Sophia Schmitz

Editorial specialist
In her six years in the industry, Sophia has combined her engineering background with hands-on experience in metallurgical technology and sustainable production methods. Her project work has focused on practical applications of new technologies in metal production. At Metals Wire, Sophia bridges the gap between technical innovation and practical implementation, helping readers understand how new developments are reshaping the industry's future.
  • EuRIC Warns Against EU Restrictions on Scrap Exports Amid Industry Debate

    The European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC) has cautioned the European Commission against imposing restrictions on scrap exports, emphasizing that such exports are essential to sustaining recycling businesses within the European Union. EuRIC’s statement comes in response to a December 2024 letter from Eurofer and European Aluminium advocating for stricter controls on the export of ferrous...
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  • GoGold Resources Reports 36% Production Surge in Q4 2024, Driven by Parral Optimization

    GoGold Resources reported a significant production increase for the quarter ending December 31, 2024, totaling 551,337 silver equivalent ounces. This output consisted of 226,343 ounces of silver, 3,213 ounces of gold, 121 tonnes of copper, and 161 tonnes of zinc. The surge in production represents a 36% increase compared to previous quarters, attributed to the...
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  • Copper and Silver Futures Surge Amid Fears of Trump-Era Import Tariffs

    Copper and silver futures in New York are surging past international price benchmarks as traders brace for potential sweeping import tariffs under Donald Trump’s administration. Front-month Comex silver futures are trading at a premium of more than $0.90 per ounce over London spot bullion prices, nearing December peaks fueled by Trump’s pledges to apply universal...
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  • Zijin Mining Eyes Lithium Expansion with Potential Acquisition of Zangge Mining

    China’s Zijin Mining Group Co. is advancing its presence in the global lithium market with ongoing talks to acquire a stake in Zangge Mining Co. Ltd., a move that could lead to a full takeover. Zijin disclosed the potential deal in a statement to the Hong Kong Exchange, signaling its continued expansion strategy beyond copper...
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  • New Gold Reports Strong Q4 2024 Results Despite Rainy River Setbacks

    New Gold reported its fourth quarter and full-year 2024 operational results as of December 31, 2024, showcasing its highest production quarter of the year. The company plans to release its operational outlook, technical reports for Rainy River and New Afton, and updated Mineral Reserve and Resource Statement after market close on February 12, 2025. A...
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  • Lithium Demand Surges with Global EV Expansion

    Lithium has emerged as a cornerstone in the transition to sustainable transportation, driven by the rapid global adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). A recent report by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), “A Global and Regional Battery Material Outlook,” emphasizes the increasing demand for lithium due to advancements in battery technology and the push...
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  • JSW Group Expands into Copper Mining with Acquisition of Jharkhand Mines

    JSW Group has entered the non-ferrous metals sector by acquiring two copper mines in Jharkhand, India, from Hindustan Copper through a competitive bidding process. This diversification aligns with the rising global demand for copper driven by electric vehicles, renewable energy projects, construction, and consumer appliances. Under the agreement, JSW will handle the development, capital investment,...
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  • Gallium’s Strategic Importance Grows Amid Global Supply Concerns

    Gallium, a rare earth metal critical to electronics manufacturing, has become a focal point in global supply chain discussions due to its unique properties and strategic applications. Its electrochemical characteristics make it indispensable for producing LEDs, semiconductors, and specialized components used across the tech industry, aerospace, defense, and other strategic sectors. Gallium is predominantly extracted...
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  • Aurubis Copper Smelter to Supply Waste Heat to Hamburg Households

    Hamburger Energiewerke has partnered with the Aurubis copper smelter to utilize industrial waste heat for heating homes in Hamburg. The initiative, which is set to begin immediately, aims to supply up to 20,000 additional households with heat, marking the largest project of its kind in Germany. The waste heat is generated during a secondary stage...
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  • Sigma Lithium Exceeds 2024 Targets, Eyes Further Growth in 2025

    Vancouver-based Sigma Lithium has announced it is on track to surpass its 2025 production targets following a strong performance in the final quarter of 2024. The company produced approximately 75,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate during the quarter, exceeding forecasts by 25% and bringing its annual total to 240,000 tonnes. Operating at the Grota do Cirilo...
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  • Mexico’s Lithium Nationalization Fuels Legal and Industry Uncertainty

    More than two years after Mexico enacted a law nationalizing its lithium resources, uncertainty persists for companies holding concessions. A recent supreme court ruling has reaffirmed the state’s exclusive right to extract lithium, setting a challenging precedent for private entities. In early December, Mexico’s supreme court unanimously dismissed an appeal from Grupo Bararal, which sought...
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  • China’s Export Ban on Gallium and Germanium Poses Supply Chain Challenges for the US

    China has imposed a ban on exporting gallium and germanium to the United States, escalating trade tensions between the two nations. These minerals are critical for industries ranging from renewable energy to military technology and electronics, and the ban could have far-reaching implications. Gallium and germanium are essential components in technologies such as computer chips,...
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  • Vedanta Reports Record Aluminium and Zinc Production in 1H FY24

    Vedanta announced achieving its highest-ever quarterly and half-yearly aluminium production, reaching 1,205 kilotonnes (kt) in the first half of the financial year. Alumina production also surged 21% year-on-year (YoY). Following this update, the company’s stock dipped 2%, reaching a low of Rs 501 ($6.03) on the BSE. The company’s Zinc India operations also recorded a...
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  • China’s Tin Ore Imports Drop Sharply in November

    China’s tin ore imports totaled 12,000 tonnes in November 2024, equivalent to approximately 5,021 tonnes of tin in metal terms. This marked a 19.18% month-on-month decline and a 56.46% drop compared to the same period last year. In terms of metal content, November imports decreased by 23 tonnes from October. From January to November, total...
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  • India and Kazakhstan Partner to Establish Titanium Slag Plant

    In December 2024, the India Times reported that Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Combine (UKTMK) signed an agreement with Indian Rare Earth Limited (IREL) to create a joint venture in India. The new facility will process ilmenite, sourced from Odisha with low titanium oxide (TiO2) content, into titanium slag, a material highly sought after in the...
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  • Lithium Buyers and Sellers Negotiate 2025 Supply Terms Amid Price Challenges

    Negotiations for 2025 lithium supply agreements are underway, as producers seek better terms after another challenging year for the critical battery material. Lithium prices are on track for a second consecutive yearly decline, though the steep price rout that saw a near-90% slump from peak levels appears to have stabilized. Lithium refineries are pushing back...
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  • Palladium Catalysts: Revolutionizing Electrochemical Water Disinfection

    Clean water is a cornerstone of public health and environmental sustainability, yet it remains a limited resource worldwide. Advancements in water treatment technologies are essential to tackle this pressing issue. Among these, palladium-based catalysts are emerging as a promising solution for electrochemical water disinfection, offering greater efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods. Challenges...
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