The andalusite market has been rocked by a drop in supplies following closures related to the Covid-19 pandemic in producing countries, and a subsequent adjustment in demand in some consuming markets. But sources believe that a new balance is in sight.
Low capacity utilization at China’s kilns for production of brown fused alumina was weighing heavily on the markets, driven by weak demand for refractories.
The European magnesia markets have been very sluggish so far in 2020, with the Covid-19 pandemic striking while consumers were trying to cut back swollen inventories.
Welcome to the October 2020 issue of Metal Market Magazine, where we delve into the markets of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and mineral sands, as well as rare earths and Chinese magnesia.
As part of a strategy to diversify its activities, the Germany-based international plant builder and engineering business SMS group is applying its technological expertise to processing ores and the means to recycle lithium batteries. Chief technology officer Hans Ferkel and senior vice president for strategic project development Herbert Weissenbaeck discuss the group’s plans and progress with Richard Barrett
Alba CEO Ali Al Baqali worked long and hard to get the qualifications and experience he needed to lead the major aluminium producer in Bahrain. Andrea Hotter discusses his path to the top with him and the company’s strategy now in challenging global markets for primary aluminium producers
When Fastmarkets held its major digital conference about lithium supply and markets in late October, its reporters captured highlights of the event. The supply chain from mining through to recycling, investments, market fundamentals, prices and price risk management were covered and here we bring together a summary of the key points
Refractory-grade bauxite prices have held firm due to tightening supply despite the uncertainties caused the Covid-19 pandemic.
The cover profile interviews published by Metal Market Magazine provide fascinating accounts of the journeys taken by today’s leaders in steel and metal businesses to reach their current roles, throughout the supply chain. In this annual review, we summarize their stories from the past year’s issues to highlight some of their key experiences and insights on leadership, management and strategy.
With government support for rare earths mining increasing, a growing number of miners – including mineral sands producers – now see value in a market that, for a long time, was effectively closed to non-Chinese producers due to its high costs and strict environmental regulations.
Welcome to the November-December 2020 issue of Metal Market Magazine, where we feature a focus section on battery raw materials, especially lithium and its latest industry developments.
Price stabilization and inventory control are bearing fruit for titanium dioxide and mineral sand producers, even as Covid-19 rocks pigment markets.
Welcome to the April 2020 issue of the Metal Market Magazine, which features extensive updates on industrial mineral raw materials for the battery supply chain, lithium and graphite.
After 12 years at the helm and two global crises, the president and chief executive officer of the American Iron and Steel Institute is setting sail to calmer seas.
Striking the right balance between supply and demand for lithium has been difficult, given the still relatively nascent demand for electric vehicles and the time needed to ramp up lithium production.
Battery raw material prices were on lows for the year in mid-July and spot battery-grade lithium prices were also at multi-year lows, writes William Adams, Fastmarkets head of research for base metals and battery materials.
The Covid-19 pandemic has reversed a long-term fall in chromite prices while supply dried up, but weak demand could cap continued price rises.
Faced with the Covid-19 pandemic, mining executives are being forced to take swift action and make tough decisions as prices fall, economies contract and demand in key consuming industries declines.
Steel mills and service centers expect a slow restart to auto making, reports Gregory DL Morris.
The global Covid-19 pandemic has plunged the oil market into an unprecedented slump, threatening a complete reshaping of the oilfield mineral market. One of the hardest hit industries is likely to be frac sand mining.
