Weekly Metals News Digest - May 27-31

June 3, 2024

American metallurgical company Novelis has commenced a roadshow for its initial public offering (IPO), planning to offer 45 million common shares priced between $18 and $21. This move is expected to raise about $1 billion. However, Novelis itself will not benefit directly from the IPO proceeds, which are earmarked for its parent company, Indian corporation Hindalco Industries.

Growth and Acquisitions

Currently, Novelis stands as the world’s largest producer of various aluminum semi-finished products, particularly flat rolled products, with an annual output nearing 4 million tons. Founded from the divestiture of Canadian giant Alcan's rolling businesses in 2005 and later acquired by Hindalco Industries for $6 billion, Novelis further solidified its market position by acquiring competitor Aleris for $2.8 billion in 2020.

Grupo México Expands in the U.S.

Resumption of Copper Facilities

Grupo México is negotiating the restart of two copper production facilities in Arizona and Texas and plans to revitalize several idle copper mines in Arizona. This initiative is part of Grupo México's strategy to increase its copper output from approximately 1.1 million tons in 2021 to nearly 1.9 million tons by 2029.

Impact on U.S. Metals Industry

The revival of these facilities could enhance the U.S. base metals industry, which currently operates only two copper smelters—one in Arizona owned by Freeport-McMoRan and another in Utah owned by Rio Tinto.

South Korea’s Strategic Move in Vietnam

Acquisition of Rare Earth Projects

South Korea’s Trident Global has partnered with Vietnam’s Hung Hai Group Trident to acquire interests in three rare earth projects: Bac Nam Xe, Nam Nam Xe, and Dong Pao. These deposits hold significant reserves, with Bac Nam Xe and Nam Nam Xe estimated at 2 and 3 million tons respectively, and Dong Pao at 1.5 million tons.

Strategic Importance

This partnership aims to secure rare earth supplies critical for South Korea’s electronics industry, reducing dependency on Chinese exports. Vietnam ranks second globally in rare earth reserves, presenting a strategic opportunity for South Korea to diversify its resource base.

Indonesian Nickel on the London Metal Exchange

PT CNGR Ding Xing New Energy Listing

PT CNGR Ding Xing New Energy has listed its DX-zwdx nickel brand on the London Metal Exchange (LME), marking a significant milestone as the first Indonesian nickel brand on this major exchange. This reflects Indonesia's burgeoning influence in the global nickel market, a shift bolstered by the country's 2020 ban on the export of nickel ores and concentrates.

Market Implications

The inclusion of this brand enhances the liquidity and diversity of nickel products on the LME, supporting Indonesia’s strategy to become a major player in the global market for nickel, which is essential for lithium-ion battery production.

Anglo American Considers Divestiture

Strategic Review of Platinum Business

Following the rejection of a potential merger with BHP Group, Anglo American is contemplating a secondary listing of its Amplats (platinum and platinoid mining division) in Africa. This move is part of a broader strategy to address financial challenges exacerbated by declining global platinum prices.

Workforce and Production Impacts

Amplats is exploring several options to stabilize its operations, including reducing capital expenditures and potentially laying off thousands of employees. It anticipates producing between 3.3 and 3.7 million troy ounces of platinum this year, with projections slightly lower for the coming years.

Novelis' Production Expansion Forecast

Capacity Enhancement Plans

Despite not benefiting directly from the upcoming IPO, Novelis is well-positioned financially to invest in growth projects. Plans include establishing two new plants in the U.S. and one in South Korea to increase its aluminum semi-finished products capacity significantly.

Global Presence and Market Leadership

With a broad network of sales offices and plants worldwide, Novelis is a key player in industries ranging from aviation to construction. The planned expansions are expected to bolster its production capabilities and maintain its leadership in the global market.

These strategic moves across the global metals industry highlight the sector’s dynamic nature and the ongoing adjustments by major players to navigate market challenges and seize growth opportunities.