Rwanda and Rio Tinto Collaborate on Lithium Exploration
The Rwandan government and Rio Tinto Minerals Development, a UK-based mining company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for lithium exploration in Rwanda’s Western Province. This collaboration aims to explore untapped natural resources in the country’s mining sector. Yamina Karitanyi, CEO of Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board, emphasized that Rio Tinto’s involvement signifies Rwanda’s commitment to unlocking the mining...
Imerys Advances Lithium Production Project with Confirmation of EMILI Project’s Locations
Imerys, the global leader in specialty minerals for industry, continues to develop its lithium production project for batteries, reaching a significant milestone with the confirmation of the future locations for the EMILI project’s conversion plant and loading station. Guillaume Delacroix, Vice-President Performance Minerals EMEA – APAC, expressed the significance of Imerys’ commitment to structuring an industrial sector that integrates all...
Full Circle Lithium Successfully Completes Modular Demonstration Plant Phase and Advances to Commercial Stage
Full Circle Lithium, a USA-based lithium products manufacturer and recycler, achieves a milestone as it concludes the modular demonstration phase of its lithium extraction and processing plant for a global specialty chemical company. FCL has successfully completed the demonstration phase with its initial client, a global specialty chemical company, showcasing the effectiveness of its proprietary direct lithium extraction technology (DLE)....
Egypt Earns $130 Million from 2023 Sukari Goldmine Production
In 2023, the Egyptian government has garnered over $130 million from its share of the Sukari Goldmine (SGM) production, according to Amr Hassouna, Centamin’s Country Manager. The government’s share constituted 50% of the profits and 3% of total revenues from SGM. Hassouna expressed optimism about gold prices, anticipating a continued rise above $2,000 per ounce in the current year. Centamin...
Global Alumina Output Sees 3.4% Monthly Increase in December
According to data released by the International Aluminium Institute, global alumina production witnessed a 3.4% month-on-month increase in December, reaching a total of 12.3 million tons. The average daily global alumina production also saw a slight uptick, rising from 396,467 tons in November to 396,710 tons in December, according to revised data. China accounted for a significant portion of the...
Vale Surpasses Expectations with 70,728 Tons of Nickel Production in Indonesia for FY2023
Vale has exceeded market expectations by producing 70,728 tons of nickel in Indonesia for the fiscal year 2023, surpassing the anticipated 69,451 tons. This achievement highlights Vale’s operational efficiency and its ability to meet or exceed production targets in the competitive mining sector, particularly in the context of growing demand for nickel in industries like electric vehicles.
True North Copper and Glencore Forge Partnership to Advance Cloncurry Copper Project
In a move poised to impact the global copper market, True North Copper (TNC) has announced a partnership with commodities giant Glencore to advance the development of the Cloncurry Copper Project (CCP) in Queensland. This collaboration is expected to not only significantly boost TNC’s Cloncurry copper project but also contribute to the global copper industry. Under the agreement, Glencore will...
Anglo American Collaborates with GEM on Breakthrough EV Battery Technology
Mining giant Anglo American has embarked on a strategic R&D project in partnership with GEM, one of China’s leading battery and battery material recyclers. The joint initiative aims to pioneer innovative technologies for the utilization of existing and alternative raw materials in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Paul Ward, Executive Head of Base Metals Marketing at Anglo American, highlighted the company’s...
Spain Competes for Umicore’s €1 Billion Plant
In the evolving landscape of electromobility, Spain aims to secure its position as a European hub, eyeing a significant investment from Belgian group Umicore. The multinational is contemplating the establishment of a pre-cathode (pCAM) factory in Europe, with Gijón, located in Asturias, emerging as a strong contender among potential locations. As the automotive industry shifts towards zero-emission mobility, carmakers are...
Indonesian Nickel Miners Brace for Prolonged Price Slump
Indonesia’s nickel mining industry is gearing up for a challenging year in 2024, as global oversupply persists amid a decline in demand. Despite worldwide announcements of production cuts and mine closures, the expected boost in nickel prices has yet to materialize, leaving analysts skeptical about a swift recovery. Amidst the uncertain market conditions, Bayu Aji, Head of Communications at Vale...
Confal Struggles Amidst Financial Turmoil but Owner Remains Hopeful
Confal, renowned as the largest domestic aluminum scrap recycler, finds itself in a precarious position following a challenging period marked by court-protected restructuring initiated last summer. Despite facing setbacks such as the lack of approval for its rescue plan by key creditors and the absence of a new investor, the company’s owner remains optimistic about the future. The company, which...
Alcoa Reverses Course, Commits to Reactivating San Cibrao Plant
In a surprising turn of events, Alcoa has announced its decision to move forward with the reactivation of the San Cibrao aluminum plant starting Monday, January 29th. This decision reverses the company’s earlier request to delay the restart of 32 electrolysis tanks, initially citing economic challenges as the reason. Alcoa’s commitment to reactivating the tanks by April 1st aligns with...
Australia Considers Tax Incentives for Struggling Nickel and Lithium Miners
In response to the mounting challenges faced by nickel and lithium producers in Australia, the federal and Western Australia (WA) state governments are contemplating the introduction of financial incentives, including production tax credits and royalty reliefs. This initiative aims to alleviate the pressures on these key sectors of the battery metals market, which have seen significant downturns in revenue and...
Copper Market Poised for Upswing in 2024 Amid Tight Supply and Anticipated Rate Cuts
The copper market is on the cusp of a significant rebound this year, fueled by a confluence of tightening global supplies and the prospect of more accommodative monetary policies. Despite the overhang of uncertainties surrounding China’s economic trajectory, the essential industrial metal, often seen as a barometer for economic health due to its broad industrial applications, is expected to navigate...
Bonlon Industries Expands Into Aluminum Sector with New Plant in Maharashtra
Bonlon Industries, traditionally known in the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) for its copper wire manufacturing, is branching out into the aluminum sector. The company has announced plans to set up an aluminum plant in MIDC Taloja, Maharashtra, targeting the production of aluminum rods, wires, and ingots derived from scrap materials. This strategic move comes as the company seeks to diversify...
China’s Leading Copper Smelters Advocate for Production Reductions
In a recent development that could have significant implications for the global copper market, China’s premier copper smelters have proposed substantial production cuts. This decision comes in response to a sharp decline in the treatment charges for copper concentrate over the past few months, according to three sources acquainted with the situation. During a meeting convened by the China Smelters...
Significant Layoffs Announced at Second-Largest US Aluminum Plant in Missouri
The second-largest aluminum smelter in the United States, located in southeast Missouri, is facing a major curtailment of its operations, leading to the layoff of most of its employees by January 28. This development was revealed in a local news report, which cited a letter from the management of Magnitude 7 Metals explaining the situation. According to the letter, the...
Amara Raja to Launch India’s First Gigafactory for Lithium-Ion Batteries by End-2025
Amara Raja, a frontrunner in India’s energy storage sector, is set to make a significant leap in the country’s battery manufacturing capabilities. Announced by Vijayanand Samudrala, President of Amara Raja, at the 3rd annual India Battery Manufacturing and Supply Chain Summit in Hyderabad, the company plans to commence commercial production of lithium-ion batteries within the next two years, with the...
Nickel Price Downturn Tightens Indonesia’s Grip on Global Supply
The ongoing slump in nickel prices is exerting unprecedented pressure on global nickel producers, heightening the risk of significant mine closures. This trend is poised to further cement Indonesia’s stronghold on the worldwide nickel supply, given its resilience against production cutbacks. Nickel, a critical element for stainless steel and electric vehicle batteries, has seen its prices tumble by over 40%...
China’s Silver Ingot Exports Rise Amid Shifting Trade Dynamics
In 2023, China witnessed a moderate increase in its silver ingot exports, with volumes reaching 4,066 tons, marking a 3.9% year-on-year growth. This rise was primarily attributed to the exports of unwrought silver with a purity of ≥99.99%, which surged by 3.9% to 4,065.870122 tons. However, the export volume of semi-finished silver with the same purity level saw a significant...
