Lara Browne

Editor-in-Chief
With over 15 years of experience in financial journalism, Lara has become a recognized voice in global metals markets. Her career spans several continents, allowing her to develop a deep understanding of market movements, investment strategies and the broader financial implications of metal mining and production. Her editorial leadership at Metals Wire ensures that all content is not only timely but also insightful, providing a comprehensive look into the sector. Lara’s approach focuses on making complex market trends accessible to both industry insiders and general readers.
  • Solaris Resources Secures $130 Million Investment from Zijin Mining Group

    Solaris Resources has confirmed a private placement agreement with an affiliate of Zijin Mining Group, amounting to approximately $130 million. Under this agreement, Solaris will issue 28,481,289 common shares at a price of $4.55 per share. This price represents a 14% premium over the closing price on the Toronto Stock Exchange as of January 10,...
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  • Saudi Rafd Al-Nahhas and Glencore Launch a Major Copper Smelting Project

    The Saudi Rafd Copper Industrial Company has entered into an engineering works agreement and a technology licensing agreement with Glencore Purification Company. This agreement, signed on the sidelines of the Mining Conference, marks the initiation of a copper smelting and purification project of significant scale. The project boasts a production capacity of 400 thousand tons...
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  • Hydro Initiates Groundbreaking Plasma Technology Pilot to Decarbonize Casthouses

    Norsk Hydro is embarking on a project to decarbonize its casthouses by testing plasma technology. This technology aims to electrify the aluminum melting process, which traditionally relies on high-energy consumption and fossil fuel sources. Eivind Kallevik, Executive Vice President of Hydro Aluminium, emphasized the company’s dedication to reducing emissions in aluminum production. “Hydro is committed...
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  • Australian Nickel Industry Seeks Government Support Amid Price Decline

    The Australian nickel industry is facing significant challenges, with falling prices leading to job losses and impacting companies like Panoramic Resources. The industry’s struggles have been exacerbated by the booming nickel sector in Indonesia and a slower-than-anticipated uptake of electric vehicles. Mining groups, including the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA, are urging the Federal...
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  • Taseko Mines Exceeds Copper Production Expectations in 2023

    Taseko Mines, with its Gibraltar mine in British Columbia, has reported a stronger-than-anticipated copper output for the full year, underpinned by a robust fourth-quarter performance. The mine produced 34 million pounds of copper and 369,000 pounds of molybdenum in the last quarter of the year. For the entire year, Gibraltar mine’s production reached 123 million...
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  • Significant Investment and Takeover Plans for Zambia’s Mopani Copper Mines

    The Mopani Copper Mines in Zambia are set for a major shift, with UAE’s International Resources Holding (IRH) scheduled to take over by the end of February. According to Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane, the new investor plans to inject a substantial investment of USD 620 million into the copper mine. Notably, investments of USD 130...
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  • China’s Lithium Hydroxide Production Declines in December, Expected to Drop Further in January

    China reported a production of 20,330 metric tons (mt) of lithium hydroxide in December 2023, marking a 3% month-on-month (MoM) decrease and a 20% year-on-year (YoY) decline. This downturn is attributed to a combination of factors including weak market supply and demand, and the commissioning phase of new production lines which has led to sluggish...
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  • Panoramic Resources’ Savannah Nickel Mine to Cease Operations, Affecting 140 Jobs

    Closure of WA Nickel Mine Panoramic Resources has announced the suspension of operations at its Savannah nickel project in Western Australia. The decision, made by administrators from FTI Consulting, comes in the wake of a decline in nickel prices. This closure will result in the loss of approximately 140 jobs at the mine. Most of...
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  • The year’s first digest: the most important news over the holidays

    Ivanhoe Mines’ impressive copper production in the Congo was paralleled by Nickel 28 Capital’s robust output in Papua New Guinea, signaling strong market resilience. Meanwhile, Conexus Resources Group’s inauguration of a major aluminium rod facility in Bahrain marked a significant stride in the Middle East’s manufacturing landscape. Spain, however, grappled with environmental challenges in its...
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  • Navigating US-China Rare Earth Dispute: Asian EV and Green Sectors Focus on Self-reliance

    Impact of US-China Trade Row on Asian Clean Energy Industries The ongoing trade dispute between the US and China, especially concerning electric vehicle (EV) battery technology, poses significant challenges to Asia’s developing clean energy sectors. With the US considering higher tariffs on EVs to counter China’s dominance, and China’s recent move to restrict the export...
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  • Turkey Set to Join Top 5 Global Rare Earth Producers

    Eskişehir Facility to Elevate Turkey’s Mining Industry Turkey is poised to become a leading producer of rare earth elements with the completion of its industrial facility in Eskişehir, as stated by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. This development positions Turkey among the top five global producers, marking a significant leap in the mining...
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  • China’s Stranglehold on Rare Earth Minerals and the Global Implications

    Understanding Rare Earth Minerals Rare earth minerals, comprising 17 elements like lanthanum, cerium, and neodymium, are pivotal in high-tech product manufacturing. These include military equipment, electric car magnets, wind turbines, and consumer electronics. Their significance stems from their unique properties, which are integral to advanced technological applications. China’s Dominance in the Sector In 2022, China...
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  • Resolution Minerals Announces Update on Benmara Copper Project Following BHP Withdrawal

    Withdrawal of Oz Exploration from Benmara Project Resolution Minerals Ltd (RML) has announced that Oz Exploration Pty Ltd (OZE), a subsidiary of BHP Group Limited, has decided not to continue with further earn-in activities at the Benmara Copper Project in the Northern Territory. This decision follows the acquisition of OZ Minerals Limited by BHP and...
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  • Corfo Forecasts Substantial Lithium Revenue Growth for 2024-2030

    Adjustment Period in Lithium Industry The year 2023 marked a period of adjustment for the lithium industry, significantly different from the price boom of 2022. The value of a metric ton of lithium carbonate has witnessed an 84% drop since its historical peak, as detailed in a report by Corfo, the Chilean Economic Development Agency....
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  • Battery Manufacturing Scrap Recycling Industry Set for Major Growth by 2032

    Significant Market Expansion Expected The global battery manufacturing scrap recycling market, currently valued at $1.96 billion as of 2022, is projected to experience substantial growth, reaching an estimated value of $10.63 billion by 2032. This growth, calculated at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.89%, highlights the rapidly expanding nature of the industry, which...
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  • Global Lithium Shortage Predicted by 2030 Amidst Soaring Demand

    Rapidly Growing Demand, Supply Lag The world is on the brink of a significant lithium shortage, with predictions of a deficit as high as 300,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent by 2030, according to data compiled by Columbia University. In a worst-case scenario, this shortfall could exceed 750,000 tons. The demand for lithium carbonate has...
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  • Tragic Incident at Nickel Smelter Furnace in Morowali Claims Lives and Injures Many

    Explosion at PT IMIP A severe work accident occurred at the PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) in Central Sulawesi on Sunday morning, December 24, 2023. The incident, involving an explosion, took place at a nickel processing factory or smelter owned by PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel (ITSS), a tenant operating within the IMIP area....
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  • U.S. Expands Arctic Continental Shelf Claims, Prompting Russian Response

    U.S. Move to Preserve Strategic Resources The United States has significantly expanded its claims over the resource-rich ocean floor and continental shelf in the Arctic, an area double the size of California. This strategic move, primarily aimed at securing crucial minerals for future technological development, covers approximately 1 million square kilometers in the Arctic and...
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  • Chinese Alumina Futures Reach Record Highs Amid Guinea Supply Concerns

    Surge in Futures Market Chinese alumina futures experienced a significant surge, reaching record highs, following an explosion in Guinea, a key bauxite supplier. The February alumina contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) soared by 7% to an unprecedented 3,184 yuan ($446.93) per metric ton. Similar spikes were observed in the March contract, which hit...
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  • Metals Market Caught Between Old and New Cycles in 2023

    A Challenging Year for Industrial Metals 2023 has been a difficult year for industrial metal traders, marked by fluctuating conditions and an overall decline in metal prices. The LME Index, reflecting the performance of major base metals on the London Metal Exchange, has seen a 7% decrease since January. Copper, however, is an exception, witnessing...
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  • KGHM Reports Increase in Copper Sales and Production in November

    Polish copper giant KGHM has reported a significant increase in its copper sales and production for November, according to a recent market filing. Growth in Copper and Silver Sales KGHM’s copper sales in November reached 64.8k tonnes, marking a notable 6% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge aligns with the company’s...
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  • Negotiations Indicate Decrease in Aluminum Premium for January-March 2024

    Recent negotiations between leading overseas aluminum producers and Japanese companies suggest a reduction in the premium for aluminum ingots in the upcoming quarter, reflecting a slowdown in demand, particularly in the automotive industry. Sluggish Demand Affecting Aluminum Prices Major aluminum producers have proposed a premium of $95 per ton for the January-March period of 2024,...
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  • Copper Prices Rise Amid Supply Concerns and Inventory Declines

    Current Market Dynamics Copper prices experienced an uptick, climbing 0.6% to $8,537 per metric ton, as the market reacts to emerging supply concerns and declining inventories. This month, copper prices reached a 4-1/2-month high of $8,640 a ton, although trading volumes remained subdued. Factors Influencing Copper Market Aluminium Market Impact Overall Market Sentiment
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  • Teck Resources CEO Plans Prudent Expansion in Copper Mining Sector

    Strategic Approach Post Coal Mines Sale Teck Resources Ltd., led by CEO Jonathan Price, is poised to have a cash influx of US$9-billion from the sale of its coal mines in British Columbia. With this substantial amount, Teck, Canada’s largest mining company, faces numerous opportunities for expansion, particularly in copper mining. Expansion Plans and Investor...
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