Throughout her 15-year career in financial journalism, Lara has built extensive expertise in global metals markets. Working across multiple continents has given her unique insights into market dynamics, investment patterns, and the financial complexities of metal mining and production. As Editor-in-Chief at Metals Wire, she ensures our coverage delivers both immediate value and deeper market understanding. Lara excels at breaking down intricate market developments, making them clear and relevant for both industry professionals and general readers.
Asturiana de Zinc (AZSA) reported a molten zinc cathode production of 538,625 tons in 2024 at its San Juan de Nieva plant in Avilés. This figure marks the second-highest annual output since the plant’s inception in the 1960s but falls short of the 2023 record of 544,192 tons by 5,567 tons. The decline was primarily...
Japan’s aluminium P1020 premiums for the first quarter of 2025 have been finalized at $228 per tonne over the cash London Metal Exchange (LME) price, marking a $53 per tonne increase from the previous quarter. This surge represents the highest premium level since Argus began tracking the market in 2016. Initial offers in December exceeded...
The global lithium market experienced a sharp slowdown in 2024 following years of rapid growth, primarily due to underwhelming electric vehicle (EV) sales outside the Asia-Pacific region. While EV sales in Asia, especially China, remained strong, the Americas saw slowed growth, and Europe faced declining sales, significantly impacting lithium demand. Simultaneously, a surge in new...
Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) has announced its participation in a pioneering aluminum smelting project in Finland that will utilize electricity free from carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The initiative aims to develop low-carbon aluminum smelting technology, with production targeted to begin around 2029. The project is a collaboration between Mitsubishi Corporation, Finland’s national power company Fortum, Finnish...
Central Puerto, a leading electricity generator in Argentina, has announced its entry into the mining sector with a 27.5% stake in the ‘3 Cruces’ lithium mining project in Catamarca province. This move marks the company’s strategic diversification into the rapidly growing lithium market, essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. Located in Argentina’s highest-grade...
Renforth Resources (CSE: RFR; US-OTC: RFHRF) plans to monetize its Parbec gold deposit to finance nickel exploration across its Malartic Metals package in Quebec, according to CEO Nicole Brewster. Speaking at The Northern Miner’s International Metals Symposium in London on December 2, Brewster emphasized the company’s strategy to capitalize on its gold asset to support...
China Increases Pressure on US Industry with Export Bans The Chinese government’s recent ban on exports of germanium and gallium to the US has escalated tensions between the two countries. This embargo could significantly impact US industries reliant on these metals, with anticipated price increases for a wide range of electronic and optical equipment, including...
Global alumina production dropped by 3.4% month-on-month to 12.21 million tonnes in November, according to data from the International Aluminium Institute. Despite the monthly decline, alumina output was still 1.9% higher compared to 11.98 million tonnes produced in November 2023. Average daily global alumina production decreased to 407,000 tonnes in November, down from a revised...
Alpha HPA, an Australian critical minerals manufacturer, has announced a significant supply agreement with a leading Japanese electronics company amid soaring demand for semiconductors powering artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The ASX-listed company will supply high-purity alumina (HPA) from its upcoming refinery in Gladstone, Queensland, which is set to become the world’s largest HPA production facility....
Two potential buyers have submitted offers for Glencore’s 49% stake in the struggling New Caledonian nickel producer Koniambo Nickel SAS (KNS), the company announced. The bids follow site visits conducted by the interested parties between late October and early December 2024. KNS President Alexandre Rousseau confirmed that shareholder evaluations of the proposals are underway but...
Bradda Head Lithium is making strides at its San Domingo pegmatite project in Arizona, aiming to define a NI 43-101 compliant resource in 2024 and move toward production by late 2025 or early 2026, according to executive chairman Ian Stalker. The company has identified new targets within the project area, including Ruby Soho, Dragon, and...
China’s exports of refined copper wire with a maximum cross-sectional dimension exceeding 6mm reached 6,303.98 metric tonnes (mt) in November 2024, marking a 26% month-on-month (MoM) increase and a 68.3% year-on-year (YoY) rise. Cumulatively, from January to November 2024, exports totaled 57,600 mt under HS code 74081100. The rebound in copper wire rod exports during...
SK Nexilis, the world’s largest producer of copper foil, has been awarded a $133 million subsidy by the Polish government under the European Union’s Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF) program. The Korean company announced that the subsidy, equivalent to 545 million Polish zloty, will enhance its cooperation with Poland on clean energy initiatives and...
China’s imports of zinc concentrate reached 455.9 thousand tonnes in November 2024, marking a 37.73% month-on-month increase and a 45.01% rise compared to the same period last year. From January to November, total zinc concentrate imports amounted to 3.6398 million tonnes, reflecting a 14.98% year-on-year decline. In November, the top suppliers of zinc concentrate to...
China’s Ganfeng Lithium has officially commenced operations at its Goulamina lithium mine in Mali, overcoming security concerns, a stringent new mining code, and a global lithium supply glut. Located in the southern Bougouni region, the mine’s first phase began production in mid-December 2024, with an annual capacity of 506,000 tonnes of lithium. The second phase...
Lithium Americas has announced the completion of its joint venture (JV) with General Motors Holdings to fund, develop, construct, and operate the Thacker Pass lithium project in Humboldt County, Nevada. The project aims to supply battery-quality lithium carbonate for the North American critical minerals supply chain. Under the terms of the JV, Lithium Americas retains...
According to a survey by Shanghai Metals Market (SMM), China’s primary aluminium prices and input costs have declined, reflecting muted demand for the commodities. Bauxite emerged as the only exception, with its domestic price remaining stable and its imported price increasing by $0.08 per tonne to $105.84 per tonne. A00 Aluminium Ingot Price On December...
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...
Nornickel, a leading Russian mining company and a top producer of palladium and nickel, has released its market projections for 2025, highlighting distinct supply and demand dynamics for copper, nickel, platinum, and palladium. Each metal’s outlook reflects a mix of global economic factors and industry-specific developments. CopperThe global copper market, currently in surplus by 200,000...
Platinum and palladium, part of the platinum group metals (PGMs) alongside iridium, osmium, rhodium, and ruthenium, are prized for their rarity, durability, and versatility. Their applications span industries such as automotive, jewelry, and clean energy, with growing importance in the transition to a green economy. Despite being in the same metal group, platinum and palladium...
