Asia

  • Japan’s Copper Supply Set for 5.5% Increase in Second Half of Fiscal 2025

    BY Lars Jensen
    Japan’s refined copper production is expected to increase by 5.5% in the second half of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period a year earlier, according to Reuters calculations based on smelter plans. This increase is primarily attributed to reduced maintenance activities and solid demand. The financial second half covers the period from October to...
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  • Trading of Precious Metals Rises Sharply on Mercantile Exchange of Vietnam

    BY Sophia Schmitz
    Statistics from the Mercantile Exchange of Vietnam (MXV) indicate a significant increase in trading activity last quarter, with precious metals emerging as the most actively traded asset in Vietnam, accounting for 21.5% of the trading volume on MXV. Other metals, such as copper and silver, also showed notable trading activity, ranking seventh and ninth with...
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  • Iran’s Aluminium Ingot Production Rises Slightly in First Five Months of Year

    BY John Davis
    Iran produced 264,617 tonnes of aluminium ingots in the first five months of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20-August 21), according to data released by the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Reconstruction Organization (IMIDRO). This marks a slight increase of 1% compared to the same period last year. The production increase was...
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  • MBK Partners and Young Poong’s Takeover Bid Raises Concerns Over Semiconductor Supply Chain Stability

    BY Joshua Herring
    The ongoing hostile takeover bid by MBK Partners and Young Poong for Korea Zinc is raising concerns about potential disruptions to the global semiconductor supply chain. Korea Zinc, a key supplier of semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid, plays a crucial role in providing this essential material to South Korean semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. The...
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  • Shanghai Nickel Prices Surge on Supply Disruptions

    BY John Davis
    Shanghai nickel prices jumped nearly 6% on Tuesday, reaching a three-month high as trading resumed following a week-long holiday. The most-traded November nickel contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) rose 3.4% to 135,470 yuan ($19,304 per metric ton) after peaking at 138,800 yuan, the highest since July 9. Meanwhile, three-month nickel on the London...
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  • Family Feud Erupts Over Control of Korea Zinc’s $12 Billion Empire

    BY Sophia Schmitz
    Korea Zinc, the world’s largest refined zinc producer, is embroiled in a contentious takeover battle between its founding families. The outcome could significantly impact South Korea’s role in the U.S.-led efforts to reduce reliance on China for essential metals and materials used in key industries such as construction and automotive manufacturing. The battle involves competing...
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  • Hindustan Zinc Reports Strong Q2 FY25 Metal Production Growth

    BY John Davis
    Hindustan Zinc has released its production figures for the second quarter of FY25, showcasing a notable increase in both mined and refined metal production. In the first half of FY25, the company achieved its highest-ever mined metal production, reaching 519,000 tonnes, a 2% rise compared to the same period last year. Refined metal output also...
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  • Indonesia’s Nickel Production Growth Revised Downward for 2024

    BY Lars Jensen
    Indonesia’s nickel production is expected to grow by 15% in 2024, a slower rate than previously forecast, according to a report by Macquarie Group. The British company’s managing director for commodity markets, Jim Lennon, noted that the production estimate for the year has been revised down to 2.20 million tons, from an earlier projection of...
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  • Hindustan Zinc Sees Growth in Metal Production Despite Drop in Wind Power Output

    BY Sophia Schmitz
    Hindustan Zinc reported an increase in mined metal production for the July-September period, reaching 256,000 tonnes, a 2% rise compared to the same period last year. The company also announced an 8% increase in saleable metal production, totaling 262,000 tonnes for the quarter. Refined zinc production grew by 7% year-on-year, amounting to 198,000 tonnes in...
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  • Kezad Group and Azizi Developments Sign 50-Year Land Lease for $270 Million Factory Complex

    BY John Davis
    Kezad Group and UAE-based Azizi Developments have entered into a 50-year land lease agreement for the construction of 12 advanced factories in Kezad Al Ma’mourah (Kezad A). With an investment of AED 1 billion ($270 million) from Azizi Developments, the project will include facilities for a variety of manufacturing processes essential to the construction industry....
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