Palladium Revolution: The Next Big Leap in Solar Panel Efficiency
The solar panel market, a rapidly growing sector in renewable energy, is on the brink of a transformative breakthrough with the discovery of a unique property of palladium. This platinum group metal, traditionally not recognized for its optical properties, has been combined with a chalcogen to form a new chemical compound that efficiently converts light flux into electrical energy. This...
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. According to Dedy Kurniawan, Head...
Iran’s Mouteh Gold Complex Reports a Slight Decrease in Gold Bar Production
Production Overview Iran’s Mouteh Gold Complex, located in Isfahan Province, has experienced a minor decline in gold bar production. According to Trend’s report referencing data from the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO), the complex produced 167 kilograms of gold bars in the first eight months of the current Iranian year (March 21 through November 21,...
Tsingnen’s Electrolyzed Water Business Gains Strategic Investment from Anglo American
Investment and Collaboration HET Hydrogen, a subsidiary of CINIC, has received strategic investment from Anglo American, a globally recognized leader in the mining industry. This partnership marks a significant step in the advancement of hydrogen production from electrolytic water, aimed at supporting decarbonization efforts in the transportation, chemical, and steel industries. Technological Advancements and Commercialization Leveraging Tsingnen’s expertise in Proton...
Weekly Metals Digest (Dec 18-22)
Vale Invests in Energy Transition Minerals Brazilian mining and metals giant Vale is investing up to $3 billion in 2024 to explore and develop mineral deposits crucial for the energy transition. Copper and nickel, essential for electric vehicle production, are a key focus. Copper is used in motor windings, while nickel is needed for batteries. Vale forecasts a 19% increase...
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 Bering Sea, a region also...
Yanqul Copper-Gold Project in Oman Advances with Lycopodium Contract
Key Development in Oman’s Mining Sector The Yanqul Copper-Gold Project, developed by Mazoon Mining (MMC), a subsidiary of Minerals Development Oman (MDO), is set to make significant progress. Australian-based engineering and project management firm Lycopodium has been awarded a contract to provide Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) services for this ambitious project. Project Scope and Potential Located in the...
2023 Review: India’s Copper Demand Flourishes Amidst Global Economic Challenges
Robust Domestic Market Growth The year 2023 has been significant for copper demand in India, reflecting the country’s strong economic growth. Despite global headwinds, domestic copper demand has shown remarkable resilience. This robust demand is mirrored in the performance of key players in the Indian copper industry. Hindustan Copper Ltd’s share price nearly doubled over the year, while other major...
Algeria Launches Ecological Aluminum Megaproject with Russian Collaboration
Innovative Green Aluminum Production Algeria is set to embark on a pioneering industrial venture, introducing the nation’s first eco-friendly aluminum production facility. This groundbreaking project, in partnership with a Russian entity, will be established in the Aïn Témouchent province of Algeria. Spanning an impressive 250 hectares, the complex is unique in its commitment to green energy, utilizing wind power and...
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 3,196 yuan, and the April...
Marula Mining Advances Offtake and Marketing Arrangements for Blesberg Project
Key Developments in Offtake Agreement Marula Mining, a company focused on mining and development in Africa, is progressing in its negotiations for a long-term offtake and marketing agreement for lithium products from its Blesberg Lithium and Tantalum Mine. The company expects to finalize an exclusive agreement with a prominent European global commodity trading group for 100% of the saleable lithium...
Barrick Gold Initiates Recommissioning of Porgera Gold Mine in Papua New Guinea
Reopening After Prolonged Closure The Porgera gold mine in Papua New Guinea, managed by Barrick Gold, is set to resume operations following an extensive period of inactivity. The mine, which has been on care and maintenance since April 2020, is undergoing recommissioning work, a process expected to span the next few weeks. This development follows the formal completion of the...
Luoyang Molybdenum Confirms Sale of Northparkes Mines in Strategic Shift
End of an Era for Molybdenum Luoyang Molybdenum Luoyang and Evolution Mining announced the completion of a significant transaction, selling an 80% interest in the Northparkes Mines Copper and Gold Mine (NPM) for US$756 million. This sale marks the end of a decade-long chapter for Luoyang Molybdenum, which saw the company transform from a local enterprise into an international resource...
Battery Manufacturing Scrap Recycling Market Set to Reach $10.63 Billion by 2032
Market Expansion and Key Players The global battery manufacturing scrap recycling market, valued at $1.96 billion in 2022, is poised for significant growth. Projected to expand at a CAGR of 16.89%, it is expected to reach $10.63 billion by 2032. This rapid growth is attributed to the increasing demand for electric vehicles and the consequent rise in battery production, which...
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 a price-positive year due to...
Besra Gold Inc Announces First Production of Gold Concentrate
Successful Completion of Gold Production Besra Gold has successfully completed the production of its first gold concentrate from the Bau Gold Project. This achievement fulfills the company’s obligations under the Gold Purchase Agreement (GPA) with Quantum Metal Recovery Inc, which was approved by Besra shareholders on July 25, 2023. Terms of the Gold Purchase Agreement Under the GPA, Besra committed...
Gold Fields Announces Divestment of 45% Stake in Asanko Mine
Strategic Divestment by Gold Fields Gold Fields has announced its decision to divest its 45 percent stake in the Asanko gold mine in Ghana. This move is part of a strategic reorientation within the mining sector, with the stake being transferred to its TSX-listed joint venture partner, Galiano Gold. Transaction Details and Consideration The divestment is valued at a total...
Anglo-American Gains Exploration Permit in Southern Lower Saxony for Copper Mining
Exploration Initiatives in Germany The British-American mining giant, Anglo-American, has been granted an exploration permit by the State Office for Mining, Energy and Geology (LBEG) for a significant area in southern Lower Saxony. This permit enables the company to conduct preliminary investigations for potential copper mining, with prospects for zinc and gold also in the region. Geographical Scope The permit...
China Implements Export Ban on Rare Earth Production Technologies
Beijing’s Strategic Decision In a notable development, China has announced a ban on the export of certain technologies related to the production of rare earths. This decision, detailed in a Ministry of Commerce document, specifically targets technologies associated with rare earth mining, processing, and smelting. Notably, this ban does not extend to rare earth products themselves. The Role of Rare...
Global Aluminium Production Declines in November
The International Aluminium Institute reported a significant decrease in global production of primary aluminium for November 2023. The latest data indicates a monthly drop of 3.7% in global aluminium output, totaling 5.89 million tons. However, compared to the same period last year, there was a 2.7% increase from 5.74 million tons. Yearly Production Trends The first eleven months of the...
