Special

February 3, 2025

Weekly Metals News Digest – Jan 27-31

First Primary Aluminium Smelter in the US in Nearly 50 Years Century Aluminum has begun construction of a new primary aluminium smelter, marking the first such facility built in the US in 45 years. While the exact location has yet to be determined, the company is considering sites near the Ohio or Mississippi rivers. The…
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January 27, 2025

Weekly Metals News Digest- Jan 20-24

The Global Zinc Market Enters an Era of Surplus The global zinc market is poised for a surplus of 270,000 tonnes in 2025, following a deficit of 184,000 tonnes in 2024. This surplus is expected to exert downward pressure on zinc prices, which BMI forecasts will decline by 5.8% in 2025 to an average of…
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January 20, 2025

Weekly Metals News – Jan 13-17

The Global Nickel Market May Face Deficiency in 2025 Various nickel producers anticipate a challenging 2025 due to an oversupply of the metal, largely driven by increased production from Indonesia. However, reports suggest that the Indonesian government may reduce nickel ore mining quotas to 150 million tonnes, down from 272 million tonnes in 2024. If…
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Nickel

February 4, 2025

India’s Energy Transition Hinges on Copper and Critical Minerals

Copper, dubbed the “metal of electrification,” is essential for solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles (EVs), and power grids. With EVs requiring nearly four times more copper than internal combustion vehicles, its availability is crucial to India’s carbon-constrained future. Demand for copper is expected to double to 50 million metric tons by 2035, driven by…
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February 3, 2025

Tanzania Signs $2.15B Deal with China for Railway to Burundi Nickel Mine

Tanzania has signed a $2.15 billion agreement with two Chinese firms to build a railway connecting its main port of Dar es Salaam to a nickel mine in Burundi. Tanzania Railways Corp. awarded the contracts to China Railway Engineering Group Ltd. and China Railway Engineering Design and Consulting Group Co. Transport Minister Makame Mbarawa stated…
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January 30, 2025

Vale Base Metals Launches Strategic Review of Thompson Assets

Vale Base Metals, a subsidiary of Vale has initiated a strategic review to assess the potential sale of its mining and exploration assets in Thompson, Manitoba. This move is part of the company’s broader effort to optimize its vertically integrated nickel portfolio, ensuring long-term competitiveness. The review’s findings are expected in the second half of…
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Platinum

January 28, 2025

Scientists Uncover Cause of Platinum Electrode Corrosion

A team from Leiden University and the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory has identified the root cause of platinum electrode corrosion, a discovery that could enhance green hydrogen production and improve electrochemical sensors. The findings were published in Nature Materials. While platinum is known for its durability, the study revealed that negatively polarized platinum electrodes degrade…
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January 23, 2025

Heraeus Precious Metals Acquires Umicore’s Platinum API Business Outside South America

Heraeus Precious Metals has completed the acquisition of Umicore’s Platinum Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) business outside of South America. The move bolsters Heraeus’s position in the platinum API sector, enhancing its product offerings while maintaining a commitment to competitive pricing and high-quality standards. Effective immediately, the business will be integrated into Heraeus Precious Metals, the…
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January 22, 2025

PIC Increases Stake in Northam Platinum and Pepkor Holdings

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has raised its stake in Northam Platinum to 20%, reinforcing its commitment to the long-term prospects of platinum group metals (PGMs). This follows the PIC’s move last year to increase its holding in Sibanye-Stillwater to 15%, as the asset manager continues to back the green economy potential of PGMs, particularly…
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Palladium

January 26, 2025

Gold and Silver Investors Face Volatility Amid 2025 Geopolitical Uncertainties

Investors in gold and silver may need patience in 2025 as the geopolitical landscape continues to drive market uncertainty. Saxo Bank, in a January 10 note, highlighted the challenges ahead, citing a “tug-of-war” between rising yields, delayed rate cut expectations, and dollar fluctuations, which are expected to contribute to increased volatility compared to 2024. Gold…
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January 21, 2025

Anglo American Platinum Maintains Competitive Edge Amid PGM Market Fluctuations

Anglo American Platinum (ANGPY) has emerged as a standout player in the global platinum-group metals (PGM) mining industry. Despite market volatility and a downturn in PGM prices, the company has consistently maintained profitability, distinguishing itself from competitors. ANGPY holds the largest PGM mineral resources worldwide, operates cost-efficient facilities, and has demonstrated prudent management in navigating…
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December 24, 2024

Nornickel Aims to Expand Palladium Demand with Innovative Applications

Nornickel, one of the world’s largest palladium producers, is working to broaden global demand for the metal by promoting innovative applications, addressing the anticipated decline in its use within internal combustion engine vehicles. The company, which produces more than 80 tonnes of palladium annually, foresees a long-term plateau in automotive industry demand—currently responsible for over…
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