Argus) — The US defense department's procurement arm the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) opened solicitations today for tungsten ore and chrome metal, both for the second time this year. The agency offered 14 lots of mixed tungsten ores, including scheelite, synthetic
Houston, 18 April (Argus) — US advocacy group, China Trade Task Force (CTTF), has called on the Trump administration to file a World Trade Organization complaint against China for allegedly providing unfair subsidies to its domestic aluminum industry. The latest request comes after a Fe
London, 18 April (Argus) — Prices for copper scrap in Europe were flat in the past week as there were fewer transactions over the holiday period. Bare bright copper wire scrap stood at 94-95pc of three-month copper prices on the London-based metal exchange LME. The range for 70/30 brass
Corrects output of primary aluminium to 2.71mn t from 271mn t. London, 18 April (Argus) — Chinese output of non-ferrous metals grew by 4pc year on year in March, Chinese National Bureau of Statistics data show. China produced 4.57mn t in total of 10 kinds of non-ferrous metals, namel
London, 18 April (Argus) — Limited supply of carbon anodes, a raw material for electrolytic aluminium production, could increase input costs for global aluminium producers in 2017-18. Rising anode prices as a result of a shortage of carbon feedstock could increase costs. Anode supply co
London, 18 April (Argus) — Premiums for grade A copper cathode were unchanged in Europe as few transactions took place because of the public holidays. Premiums remained at $35-45/t in-warehouse Rotterdam over the last week. Premiums in southern Europe were assessed at $45-55/t, unchange
New York, 18 April (Argus) — Bismuth prices moved up in the past week after at least one Chinese producer withheld some shipments of the metal. Production disruptions in Asia continued to support higher selenium offer prices. And traders increased their offer prices for antimony amid ong
New York, 18 April (Argus) — US high-grade cobalt prices were unchanged in the latest week amid lower trading volumes. US high-grade cobalt (Co 99.8pc) prices were unchanged at $26.50-28.00/lb Tuesday, from a week earlier. Superalloy and nickel-cobalt alloy producers reduced inquiries
Houston, 18 April (Argus) — US service center shipments of steel increased by 9.7pc in March from a year earlier while inventories fell by 6.1pc. Shipments totaled 3.66mn net tons (nt) (3.32mn metric tonnes) in March compared with 3.33mn nt in March 2016 and 3.13mn nt in February, accor
London, 18 April (Argus) — Global zinc production increased in the first two months of this year compared with a year earlier, as China opened new mines and brought additional refining capacity on stream. Global zinc output climbed by 14.2pc on the year in January-February to 2.2mn t, d
Santiago, 18 April (Argus) — Chile's state-owned mining company Codelco suspended operations at a copper concentrator following a fatal accident at its Salvador division. The firm is investigating the cause of death of plant supervisor Mario Rivera Prokuriza. According to preliminary in
London, 18 April (Argus) — Chinese domestic steel prices continued to fall sharply today, prompting traders to further lower their export offers. The Tangshan price for Q235 150mm cross-section billet fell by 70 yuan/t ($10.20/t) to Yn2,680/t — a low for 2017 and the lowest value for bi
India's Nalco gets nod for alumina refinery expansion Mumbai, 18 April (Argus) — Indian state-controlled metal and mining company National Aluminium (Nalco) has received regulatory approval to increase the refining capacity at its alumina plant in Damanjodi, Odisha. India's environment m
China's Xilin restarts antimony trioxide output Beijing, 18 April (Argus) — Chinese producer Xilin Bangbang has restarted some of its crude antimony trioxide capacity after tight feedstock supply forced it to suspend production. The company halted antimony trioxide production for over s
Beijing, 18 April (Argus) — A government led anti-pollution drive in the northeast of China is likely to reduce molybdenum production. Environmental inspections will take place in Liaoning and Jilin province, where a lot of smaller molybdenum producers are located. They are expected to
Johannesburg, 18 April (Argus) — Australia's only rare earths developer Northern Minerals has approved the immediate development of a 60,000 t/yr pilot plant at its Browns Range project in Western Australia. The pilot plant will be built in China by Sinosteel Equipment and Engineering C
Johannesburg, 18 April (Argus) — Sydney-based metals developer Aeon Metals completes a scoping study which supports the development of the Walford Creek cobalt and base metals project in Queensland. A preliminary economic assessment indicates that the Vardy section of the resource could
Johannesburg, 18 April (Argus) — South African precious metals producer Sibanye Gold receives approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment into the United States (CFIUS) for its proposed $2.2bn acquisition of Stillwater Mining, the only platinum group metals producer in the US. All
Johannesburg, 18 April (Argus) — Perth-based Mineral Resources announces the first shipment of directly shipped lithium ore to China from its Wodgina lithium project in Western Australia. The shipment of 113,993t of 1.5pc lithium ore left Port Hedland on 17 April and is the first of reg
Johannesburg, 18 April (Argus) — Dublin-based Kenmare Resources increased output of heavy mineral concentrates from its Moma titanium minerals mine in northern Mozambique in the March quarter. Production of heavy minerals concentrates rose by 29pc to 353,500t when compared to a year ear
Johannesburg, 18 April (Argus) — Canada-based metals explorer Giyani Gold will target the development of manganese deposits in Botswana and Zambia as part of its strategy to supply electrolytic manganese flake to the lithium-ion battery market. The company has acquired six prospecting l
China's March car sales rise Singapore, 18 April (Argus) — China's car sales edged higher in March for a second straight month as surging demand for sports utility vehicles (SUVs) countered slowing sales of other passenger cars. Japan's automobile sales rose for a fifth consecutive month,
Houston, 17 April (Argus) — Canadian miner Trevali Mining boosted output of payable zinc by 135pc in the first quarter, while its production of payable lead rose by 56pc after its Caribou mine in New Brunswick province, Canada, began commercial production in August. The company's payabl
Washington, 17 April (Argus) — US producer Arch Coal is optimistic about the near-term prospects for the industry, the company's chief executive said. The domestic market could see coal buying for 2018 pick up on the fourth quarter if the US has a normal or slightly hotter than normal s
Houston, 17 April (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap buying prices held steady Monday as the London Metal Exchange (LME) was closed in observation of the Easter holiday. Argus assessed processor buying prices of 304 scrap solids at 56-58¢/lb, while turnings traded at 51-53¢/lb, unchanged
Houston, 17 April (Argus) — US raw steel production increased by 2.2pc for the week ended 15 April marking the second weekly increase while production was also up by 2.5pc from the year-ago period. Output rose to 1.74mn net tons (nt) (1.58mn metric tonnes) from 1.70mn nt the previous w
Houston, 17 April (Argus) — US steel exports increased by 6.2pc in February from the year-ago period and were 1.1pc higher than in January. US exports totaled 827,559net tons (750,748metric tonnes), with Mexico and Canada accounting for 342,318nt and 394,313nt, respectively, according t
Houston, 17 April (Argus) — Premiums for US special high-grade zinc were up marginally as a strike at Quebec zinc refinery CEZinc continues. Argus assessed the US zinc premium at 9-10¢/lb Monday, up from 8-10¢/lb a week earlier. Dealers are receiving calls from new consumers for spo
Houston, 17 April (Argus) — WTI crude futures fell today amid continuing signs of growing US output. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures fell by 53¢/bl to $52.65/bl. Ice June Brent also declined by 53¢/bl to $55.36/bl, compared to the settle on 13 April before the Good Friday holiday.
Houston, 17 April (Argus) — The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is accepting comments in regard to an air permit for the proposed construction of a new foundry by EJ Americas. The proposed new gray and ductile iron foundry is planned to be built on undeveloped land in Elmir
Houston, 17 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price strengthened on Monday coming off the US Easter holiday weekend amid stronger economic data out of China and positive US homebuilder confidence. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.5960/lb, up from $2.5705/lb on Thur
Houston, 17 April (Argus) — Russian-based steel producer NLMK's US segment increased steel output in its first quarter by 12.5pc compared with a year earlier amid a rise in sales volumes. Crude steel production for the quarter rose to 180,000metric tonnes (t) from 160,000t a year earli
Taseko's Gibraltar mine boosts copper output Houston, 17 April (Argus) — Vancouver-based producer Taseko Mines' flagship Gibraltar mine boosted copper output by 43pc in the first quarter of 2017 from a year earlier on higher than average ore grades and amid rising copper prices. Gibralt
New York, 17 April (Argus) — US high-carbon ferro-chrome prices traded higher in the latest week amid a wave of supplier restocking. US high-carbon ferro-chrome (Cr 60pc C 6-8pc) prices increased to $1.46-1.55/lb Thursday from $1.42-1.47/lb a week earlier. Offers were up throughout the
Houston, 17 April (Argus) — Klaus Kleinfeld has stepped down as chief executive and chairman of US aluminum mill Arconic. The resignation occurred after Kleinfeld "showed poor judgment" in sending a letter directly to a senior employee of activist fund Elliott Management without the app
Houston, 17 April (Argus) — US Steel's Midwest Plant in Portage, Indiana, has begun a controlled restart of its operations following a waste water leak. Operations were idled for three days after a malfunction caused the discharge of hexavalent chromium into Burns Waterway within 100 ya
London, 17 April (Argus) — Chinese domestic and export steel prices fell today as slow sales and high inventories outweighed stronger economic data. The price for billet in Tangshan fell by 130 yuan/t ($19/t) to Yn2,750/t ex works from 13 April for Q235 150mm cross section billet. Mills
Singapore, 17 April (Argus) — China's environment ministry has found widespread violations of emissions standards in the key steelmaking regions of Hebei, Shandong and Tianjin, as the government kicks off a year-long round of intensive inspections in the north of the country. The enviro
Singapore, 17 April (Argus) — China's crude steel output rose in March and the first quarter, supported by strong growth in the country's GDP and real estate investment. Crude steel output in March averaged 2.32mn t/d, up from 2.18mn t/d in February as mills stepped up production for th
Singapore, 17 April (Argus) — China's crude steel output hit a record high in March, supported by strong growth in the country's GDP and real estate investment. Total crude steel output in March was 72mn t, up by 17.7pc from 61.19mn t in February and higher by 1.8pc compared with a year
Houston, 13 April (Argus) — A downward trend in US ferrous scrap bulk and containerized scrap export markets amid four bulk cargo sales to India delivered a mixed week for dock buying prices. Pakistan and India have booked up to five bulk cargoes off the west coast in the past ten days,
Houston, 13 April (Argus) — Smelter-grade aluminum scrap prices were mixed this week as consumers seeking large quantities found supply tight, but exchange prices were lower. Prices for smelter-grade mixed low-copper clips, which are influenced by the London Metal Exchange aluminum pric
New York, 13 April (Argus) — US consumption of cobalt products by industry rose by 1.4pc in 2016 amid higher imports of metals and oxides. US industries consumed 8,570t of cobalt during the year, up from 8,450t a year earlier, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). US industry s
Houston, 13 April (Argus) — Spreads for copper scrap to Asian ports all strengthened this week as scrap supply tightened. Argus assessed price spreads for #1 wire and tube at 17-19¢/lb under May Comex, from 19-20¢/lb under a week earlier. Price spreads for #2 copper scrap strengthene
Houston, 13 April (Argus) — US processors raised daily buying prices of stainless 304 scrap Thursday after facing difficulties securing scrap a day earlier. Argus assessed processor buying prices of 304 scrap solids at 56-58¢/lb, up from 56-57¢/lb, while turnings traded at 51-53¢/lb,
New York, 13 April (Argus) — US high-carbon ferro-manganese prices were flat in the latest week amid waning steel mill demand. US high-carbon ferro-manganese (Mn 80pc, C 6-8pc) were unchanged at $1,380-1,430/gt in the latest week. Medium-carbon ferro-manganese (Mn 80pc, C 1-2pc) prices
Houston, 13 April (Argus) — Premiums for melting grade nickel increased in the latest week as the North American market continues to experience tightness in available material. Nickel premiums for full truckload melting grade, 4x4inch cathodes were assessed at 23-25¢/lb, up from 21-25¢/
Houston, 13 April (Argus) — The Atlas Tube division of Zekelman Industries requested a circumvention ruling from the Commerce Department on carbon steel pipe and tube with five or more sides from five different countries. The company asked Commerce to ensure the antidumping and counterv
Houston, 13 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price strengthened on Thursday ahead of the Easter holiday weekend after falling by 10.6¢/lb in two of the prior three trading sessions. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.5705/lb, up from $2.545/lb on Wednesday, when it
Houston, 13 April (Argus) — Crude futures rose, posting gains for three of the past four days, as the IEA said the oil market is close to balance. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures rose by 7¢/bl to $53.18/bl, recouping some of the previous day's losses. Ice June Brent rose by 3¢/bl
Houston, 13 April (Argus) — Automaker General Motors plans to take a combined ten weeks of outages at several US truck and SUV factories in the second half of this year. The outages will be scheduled to retool some plants for new models. The company has already updated production plans
New York, 13 April (Argus) — Severe supply disruptions in Australia prompted steelmakers around the world to seek coking coal from the US, propelling prices of the US seaborne material higher. Low volatile coking coal for delivery in the prompt 90 days fob Hampton Roads, Virginia, jump
Santiago, 13 April (Argus) — Chile´s state-run development agency Corfo plans to announce in July a shortlist of three to five companies to develop lithium-based industrial projects tied to Albemarle´s expansion plans in the Atacama salt flat. Corfo and investment promotion agency Inves
Houston, 13 April (Argus) — The US oil drilling rig count surged to the highest level in nearly two years, raising shale oil output expectations for the year. Oil-directed rigs rose by 11 to 683, the highest since 703 rigs on 24 April 2015, according to weekly data from Baker Hughes. T
Houston, 13 April (Argus) — Prices of stainless steel 304 scrap solids remained unchanged in Asia on tight supply in the face of a decline in exchange nickel to below $10,000/metric tonnes (t) in the last two days. In Japan and Taiwan, 304 stainless scrap prices were assessed at 56-57¢
Houston, 13 April (Argus) — Premiums for high-grade full-plate nickel rose in-warehouse Rotterdam in the latest week amid tight supply and unavailability of prompt material. Newly produced full plate nickel premiums increased to $150-160/metric tonnes (t) in-warehouse Rotterdam Thursday
New York, 13 April (Argus) — US silicon metal prices increased in the latest week, reflecting recent trade cases and thin supplies. US silicon metal (Si 98.5pc) prices rebounded to $1.06-1.10/lb from $1.01-1.05/lb, surpassing losses from a week earlier. US and offshore suppliers raise
London, 13 April (Argus) — China's copper imports rose in March in anticipation of the warmer weather that kicks off the construction season. The country's imports of unwrought copper and copper products rose by 26.4pc on the month to 430,000t. Copper ore and concentrate imports increas
Houston, 13 April (Argus) — The correlation between Turkish scrap import prices for HMS 1/2 (80:20) and China's import price for iron ore weakened in the first quarter of 2017 from a year earlier. An analysis of Argus indexes shows that the correlation between the Argus HMS 1/2 (80:
London, 13 April (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment decreased by $2.50/t to $265/t Thursday as mill demand dropped. Turkish mills placed no bids for deep-sea scrap and most deep-sea scrap exporters have walked away from the market since it has be
New York, 13 April (Argus) — US ferro-titanium prices rallied for a seventh straight week amid high smelter utilization rates and firm European markets. US ferro-titanium (Ti 70pc) prices moved up to $2.01-2.12/lb from $1.94-2.02/lb the prior week. Lower near-term production capacity a
London, 13 April (Argus) — China's copper imports rose in March in anticipation of the warmer weather that kicks off the construction season. The country's imports of unwrought copper and copper products rose by 26.4pc on the month to 430,000t. Copper ore and concentrate imports increas
London, 13 April (Argus) — The 62pc Fe cfr China iron ore price is likely to fall to $52/t by the end of the year, global bank HSBC said in a research note yesterday. This would be caused by a softening of demand from Chinese steelmakers and a heavy surplus of lower-grade iron ore. The
Singapore, 13 April (Argus) — China's steel exports rose in March from February as a weaker domestic market forced trading firms to shift attention and cut offer levels into overseas markets. Exports rose by 31pc to 7.56mn t in March from 5.75mn t in February, but were lower by 24pc fro
Pittsburgh, 13 April (Argus) — The US Commerce Department confirmed final antidumping duties as high as 24.43pc on finished steel carbon flanges from Spain. Final antidumping duties were set at 24.43pc for Spanish manufacturer ULMA Forja, S. Coop while all other exporters and manufactur
New York, 13 April (Argus) — A wave of restocking purchases from traders and suppliers forced high-carbon ferro-chrome prices up in the latest week. Increased raw material costs and steady demand lifted ferro-molybdenum prices. Meanwhile, ferro-titanium prices rose on the back of high pr
London, 13 April (Argus) — Offers of CIS export basic pig iron (BPI) market continue to diverge widely, depending on the region and supplier, but overall trading activity remains sparse with market participants expressing differing expectations of what should be considered a workable pri
London, 13 April (Argus) — Scrap freight rates from US east coast ports and Europe to Turkey increased this week, as an uptick in coal fixtures in the Atlantic basin absorbed tonnage and strengthened rates. Freight rates for 40,000t scrap cargoes on Supramax vessels from New York to Isk
Beijing, 13 April (Argus) — Zinc was the best performing metal in 2016 on London-based metal exchange LME, rising by 64pc over the year. But the price rises have started to look vulnerable as the fundamentals shift. Three-month zinc on the LME peaked at $2,958/t on 13 February, its high
London, 13 April (Argus) — Domestic billet prices rose in China today, as the slide since 5 April was halted after producers recorded improved sales, but most market participants still said that prices will continue to decline in the coming weeks. The price for billet in Tangshan moved
Johannesburg, 13 April (Argus) — Joint venture partners Australia-based Conico and Barra Resources are on track to complete a scoping study at the Mt Thirsty cobalt project near Norseman in Western Australia in the June quarter. Metallurgical testwork is continuing along with drilling t
China's aluminium exports steady London, 13 April (Argus) — China's exports of unwrought aluminium and aluminium products were higher in March compared with February, but were lower on the year. Exports of unwrought aluminium and aluminium products fell by 2.4pc on the year to 410,000t l
China's Ningxia Tianyuan to build 400,000 t/yr Mn plant Beijing, 13 April (Argus) — China's largest manganese producer Ningxia Tianyuan plans to build a new production line with a 400,000 t/yr electrolytic manganese metal capacity. The project will raise the company's capacity to 1.2mn
Johannesburg, 13 April (Argus) — AIM, Sydney and Johannesburg-listed metals explorer Ferrum Crescent is starting a drilling programme this month at its Toral lead-zinc project in Spain. Preparation of drill sites has begun and drilling will be undertaken over a three-month period, focus
Johannesburg, 13 April (Argus) — Australian metals exploration company Redstone Resources has announced a new cobalt mineral resource at its Tollu project in the West Musgrave region in Western Australia. A mineral resource of 3.8mn t grading 0.01pc cobalt has been declared for around 5
Johannesburg, 13 April (Argus) — AIM-listed heavy minerals developer Base Resources achieved record rutile production at its Kwale mine in Kenya in the first quarter of this year while ilmenite and zircon output was higher than a year earlier. Rutile output rose to 23,107t from 22,800t
Sao Paulo, 13 April (Argus) — Chile's molybdenum concentrate production fell by 10.1pc year on year in February to 4,631t, data from the country's copper commission Cochilco show. Higher production at state-owned Codelco's El Teniente, Chuquicamata and Radomiro Tomic sites and the Anglo
Beijing, 13 April (Argus) — China's ministry of industry and information technology has allocated production quotas of 52,500t rare earth oxide (REO) for mining products and 50,075t for smelting and separation products to the country's six large state-controlled rare earth groups. The
Beijing, 13 April (Argus) — Chinese stainless steel mill Zhenshi Holding Group has made its first shipment of nickel ore from Indonesia to China. The shipment of 80,000t will be delivered to Lianyungang port, Jiangsu province by the end of April. The company is included on the first li
Beijing, 13 April (Argus) — Large silicon producer Hoshine Silicon Heihe branch is scheduled to halt production next week because of high production costs. High electricity tariffs and falling silicon prices have squeezed margins. The local electricity price remains at Yn0.36/kWh (¢5.2
China's rare earths exports rise in March Beijing, 13 April (Argus) — China exported 4,694t of rare earths in March, up by 8.1pc compared with 4,343t in the same month last year, customs data show. Export revenues of 277.82mn yuan ($40mn) in February were up sharply from Yn216.13mn one y
Johannesburg, 13 April (Argus) — South Africa's Royal Bafokeng Platinum increased its output of platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium and ruthenium in the March quarter as a result of higher volumes being processed through its concentrator. Platinum output rose by 6.2pc on the previous
Houston, 12 April (Argus) — Price spreads for #1 wire and tube weakened in the latest week with bare bright spreads little changed while radiator scrap prices dropped with Comex. Spreads for #1 wire and tube were at 13-15¢/lb under May Comex, down from 10-13¢/lb under the prior week as
Houston, 12 April (Argus) — Spreads for used aluminum beverage cans (UBCs) were steady Wednesday, as mill consumers well-supplied on the scrap grade dropped outright prices with declining London Metal Exchange (LME) prices. Consumers kept spreads unchanged Wednesday at 75-76pc of the A
Houston, 12 April (Argus) — US copper cathode premiums held for a second week with minimal transactions. Argus assessed grade A cathode premiums at 5-6¢/lb delivered midwest consumer, unchanged from the prior week amid few requests for cathode and ready availability of scrap as a subs
Pittsburgh, 12 April (Argus) — The US Commerce Department has invoked the first use of a section of the Trade Preferences Extension Act (TPEA) to adjust duties on imports following a final administrative review of oil country tubular goods (OCTG) from South Korea. The department raised
Houston, 12 April (Argus) — The Argus US midwest premium for primary aluminum was unchanged Wednesday with support from a fall in transaction prices. US premiums were flat at 9.5-9.85¢/lb, unchanged from the prior week. The Argus midwest transaction price slipped under 96¢/lb on Tu
Houston, 12 April (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap buying prices followed London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel prices lower Wednesday. Processor buying prices for single loads of 304 nickel-bearing scrap solids traded at 56-57¢/lb, down from 57-58¢/lb, while turnings traded at 51-52¢/lb, d
Pittsburgh, 12 April (Argus) — US Steel's Midwest Plant in Portage, Indiana, has notified authorities of a chemical spill that occurred in a waste water discharge to the Burns Waterway. The finishing facility operates as part of the company's Gary Works and is focused on tin-mill produ
Houston, 12 April (Argus) — Crude futures fell on expectations of a further increase in non-Opec supply and as stockpiles in the US hub of Cushing, Oklahoma, rose to a record. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures fell by 29¢/bl to $53.11/bl, reversing after two days of gains. Ice June
London, 12 April (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment decreased by $8.50/metric tonne (t) to $267.30/t Wednesday amid lower bids and offers. A Baltic exporter offered premium HMS 1/2 80:20 at $272/t cfr Turkey for May shipment Wednesday while Turki
Houston, 12 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price slipped on Wednesday after a one-day reprieve as investors sought safe haven amid mounting geopolitical tensions. Industrial metals were under pressure amid weakness in US equity markets, while gold rose to near a five-month high. The
Houston, 12 April (Argus) — Premiums for P1020 duty unpaid aluminium dropped by $5/metric tonne (t) in the latest week amid thin spot trading. The premium for P1020 duty paid aluminium dropped to $145-155/t in-warehouse Rotterdam from $150-160/t the prior week. The premium for duty un
Sao Paulo, 12 April (Argus) — Chilean copper production fell sharply in February as the effects of a six-week strike at Escondida, the world's largest producing site, become clearer. Output was down by 17.1pc from a year earlier at 370,900t and by a similar percentage against January, d
New York, 12 April (Argus) — US selenium prices moved up for eighth straight week amid further declines in availability. US selenium (Se 99.5pc) prices rose to $18.00-20.50/lb from $17.50-19.25/lb a week earlier. Import prices, particularly for Chinese origin metal, were up again in t
Johannesburg, 12 April (Argus) — Australian base metals developer GME Resources expects its NiWest nickel-cobalt project in Western Australia to be "development-ready" on the completion of a metallurgical test programme which includes a piloting stage. The project is considered to be on
Johannesburg, 12 April (Argus) — The Ngualla rare earths project in Tanzania has the potential to become one of the world's lowest-cost producers of rare earth oxides and carbonates over a mine life of 30 years, a bankable feasibility study has confirmed. The project's proven and proba
London, 12 April (Argus) — Steel prices in China continued to move downward today owing to weak trading activity, with hot rolled coil (HRC) prices in particular sliding sharply. The price for HRC in Shanghai fell by Yn90/t ($13/t) to Yn3,060/t ex warehouse for SS400 5.5mm thickness coi
Sao Paulo, 12 April (Argus) — Brazil-based Meridian Mining's first-quarter manganese oxide output more than doubled at its Espigao project in Brazil's northwestern Rondonia state. Production reached 5,530t, a 127pc increase from a year earlier. But output dropped by 58.5pc from the four
Beijing, 12 April (Argus) — Chinese private-sector producer Henan Huayi Metallurgy has postponed plans to resume silico-manganese output because of more stringent pollution inspections. Located in Anyang city in Henan province, Huayi Metallurgy has delayed restarting output to late this
China Junzheng's ferro-silicon output up in 2016 Beijing, 12 April (Argus) — China's second largest ferro-silicon producer Junzheng Group increased output in 2016 following a capacity expansion. Located in Inner Mongolia province, the private-sector company produced around 298,500t of fe
Johannesburg, 12 April (Argus) — Australian base and precious metals producer Independence Group expects to reach nameplate capacity at its Nova nickel-copper-cobalt operation in Western Australia in the September quarter, a year earlier than indicated in the project feasibility study.
Sao Paulo, 12 April (Argus) — The union representing around 2,200 workers at Southern Copper's Cuajone and Toquepala copper molybdenum mines, as well as the Ilo refinery in Peru, said workers have walked off the job. Arizona-based Southern Copper said on 7 April that the strike had been
Johannesburg, 12 April (Argus) — Australian nickel producer Western Areas has approved the development of a mill recovery enhancement project that will increase its nickel output by up to 1,400 t/yr through the treatment of tailings from its Forrestania mining operation in Western Austra
Houston, 11 April (Argus) — The US Commerce Department finalized and raised antidumping duty margins on imports of oil country tubular goods (OCTG) from South Korea. The department raised dumping margins on South Korean steelmakers to a range of 2.76pc-24.92pc from a preliminary ruling
Sao Paulo, 11 April (Argus) — The union representing some 2,200 workers at Southern Copper's Cuajone and Toquepala copper/molybdenum mines and its Ilo refinery in Peru said its call to strike had received "overwhelming" backing from workers and supporters. The union said its members had
Houston, 11 April (Argus) — US flat-rolled aluminum mill Arconic has finished installing the approximately $150mn very thick plate stretcher at its Davenport, Iowa, facility. The technology will enable Arconic to make "highly-differentiated" aluminum and aluminum-lithium plate for aeros
Houston, 11 April (Argus) — Mesabi Metallics, formerly Essar Steel Minnesota, has received interest from at least three investment groups, some of which are interested in completing Mesabi's iron ore mining and pelletization project located in Nashwauk, Minnesota. The company's constru
Houston, 11 April (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap buying prices were unchanged Tuesday for a fourth day as London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel has traded in a tight range in recent days. Processor buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solids traded at 57-58¢/lb, while turnings tra
Houston, 11 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price edged higher Tuesday following three days of declines on geopolitical concerns and slowing job growth in the US last month. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.608/lb, marginally up from $2.604/lb on Monday after ret
New York, 11 April (Argus) — US production of silicon and silicon alloys declined by 12.5pc in January from the same month a year earlier. US production of silicon totaled 37,200t in January, down from 42,500t a year earlier, according to the US Geological Survey. Shipments of silicon
Houston, 11 April (Argus) — Brazilian exports of pig iron to the US increased by 94pc in March from a year earlier after a month-long outage in February at Nucor Steel's direct reduced iron (DRI) plant in Louisiana caused tightness in feedstock supply. In March, Brazil exported 116,280m
New York, 11 April (Argus) — US antimony imports for consumption increased by 2.6pc in 2016 from a year earlier on higher metal, alloy and scrap volumes. The US imported 23,400t of antimony products in 2016, up from 22,800t a year earlier, according to the US Geological Survey. Antimo
Houston, 11 April (Argus) — Crude futures rose for a second day amid expectations for tighter supply and Libyan outages. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures increased by 32¢/bl to $53.40/bl. Ice June Brent rose by 25¢/bl to $56.23/bl. The June Brent-June WTI spread narrowed by 6¢/bl t
Houston, 11 April (Argus) — Prices of bare bright copper scrap and 70/30 brass scrap traded higher in Europe in the latest week while prices of other scrap were flat. Bare bright copper wire scrap increased to 94-95pc of London Metal Exchange (LME) copper from 93-94pc the prior week.
New York, 11 April (Argus) — The US defense department's procurement arm the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) offered a solicitation for four lots of low-carbon and high-carbon ferro-chrome from its Point Pleasant, West Virginia facility today. The DLA offered 2,441,109lbs by contained we
London, 11 April (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged at $275.80/t Tuesday with most exporters staying out of the market. One Baltic offer was submitted through an agent and exporters in the region remain the main source of pote
Houston, 11 April (Argus) — Premiums for grade A copper cathodes were unchanged in European and Asian trade in the latest week in minimal trade and amid oversupply of inexpensive scrap copper. Premiums for grade A cathodes were unchanged at $35-45/metric tonne (t) in-warehouse Rotterdam
New York, 11 April (Argus) — US imports of noble alloys were up by 34pc in February from a year earlier, driven by higher ferro-molybdenum and ferro-vanadium levels. Imports of noble alloys totaled 1,784 metric tonnes (t) during February, up from 1,333t a year earlier. Ferro-molybdenu
London, 11 April (Argus) — London-based metal exchange LME yesterday cancelled its steel billet contract citing low liquidity, but is considering the potential launch of an iron ore contract, according to Elena Patimova, LME's head of commodity buy side sales. The LME suspended its bill
Capstone's copper output falls in first quarter Houston, 11 April (Argus) — Vancouver-based Capstone Mining reduced output of copper by 15pc in the first quarter from a year earlier because of rains and a planned maintenance shutdown at its Pinto Valley mine in Arizona. Output of copper
Moscow, 11 April (Argus) — Iron ore prices have entered a second downturn after recovering since the middle of last year, but the flexibility of production means mid to long-term price forecasting will remain challenging, a leading market analyst said. The iron ore market is highly unp
London, 11 April (Argus) — Peruvian exports of copper, zinc, tin and molybdenum rose year on year in February, while lead exports declined, according to data released by Peru's central bank. Copper exports from Peru rose year on year by 44pc to 231,300t in February from 160,500t for the
New York, 11 April (Argus) — Selenium prices rallied for an eighth straight week on persistent tightness in international supply. Renewed demand for both cadmium grades, particularly in India, supported higher offers. And environmental inspections in China reduced domestic and internatio
Houston, 11 April (Argus) — US lead mines produced 7.8pc less lead in concentrate in 2016 than the prior year, while output of lead from secondary refineries rose by 6.7pc over the same period. Production of mined lead totaled 330,000metric tonnes (t) last year, compared with 358,000t a
London, 11 April (Argus) — The Philippines' second-largest nickel producer Global Ferronickel has sent its first shipment of nickel ore to China through its subsidiary Platinum Group Metals (PGMC) from Surigao del Norte in the southern Philippines. The shipment left Surigao del Norte on
New York, 11 April (Argus) — US high-grade cobalt prices moved down in the latest week, reflecting fewer spot market trades. US high-grade cobalt (Co 99.8pc) declined to $26.50-28.00/lb from $27.25-28.00/lb a week earlier. Offers were down in line with growing resistance among domesti
Washington, 11 April (Argus) — Coal and metals imports and exports will be handled through a new terminal in Baltimore, Maryland, managed by ship agency and terminal operator T Parker Host. Host will oversee cargo operations, including coal, at Tradepoint Atlantic, a new multimodal faci
Houston, 11 April (Argus) — Washington and Oregon-based recycled Rivergate Scrap Metals and RS Davis Recycling have merged their operations. A little over three and a half years after the companies began a partnership firm called PNW Metal Recycling, the two companies agreed to a full m
New York, 11 April (Argus) — US imports of key bulk alloys decreased by 18pc in February from a year earlier amid reduced silico-manganese and high-carbon ferro-chrome volumes. The US imported 124,155metric tonnes (t) of bulk alloys in February, down from 151,515t the same month a year
Sao Paulo, 11 April (Argus) — Brazil's foundries posted a sixth month of year-on-year production increase in February in the past eight months, providing further signs that the industry may be starting to emerge from one of the country's worst ever recessions. Foundry output totalled 17
London, 11 April (Argus) — Chinese domestic billet and hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices fell further today, as slow sales persisted across all major steel grades. Tangshan billet prices declined by 30 yuan/t ($4.35/t) to Yn2,910/t ex-works for Q235 with a cross-section of 150mm. They have n
Johannesburg, 11 April (Argus) — Australian heavy minerals sands developer Image Resources has significantly upgraded the ore reserves at its Boonanarring project 120km north of Perth in Western Australia. The proven and probable ore reserves have been increased by 39pc to 20.0mn t from
Beijing, 11 April (Argus) — Chinese manganese prices are supported by tight supply, following a mining accident and impending inspections. A number of smaller producers in Hunan province halted output at the end of March, after ore extraction was suspended in Xiushan county in neighbou
Mumbai, 11 April (Argus) — Indian mining conglomerate Vedanta Resources' Hindustan Zinc (HZL) subsidiary increased its refined zinc production by almost 40pc in January-March compared with the same period a year earlier. HZL produced 215,000t of refined zinc in the first three months of
London, 11 April (Argus) — Diversified Indian mining company Vedanta Resources recorded its highest quarterly aluminium production in January-March, following the ramp-up of its two main smelters. Aluminium output totalled 353,000t in the first three months of 2017, up from 319,000t in
Johannesburg, 11 April (Argus) — Australia's Red River Resources remains in negotiations with potential offtake partners for output from its Thalanga zinc project in Queensland state. The development is expected to produce its first supply in the second half of this year. Thalanga was
China's Yunnan discovers large rare earth deposit Beijing, 11 April (Argus) — Yunnan's geological agency has discovered a large rare earths deposit in the southern part of the province. The estimated rare earth ore reserve is more than 369mn t, containing 470,000t of rare earth oxides,
Johannesburg, 11 April (Argus) — South African integrated chrome and ferro-chrome producer Merafe Resources increased its first-quarter ferro-chrome output by 10pc on the same period in 2016. The company's attributable ferro-chrome output from the Glencore-Merafe Chrome Venture rose to
Sao Paulo, 11 April (Argus) — Canada's Ivanhoe Mines plans to increase drilling at the Kakula West area of the Kamoa-Kakula joint-venture copper project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The plans to increase drilling activity come after copper grades of up to 5.8pc were discov
Pittsburgh, 10 April (Argus) — Steel mills in the US shipped 2.4pc more steel in February than the same year earlier period, according to data from the American Iron and Steel Institute. US mills shipped 7.23mn net tons (nt) (6.6mn metric tonnes) of steel in February, up from 7.06mn nt
Pittsburgh, 10 April (Argus) — US raw steel production increased by 0.7pc for the week ended 8 April following three weeks of consecutive declines while production rose by 0.3pc from the year-ago period. Output rose to 1.70mn net tons (nt) (1.54mn metric tonnes) from 1.69mn nt the previ
US zinc: Premiums rise as strike continues Houston, 10 April (Argus) — Premiums for US special high-grade zinc bounced back Monday after last week's drop as a strike at Quebec zinc refinery CEZinc completes a second month. Argus assessed the US zinc premium at 8-10¢/lb Monday, up from
Houston, 10 April (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap buying prices were unchanged Monday amid steady mill demand, but a gain in London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel may signal an uptick in nickel-bearing scrap prices. Processor buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solids traded at 57
Houston, 10 April (Argus) — Crude futures rose today on fresh Libyan supply disruptions in a market already supported by expectations of worsening Middle East unrest. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures increased by 84¢/bl to $53.08/bl. Ice June Brent rose by 74¢/bl to $55.98/bl. The
Houston, 10 April (Argus) — US imports of Canadian ferrous scrap rose by 15.7pc in February from a year earlier, led by increased intake from Detroit, Seattle, and Buffalo, New York. Imports rose to 179,053metric tonnes (t) from 154,785t a year earlier. Year to date February imports in
Houston, 10 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price fell for a third day Monday as traders took profits amid rising stockpiles. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.604/lb, down from $2.647/lb on Friday. Comex has fallen by 7.6¢/lb in the last three sessions. The Com
Houston, 10 April (Argus) — Midwest Steel Supply plans on expanding its Minnesota-based metals service center business due to increased demand. The company is investing $5.2mn to move its operations from New Hope to Rogers, Minnesota, to double its workspace by building a 55,000 square-
Houston, 10 April (Argus) — US steelmaker Nucor has stopped production at its direct reduced iron (DRI) plant in Louisiana to make repairs to a feed belt. The outage is expected to last a week. "As our Trinidad DRI facility continues to operate at full capacity, we anticipate no disrupt
London, 10 April (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged at $275.80/t Monday as offers trickled in while buyers opted to wait. Deep-sea scrap offers from St Petersburg and the Baltics remained unchanged Monday after being introduced
London, 10 April (Argus) — Continued strong demand for aluminium ingot has pushed prices up for UK alloys ahead of the public holiday. UK smelters are producing metal to stockpile material ahead of the holiday period. A number of major UK smelters will also start seasonal maintenance sh
Houston, 10 April (Argus) — Automaker Toyota Motor plans to invest $1.33bn in its Georgetown, Kentucky, plant, equipping it to produce the company's Camry vehicle using updated manufacturing processes, starting with the 2018 model year. The upgrades will create a "more flexible" manufac
London, 10 April (Argus) — European zinc premiums were unchanged last week as spot market activity slowed and the market registered few transactions. The Argus premium for special high-grade zinc stood at $140-160/t in-warehouse Rotterdam today. Mine closures implemented by Glencore
New York, 10 April (Argus) — US high-carbon ferro-chrome prices were unchanged for a second week amid consistent low-tonnage orders. US high-carbon ferro-chrome (Cr 60pc C 6-8pc) prices were steady at $1.42-1.47/lb Thursday. Traders and distributors maintained offers, citing steady dem
Houston, 10 April (Argus) — US imports of copper and brass mill products rose at twice the pace of exports in February from the same month a year earlier. Imports of copper and brass mill products rose by 4.4pc to 35.8mn lbs in February, the Copper and Brass Fabricators Council said tod
Q A: Ucore targets US rare earths supply London, 10 April (Argus) — The US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing on 28 March on strategic and critical materials, including rare earths, in which Randy MacGillivray, vice-president for project development at mining
London, 10 April (Argus) — German steelmaker Salzgitter has spoken out against the US Department of Commerce's (DoC) recent imposition of anti-dumping duties on imports of heavy plate from a number of countries. The ruling is "incomprehensible", the company said. The US department fin
London, 10 April (Argus) — Chinese domestic hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices slipped on 8-9 April, as sales remained slow. Shanghai HRC prices fell by 50 yuan/t ($7.25/t) to Yn3,190/t ex-works for SS400 with a thickness of 5.5mm. Export offers are at $450-455/t fob north China, down by $5/t
London, 10 April (Argus) — London-based metal exchange LME primary aluminium stocks were down by 3.6pc in the week ended 7 April. Inventories fell the most in Asia, down by 4.9pc to 886,925t from 932,550t the previous week. Incheon, South Korea, recorded the biggest drop of 11.6pc to 8
Johannesburg, 10 April (Argus) — Perth-based Sheffield Resources has entered a third offtake agreement for the future sale of zircon from its Thunderbird heavy mineral sands project in Western Australia. The latest non-binding agreement is for around 20pc of estimated zircon output from
China's magnesium output rises in 2016 Beijing, 10 April (Argus) — China's magnesium production increased by 1.4pc year on year to 910,300t in 2016, data issued by China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA) show. The growth was mainly driven by higher output in Shaanxi province
China's Yantai Cash restarts cobalt sulphate production Beijing, 10 April (Argus) — China's Yantai Cash has restarted cobalt sulphate production on the back of higher prices and growth in demand from the lithium battery sector. Yantai Cash has a 12,000 t/yr capacity for cobalt sulphate a
Johannesburg, 10 April (Argus) — South Africa's Tharisa Minerals expects speciality chrome concentrate to continue to attract price premiums and the metallurgical-grade concentrate market "to remain robust", because of lower liquidity in China. Chinese ports have restocked since August
Beijing, 10 April (Argus) — Chrome ore stocks at China's main ports fell by 150,000t to 1.54mn t in the week ending 7 April, Chinese importers, logistics and warehousing companies said. Stocks fell sharply as a result of renewed buying from ferro-chrome smelters after major stainless
Beijing, 10 April (Argus) — China's zinc stocks have fallen as a result of rising demand and lower production. Zinc metal stocks at large warehouses reached 260,400t on 7 April, down by 39,000t on a month earlier. Stocks were 128,100t in Shanghai, 99,400t in Guangdong and 32,900t in Ti
Johannesburg, 10 April (Argus) — Australian metals producer Oz Minerals has signed an earn-in agreement with Canada's Avrupa Minerals to target copper-gold mineralisation in southern Portugal. The partners are targeting a 24km copper-in-soil anomaly at Alvito. Oz will undertake a drilli
Johannesburg, 10 April (Argus) — Australia-based Platina Resources has started a drilling programme that is intended to raise cobalt and scandium resources and provide supply for a pilot plant at its Owendale project in New South Wales. The programme is aimed at increasing cobalt deposi
Australia's South32 raises Mn ore China export prices Beijing, 10 April (Argus) — Australia-based mining company South32 has continued to raise its manganese ore export prices for China for May shipment, Chinese importers said. South32 has increased its prices for Australian lumpy mangan
Houston, 7 April (Argus) — Ferrous scrap prices for April delivery for Cincinnati-Indianapolis and the southeast fell by $10/gross ton (gt) for prime grades and by $25-35/gt on cuts and shredded scrap depending on the region. Machine shop turnings prices have dropped the most in April t
Houston, 7 April (Argus) — Aluminum mill UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries (UWH) plans to spend $3.3mn expanding its Paducah, Kentucky, plant. The investment will fund new machining centers, robotics equipment and fabrication operations, and is expected to generate 50 new jobs by Jul
Houston, 7 April (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap buying prices were unchanged Friday as exchange nickel fell from a near monthly high the prior day. Processor buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solids traded at 57-58¢/lb, while turnings traded at 52-53¢/lb, unchanged from Thur
Sao Paulo, 7 April (Argus) — US-based mining company Southern Copper said strikes planned at its Cuajone and Toquepala copper-molybdenum mines in southern Peru will not go ahead after they were not approved by the Labour Ministry. The ministry was considering whether to approve indefin
Houston, 7 April (Argus) — US secondary aluminum alloy prices were mixed this week as demand was steady, but exchange prices dipped on Monday and Friday. Prices for benchmark alloy A380.1 held steady for a second week at 92-94¢/lb as some smelters offered material as high as 95¢/lb, but
Houston, 7 April (Argus) — ArcelorMittal has upcoming planned maintenance at its Cleveland, Ohio, plant's hot-strip mill. The scheduled annual maintenance is set to begin at the end of May but no duration for the outage was provided. The company anticipates the outage will have no impac
Houston, 7 April (Argus) — US imports of aluminum scrap rose by 40pc year to date through February, lifted by increases in imports of used beverage cans, remelt scrap ingot and other grades. Imports rose to 120,059metric tonnes (t) in the first two months of 2017 compared with 85,647t a
Washington, 7 April (Argus) — Crude, coal and fertilizer barges on the lower Ohio river near Brookport, Illinois, were stalled following an accident at a major lock and dam. Lock and Dam 52 near Brookport remained closed to barge traffic today. Several miles of the Ohio river below the
Houston, 7 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price fell for a second day after a US missile strike in Syria pushed investors to drop higher risk assets while a report showed US job growth slowed in March. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.6470/lb, down from $2.658/
Houston, 7 April (Argus) — WTI crude futures moved higher today in a volatile session after a US military strike on Syria raised fears of possible heightened unrest in the Middle East. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures increased by 54¢/bl to $52.24/bl. Ice June Brent rose by 35¢/bl t
Houston, 7 April (Argus) — European and Asian prices for the major grades of secondary aluminium scrap rose in the latest week, on tightening scrap supply worldwide and following a gain in the Japanese primary aluminium premium. European clean old cast scrap increased to 64-65¢/lb in t
London, 7 April (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged at $275.80/t Friday amid pressure from falling semi-finished and long steel prices. Turkish mills confirmed receiving offers from three Baltic scrap exporters at prices similar
Washington, 7 April (Argus) — A federal court decision could help US freight railroads meet shipping deadlines, but leave commuters waiting longer for their trains to act. Judge James Boasberg of the US District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that section 207 of the Passenger
London, 7 April (Argus) — US anti-dumping (AD) strategies are proving to be more effective in reducing steel imports to the country and promoting premiums of US domestic products than EU strategies are at cutting shipments to the bloc, US bank Morgan Stanley said. EU responses to allege
London, 7 April (Argus) — Chinese steel consumption could decline in the second half of this year as a result of Chinese policies to control property price rises and increase lending costs, according to Swiss bank UBS. A report issued by UBS this week said that Chinese property purchasi
Washington, 7 April (Argus) — Coal, fertilizer and crude barges on the lower Ohio river near Brookport, Illinois, are stalled following an accident at a major lock and dam. Lock and Dam 52 near Brookport is closed to barge traffic. Several miles of the Ohio river below the lock — from m
New York, 7 April (Argus) — US silicon metal prices declined in the latest week amid growing resistance to higher offers. US silicon metal (Si 98.5pc) prices moved down to $1.01-1.05/lb Thursday from $1.02-1.06/lb in prior days. Traders and suppliers cut offers in response to increasi
Sao Paulo, 7 April (Argus) — Revenue from Chile's unroasted molybdenum concentrate exports rose 121pc in March from a year earlier to $21.9mn, central bank data showed. The value of molybdenum concentrate shipments was 48pc higher against February. Ferro-molybdenum export revenues in M
New York, 7 April (Argus) — US ferro-manganese prices diverged for a second straight week amid tightening medium-carbon alloy supplies and competitive high-carbon offers. US high-carbon ferro-manganese (Mn 80pc, C 6-8pc) prices fell to $1,380-1,430/gt from $1,400-1,450/gt a week earlier
London, 7 April (Argus) — Nickel prices still look for guidance after Indonesia and the Philippines shook the market in January and created uncertainty over mining and export policies. Three-month nickel prices on the London Metal Exchange rose slightly to $10,020/t on 7 April from $9,9
Amends 2017 export target to 2.7mn t from 2.9mn t, in paragraph 1 London, 7 April (Argus) — Brazilian integrated steelmaker Companhia Siderurgica do Pecem (CSP), a joint venture between Brazilian iron ore miner Vale and South Korea's steelmakers Dongkuk and Posco, is aiming to export
Sao Paulo, 7 April (Argus) — Chile's lithium carbonate export revenue rose by 18.5pc in March from a year earlier to $41.7mn compared with the same month in 2016, central bank data showed. The figure was down by 27.5pc against February revenue. In 2016, revenue from lithium carbonate e
Sao Paulo, 7 April (Argus) — Revenue from Chilean copper exports fell slightly in March from a year earlier despite a damaging strike at Escondida, the world's largest copper producing site. Chile's copper exports fell 2.4pc in March against the same month in 2016 to $2.31bn, following
London, 7 April (Argus) — Copper prices remained unchanged this week despite a lower dollar as strikes end at major mines in Chile and Peru and Freeport and Indonesia near an agreement over the Grasberg mine. Three-month copper prices on the London Metal exchange rose to $5,900/t from o
London, 7 April (Argus) — A combination of plant maintenance, lower concentrate content and rising demand has tightened spot supply of selenium, lifting prices across international markets. Spot prices have been rising since mid-March, with the European and US markets reaching $20/lb fo
London, 7 April (Argus) — Three-month aluminium outperformed other metals on the London Metal Exchange in the first quarter, but prices increasingly look overstretched and have largely rallied in anticipation of China's proposed production cutbacks. The three-month aluminium price was
London, 7 April (Argus) — Chinese steel prices continued to fall sharply today, with a lack of trading activity denting sentiment after market participants had been optimistic of a rebound earlier this week. The price for billet in Tangshan fell by Yn100/t ($14.50/t) today to Yn2,950/t
London, 7 April (Argus) — Copper prices will fall in the second quarter, German investment bank Commerzbank says. Prices in the first quarter were driven by speculation surrounding US President Trump's proposed investment spending, positive macro-economic data, supply concerns and specul
Johannesburg, 7 April (Argus) — Thinly-traded platinum group metals rhodium, iridium and ruthenium are outperforming their more heavily traded peers platinum and palladium as the market re-rates them for their rarity and industrial applications. Rhodium rose to $1,025/oz this week from
Beijing, 7 April (Argus) — China's largest lithium producer private-sector Tianqi Lithium will halt lithium carbonate production in Jiangsu province for maintenance and upgrades for the whole of May. Tianqi has a 27,500 t/yr capacity for lithium carbonate, with 10,500 t/yr in Sichuan p
Beijing, 7 April (Argus) — China's largest light rare earths producer state-owned Northern Rare Earth has raised its listed prices for praseodymium-neodymium and neodymium. The company raised its listed selling price for 99pc praseodymium-neodymium oxide by 7,000 yuan/t to Yn293,000/t f
China's Yunhai to increase magnesium output Beijing, 7 April (Argus) — Chinese private-sector Nanjing Yunhai Special Metals plans to ramp up magnesium production to full capacity over the next two years in response to rising demand and prices. Yunhai's magnesium metal capacity is 100,000
China's manganese ore port stocks down Beijing, 7 April (Argus) — Manganese ore stocks at China's main ports fell to 3.13mn t today, down by 13pc from 3.6mn t two weeks ago, data from trading and logistics companies show. Tianjin port holds 2.35mn t, while Qinzhou and Lianyungang have 70
Beijing, 7 April (Argus) — China's leading molybdenum producer, private-sector Jinduicheng Molybdenum (JDC) cut output last year because of high production costs. The company produced 39,349t of 45pc grade molybdenum concentrate in 2016, which is equivalent to 17,707t or 39mn lb of moly
Beijing, 7 April (Argus) — Titanium ore stocks at China's main ports rose by 7,000t to 289,000t in the week ending 7 April, Chinese importers, logistics and warehousing companies said. Stocks rose as a result of higher shipments this week. Demand from the titanium dioxide industry has r
China's Jiangxi Tungsten restarts FeW production Beijing, 7 April (Argus) — China's leading tungsten producer state-owned Jiangxi Tungsten has restarted ferro-tungsten alloy production after a three-month suspension. Located in Ganzhou, Jiangxi province, the company is China's second lar
Sydney, 7 April (Argus) — Global demand for iron ore, gold, aluminium, copper, nickel and zinc is likely to slow in the next five years, dampening the potential for further price rises and potentially hitting the viability of some higher-cost mining and refining operations, the Australia
Houston, 6 April (Argus) — Ferrous scrap prices are trading at varying trends in different regions of the US for April trade amid a push toward national price parity. Prime scrap has traded at month-on-month drops of $20/gross ton in Chicago to increases of $20/gt in Philadelphia, while
Houston, 6 April (Argus) — Real Industry, parent company of aluminum alloy producer Real Alloy, has appointed Kyle Ross chief executive, effective immediately. Ross, who has served as Real Industry's interim chief executive since August 2016, also joined Real Industry's board of directo
Houston, 6 April (Argus) — Spreads for #1 wire and tube and #2 copper strengthened in the latest week as supplies diminished. Argus assessed price spreads for #1 wire and tube at 19-20¢/lb under May Comex, from 20-22¢/lb under a week earlier. Price spreads for #2 copper scrap strength
Houston, 6 April (Argus) — Steel and aluminum service center Ryerson anticipates higher revenue for its first quarter from a year earlier amid higher average selling prices and higher tons sold. The higher average selling prices in the first quarter were attributed to supply-side stabil
Houston, 6 April (Argus) — Strong demand from stainless and specialty alloy producers continued to support nickel premiums in North America in the latest week as premiums for 4x4inch melting grade cathodes held steady for a fifth week. Still, more business was transacted at the higher
Houston, 6 April (Argus) — Smelter-grade aluminum scrap prices rose in the US this week on tight supply and rising secondary alloy prices. Smelter bellwether old cast rose to 62-64¢/lb from 61-63¢/lb a week earlier. Prices for old sheet rose to 62-64¢/lb from 60-62¢/lb on tight supply
Houston, 6 April (Argus) — Schnitzer Steel Industries shipped 3.3pc less steel in the second quarter from a year earlier. The company sold 105,989net tons (nt) of steel in the second fiscal quarter, down from 109,651nt a year earlier, amid lower shipments of rebar and merchant bar. Re
Houston, 6 April (Argus) — Portland-based steel manufacturer and recycler Schnitzer sold 9pc more ferrous scrap and 10pc more nonferrous scrap in the first half of its fiscal year from a year earlier. The company sold 1.69mn long tons (lt) of ferrous scrap in its first half of the year
New York, 6 April (Argus) — Aerospace manufacturer Boeing delivered 4pc fewer commercial aircraft during the first quarter from a year earlier reflecting lower B737 levels. Quarterly deliveries for the Chicago-based totaled 169 aircraft, down from 176 aircraft the prior year. Deliverie
Houston, 6 April (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap prices in Europe and Asia were mostly unchanged this week amid steady demand and tight supply. In Rotterdam and Germany blenders kept 304 scrap solids prices flat at 56-57¢/lb Thursday, from a week earlier. Mill demand remains strong whi
Houston, 6 April (Argus) — Stainless 304 scrap prices rose Thursday, taking a cue from a greater than 3pc two-day runup in London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel. Processor buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solids traded at 57-58¢/lb, up from 56-58¢/lb, while turnings traded at 52
Houston, 6 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price fell Thursday in profit-taking after minutes of the last Federal Reserve policy meeting signaled the central bank may begin winding down its stock of bonds built up since the Great Recession to keep interest rates low. The Comex price fo
Houston, 6 April (Argus) — WTI crude futures moved higher today for the third straight session amid signs that a production cut agreement between Opec and non-Opec countries could be extended. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures increased by 55¢/bl to $51.70/bl, the highest close for
Houston, 6 April (Argus) — Premiums for full-plate nickel cathodes rose in Europe in the latest week amid slow but steady demand, particularly for the slightly off-grade blending grades. Premiums for newly produced, full-plate cathodes rose to $145-155/metric tonne (t) in-warehouse Ro
New York, 6 April (Argus) — Rising molybdenum oxide prices and steel mill demand forced US ferro-molybdenum up in the latest week. Slim vanadium pentoxide supplies and less willingness to sell by at least one producer supported higher ferro-vanadium prices. Meanwhile, North American ferr
Mexico City, 6 April (Argus) — Mexico's light vehicle sales rose 17pc in March to 137,013 units from 116,863 vehicles sold in the same month of 2016. Vehicle sales for the first three months of the year rose 8.9pc from the prior-year period to 347,326 units, the Mexican Association for
New York, 6 April (Argus) — Prices of US seaborne coking coal surged as a series of force majeure declarations in Australia drove steelmakers to seek US material. Prices of low-volatile coking coal for delivery in the next 90 days fob Hampton Roads, Virginia, rose by $26/tonne to $189.
New York, 6 April (Argus) — US ferro-titanium prices were up in the latest week amid steady low-volume orders. US ferro-titanium (Ti 70pc) prices increased to $1.94-2.02/lb from $1.93-2.01/lb a week earlier. Offers were up for a sixth straight week, supported by several smaller than 20
London, 6 April (Argus) — Brazilian integrated steelmaker Companhia Siderurgica do Pecem (CSP), a joint venture between Brazilian iron ore miner Vale and South Korea's steelmakers Dongkuk and Posco, is aiming to export 2.9mn t of slab in 2017, up from last year's 700,000t, the company sa
London, 6 April (Argus) — Trading activity was extremely subdued this week on the export market for Russian and Ukrainian basic pig iron (BPI). But the pressure on buyers is growing, and waning inventories are compelling some importers to consider accepting higher prices. Pig iron deman
Johannesburg, 6 April (Argus) — The Ramu nickel-cobalt mine in Papua New Guinea (PNG) exceeded production targets in the March quarter despite scheduled maintenance at its processing plant. The mine produced 7,884t of nickel in concentrate and 755t of cobalt in concentrate in the quarte
London, 6 April (Argus) — Scrap freight rates from US east coast ports continued to trend downward trend as bloated tonnage levels in the US Gulf affected outgoing rates to the Mediterranean. Freight rates for 40,000t scrap cargoes on Supramax vessels from New York to Iskenderun droppe
Houston, 6 April (Argus) — Steelmaker Acero Junction plans to restart its electric arc furnace later this year and has started commercial production at the mill this week. The Ohio-based mill was scheduled to restart its furnace in the second quarter but that has now been pushed to the
London, 6 April (Argus) — Canada-based rare earths developer Search Minerals has completed testing on drilling samples from its Deep Fox site showing high concentrations of neodymium and praseodymium oxides. Samples from the company's secondary site Deep Fox on the Port Hope Simpson Ra
Houston, 6 April (Argus) — Mexico's economy minister today extended by six months a 15pc safeguard on imports of certain steel products originating in countries that lack a free trade agreement with Mexico. The safeguard was first put in place in October 2015 to protect Mexico's struggl
Houston, 6 April (Argus) — Toronto-based zinc and copper mining company Sierra Metals appointed Igor Gonzales as chief executive and president, replacing Mark Brennan, who resigned last week. Peruvian-born Gonzales is a director for Sierra Metals, Minas Buenaventura and Hudbay Minerals.
Mumbai, 6 April (Argus) — Indian private-sector producer Ispat Damodar has received approval to conduct an environmental impact study on plans to raise ferro-alloy production capacity by 50pc to 118,800 t/yr at its plant in Purulia, eastern West Bengal state. The company is seeking to e
London, 6 April (Argus) — Chinese billet prices dropped today because of sluggish sales, weighing on trader optimism after yesterday's rise. Billet prices fell by 90 yuan/t ($13/t) in Tangshan to Yn3,050/t ex-works for Q235 with a cross-section of 150mm. Export offers declined as a resu
London, 6 April (Argus) — Russian nickel producer Nornickel aims to complete the third expansion of its Taimyr mining complex in northeast Russia before the end of this year to access a new source of nickel-rich ore. The company plans to finish construction work in the third quarter and
Johannesburg, 6 April (Argus) — Southern hemisphere-focused metals producer South32 has cut its 2017 fiscal year production target for the Cannington silver-lead-zinc mine in Queensland, following damage caused by an underground fire. An initial assessment indicated that payable silver
Johannesburg, 6 April (Argus) — Australian rare earths developer Northern Minerals has entered a sales agreement with China's Lianyugang Zeyu New Materials Sales for output from the pilot plant at its Browns Range rare earths project in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. The
Johannesburg, 6 April (Argus) — Zinc-focused mining company Todd River Resources has listed on Australia's ASX exchange, after being spun off from metals developer TNG and raising around A$6mn ($4.5mn) through an initial public offering. The company owns 13 zinc and base metals explorat
China's GTA lifts April guide prices Beijing, 6 April (Argus) — China's Ganzhou Tungsten Association (GTA) has raised its guide prices for April delivery amid tight supply. GTA increased the guide price for tungsten concentrate by 3,000 yuan/t to Yn78,000/t for April delivery compared w
Houston, 5 April (Argus) — Used aluminum beverage can (UBC) spreads were weaker Tuesday as some consumers completed purchasing for May and London Metal Exchange aluminum reached new highs for the year. Spreads widened to 75-76pc of the Argus midwest transaction price from 77-79pc a we
Houston, 5 April (Argus) — Price spreads for #1 wire and tube strengthened in the latest week as prices of bare bright weakened. Spreads for #1 wire and tube were at 10-13¢/lb under May Comex, from 13-16¢/lb under the prior week as supply tightened. Argus assessed price spreads for b
Houston, 5 April (Argus) — The Argus midwest premium for primary aluminum fell for a third week, as mill consumers were well-supplied on scrap and spot demand was weaker. The midwest premium declined to 9.5-9.85¢/lb Wednesday from 9.5-10¢/lb a week earlier, falling to new lows for the
Houston, 5 April (Argus) — US copper cathode premiums were slightly up in the latest week amid minimal spot transactions. Argus assessed grade A cathode premiums at 5-6¢/lb delivered midwest consumer, up from 5-5.75¢/lb the previous week. Dealers and brokers are counting on an upcomi
Houston, 5 April (Argus) — US steel import permit licenses increased by 25.4pc from February's final import totals while finished steel import market share increased to 26pc from 23pc. Import permit licenses totaled 3.4mn net tons (3.1mn metric tonnes) in March, up from 2.7mn nt final i
Houston, 5 April (Argus) — Stainless steel processor buying prices for nickel-bearing 304 and 316 scrap remained unchanged from the prior day even as a sharp gain in exchange nickel prices Wednesday may signal an uptick in scrap. Processor buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap sol
Houston, 5 April (Argus) — United Steelworkers (USW) union members ratified a new five-year contract with UK-based Rio Tinto, owner/operator of the Kennecott copper mining operation in Bingham Canyon, Utah. The contract includes annual wage increases, more funding for employee benefit a
Houston, 5 April (Argus) — US exports of aluminum scrap were up by 7.6pc in the first two months of 2017, led higher by exports of grades other than used beverage cans (UBC) and remelt scrap ingot (RSI). Exports rose to 221,259metric tonnes (t) year to date February, compared with 205,6
Houston, 5 April (Argus) — WTI crude futures ended slightly higher today as the US reported an unexpected build in domestic stockpiles. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures increased by 12¢/bl to $51.15/bl. Ice June Brent rose by 19¢/bl to $54.36/bl. The June Brent-June WTI spread wide
Houston, 5 April (Argus) — Premiums for P1020 duty paid and unpaid aluminium remained unchanged in the latest week amid weak spot purchases and range-bound trading on the London Metal Exchange (LME). Billet premiums increased by $10/metric tonne (t) from the prior week amid renewed buy
London, 5 April (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment increased by $0.90/t to $275.90/t cfr Wednesday following five deep-sea bookings in the past 48 hours. A continental European supplier sold 15,000t of HMS 1/2 75:25, 3,000t of shred and 12,000t o
Houston, 5 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price finished higher Wednesday in heavy trading as Chinese participants were back in the market after a two-day holiday. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.68/lb, up from $2.6120/lb the prior day. The day's 6.8¢/lb gain w
London, 5 April (Argus) — The WTO has agreed to establish a dispute panel to review a complaint lodged by China in December against the EU and US for refusing to grant the country market economy status (MES), a move which would lower the applicable rates of anti-dumping duty under WTO
New York, 5 April (Argus) — US selenium prices rallied in the latest week, driven by ongoing maintenance at Asian producer facilities. US selenium (Se 99.5pc) increased to $17.50-19.25/lb from $16.50-18.25/lb a week earlier. Rising raw material costs and metal import prices forced dom
Houston, 5 April (Argus) — US exports of scrapped lead batteries and other lead scrap rose in February from a year earlier while imports fell. Exports of spent lead batteries rose by 55pc to 2,119metric tonnes (t) in February, and they surged by 48pc to 4,401t year to date, according to
Sao Paulo, 5 April (Argus) — German specialty materials company H.C. Starck said further development of recycling activities has delivered further cost savings and additional stability in a tough tungsten powders market. Companies operating in the sector continue to contend with oversup
Johannesburg, 5 April (Argus) — International lithium developer Galaxy Resources expects the global lithium supply-demand balance to remain tight until 2020. Demand growth from the battery sector is supporting the current growth in supply. But there are only four fully funded projects w
New York, 5 April (Argus) — The US defense department's procurement arm the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) increased sales of high-carbon ferro-chrome by 100pc in March compared with a year earlier. The DLA sold 1,000 short tons (st) of high-carbon ferro-chrome in March, up from 500st a
Sao Paulo, 5 April (Argus) — UK-based Chilean copper-molybdenum producer Antofagasta forecasts China's demand growth for copper at 3pc this year, a rate slower than in previous years. Continued demand from China may lead to the balance between supply and demand narrowing earlier than ex
Houston, 5 April (Argus) — US exports of copper scrap rose by 13.6pc in February from a year earlier, led shipments of #2 copper scrap and other refined scrap. Exports of copper scrap rose to 80,630t in February from 71,006t a year earlier, according to the latest data from the Commerce
London, 5 April (Argus) — Domestic billet prices in China experienced a rebound over the Qingming Festival holiday period, as demand for steel construction products and subsequently billet purchasing picked up. The price of Q235 150mm billet in Tangshan initially fell by 50 yuan/t ($7.
Beijing, 5 April (Argus) — Beijing has sent environmental inspection teams to Lengshuijiang in Hunan province to check antimony smelters, which has tightened spot supply from the country's largest producing region for the minor metal. The inspection teams are checking the treatment of
Sao Paulo, 5 April (Argus) — Brazil's industrial production fell 0.8pc in February year on year as the country struggles to emerge from one of its worst recessions, national statistics institute IBGE said. This comes after January industrial output broke a run of 34 consecutive months o
China's chrome ore port stocks fall Beijing, 5 April (Argus) — Chrome ore stocks at China's main ports fell by 155,000t to 1.69mn t in the week ending 31 March, Chinese importers, logistics and warehousing companies said. Stocks fell sharply as a result of increased buying by ferro-chrom
Beijing, 5 April (Argus) — Rare earth exports from Baotou, China, increased in the first two months of 2017 following the removal of export tariffs. Exports from the light rare earth production hub in northern China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region increased by 143pc to 1,462t in Janu
France's Eramet Comilog raises Mn ore China prices Beijing, 5 April (Argus) — Leading French Mining group Eramet Comilog has raised its manganese ore export prices for China for April shipment, Chinese importers said. Eramet Comilog has increased its prices for Gabonese lumpy manganese o
Johannesburg, 5 April (Argus) — Perth-based metals explorer Liontown Resources has released details of the potential discovery of a high grade lithium resource in central Tanzania, East Africa. Grades of up to 3.3pc lithium oxide and 100 ppm tantalum pentoxide were found at the Tresor p
Johannesburg, 5 April (Argus) — Diversified Australian metals developer TNG is in the final stages of environmental approvals for its Mount Peake vanadium-titanium-iron project in the country's Northern Territory. A supplement to its Environmental Impact Statement has been submitted to
Sydney, 5 April (Argus) — Australia's iron ore exports dropped to a 13-month low in February, pressured by a fall in fines shipments. Australia exported 60.94mn t of iron ore in February, down by 3.8pc from 63.37mn t a month earlier and by 3.2pc from 62.93mn t in February 2016. Exports
Houston, 4 April (Argus) — Mill-grade aluminum scrap spreads were weaker Tuesday as mill consumers were well supplied and London Metal Exchange prices closed at more than 2-year highs. Mixed low-copper clip prices were flat at 74-76¢/lb from a week earlier. This caused spreads to widen
Houston, 4 April (Argus) — US combined imports of ferrous scrap and pig iron into the southeast more than doubled in February from a year earlier driven by shipments into New Orleans. In the three major southeastern ports tracked by Argus : New Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; and Charleston,
Houston, 4 April (Argus) — North Carolina-based Dynacast has completed its acquisition of Wisconsin-based metal caster Signicast for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition, which closed 31 March, will allow Dynacast to increase complexity, material variety and volume of its cast part o
Houston, 4 April (Argus) — US exports of base metal scrap rose by 6.8pc in February from the same month last year, as gains in copper and lead scrap outpaced declines in zinc and nickel shipments. Exports of base metal scrap rose to 200,277metric tonnes (t) in February from 187,481t a y
Houston, 4 April (Argus) — European copper cathode premiums rose in the latest week that featured only a few spot deals. Grade A Copper cathodes premiums rose by $5/metric tonne (t) despite week demand that has stemmed from abundant scrap supply. Copper cathode grade A premiums increas
Houston, 4 April (Argus) — Bare bright and #2 copper wire and tubing traded higher in Europe in the latest week on increased buying by foundries and merchants. Bare bright copper wire rose to 93-94pc of London Metal Exchange (LME) copper in the latest week from 92-94pc the prior week.
Houston, 4 April (Argus) — Stainless steel processor buying prices in the US were mostly unchanged Tuesday, with only 304 scrap grades losing some steam. Argus assessed processor buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solids at 56-58¢/lb Tuesday, down from 57-58¢/lb the prior day
Houston, 4 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price finished higher in thin trading Tuesday as workers at two Southern Copper mines in Peru announced plans to begin a strike next week. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.6120/lb, up from $2.6035/lb the prior day. The l
Houston, 4 April (Argus) — WTI crude futures rose today to a nearly one-month high amid expectations of a drop in US crude stocks. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures increased by 79¢/bl to $51.03/bl, the highest close for a prompt-month contract since 7 March. WTI has settled above $
Houston, 4 April (Argus) — US imports of base metal scrap rose by 35pc in February, led by imports of aluminum and copper. Imports of base metal scrap rose to 74,894metric tonnes (t) in February from 55,660t a year earlier, according to the US Commerce Department. Year to date, imports
Houston, 4 April (Argus) — US ferrous scrap exports to Mexico more than doubled in February from a year earlier amid increased shipments from the east coast. The US shipped 156,565 metric tonnes (t) of ferrous scrap to Mexico in February, up from 55,064t a year earlier, according to th
Houston, 4 April (Argus) — US ferrous scrap exports rose by 32.6pc in February from a year earlier, pushed higher by rising exports to Turkey, Mexico, Taiwan and Vietnam. Scrap exports rose to 1.2mn metric tonnes (t) in February from 900,504t a year earlier, according to the US Commerce
Participation by heavy industry reflects a growing trend towards gas-fired generation Mexico City, 4 April (Argus) — Mexico has welcomed the involvement of heavy industry in its open season for gas pipeline capacity. Luxembourg-based steelmaker ArcelorMittal and Mexican industrial co
London, 4 April (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment rose by $5/t to $275/t Tuesday following a US sale. A US exporter sold 20,000t of HMS 1/2 80:20 at $275.50/t and 20,000t of shred at $280.50/t cfr Samsun for May shipment. Another US scrap export
London, 4 April (Argus) — US mining firm Freeport-McMoran and the Indonesian government are moving forward with discussions to resume copper concentrate exports, the company confirmed to Argus today. "We are progressing constructive discussions with the government that would enable PT
London, 4 April (Argus) — US mining company Southern Copper's workers in Peru have filed a petition with the labour ministry to initiate an indefinite strike on 10 April. The labour ministry is considering whether to approve industrial action — its final decision is expected on 7 April.
London, 4 April (Argus) — Global manganese ferro-alloy and ore output in January-February rose on the year because of more favourable market conditions, data from the International Manganese Institute (IMnI) show. Lower ore output and renewed buying interest in the second half of last y
New York, 4 April (Argus) — The US defense department's procurement arm the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has opened solicitations for several lots of ferro-chrome and tungsten ores and concentrate for sale today. The DLA has reoffered two low-carbon ferro-chrome lots which contain a t
New York, 4 April (Argus) — Ongoing supply problems in Japan and South Korea tightened selenium stocks and pushed offer prices higher. Rising import prices for Chinese bismuth lifted domestic prices, while tellurium prices moved higher reflecting increased metal replacement costs for Rus
Johannesburg, 4 April (Argus) — Global credit rating agency Standard and Poor's downgrading of South Africa's sovereign credit rating to so-called junk status is a consequence of the "illogical and damaging" cabinet reshuffle by president Jacob Zuma on 30 March, South Africa's Chamber of
New York, 4 April (Argus) — US silicon metal prices were flat in the latest week, in line with lower demand from aluminum alloy producers. US silicon metal (Si 98.5pc) prices settled unchanged at $1.02-1.06/lb Thursday after rising in the three prior weeks. Spot market demand was down
New York, 4 April (Argus) — US high-grade cobalt prices were unchanged in the latest week amid falling trading volumes. US high-grade cobalt (Co 99.8pc) prices were flat at $27.25-28.00/lb in the latest week. Domestic traders and suppliers attempted to raise offers again but were forc
London, 4 April (Argus) — China-based steel manufacturing and trading group Delong Holdings has reached a conditional agreement to sell its Aoyu steelworks in Hebei province to Chinese trading firm, Tsing Tuo Group. Delong announced its intention yesterday to transfer Baoding-based Aoyu
London, 4 April (Argus) — French energy company Engie has pulled out of the UK's planned 3.4GW Moorside nuclear plant project, selling its 40pc stake in the scheme to its project partner, Japanese engineering firm Toshiba. Engie has exercised its contractual right to require majority s
Mumbai, 4 April (Argus) — India and the UK plan to invest 240mn pounds ($298.58mn) in a joint fund to finance green energy projects in India. The joint India-UK fund, part of India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) aims to raise around £500mn, with both governments co
Johannesburg, 4 April (Argus) — Vancouver and Johannesburg-based mining group Platinum Group Metals (PTM) begins a definitive feasibility study for the development of its Waterberg project in South Africa's Limpopo province which is expected to become one of the world's major palladium p
Johannesburg, 4 April (Argus) — Australian lithium developer Galaxy Resources has reached nameplate throughput capacity and steady state operations at its Mt Cattlin project at Ravensthorpe in Western Australia. Plant throughput is averaging 210 t/hour after reaching a peak level of 219
Houston, 3 April (Argus) — Premiums for US special high-grade zinc weakened in the latest week as dealers sought to entice consumers into the market by offering lower premiums. Argus assessed the US zinc premium at 7-9¢/lb Monday, down from 9-11¢/lb a week earlier. Premiums for spot bu
Houston, 3 April (Argus) — US raw steel production increased by 0.4pc in the week ended 1 April compared with the same year-earlier period even as sequential output dropped for a third week. Output rose to 1.69mn net tons (nt) (1.53mn metric tonnes) from 1.685mn nt a year earlier, whil
New York, 3 April (Argus) — Chicago-based aerospace manufacturer Boeing has signed a $2.2bn contract with the US, Australia and the UK to supply them with aircraft to help upgrade their maritime patrol capabilities. Boeing will deliver at least 17 P-8A Poseidon, which is based on the B7
London, 3 April (Argus) — European zinc premiums edged lower in the latest week as weak spot demand offset lower concentrate supply. The Argus premium for special high-grade zinc stood at $140-160/t in-warehouse Rotterdam on Monday, down from $150-160/t a week earlier. Lower concentr
Houston, 3 April (Argus) — Stainless steel processor buying prices for nickel-bearing scrap grades remained unchanged Monday from the prior session, as London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel traded in a tight range in the latest week. Processor buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap so
Houston, 3 April (Argus) — Retail auto sales for the US dropped to a twelve-month low in March, after February's six-month low, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 16.62mn units. March light vehicles sales fell from an annual rate of 17.58mn units in February, according to Autodata.
Houston, 3 April (Argus) — Strong demand for secondary ingot in both the UK and the European continent pushed most alloy prices higher in the latest week. Available scrap remains in short supply and producers are overpaying for what they can get, adding to the push higher in prices. A
Houston, 3 April (Argus) — WTI crude futures fell today but stayed above $50/bl as Libya reopened a large oil field. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures fell by 36¢/bl to $50.24/bl, settling above the $50/bl mark for the third straight session. Ice June Brent moved lower by 41¢/bl to $
Houston, 3 April (Argus) — The Comex copper price finished lower for a third straight day on Monday as oil dropped and supply concerns faded. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.6035/lb, down from $2.6525/lb the prior day. May Comex averaged $2.6503/lb in the month
New York, 3 April (Argus) — Montana-based antimony miner US Antimony produced 35pc less antimony in the first quarter than a year earlier following the switch to sourcing its own Mexican mines from Australian concentrates. Quarterly antimony output totaled 591,942lbs (268t), down from 9
London, 3 April (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged Monday at $270/t after a British exporter sold a cargo of shred at $274/t cfr. Several previously traded cargo deals were reported to the market Monday with just one Uk deal bo
London, 3 April (Argus) — Japan's Sumitomo Metal Mining raised its output target for refined copper in 2017, but lowered guidance for nickel. Sumitomo raised its copper production forecast by 1pc to 450,000t from 445,200t for the current financial year which ends on 31 March 2018. But l
London, 3 April (Argus) — Turkey imported 264,395t of coking coal from the US in February, more than from any other country during the month and 243pc more than in the same month in 2016, according to data from Turkish statistical agency, TUIK. Turkey's February imports of US coking coa
Houston, 3 April (Argus) — The Canada Border Services Agency today levied final antidumping duties as high as 108.5pc on imports of concrete reinforcing bar from six countries, down from a preliminary maximum of 109.2pc. Taiwanese steelmakers Lo-Toun Steel Iron Works and Power Steel;
Houston, 3 April (Argus) — Kentucky-based scrap recycler Industrial Services of America (ISA) is considering restarting its auto shredder after an almost two-year hiatus. ISA warm idled its 9,000gross tons/month capacity shredder in May 2015 "in response to market conditions, primarily
Houston, 3 April (Argus) — London Metal Exchange (LME) primary aluminum stocks were off by 3.1pc during the week ended 31 March, as inventories slipped below 200,000metric tonnes (t) in the US following months of steady declines. Global LME aluminum supplies fell to 1.89mn t Friday comp
Houston, 3 April (Argus) — The US Commerce Department will maintain countervailing duties on imports of certain cut-to-length carbon-quality steel plate from India, Indonesia and South Korea. The department determined that revocation of the duty orders on these products "would likely le
Houston, 3 April (Argus) — Access World USA, the US unit of global warehousing and logistics provider Access World, agreed to pay the London Metal Exchange a $1.4mn fine for alleged misconduct involving falsification of documents regarding movements of zinc metal. Access World USA agree
London, 3 April (Argus) — Global production of manganese metal in February dipped from a record high amid lower Chinese production, data from the International Manganese Institute (IMnI) show. Output totalled 143,000t in February, down by 5pc from the 150,500t produced in January. But
Houston, 3 April (Argus) — The US Commerce Department extended the time limit for final results in an administrative review on antidumping duties covering oil country tubular goods (OCTG) from South Korea. The deadline on the review was originally scheduled for 31 March, but was extende
New York, 3 April (Argus) — US high-carbon ferro-chrome prices were flat in the latest week following a wave of restocking purchases a week earlier. US high-carbon ferro-chrome (Cr 60pc C 6-8pc) prices settled flat at $1.42-1.47/lb Thursday compared with the prior week. Offers were unc
Johannesburg, 3 April (Argus) — Australia-based lithium developer Lepidico has produced its first battery grade lithium carbonate from a mini trial plant utilising its proprietary L-Max technology. A lithium extraction grade of 96pc lithium carbonate was achieved from flotation concentr
London, 3 April (Argus) — The eurozone's manufacturing PMI accelerated towards the end of the first quarter as new orders and manufacturing production grew at the fastest rate since April 2011. Manufacturing growth in India also accelerated in March, to a five-month high, but some other
Johannesburg, 3 April (Argus) — Johannesburg and Sydney-listed lithium developer Tawana Resources aims to become a globally significant tantalum producer from its Bald Hill mine in Western Australia. Bald Hill will become the highest grade tantalum mine in Western Australia and has the
Johannesburg, 3 April (Argus) — South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources has missed its own March deadline to release long awaited updates to the country's Mining Charter. The Mining Charter was first introduced in 2004 as a framework for the transformation of the country's mining
Singapore, 3 April (Argus) — India's top three steel producers posted sharp increases in output in the 2016-17 fiscal year ended 31 March as expanded capacity began production. State-controlled Steel Authority of India (Sail), the country's largest steel producer, posted a 12pc increase
Houston, 31 March (Argus) — An Ontario court granted Essar Steel Algoma an extension on its stay of proceedings that will allow it to continue operations under Canadian bankruptcy law as the company looks to sell its assets. The extension was granted yesterday by the Ontario Superior Co
New York, 31 March (Argus) — US imports of bismuth for consumption rose by 12.3pc in 2016 from the prior year, led by greater Chinese volumes. The US imported 2,190t of bismuth for consumption during the year, up from 1,950t in 2015, according to the US Geological Survey. Imports of C
Houston, 31 March (Argus) — Nymex WTI futures ended above the $50/bl mark for a second day as talks on extending an output cut program gained momentum. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures rose by 25¢/bl to $50.60/bl. Before yesterday, WTI had last settled above the $50/bl mark on 8 Ma
Houston, 31 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price fell for a second day Friday as supply concerns abated. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.6525/lb, down from $2.6715/lb the prior day. Comex settled lower the last two days of the week as supply concerns abated as
Houston, 31 March (Argus) — Stainless steel processor buying prices for nickel-bearing scrap remained unchanged Friday from the prior session as mill demand was flat while London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel has traded in a tight range in recent days. Processor buying prices for single
Houston, 31 March (Argus) — Secondary aluminum alloy A380.1 prices were unchanged this week for the first time since late January after the London Metal Exchange North American Specialty Aluminum Contract (Nasaac) settled lower and pressured prices. The Argus A380.1 price stayed flat
Houston, 31 March (Argus) — Smelter grade aluminium scrap prices were little changed in European and Asian trade in the latest week amid flat demand, as London Metals Exchange (LME) aluminium traded in a very narrow range. Prices of European clean old cast increased to 62-63¢/lb in the
London, 31 March (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged at $270.0/t Friday as negotiations between some counterparties failed to firm into deals. Deep-sea scrap negotiations for May and in some cases end of April shipment started
London, 31 March (Argus) — Vanadium producer Largo Resources expects to achieve monthly output of 840t of vanadium pentoxide in the second quarter 2017 after making modifications to the chemical plant. Canadian Largo, which operates the Maracás Menchen mine and plant in Brazil, will als
Some trading firms doubt the US administration can, or wants to, ease rules that could tempt banks back to the sector Lausanne, 31 March (Argus) — Some banks may return to commodities trading if the US relaxes or repeals laws passed after the 2008 financial crisis, trading company exe
London, 31 March (Argus) — Africa-focused project developer Rainbow Rare Earths is still on track to start producing rare earth concentrates by the fourth quarter, despite activity slowing in the second half of 2016. Operations at the Gakara project in Burundi were intentionally restric
London, 31 March (Argus) — Chilean state-owned mining firm Codelco reduced its copper production year on year in 2016, it reported today. Refined copper output at the world's largest copper mining company fell by 1.4pc to 1.70mn t in 2016, from 1.73mn t in 2015. The largest reduction w
Moscow, 31 March (Argus) — The potential launch of a US anti-dumping investigation into wire rod imports from ten countries is unlikely to significantly harm Russian and Ukrainian mills, with some facilities already out of the market and others able to redirect tonnage to other destina
London, 31 March (Argus) — Nickel continues to be affected by policy changes in the world's two biggest producers, Indonesia and the Philippines. In January, Jakarta partially lifted its ore ban export imposed in 2014, while Manila said it intended to shut 23 mines accounting for over
London, 31 March (Argus) — National incomes in southeast Asia could suffer the greatest near-term impact from rising steel prices, because of the negative trade balance for steel products in the region, according to Swiss bank UBS. In a note published today, UBS indicated that the incre
Reassessing Trump's impact on copper London, 31 March (Argus) — US president Donald Trump's plan to spend $1 trillion on infrastructure has boosted copper prices since he was elected. But recent scepticism towards his proposals has seen analysts reassess the likely impact they will have
London, 31 March (Argus) — Copper remains stalled as supply disruptions are resolved and Chinese demand sends mixed signals. Three-month copper prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) rose to $5,881t on 3 March from $5,815/t on 24 March, within a range it has moved since early January
New York, 31 March (Argus) — US ferro-manganese prices diverged in the latest week amid falling high-carbon and rising medium-carbon alloy demand. US high-carbon ferro-manganese (Mn 80pc, C 6-8pc) prices declined to $1,400-1,450/gt from $1,420-1,470/gt a week earlier. Meanwhile, prices
Beijing, 31 March (Argus) — China's leading molybdenum producer China Molybdenum cut production in 2016, but increased tungsten output. The Shanghai-listed private-sector company produced 16,302t of molybdenum concentrate, which is equivalent to 35.94mn lb of metal content, down by 4.1p
Johannesburg, 31 March (Argus) — South Africa's dollar-earning metals and minerals sector has received an income boost from president Jacob Zuma's Thursday night cabinet reshuffle which includes the firing of the country finance minister and his deputy. After starting this week at an 18
Johannesburg, 31 March (Argus) — Perth-based lithium developer Argosy Minerals signs an agreement with Shanghai Greatpower Industry Co for potential sourcing and production of lithium raw materials and products for China's battery sector. The agreement follows meetings with several Chin
Johannesburg, 31 March (Argus) — Metals developer Australian Mines expects the processing plant at its Sconi cobalt-nickel-scandium project in Queensland to start producing ore "as early as September". Construction of the processing plant is scheduled to start in April and will take aro
Houston, 30 March (Argus) — Smelter-grade aluminum scrap prices were mixed this week as supply remained tight and the London Metal Exchange soared. Secondary alloy A380.1 prices stalled for the first time since January. Prices for bellwether old cast rose to 62-64¢/lb Thursday from 61-6
New York, 30 March (Argus) — The pace of scrapping for very large crude carriers will determine the timing of a recovery in rates for journeys on the dirty tankers, shipbroker MJLF said. The rebound could begin as soon as late 2017. Impending ballast water treatment regulations and the
Houston, 30 March (Argus) — Bare bright price spreads weakened in the latest week as additional material in the US became available for export. Argus assessed bare bright spreads at 9-11¢/lb under May Comex, from 8-10¢/lb under. Dealers are scrambling to generate business as consumer
Houston, 30 March (Argus) — The US International Trade Commission (USITC) determined today that US producers of phosphor copper have been materially injured by dumped imports from South Korea, the final stage in imposing duties. Following the ruling, the Commerce Department will issue a
Houston, 30 March (Argus) — Molybdenum-bearing 316 stainless steel scrap processor buying prices rose Thursday as raw material prices increased in the latest week. Processors also raised their buying prices of 316 scrap to help facilitate scrap flows in a relatively slow week of scrap
Houston, 30 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price finished slightly weaker on Thursday after striking workers at Cerro Verde mine in Peru agreed to return to work and as traders took profits after a three-day run-up. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.6715/lb, down
Houston, 30 March (Argus) — Spot market nickel premiums were unchanged in the latest week amid tight supply in North America. Nickel premiums for full truckload melting grade, 4x4inch cathodes were assessed at 21-25¢/lb, while premiums for full truckload plating grade, 1x1inch cathodes
Houston, 30 March (Argus) — Striking workers at the Cerro Verde copper mine in Peru have agreed to end their 20-day walkout and return to work tomorrow, according to a regulatory filing by the Freeport-McMoRan-controlled mining company. Cerro Verde Mine filed the statement with Peruvian
Houston, 30 March (Argus) — Crude futures rose as Russia said it will fully comply with a pledge to cut output under a deal between Opec and major non-Opec producers. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures rose by 84¢/bl to $50.35/bl, settling above the $50/bl for the first time since 8
New York, 30 March (Argus) — Prices of US seaborne coking coal rose in the latest week along with interest from European steel mills following storm-related mine, rail and port closures in Australia. The price of low volatile coking coal for delivery in the prompt 90 days fob Hampton R
Houston, 30 March (Argus) — The US Commerce Department today set final antidumping duties as high as 148.02pc on imports of certain carbon and alloy steel cut-to-length steel plate from eight countries, and tacked on countervailing duties for imports from South Korea. French steelmaker
Houston, 30 March (Argus) — European spot nickel premiums held steady in the latest week as spot activity slowed. Traders and producers cited tightness in prompt availability material in Rotterdam warehouses. Still, the spot market has slowed due to long-term contract commitments. The
Houston, 30 March (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap prices dropped in Asia in the latest week after London Metal Exchange nickel prices traded below $10,000/metric tonne (t) for six sessions. In Japan and Taiwan, import prices for 304 scrap solids decreased to 56-57¢/lb Thursday, from 57
Houston, 30 March (Argus) — California-based manufacturer Almex has entered into an agreement to provide aluminum billet-casting equipment for Kobelco Aluminum's extrusion plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The company will provide Kobelco with an automatic-tilt rotary furnace, travellin
New York, 30 March (Argus) — US ferro-titanium prices increased in the latest week as steel mills and cored wire producers restocked with low-volume orders. US ferro-titanium (Ti 70pc) rose to $1.93-2.01/lb from $1.92-2.00/lb a week earlier. Offers were up as relatively tight alloy sup
London, 30 March (Argus) — Trading activity remains sparse in the Russian and Ukrainian export basic pig iron (BPI) market, with most buyers and sellers still engaged in a stand-off over prices. Late last week, a Russia-based producer sold 20,000t of BPI produced at its Ukrainian mill,
New York, 30 March (Argus) — A wave of steel mill inquiries for second quarter deliveries pushed US ferro-silicon prices down in the latest week. Thin molybdenum oxide and ferro-molybdenum availability continued to support higher domestic prices. Meanwhile, offers for ferro-vanadium were
London, 30 March (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment held unchanged at $270/t Thursday while exporters made attempts to raise prices. No new deep-sea offers were understood to have been placed on the market today as suppliers grow more confident t
London, 30 March (Argus) — A shift in the tantalite supply chain is pushing up prices for the ore and metal, reducing the price arbitrage between the European and US markets. Tantalite ore prices have risen to $60-65/lb Ta2O5 since the middle of March, the highest level since October 20
London, 30 March (Argus) — Scrap freight rates from the US east coast to Turkey fell this week because of the high availability of vessels and a lack of fixtures in recent weeks, although market participants anticipated that the decline might be short term following a spate of scrap sale
Houston, 30 March (Argus) — The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) board is considering adding five new nonferrous scrap specifications and is suggesting minor changes to some copper specifications. The Washington, DC-based ISRI board will consider the modifications and addi
Houston, 30 March (Argus) — Mexican steelmaker Deacero and Mexican energy infrastructure company IEnova will partner on a $115mn plant to supply the steelmaker solar energy. IEnova will construct, finance, operate, and maintain the solar plant that is expected to be operational by the e
London, 30 March (Argus) — Zinc prices have increased for five consecutive quarters on tighter refined supply. Three-month zinc on the London Metal Exchange has outperformed the base metals complex over the past 15 months, rising by 80pc to $2,834/t on 29 March from $1,574/t at the begi
Houston, 30 March (Argus) — Steel imports into Port Houston were little changed in February from a year earlier while steel exports fell by 62pc. Imports totaled 212,245net tons (192,887metric tonnes) in February from 212,622nt a year earlier according to Port Houston. Import totals we
London, 30 March (Argus) — Brazilian steelmaker Gerdau has formed a joint venture with Central American asset management firm Putney Capital for its 674,000 t/yr long steel producing unit Gerdau Diaco, whose assets are located in Colombia. Gerdau is selling 50pc of the business to Putne
Santiago, 30 March (Argus) — Chile launched a tender to develop lithium-based industrial projects tied to preferentially priced supplies from Albemarle's expansion project in the Atacama salt flat. State-run development agency Corfo and foreign investment promotion agency InvestChile is
Houston, 30 March (Argus) — Chile's Escondida mine named Brazilian Mauro Neves as its new president after a 43-day long strike at the world's largest copper mine that ended last week without an agreement. Neves, a mechanical engineer, will replace Marcelo Castillo, who served as interim
Johannesburg, 30 March (Argus) — AIM and Johannesburg-listed tailings treatment specialist Jubilee Platinum is considering broadening its projects beyond its existing platinum group metals and chrome portfolio. "We are looking at a number of transactions in various other commodities, bu
Sao Paulo, 30 March (Argus) — Brazilian capital machinery and equipment producer revenues fell sharply in February. The drop in revenue is an indication that the economy still has some way to go before emerging from one of its deepest recessions, which began in 2014. February revenues
London, 30 March (Argus) — US president Donald Trump's administration could intensify protectionist measures against rebar imports, including shortened investigation periods for anti-dumping (AD) duties, a trade lawyer said this week at the Irepas steel conference in Budapest. "Recently
London, 30 March (Argus) — UK company Vast Resources, which mines copper in Romania, is looking to recover valuable metals from historic mine tailings. Vast has released a new JORC compliant mineral resource estimate for the Faneata tailings dam that houses more than 40 years of tailing
London, 30 March (Argus) — Lithium Australia has declared its all-equity offer for rival Australian lithium development company Lepidico free from any defeating conditions and has secured the backing of a larger minority shareholder. The conditions that could have disrupted the deal wou
Johannesburg, 30 March (Argus) — Perth-based metals explorer Berkut Minerals has completed due diligence towards the acquisition of three cobalt prospects in Norway and Sweden. The acquisition includes the rights to the Skutterud project in Norway and the Gladhammar and Tunaberg project
Johannesburg, 30 March (Argus) — Perth-based nickel producer Western Areas has completed a pre-feasibility study supporting the viability of its new Odysseus project and the potential restart of the Cosmos nickel mine in Western Australia. It will now advance the project to a definitive
Johannesburg, 30 March (Argus) — South African platinum group metals explorer and chrome producer Bauba Platinum is to start underground mining at its Moeijeliyk chrome mine with the first saleable LG6 ore expected in July. An underground mining contract has been awarded to enable the b
Johannesburg, 30 March (Argus) — AIM-and Johannesburg-listed Jubilee Platinum has produced the first platinum concentrate from its tailings treatment project at Hernic Ferrochrome in South Africa's North West province. This follows the first chromite concentrate being produced at the pr
Singapore, 30 March (Argus) — Beijing has officially put in place laws to reduce crude steel output in key producing cities in north China by 50pc during the winter months. The restrictions require blast furnaces to operate at half their capacity from 15 November to 15 March, covering t
China's SRB launches rare earth stockpile: Correction Corrects story to show that the failed bids for praseodymium-neodymium oxide and terbium oxide took place in December Beijing, 30 March (Argus) — China's State Reserve Bureau (SRB) has launched a new national stockpile for 3,000t of
Houston, 29 March (Argus) — Ohio-based diversified metals manufacturer Worthington Industries processed 17.9pc more steel in its third fiscal quarter from a year earlier. The company processed 943,821net tons (nt) (856,220metric tonnes) of steel during its third quarter ended February,
Houston, 29 March (Argus) — The Argus midwest premium for primary aluminum fell this week as spot demand was thin and US mills remained well-supplied with scrap. The premium fell to 9.5-10¢/lb from 9.75-10.25¢/lb a week earlier, dropping to its lowest point since late January. Higher
Houston, 29 March (Argus) — Used aluminum beverage can (UBC) spreads were steady in the latest week, but are expected to weaken in the near term as most consumers are finished with April purchases and some are almost done with May purchases. Spreads held at 77-79pc of the Argus midwes
Houston, 29 March (Argus) — Price spreads for bare bright copper scrap strengthened in the latest week while spreads for #1 wire and tube weakened amid steady flows and ample supply. Argus assessed price spreads for bare bright copper scrap at 5-7¢/lb under May Comex, up from 6-8¢/lb
Houston, 29 March (Argus) — US copper cathode premiums held onto recent gains amid limited interest for April deliveries. Argus assessed grade A cathode premiums at 5-5.75¢/lb delivered midwest consumer, steady for the last month. Dealers have received some April inquires for bids. L
Houston, 29 March (Argus) — Stainless steel processor buying prices for nickel-bearing stainless scrap were unchanged Wednesday for a third consecutive trading session, as an uptick in nickel prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) had no impact on scrap prices. Processor buying price
New York, 29 March (Argus) — The US Commerce Department today initiated antidumping and countervailing investigations into imports of silicon metal from four countries following a request from US producer FerroGlobe earlier in the month. Commerce launched antidumping investigations into
Houston, 29 March (Argus) — Crude futures rose for a second day amid a slower-than-expected build in US crude inventories. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures rose by $1.14/bl to $49.51/bl. Ice May Brent settled up by $1.09/bl at $52.42/bl. The Brent-WTI spread narrowed by 5¢/bl to $2
Houston, 29 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price edged higher Wednesday as crude traded higher and the US dollar index was near a four-month low. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.6775/lb, marginally up from $2.676/lb the prior day and the highest close since 17
Sao Paulo, 29 March (Argus) — Canadian mining company Lithium Americas and joint venture partners will invest $425mn to bring lithium carbonate output to 25,000 t/yr at the Cauchari-Olaroz project in Argentina. The joint venture is with Chilean fertiliser and chemical producer SQM. Min
London, 29 March (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment increased by $5.10/metric tonne (t) to $270/t Wednesday after a US sale lifted prices. Deep-sea scrap suppliers took a firmer stance towards Turkish mills in the past 48 hours on news of Chinese
Houston, 29 March (Argus) — The US Commerce Department has officially opened an antidumping and countervailing duty investigation into imports of Chinese aluminum foil. Commerce will determine whether Chinese exporters of foil to the US benefited from government subsidies or sold their
China to continue cutting ‘illegal' steel capacity London, 29 March (Argus) — China aims to continue eliminating unauthorised domestic steel production capacity that is deemed to produce low-quality products, the vice-president of Chinese steel producer Jiangsu Yonggang, Simon Yu, said.
London, 29 March (Argus) — World stainless steel melt shop production reached a record high last year amid increased Chinese output, data from the International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF) show. Total output reached 45.8mn t last year, an increase of 10.2pc from 2015. Barring a slight
Sierra Metals' chief executive Brennan resigns Houston, 29 March (Argus) — Mark Brennan, chief executive of Toronto-based copper and zinc producer Sierra Metals, has tendered his resignation. Brennan will continue at his current role for 30 days to facilitate an "orderly succession plan,
New York, 29 March (Argus) — US selenium prices were up for a seventh straight week amid slim near-term supplier stocks. US selenium (Se 99.5pc) prices rose to $16.50-18.25/lb from $16.00-17.50/lb a week earlier. US traders and distributors raised offers again in the latest week, citi
New York, 29 March (Argus) — US molybdenum concentrate production fell by 29pc in 2016 from the prior year following the idling of byproduct circuits at copper mines. The US produced 35,800t of molybdenum in 2016, down from 50,600t a year earlier, according to the US Geological Survey (
Johannesburg, 29 March (Argus) — A big price rise in steelmaking metals - such as manganese - during 2016 was encouraged by major producers when they moderated production and expansion targets, said Brian Gilbertson, chairman of metals and minerals investment firm, Pallinghurst. "Other
Johannesburg, 29 March (Argus) — Perth-headquartered European Lithium has produced test oxide concentrate at its Wolfsberg lithium project in Austria as part of its move towards commercial production. The company produced a 6pc lithium oxide test flotation concentrate. Tests show that l
Sao Paulo, 29 March (Argus) — Canada-based miner Ascendant Resources aims to restore zinc production at the El Mochito project in Honduras to 2015 levels after acquiring it from Belgian metals group Nystar in December. Zinc output was 41mn lbs in 2016, down from 50mn lbs/yr a year earl
Beijing, 29 March (Argus) — China's Minmetals will purchase more tungsten concentrate from the spot market to ensure feedstock supply for its ammonium paratungstate (APT) smelters. Minmetals held meetings with tungsten concentrate suppliers in Chenzhou, Hunan province, and Ganzhou, Jia
China's SRB launches new rare earth stockpile Beijing, 29 March (Argus) — China's State Reserve Bureau (SRB) has launched a new national stockpile for 3,000t of rare earths. The SRB will purchase 220t of neodymium oxide at Yn270,000/t ($39,244/t), 450t of dysprosium oxide at Yn1.25mn/t,
Johannesburg, 29 March (Argus) — Australia's biggest lithium developer Pilbara Minerals acquires a majority stake in the Mt Francisco lithium-tantalum project in Western Australia to complement the resource pipeline at its rapidly developing Pilgangoora project. Mt Francisco is regarded
Johannesburg, 29 March (Argus) — Australia's biggest lithium developer Pilbara Minerals acquires a majority stake in the Mt Francisco lithium-tantalum project in Western Australia to complement the resource pipeline at its rapidly developing Pilgangoora project. Mt Francisco is regarded
Johannesburg, 29 March (Argus) — Perth-based Cape Lambert Resources is in offtake discussions with global commodity traders regarding its Kipushi copper-cobalt tailings project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Five trading houses have so far shown an interest in possible life-of-min
Houston, 28 March (Argus) — Amsterdam-based rolled aluminum producer Constellium has installed a new furnace at its Muscle Shoals, Alabama, facility, giving it the capacity to re-melt almost one fifth of the cans sold in the US on an annual basis when full ramped up. The furnace will bo
Houston, 28 March (Argus) — US President Donald Trump's executive orders today aimed at rolling back environmental regulations on greenhouse gases will help support the international competitiveness of US steelmakers, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Trump dir
Houston, 28 March (Argus) — Extrusion scrap spreads tightened Tuesday as spot demand remained robust. Spreads for industry bellwether 6063 extrusions and EC wire, narrowed to 5-6¢/lb under the Argus midwest transaction price from 6-8¢/lb. Prices rose to 91-92¢/lb Tuesday from 88.5-90.
Houston, 28 March (Argus) — Stainless steel processor buying prices were unchanged Tuesday in a relatively quiet trading day as nickel prices on London Metal Exchange (LME) have been in a narrow range for nearly a week. Processor buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solids traded
New York, 28 March (Argus) — Texas-based chemical manufacturer Huntsman expects first quarter adjusted earnings before interest taxes depreciation, and amortization (Ebitda) to rise compared with a year earlier, despite a 30 January fire at the Pori, Finland titanium dioxide facility.
Houston, 28 March (Argus) — European copper scrap prices remained unchanged for #1 and #2 copper as bare bright strengthened in the latest week while scrap was readily available for Asian smelters and refiners amid lackluster demand. Prices of #2 copper wire and tube remained at 80-81pc
Houston, 28 March (Argus) — Crude futures rose today as Libya's state-owned NOC declared force majeure restrictions on crude loading operations at the Zawia terminal. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures rose by 64¢/bl to $48.37/bl, recouping some of the previous session's losses. Ice M
Houston, 28 March (Argus) — Premiums on grade A copper cathodes held flat for a second week amid weak demand as three-month London Metal Exchange (LME) copper was little changed from the prior week. Premiums for grade A copper cathodes held at $30-40/t in-warehouse Rotterdam for a secon
London, 28 March (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment was unchanged Tuesday at $264.90/metric tonne (t). Domestic scrap prices for April delivery are expected to weaken in several global markets, which could place pressure exporters if the drops pu
Houston, 28 March (Argus) — Ford Motor, the second-largest US automaker, plans to spend $1.2bn at three manufacturing facilities in the state of Michigan over the next three years. The company's Michigan Assembly Plant will receive $850mn for modifications enabling the production of the
Houston, 28 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price moved higher Tuesday with technically driven buying as the Dow Jones Industrial average rebounded after an eight-day slide, boosted by a surge in consumer confidence in March. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.676/
New York, 28 March (Argus) — Total US output of titanium mill products and ingot was up by 5.2pc during 2016 from a year earlier amid higher ingot levels. The US produced 104,400t of titanium ingot and mill products during the year, up from 99,200t a year earlier, according to the US Ge
Mexico City, 28 March (Argus) — Heavy industry is emerging as a vigorous participant in the opening of Mexico´s natural gas sector as it moves away from less efficient liquid fuels. Luxembourg-based steelmaker ArcelorMittal and Mexican industrial conglomerates Industrias Peñoles and Gru
London, 28 March (Argus) — Latin America's rolled steel exports increased by 24pc on the year in January, exceeding the 10pc rate of import growth over the period, Latin American steel association Alacero said. Exports of rolled steel totalled 792,000t last month — 414,000t of flat prod
Houston, 28 March (Argus) — London Metal Exchange (LME) primary aluminium stocks closed at new lows for 2017 during the week ended 24 March, as Asian inventories dipped below 1mn metric tonnes for the first time since January. Global inventories closed the week at 1.94mn t, down from 1.
New York, 28 March (Argus) — Prices for cobalt rallied for a 12th consecutive week as suppliers struggled to secure material. Steady cast aluminum demand and tight scrap supply in combination with a recent trade case lifted silicon metal prices. Tight supply of selenium following previou
Regency's US met coal sales hit by delays London, 28 March (Argus) — UK-listed Regency Mines looks likely to miss its target of selling its first metallurgical coal from the Rosa mine in the US state of Alabama by the end of the current quarter, saying that it now expects to ship the firs
New York, 28 March (Argus) — US silicon metal prices climbed for a third straight week as tight metal and alloy supplies pushed buyers into the spot market. US silicon metal (Si 98.5pc) prices increased to $1.02-1.06/lb Thursday from $1.01-1.04/lb a week earlier. US cast aluminum allo
New York, 28 March (Argus) — US high-grade cobalt prices increased in the latest week, driven by thin metal supplies. US high-grade cobalt (Co 99.8pc) prices rose to $27.25-28.00/lb from $26.00-27.00/lb a week earlier. Offers were up gradually throughout the week amid persistent suppl
London, 28 March (Argus) — The mood at the Irepas steel conference in Budapest this week was largely optimistic. Participants expected world steel demand to remain stable or increase slightly, supported by a positive outlook for global economies and markets outside China in particular.
Houston, 28 March (Argus) — Four US steelmakers today filed antidumping and countervailing petitions that seek to impose duties on imports of carbon and alloy steel wire rod from 10 countries, setting alleged dumping margins as high as 821.40pc for Russian imports. Gerdau, Nucor, Keysto
Beijing, 28 March (Argus) — China's largest lithium material producer private-sector Tianqi Lithium increased production and sales last year in response to rising prices and demand. Tianqi's lithium salts output increased by 23pc year on year in 2016 and its carbonate sales rose by 31pc
Johannesburg, 28 March (Argus) — Johannesburg and Sydney-listed lithium developer Tawana Resources has completed the acquisition of the Cowan lithium project which adjoins the Bald Hill lithium-tantalum mine in Western Australia. It has agreed a cash and share payment to gain full owner
Johannesburg, 28 March (Argus) — Australian metals explorer Argonaut Resources has updated the exploration target at the Nyungu copper-cobalt deposit in Zambia following drill assay results. The copper target is 130mn-180mn t of ore grading 0.45-0.65pc copper for contained copper metal
Johannesburg, 28 March (Argus) — ASX-listed green energy technology company Cobalt Blue Holdings confirms significant cobalt-pyrite mineralisation at its Thackaringa project in Australia's state of New South Wales after analysis of assay results from a drilling programme. The assay resu
Houston, 27 March (Argus) — The correlation between prices for pig iron delivered to New Orleans and the price paid for #1 busheling delivered to mills in Birmingham in the first quarter of 2017 rose to 99.9pc from 99.1pc in 2016 and from 93pc in 2015. The average impact of a $1/metric
Houston, 27 March (Argus) — European prices for secondary aluminium alloy rose during the latest week amid strong consumer demand. Still, alloy producers in Europe are concerned about margins, as some scrap suppliers have taken notice of higher ingot prices and have pushed up offers. I
Houston, 27 March (Argus) — US raw steel production increased by 2.4pc in the week ended 25 March compared to the year earlier period. Output rose to 1.73mn net tons (nt) (1.57mn metric tonnes) from 1.69mn nt a year earlier, with capacity utilization up to 72.8pc from 72.1pc, according
Houston, 27 March (Argus) — Premiums for US special high-grade zinc gained strength in the latest week as a strike persisted at a major North American refinery and London Metal Exchange zinc inventories continued to drop. Argus assessed the US zinc premium at 9-11¢/lb Monday, up from
Houston, 27 March (Argus) — Stainless steel processor's buying prices weakened Monday after nickel prices on the London Metal Exchange traded below $10,000 metric tonne for a fourth day. Argus assessed processor buying prices of 304 scrap solids at 57-58¢/lb Monday, down from 58-59¢/l
Houston, 27 March (Argus) — Crude futures fell today followinga meeting by Opec and non-Opec members over the weekend to discuss output curbs. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures fell by 24¢/bl to $47.73/bl. Ice May Brent settled by 5¢/bl lower at $50.75/bl. The Brent-WTI spread widene
Houston, 27 March (Argus) — European zinc premiums were unchanged Monday as support from tightening supply was negated by weak spot demand. The Argus premium for special high grade zinc stayed flat Monday at $150-160/t in-warehouse Rotterdam, from the prior week. Premiums in Rotterdam
London, 27 March (Argus) — The Argus daily cfr Turkey premium HMS 1/2 80:20 scrap price assessment fell by $4.10/t Monday to $264.90/t following a number of lower-priced US origin sales. A US supplier sold a May shipment cargo to an Iskenderun based mill containing 21,000t of HMS 1/2
Houston, 27 March (Argus) — Comex copper was little changed Monday as markets continue to study the potential impacts on US infrastructure spending after a failed attempt at healthcare reform late last week. The Comex price for the most active contract settled at $2.632/lb Monday, up m
China's Yunnan Germanium obtains GaAs production permit Beijing, 27 March (Argus) — China's Xinyao Semiconductor Material, a subsidiary of Yunnan Germanium, has obtained a production permit for gallium arsenide. Under the permit the company will produce 1.2mn pieces of gallium arsenide
London, 27 March (Argus) — US-based solar component manufacturer First Solar has secured financing for the development and construction of a new solar project in New South Wales, Australia. The 48MW project, near Manildra, is expected to be completed in 2018. It will use around 466,000
New York, 27 March (Argus) — US high-carbon ferro-chrome prices rallied for a second week amid stronger demand from foundries and stainless steel mills. Prices for high-carbon ferro-chrome (Cr 60pc C 6-8pc) increased to $1.42-1.47/lb this past week from $1.40-1.45/lb a week earlier. Tr
New York, 27 March (Argus) — Belgian-based specialty metals producer Advanced Metallurgical Group (AMG) plans to protect its tantalulm supply contract with Global Advanced Metals USA (GAM) after the company cancelled its agreement recently. AMG defended its January response to consumer
London, 27 March (Argus) — Commodity analysts have revised their price forecasts for aluminium in 2017, with global supply and demand fundamentals expected to push the market into deficit over the next two years. French investment bank Societe Generale has lifted its average aluminium p
Sao Paulo, 27 March (Argus) — Australian company Avanco Resources is seeking to develop and explore copper projects in the Carajas region of Brazil's northern Para state. The firm plans to invest $9.6mn in total, earmarking $3.6mn for working capital and upgrades at the Antas developmen
China's rare earth magnet exports rise in February Beijing, 27 March (Argus) — China exported 1,617t of rare earth permanent magnets in February, up by 6pc from a year earlier, customs data show. The average export price fell by just over 8pc year on year to $47.80/kg. Exports in Januar
Johannesburg, 27 March (Argus) — Australia's biggest lithium developer Pilbara Minerals receives one of two key environmental approvals for its Pilgangoora lithium-tantalum project in Western Australia and expects the remaining approval in the near term. It received a Native Vegetation
Johannesburg, 27 March (Argus) — AIM-listed Savannah Resources declares a maiden inferred mineral resource of 900mn t grading 4.1pc total heavy minerals at the Ravene deposit, which adds capacity to the Mutambe Mineral Sands Project in Mozambique. The deposit includes a high grade resou
China's antimony production rises in February Beijing, 27 March (Argus) — China's antimony production rose in February on expectations of anti-pollution measures and a higher number of working days than a year earlier, China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA) show. Production
China's zircon sand stocks decline Beijing, 27 March (Argus) — Zircon sand stocks at China's main ports fell by 6,000t to 124,500t in the week ending 24 March, Chinese importers, logistics and warehousing companies said. Stocks fell because a number of zirconium products manufacturers in
Beijing, 27 March (Argus) — Chrome ore stocks at China's main ports fell by 44,000t to 1.84mn t in the week ending 24 March, Chinese importers, logistics and warehousing companies said. Stocks fell as some mines sold ores at lower prices amid expected price falls, and ferro-chrome smelt
Sao Paulo, 27 March (Argus) — The Cerro Verde copper-molybdenum mine in Peru is calling on workers to return to work as a dispute over pay and conditions moves into a third week. The strike, which began on 10 March, was declared illegal and was halted on 23 March. But it restarted on 24
Houston, 24 March (Argus) — Total US steel imports increased by 21pc in February from a year earlier even as imports of finished steel declined by 1.7pc. Steel imports totaled 2.7mn net tons (nt) (2.4mn metric tonnes) in February, up from 2.2mn nt a year earlier while finished steel imp
Houston, 24 March (Argus) — US export yard buying prices dropped this week following big decreases in bulk export prices off the east and west coasts. East coast bulk export prices for HMS 1/2 (80:20) dropped to $269-274/metric tonne (t) cif Turkey this week, from $294-300/t the prior w
Houston, 24 March (Argus) — WTI crude futures inched higher today ahead of a meeting this weekend of an Opec and non-Opec committee in Kuwait to assess compliance with a production cut agreement. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures rose by 27¢/bl to $47.97/bl. Ice May Brent moved high
Houston, 24 March (Argus) — Comex copper dropped Friday amid uncertainty over whether Republican members of the US lower house will vote in the afternoon to support US President Donald Trump's bid to repeal his predecessor's signature health bill. The Comex price for the most active mon
London, 24 March (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 steel scrap assessment fell by $8.50/metric tonne (t) Friday to $269.0/t cfr Turkey following two North American sales. A North American exporter sold a cargo to an Iskenderun mill Friday 50,000t of shred at $274/t cfr Iskenderu
London, 24 March (Argus) — Rising copper prices look increasingly detached from market fundamentals, data from the London Metal Exchange (LME) suggest. Three-month copper on the LME was 25.5pc higher at $5,825/t on 23 March compared with $4,640/t on 24 October 2016, when prices started
London, 24 March (Argus) — Russian base and precious metals producer Norilsk Nickel (Nornickel) has started pre-commissioning zinc removal equipment on a new production line at its northwestern subsidiary Kola MMC's plant in Monchegorsk. The new line, part of investment in new efficient
London, 24 March (Argus) — Persistent high overcapacity in the global steel industry could undermine the sector's apparent recovery the OECD has warned. The Paris-based body, which acts as a facilitator for the G20 Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity established in December 2016 and w
Houston, 24 March (Argus) — Stainless steel processor buying prices stalled in the latest week as the nickel market on the London Metal Exchange (LME) found some stability. Processor buying prices for single loads of 304 scrap solids traded at 58-59¢/lb while turnings traded at 53-54¢/
London, 24 March (Argus) — Ukrainian demand for Canadian coking coal is increasing as it attempts to reduce imports of the steel feedstock from Russia, amid heightened tensions between Ukraine and its neighbour over the continuing conflict in Donbass. Canada exported 176,790t of coking
China's rare earth exports up slightly in February Beijing, 24 March (Argus) — China exported 3,293t of rare earths in February, up by 1.6pc compared with 3,240t in the same month last year, customs data show. The rise may partly be the result of an increase in February working days, as
Houston, 24 March (Argus) — European and Asian scrap prices were unchanged this week as exchange traded aluminium prices stayed range bound amid no changes in demand for scrap. European clean old cast remained at 61-63¢/lb Friday, while clean old sheet stayed flat at 59-60¢/lb. Seconda
New York, 24 March (Argus) — US ferro-manganese prices rose in the latest week following prior gains in offshore ore and alloy levels. Prices for high-carbon ferro-manganese (Mn 80pc, C 6-8pc) increased to $1,420-1,470/gt from $1,400-1,450/gt a week earlier. Medium-carbon ferro-manganes
Sao Paulo, 24 March (Argus) — US mining firm Freeport McMoRan is calling on workers at its Cerro Verde copper-molybdenum mine in Peru to return to work as a dispute over pay and conditions moves into a third week. The strike, which began on 10 March, was declared illegal and was halted
Houston, 24 March (Argus) — Global steel tube producer Tenaris will resume production at its Prudential facility located in Calgary, Canada. The electric resistance welded facility, which has been idled for two years, will resume operations in July amid greater stability in oil and gas
China's antimony exports down in February Beijing, 24 March (Argus) — China's antimony exports fell in February, as higher prices reduced demand, customs data show. Antimony metal China exported 65t in February, down by 82pc from 363t a year earlier. Shipments fell as Chinese export pri
Houston, 24 March (Argus) — US and Canadian shipments of rolled aluminum products were mixed in the first two months of 2017 compared with the same period a year earlier, as can stock and foil shipments declined, but plate and sheet shipments rose. Can stock shipments fell by 0.9pc to 6
London, 24 March (Argus) — Billet and hot rolled coil prices in China fell today having recovered slightly yesterday, as the downward sentiment prevailed. The price for hot rolled coil in Shanghai dropped by 20 yuan/t ($2.90/t) to Yn3,170/t for SS400 5.5mm thickness coils, tracking the
Beijing, 24 March (Argus) — China's cadmium imports rose sharply in February amid reduced domestic supply, customs data show. Cadmium China imported 1,384t of cadmium metal in February, up by 125pc from 614t a year earlier. Consumers increased imports after a decline in domestic outpu
Beijing, 24 March (Argus) — China's ferro-chrome exports rose steeply in February on stronger demand from Canada, customs data show. Ferro-chrome Exports of high-carbon material surged to 398t in February, up by 3,880pc from 10t a year earlier, on a large rise in demand from consumers
Johannesburg, 24 March (Argus) — Perth-based rare earths producer Lynas is working with magnet makers in Japan, Europe and the US to increase usage of its products, specifically neodymium-praseodymium. It is also working with its customers to innovate rare earths usage and to grow perma
London, 24 March (Argus) — Ferro-alloy production from Ukraine's two main plants rose by 14,100t or 18.55pc on the year in February to 90,100t, and was 11,500t higher than the previous month on increased output of ferro-manganese. Nikopol and Zaporozhye ferro-alloy smelters produced a c
China's chrome ore imports rise in February Beijing, 24 March (Argus) — China's chrome ore imports rose sharply in February on growing demand from alloy smelters, customs data show. Chrome ore China imported 1,292,478t of chrome ore and concentrate in February, up by 114pc from 603,692
London, 24 March (Argus) — Canadian company Mkango Resources, which is engaged in rare earth exploration in Malawi has teamed up with UK powder metallurgy firm Metalysis to research new magnetic alloys. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly research, develop
Johannesburg, 24 March (Argus) — Australian mineral sands developer Sheffield Resources completes a bankable feasibility study confirming the potential for its Thunderbird project in Western Australia to be a significant zircon and ilmenite producer. The study indicates a mine life of 4
Johannesburg, 24 March (Argus) — Perth-based metals developer Energia Minerals plans to update the mineral resource and complete a definitive feasibility study at its Gorno zinc project in northern Italy by the end of April. Metallurgical testwork has been completed, mine design is near
Houston, 23 March (Argus) — US domestic ferrous scrap prices for April delivery are expected to drop, with obsolete grades poised to be weaker than prime grades as obsolete supply may outpace improving mill demand. Prime grades across the country are expected to trade at prices unchang
Houston, 23 March (Argus) — Old sheet aluminum scrap traded at the same level as old cast for the first time in nearly six years as competition from rolling mills lifted old sheet prices. The Argus old sheet price rose to 61-63¢/lb Thursday, from 61-62¢/lb a week earlier, as some ro
Houston, 23 March (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap processor buying prices held steady Thursday as London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel remained under $10,000 metric ton (t) for a second day. Stainless scrap for 316 scrap solids traded at 72-74¢/lb, while 316 turnings were assessed at 64
Houston, 23 March (Argus) — Bare bright price spreads held unchanged for a second week and remained at their strongest levels of the month. Argus assessed bare bright spreads at 8-10¢/lb under May Comex, unchanged from the prior week as demand from South Korea and Japan remained ste
Houston, 23 March (Argus) — Nickel cathode premiums remained flat in the latest week as the volume of spot transactions increased. Nickel premiums for full truckload melting grade, 4x4inch cathodes were assessed at 21-25¢/lb, while premiums for full truckload plating grade, 1x1inch ca
Houston, 23 March (Argus) — Stainless steel 304 scrap prices remained unchanged in Europe in the latest week amid solid demand and tightening supply, while scant supply pushed up prices in Asian trade. Rotterdam and German blenders kept their 304 prices at 56-57¢/lb, unchanged from
Houston, 23 March (Argus) — WTI crude futures fell today to settle below $48/bl amid continuing signs of growing US production and uncertainty about the future of an Opec-led output reduction agreement. Nymex May light, sweet crude futures fell by 34¢/bl to $47.70/bl. Ice May Brent eas
Houston, 23 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price moved higher Thursday for a second day in technically driven buying as the Dow Jones Industrial average climbed in early trade and the dollar index was little changed after recent declines. The Comex price for the most active month sett
Sao Paulo, 23 March (Argus) — Production will resume at Escondida in Chile, the world's largest copper production site, on 25 March after workers extended their previous contract. The union invoked a little-used clause in the the labour code allowing them to continue working under the s
Houston, 23 March (Argus) — Nickel cathode premiums were unchanged this week amid steady European demand, particularly for the slightly off-grade blending grades. The Argus nickel cathode full plate premium remained at $140-150/metric tonne (t) in-warehouse Rotterdam Thursday. Demand
London, 23 March (Argus) — Scrap freight rates from Europe to Turkey continued to rise in the past week, with margins between US east coast and Europe slimming as the latter showed strength and the former no signs of picking up. Freight rates for 30,000t scrap cargoes on Supramax vesse
London, 23 March (Argus) — The stalemate between exporters and importers of CIS basic pig iron (BPI) has continued this week, with offers still far higher than buyers are willing to accept, and sellers unfazed by any apparent price pressure that could be generated by softening raw materi
London, 23 March (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged at $277.50/metric tonne (t) Thursday amid a standoff. Scrap suppliers remain unwilling to let prices drop to the $270/t cfr Turkey level for HMS 1/2 80:20, after being tabled
New York, 23 March (Argus) — Prices of US seaborne coking coal fell slightly in the latest week as buying remained at a standstill and more capacity came on line. The price of low volatile coking coal for delivery in the prompt 90 days fob Hampton Roads, Virginia, fell by 50¢/t to $161
Sao Paulo, 23 March (Argus) — International commodities trader Englehart plans to close its London-based cobalt trading unit to focus on oil, gas, coal and agricultural products. Englehart was formed last year when BTG Pactual spun off its commodities arm. The cobalt business was led
London, 23 March (Argus) — Philippine nickel ore and concentrate exports to China have continued to fall amid further supply uncertainty. The Philippines' government published its mining audit last month, ordering the closure of 23 mining operations in a campaign to fight environmental
Fitch expects China's steel exports to recover London, 23 March (Argus) — Chinese steel exports and supply will recover as current high steel prices prompt the restart of idled capacities over the next three to six months, US credit ratings agency Fitch has said. In a report released yes
New York, 23 March (Argus) — US magnesium imports for consumption fell by 7.3pc during 2016 amid lower finished product and alloy levels. The US imported 45,600t of magnesium for consumption during 2016, down from 49,200t a year earlier, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). I
Houston, 23 March (Argus) — US primary tin consumption figures slipped by 1.7pc in 2016 while imports fell by 4.2pc from the prior year, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Consumption of primary tin dropped to 23,300t last year from 23,700t in 2015. US secondary
Houston, 23 March (Argus) — Texas-based steelmaker and recycler Commercial Metals (CMC) expects "robust" demand to increase steel shipment volumes in the third quarter of 2017 after the company's steel shipments rose by 8pc in its second quarter from a year earlier. CMC's Americas stee
Updates text to include Nucor's comments on anticipated completion Houston, 23 March (Argus) — US steelmaker Nucor plans to invest $85mn to upgrade its rolling mill located in Marion, Ohio. The upgrade has the potential to add fifteen jobs to the facility, which employs 265 people.
New York, 23 March (Argus) — Climbing raw material costs and aggressive buying in Europe supported higher ferro-molybdenum prices. Rising demand from stainless steel mills and foundries lifted high-carbon ferro-chrome. Meanwhile, rebounding manganese ore prices pushed ferro-manganese o
New York, 23 March (Argus) — US ferro-titanium prices rose in the latest week supported by strong demand and price increases in Europe. The Argus US ferro-titanium (Ti 70pc) prices increased to $1.92-2.00/lb Thursday, from $1.92-1.97/lb a week earlier. North American alloy producer
Houston, 23 March (Argus) — US steelmaker Nucor plans to invest $85mn to upgrade its rolling mill located in Marion, Ohio. The upgrade "has the potential to add an additional fifteen jobs" to the facility, which currently employs 265 people, Nucor said. Nucor did not respond to reques
Houston, 23 March (Argus) — Zinc output at Noranda Income Fund's zinc processing facility in eastern Canada has increased to 50-60pc of normal operating levels since unionized workers went on strike on 12 February. Noranda said today the output level is "materially in line with expectat
London, 23 March (Argus) — Continuing growth in global crude steel production could be evidence of trouble building up in the steel market, rather than a sustainable recovery in the sector, Swiss investment bank UBS has warned. Figures released by the World Steel Association (WSA) yeste
Sao Paulo, 23 March (Argus) — Peruvian mining company Minsur said its mining and smelting operations in southern Peru have sustained no damage and are operating normally despite the most severe rainfall in two decades and flooding creating havoc for the country's industry. Lima-based Mi
Johannesburg, 23 March (Argus) — Ireland-headquartered heavy minerals company Kenmare Resources achieved record ilmenite, zircon and rutile output at its Moma Titanium Minerals Mine in northern Mozambique in 2016 and expects further production increases in 2017. Total heavy minerals con
Johannesburg, 23 March (Argus) — Africa-focused Canadian mining group Ivanhoe Mines discovers a major new zone of copper mineralisation at its Kamoa-Kakula project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The new zone called Kakula West is 3.8km in length on the western edge of the existing
Houston, 22 March (Argus) — s Price spreads for bare bright copper scrap were unchanged in the latest week while spreads for #1 wire and tube edged up amid steady flows and ample supply. Argus assessed price spreads for bare bright copper scrap at 6-8¢/lb under May Comex, holding for
Houston, 22 March (Argus) — US copper cathode premiums held onto recent gains as concerns of a supply deficit outweighed lackluster physical demand in the last week. Argus assessed grade A cathode premiums at 5-5.75¢/lb delivered midwest consumer; unchanged for a third week. Supply
Houston, 22 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price rose on Wednesday, partially reacting to a two-day slide driven by renewed talks at the Escondida mine in Chile aimed at ending a strike into its 42nd day and a weakening dollar. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2
Houston, 22 March (Argus) — The Argus midwest premium for primary aluminum traded lower for the first time this year, as weak spot demand weighed on some offers. The Argus premium declined to 9.75-10.25¢/lb from 10-10.25¢/lb a week earlier, after remaining unchanged for the five p
Houston, 22 March (Argus) — Used aluminum beverage can spreads were weaker Wednesday as well-supplied consumers did not hike buying prices in-step with higher terminal markets. Spreads widened to 77-79pc of the Argus midwest transaction price from 79-80pc a week earlier, as outright
Houston, 22 March (Argus) — US stainless: Scrap firm as nickel falls Stainless scrap processor buying prices held steady Wednesday even as exchange nickel fell below $10,000metric ton (t) for the first time since January 31. Stainless scrap for single loads of 316 solids traded at 72
Oil futures: WTI falls in volatile session Houston, 22 March (Argus) — WTI crude futures settled lower today after a volatile session as the US reported a larger-than-expected weekly build in US stockpiles, but also withdrawals in product inventories. Nymex May light, sweet crude future
Sao Paulo, 22 March (Argus) — BHP Billiton has suspended development work indefinitely at the Coloso desalination plant and Los Colorados concentrator in Chile because of blockades mounted by striking Escondida workers. The Anglo Australian resources group took the decision because work
Houston, 22 March (Argus) — Portland-based steel manufacturer and recycler Schnitzer Steel forecast a positive operating income in the second quarter of 2017 at its auto and metals recycling segment amid higher sales volumes and prices. The company anticipates operating income for the s
Houston, 22 March (Argus) — Premiums for duty unpaid P1020 aluminium dropped by $5/metric tonne (t) in the latest week in thin spot trade and as London Metal Exchange (LME) metal moved in a narrow range. Premiums for duty unpaid spot and three-month aluminium dropped to $90-100/t in-wa
London, 22 March (Argus) — Titanium sands mining hopeful Bluejay Mining, formerly FinnAust, plans to apply for an exploitation licence for the Pituffik ilmenite project in Greenland. The company intends to complete this in the second half of this year, with a view to starting large-sc
London, 22 March (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged at $277.50/metric tonne (t) Wednesday as suppliers rejected a push for lower prices. Deep-sea and short-sea bids and enquiries did not materialize Wednesday as some Turkish mi
London, 22 March (Argus) — New zinc mine output is expected to end the market deficit in 2018 as mining firms respond to higher prices by increasing production. Mining companies have restarted and expanded projects from the second half of last year as prices have recovered. Global new p
London, 22 March (Argus) — Global pig iron production declined in February, with lower output registered in every key region, according to the World Steel Association (WSA). Total global pig iron production fell to 92.09mn t in February — down from 98.28mn t in January, although up from
New York, 22 March (Argus) — US selenium prices rose in the latest week as offshore production issues further cut into metal availability. US selenium (Se 99.5pc) prices rallied to $16.00-17.50/lb from $14.00-16.00/lb, up for a fifth straight week. Offers were up following recent pr
Vast buys out Romania Cu-Zn mine London, 22 March (Argus) — European copper miner Vast Resources secures full ownership of the Manaila polymetallic mine it is developing in Romania. AIM-listed Vast purchased the remaining 49.9pc share last week from private investor Ni Jin Ming from the
London, 22 March (Argus) — British black cab manufacturer the London Taxi Company (LTC) today opened a new plant in Ansty Park, Coventry that will manufacture its electric taxi model TX5. The TX5 is an extended range plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, combining an electric motor, which u
London, 22 March (Argus) — Luxembourg-based steelmaker ArcelorMittal is calling for further consolidation in the steel industry to help alleviate global overcapacity. "Consolidation should take place around the world, not just in Europe," the chairman of the company's German branch, Fra
China's Shandong Ruifu to raise lithium output Beijing, 22 March (Argus) — China's leading lithium producer Shandong Ruifu Lithium will increase its lithium carbonate output in April. The company will launch a new 20,000 t/yr production line next month, which will boost its capacity to
Houston, 22 March (Argus) — Combined crude steel production in the US, Canada and Mexico was flat in February from a year earlier as higher production in Mexico offset lower output in the US and Canada. Steel production in the three countries was 8.9mn metric tonnes (t), unchanged from
China's Guangdong to develop RE industry chain Beijing, 22 March (Argus) — Guangdong province has announced a plan to speed up the development of high-performance rare earth new materials and application products under the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20). Guangdong is one of China's large
London, 22 March (Argus) — Hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices in China dropped sharply today as demand fell amid a bearish near-term outlook. HRC in Shanghai dropped by Yn145/t ($21.05/t) to Yn3,415/t for SS400 5.5mm thickness coils. The HRC price has shed nearly Yn200/t since the beginning
China's zinc smelters to cut output in April Beijing, 22 March (Argus) — Chinese zinc smelters are poised to start facility maintenance in April amid low profit margins caused by tight concentrate supplies. A group of twelve large Chinese zinc smelters decided to cut production in the fa
Johannesburg, 22 March (Argus) — Australian lithium developer Mineral Resources upgrades the estimated mineral resource at its Wodgina lithium-tantalum project in Western Australia to 101mn t from a previous estimate of 65mnt. The new estimate represents a tonnage increase of 36mn t or
Sao Paulo, 22 March (Argus) — Talks aimed at resolving a six-week strike at Escondida, the world's biggest copper production site in Chile, are continuing into a third day. Anglo Australian resources group BHP Billiton and the union representing 2,500 workers are coming under intense pr
Johannesburg, 22 March (Argus) — AIM-listed copper and gold developer Alecto Minerals starts test production and initial plant process commissioning at its 60pc-owned Mowana copper mine in Botswana which is being re-started after a two-year suspension. Saleable concentrate output gradin
Johannesburg, 22 March (Argus) — Perth-based Pioneer Resources announces Australia's first caesium mineral resource within the Sinclair zone of its Pioneer Dome lithium-caesium-tantalum project near Norseman in Western Australia. A maiden mineral resource of 10,500t grading 17.1pc caesi
Europe's February car sales rise more slowly Singapore, 22 March (Argus) — Europe's car sales rose in February at their slowest pace in four months, amid a sharp slowdown in demand growth in Italy and Spain and contracting sales in key markets like the UK, Germany and France. Total car s
Houston, 21 March (Argus) — US Al: Mill-grade spreads widen Spreads were wider Tuesday for scrap purchased mostly by rolling mills, as consumers were long on material and London Metal Exchange prices hovered near highs for 2017. Spreads for 5052 clips widened to 10-11¢/lb under the Ar
Rains threaten Peru's mining sector Lima, 21 March (Argus) — The most intense rains in Peru in the past two decades are creating havoc for the mining sector, the backbone of the South American country's economy. Around 2,150km (1,336mi) of roads have been flooded, while 175 bridges were
Houston, 21 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price dropped on Tuesday as traders took profits after Freeport-McMoRan resumed generating copper concentrates at its Indonesian Grasberg mine and BHP Billiton's Escondida mine management and striking union renewed talks. The Comex price f
Houston, 21 March (Argus) — European copper scrap prices remained unchanged in the latest week amid high stockpiles of available scrap for smelters and refiners and no demand competition from Asia. Prices of #2 copper wire and tube remained at 80-81pc of the London Metal Exchange (LME)
Houston, 21 March (Argus) — Stainless scrap processor buying prices were up Tuesday for nickel-bearing grades as processors look to build inventories in anticipation of strong consumer demand expected in April. Scrap flow has slowed due to lower prices and dealers sitting on the sid
London, 21 March (Argus) — South African mineral development company Bushveld Minerals has entered into a sales and marketing agreement with UK trading firm Wogen Resources that will help it fund the acquisition of South Africa's largest vanadium producer. Bushveld is close to completin
Houston, 21 March (Argus) — WTI crude futures settled below $48/bl today, coming down from gains earlier in the session, as analysts forecast a large weekly build in US stockpiles. Nymex April light, sweet crude futures fell by 88¢/bl to $47.34/bl. The April contract, which expired toda
Houston, 21 March (Argus) — Grade A copper cathode premiums rose by $5/metric tonne (t) in the latest week, as buyers focused on material from specific producers in thin trade. Premiums for grade A copper cathodes increased to $30-40/t in-warehouse Rotterdam from $25-35/t the prior week
London, 21 March (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment fell by $16/metric tonne (t) to $277.50/t Tuesday after sales from Europe and North America concluded at lower prices. Turkish scrap import prices fell sharply today due to a growing supply of
London, 21 March (Argus) — China must focus more on efficiency, cut excess industrial capacity and move towards services from manufacturing to address slowing economic growth, according to a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The gradual rebal
New York, 21 March (Argus) — US silicon metal prices increased for a second week amid offshore tightness. US silicon metal (Si 98.5pc) prices rose to $1.01-1.04/lb Thursday from $1.01-1.03/lb a week earlier. Domestic traders and suppliers were slow to offer additional metal lots, an
Houston, 21 March (Argus) — Illinois-based Global Brass and Copper Holdings (GBC) has named Dale Taylor as president of Olin Brass, a division of GBC. Taylor will replace Bill Toler, who served as president of Olin Brass since December 2014 after joining Olin Brass in 2011. Toler has
Japan's aluminium imports rise in January London, 21 March (Argus) — Japan's imports of aluminium and aluminium products rose in January 2017 with increased demand across a number of consumer industries, according to data from the Japanese Aluminium Association (JAA). Total imports of ro
New York, 21 March (Argus) — Production issues in Asia pushed up US selenium prices in the past week and a persistent supply squeeze on the high-grade cobalt market lifted prices for an 11th straight week. Antimony metal prices moved up with environmental inspections at smelter facilit
New York, 21 March (Argus) — US high-grade cobalt was up in the latest week, supported by ongoing supply tightness. US high-grade cobalt (Co 99.8pc) prices rallied to $26.00-27.00/lb from $23.25-26.00/lb a week earlier. Domestic suppliers raised offers for an eleventh straight week,
Johannesburg, 21 March (Argus) — London-listed Rainbow Rare Earths expects to achieve the first production and sales from its Gakara rare earths project in Burundi by the end of this year. Initial extraction of run of mine ore is scheduled to start soon with the first mining equipment f
Sao Paulo, 21 March (Argus) — Peruvian production of tin concentrate increased by 18.1pc year on year to 1,400t in January, but was 16.4pc lower than in December. Output of 18,790t last year was down by 3.7pc. The country's only producer, Lima-based mining company Minsur, deploys gravit
Sao Paulo, 21 March (Argus) — Zinc concentrate production in Peru rose by 11.3pc to 113,955t in January from the same month a year earlier. But production decreased by 3.2pc compared with December. The country's mining ministry collates figures to the nearest tonne. Sharp production in
Johannesburg, 21 March (Argus) — Perth-based base metals developer Consolidated Zinc expects to complete a first stage scoping study at its Plomosas zinc-lead project in Mexico in the second quarter of 2017 and could produce initial output from the project in the fourth quarter. Ore is
Johannesburg, 21 March (Argus) — ASX-listed lithium producer Galaxy Resources completes a second lithium concentrate export shipment to China from its Mt Cattlin mine in Western Australia and expects the third shipment to take place in mid-April. These two shipments will complete offtak
Johannesburg, 21 March (Argus) — Perth-based Mount Burgess Mining plans to develop the Nxuu deposit at its Kihabe zinc-lead-silver project in Botswana as it provides the quickest path to production. The deposit is estimated to contain 196,000t of zinc and 153,000t of lead within an ore
Houston, 20 March (Argus) — US zinc: Premiums hold as deficit lingers Premiums for US special high-grade zinc ticked higher in the latest week as a strike persisted at a major North American refinery and London Metal Exchange (LME) stockpiles dropped in 12 out of the last 14 days. Arg
Houston, 20 March (Argus) — US stainless steel processor buying prices held steady Monday amid strong mill demand and some stability in London Metal Exchange nickel prices. Argus assessed single loads of 316 scrap solids at 72-73¢/lb Monday, while 316 turnings were assessed at 63-65
Houston, 20 March (Argus) — Automotive sector aluminium alloy prices increased in the latest week on strong demand and lack of available scrap. European alloys 226 and 231 and UK alloy LM24 rose amid solid demand for those grades, which are used extensively in the automotive sector. All
London, 20 March (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment remained unchanged at $293.50/t cfr Monady, in the absence of deals or concrete bids and offers. Market participants held back from new transaction activity due to their uncertainty over future
Houston, 20 March (Argus) — US raw steel production increased by 3.7pc in the latest week, sending year to date production up by 3.7pc. Output in week ended 18 March rose to 1.75n net tons (nt) (1.58mn metric tonnes) from 1.69mn nt a year earlier, with capacity utilization up to 73.7pc
Houston, 20 March (Argus) — Premiums for special high-grade zinc rose in the latest week in-warehouse Rotterdam amid renewed demand and a tightening of available supply The premium increased to $150-160/metric tonne (t) in-warehouse Rotterdam from $140-145/t the prior week. Premiums h
Houston, 20 March (Argus) — WTI crude futures fell today as signs of growing US shale output balanced out momentum from an Opec-led supply cut agreement. Nymex April light, sweet crude futures fell by 56¢/bl to $48.22/bl. The contract traded as low as $47.84/bl earlier in the session.
Houston, 20 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price dropped Monday as traders took profits following a six-day rally and crude traded lower. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.6670/lb, down from $2.6915/lb Friday after Comex reached its third highest settlement pri
London, 20 March (Argus) — Australian lithium development company Lepidico has produced high-specification battery grade 99.7pc purity lithium carbonate using its L-Max technology from samples provided by exploration company Pioneer Resources. Lithium carbonate is used in the manufactur
Sao Paulo, 20 March (Argus) — Copper concentrate production in Peru in January rose by 24.8pc from a year earlier, as the country's copper mining industry continued to benefit from new projects and expansions. January output from more than 70 pits across Peru totalled 196,317t, 7.1pc le
London, 20 March (Argus) — Global mine production of copper increased in 2016, supported by rising output in Peru and fewer supply disruptions, preliminary data from the International Copper Study group (ICSG) showed. Output rose by over 5pc to 20.2mn t last year, up from 19.1mn t in 20
Houston, 20 March (Argus) — JSW Steel USA hopes to launch a new mill within the next two years at one of three locations it has shortlisted. The US branch of India-based JSW is in the middle of concluding the design for an electric arc furnace (EAF) to supply its fully designed new heav
Sao Paulo, 20 March (Argus) — Peruvian molybdenum production decreased 3.4pc in January from a year earlier to 1,915t and was down by 14.1pc against December Southern Copper's output from the Toquepala and Cuajone operations was 678t, down by 35.5pc compared with the previous year. Prod
Houston, 20 March (Argus) — Iron ore producer Mesabi Metallics, formerly Essar Steel Minnesota, received a court approval that enables it to process to an April confirmation hearing to emerge from bankruptcy. A Delaware bankruptcy court approved on 16 March the company's amended disclos
Houston, 20 March (Argus) — London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminum inventories slipped below 2mn metric tonnes (t) on Friday for the first time since 2008, as warehouses in Asia, Europe and the US each logged net decreases during the week ended 17 March. Inventories fell to 1,996,000t on
Houston, 20 March (Argus) — Secondary aluminum alloy producer Missouri Smelting Technology (Most) has tapped Charles Skinner to replace industry veteran Danny Pollock in the role of purchasing manager. Pollock led Most's raw material purchasing group for 16 years and will retire on 31 M
Houston, 20 March (Argus) — US-based aluminum mill Arconic has signed a multi-year deal with Toyota North America to supply the automaker with products for its Lexus RX crossover vehicle. The rolled aluminum will be produced at the company's plants in Davenport, Iowa, and Danville, Illi
Sao Paulo, 20 March (Argus) — Peru produced 69t of cadmium in January, 9.5pc higher than a year earlier. Output was 1t or 1.5pc higher against December. In 2016 output was 820 t/yr, 8.3pc more than for the previous twelve months, data published by the country's mining ministry to the n
Houston, 20 March (Argus) — Pennsylvania-based Universal Stainless Alloy Products announced today a base price increase of 5pc for stainless bar products, effective with all new orders entered by March 27. Universal Stainless has facilities in Bridgeville and Titusville, Pennsylvania
New York, 20 March (Argus) — US FeCr: Stainless orders up after benchmark US high-carbon ferro-chrome prices were up in the latest week following a higher than expected settling of the second quarter benchmark. High-carbon ferro-chrome (Cr 60pc C 6-8pc) prices rose to $1.40-1.45/lb Thu
Beijing, 20 March (Argus) — China's state-owned Hunan Gold Group increased its metal output last year in response to price rises. Hunan Gold Group produced 2,011t of tungsten in 2016, up by 30pc year on year. But output of antimony products fell slightly to 30,246t in 2016, down by 1.7
London, 20 March (Argus) — Chinese domestic billet prices rose, driven by strong finished steel sales on 18-19 March that boosted demand. And prices continued rising today, despite slowing transaction activity. Tangshan billet rose by 60 yuan/t ($8.69/t) from 17 March to Yn3,310/t ex-wo
Johannesburg, 20 March (Argus) — Tanzania-focused rare earths developer Peak Resources receives an Environmental Certificate from the government for its Ngualla rare earths project which is a pre-requisite for the granting of a mining licence. The certificate completes the Environmental
Beijing, 20 March (Argus) — Zircon sand stocks at China's main ports fell by 7,500t to 130,500t in the week ending 17 March, Chinese importers, logistics and warehousing companies said. Stocks were driven lower by renewed buying from zirconium products manufacturers which have restarted
Beijing, 20 March (Argus) — Titanium ore stocks at China's main ports fell by 43,500t to 265,500t in the week ending 17 March, Chinese importers, logistics and warehousing companies said. Stocks fell as a result of fewer shipments and a substantial increase in consumer demand. Stocks
Johannesburg, 20 March (Argus) — AIM-listed Africa-focused metals developer Premier African Minerals is on track to produce wolframite, the principal ore of tungsten, at its RHA Tungsten project in Zimbabwe before the end of March. This follows the installation of X-Ray Transmission (XR
Johannesburg, 20 March (Argus) — Rising demand for battery metal cobalt is causing Australian metals developer Metals X to reconsider development options for its Wingellina nickel-cobalt project. It could develop the Western Australia project as a stand-alone cobalt project or as a nick
Johannesburg, 20 March (Argus) — Australian rare earths developer Hasting Technology Metals has completed a beneficiation pilot plant at its Yangibana neodymium-praseodymium project in Western Australia and is testing a hydrometallurgy pilot plant in March and April. The beneficiation p
Johannesburg, 20 March (Argus) — Australian rare earths developer Hasting Technology Metals has completed a beneficiation pilot plant at its Yangibana neodymium-praseodymium project in Western Australia and is testing a hydrometallurgy pilot plant in March and April. The beneficiation p
Sao Paulo, 17 March (Argus) — Talks aimed at resolving a five-week strike at Escondida, the world's biggest copper production site, are planned to start the afternoon of 20 March. This follows the submission of a revised "final" offer by project controller, the Anglo Australian resour
Houston, 17 March (Argus) — US east coast export yard buying prices are expected to come under downward pressure next week after bulk prices to Turkey lost some ground this week. West coast prices were firm following a bulk sale to Indonesia. Bulk prices to Turkey dipped below $300/me
Houston, 17 March (Argus) — Chinese authorities arrested 70 suspects today in nine provinces and cities as they launched the second phase of their "National Sword 2017" crackdown on illegal imports of waste and scrap. Officials from 12 regional offices of the General Administration of C
Mexico City, 17 March (Argus) — Mexico's freight railroad industry shows a concerning lack of healthy competition, consumer watchdog Cofece said in a preliminary report. Railroad companies have been cashing in on a fuel import boom in Mexico, the result of a sweeping energy reform enact
Houston, 17 March (Argus) — Major grades of secondary aluminium scrap remained unchanged in European and Asian trade in the latest week amid limited demand and as exchange aluminium traded in a narrow range. European clean old cast remained unchanged at 61-63¢/lb while clean old sh
New York, 17 March (Argus) — The US Commerce Department lowered some proposed antidumping duties on imports of ferro-vanadium from South Korea in its final determination today. The Commerce Department determined that imports of ferro-vanadium from South Korea were sold at less than fair
Houston, 17 March (Argus) — Crude futures rose as Saudi Arabia said it could support an extension of production cuts beyond the agreed six months if needed. Nymex April light, sweet crude futures rose by 3¢/bl to $48.78/bl. Ice May Brent rose by 2¢/bl to $51.76/bl. The May Brent-May WTI
Houston, 17 March (Argus) — US stainless processor buying prices were steady Friday as nickel volatility continues to disrupt the nickel-bearing scrap market. Stainless scrap for single loads of 316 solids traded at 72-73¢/lb, while 316 turnings were assessed at 63-65¢/lb, unchanged
London, 17 March (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment decreased by $6.90/metric tonne (t) Friday to $293.5/t after European cargoes sold at lower prices. A continental European supplier sold 20,000t of HMS 1/2 80:20 at $286/t and 10,000t of bonus a
Houston, 17 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price rose for a sixth consecutive session Friday as the dollar weakened and supply disruptions at three of the world's largest mines showed no sign of abating. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.6915/lb, up from $2.677
New York, 17 March (Argus) — North American billings of semiconductor equipment rose by 63.8pc during February amid greater investment from memory and foundry manufacturers. The three-month average of worldwide billings of North American semiconductor equipment totaled $1.97bn, up from
London, 17 March (Argus) — A court in Brazil has approved a plan to assess social and environmental damage caused by the collapse in 2015 of the Fundao tailings dam in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais as part of a roadmap to reopening Samarco Mineracao's 25mn t/yr iron ore operation.
Houston, 17 March (Argus) — A380.1 prices rose this week as smelters making commitments to the London Metal Exchange's North American Specialty Aluminum Alloy Contract (Nasaac) kept spot supply tight on the open market. Benchmark A380.1 set a new record for the year, trading at 92-93¢
London, 17 March (Argus) — Ukrainian titanium ore producer UMCC reported a 26pc increase in sales of ilmenite in 2016. The company shipped 532,335t of ilmenite concentrate to customers last year, up from 422,041t in 2015. Pre-tax proceeds from sales increased to 2.9bn hryvnia ($107.6mn)
London, 17 March (Argus) — UK-based Ferroglobe's manganese alloy shipments rose last year, amid favourable market conditions in July-December, although total deliveries slipped by 5pc compared with 2015. Shipments of manganese alloys, silicon alloys and silicon metal stood at 911,850t i
London, 17 March (Argus) — Australian lithium mining firm Talison, 50:50 owned by US specialty chemicals producer Albemarle and China's Tianqi Lithium, plans to double the capacity at its Greenbushes lithium mine. The joint venture has approved an expansion of the opencast mining and or
New York, 17 March (Argus) — US ferro-manganese prices were unchanged in the latest week amid steady Chinese and European markets. High-carbon ferro-manganese (Mn 80pc, C 6-8pc) settled flat at $1,400-1,450/gt in the latest week. Medium-carbon ferro-manganese (Mn 80pc, C 1-2pc) was un
Houston, 17 March (Argus) — A US administrative judge has extended a section 337 investigation on claims made by US Steel that Chinese steelmakers have engaged in antitrust activities and falsely designated origin to circumvent US trade duties. US administrative law judge Dee Lord set t
Houston, 17 March (Argus) — Tank equipment markets — whether for railcars, inland barges, coastal barges or full-fledged tankers — are oversupplied, with operators waiting for supply-and-demand dynamics to swing back in their favor. The operators cannot control demand, except perhaps to
London, 17 March (Argus) — Russia's appetite for tungsten has prompted a domestic industry revival, and plans to restart production at a large mine idled almost twenty years ago put the country on track to become the world's largest tungsten producer, after China. Growing domestic deman
Houston, 17 March (Argus) — US-based Steel Dynamics (SDI) forecast a "meaningful increase" in first quarter profitability compared with the prior quarter amid higher steel shipments and prices. The company expects to benefit from improving macroeconomic and market conditions as the ener
Sao Paulo, 17 March (Argus) — Canada-based minerals processor Duran Ventures agrees to sell the Ichuña copper-silver project in the Moquegua region of southern Peru to Tartisan Resources in a C$50,000 cash and share deal. The companies will sign a definitive agreement by 17 May followin
Houston, 17 March (Argus) — US rolled aluminum producer Arconic has received $243mn in proceeds from the sale of Alcoa Power Generating's Yadkin Hydroelectrical Project to Cube Hydro Carolinas, in a bid to pare down non-essential assets. The sale was originally agreed upon in July 2016
New York, 17 March (Argus) — Colorado-based molybdenum mine developer General Moly plans to continue "stringent cost management" and reschedule equipment procurement as it works to develop its Mount Hope project in Nevada. The company narrowed its loss to $8mn in 2016 from a $15.2mn lo
London, 17 March (Argus) — Chinese domestic billet prices fell for a second consecutive day today amid thin trade, as demand weakened, following a strong price rally on 10-15 March. Tangshan billet prices declined by 30 yuan/t ($4.35/t) to Yn3,250/t ex-works for Q235 with a cross-sectio
London, 17 March (Argus) — Nickel and zinc prices gained from a lower dollar this week following the first rate hike by the US Fed in 2017. Three-month nickel prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) rose to $10,320/t on 16 March from $10,070/t on 10 March. Russia's major nickel miner
London, 17 March (Argus) — Copper prices rose this week on a falling dollar and a supportive outlook for the US economy given by the Fed chairwoman Janet Yellen as she announced higher US interest rates on 15 March. The dollar index, a measure of the US currency against a weighted baske
China's Juneng Special Steel raises FeMo tender price Beijing, 17 March (Argus) — Chinese private-sector special steelmaker Shandong Juneng Special Steel has raised its ferro-molybdenum tender tender price for March delivery. The steelmaker's tender price has risen to Yn80,300/t ($11,608
Beijing, 17 March (Argus) — Joint venture partners Mineral Resources, Neometals and Ganfeng Lithium have sent another shipment of spodumene from the Mt Marion project in Western Australia. The second shipment of 16,662t of spodumene, grading 4-6pc lithium oxide, will be delivered to Zhe
Beijing, 17 March (Argus) — China's ministry of land and resources has allocated the first batch of rare earth mining quotas for 2017. The quota is 52,500t, unchanged on last year, and includes 43,550t of light rare earths and 8,950t for ion-absorption rare earths. The remainder will b
Beijing, 17 March (Argus) — The Chinese authorities will send environmental inspection teams to 15 provinces in April, including Hunan province — the largest antimony producing region. The inspections are expected to last from April to June, and will focus on water pollution in the Xian
China's Dongfang Resource to raise FeMn output Beijing, 17 March (Argus) — China's largest private-sector high-carbon ferro-manganese alloy producer Shanxi Dongfang Resource plans to restart a 300m³ blast furnace on 18 March amid rising alloy prices and tight spot supply. The company's o
Johannesburg, 17 March (Argus) — AIM and Johannesburg-listed Jubilee Platinum buys the rights to 1.25mn t of surface material that will add 14,000 oz/yr to its platinum group metal production from tailings and third party ore. The acquisition of the surface material will contribute towa
Johannesburg, 17 March (Argus) — Perth-based Orion Gold secures control of Prieska, one of the world's largest sulphide zinc-copper deposits in South Africa's Northern Cape province. All conditions are met and regulatory approvals granted to acquire Agama Exploration Mining which hold
Johannesburg, 17 March (Argus) — Perth-based copper and cobalt company Nzuri Copper has completed a capital raising to finish a definitive feasibility study at its 30pc-owned Kalongwe copper-cobalt project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The share placement was oversubscribed with
Houston, 16 March (Argus) — Pennsylvania-based Carpenter Technology Corporation Thursday announced increases in base prices for all specialty stainless, high temperature, electronic and premium alloy steels, effective for all new non-contract orders placed after March 31. Increase in b
New York, 16 March (Argus) — Higher import prices and tight molybdenum oxide supplies forced ferro-molybdenum up in the latest week. Ferro-titanium prices rallied for a third straight week on rising scrap costs. Meanwhile, ferro-chrome prices were up as the European benchmark settled h
Houston, 16 March (Argus) — Molybdenum-bearing 316 stainless steel scrap prices rose Thursday amid material tightness and higher raw material prices. Stainless scrap for 316 scrap solids traded at 72-73¢/lb, up from 70-73¢/lb on Wednesday, while 316 turnings were assessed at 63-65¢/lb
Houston, 16 March (Argus) — US smelter-grade aluminum scrap prices were higher Thursday as suppliers increased offer prices amid continued gains in secondary alloy pricing. Old cast prices, a bellwether indicator for the secondary aluminum scrap market, have climbed to their highest l
Houston, 16 March (Argus) — Premiums for full-plate nickel cathodes were unchanged in the latest week amid steady European demand while premiums for 4x4inch cut cathodes rose as producers pushed to widen margins on the higher-cost material. Premiums for newly produced full plate cathod
Houston, 16 March (Argus) — Nickel premiums were unchanged in the latest week amid strong demand from specialty alloy and stainless steel producers and tight supply in the North American spot market. Nickel premiums for full truckload melting grade, 4x4inch cathodes were assessed at
Houston, 16 March (Argus) — Bare bright price spreads strengthened with increased demand in the latest week while #1 wire and tube and #2 scrap weakened amid ample supply. Argus assessed bare bright spreads at 8-10¢/lb under May Comex, up from 9-11¢lb the prior week. South Korea and
Houston, 16 March (Argus) — Crude futures fell as investor attention returned to the increase in US output and the stockpile build in the storage hub of Cushing, Oklahoma. Nymex April light, sweet crude futures fell by 11¢/bl to $48.75/bl, sliding for three out of four days this week.
Sao Paulo, 16 March (Argus) — Wolf Minerals' Drakelands tungsten mine in Devon, England is feeling the pressure of lower metals prices after the company widened six monthly losses for the period ended 31 December to A$37.6mn ($28.9mn) from A$24.3mn. The Australia-based company has not b
London, 16 March (Argus) — Turkish mills' margins have become squeezed due to a fall in rebar sales this week, which has stoked anticipation that deep-sea scrap prices may move downward slightly to allow mills to regain margin and re-invigorate domestic and overseas rebar markets. At lea
Houston, 16 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price strengthened for a fifth trading day on Thursday amid no sign of resolution to ongoing supply disruptions at three of the world's largest mines, Escondida in Chile, Grasberg in Indonesia and Cerro Verde in Peru. The Comex price for
Houston, 16 March (Argus) — Prices of 304 stainless steel scrap moved higher in Asia in the latest week on tighter supply and gains in exchange nickel while 304 scrap was unchanged in European trade. Prices of 304 stainless scrap rose to 57-59¢/lb in South Korea from 56-58¢/lb the
London, 16 March (Argus) — Export sales of Russian and Ukrainian basic pig iron (BPI) have all but ground to a halt, with extremely low supply continuing to keep offer levels far higher than scrap, compelling several buyers to turn to alternative lower-priced metallic products instead of
London, 16 March (Argus) — Scrap freight rates from Europe to Turkey strengthened in the past week, owing to tighter tonnage in the continent and greater availability of cargoes, while transatlantic rates remained flat. Freight rates for 30,000t scrap cargoes on Supramax vessels from A
New York, 16 March (Argus) — US seaborne coking coal prices were mostly flat in the latest week, as buyers held back from purchases with Asia-Pacific quarterly supply agreements still outstanding. The price of low volatile coking coal for delivery in the prompt 90 days fob Hampton Road
London, 16 March (Argus) — The zinc market registered a supply deficit in January, as metal production could not keep pace with demand, industry association ILZSG said today. The shortfall amounted to 27,000t. Total output climbed by 1pc year on year to 1.12mn t, but metal consumption e
London, 16 March (Argus) — Billet prices retreated today in China following a steady rise since the beginning of March, having reached a three-year high yesterday. The price of billet in Tangshan dropped by Yn30/t ($4.35/t) to Yn3,280/t ex-works for Q235 150mm cross section billet, as
New York, 16 March (Argus) — US ferro-titanium prices rallied for a third week as higher scrap exports and production disruptions impacted availability. US ferro-titanium (Ti 70pc) prices rose to $1.92-1.97/lb from $1.85-1.90/lb a week earlier. Recent increases in raw material costs
Houston, 16 March (Argus) — Global diversified manufacturer Johnson Controls International has agreed to sell its Scott Safety business to 3M in a cash transaction valued at approximately $2bn that will help pay down debt from its recent merger with Tyco International. The transaction i
Houston, 16 March (Argus) — Nucor expects increased profitability in its raw materials segment in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the prior quarter even after an unplanned maintenance outage at its direct reduced iron (DRI) facility. The outage was caused by an equipment failur
Sao Paulo, 16 March (Argus) — Canadian diversified industrial firm Maxtech Ventures agrees to form a joint venture to develop the Buriturama manganese mine in Brazil's northeast Bahia state with local company Plantiminas Empreendimentos Rurais. The joint venture will ship 10,000t/month
Johannesburg, 16 March (Argus) — Two furnaces at the recently hot-commissioned Sakura Ferroalloys Project in Sarawak, Malaysia, continue to ramp-up to capacity and meet customers' ferro-manganese specifications. The project officially opened this week, but produced ferro-manganese from
Johannesburg, 16 March (Argus) — South Africa's multi-commodity Nkomati Nickel mine has entered a difficult three-year phase of declining performance, 50pc shareholder, African Rainbow Minerals said. The forecast of lower output and sales is based on the expectation of lower grade ore a
Johannesburg, 16 March (Argus) — Chinese approvals have been received for investment in the development of Perth-based Altona Mining's $238mn Cloncurry copper-gold project in north-west Queensland. The only outstanding investment approval now needed for the project to proceed is from Au
Johannesburg, 16 March (Argus) — South African metals producer Assmang continues to operate only three out of six ferro-manganese furnaces, despite the rise in alloy prices over the past year. Assmang produced 67,000t of ferro-manganese from its Cato Ridge Works in KwaZulu Natal provinc
China's Diqing Nonferrous launches copper production Beijing, 16 March (Argus) — China's Yunnan Diqing Nonferrous launched copper production at its Pulang copper mine on 16 March. The mine has a 44,000 t/yr metal content capacity for copper concentrate, and will be the largest copper pr
Houston, 15 March (Argus) — Argus assessed price spreads for bare bright copper scrap at 6-8¢/lb under May Comex, up from 8-10¢/lb last week. Spreads for #1 wire and tube were unchanged at 13-15¢/lb under May, holding its lows for the year. Some dealers were able to move scrap for
New York, 15 March (Argus) — The US defense department's procurement arm the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) opened solicitations for four separate lots of high-carbon ferro-manganese for sale today. The DLA has offered four lots of domestic and Indian origin high-carbon ferro-manganese
Houston, 15 March (Argus) — US Cu: Premiums hold strength US copper cathode premiums held onto the prior week's gains as concerns of a supply deficit outweighed tepid spot demand. Argus assessed grade A cathode premiums at 5-5.75¢/lb delivered midwest consumer, up from 4.75-5.25¢/lb
Houston, 15 March (Argus) — The US International Trade Commission (ITC) today announced that it will initiate a preliminary investigation into whether Chinese imports of aluminum foil have materially injured a domestic industry. According to federal law, the commission must make a preli
Houston, 15 March (Argus) — Used aluminum beverage can spreads held this week as lower London Metal Exchange aluminum prices enabled well supplied consumers to decrease outright buying prices. Spreads were flat at 79-80pc of the Argus midwest transaction price, while outright prices
Houston, 15 March (Argus) — Molybdenum-bearing 316 stainless steel scrap buying prices rose Wednesday because of tight supply and higher raw material prices. Stainless scrap for single loads of 316 solids traded at 70-73¢/lb, up from 70-72¢/lb a day earlier, while 316 turnings were as
Houston, 15 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price strengthened for a fourth day on Wednesday as the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark lending rate, reflecting the economy's "continued progress," crude climbed and the dollar weakened. Immediately following the Fed announcement in
Adds context, reaction and comments from President Donald Trump Washington, 15 March (Argus) — President Donald Trump has taken the first step toward weakening US fuel-economy standards projected to lift the efficiency of cars and trucks by 40pc by 2025. The administration will reviv
Houston, 15 March (Argus) — The midwest premium for primary aluminum was flat this week after traders decided not to lower offers. Traders do not expect discounts to generate significant amounts of new spot business which led to prices staying unchanged. The Argus midwest premium wa
Houston, 15 March (Argus) — The US International Trade Commission (ITC) today decided to leave in place antidumping duty orders on imports of pure magnesium ingot from China. ITC determined that the revocation of the duty orders would likely lead to the continuation or recurrence of mat
Houston, 15 March (Argus) — Crude futures rose as the IEA flagged a looming supply deficit and the dollar fell. Nymex April light, sweet crude futures rose by $1.14/bl to $48.86/bl, after two straight days of losses this week. Ice May Brent rose by 89¢/bl to $51.81/bl. The May Brent-Ma
Riga, 15 March (Argus) — Ukrainian vertically integrated steelmaker and mining firm Metinvest has lost control over assets located in the country's breakaway Donetsk and Luhansk regions as they were seized by the governments of Donetsk (DNR) and Luhansk (LNR), the company said today. Th
Houston, 15 March (Argus) — Premiums for P1020 aluminium remained unchanged in the latest week with limited spot trading while London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminium held in a tight range. Billet premiums fell by $10/metric tonne (t), back to the prior week's levels, also amid limited a
Sao Paulo, 15 March (Argus) — BHP Billiton's plans to restart production using temporary labour at the Escondida mine in Chile, the world's biggest copper producing site are facing stern opposition from the union representing 2,500 workers. The Anglo Australia resources group said it wo
London, 15 March (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment stayed unchanged Wednesday at $300.40/t due to a standstill in activity. There was a standoff between suppliers and mills despite a growing consensus among traders that the Turkish scrap import
London, 15 March (Argus) — Figures from the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics showed that the Chinese industrial sector continued to grow in February, but government action on subsidy fraud has significantly affected the production of new energy vehicles. Total Chinese industrial o
Houston, 15 March (Argus) — Canadian service center shipments of aluminum were 10pc lower in February compared with a year earlier, as inventories were off by 1.7pc. Shipments fell to 9,300nt in February from 10,300nt in the prior year, according to the latest data from the Illinois-bas
Sao Paulo, 15 March (Argus) — Chile's mined copper production in January fell by 2.9pc from a year earlier, statistics from the country's copper commission Cochilco showed. January copper production totalled 446,200t, down from 459,400t in the same month of 2015 and 11.2pc less than Dec
Sao Paulo, 15 March (Argus) — Chile's molybdenum concentrate production fell by 12.3pc in January to 4,272t from 4,871t a year earlier, statistics from the country's copper commission Cochilco showed. Production was down by 4.8pc against December's total of 4,488t. Higher production a
Houston, 15 March (Argus) — US service center shipments of aluminum products were flat in February from a year earlier, as inventories increased by 2.4pc. Shipments were little changed in February at 127,500nt (115,666 metric tonnes) from 128,000nt a year earlier, according to the late
New York, 15 March (Argus) — US selenium prices rallied for a fourth week, driven by thin near-term availability. US selenium (Se 99.5pc) prices rose to $14.00-16.00/lb from $13.75-15.75/lb the week prior. Tight offshore and domestic selenium supplies forced traders to raise offers
Johannesburg, 15 March (Argus) — Australian bauxite developer Metro Mining completes a bankable feasibility study which supports a 17-year mine life to produce 92.2mn t of direct shipping ore from its Bauxite Hills project in Queensland. The study indicates an initial production rate of
Beijing, 15 March (Argus) — Titanium ore stocks at China's main ports rose by 31,000t to 309,000t in the week ending 10 March, Chinese importers, logistics and warehousing companies said. Stocks rose as a result of higher shipments last week. Demand for ore from the titanium dioxide ind
Johannesburg, 15 March (Argus) — A scoping study confirms the potential for the Flemington scandium-cobalt project in New South Wales to produce high quality scandium oxide, cobalt sulphate and nickel sulphate for up to 45 years. The project will be now be advanced to a pre-feasibility
Johannesburg, 15 March (Argus) — Lithium exploration and development company Marquee Resources lists on the Australian Stock Exchange after raising funds through an initial public offering to develop its Clayton Valley lithium project in the US state of Nevada. The oversubscribed IPO wa
Johannesburg, 15 March (Argus) — The European ferro-chrome benchmark for the second quarter of 2017 has been set at $1.54/lb, down 11¢ or 6.7pc from the first quarter's level of $1.65/lb. The new benchmark price for the 1 April to 30 June period was announced by Johannesburg-listed inte
Sao Paulo, 15 March (Argus) — UK-based Chilean copper-molybdenum Antofagasta producer plans to focus on increasing productivity and cutting costs this year. This is as Antofagasta posted a doubling of profit for 2016 to $176mn. The company said the next stage of growth will come fro
Houston, 14 March (Argus) — US spreads for mill-grade mixed low-copper clips and painted siding weakened Tuesday, after multiple mills completed purchasing for March purchasing and some ventured into securing supply for April. Mixed low-copper clip spreads widened to 21-23¢/lb under t
Houston, 14 March (Argus) — Members of the United Steelworkers (USW) union have ratified a labor agreement with AK Steel, covering workers at the company's Mansfield Works in Ohio. The ratified contract will be in effect until 31 March 2021 and cover 300 hourly production and maintenanc
Houston, 14 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price gained ground for a third day on Tuesday, after reversing early losses, amid ongoing outages at three major mines and uncertainty as a Federal Reserve policy meeting got underway. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.
Houston, 14 March (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap buying prices were unchanged Tuesday as nickel on the London Metal Exchange (LME) traded marginally lower. The softening of prices for nickel-bearing stainless scrap last week was attributed to the fall in nickel prices on the LME and
Houston, 14 March (Argus) — WTI futures fell below $48/bl today, continuing a downward slide as Opec released its latest Monthly Oil Market Report increasing forecasts for non-Opec supply. Nymex April light, sweet crude futures eased by 68¢/bl to $47.72/bl. Ice May Brent fell by 43¢/b
Houston, 14 March (Argus) — Shipments of iron and steel on the Arkansas River rose by 9.4pc in February from a year earlier. Iron and steel shipments on the Mcclellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System increased to 126,000net tons (nt) (114,305metric tonnes) from 115,200nt a year ear
London, 14 March (Argus) — Iran plans to increase its copper and zinc production over the next four years with new mining projects. State-owned National Iranian Copper Industries aims to invest 140bn rials ($4.3mn) over the next three years to develop 18 projects in partnership with pri
Houston, 14 March (Argus) — Shipments of Ohio-based secondary aluminum producer Real Alloy rose by 14pc in 2016, with the company's recent acquisition of Beck Aluminum benefiting its fourth quarter sales volumes. Full-year shipments increased to 1.15mn metric tonnes (t) from 1.01mn t,
London, 14 March (Argus) — Russian steel pipe producer TMK has said a significant rebound in oil field drilling activity is at best a distant driver for its oil country tubular goods (OCTG) business and that oil prices are still too low to justify any foreseeable growth in greenfield exp
Sao Paulo, 14 March (Argus) — Union leaders representing 2,500 workers at the Escondida copper mine in Chile reject a second invitation in five days to return to talks with Anglo Australian resources group BHP Billiton. Labour leaders will only sit down to try to end the 34 day strike a
Houston, 14 March (Argus) — Canadian service center shipments of steel products, excluding structural, fell by 7.8pc in February from a year earlier while inventories fell by 3.3pc. Shipments totaled 365,700net tons (331,757metric tonnes), down from 396,900nt a year earlier, the Illinoi
London, 14 March (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap increased by $1.60/t Tuesday to $300.40/t following a Baltic cargo sale. A Baltic supplier sold 8,000t of HMS 1/2 80:20, 16,000t of shred, and 4,000t of a mix of bonus and busheling for April shipment late
Houston, 14 March (Argus) — Premiums for grade A copper cathodes fell in Europe in the latest week amid weak physical trade and as oversupply of cheap scrap cuts into demand for cathodes. Copper cathode premiums dropped to $25-35/metric tonne (t) in-warehouse Rotterdam from $35-45/t th
Houston, 14 March (Argus) — US service center shipments of steel products fell by 1.7pc in February from a year earlier. Service center steel shipments totaled 3.13mn net tons (nt) (2.84metric tonnes) compared with 3.18nt a year earlier, according to data released today by Illinois-base
New York, 14 March (Argus) — Cobalt prices moved up for a tenth straight week on falling availability of metal. Environmental inspections in southern China cut into offshore supplies of antimony. Steady low-volume demand and prior production disruptions pushed selenium prices higher.
New York, 14 March (Argus) — Worldwide semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales increased by 13pc in 2016 from a year earlier amid higher Taiwanese, Chinese and European volumes. Annual semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales totaled $41.2bn, up from $36.5bn the prior year, accor
Johannesburg, 14 March (Argus) — AIM and Johannesburg-listed metals specialist Jubilee Platinum receives the first 5,000t of third party chrome and platinum group metals containing ore for treatment at its Dilokong tailings project in South Africa's Limpopo province. The ore contains mu
Johannesburg, 14 March (Argus) — Indonesian ferro-nickel producer PT ANTAM completes repairs at an electric smelting furnace and optimisation of a ferro-nickel plant 10 days ahead of schedule, which will help it reach its 2017 ferro-nickel output target of 24,100t. A roof was replaced a
New York, 14 March (Argus) — US high-grade cobalt rallied for a tenth straight week amid persistent supply tightness. US high-grade cobalt (Co 99.8pc) prices rose to $23.25-26.00/lb from $22.00-24.75/lb a week earlier. Domestic traders and suppliers raised offers after struggling to
New York, 14 March (Argus) — US silicon metal prices rose in the latest week amid less near-term availability. US silicon metal (Si 98.5pc) prices increased to $1.01-1.03/lb Thursday from $1.00-1.02/lb a week earlier. Tightening offshore markets, particularly for Brazilian and Chine
Houston, 14 March (Argus) — US steel exports increased by 4.6pc in January from a year earlier on increased shipments to Canada and Mexico. Steel exports totaled 818,431net tons (742,468metric tonnes) in January, according to the American Institute for International Steel (AIIS). Expor
New York, 14 March (Argus) — Virginia-based chemicals and metals producer Synalloy raised its 2017 annual revenue forecast by 33pc compared to 2016 amid increases in both oil and nickel prices. Synalloy expects to $184mn in revenues during 2017, up from $138.5mn in 2016. Greater spendin
Johannesburg, 14 March (Argus) — Perth-based metals developer Prospect Resources has significantly upgraded the mineral resource at its Arcadia lithium deposit in Zimbabwe and is weeks away from completing a pre-feasibility study on the project. The measured, indicated and referred mine
Sao Paulo, 14 March (Argus) — Further talks aimed at ending a four-day old strike at the Cerro Verde mine in Peru controlled by Freeport McMoRan are planned for 14 March, the union representing 1,500 workers said. Initial talks with workers groups were held on Monday, the fourth day of
Johannesburg, 14 March (Argus) — South African platinum group metals explorer and chrome producer Bauba Platinum is on track to produce 105,000t of chrome from its open cast Moejelijk mine in its fiscal second half to 30 June. The mine was re-opened at the beginning of the year after be
Johannesburg, 14 March (Argus) — Perth-based lithium developer Birimian announces a near doubling of the mineral resource at its Goulamina lithium deposit in Mali, West Africa, and said it is on track to complete a pre-feasibility study in the June quarter of this year. The mineral reso
Houston, 13 March (Argus) — US special high grade zinc premiums rose in the latest week as the CEZinc strike created supply fears. Argus assessed the US zinc premium at 8-10¢/lb Monday, up from 7-8¢/lb a week earlier. The strike in Canada at CEZinc, owned by Noranda Income Fund a
Houston, 13 March (Argus) — Steel and aluminum service center Ryerson sold 0.3pc more metal in 2016 amid lower average selling prices. Ryerson sold 1.9mn net tons (nt) (1.7mn metric tonnes) of carbon steel, aluminum and stainless steel in 2016, up from 1.897mn a year earlier. Carbon s
Houston, 13 March (Argus) — Vancouver-based minerals producer Trevali has entered into an agreement to purchase international trading house Glencore's stakes in two African zinc mines for $400mn. Trevali will acquire an 80pc stake in the Rosah Pinah mine, in Namibia, and a 90pc stake in
Houston, 13 March (Argus) — US imports of bauxite and alumina each fell in 2016, as domestic primary aluminum output was nearly cut in half over the same period. Bauxite imports dropped by 53pc to 5mn metric tonnes (t), while alumina imports fell by 27pc to 1.14mn t, according to the la
Houston, 13 March (Argus) — US raw steel production increased by 6.3pc in the week ended 11 March from a year earlier, sending year to date production up by 4.7pc from the year-earlier period. Output in the latest week rose to 1.79mn net tons (nt) (1.44mn metric tonnes) from 1.69mn nt a
Houston, 13 March (Argus) — US processors lowered buying prices of 304 stainless steel scrap Monday in response to lower nickel prices in the past week. Prices fell for a fourth day but trading volumes dropped after a marginal rebound Monday in London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel price
Houston, 13 March (Argus) — Crude futures fell today, with WTI settling below $50/bl for a third day, on the prospect of higher supplies from the US amid elevated inventory levels. Nymex April light, sweet crude futures fell by 9¢/bl to $48.40/bl. Ice May Brent fell by 2¢/bl to $51.35/b
London, 13 March (Argus) — Turkey's scrap import market was quiet today after prices fell on 10 March on the back of a Baltic sale of premium HMS 1/2 80:20 at $295/t cfr Turkey, pushing the Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey scrap assessment down to $298.80/t, where it remained today.
London, 13 March (Argus) — Increasing regional protectionism against steel pipe imports has been positive for Russian pipe producer TMK, which has been able to exploit its global footprint to take advantage of tariff barriers in markets including the EU and the US. Vladimir Shmatovich,
Houston, 13 March (Argus) — Special high grade zinc in-warehouse Rotterdam premiums increased in the latest week amid limited spot trading activity. The Argus in-warehouse Rotterdam premium increased to $140-145/metric tonne (t) Monday, from $135-145/t a week earlier. Premiums in R
Houston, 13 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price rose Monday as disruptions at three mines supported higher copper prices for a second trading day. Market bulls believe that the prevailing copper prices do not reflect current events on the supply side. May copper rose by 5pc Monday
Houston, 13 March (Argus) — European and UK secondary aluminium ingot prices were mostly unchanged Monday, amid increased sales activity on some alloys that lowered a few prices. The lack of scrap available needed to produce ingot remains a concern for producers for whom higher prices
Rail blockade dents Ukraine's pig iron exports Riga, 13 March (Argus) — Ukrainian steel exports of pig iron fell by 10pc year on year to 347,610t in January-February, customs data from the country's fiscal service show. The drop follows a sharp decline in February shipments as a result o
Sao Paulo, 13 March (Argus) — Leading Brazilian ferro-chrome producer Ferbasa produced 150,250t of chrome alloys in 2016, a 13.4pc decrease on the previous twelve months as the company adjusted to a new electricity supply contract. Fourth quarter production was 38,855t, 1pc lower than a
Houston, 13 March (Argus) — Steel pipe maker TMK Ipsco, the North American division of Russia's TMK group, is cautiously optimistic that its financial results will improve in 2017 after shipping 36pc less steel in 2016 than it did the prior year. The company shipped 282,000metric tonne
Houston, 13 March (Argus) — London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminum inventories dropped by 4.3pc in the week ended 10 March, with Asia leading declines. No warehouse in the LME system logged an increase during the week. Global LME aluminum inventories fell to 2.07mn metric tonnes (t) from
Houston, 13 March (Argus) — US aluminum scrap imports were up by 48pc in January from a year earlier, as shipments rose in all categories. Increases were led by imports of remelt scrap ingot (RSI). Total aluminum scrap imports rose to 61,305metric tonnes (t) from 41,406t, as RSI imports
Johannesburg, 13 March (Argus) — Diversified resources group Anglo American said commodity prices have become a lower risk factor for its business operations, but future demand for platinum group metals and diamonds have become new principal risk considerations. Anglo American has inte
Houston, 13 March (Argus) — Total US steel imports increased by 7.4pc in January from a year earlier, with imports of semi-finished steel up by 34.4pc. Steel imports totaled 2.77mn net tones (2.51mn metric tonnes) in January while semi-finished steel increased to 484,000nt, according to
Houston, 13 March (Argus) — Pittsburgh-based US Steel plans to make permanent the closure of a quench and temper mill at its tubular operations located in Lorain, Ohio. The No 6 quench and temper mill was idled in March 2015, and will now be permanently closed on or about 8 June. "Thi
Houston, 13 March (Argus) — Aluminum scrap exports were 14pc higher in the first month of 2017 on higher remelt scrap ingot shipments. Total aluminum scrap exports increased to 112,871metric tonnes (t) from 98,908t a year earlier, with RSI exports rising by 65pc to 4,664t. Used aluminu
Moscow, 13 March (Argus) — Russian pipemaker TMK expects market conditions to strengthen this year, anticipating that its 2017 financial performance will receive a boost from higher pipe demand in Europe and the US, rising prices and "longer booking horizons". Drilling activity in the U
New York, 13 March (Argus) — US high-carbon ferro-chrome prices settled unchanged for a fourth week Thursday amid flat consumer demand. High-carbon ferro-chrome (Cr 60pc C 6-8pc) prices were steady at $1.39-1.44/lb Thursday from a week earlier. US traders and distributors maintained
Johannesburg, 13 March (Argus) — The Panda Hill niobium project in Tanzania is the focus of a scheme of arrangement merger by its Australian owners, Tremont Investments and Cradle Resources. Tremont Investments offered a cash consideration of AUD0.33 ($0.25) per share to acquire Cradle
London, 13 March (Argus) — UK titanium exploration firm FinnAust with assets in Finland and Greenland today changed its name to BlueJay Mining. The company is listed on the London and Frankfurt stock exchanges and will trade under the ticker JAY. The change follows the recent acquisitio
Sao Paulo, 13 March (Argus) — Union leaders representing 2,500 workers at the Escondida copper mine in Chile said they will not return to the negotiating table unless their main demands are met in writing. This follows an invitation by Anglo Australian resources group BHP Billiton, whic
Beijing, 13 March (Argus) — Chrome ore stocks at China's main ports fell by 116,000t to 1.93mn t in the week ending 10 March, Chinese importers, logistics and warehousing companies said. Stocks at Lianyungang port decreased to 140,000t, a fall of 40,000t from 3 March. Stocks at Tianjin
Beijing, 13 March (Argus) — China's output of new energy vehicles (NEVs) rose in February, data issued by China's association of automobile manufacturers (Caam) show. NEV output rose by 15.5pc year on year to 17,972 units in February, and was up by 161pc month on month. Output of pure
Beijing, 13 March (Argus) — China's Yunnan province plans to close all antimony blast furnaces and restrict new mining projects to reduce air pollution. Local authorities announced a restructuring of the province's non-ferrous metals industry on 2 March, under which antimony producers
Beijing, 13 March (Argus) — Chinese private-sector Shanxi New Energy Resources Magnesium Industry plans to restart magnesium production on 20 March as its expects environmental inspections to end. The Taiyuan-based producer halted production on 24 November last year when the municipal
Johannesburg, 13 March (Argus) — Australian bauxite developer Metro Mining has increased its total integrated bauxite resource base to 144.8mn t at its Bauxite Hills project in Queensland's Cape York Peninsula. This total direct shipping ore resources includes the resources it acquired
Johannesburg, 13 March (Argus) — Australian base and precious metals developer Independence Group continues to ramp up its Nova nickel-copper project up to nameplate capacity despite setbacks in underground mining progress over the past few months. The project produced its first concent
Houston, 10 March (Argus) — Canadian miner Trevali posted a sharp increase in payable zinc output and sales in 2016 after its Caribou mine in New Brunswick province, Canada, began commercial production in August. The company's zinc concentrate sales rose to 106,609 (dry metric tonnes) (
(Adds Freeport statement in fourth paragraph) Sao Paulo, 10 March (Argus) — Around 1,500 workers launched today an indefinite strike at the Cerro Verde copper mine in Peru controlled by US-based Freeport-McMoRan, which already faces an outage at its largest mine in Indonesia. Union
Houston, 10 March (Argus) — The US International Trade Commission today voted unanimously to extend existing countervailing and antidumping duties placed on certain aluminum extrusions from China. These penalties were first applied in 2011. Domestic extrusion capacity, production, and e
Houston, 10 March (Argus) — US bulk export yard collection prices rose for a fifth week amid rising bulk prices to Turkey and Asia. Turkish scrap import prices for HMS 1/2 (80:20) traded in a range of $298-303/metric tonne (t) cif Turkey this week, up from a prior week range of $285-2
Houston, 10 March (Argus) — US stainless: 304 scrap prices fall with nickel US stainless steel 304 scrap prices fell for a third consecutive day as nickel on the London Metal Exchange (LME) shed 8pc over the week. Processor buying prices for single loads of nickel-bearing 304 scrap sol
Houston, 10 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price gained Friday after sliding in the prior four sessions to a two-month low. The pickup Friday in copper came on the back of strong US nonfarm payroll numbers and news of a strike at a major copper mine, the third major mine stoppage in
Sao Paulo, 10 March (Argus) — Around 1,500 workers launched today an indefinite strike at the Cerro Verde copper mine in Peru controlled by US-based Freeport-McMoRan, which already faces an outage at its largest mine in Indonesia. Union members said they launched the strike after salar
Houston, 10 March (Argus) — Around 1,500 workers launched today an indefinite strike at the Cerro Verde copper mine in Peru controlled by US-based Freeport-McMoRan, which already faces an outage at its largest mine in Indonesia. Union members said they launched the strike after salary
Houston, 10 March (Argus) — WTI crude futures fell for the fifth straight session today, ending the week below $49/bl, as the US rig count continued to rise. Nymex April light, sweet crude futures fell by 79¢/bl to $48.49/bl, the lowest settle for a prompt month contract since 29 Novem
London, 10 March (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment fell by $2.20/t to $298.8/t Friday after a sale from Europe concluded at a lower price. Turkish scrap import prices fell after a continental European seller sold a premium quality Baltic-origin
Houston, 10 March (Argus) — Al: Scrap drifts lower in EU, Asia Prices of European and Asian aluminium scrap were mainly lower in the latest week as buyers sought to bid prices down to defend their margins amid short scrap supply in Europe and weak ingot sales in Asia. Clean old cast fe
London, 10 March (Argus) — Groundwork and construction has started on the first antimony roaster in Oman, project partner UK-based antimony miner Tri-Star Resources said. The hot commissioning is scheduled by the end of 2017 with commercial production starting in 2018. The project is be
London, 10 March (Argus) — Nickel prices have fallen more than 8pc this week, the biggest weekly decline since May 2015, on expectations that mine supply from the Philippines may increase with the end of the monsoon season. Three-month nickel prices fell to $10,110/t on 9 March from $1
Houston, 10 March (Argus) — US spot prices for benchmark secondary aluminum alloy, A380.1, rose for a sixth week as exchange prices remained near two-year highs, providing a floor. A380.1 prices increased to 91-92¢/lb from 90-92¢/lb a week earlier, as North American Specialty Aluminum
Sao Paulo, 10 March (Argus) — Revenue from Chile's unroasted molybdenum concentrate exports rose 148pc in February from a year earlier to $14.8mn, central bank data showed. The value of molybdenum concentrate shipments was 23.6pc higher against January. Ferro-molybdenum export revenues
Sao Paulo, 10 March (Argus) — Chile's lithium carbonate export revenue doubled in February from a year earlier to $57.5mn compared with the same month in 2016, central bank data showed. The figure was 9.5pc higher against January revenue. In 2016, revenue from lithium carbonate exports
New York, 10 March (Argus) — US ferro-manganese prices rallied for a second straight week on the back of consistent steel mill demand. High-carbon ferro-manganese (Mn 80pc, C 6-8pc) increased to $1,400-1,450/gt from $1,395-1,445/gt a week earlier. Medium-carbon ferro-manganese (Mn 80p
Houston, 10 March (Argus) — US apparent consumption of refined zinc fell by 15pc in 2016, as smelter output fell by 27pc and imports for consumption were down by 7.5pc from the prior year. Apparent consumption of refined zinc totaled 788,980metric tonnes (t) last year, down from 931,000
Johannesburg, 10 March (Argus) — Democratic Republic of Congo-focused copper producer Tiger Resources suffers another output setback with tank leach circuit repairs expected to reduce March output by around 100t at its Kipoi project. The project's tank leach circuit has been shut down f
Sao Paulo, 10 March (Argus) — London-based tungsten producer W Resources will restart production at its La Parrilla tungsten mine in Spain in the second half of this year following the installation of new crushing equipment. W Resources restarted tungsten mining at the formerly producin
Sao Paulo, 10 March (Argus) — The impact of a strike at the world's largest copper producing site, Escondida on the Chilean economy is becoming clearer as the dispute moves into a second month. Chile's copper exports fell 12.7pc in February against the same month of 2016 to $2.04bn. The
Johannesburg, 10 March (Argus) — Perth-based metals development company Valor Resources said an independent study confirms significant indicated and inferred mineral resources at the Berenguela silver-copper-manganese project in southern Peru. This follows an announcement on 13 February
Sao Paulo, 10 March (Argus) — Australian mine developer TNG has sealed the backing of the Northern Territory state government for the location of its Mount Peake vanadium processing plant. Under an agreement signed in Darwin, state government departments will assist the company to obtai
Johannesburg, 10 March (Argus) — AIM-listed lithium developer Kodal Minerals is to begin offtake negotiations regarding its Bougouni lithium project in southern Mali, West Africa. Offtake discussions will be undertaken with Singapore-based Suay Chin International. Suay Chin has trading
China's zircon sand port stocks rise Beijing, 10 March (Argus) — Zircon sand stocks at China's main ports rose by 24,500t to 138,000t in the week ending 10 March, Chinese importers, logistics and warehousing companies said. Stocks at Zhanjiang port increased to 13,000t, up by 8,000t fr
China's Guangxi province antimony output falls sharply Beijing, 10 March (Argus) — Antimony smelters in China's Guangxi province have reduced output as a result of tight ore supply and anti-pollution measures. Antimony metal production in Guangxi province fell by 59pc year on year to 2,
China's Mn ore port stocks fall amid lower imports Beijing, 10 March (Argus) — Manganese ore stocks at China's main ports fell to 3.46mn t today, down by 4.4pc compared with 3.62mn t a week earlier, according to trading and logistics companies. Tianjin port holds 2.72mn t, while Qinzhou
Houston, 9 March (Argus) — Ferrous scrap prices in Texas for March deliveries increased by $25-65/gross ton depending on grade and the prior month's traded price between counterparties. In Dallas, Argus assessed #1 busheling at $370/gt delivered mill. Argus assessed #1 HMS at $285/g
Houston, 9 March (Argus) — Asia Cu scrap: Bare bright spread strengthens Bare bright price spreads strengthened in the latest week as some consumers were back in the market looking for spot buys and some long-term business for the second quarter. Argus assessed bare bright spreads at
London, 9 March (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment dropped by $2/t to $301/t cfr Turkey after a Baltic deal concluded at prices below another US sale. A Baltic seller sold premium HMS 1/2 80:20 to at $299/t cfr Turkey Wednesday afternoon, at pric
Houston, 9 March (Argus) — Smelter-grade aluminum scrap prices that trend with terminal markets fell on Thursday for the first time in weeks as London Metal Exchange cash official aluminum closed at 1-month lows. Prices for mixed low-copper clips, which are also purchased by rolling m
Houston, 9 March (Argus) — US production of recoverable mined copper rose by 1.4pc in 2016 from the prior year, output of refined copper climbed by 8.3pc and apparent consumption increased by 3.3pc. Mined output of recoverable copper rose to 1.43metric tonnes (t) in the 12 month period
Houston, 9 March (Argus) — China's government plans to extend the reach of its Environmental Protection Supervision Plan to another 15 provinces and cities this year, nearly doubling its impact from last year and likely leading to more shutdowns and fines, according to a regional recycle
Houston, 9 March (Argus) — US steel mill shipments rose by 9.6pc in January from a year earlier, and were up by 7.5pc from the prior month. Shipments in January were at 7.7mn net tons (nt) (7mn metric tonnes), up from 7mn nt a year earlier, according to the American Iron and Steel Insti
Houston, 9 March (Argus) — US stainless steel scrap prices continue to take a beating as exchange nickel plunged $850/metric tonnes in the latest two trading sessions. Processor buying prices for single loads of 304 nickel-bearing scrap solids traded at 58-60¢/lb Thursday, down from 6
Houston, 9 March (Argus) — US steel import permit applications fell by 13.3pc in February from a year earlier while finished steel import market share dropped to 23pc from 25pc. Import applications totaled 2.3mn net tons (2.1mn metric tonnes) in February, down from 2.7mn permit tons a y
New York, 9 March (Argus) — Normalized spreads between selenium and manganese flake, basis January 2016, rose by 98pc in the latest week compared to a year earlier amid a rebound in selenium prices Selenium (Se 99.5pc) prices have increased by 157pc to $14.75/lb during the last year, wh
Houston, 9 March (Argus) — Premiums for melting grade nickel cathodes rose in the latest week as the North American market continued to experience tightness in available material. Premiums for full truckload melting grade, 4x4inch cathodes were assessed at 21-24¢/lb, up from 20-25¢/lb
Houston, 9 March (Argus) — WTI crude futures continued to slide today, settling below $50/bl for the first time this year, on oversupply concerns amid signs of growing US output. Nymex April light, sweet crude futures fell by $1/bl to $49.28/bl, the lowest settle for a prompt month cont
Houston, 9 March (Argus) — Turkey has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against countervailing US duties placed on imports of certain pipe and tube products. Turkey requested WTO dispute consultations with the US yesterday, alleging that "certain substantive and
Houston, 9 March (Argus) — Premiums for full-plate nickel cathodes were unchanged in the latest week amid steady European demand and tight supply of high grade material. Premiums for newly produced nickel cathodes were flat at $140-150/t in-warehouse Rotterdam, unchanged from the prior
Houston, 9 March (Argus) — Stainless steel 304 scrap prices fell in the latest week, taking a cue from a 9.5pc decline in London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel. Rotterdam and German blenders lowered prices of 304 nickel-bearing scrap to 56-57¢/lb from 57-59¢/lb the prior week. Steel
Houston, 9 March (Argus) — Virginia-based Aluminum Association filed its first-ever trade case this week to address alleged dumping and illegal subsidies benefiting Chinese foil producers, which the organization claims are causing injury to the profitability of US foil producers. In the
New York, 9 March (Argus) — Higher steel mill utilisation rates pushed ferro-manganese prices higher as consumers returned to the spot market. But silico-manganese prices fell amid continued oversupply as consumers held sufficient stocks to meet their immediate requirements. Ferro-chro
Houston, 9 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price dropped for a fourth day as the metal price followed WTI crude lower. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.58/lb Thursday, down from $2.6005/lb Wednesday, for a total drop of 11.7¢/lb so far this week. WTI oil futur
New York, 9 March (Argus) — US production of silicon and silicon alloys fell by 8.5pc during 2016 from a year earlier. The US produced 470,000t of silicon and silicon alloys during 2016, down from 514,000t a year earlier, according to data from the US Geological Survey. Silicon shipme
London, 9 March (Argus) — Export prices of Russian and Ukrainian basic pig iron (BPI) have continued to rise over the past week, with their premium to bushelling now so high that some buyers are exploring the possibility of using alternative lower quality pig iron products instead, accor
London, 9 March (Argus) — Freight rates for scrap cargoes from US east coast ports to Turkey were stable this week. Strong vessel demand on the US Gulf coast and from the east coast of Latin America continued to support the market, although the arrival of new vessels ballasting from the
New York, 9 March (Argus) — Prices for US seaborne coking coal were unchanged in the latest week as steelmakers remained reluctant to commit to new tonnage despite expressing interest in prompt supply. The price of low volatile coking coal for delivery in the prompt 90 days fob Hampton
Houston, 9 March (Argus) — Non-ferrous metal markets have performed well this year, partly reflecting newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump's pledges to boost infrastructure spending and cut taxes, but the Brussels-based Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) remains concerned tha
New York, 9 March (Argus) — US ferro-titanium prices were up in the latest week amid tightening scrap and alloy supplies. US ferro-titanium (Ti 70pc) prices increased to $1.85-1.90/lb from $1.78-1.83/lb a week earlier. North American alloy producers and traders raised offers followi
New York, 9 March (Argus) — Tight raw material availability and production disruptions lifted ferro-titanium prices. Ferro-molybdenum prices were up on the back of limited molybdenum oxide supplies. Meanwhile, consistent steel output pushed consumers to purchase steady high-carbon fer
London, 9 March (Argus) — Netherlands-based aluminium semi-finished products company Constellium recorded a large increase in shipments of automotive rolled products last year, despite its overall shipments falling. The company's overall shipments fell by 1pc to 1.47mn t/yr in 2016, but
New York, 9 March (Argus) — US imports of major noble alloys climbed by 41pc during January from a year earlier, reflecting higher ferro-molybdenum and ferro-vanadium levels. The US imported 1,703 metric tonnes (t) of noble alloys during January, up from 1,206t a year earlier. Ferro-m
London, 9 March (Argus) — Domestic billet and hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices in China fell again today, as sales continued to be sluggish while inventories remained high. The Tangshan price for Q235 billet with a cross-section of 150mm fell by Yn20/t ($2.89/t) to Yn3,100/t ($448.53/t), w
Sao Paulo, 9 March (Argus) — Australia-based junior miner Latin Resources said it is encouraged by lithium drilling at its Ancasti site in Argentina as its latest campaign draws to a close. This comes as the company applies for three cobalt concessions in La Rioja province neighbouring
China's rare earth exports up in February Beijing, 9 March (Argus) — China exported 3,293t of rare earths in February, up by 1.6pc compared with 3,240t in the same month last year, customs data show. The rise may partly be the result of an increase in working days. This year's lunar new
China's copper imports fall in February London, 9 March (Argus) — Chinese copper concentrate and refined product imports fell year on year in February despite a slight increase in working days. Copper ore and concentrate imports declined by 2pc year on year to 1.43mn t in February, from
Johannesburg, 9 March (Argus) — South African mining group Exxaro is to sell its 44pc holding in US inorganic minerals miner Tronox which recently announced an offer to buy the titanium dioxide operations of Cristal, a privately held mining and chemicals company. Exxaro filed papers wit
Johannesburg, 9 March (Argus) — Perth-based Gulf Manganese is stripping and refurbishing two smelting furnaces that will be imported from South Africa for its Kupang Smelting Hub ferro-manganese project in West Timor, Indonesia. A deposit of $250,000 has been paid to Transalloys in Sout
Johannesburg, 9 March (Argus) — Johannesburg and AIM-listed metals specialist Jubilee Platinum has entered an agreement to secure a copper surface tailings project in Australia with expected output of 12,000 t/yr of copper at a production cost of $2,569/t. The agreement with Resilience
Johannesburg, 9 March (Argus) — A division of diversified southern Africa-focused mineral development company Bushveld Minerals received Competition Commission approval to acquire Evraz Group SA's 78.8pc stake in Strategic Minerals, which owns the Vametco vanadium mine and processing pla
Houston, 8 March (Argus) — The midwest premium for primary aluminum held unchanged this week despite expectations of a fall in the near term amid a lack of spot demand. The premium remained at 10-10.25¢/lb for a fifth week amid extremely limited spot activity and merchants in no rush
Houston, 8 March (Argus) — US copper cathode premiums strengthened in the latest week amid mounting concerns of a supply deficit after two consecutive weeks of declines in premiums. Argus assessed grade A cathode premiums at 5-5.75¢/lb delivered midwest consumer, up from 4.75-5.25¢/
New York, 8 March (Argus) — US imports of key bulk alloys were down by 12.7pc during January from a year earlier as declining ferro-manganese and ferro-silicon imports outpaced rising ferro-chrome levels. The US imported 97,760metric tonnes (t) of bulk alloys in January, down from 112,0
Houston, 8 March (Argus) — Used aluminum beverage can (UBC) spreads were unchanged this week as the Argus midwest transaction price dropped and most consumers, who were long on material and purchasing for the long-term, dropped their bids in step. Spreads stayed at 79-80pc of the tr
Houston, 8 March (Argus) — US Cu scrap: Spreads hold with drop in Comex Copper and brass scrap spreads held this week with limited spot demand but dealers tried to strengthen spreads as the Comex price dropped. Spreads held at 2017 lows in the latest week as most consumer rely on long-
Houston, 8 March (Argus) — Aluminum die casters are expected to encounter mixed demand for cast parts as electric vehicles, with different design requirements than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, continue to represent a greater share of global consumption. Both hybr
Houston, 8 March (Argus) — Stainless scrap processor buying prices weakened on Wednesday, following a 3.4pc decline in three-month nickel on the London Metal Exchange (LME). amid strong mill demand and material tightness. Processor buying prices for single truckloads of 304 scrap soli
Houston, 8 March (Argus) — Premiums for P1020 aluminium rose by $5/metric tonne (t) in the latest week in thin physical trading and amid a narrow trading range on the London Metal Exchange (LME). The premium for duty paid P1020 material rose to $150-160/t in the latest week from $145-1
Houston, 8 March (Argus) — WTI crude futures fell by more than 5pc today after the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a larger-than-expected build in domestic stockpiles. Nymex April light, sweet crude futures dropped by $2.86/bl to $50.28/bl, the lowest settle for a p
Houston, 8 March (Argus) — US ferrous scrap imports from Canada increased by 25pc in January from a year earlier as intake rose in Buffalo, New York, Detroit, and Seattle. Ferrous scrap imports into the US from Canada totaled 189,183metric tonnes (t) in January, up from 151,521t a year
Houston, 8 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price dropped for a third day as Comex and London Metal Exchange warehouse inventories continued to rise. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.6005/lb Wednesday, down from $2.6185/lb Tuesday, for a total drop of 9.6¢/lb t
Houston, 8 March (Argus) — US exports of scrapped lead batteries rose by 41pc in January from the same month a year earlier, while exports of lead scrap recovered from batteries rose by 16pc. Exports of scrapped batteries rose to 1,214t in January, while shipments of lead recovered from
London, 8 March (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment increased by $2.20/t Wednesday to $303/t cfr Turkey following a US sale. A US exporter sold HMS 1/2 80:20 to Turkey Wednesay at the same $303/t level another US exporter sold at a day earlier.
Houston, 8 March (Argus) — US copper scrap exports rose by 19pc in January from the same month a year earlier, led by exports of #2 copper scrap. Copper scrap exports rose to 76,820t in January from 64,546t a year earlier, according to the latest trade data from the US Commerce Departme
New York, 8 March (Argus) — London-based ferro-alloys producer FerroGlobe today filed requests with the US Department of Commerce and US International Trade Commission to place duties on imports of Australian, Brazilian, Norwegian, and Kazakh silicon metal. FerroGlobe issued its request
London, 8 March (Argus) — The molybdenum market faces a potential supply deficit as primary mine output slows and demand from the stainless steel and oil and gas sectors increases, according to speakers at the Argus Metals Week Conference in London. Supply Lower prices and ore grade
London, 8 March (Argus) — UK finance minister Philip Hammond has laid out plans to provide £270mn in funding for "disruptive" technology research and development, including for electric vehicles and 5G infrastructure. The funding, which will come from the Industrial Strategy Challenge
New York, 8 March (Argus) — US selenium prices were up in the latest week amid tight offshore and domestic supplies. US selenium (Se 99.5pc) prices rose to $13.75-15.75/lb from $13.00-15.00/lb the week prior. Production delays in Asia have cut into near-term supplies across China, E
London, 8 March (Argus) — Demand for nickel-based superalloys and their constituent minor metals including cobalt and chromium is rising, driven by the aerospace and power industries and a resurging oil and natural gas sector, delegates at the Argus Metals Week conference in London were
Houston, 8 March (Argus) — US base metals scrap exports rose by 16pc in January from the same month a year earlier, driven by gains in aluminum and copper scrap shipments. Base metals scrap exports rose to 200,105t in January from 171,978t a year earlier, according to the latest trade d
London, 8 March (Argus) — Chinese domestic billet prices fell today, as sales declined following a Yn50/t ($7.23/t) price rise yesterday. The Tangshan billet price dropped by Yn30/t to Yn3,120/t ex-works. "Sales after the price increase [yesterday] were not good at all," a Hebei-based
Sao Paulo, 8 March (Argus) — Brazil's industrial production increased 1.4pc in January year on year as the country shows signs of emerging from one of its worst recessions, national statistics institute IBGE said. The result breaks 34 consecutive months of output falling against the sam
Sao Paulo, 8 March (Argus) — Brazilian automobile production rose by 39pc in February, offering more signs of hope for the country's economy. But doubts remain about how long it will take before the industry fully shakes off one of the country's worst ever recessions. Output totalled
Johannesburg, 8 March (Argus) — South Australia-focused metals explorer Havilah Resources is shifting its strategy towards cobalt and copper development, backed by cash flow from its existing gold mining operations, the company said. Havilah's Mutooroo, Kalkaroo and North Portia prospec
London, 8 March (Argus) — China's finance minister Xiao Jie has pledged to crack down on subsidy fraud by electric vehicle manufacturers after recovering 2.3bn yuan ($333mn) in fraudulent claims. Environmental concerns and a drive to cut air pollution in China's cities have prompted th
China's steel exports fall in February Singapore, 8 March (Argus) — China's steel exports fell sharply in February as higher domestic prices made the export market less attractive to producers. Exports fell by 22.5pc to 5.75mn t in February from 7.42mn t in January, and were lower by 29p
Houston, 7 March (Argus) — US steel mill buyers in the south and southeast took some steam out of a surging ferrous scrap market as a decision to delay buying for March deliveries took $10-20/gross ton (gt) off final prices. On Thursday and Friday, several locations in the midwest and O
Houston, 7 March (Argus) — US base metals scrap imports rose by 51pc in January from the same month a year earlier, led by gains in copper scrap intake. Base metals imports rose to 78,440t in January from 51,934t a year earlier, according to the latest trade data from the Commerce Depar
Houston, 7 March (Argus) — Stainless scrap processor buying prices were unchanged Tuesday as nickel exchange prices have traded in a tight range in recent days. Processor buying prices for 304 scrap solids traded at 62-63¢/lb, while turnings traded at 57-58¢/lb, unchanged from Monday.
Houston, 7 March (Argus) — Premiums for special high-grade zinc dropped $10/metric tonne (t) in-warehouse Rotterdam in the latest week amid few transactions. The zinc premium fell to $135-145/metric tonne (t) in-warehouse Rotterdam from $145-155/t the prior week. A shortage of availa
New York, 7 March (Argus) — New York-based quartz and silicones producer Momentive Performance Materials' annual revenues dropped by 2.4pc in 2016 amid lower silicone sales volumes. The company earned $2.23bn in revenues in 2016, down from $2.29bn a year earlier. Momentive lost $163mn d
New York, 7 March (Argus) — The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) determined there is reasonable indication that imports of silicon metal from Brazil, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Norway, Russia, and Thailand were dumped at unfair values. The CBSA determined today that there is reas
Houston, 7 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price fell for a second day Tuesday after another day of large shipments into London Metal Exchange warehouses followed a record Monday for copper shipments. The growing stockpiles, mounting expectations of a US interest rate increase and co
New York, 7 March (Argus) — The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the procurement arm of the US defense department', posted two separate offerings of ferro-chrome and tungsten ores and concentrate for sale today. The DLA has offered two lots of domestic origin low-carbon ferro-chrome cont
Houston, 7 March (Argus) — Most prices for mill-grade aluminum scrap were lower on Tuesday from a week earlier, but did not match a more than 1.5¢/lb drop in London Metal Exchange aluminum pricing. Mill prices for mixed low-copper clips and painted siding fell less sharply than primar
Houston, 7 March (Argus) — WTI crude futures fell slightly today as the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) increased its forecasts for domestic production in the next two years. Nymex April light, sweet crude futures fell by 6¢/bl to $53.14/bl. Ice May Brent fell by 9¢/bl to $5
Houston, 7 March (Argus) — Copper scrap prices were mixed in European and Asian trade in the latest week amid high levels of inventory and buying for the summer largely completed. Argus assessed #1 copper wire and tube at 90-91pc of the London Metal Exchange (LME) price, unchanged from
New York, 7 March (Argus) — Montana-based antimony producer US Antimony produced 40pc less antimony in January and February from a year earlier as it transitioned to relying on production from the company's own Mexican mines. US Antimony produced 344,872lbs (156t) in the first two month
New York, 7 March (Argus) — Supply constraints prompted cobalt suppliers to lift their offer prices for a ninth straight week. Higher international markets pushed up prices for antimony and bismuth. And tightened near-term availability supported higher trader and distributor offers for
Houston, 7 March (Argus) — US combined imports of ferrous scrap and pig iron into US southeast more than tripled in January compared with a year earlier. In the three major southeastern ports tracked by Argus : New Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; and Charleston, South Carolina; combined impo
New York, 7 March (Argus) — US silicon metal prices were flat for a sixth week despite rebounding interest from cast aluminum alloy producers. US silicon metal (Si 98.5pc) prices were steady at $1.00-1.02/lb Thursday from a week earlier. Spot market inquiries were up from recent wee
Houston, 7 March (Argus) — Premiums for grade A copper cathodes were unchanged in Europe and east Asia in the latest week in thin physical trade. Oversupply of available and inexpensive scrap has caused cathode demand to suffer, even with off-grade cathodes offered at a discount to the
Houston, 7 March (Argus) — The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) raised its crude production forecast for 2018 by 200,000 b/d to 9.73mn b/d. The agency also increased its output forecast for this year by 230,000 b/d compared to the previous estimate, to about 9.21mn b/d, accord
London, 7 March (Argus) — The Turkish scrap import price moved beyond $300/t cfr Turkey for premium HMS 1/2 80:20 today on the back of an Iskenderun mill's purchase of a US cargo this afternoon. The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment increased by $3.70/t to $3
Sao Paulo, 7 March (Argus) — Copper expansion projects at the Los Pelambres site in Chile controlled by London-based Antofagasta will continue under new leadership after Los Pelambres appointed Mauricio Larraín Medina as chief executive. The mine produced 355,400 t/yr of copper, in add
Adds more details from discussion. Houston, 7 March (Argus) — Saudi Arabia will use global inventory levels as a metric in assessing the success of the production cut agreement between Opec and major non-Opec producers, in addition to monitoring countries' compliance, Saudi oil minist
Houston, 7 March (Argus) — US ferrous scrap exports to Mexico rose in January amid higher intake of shred and #1 HMS. The US shipped 177,362metric tonnes (t) of ferrous scrap to Mexico in January, up from 59,193t a year earlier, according to US Census data. Total US exports to Mexico o
Houston, 7 March (Argus) — US ferrous scrap exports nearly doubled in January from a year earlier as increased shipments to Mexico, Taiwan and South Korea offset decreased shipments to Turkey. US ferrous scrap exports rose by 94pc in January to 907,043metric tonnes (t) from 467,838t a y
Houston, 7 March (Argus) — Global Brass and Copper Holdings expects its output to rise by as much as 7.5pc in 2017 after production gained by 1.7pc in 2016 from the prior year. Illinois-based Global Brass and Copper is forecasting shipments to total 530-560mn lbs this year. That is up
New York, 7 March (Argus) — US high-grade cobalt was up for a ninth week, driven by thin near-term supplies. US high-grade cobalt (Co 99.8pc) prices climbed to $22.00-24.75/lb from $22.00-24.00/lb a week earlier. Near-term metal availability continued to thin following strong offsho
Mexico sees crude price "sweet spot" Houston, 7 March (Argus) — Global crude prices this year are in a "sweet spot" that can make supply from many regions economic, a Mexican energy official said today. Benchmark WTI and Brent prices have traded in a tight range above $50/bl in 2017, as
Johannesburg, 7 March (Argus) — Melbourne-based metals developer Red River Resources will begin mining at its Thalanga zinc project in Queensland by the end of March with first commercial production on track for the second half of this year. Mining contractor Pybar Mining Services will
Johannesburg, 7 March (Argus) — China's cost of ferro-chrome production at current chrome ore prices will support ferro-chrome prices staying at current levels in the short term, Zanele Matlala, chief executive of South African ferro-chrome producer, Merafe Resources said. But it is dif
Johannesburg, 7 March (Argus) — Australian metals explorer Ram Resources completes a due diligence study on the Keel zinc project in the Republic of Ireland and is to acquire an 80pc shareholding. Keel is situated in County Longford and has an inferred mineral resource of 6.9mn t gradin
Johannesburg, 7 March (Argus) — South African integrated chrome producer Merafe Resources achieved record revenue in 2016 after it increased ferro-chrome sales by 18pc to 437,000 t/yr while its chrome ore sales rose by 38pc to 372,000 t/yr. Ferro-chrome output expanded by 4pc to a recor
London, 7 March (Argus) — Domestic Chinese steel billet prices rose today on a modest uptick in sales ahead of expected stronger demand next week. Tangshan billet prices rose by 50 yuan/t ($4.40/t) to Yn3,150/t ex-works, regaining half of the Yn100/t decline over 4-6 March after Beijing
Houston, 6 March (Argus) — The US International Trade Commission (USITC) today voted to conduct a full, five-year review on antidumping and countervailing duty orders on cut-to-length carbon-quality steel plate from India, Indonesia and South Korea. Five of the six commissioners voted i
New York, 6 March (Argus) — The US International Trade Commission (USITC) voted today to expedite the five-year review for antidumping duties on imports of Indian stainless steel wire rod. The USITC will accept comments for 95 days following the vote to determine whether or not a full r
Houston, 6 March (Argus) — Workers at Sims Municipal Recycling, which processes all of New York City's residential recycling, have voted to join the Teamsters Local 210 union. An agreement reached on 2 March between the union and Sims Municipal Recycling, which is a subsidiary of Sims M
Houston, 6 March (Argus) — US raw steel production increased by 3.8pc in the week ended 4 March from a year earlier, sending year to date production up by 4.6pc from the year-earlier period. Output in the latest week rose to 1.76mn net tons (nt) (1.59mn metric tonnes) from 1.70mn nt a
Houston, 6 March (Argus) — US special high grade zinc premiums held unchanged in the latest week as a strike persists and exchange stockpiles remain low. Argus assessed the US zinc premium at 7-8¢/lb Monday, unchanged from last week when premiums rose by 1¢/lb. Low inventories in
Houston, 6 March (Argus) — US stainless: Scrap prices hold Stainless scrap processors buying prices were flat today, due in part to steady, range-bound nickel trading on the London Metal Exchange. Argus assessed daily processor buying prices for 304 scrap solids at 62-63¢/lb Monday,
Houston, 6 March (Argus) — WTI crude futures fell slightly today as the IEA sounded alarm bells over a possible supply squeeze in the medium term. Nymex April light, sweet crude futures fell by 13¢/bl to $53.20/bl. Ice May Brent rose by 11¢/bl to $56.01/bl. The May Brent-May WTI spread
Q A: Big River launch puts integrateds on notice Houston, 6 March (Argus) — The newest US steel producer, Big River Steel's formal launch of operations last week could spark concern at integrated mills. In just its first 60 days of producing steel, the $1.3bn Osceola, Arkansas-based min
Houston, 6 March (Argus) — European and UK secondary aluminium ingot prices were unchanged in the latest week as prices held on to gains made earlier in February. Contract sales for the second quarter have been strong with growing commitments from diecasters and automotive parts manufa
Houston, 6 March (Argus) — The Comex copper price dropped on Monday amid a surge in shipments into London Metal Exchange warehouses which received a record single-day volume of copper Monday. The Comex price for the most active month settled at $2.6520/lb Monday, down from $2.6965/lb
London, 6 March (Argus) — Two Europeans sales to Turkey prior to the weekend edged the equivalent premium HMS 1/2 80:20 import scrap price closer to $300/t cfr Turkey for April shipment. A continental European supplier sold 9,000t of HMS 1/2 75:25, 5,000t of HMS 1/2 80:20, 5,000t of shr
Houston, 27 January (Argus) — US steelmakers expect capacity utilization rates to make a gradual improvement in 2017 amid an overall uplift in market sentiment. Steelmakers are "cautiously optimistic" about the direction of the steel market amid statements by the new presidential admini
Houston, 2 November (Argus) — US steel import permit applications fell by 18pc in October from a year earlier, led by decreases in applications for material from South Korea and Turkey. Import applications totaled 2.8mn net tons (2.5mn metric tonnes) in October, down from 3.4mn permit t
Houston, 9 August (Argus) — Mill-grade aluminum scrap spreads narrowed for some grades on Tuesday as supply remained tight and the Argus midwest premium dropped. London Metal Exchange cash prices settled at $1,626/t (73.75¢/lb) Tuesday, down from $1,635.50/t (74.18¢/lb) a week earlier
Houston, 9 August (Argus) — Copper cathodes rose in Asia and were unchanged in Europe amid low demand while prices of certain copper scrap grades edged lower. Grade A copper cathode premiums traded at $25-35/metric tonne (t) in-warehouse Rotterdam, unchanged from the prior week amid thi
Houston, 28 July (Argus) Some smelter-grade aluminum scrap prices fell this week as increased supplies amid weak demand pressured prices. Twitch prices fell for a second week and dropped to 62-64 /lb this week, from 63-65 /lb a week earlier as weak Chinese offer prices for US zorba have rem
London, 25 July (Argus) Copper concentrate production at the historic Riotinto mine in Spain, reopened by AIM-listed Atalya Mining increased by 10pc in the second quarter 2016 to 4,442t from 4,048t in the first quarter. The increase came despite shutdowns due to a two-week administrative su
Houston, 20 July (Argus) — Aluminum foundry Madison-Kipp Corporation has completed its expansion at its Sun Prairie business park facility, eight months after initiating the project. The facility has been expanded by 90,000sq ft at a cost of $3.5mn and will integrate the company's ware
Houston, 20 July (Argus) — The global primary aluminium deficit rose by 56pc from January through May compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the World Bureau of Metal Statistics. The deficit rose to 408,000metric tonnes (t) in the first five months of the year, from 26
Houston, 19 July (Argus) — US iron and steel scrap consumption fell by 3.5pc in April from a year earlier, amid increased use of pig iron and direct reduced iron (DRI). Scrap consumption by electric arc furnace producers dropped despite an increase in total US steel capacity utilization
Houston, 15 July (Argus) Ferrous scrap imports into the southeast rose by 50.5pc to 394,308metric tonnes (t) in the first five months of this year, up from 261,964t a year earlier. Southeastern imports are on pace to have a record year as import totals this summer are expected to exceed the
Houston, 13 July (Argus) — Mexico has determined that cold rolled steel sheets from China eluded tariffs by adding low levels of boron to its products. In a decision announced Monday, the country's ministry of economy ruled that most Chinese cold rolled steel products with boron levels
Houston, 7 July (Argus) — Smelter-grade aluminum scrap prices increased this week as less scrap was on offer. Demand remains healthy as some smelters have no plans for summer shutdowns. Old sheet scrap prices increased to a year-high of 56-58¢/lb this week, from 55-57¢/lb a week earlie
London, 6 July (Argus) — The Argus daily HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap assessment moved up 60c to $215.60/t cfr Turkey on the back of the assessment of one US deal and two European deals concluded yesterday and today. Turkish mills continued to fill up their inventories of July
London, 5 July (Argus) — The Philippines, the biggest exporter of nickel ore to China, is moving ahead with its tougher approach to mining, which may push nickel prices higher, at least temporarily. The country has appointed Gina Lopez, an environmentalist, as the head of the Departmen
Houston, 1 July (Argus) — International brewer Anheuser-Busch is in talks to transfer its used beverage can procurement and recycling business, Anheuser-Busch Recycling Corporation, to Amsterdam-based rolled aluminum producer Constellium. Anheuser expects the transition to be completed
Steel prices forecast solid in medium term Houston, 29 June (Argus) US bank Morgan Stanley expects future steel production cuts to result in solid medium-term price performance as global demand for finished steel increases by 0.4pc in 2016. Morgan Stanley expects finished steel demand in
London, 24 June (Argus) — The vote by the UK to leave the EU has weakened sentiment in steel feedstocks markets, and in the European steel market in particular, but is unlikely to significantly impact physical global trading of iron ore, coking coal or metallurgical coke in the immediate
Houston, 3 June (Argus) US domestic ferrous scrap markets have completed 25-40pc of trading for June deliveries in key consuming pockets of the midwest and southeast, with other regions like the Ohio valley and Rocky Mountain expected to kick-off trading next week. Mill demand for June scra
Houston, 26 May (Argus) — Stainless steel scrap prices fell this week as nickel prices on the London Metal Exchange declined for a third week. Stainless steel scrap in Rotterdam and Germany fell to 46-47¢/lb for 304 (18-8) material this week from 47-48¢/lb the prior week amid tight scra
New York, 24 May (Argus) — US silicon metal prices were flat this week as suppliers rejected lower offers despite minimal spot market demand. US silicon metal (Si 98.5pc) prices were unchanged between $0.94-0.96/lb this week. The market has stayed within this range since 28 April suppor
Houston, 24 May (Argus) — US iron ore producer Cliffs Natural Resources has entered into multiple agreements to buy low cost-power from energy-provider Minnesota Power. Cliffs has received $31mn in cash as part of a long-term purchased power arrangement for its Northshore operation thro
New York, 19 May (Argus) — Worldwide silicon wafer area shipments declined by 3.8pc during the first quarter from a year earlier. Total silicon wafer area shipments totaled 2.54mn inch2 during the first quarter, down from 2.64mn inch2 in 2015, according to data from the Semiconductor Eq
Houston, 29 April (Argus) — Two US bulk cargo sales to Mexico this week at price levels that rivaled a recent increase to Turkey have cemented market opinion that domestic ferrous scrap prices will rise significantly in May. US prices for primary scrap are expected to settle $10-20/gros
Houston, 19 April (Argus) — US imports of base metals scrap material rose by 1.3pc in February from the same month a year earlier, as gains in copper and aluminum scrap offset declines in zinc and tin. Imports rose to 55,458t in February from 54,733t a year earlier. Imports of aluminum
Houston, 1 April (Argus) — Ferrous scrap prices in Chicago and Indiana are expected to rise by at least $40/gross ton for April deliveries after trading concluded in Detroit at increases of $50/gt late Friday. The Argus No. 1 busheling price for Detroit settled at $240/gt, shredded sc
Houston, 1 April (Argus) — Unchanged secondary aluminum alloy sales prices through March has hurt producer margins as scrap costs rose on tight supply. Producer attempts to find traction for higher-dollar sales on A380.1 failed to find buyer support as enough spot market material was ma
Houston, 2 March (Argus) — Dealers expect ferrous scrap prices in Chicago and Detroit to increase by $10-20/gross ton this week amid a lack of mill cancellations, strong demand from mills, rising finished steel prices, a drop in prime scrap supply from Canada and large increases in bulk
Houston, 19 February (Argus) — Australia-based Sims Metal Management has closed seven US facilities in response to "challenging and volatile" market conditions, and plans to close or sell 25 more in 2016. The majority of the facilities closed were located in the central region of the US
Houston, 5 February (Argus) — US ferrous scrap prices for February delivery traded mostly unchanged from prior-month levels as large-volume sales of shredded scrap by exporting companies to southern mills negated early efforts to send shredded prices higher. The availability of export vo
Houston, 11 January (Argus) — The US Commerce Department today issued a preliminary determination that certain hot-rolled steel flat products from Brazil may face countervailing duties, but ruled out levying any such duties on imports of those products from South Korea and Turkey. All
New York, 31 December (Argus) — US molybdenum in concentrate production in the first ten months of 2015 declined by 13,700t or by 24pc to 44,000t from a year earlier. Data by the US Geological Survey (USGS) show US molybdenum in concentrate production for October 2015 fell by 25pc from
Houston, 24 December (Argus) — Chinese policymakers released a draft economic blueprint that implies slower, more balanced economic growth, while US economic data was mainly soft this week and Brazil's central bank forecast a deepening recession. Chinese policymakers released an economi
London, 23 December (Argus) — US-origin HMS 1/2 80:20 cfr Turkey steel scrap prices dropped by over $4/t to $185.50/t cfr Turkey today on the back of a US sale into Turkey yesterday evening. A US east coast supplier sold 20,000t of HMS 1/2 80:20 at $185.5/t, 10,000t of shred at $190.50/
Houston, 19 December (Argus) — US ferrous scrap prices are expected to increase by $10-20/gross ton in January in all regions of the country barring local markets that are predominantly geared to serve exporters. A recent push by steel producers to raise sheet and plate prices by $40/net
Houston, 19 December (Argus) — The US Federal Reserve raised its key overnight lending rate for the first time since 2006, boosting the dollar and sending the prices of many commodities including oil and some metals lower, while most US equity markets ended the week lower after initial g
Houston, 18 December (Argus) — Mexico launched antidumping investigations into imports of cold rolled flat steel products from China and Taiwan after two steel producers alleged the imports entered the country at below fair market value and harmed national producers. The probe was launc
Houston, 17 December (Argus) Copper and brass scrap domestic shipments are down by 15-25pc from the year to date. Strong industrial scrap flows were a moot point as obsolete collections dropped amid falling commodity prices, market participants said this week. The 25-year bull market in cop
Houston, 12 December (Argus) — Aluminum extrusion scrap price spreads widened this week for most grades as buyers kept outright prices unchanged from a week earlier despite an uptick in exchange prices. Spreads calculated off the midwest transaction price on extrusion grades like 6063 b
Houston, 11 December (Argus) This was the week that big mining companies battened down the hatches, one by one, and acknowledged the need to shed loss-making capacity and assets to stay afloat in the rough seas of the commodity markets. As London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel dipped to a new
Houston, 10 December (Argus) — Chicago area scrap dealers are in a race to secure new industrial accounts made available through a sudden and complete shutdown of the city's largest scrap company. Chicago-based Pure Metal Recycling, formerly Acme Refining, closed all its facilities and
Update Houston, 9 December (Argus) US steel mills have begun to raise their flat rolled steel prices after months of decline, possibly pointing to the beginnings of a recovery in market steel prices. Ohio-based AK Steel said today it is increasing spot market base prices for all carbon f
Houston, 5 December (Argus) — Cut grade and shredded scrap prices in some pockets of the midwest, southeast and Ohio valley increased late this week as mills with strong demand met resistance from suppliers and were forced to compete with some buyers willing to pay a little more to secur
Houston, 4 December (Argus) — A strong US employment report for the month of November heightens the odds the Federal Reserve will begin to raise its benchmark lending rate at its next meeting this month, a sign that prices of dollar-denominated commodities including metals will remain un
Houston, 4 December (Argus) — Aluminum used beverage can price spreads tightened by a penny this week on growing demand and concerns of supply. Large consumers have begun placing orders for January delivery as inventories for December have filled up or close to reaching this month's tar
Houston, 4 December (Argus) — US aluminum scrap export prices dropped this past week as China has nearly pulled out of the secondary market. Nonferrous shredded scrap prices for zorba, 94pc metallic with 3-4pc red metal content, were 46-48¢/lb cif China, down from 51-52¢/lb in the prior
Houston, 4 December (Argus) — US processor buying prices for 304 stainless steel scrap increased this week, reflecting a similar increase in nickel prices after Chinese producers announced cutbacks. US processor buying prices for 304 (18-8) stainless steel scrap solids rose by nearly 3p
Houston, 4 December (Argus) US brass and bronze ingot prices dropped this week as terminal market copper prices continued to fall amid further strengthening of the dollar and slowing exports in what market participants described as a buyers market. Selling prices for C83600 ingots were $2.
Houston, 3 December (Argus) Ferrous scrap prices in Colorado, Nebraska, Utah and Texas have traded at increases of $10-20 per gross ton this week for December deliveries due to supply concerns. Months of falling scrap prices sent dealer yard and shredder feed collection prices to 6-year low
Houston, 3 December (Argus) Poor capacity utilization rates and scheduled outages later this month have kept mill demand for scrap low this month and prevented obsolete scrap prices from strengthening in early trading. Market participants said mills in the Carolinas and Georgia traded late
Houston, 3 December (Argus) Midwest ferrous scrap prices for December deliveries are expected to trade at levels unchanged from the prior month as sales concluded into some mills in Chicago, Indiana and Detroit. Buyers and sellers that have concluded transactions this week said prices staye
Houston, 3 December (Argus) Ferrous scrap prices in Montreal have stayed flat for December delivery after the region s closest steel producers in the US completed negotiations at unchanged prices. For a few months until November, prices in Montreal trended well below neighboring values in O
Houston, 3 December (Argus) Steel producers in the Ohio valley have begun negotiations with scrap companies for December suppliers and most have bid at prices unchanged from November. Early indications are that prime scrap prices could stay steady or come under a little pressure, while shre
Houston, 3 December (Argus) Ferrous scrap prices in Detroit for December deliveries have traded at levels unchanged from the prior month as tight supply of obsolete scrap and increased steel output in the region prevented an overhang of prime scrap from sending prices lower. Some producers
Houston, 3 December (Argus) Ferrous scrap prices in Philadelphia increased for December deliveries after an uptick in November export sales pushed collection prices well above prior month domestic levels. Spot buying for December concluded today in the Philadelphia region and prices for shr
Houston, 26 November (Argus) — US ferrous scrap prices are expected to strengthen in Texas and Philadelphia and come under some pressure in the midwest and southeast as differing regional demand and supply balances appear poised to deliver differing price movements in December. Shredded
Houston, 25 November (Argus) — Weak demand for metals and falling prices have hurt operating margins at scrapyards, causing 70-100 facilities owned by medium to large sized recyclers in the US to close since the beginning of the year. The closures have led to 1,200-1,500 worker layoffs
Houston, 25 November (Argus) — The dollar this week rose to nearly its highest level in more than a decade amid heightened geopolitical tensions and expectations the US Federal Reserve will begin raising its benchmark lending rate at its policy meeting next month. The stronger dollar we
Houston, 25 November (Argus) — US stainless steel producers dropped nickel based surcharges for December shipments for the sixth successive month amid continued weakness in nickel, chrome, molybdenum and iron prices. North American Stainless, the largest stainless steel producer in the
Houston, 25 November (Argus) — US copper cathode premiums for 2016 delivery contracts are poised to finish marginally below prices contracted for 2015 as negotiations draw to a close. Market participants said most consumers have completed contract negotiations for next year barring one
Houston, 21 November (Argus) — US ferrous scrap dealers reported a 15-30pc drop in obsolete scrap collections this month from October, and inbounds are now estimated to have dropped by 50-70pc from typical November levels depending on location. Weak demand from mills, which sent prices
Houston, 20 November (Argus) — London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel fell through $9,000/t mid-week to trade at its lowest level in more than 12 years, well below prices traded at the end of 2008, the year of the financial crisis when the market lost roughly 57pc of its value over four mont
Houston, 20 November (Argus) — US midwest premium prices for primary aluminum rose this week as demand for faster deliveries increased. Premiums increased to a range of 8.5-9.5¢/lb this week, up from 7.5-8.5c a week earlier, and marked the first significant movement in two weeks. Prem
Houston, 19 November (Argus) — Global recycler Sims Metal Management's cost-cutting strategy will affect 800 employees at 35 underperforming facilities, mostly in the company's North American central region. The company yesterday said its streamline cost reductions would "align fixed co
London, 16 November (Argus) Freight rates for transporting scrap are expected to remain low for the rest of 2015, because an oversupply of available shipping capacity across the Atlantic and Pacific basins will prevent any recovery, market participants said. Rates for Supramax vessels holdi
Houston, 13 November (Argus) The fall in copper prices to a six-year low of $4,800/t on the London Metal Exchange (LME) this week sent global mining shares tumbling to historic lows by the end of this week. Switzerland-based commodity Glencore was trading below 1.00 in London for the first
Houston, 11 November (Argus) — The London Metal Exchange's imminent US aluminum premium contracts will need more warehouse participation and more volatility in the open market to succeed, according to market participants. The LME premium contract launches 23 November amid market uncerta
Houston, 10 November (Argus) — US domestic iron ore shipments decreased to 4.7mn t in June, down from 5.9mn t a year earlier amid production shut downs and low prices. Year to date shipments through June fell by 9pc to 17mn t from 19mn t, according to the United States Geological Survey
Houston, 7 November (Argus) — US ferrous scrap prices traded anywhere between sideways to drops of as much as $20 per gross ton in some regions and prime scrap grades were the weakest across the country. Despite upward momentum in export prices, domestic mills were able to negotiate pr
Houston, 7 November (Argus) — US bulk export prices increased between $5-10/t this week as demand from Turkey and India continued to drive values higher. An east coast exporter sold a cargo this week at an HMS 1/2 (80:20) level of $190/t cif Turkey, which was $5/t above a cargo sale boo
Houston, 7 November (Argus) — Ferrous scrap prices in Chicago dropped by $20-23 per gross ton this week as demand dropped to a six-year low. Market participants said that of the four producers that comprise Chicago's local market, one producer did not buy any scrap from the scrap market
Houston, 31 October (Argus) Base metal prices marched lower after Federal Reserve officials said an interest-rate increase was still a strong policy option this year, highlighting a December meeting as the setting for examining whether the US economy can handle higher borrowing costs. A pol
Houston, 23 October (Argus) China s sixth interest rate cut in less than a year came as the global impact of its economic slowdown tore through the steel industry in the UK while it hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping s visit this week. The People s Bank of China today cut its basic interes
Houston, 23 October (Argus) — Steel Dynamics ferrous scrap shipments to its own steel mills climbed to nearly 60pc of its total ferrous shipments in the latest quarter from less than half the same time last year, reflecting its choice to fuel its own steel mills at a time when US market
Houston, 16 October (Argus) As the metals community descended on London this week, so did a gloomy mood as the Chinese manufacturing slowdown and oversupply set the scene for historically low prices in most metal markets carrying on into next year. The Chinese industry, faced with a slowing
Houston, 9 October (Argus) — Global equities, metals, oil and emerging market currencies rallied after the soft US jobs report last week persuaded investors the Federal Reserve would hold its benchmark rate unchanged for longer than previously anticipated, possibly into next year. Minut
Houston, 7 October (Argus) — US ferrous scrap prices have dropped by $50 per gross ton in most regions of the country as mill demand for scrap nosedived. A few large producers are now pushing for decreases of up to $60/gt below prior month settlements. This month's price drop of $50/gt
Houston, 6 October (Argus) — US steel scrap consumption fell by 6pc in the first half of this year as production dropped amid global oversupply. Steel producers consumed 24.5mn t of scrap from January through June this year, from 26mn t in the same period last year, according to data co
Houston, 2 October (Argus) Economic headwinds intensified this week, as a weak US jobs report for September, and slowing factory activity in the US, China and Europe reinforced concerns of a global slowdown that is being highlighted by the slide in commodity prices. The monthly US jobs repo
Houston, 25 September (Argus) Prices of most base metals, emerging market currencies and stocks tumbled through the first days of the week in reaction to the Federal Reserve s decision last week not to lift its key rate as it warned of weakness in China and financial market turbulence. Fed
25 September (Argus) — Nucor-Yamato Steel, a joint venture of railroad track component manufacturer Yamato Kogyo and steel producer Nucor, is installing a $75mn quench and self-tempering process at its steel mill in Blytheville, Arkansas. The process will enable the company to produce
Houston, 25 September (Argus) — The US Congressional Steel Caucus today urged President Barack Obama to "address long-standing steel issues" with Chinese President Li Xi Jinping during Li's state visit to the US this week. The letter, signed by 69 congressional members of the group, in
Houston, 23 September (Argus) — Contract talks between the United Steelworkers union and steelmakers US Steel and ArcelorMittal will resume early next week after a hiatus of more than a week for union negotiators to brief their membership on the state of discussions. "Although the parti
Washington, 23 September (Argus) — The US Aluminum Association sent a letter to US government officials asking them to bring before the World Customs Organization the issue of Chinese exports of semi-fabricated aluminium and urge discussions between China and the US on the global alumini
London, 23 September (Argus) Latin American exports of rolled steel rose by 6.5pc on the year in January-July, as the region s steelmakers increased overseas sales, amid reduced local demand and an influx of cheap Chinese product eroding their domestic market share. The region shipped 4.9mn
Houston, 22 September (Argus) — Michigan-based automotive parts manufacturer Metaldyne will expand its Bluffton, Indiana plant by 16pc to support recent growth. The addition will be used for "transmission-related programs" involving differential assemblies and aluminum valve bodies, and
Houston, 22 September (Argus) — Employees and retirees of US Steel Canada (USSC) are urging the Ontario Superior Court to block the company's parent, US Steel, from moving output of its highest-value steel back to the US. Court appointed representatives of active employees and retirees
London, 21 September (Argus) — Global crude steel production decreased year on year in August, with almost every major steel-producing nation reporting declines in output figures over the period, according to the World Steel Association. Total crude steel output was 132mn t last month,
Houston, 18 September (Argus) The US Federal Reserve s decision to keep its benchmark lending rate unchanged this week and its warning of heightened concerns about growth in China and other emerging markets sent a new wave of jitters through global markets from equities and currencies to c
Washington, 18 September (Argus) — US and Canadian aluminium production declined by 1.2pc in August compared with the year-ago month. US and Canada produced 378,100t of aluminium in August, down from 382,550t in August 2014, according to the US Aluminum Association, in cooperation with
18 September (Argus) — TJN Enterprises has started operations at a new facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where it has operated a 4-acre yard for the past 25 years. The new location, which spans 25 acres, will process ferrous and nonferrous materials collected from industrial accoun
Houston, 17 September (Argus) The Aluminum Association has asked US government officials to open an investigation into misconduct by Chinese aluminum exporters in a letter dated September 4. In particular, the group is concerned that some companies are misclassifying aluminum exports to dod
Houston, 17 September (Argus) US producer AK Steel anticipates its third quarter shipments will climb by about 3pc from the second quarter, largely due to rising automotive demand, while prices will fall. Ohio-based AK Steel expects shipments will total 1.86mn net tons (1.7mn metric tonnes)
Santiago, 17 September (Argus) — Chile´s Antofagasta Minerals plans to gradually restart its Los Pelambres copper mine today following a major earthquake yesterday evening. "The operations of Minera Los Pelambras remain suspended and it is expected they will resume gradually within the
Houston, 17 September (Argus) — US service center shipments of steel products fell by 8.9pc in August from the same month of 2014 while inventories rose. Service center steel shipments totaled 3.3mn net tons (nt) (3mn metric tonnes) in August, down from 3.64mn nt a year earlier, the Met
Houston, 17 September (Argus) — US service center shipments of aluminium products fell by 2.2pc in August from the same month of 2014 but inventories fell for the first time in more than a year. Service center aluminium shipments fell to 131,800nt from 134,700nt a year earlier, the Meta
London, 17 September (Argus) — Australian producer Gulf Manganese's project to develop a manganese smelter in Timor, Indonesia, can advance after the company secured a government licence for foreign investment. The company received the licence from Indonesia's investment co-ordinating b
New York, 17 September (Argus) — US consumption of ferro-vanadium dropped by 4.1pc in June from a year earlier, the latest figures from the country's USGS geological survey show. Ferro-vanadium demand totalled 233,000kg in June, down from 243,000kg on the year, but up from 227,000kg in
London, 17 September (Argus) — Chilean copper producers Codelco and Antofagasta shut their larger mines following a 8.3 magnitude offshore earthquake, some 280km from the capital Santiago. The earthquake prompted a tsunami warning and the government ordered an emergency evacuation along
Houston, 16 September (Argus) Ohio-based Shiloh Industries reduced its profit for the first and second quarters of the year by nearly $2mn in a restatement of its earnings after conducting an investigation into accounting practices at its Wellington facility. The company said the error was
Washington, 16 September (Argus) — The global aluminium industry could face a shortage of anode-grade petroleum coke, an essential feedstock, within the next three years, according to an industry analysis. Using a baseline scenario of steady aluminium demand growth at 5pc/yr, supply of
Houston, 16 September (Argus) US steelmaker Nucor expects third quarter operating performance at its steel mills will improve from the prior quarter, with improved margins as its mills benefit from lower inventory costs. The US automotive market is strong while non-residential construction
Houston, 11 September (Argus) Economic headwinds stiffened this week amid signs of accelerating slowdown in China, Brazil s downgrade to junk credit status and continued volatility in equity markets ahead of a Federal Reserve meeting next week that may result in the first US rate hike in nin
Houston, 4 September (Argus) Global equity markets gyrated lower amid signs of slowing growth from China to Brazil and Canada, weakening factory activity in the US, and ongoing currency volatility that partly reflects concerns over the Federal Reserve s anticipated rate increase. China s fa
28 August (Argus) — Concerns of a quickening economic slowdown in China helped trigger a global equity-market selloff, climaxing in "Black Monday" on 24 August, which spawned fears of more commodity and currency volatility and slowing global growth. While the market calmed towards the en
Tumbling stock markets across the globe have sent shivers through metals markets amid weak manufacturing figures that raise concerns the Chinese economic slowdown will deepen. Chinese manufacturing contracted at its fastest rate in more than six years in August, with modest growth in Eu
Fire hits Codelco's Chuquicamata mine London, 18 August (Argus) — Chilean state-controlled copper-molybdenum producer Codelco's Chuquicamata mine, in the northern Antofagasta region, was struck by an underground fire yesterday. The incident occurred yesterday afternoon in an underground
14 August (Argus) — Developments in China have dominated what would normally be one of the quietest weeks of the year for the global metals industry. The impact of China's currency devaluation on 11 August had hardly sunk in before massive explosions the following night at hazardous goo
Houston, 10 August (Argus) — US domestic raw steel production dropped by 9pc to 1.76mn net tons (nt) (1.6mn metric tonnes) in the week ended 8 August from the same week a year earlier, while capacity utilization declined to 73.4pc. Production declined from 1.93mn nt a year earlier, when
Houston, 7 August (Argus) The height of summer 2015 is proving to be the toughest period in living memory for many players in the metals markets as demand has petered out and activity is even slower than usual for this time of year. China s role in global metals markets is manifold. Underly
Pitsburg, Kansas, 31 July (Argus) — The Bonnell Aluminum extrusion operations of Virginia-based manufacturer Tredegar increased sales volumes by 12.4 pc in the second quarter to 42.9mn pounds from 38.2mn pounds in the same quarter a year ago. Aluminum extrustion sales volumes are up 10.
Houston, 31 July (Argus) Weaker growth in the eastern US and the onset of summer holidays in the west are dragging on metal demand and prices, promising tougher weeks ahead. Some market players are taking advantage of the prevailing bearish sentiment to pick up stocks of metal at current hi
Houston, 24 July (Argus) Prospects of Federal Reserve interest rate hikes as soon as September appeared to drive investors away from commodities, metals companies and miners this week as broader equities also stumbled amid disappointing earnings. London Metal Exchange (LME) aluminum, copper
Houston, 17 July (Argus) US equities rebounded and the three major indexes ended the week higher although energy stocks weighed on the Dow and S P 500. The dollar posted its biggest weekly rise in two months on the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate hike this year. US housing starts rose
Houston, 13 July (Argus) — Canada-based copper producer Capstone Mining is holding to its 2015 production guidance of 90,000t of copper as improved performance at its Minto mine is expected to offset a shortfall at Cozamin. Capstone produced 21,100t of copper in the second quarter, down
Houston, 13 July (Argus) Ohio-based aluminium producer Aleris s board of directors appointed Sean Stack as the company s new chief executive, replacing Steve Demetriou. Stack, who has been at Aleris since its formation in 2004, most recently served as chief executive of the company s North
Uncertainty continued to surround the Greek debt crisis ahead of a weekend referendum on tough terms for bailout aid. This pushed the euro close to parity against the US dollar on 1 July. A second consecutive monthly improvement in the health of global manufacturing was seen in Purchasing Man
By Philip Burgert Houston, 2 June A near doubling of zinc production from Horsehead Holding Corp s plant in Mooresboro, North Carolina, has not impacted US zinc prices. The plant produced about 4,100t of zinc metal in May, compared to 2,600t tons and 2,800t in March and April, respectively.
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