This
page is archived news covering the period of August 2015
If you are looking for current daily market news, please visit
here.
Free comprehensive information on worldwide nickel market pricing, stainless steel
prices and metals analysis and forecasts
Cell phone and tablet users - smaller version of
this page -
(here)
Monday, August 31
London
Metal Exchange is closed today for Summer Bank Holiday. Chinese markets are
only open the first three days of this week.
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Friday's trading session at
$4.56/lb
. Indicators
at 6:30 am CST today show 3 month nickel untraded with the London Metal Exchange
closed for the Summer Bank Holiday. Stockpile numbers will be reported by
the LME upon its reopening tomorrow. Shanghai Metals Market is reporting
nickel ore inventories held at six major Chinese ports increased by 220,000
tonnes last week to total 10.91 million tonnes.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - $4.69/lb
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
Prices of
CR Austenitic Stainless Sheets in Asia May Be Level of $1,800 CFR - According
to a source of a Japanese cold-rolled (CR) stainless steel sheet mill, export
prices of CR austenitic stainless sheets in the Asian region are thought
to become the level of $1,800 CFR. -
more
Resolution
Reached In New Caledonia Nickel Dispute – A resolution has been reached
in New Caledonia to end a weeks-long industrial dispute which crippled traffic
around the capital, Noumea. -
more
Why’s
everyone worried about China? - Collective concern about what exactly is
happening in the world’s second-largest economy is roiling all parts
of the financial universe. -
more
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
Friday, August 28
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Thursday's trading session at
$4.46/lb
. Indicators
at 6:30 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.05/lb
lower, with other
London traded base metals trading mixed. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME
approved warehouses rose on Thursday and now total just over the 455,150
tonne level. Once again, nickel is shadowing European equity markets lower,
although nickel is showing some strength where equities have yet to stop
their daily slide. Not a whole lot any of us can make sense about the current
market state, or try to explain it, so unless your entire savings is invested
in nickel, you are probably better off turning off today's business news
and going on a long and relaxing weekend trip. If you can't, then enjoy what
weekend you can take.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - $4.93/lb
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
Murky Waters: How will El Niño impact commodity markets? -
more
Fasten seat belts as LME spreads tighten: Andy Home - For every action there
is an equal and opposite reaction. Or translating Sir Isaac Newton's third
law of motion into financial language, markets don't move in straight lines.
-
more
BIR Stainless
World Mirror August 2015 - Global: 'The market for stainless scrap is set
to remain challenging for the rest of this year for both raw material suppliers
as well as consumers,' asserts Joost Van Kleef, chairman of the BIR stainless
steel & special alloys committee. -
more
EU dumping
duties, shutdowns give stainless mills only modest relief - An EU move to
cut nearly a fifth of stainless steel supply via anti-dumping duties has
given the bloc's mills only modest support as they continue to battle stubbornly
poor demand and a China-led growth slowdown.-
more
Steel firms
warned of tough H2 - China's steel sector can expect to face increasing
international trade friction as inventories and output continue to rise amid
weakening demand driven by the economic slowdown, according to Wang Liqun,
vice-chairman of China Iron and Steel Association. -
more
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
Thursday, August 27
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Wednesday's trading session at
$4.33/lb. Indicators
at 6:15 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.12/lb
higher, with other
London traded base metals trading higher as well. Stockpiles of nickel stored
in LME approved warehouses rose on Wednesday and now total just under the
454,700 tonne level. Commodities are playing catch up to the late hour spike
in US equity markets yesterday, as are European stock markets. China markets
ended higher today, but business media is reporting this was due to a sudden
spike in China government buys in the last half hour that erased another
day of losses. Jim Rogers is once again proclaiming that one shouldn't give
up on commodities yet, proving that even a broken clock is right twice a
day. Interesting story below about the 2011 attack on a Philippine nickel
mine.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - $4.72/lb
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
Worried about China? Ask a metals trader: Andy Home - Everyone's worried
about China. Collective concern about what exactly is happening in the world's
second-largest economy is roiling all parts of the financial universe. -
more
EU dumping
duties, shutdowns give stainless mills only modest relief - An EU move to
cut nearly a fifth of stainless steel supply via anti-dumping duties has
given the bloc's mills only modest support as they continue to battle stubbornly
poor demand and a China-led growth slowdown. -
more
King
Of Ore: Despite Nickel Asia's Raids, Zamora Did Not Retreat - Jose Anievas
still remembers Oct. 3, 2011 quite vividly. Early in the morning that fateful
Monday, the chief operating officer of [prisoners of war] was seized by New
People’s Army (NPA) rebels who raided the company’s sprawling open-pit
mining site in Claver, Surigao del Norte in Mindanao. -
more
Jim Rogers:
Don’t rule out a bull run in commodities - Oil prices are trading near
a six-year low, copper futures have shaved off 20% year-to-date and wider
panic has grabbed the commodities market in fears over a sharp slowdown in
China. -
more
Russia's
Norilsk Nickel hires banks for Eurobond - Russia's Norilsk Nickel has hired
five banks to arrange a Eurobond, according to two sources. -
more
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
Wednesday, August 26
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Tuesday's trading session at
$4.35/lb
. Indicators
at 6:15 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.07/lb
lower, with other
London traded base metals trading mostly lower. Stockpiles of nickel stored
in LME approved warehouses rose on Tuesday and now total just shy of the
454,400 tonne level. China is adding some more stimulus measures this morning
after the interest rate cut announced yesterday failed to calm markets. European
markets are lower but showing some strength, and US futures are positive.
Commodities continue to trade at teh mercy of overall market sentiment, which
at teh moment, is about as sour as it can get. Nickel is trading under the
$10,000/tonne level for a third day.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - $4.74/lb
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
Mediation
starts over New Caledonia nickel conflict - The president of the Caledonian
Union party Daniel Goa has expressed hope protesting truck drivers can exit
the unresolved conflict over nickel exports with their heads held high. -
more
Some Mills
Cut Ni SUS Scrap Purchase Price in Late Aug by JPY5,000 = EF mills in Kanto
area lower purchase prices ahead of others and mills in Chubu area also are
considering = Since entering late August, 2 electric furnace mills for stainless
steel in the Kanto area lowered their purchase price for nickel-containing
stainless steel scrap (SABOT) by JPY5,000 per ton. -
more
Mining
and energy companies embrace the stackhat as commodities dive - Miners don't
wear helmets just for safety while underground, they wear them for times
like this. -
more
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
Tuesday, August 25
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Monday's trading session at
$4.33/lb
. Indicators
at 6:30 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.04/lb
higher, with other
London traded base metals trading quietly higher. Stockpiles of nickel stored
in LME approved warehouses fell on Monday and now total just over the 453,850
tonne level. China cut interest rates overnight for the fifth time since
November in an attempt to stop the rout in their stock markets. European
markets are higher on the news. Once again, external market news, is affecting
nickel trading and talking about technical levels is a waste of time. It
will be interesting to see if China's move is enough to stem the bearish
tide, as we see it as a move of desperation and response to market demands,
and history shows us that when governments let markets mandate their moves,
the results can be disastrous. Time will tell. We don't suggest you unbuckle
your seat belt just yet.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - $4.77/lb
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
Global stocks, dollar, oil extend gains after China cuts rates -
more
Surge in
China’s refined nickel imports continues in July - Last month we noted
that China’s refined nickel imports increased a staggering 250% in June
to 38,545 mt from 11,014 mt in June 2014, and stated that China may well
continue to increase refined nickel imports over the rest of 2015. -
more
Aluminum, nickel production holding up - Global production of aluminum and
nickel is showing no signs of trending down, even though prices for these
nonferrous metals are at their lowest levels in about six years. -
more
Clive
Palmer blames Beijing for nickel refinery woes - The viability of Clive
Palmer’s major business, a nickel refinery, is in doubt following
revelations he is blaming the Chinese for his inability to pay for
major machinery upgrades, amid a cash crunch and nickel price collapse in
the ongoing commodities rout. -
more
Mwana
Africa Gold Project Remains Profitable But Nickel Struggles - Mwana Africa
PLC on Tuesday said its gold operation remains profitable despite being hampered
by the fall in gold prices, but said its nickel operation was not profitable
in the last quarter as production and prices fell and costs rose. -
more
First
Nickel locks gates to Sudbury mine - When workers at the Lockerby mine in
Sudbury, Ontario arrived on shift at 5 a.m. on Thursday, they found the gates
locked and the copper-nickel mine idle. -
more
Courtesy AISI
- In the week ending August 22, 2015, domestic raw steel production was 1,742,000
net tons while the capability utilization rate was 72.9 percent. Production
was 1,930,000 net tons in the week ending August 22, 2014 while the capability
utilization then was 80.2 percent. The current week production represents
a 9.7 percent decrease from the same period in the previous year. Production
for the week ending August 22, 2015 is down 1.5 percent from the previous
week ending August 15, 2015 when production was 1,768,000 net tons and the
rate of capability utilization was 73.9 percent.
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
Monday, August 24
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Friday's trading session at
$4.62/lb . Indicators
at 6:30 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.30/lb
lower, with other
London traded base metals trading lower as well. Stockpiles of nickel stored
in LME approved warehouses rose slightly on Friday and now total just over
the 455,000 tonne level. Shanghai Metals Market reports stockpiles of nickel
ore stored at six major Chinese ports fell by 280,000 tonnes last week, and
now total 10.69 million tonnes. If you missed it, nickel has now been caught
up in a worldwide financial rout and until markets calm down, talking about
anything logical is a waste of cyber space. Hope you are buckled up.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - $4.80/lb
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
China’s Stocks Sink Most Since 2007 as State Intervention Fails -
more
CR Austenitic
Stainless Sheets for China = The Japanese mills are in a stance to wait and
see for October shipment = It is time when the Japanese mills of cold-rolled
(CR) stainless steel sheets commence negotiations on CR austenitic stainless
sheets for China for October shipment but most of them are in a stance to
shelve negotiations. -
more
First Nickel
goes into receivership - Legal firm KSV Kofman has been appointed as the
receiver of First Nickel after the company’s principal secured lender
Resource Capital Fund demanded repayment of all of the obligations owing
to it, enforcing its security under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act of
Canada. -
more
Blockades
lifted in New Caledonia - Blockades have been lifted in New Caledonia's capital,
after nearly three weeks of disruption. -
more
Modern mining
is no threat to Minnesota - Earlier this month, a crew working to clean up
the long-closed Gold King mine in Colorado unintentionally breached an earthen
dam, releasing an estimated 3 million gallons of mine wastewater into
Colorado’s Animas River and prompting the governors of Colorado, New
Mexico and Utah, as well as the Navajo Nation, to declare states of emergency.
-
more
In Minnesota, fight between mining and environment gets personal - It’s
the kind of July day that Minnesotans fantasize about in the dead of winter.
Puffball clouds float in a blue sky and daisies sprout under stately pines
lining Spruce Road, the main artery of an old logging network deep in the
Superior National Forest about 15 miles southeast of Ely. -
more
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
Friday, August 21
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Thursday's trading session at
$4.69/lb. Indicators
at 6:30 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.05/lb
lower, with other
London traded base metals trading lower as well. Stockpiles of nickel stored
in LME approved warehouses fell on Thursday and now total just under the
455,000 tonne level. Commodities are getting caught up in a world wide sell
off of investment, so the last few weeks have been brutal. We will start
again Monday so have a relaxing weekend.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - $4.82/lb
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
Caixin flash China manufacturing PMI hits 77-month low in August -
more
July 2015 crude steel production - World crude steel production for the 65
countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 133 million
tonnes (Mt) in July 2015, a -3.8% decrease compared to July 2014. -
more
New
Caledonia blockades resume after talks fail - Blockades staged by protesting
truck drivers continue to disrupt traffic and the flow of business activity
in New Caledonia. -
more
Strike
ends at ARM nickel mine – union - South Africa’s National Union
of Mineworkers said on Thursday that it had signed a wage deal at the Nkomati
nickel mine operated by African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), ending a strike that
started on Sunday. -
more
Asia ferrochrome
prices under pressure from currency devaluations - Spot prices of ferrochrome
in Asia are under downward pressure due to currency devaluations, market
sources said Friday. -
more
China's Foreign
Trade Result of Molybdenum in Jan-Jun 2015 = Export is down by 66% from
year-earlier period, and import is down by 41% ditto = According to the
calculation to figure out volumes in pure Mo equivalent based on China's
customs statistics, the export volume in the period from January to June
in 2015 was 2.9867 million lbs (down by 66.4% from the year-earlier period),
and the import volume was 5.8219 million lbs (down by 41.0% ditto). -
more
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
Thursday, August 20
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Wednesday's trading session at
$4.74/lb. Indicators at
6:15 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading flat and unchanged at the moment,
with other London traded base metals trading quietly higher. Stockpiles of
nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell slightly on Wednesday and now
total just under teh 455,900 tonne level. Nickel support held this time around,
and after closing below $4.74/lb on Tuesday, it crawled back up to that level
yesterday. Today, the market is quiet, although nickel was trading $.04/lb
lower earlier in todays session, showing support is weak. The Euro is trading
higher this morning, which is helping commodities, while equity trading is
lower, which is souring commodities.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - $4.83/lb
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
Decision in Rio Tinto’s case against Vale over Simandou imminent -
more
CR Ferritic
Stainless Prices in East Asia Close to Dipping below $1,000 CFR - According
to a source, prices of cold-rolled (CR) ferritic stainless steel sheets (SUS430
grade) are likely to be imminent to dipping below $1,000 CFR. In China, prices
of ferritic ones to SUS430 are already below $1,000 in dollar equivalent,
and China's offer price for Taiwan is said to be $1,000 CFR. -
more
Noumea
blockades caused by ore export differences - There have been major disruptions
to traffic in Noumea due to protests by truck drivers related to New Caledonia's
nickel mining industry. -
more
Glencore Dominican operation reveals buyer’s profile after faux pas
- Falconbridge Dominicana on Tuesday disclosed the profile of Americano Nickel
Limited (American Nickel), calling it a holding company specialized in mining.
-
more
Disaster
triggers rise in commodity prices - Commodity prices, including iron ore,
increased after last week's fatal blasts in Tianjin affected operations at
the city's port. -
more
Depressed
metals make miners seem like a bargain - If the trend in industrial commodities
were the genie from “Aladdin,” it would serenade traders with his
signature song, “You ain’t never had a friend like me.” This
trend is solid to the downside, and that is bad news for both commodities
and for the economy. -
more
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
Wednesday, August 19
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Tuesday's trading session at
$4.70/lb
. Indicators
at 6:30 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.02/lb
higher, with other
London traded base metals trading slightly higher as well. Stockpiles of
nickel stored in LME approved warehouses rose on Tuesday and now totals just
over the 456,150 tonne level. Cancelled warrants continue to run at about
one third of that level, as they have since mid July. We have support at
$4.74, with one close below that level and a second today, would send another
negative technical signal to the market.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - $4.84/lb
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
China's
Production of SUS Crude Steel in Former Half 10.759 Mil. Tons = Up by 1%
from year-earlier period and production of 300 series and 200 series is up
= Stainless Steel Council of China Special Steel Enterprises Association
announces China's production of stainless crude steel in the former half
(January - June) was 10.759 million tons, up by 0.7% from the year-earlier
period. -
more
American Nickel acquired FALCONDO and restart operations - The mining company
will share information with the government to respond with transparency to
all concerns and share their vision of transforming Falcondo in a sustainable
nickel producer -
translated version here
Australian
nickel refiner seeks more ore from New Caledonia - Australian nickel refiner
Queensland Nickel has yet to fill its laterite ore quota from New Caledonian
suppliers and was eager to increase volume as the South Pacific country faces
pressure to lift a ban on exports to China. -
more
New
Caledonia policeman shot amid tension over nickel - The authorities in New
Caledonia have confirmed a member of the security forces has been shot and
wounded amid ongoing tension over nickel mining. -
more
Russia Stainless
Steel Imports fell 20.2% - According to Spetsstal’s appraisal, imports
of stainless steel to Russia in the first half of 2015, if compared to the
same period of 2014, fell 20.2% to 101,167 tons. -
more
Firm’s
nickel discovery - Highlands Pacific Limited says it has identified extensive
nickel mineralisation at Sewa Bay in Milne Bay. -
more
Persistent
problems in nickel ore trade in the Philippines - Further to previous club
advice including the club’s publication on Liquefaction of Mineral Ore
and Mineral Concentrates, problems persist in the mining and transportation
of nickel ore from the Philippines. -
more
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
Tuesday, August 18
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Monday's trading session at
$4.83/lb. Indicators
at 6:15 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.12/lb
lower, with other
London treaded base metals trading mostly lower. Stockpiles of nickel stored
in LME approved warehouses rose on Monday and now total just under the 455,000
tonne level. China markets fell sharply overnight and news that Japan may
need a stimulus to prop up its economy is putting a large cloud of negativity
back over worl markets this morning. The ISSF reports world production
of stainless steel was flat compared to the same period last year.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - $4.85/lb
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
Chinese stock slump weighs on world markets -
more
Mature El Niño in the tropical Pacific region -
more
Stainless
Steel Production Turns Out ..... - The International Stainless Steel Forum
(ISSF) has released figures for the first three months of 2015 showing that
at 10.4 million metric tons (mmt) stainless steel melt shop production was
at the same level year–on–year. -
more
Shipments
Decline in July - U.S. and Canadian shipments declined from 2014 levels for
both steel and aluminum in July. Inventory positions deteriorated across
the board. -
more
Glencore
swoops on Sirius' nickel - Glencore's financial troubles have not prevented
the Swiss giant from swooping on the remaining offtake from Sirius Resources'
Nova mine in WA. -
more
Vale appeals
court order suspending nickel operation - Following a federal court order
late Friday suspending its Onça Puma nickel mine, Brazilian miner
Vale announced it has filed an appeal to restart the operation, which the
company considers to be legally licensed. -
more
New
Caledonia unrest linked to contractor protests - A key road into New Caledonia's
capital has been blocked after truck drivers attached to nickel mining
contractors staged another protest. -
more
Softer
metal prices hurt no.3 nickel miner - Soft metal prices and unfavorable weather
conditions weighed on the bottom line of Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc.
in the three months ended June, the country’s third largest nickel producer
said in its latest quarterly report. -
more
Courtesy AISI
- In the week ending August 15, 2015, domestic raw steel production was 1,768,000
net tons while the capability utilization rate was 73.9 percent. Production
was 1,930,000 net tons in the week ending August 15, 2014 while the capability
utilization then was 80.2 percent. The current week production represents
a 8.4 percent decrease from the same period in the previous year. Production
for the week ending August 15, 2015 is up 0.7 percent from the previous week
ending August 8, 2015 when production was 1,756,000 net tons and the rate
of capability utilization was 73.4 percent.
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
Monday, August 17
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Friday's trading session at
$4.83/lb
. Indicators
at 6:20 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.01/lb
higher, with other
London traded base metals trading higher as well. Stockpiles of nickel stored
in LME approved warehouses rose on Friday and now total just over the 454,800
tonne level. Shanghai Metals Market reports stockpiles of nickel ore stored
at six major Chinese ports rose 110,000 tonnes last week to total 10.97 million
tonnes. Technical support has fallen to $4.75/lb and we will have to wait
and see if the market tests this level this week.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - $4.86/lb
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
U.S. Fastener Imports & Exports Remain Weak in June -
more
Vale halts
Amazon nickel mine output after court order - Vale SA stopped operations
at its Onca Puma nickel mine in Brazil's Amazon after a Brazilian federal
court on Friday ordered the halt because of disputed payments to indigenous
communities. -
more
S.Africa's
NUM union says members to strike at ARM nickel mine - South Africa's National
Union of Mineworkers said on Saturday that its members would down tools at
the Nkomati nickel mine operated by African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) and Norilsk
Nickel after wage talks deadlocked. -
more
NUM Called for Indefinite Strike in South African Nickel Mine Over Bonus
Pay - Demanding a higher bonus pay, the mining union NUM South Africa has
called for an indefinite strike at a nickel mine in eastern Nkomati which
was scheduled to start from Sunday. -
more
Glencore
sells stakes in copper, nickel mines for $290 mln - Global miner and commodity
trader Glencore said on Friday it had sold stakes in three mines it inherited
through its Xstrata takeover for about $290 million. -
more
Molybdenum
production and use down - Global production of molybdenum fell to 128.8 million
pounds in the first quarter of 2015, down 13% from 148.1 million pounds in
the previous quarter, and 5% lower compared with the same period in 2014,
figures released today by the International Molybdenum Association (IMOA)
show. -
more
Macquarie
Says China Slowdown Hammers Hopes of Nickel Surge - The nickel market is
going to let down any investors still betting on a shortage this year, according
to analysts from Macquarie Group Ltd. -
more
LME warehousing
landscape adjusts to life after queues: Andy Home - You don't hear so much
about the load-out queues in the London Metal Exchange's (LME) warehouse
system these days. -
more
Japan's Purchase
Price of HC FeCr Remains Unchanged from Prior Period = US Cents 116 per lb,
and no change in overall demand and supply balance = Japanese stainless steel
mills continued negotiation with several foreign ferro-chrome producers to
fix the purchase price of high-carbon ferro-chrome for the period from July
to September in 2015, and came to an agreement on the price to remain unchanged
from the prior period. -
more
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
Wednesday, August 12
We
are traveling on business the remainder of this week, so our next update
will be Monday, August 17th.
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Tuesday's trading session at
$4.87/lb
. Indicators
at 6:15 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.09/lb
lower, with other
London traded base metals trading mixed. Stockpiles off nickel stored in
LME approved warehouses fell on Tuesday and now total just over the 454,400
tonne level. Nickel fell below a key line of support yesterday on China's
devaluation of its currency, and is not showing much evidence it will be
able to crawl back above that line today. In fact, while nickel is trading
much lower at the moment, earlier today it was trading over $.10/lb lower
than where it is now. If you are one who trades by technical signals, a second
close below support will send a strong sell signal. If you are one of those
who believes nickel can't fall any lower, then every time we appear to find
a floor, it crumbles shortly thereafter. We are traveling the rest of the
week on business and catch up with you on Monday.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - $4.90/lb
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
(SSY) Daily crude steel output at China Iron and Steel Association member
mills fell further in the period 21-31 July to 1.60 Mt/day, according to
data from the industry association reported by U-metal. This is the lowest
output level in over a year and compares with 1.76 Mt/day for the same period
in 2014.
LME Q2
profit doubles as trading fee hike pays out - The London Metal Exchange (LME),
the world's biggest base metals bourse, roughly doubled its core profit in
the second quarter despite a slight fall in volumes, as a January hike in
trading fees flowed through to the bottom line. -
more
Morgan Stanley
cuts 2015 metals price view; sees recovery by Q1 '16 - Morgan Stanley lowered
its 2015 metals price forecasts, citing a "surprisingly" large fall in prices
in July on China's equity market selloff. -
more
US Nickel scrap
exports declined sharply in June - The latest statistics released by the
US Department of Commerce (DOC) indicates that the country’s Nickel
scrap exports fell sharply by 28.2% in June this year when compared with
the previous month. -
more
Japan's Purchase
Price of HC FeCr Remains Unchanged from Prior Period = US Cents 116 per lb,
and no change in overall demand and supply balance = Japanese stainless steel
mills continued negotiation with several foreign ferro-chrome producers to
fix the purchase price of high-carbon ferro-chrome for the period from July
to September in 2015, and came to an agreement on the price to remain unchanged
from the prior period. -
more
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
Tuesday, August 11
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Monday's trading session at
$5.07/lb
. Indicators
at 6:30 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.19/lb
lower, with other
London traded base metals trading mostly lower as well. Stockpiles of nickel
stored in LME approved warehouses went unchanged on Monday and the total
remains just over the 456,700 tonne level. Nickel has fallen below support
this morning, a level of support that has been tested and held for over a
week. China devalued its yuan overnight, and surprised markets around the
world are reacting negatively. Nickel needs the support level of $4.89/lb
to hold strong.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - $4.91/lb
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
The Index of Small Business Optimism rose 1.3 points to 95.4 in July after
a discouraging drop in June -
more
China’s Export-Boosting Yuan Move Cloaked as Bold Market Reform -
more
Vale
approves Voisey’s Bay nickle mine - Construction of an underground mine
at Voisey’s Bay will start next year now that mining giant Vale has
formally approved the project, the Newfoundland and Labrador government said.
-
more
Seaborne
nickel ore trade still a deadly ‘game of Russian roulette’ -
“Carrying solid bulk cargoes involves serious risks, which must be managed
carefully to safeguard the crew and the ship. These risks include reduced
ship stability (and even capsizing) due to cargo liquefaction; fire or explosion
due to chemical hazards; and damage to ship structures due to poor loading
procedures.” - The opening paragraph of the introduction of Carrying
Solid Bulk Cargoes Safely guide, published in 2013 by UK classification society
Lloyd’s Register, in association with the UK P&I Club and Intercargo,
the trade association for dry bulk shipowners and operators. -
more
Circular 10/15: Safe Carriage of Nickel Ore - Members must notify the Club
at the earliest opportunity if they intend to load nickel ore from Indonesian
or Philippine ports, and may prejudice cover if they fail to do so. -
more
Courtesy AISI
- In the week ending August 8, 2015, domestic raw steel production was 1,756,000
net tons while the capability utilization rate was 73.4 percent. Production
was 1,930,000 net tons in the week ending August 8, 2014 while the capability
utilization then was 80.2 percent. The current week production represents
a 9.0 percent decrease from the same period in the previous year. Production
for the week ending August 8, 2015 is down 0.2 percent from the previous
week ending August 1, 2015 when production was 1,760,000 net tons and the
rate of capability utilization was 73.6 percent.
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
Monday, August 10
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Friday's trading session at
$4.91/lb
. Indicators
at 6:30 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.07/lb
higher, with other
London traded base metals trading higher as well. Stockpiles of nickel stored
in LME approved warehouses rose slightly on Friday and start the week just
over the 456,700 tonne level. Shanghai Metal Market is reporting nickel ore
stockpiles held at six major Chines ports rose by 100,000 tonnes last week
to total 10.86 million tonnes. Chinese stock rose sharply today on government
stimulus hopes, and this is carrying over into commodity trading around the
world. The US Dow futures, which has had seven straight losing sessions,
shows it will open higher. Warren Buffet's offer to buy Precision Castparts
is also adding positive momentum.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - $4.90/lb
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
WTO says EU illegally taxes China steel fasteners -
more
Metal prices
distress driven by sentiment - What has happened since the beginning of May
this year? Because from January to April, base metal prices followed a fairy
normal pattern (volatile with some peaks and troughs along the way), reaching
a 2015 high early May. -
more
No.
3 nickel miner plumps up for year-round output - Global Ferronickel Holdings,
Inc. -- the Philippines’ third largest nickel producer -- has acquired
a mine in Palawan under a $50-million deal, allowing it to produce output
all year round, a company official said on Friday. -
more
Global Ferronickel Holdings acquires Palawan nickel mine -
more
Summer Of Misery For Commodities - "Every unhappy family is unhappy in its
own way." The opening sentiment in Tolstoy's great novel Anna Karenina works
just as well for commodities markets in the summer of 2015 as it did for
Russian aristocratic clans in the 19th century. -
more
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
Friday, August 7
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Thursday's trading session at
$4.92/lb. Indicators at
6:30 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.01/lb
higher, with other
London traded base metals trading mostly flat. Stockpiles of nickel stored
in LME licensed warehouses fell on Thursday and now total just under the
456,700 tonne level. Traders are keeping the traded price of nickel above
major support, but not by much. Have a safe and relaxing weekend.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - $4.90/lb
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
China's steel city feels impact of pollution regulations -
more
LME Ni
Average Price in July Down by 11% from Prior Month = Upper quotation during
month exceeds US$12,100, but lower quotation dips below US$10,500 = LME monthly
average price in July 2015 was Cash seller: US$11,385.87 per ton (US$5.165
per lb) and 3-month seller: US$11,439.78 per ton (US$5.189 per lb). -
more
Finnish
govt rescues bankrupt nickel mine - The Finnish government has announced
its plan to start operating the bankrupt Talvivaara nickel mine, whose former
executives are currently on trial for creating environmental hazards. -
more
Sumitomo
Metal Mining cuts profit target as China demand slows - Sumitomo Metal Mining
Co., the largest domestic nickel producer, cut its first-half profit forecast
as China’s slower demand weakens commodity prices more than anticipated,
the company said in a statement Friday. -
more
Philippines
sees higher nickel, gold output in 2015 – The Philippines’ nickel
and gold output this year will exceed 2014 levels as some mines that were
under suspension orders have resumed operations, the Mines and Geosciences
Bureau (MGB) said on Friday. -
more
Philippine nickel miners confident production won’t drop -
more
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
Thursday, August 6
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Wednesday's trading session at
$4.91/lb. Indicators
at 6:15 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.04/lb
higher, with other
London traded base metals trading mostly higher and quietly. Stockpiles of
nickel stored in LME approved warehouses rose on Wednesday and now total
just under the 458,500 tonne level. Support held yesterday, albeit just barely.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - $4.90/lb
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
(MF) Global stainless steel output to hit new high in 2015
Chinese banks’ bad loans rise to US$290 billion as manufacturers struggle
-
more
TVIRD
ships out $3.9M nickel ore in July - The Philippine unit of Canada’s
TVI Pacific Inc. has completed four outbound shipments of nickel ore in July
this year from its joint-venture Agata Nickel Laterite Project in Mindanao.
-
more
Zimbabwe:
BNC Pins Hope of Nickel Prices - Bindura Nickel Corporation (BNC) is pinning
its recovery on projected increases of nickel prices internationally as demand
outstrips supply. -
more
Sudbury
First Nickel mine explosion: fire ignited explosives - Production has restarted
at First Nickel's Lockerby Mine in Sudbury following an explosion on Sunday.
-
more
New
Caledonia nickel miners stage protest - Nickel mining contractors in New
Caledonia staged a protest in Noumea in Wednesday, when more than 100 huge
trucks gathered outside the government building. -
more
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
Tuesday, August 4
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Monday trading session at
$4.89/lb
. Indicators
at 6:30 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.06/lb
higher, with other
London traded base metals trading higher as well. Stockpiles of nickel stored
in LME approved warehouses fell on Monday and now total just over the 457,900
tonne level. Nickel closed below support at $4.94/lb yesterday and a second
close below this level could send a sell signal to traders. If it successfully
holds today, the signal could be interpreted as a buy signal. The number
of mine closures continues to grow.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - $4.89/lb
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
North
American Stainless Press Release - For the month of August 2015, North American
Stainless will decrease the fuel surcharge to 21% for stainless flat and
long products. The surcharge rate is considered a maximum level for August
and will be reviewed monthly. -
source
Diggers
& Dealers: ‘Disappointing’ nickel price won’t last forever
- While the current nickel price is “disappointing” Western Areas
managing director Dan Lougher predicts the price will gradually improve.
-
more
Some Chinese
mills ramp up production on stronger steel prices - Some Chinese steelmakers
were heard to have increased their operating rates after the recent rise
in steel prices, industry sources said Tuesday. -
more
Nickel
Gains Most in Week on Signs Producers Are Cutting Output - Nickel climbed,
leading increases in industrial metals, amid signs the slump in prices is
forcing some producers to curtail production. -
more
First nickel
reports incident at Lockerby mine - An explosion was experienced underground
at First Nickel Inc.'s Lockerby mine on Sunday morning. One worker, who
experienced minor injuries and smoke inhalation, completed a medical assessment
and is now at home. -
more
Courtesy AISI
- In the week ending August 1, 2015, domestic raw steel production was 1,760,000
net tons while the capability utilization rate was 73.6 percent. Production
was 1,914,000 net tons in the week ending August 1, 2014 while the capability
utilization then was 79.6 percent. The current week production represents
a 8.0 percent decrease from the same period in the previous year. Production
for the week ending August 1, 2015 is up 1.1 percent from the previous week
ending July 25, 2015 when production was 1,740,000 net tons and the rate
of capability utilization was 72.8 percent.
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
Monday, August 3
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
Three month nickel closed Friday's trading session at
$5.02/lb
. Indicators
at 6:30 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.14/lb
lower, with other
London traded base metals trading mostly lower as well. Stockpiles of nickel
stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Friday and ended July just under
the 458,850 tonne level. Nickel is testing support at $4.94/lb this morning
on news that China's PMI fell to 50.0, below analysts expectations.
Average price of cash nickel so far this month - N/A
Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 - $7.65/lb / 2013 - $6.80/lb /
avg 2012 - $7.95/lb /
(USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 -
pdf
here
(SSY) Daily crude steel output at China Iron and Steel Association member
mills dropped to its lowest level since early April at 1.70 Mt in the period
11-20 July, according to data from U-metal. This compares with 1.81 Mt/day
in the same period in 2014.
Mining
sector clambers to find savings as metal prices continue to slide - Mining
companies are scrambling for ways to strengthen their balance sheet with
the rout in metal prices showing no signs of easing. -
more
Panoramic
Resources cuts jobs after seismic event - An earthquake at Panoramic
Resources’ Lanfranchi operations has forced the company to suspend mining
at the Deacon ore body and cut jobs. -
more
A bane
to farmers, El Nino a boon to nickel miners - Philippine nickel miners,
hit by a slump in prices, may have found an unexpected ally in the El Nino.
They are betting the dryness linked to the weather event will let them mine
until year end instead of typically shutting due to seasonal rains. -
more
More trouble
for Sudbury's Lockerby Mine - The last 15 months have been hellish for First
Nickel Inc. and employees at its Lockbery Mine. -
more
Protect SW
Oregon from nickel strip mining - Oregonians face a threat that demands our
action. Large-scale nickel strip mines threaten our public lands and the
wild rivers in the greater Kalmiopsis region of southwest Oregon. -
more
Morning Nickel
Price Statistics & Figures
Today's almost official prices
here / Yesterday's actual
LME official prices
here
or
here
Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price - available
here
or
here(updated)
Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying
info, or become available to subscriber's only. We encourage our readers
to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free
of charge.Contact
us
"A Guide To LME
Trading"...pdf here(all ton listings are metric
tons = 2204.622 pounds ) Updated daily before 8 am CST weekdays -
DisclaimerOriginal content and opinions copyright
www.estainlesssteel.com. All prices shown on this page
are indications only. Note - For real time and official LME prices, LME requires
a user subscribe to an authorized LME vendor.
London
Metal Exchange is closed today for Summer Bank Holiday. Chinese markets are
only open the first three days of this week.
Daily
Nickel/Stainless Steel Briefing
(8:00 AM CST is 1PM in London)
. Indicators
at 6:30 am CST today show 3 month nickel untraded with the London Metal Exchange
closed for the Summer Bank Holiday. Stockpile numbers will be reported by
the LME upon its reopening tomorrow. Shanghai Metals Market is reporting
nickel ore inventories held at six major Chinese ports increased by 220,000
tonnes last week to total 10.91 million tonnes.
Reports
Commodity/Economic Comments
Prices of
CR Austenitic Stainless Sheets in Asia May Be Level of $1,800 CFR - According
to a source of a Japanese cold-rolled (CR) stainless steel sheet mill, export
prices of CR austenitic stainless sheets in the Asian region are thought
to become the level of $1,800 CFR. -
Resolution
Reached In New Caledonia Nickel Dispute – A resolution has been reached
in New Caledonia to end a weeks-long industrial dispute which crippled traffic
around the capital, Noumea. -
lower, with other
London traded base metals trading mixed. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME
approved warehouses rose on Thursday and now total just over the 455,150
tonne level. Once again, nickel is shadowing European equity markets lower,
although nickel is showing some strength where equities have yet to stop
their daily slide. Not a whole lot any of us can make sense about the current
market state, or try to explain it, so unless your entire savings is invested
in nickel, you are probably better off turning off today's business news
and going on a long and relaxing weekend trip. If you can't, then enjoy what
weekend you can take.
Fasten seat belts as LME spreads tighten: Andy Home - For every action there
is an equal and opposite reaction. Or translating Sir Isaac Newton's third
law of motion into financial language, markets don't move in straight lines.
-
BIR Stainless
World Mirror August 2015 - Global: 'The market for stainless scrap is set
to remain challenging for the rest of this year for both raw material suppliers
as well as consumers,' asserts Joost Van Kleef, chairman of the BIR stainless
steel & special alloys committee. -
EU dumping
duties, shutdowns give stainless mills only modest relief - An EU move to
cut nearly a fifth of stainless steel supply via anti-dumping duties has
given the bloc's mills only modest support as they continue to battle stubbornly
poor demand and a China-led growth slowdown.-
King
Of Ore: Despite Nickel Asia's Raids, Zamora Did Not Retreat - Jose Anievas
still remembers Oct. 3, 2011 quite vividly. Early in the morning that fateful
Monday, the chief operating officer of [prisoners of war] was seized by New
People’s Army (NPA) rebels who raided the company’s sprawling open-pit
mining site in Claver, Surigao del Norte in Mindanao. -
Jim Rogers:
Don’t rule out a bull run in commodities - Oil prices are trading near
a six-year low, copper futures have shaved off 20% year-to-date and wider
panic has grabbed the commodities market in fears over a sharp slowdown in
China. -
Russia's
Norilsk Nickel hires banks for Eurobond - Russia's Norilsk Nickel has hired
five banks to arrange a Eurobond, according to two sources. -
Some Mills
Cut Ni SUS Scrap Purchase Price in Late Aug by JPY5,000 = EF mills in Kanto
area lower purchase prices ahead of others and mills in Chubu area also are
considering = Since entering late August, 2 electric furnace mills for stainless
steel in the Kanto area lowered their purchase price for nickel-containing
stainless steel scrap (SABOT) by JPY5,000 per ton. -
Mining
and energy companies embrace the stackhat as commodities dive - Miners don't
wear helmets just for safety while underground, they wear them for times
like this. -
Clive
Palmer blames Beijing for nickel refinery woes - The viability of Clive
Palmer’s major business, a nickel refinery, is in doubt following
revelations he is blaming the Chinese for his inability to pay for
major machinery upgrades, amid a cash crunch and nickel price collapse in
the ongoing commodities rout. -
Mwana
Africa Gold Project Remains Profitable But Nickel Struggles - Mwana Africa
PLC on Tuesday said its gold operation remains profitable despite being hampered
by the fall in gold prices, but said its nickel operation was not profitable
in the last quarter as production and prices fell and costs rose. -
First
Nickel locks gates to Sudbury mine - When workers at the Lockerby mine in
Sudbury, Ontario arrived on shift at 5 a.m. on Thursday, they found the gates
locked and the copper-nickel mine idle. -
Courtesy AISI
- In the week ending August 22, 2015, domestic raw steel production was 1,742,000
net tons while the capability utilization rate was 72.9 percent. Production
was 1,930,000 net tons in the week ending August 22, 2014 while the capability
utilization then was 80.2 percent. The current week production represents
a 9.7 percent decrease from the same period in the previous year. Production
for the week ending August 22, 2015 is down 1.5 percent from the previous
week ending August 15, 2015 when production was 1,768,000 net tons and the
rate of capability utilization was 73.9 percent.
Strike
ends at ARM nickel mine – union - South Africa’s National Union
of Mineworkers said on Thursday that it had signed a wage deal at the Nkomati
nickel mine operated by African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), ending a strike that
started on Sunday. -
CR Ferritic
Stainless Prices in East Asia Close to Dipping below $1,000 CFR - According
to a source, prices of cold-rolled (CR) ferritic stainless steel sheets (SUS430
grade) are likely to be imminent to dipping below $1,000 CFR. In China, prices
of ferritic ones to SUS430 are already below $1,000 in dollar equivalent,
and China's offer price for Taiwan is said to be $1,000 CFR. -
Glencore Dominican operation reveals buyer’s profile after faux pas
- Falconbridge Dominicana on Tuesday disclosed the profile of Americano Nickel
Limited (American Nickel), calling it a holding company specialized in mining.
-
Depressed
metals make miners seem like a bargain - If the trend in industrial commodities
were the genie from “Aladdin,” it would serenade traders with his
signature song, “You ain’t never had a friend like me.” This
trend is solid to the downside, and that is bad news for both commodities
and for the economy. -
Firm’s
nickel discovery - Highlands Pacific Limited says it has identified extensive
nickel mineralisation at Sewa Bay in Milne Bay. -
. Indicators
at 6:15 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.12/lb
Vale appeals
court order suspending nickel operation - Following a federal court order
late Friday suspending its Onça Puma nickel mine, Brazilian miner
Vale announced it has filed an appeal to restart the operation, which the
company considers to be legally licensed. -
Glencore
sells stakes in copper, nickel mines for $290 mln - Global miner and commodity
trader Glencore said on Friday it had sold stakes in three mines it inherited
through its Xstrata takeover for about $290 million. -
Molybdenum
production and use down - Global production of molybdenum fell to 128.8 million
pounds in the first quarter of 2015, down 13% from 148.1 million pounds in
the previous quarter, and 5% lower compared with the same period in 2014,
figures released today by the International Molybdenum Association (IMOA)
show. -
Macquarie
Says China Slowdown Hammers Hopes of Nickel Surge - The nickel market is
going to let down any investors still betting on a shortage this year, according
to analysts from Macquarie Group Ltd. -
We
are traveling on business the remainder of this week, so our next update
will be Monday, August 17th.
Finnish
govt rescues bankrupt nickel mine - The Finnish government has announced
its plan to start operating the bankrupt Talvivaara nickel mine, whose former
executives are currently on trial for creating environmental hazards. -
