Metal

Gold prices faced downward pressure on Friday as elevated U.S. Treasury yields diminished the appeal of non-yielding bullion during a holiday-thinned trading week. Markets are closely monitoring President-elect Donald Trump’s impending return to office and the potential implications of his inflationary policies on the Federal Reserve’s outlook for 2025. Key Details:Price Movements: Spot gold fell […]

China’s leading copper smelters have reached an agreement on processing charges for the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a continued shortage of copper concentrates. This decision was made during a meeting of the China Smelters Purchase Team held in Shanghai. Key Details:New Processing Charges: The agreed processing treatment and refining charges (TC/RCs) are set at […]

Japan’s Nippon Steel has announced an extension of the closing date for its $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel, shifting the timeline from late 2024 to the first quarter of 2025. This decision comes as U.S. President Joe Biden deliberates on whether to block the deal, which has faced significant opposition since its announcement. Key […]

India is currently reassessing a $30 billion programme, established a decade ago, that mandates coal-fired power plants to install equipment aimed at reducing sulphur emissions. This review follows government-backed studies indicating that the programme has had minimal impact on overall pollution levels, as reported by Reuters. Key Highlights:Current Status: Nearly 540 power plant units are […]

Nippon Steel’s $15 billion bid for U.S. Steel has been referred to U.S. President Joe Biden, according to a White House spokesperson. This referral gives Biden 15 days to make a decision on the merger, which he has previously expressed opposition to. Key Highlights:CFIUS Referral: The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), […]

Chile’s environmental regulator has initiated four charges against the Los Bronces copper mine, operated by Anglo American, for failing to comply with environmental permits. Key Highlights:Charges Filed: The Superintendency of the Environment (SMA) announced the charges, which could result in fines totaling nearly 17 billion pesos (approximately $17.17 million).One charge is classified as “very serious,” […]

Arcadium Lithium has announced that its shareholders have overwhelmingly approved a $6.7 billion acquisition by Australian mining giant Rio Tinto. Key Highlights:Shareholder Approval: Approximately 98% of Arcadium’s shareholders voted in favor of the sale.Following the announcement, shares of Arcadium Lithium rose by about 7% in extended trading.Deal Significance: The acquisition is expected to close in […]

Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold (ABX.TO) has officially submitted an arbitration request to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes to resolve an ongoing dispute with the Malian government regarding its Loulo-Gounkoto gold mine complex. Key Highlights:Dispute Background: The disagreement between Barrick and the Malian junta has been ongoing since 2023, primarily centered around […]

The Indian government is currently re-evaluating the significant rise in gold imports that contributed to a record trade deficit in November, which also led to the rupee hitting an all-time low. This information comes from two government sources familiar with the situation. Key Highlights:Surge in Gold Imports: Gold imports surged to a record high of […]

Ten European Union (EU) countries are advocating for further sanctions on Russian trade, specifically targeting its metal outputs such as aluminium. This initiative aims to diminish Russia’s revenues and funding for its ongoing war in Ukraine, as outlined in a letter obtained by Reuters. Key Highlights:Proposal Overview: The letter, sent two weeks ago, suggests imposing […]