Metal

Commodity trader Trafigura has recently delivered substantial quantities of lead to London Metal Exchange (LME) warehouses in Singapore, capitalizing on lucrative rent-sharing agreements, according to three sources familiar with the situation. As of November 18, stocks of lead in LME-registered warehouses reached 276,250 metric tons, the highest level in over 11 years. Notably, LME lead […]

Exxon Mobil has announced a non-binding lithium supply agreement with LG Chem, marking its second deal to provide lithium from its proposed project in Arkansas. The oil giant aims to extract lithium from the Smackover Formation, a brine deposit that extends from Florida through Arkansas to Texas, utilizing direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology. Exxon, alongside […]

The ongoing takeover battle for Korea Zinc is intensifying pressure on the South Korean government to implement legislative reforms aimed at enhancing investor protections in a market dominated by family-run conglomerates, known as chaebols. Korea Zinc’s chairman, Yun B. Choi, recently abandoned a controversial plan to issue new shares intended to counter a takeover bid […]

Thyssenkrupp has announced a significant write-down of €1 billion ($1.06 billion) on its steel division, attributing this decision to a bleak outlook for the sector marked by weak demand and increasing competition from Asia. This impairment, the second consecutive one in as many years, has resulted in an annual net loss of €1.5 billion for […]

Lead inventories in London Metal Exchange (LME) approved warehouses have surged by 49% over two days, reaching their highest level since March 2013, according to recent LME data. This increase is attributed to inflows of 91,025 metric tons, likely from parties delivering against short or bearish positions ahead of the November contract expiry. Data reveals […]

Nippon Steel has announced it will not import steel from its international mills to the U.S. as part of its strategy to secure its $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel. This decision comes amid concerns from the United Steelworkers union and the incoming Biden administration. Strategic Move: Executive Vice President Takahiro Mori communicated this in […]

Orla Mining has announced its acquisition of the Musselwhite Gold Mine in Ontario from Newmont for $850 million, a move that is set to more than double Orla’s gold production. Transaction Details: The deal will enable Newmont to generate up to $2.9 billion from non-core asset divestitures, part of its strategy following the $17 billion […]

Compass Minerals (CMP.N) is reportedly in discussions with private-equity firms regarding a potential sale, following significant challenges stemming from a failed lithium-mining project that negatively impacted the company’s stock value. The Overland Park, Kansas-based minerals producer is currently valued at approximately $1.5 billion, including debt. Current Situation: Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Compass […]

Russia has announced restrictions on the export of enriched uranium to the United States, raising concerns about supply risks for U.S. nuclear power plants that sourced a quarter of their enriched uranium from Russia last year. This move comes in response to a U.S. ban on Russian uranium imports enacted earlier this year. Background: The […]

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that any changes in U.S. climate policy under the Trump administration could enhance Australia’s efforts to attract investment in its critical minerals and green energy sectors. Resource Abundance: Australia is rich in essential minerals such as copper, vanadium, cobalt, and lithium, which are vital for electric vehicle batteries and other […]