Stainless Steel News and Nickel Prices, Molybdenum, Metal Pricing, Ferrochrome

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Wednesday, August 31

• Three month nickel closed Tuesday’s trading session at $4.46/lb . Indicators at 5:40 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.01/lb higher. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Tuesday and now total just over the 370,100 tonne level. News remains quiet as the summer vacation period comes to an end over the next few days. The traded price of nickel continues to drift, but is holding its own and resisting the negative pressure of a stronger US Dollar.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.71/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – London copper faces 6 pct monthly loss in August – more

  Reports

• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• (SMM) China’s stainless steel exports were 369,200 tonnes in July, up 9.6 per cent month-on-month and 34.0 per cent year-on-year, according to China Customs.
• Treasuries Extend Drop in August on Fed Outlook as Dollar Gains – more

    Boost for stainless and chrome scrap values – Global: Gains in the nickel price have been reflected in stainless steel scrap values: over the course of August, the 304 quality has climbed from US$ 1070-1120 per tonne to US$ 1090-1140 while 316 material has advanced from US$ 1410-1460 to US$ 1450-1500. – more

    Panoramic suffers severe loss amid plummeting nickel price – Nickel-focused Panoramic Resources’ 2016 financial year results have been severely impacted by the falling nickel price, which reached a decade low in February, pushing the company into an after-tax loss of A$144.4-million, against a loss of A$28.8-million reported in the previous year. – more

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Tuesday, August 30

• Three month nickel closed Friday’s trading session at $4.44/lb . Indicators at 5:30 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.02/lb higher. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses rose on Friday and now total just over the 370,850 tonne level. A stronger US Dollar on US rate increase concerns is putting negative pressure on base metals, with nickel idling for a second session.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.73/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – London copper dips to 10-week low on U.S. rate hike view – more

  Reports

• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• Negative Indian Ocean Dipole influencing Australia’s climate, while Pacific remains ENSO-neutral – more
• Dollar Advances as Treasuries Drop Before Fischer; Stocks Rise – more

    4 Nickel Miners Set to Soar On Philippines Crackdown – Drug pushers aren’t the only victims in a crackdown by hardline Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte. – more

    China Xinxin’s H1 nickel cathode output up 5%, copper cathode output down 72% – China’s Xinjiang Xinxin Mining Industry produced 6,006 mt of nickel cathode over January-June, up 5.2% year on year, the company said last Friday. – more

    China Bearing to buy Indonesia nickel ore mine through reverse takeover – China Bearing, which became a cash company after disposing of its operating subsidiary in December last year, is acquiring an Indonesian nickel ore mine via a reverse takeover. – more

    Clive Palmer forced to front nickel refinery hearings – Clive Palmer could be called to give evidence under oath about the collapse of his North Queensland nickel refinery on Monday. – more

    Courtesy AISI – In the week ending August 27, 2016, domestic raw steel production was 1,642,000 net tons while the capability utilization rate was 70.2 percent. Production was 1,726,000 net tons in the week ending August 27, 2016 while the capability utilization then was 72.2 percent. The current week production represents a 4.9 percent decrease from the same period in the previous year. Production for the week ending August 27, 2016 is down 0.8 percent from the previous week ending August 20, 2016 when production was 1,655,000 net tons and the rate of capability utilization was 70.8 percent. – more

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Monday, August 29

• Three month nickel closed Friday’s trading session at $4.44/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel not trading with LME markets closed for a holiday. Trading will resume tomorrow. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Thursday and started Friday’s trading session just over the 370,550 tonne level. Nickel stalled on Friday after slumping below the $10,000/tonne level on Thursday. Surcharges for the US stainless steel buyers are higher for September (posted here).
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.73/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – Shanghai copper treads water near 2-mth lows amid London holiday – more

  Reports

• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• European Stocks Fall as Fed Outlook Lifts Dollar; Oil Declines – more

    Sherritt International Corporation Interview of Flora Wood, Director, Investor Relations and Communications – Sherritt International Corporation is a low cost nickel producer using HPAL with assets that have mine lives of 20+ years, so 20 to 30 years. – more

    Russia’s Norilsk Nickel dismantles old nickel plant early – Russian metals producer Norilsk Nickel has stopped its oldest nickel facility in Norilsk two months ahead of schedule, the company said in a statement on Friday. – more

    Clive Palmer’s Queensland Nickel refinery accused of ‘gross negligence’ in Townsville court – Clive Palmer’s nickel refinery has been accused of “gross negligence” over the overflow of its tailings dam during a trial in north Queensland. – more

    Ring plan close: Noront head – The Ontario government has most of the data it needs to inform a decision on the infrastructure it would be prepared to build and finance in the Ring of Fire, says the head of Noront Resources Inc. – more

    Hugh Morgan’s team in high-grade nickel discovery – Mining industry veteran Hugh Morgan heads a private syndicate that has made a potentially world class, and highly unusual, nickel discovery in the heart of Nigeria. – more

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Thursday, August 25

• Three month nickel closed Wednesday’s trading session at $4.49/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around v$.02/lb higher. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Wednesday and now totals just over teh 372,400 tonne level. If we were to title yesterday’s news, it would have been “We’re back”. And obviously traders agreed ,as nickel fell back below the 10,000 tonne level on news Indonesia nickel was once again shipping into China, making the problems in the Philippines a little less relevant to the world picture. Yesterday’s withdrawals from LME licensed warehouses took nickel numbers back below where the started the month at – finally. This is our last update for the week so we hope each of you have a safe and relaxing weekend and invite you back next week.   
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.76/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – Nickel hits six-week low as Philippines concerns ebb – more

  Reports

• U.S. Imports of Stainless Steel Mill Products – more
• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• European Stocks Retreat as Dollar Rally Fades Before Yellen – more

    Nickel merry-go-round: Indonesia ferronickel replacing Philippine ore – Is nickel’s current rally sustainable or is the metal merely having a strong run because market participants are more focused on the environmental crackdown in top ore miner the Philippines, rather than on the surge in Indonesian ferronickel exports? – more

    Philippines could suspend more mines in environmental crackdown – The Philippines could suspend more mines in a crackdown on environmental abuses that has halted operations of 10 miners, a minister said on Wednesday, dismissing a claim by mineral producers the review was a “demolition campaign” against them. – more

• Citinickel questions suspension sans audit – more
• Miners decry ‘demolition campaign’ – more

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Wednesday, August 24

• Three month nickel closed Tuesday’s trading session at $4.65/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.01/lb higher. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Tuesday and now total just over the 373,200 tonne level. Imports of nickel ore and refined nickel into China fell sharply in July, while ferronickel shipments from Indonesia soared. Market remains quiet as summer nears its unofficial end and traders wait to see if orders will pick up as vacations end.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.76/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – Copper slides to eight-week lows as Asian stocks rise – more

  Reports

• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• Emerging Markets Fall on Fed Bets as Oil Leads Commodities Lower – more

    China Nickel Trade Shifts as Ore Imports Drop, Ferronickel Rises – China’s imports of nickel ore and refined metal dropped in July, while overseas purchases of an intermediate form of the raw material surged, signalling the shifting mix of shipments into the world’s top stainless-steel producer. – more

    Lawmaker says ban ore exports or shut shop – A lawmaker has revived a proposal to ban exports of unprocessed minerals to spur domestic processing, in a move that may tighten global nickel supply and make it an even tougher business environment for miners in the world’s top producer. – more

    Nickel Price Update: Back on Track? – While the nickel price has been on the rebound so far this year, it still has a ways to go. Will it continue rallying? – more

    Reader’s view: Potential pollution from copper-nickel mining puts much at risk – I applaud Gov. Mark Dayton and former Vice President Walter Mondale for speaking out to protect the BWCAW from the risks of copper-nickel mining. – more

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Tuesday, August 23

• Three month nickel closed Monday’s trading session at $4.65/lb . Indicators at 5:45 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.01/lb lower. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Monday and now total just over the 373,500 tonne level. Nickel is trading sideways today, after trading lower yesterday. Markets are now concerned about the possibility of an interest rate increase in the US, which is helping the US Dollar, which in turn adds negative pressure on commodity trading.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.77/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – Copper falls to six-week lows, focus on U.S. rates – more

  Reports

• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• China dumps duties on Japanese steel after WTO ruling – more
• Dollar Drops on Rate Outlook as European Stocks Rise, Oil Falls – more

    Nickel market swings into undersupply – After several years of surplus, the nickel market moved to a deficit in the second quarter of this year and, with the price of the commodity now above $10 000/t, a smaller portion of global nickel producers are now cash negative, research and consultancy group Wood Mackenzie nickel markets principal analyst Sean Mulshaw tells Mining Weekly. – more

    Philippines Ore Ban Unlikely During Duterte’s Term, Says Senator – A lawmaker with oversight of the Philippines’ embattled mining industry said the nation is at least six years away from enacting legislation that would ban mineral-ore exports and force companies to process metals locally. – more

    European September stainless steel alloy surcharges move up again – Monthly alloy surcharges on austenitic grades of stainless steel flat-rolled products in Europe are up again for September, hitting their highest levels in over a year, first mill announcements indicated Monday. – more

     July 2016 crude steel production – World crude steel production for the 66 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 133.7 million tonnes (Mt) in July 2016, 1.4% up on July 2015. – more

    Courtesy AISI – In the week ending August 13, 2016, domestic raw steel production was 1,685,000 net tons while the capability utilization rate was 72.1 percent. Production was 1,726,000 net tons in the week ending August 13, 2015 while the capability utilization then was 72.2 percent. The current week production represents a 2.4 percent decrease from the same period in the previous year. Production for the week ending August 13, 2016 is down 0.7 percent from the previous week ending August 6, 2016 when production was 1,697,000 net tons and the rate of capability utilization was 72.6 percent.

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Monday, August 22

• Three month nickel closed Friday’s trading session at $4.70/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.08/lb lower. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses rose on Friday and now total just under the 373,700 tonne level. Two thirds thru the month and stockpiles are on track for their first monthly gain since January. Nickel is lower on a stronger US Dollar this morning, but the short term trend appears to have taken on a negative tone. Since touching the $5/lb level a week and a half ago, nickel has fallen over $800/tonne. Considering the summer slow period for stainless steel production is coming to an end, the price negativity is concerning.   
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.78/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – Copper tumbles to five-week low, undermined by higher dollar – more

  Reports

• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• Dollar Rises on Fed Outlook as Emerging Stocks, Commodities Fall – more

    Brazil key area for nickel: CEO – Jeremy Martin, CEO at Horizonte Minerals, explains the importance of nickel and the crucial role Brazil plays in the metal’s global supply. – video here

    We Did It, You Should Too: Ore-Ban Talk Gathers Pace in Asia – The Philippines should follow Indonesia’s lead and prohibit the export of raw metal ores, according to National Development Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro, who said he was a big supporter of the curbs imposed by his country and results so far have been a success. – more

    Colombia gold, silver, nickel, coal output gain in second quarter – Colombian output of gold, silver, nickel and coal all rose in the second quarter from a year ago, while platinum production fell, the government said Friday. – more

    China May Reverse Affirmative Decision on Japan’s Seamless Stainless Pipes – The WTO arbitrated a breach of agreements in October last year against China’s final determination for an antidumping (AD) case on Japanese seamless stainless steel pipes/tubes. – more

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Thursday, August 18

• Three month nickel closed Wednesday’s trading session at $4.64/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.04/lb higher. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell slightly on Wednesday and still total just over the 373,550 tonne level. Nickel is trading higher this morning on a stronger Euro. This is our final update for the week so we hope each of our readers have a safe and relaxing weekend.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.80/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – Soft dollar gives copper a helping hand – more

  Reports

• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• European Stocks Rise as Fed Outlook Sinks Dollar; Brent Near $50 – more

    Kirkenes strengthens tie with Murmansk – We agree that the massive nickel pollution across the border must stop», local Mayor Rune Rafaelsen says after his meeting with Murmansk Governor Marina Kovtun. – more

    China’s Foreign Trade Result of Molybdenum in Jan-Jun 2016 – When compared with year-earlier period, export is up by 45% and import is up by 2.1 times = According to the calculation to figure out volumes in pure Mo equivalent based on China’s customs statistics, the export volume in the period from January to June in 2016 was 4.3263 million lbs (up by 44.9% from the year-earlier period) and the import volume was 12.0494 million lbs (up by 2.1 times as much as the year-earlier period). – more

    Metal production down 11.6% in Q1 – The value of metallic minerals produced in the Philippines fell 11.6 percent year-on-year to about P22.1 billion in the first quarter amid a slump in prices, according to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). – more

    China must import more ore – China is the leader in extracting gold, zinc, lead, molybdenum, coal, tin, tungsten, rare earths, graphite, vanadium, antimony and phosphate, and holds second place in mine production of copper, silver, cobalt, bauxite and manganese. – more

    U.S. Service Center Inventories Climb in July – Service center shipments of steel and aluminum products continued to trail 2015 in both the U.S. and Canada, while inventories began to trend upward, reports the Metals Service Center Institute, Rolling Meadows, Ill., in its July Metals Activity Report. – more

    Russian steel firm Evraz’s core profits drop 38 pct – Evraz, one of Russia’s largest steel producers, reported a 38 percent fall in first-half core earnings on Thursday, hit by weaker steel prices and missing market forecasts. – more

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Wednesday, August 17

• Three month nickel closed Tuesday’s trading session at $4.65/lb . Indicators at 5:50 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.01/lb lower. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Tuesday and now total just over the 375,550 tonne level. Nickel is having trouble recoverying from Friday’s sharp dip, but prices reamin supported by the uncertain future of Philippine nickel ore mining.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.82/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – Copper slides as dollar gains fuel negative sentiment – more

  Reports

• Nickel Magazine – Current Issue – online here
• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• Tahiti plan to oppose mining – more
• European Stocks Slip With Oil as Fed Speculation Revives Dollar  – more

    Top Chinese Nickel Producer Says Bull Market Just Beginning – Nickel’s rally is only just getting started, making the metal an attractive bet for investors, according to Jinchuan Group, China’s biggest producer of the refined metal. – more

    Philippine mining turmoil drives nickel prices – Philippine mining companies are keenly awaiting the results of a nationwide government audit of their environmental standards, due for completion by the end of August, with some voicing concern that they could be hobbled by stricter rules. – more

• Global Ferronickel swings to net loss in H1 – more

    S&P Global Platts China steel sentiment index stays buoyant in August outlook for long steel prices at record high, steel output tipped to rise – Sentiment in China’s steel market remained buoyant at the start of August with the outlook for construction steel prices hitting a record high, according to the latest S&P Global Platts China Steel Sentiment Index (CSSI), which showed a headline reading of 62.68 out of a possible 100 points. – more

    Clive Palmer summoned to Federal Court – Clive Palmer has been summoned to face questions over the collapse of Queensland Nickel in the Federal Court  – more

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Tuesday, August 16

• Three month nickel closed Monday’s trading session at $4.76/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.06/lb lower. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses rose by a eye opening 4,944 tonnes on Monday and now total just shy of the 374,000 tonne level, which is higher than it started the month at. BHP reported a $6.4 billion dollar loss over the last year – yes, billion with a B. Philippine miners are starting to make noise as their forced cessation of production is causing lay off’s to begin.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.83/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – London copper hovers near one-month low – more
• Nickel Rebounds From One-Month Low on Philippine Mine Crackdown – more

  Reports

• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• Dollar’s Decline Reverberates as Emerging Markets Rise With Gold – more

    BHP falling back in love with spurned nickel business – Too costly to shut down and too inefficient to include in last year’s spin off of unwanted assets, BHP Billiton’s much-maligned Nickel West division is making a comeback. – more

• Global miner BHP Billiton slumps to record loss – more

    DMCI nickel mines lay off workers, put expansion on hold – DMCI Holdings Inc. said on Monday its nickel mining units are laying off hundreds of workers and putting plans to ramp up production on hold, as a government crackdown has begun to take its toll on the beleaguered sector. – more

    Manicani calls DENR mine audit ‘unfair’, wants suspension lifted – Miners and residents of Manicani mine of the Hinatuan Mining Corp. have called the ongoing audit of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) “unfair and baseless” and appealed for the lifting of the suspension of its ore transport permit. – more

    Hindustan Copper Limited inaugurated nickel production facility in Ghatsila – Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) on 10 August 2016 inaugurated the Nickel, Copper and Acid Recovery Plant of Hindustan Copper Limited at Indian Copper Complex, Ghatsila in Jharkhand. – more

    Courtesy AISI – In the week ending August 13, 2016, domestic raw steel production was 1,685,000 net tons while the capability utilization rate was 72.1 percent. Production was 1,726,000 net tons in the week ending August 13, 2015 while the capability utilization then was 72.2 percent. The current week production represents a 2.4 percent decrease from the same period in the previous year. Production for the week ending August 13, 2016 is down 0.7 percent from the previous week ending August 6, 2016 when production was 1,697,000 net tons and the rate of capability utilization was 72.6 percent. – more

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Monday, August 15

• Three month nickel closed Friday’s trading session at $4.67/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.02/lb higher. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME licensed warehouses fell on Friday and start the week just under the 369,050 tonne level. Nickel gave up its August gains on Friday and have returned to July levels after a report from China showed Chinese investment activity slowed. An eighth nickel mine was ordered closed in the Philippines, but a report from another this morning, reports it has received ‘favourable’  feedback from a recent government audit. We will have to wait and see if this feedback leads to a re-opening, but its the least hostile quote from the Philippine government traders have seen in awhile.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.85/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – Copper hovers near one-month low, China prospects weigh – more

  Reports

• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• Glencore extends production cuts to aid turnaround – more
• Emerging Markets Lead Gains in Stocks, Currencies as Oil Rallies – more

    UBS Makes a Bugle Call for Nickel Bulls on Crackdown, Demand – Rising demand, deficits and a crackdown in the Philippines are combining to make nickel one of its most-preferred commodities, according to UBS Group AG, which said the full impact of mine shutdowns in the Southeast Asia nation may be felt only next year when exports fail to ramp up as usual. – more

     Philippines halts eighth nickel miner after audit – The Philippines has suspended an eighth nickel ore mine and threatened to shut the nation’s biggest coal producer amid an environmental probe ordered by the new government that’s due to finish next week. – more

    5 dead in boiler explosion at nickel mine in Guatemala – ” At least five people were killed and several more injured by a boiler explosion at a nickel mine processing plant in Guatemala. – more

    Zimbabwe: BNC Nickel Sales Down 31 Percent – Bindura Nickel Corporation says sales of nickel in concentrate plunged 31 percent during the first quarter of 2017, as volumes, recoveries and head grade took major knocks. – more

    Philippines’ Global Ferronickel anticipates shipment of higher grade nickel ore to China in H2 – Aug 15 Philippines’ Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc, in a statement, says – more

    Minings stocks rally postpones industry revamp – Investors in mining stocks could face years of weak returns as a rally in share and industrial metals prices eases pressure on companies to restructure and curb oversupply. – more

    State Government says Yabulu will retain water rights out to 2111 – The Yabulu nickel refinery will retain rights to underground water in the Black River sub-artesian area while it is shut down to maximize the chance of the plant reopening, the state’s Natural Resources Department says. – more

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Thursday, August 11

• Three month nickel closed Wednesday’s trading session at $5.00/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.12/lb lower, Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Wednesday and now total just under the 369,500 tonne level. Another week and another pair of nickel mines shut down in the Philippines. Nickel closed at its highest in a year yesterday, and now that it has hit the psychologically important $5/lb level, traders are taking profits today. It’s Thursday so this is our final update for the week. Have a safe and relaxing weekend and we hope to see you back on Monday.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.85/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – London nickel slips on profit-taking, copper steady – more

  Reports

• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• Oil Below $42 Keeps Stock Bulls at Bay; Kiwi Jumps, Nickel Falls – more

    DENR suspends operations of 2 Eastern Samar mines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has suspended two more mining companies in Eastern Samar, in line with the ongoing mining audit by the agency. – more

• No mining firm to be spared from audit, says Lopez – more

    Thyssenkrupp sees Brexit vote neutral for steel merger chances – Britain’s vote to leave the European Union does not change the likelihood of Thyssenkrupp and Tata merging their steel operations, Thyssenkrupp’s finance chief said. – more

   High Nickel containing Hastelloy grades corrosion performance – The reason to the development of advanced chemical products and processes is the need for alloy materials that can offer enhanced mechanical characteristics, metallurgical stability and higher corrosion resistance in the severe media. – more

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Wednesday, August 10

• Three month nickel closed Tuesday’s trading session at $4.89/lb . Indicators at 5:30 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.01/lb higher. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Tuesday and now total just under the 370,400 tonne level. August is typically a very quiet news month for nickel and stainless steel market news, and except for what is going on in the Philippines, it would be that way this month as well. Duterte and Lopez have ordered all mines to be inspected for environmental violations and a ‘lifestyle’ check for any government official affiliated with the mining industry. So far, eight mines have been closed – seven of which produced nickel.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.84/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – London zinc hits 15-month top on dollar, mine shortage – more

  Reports

• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• Standard Chartered – “If the Philippines authorities force widespread and extended closures beyond the current piecemeal approach, the market balance would significantly tighten and likely support at least another 10-20 percent price move higher.”
• Dollar Weakens, Bonds Rally on Muted Prospects for Fed Rate Hike – more

    DENR chief orders audit of all mining operations – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Gina Lopez said Wednesday she has ordered an audit of big and small mining projects to ensure that they are complying with environmental laws. – more

    Lifestyle check on officials linked to mining pushed – Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Barbers asked President Duterte yesterday to order a lifestyle check on government agencies connected to mining in order to find out the extent of the industry’s “crookedness.” – more

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Tuesday, August 9

• Three month nickel closed Monday’s trading session at $4.93/lb . Indicators at 5:45 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.09/lb lower. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses rose on Monday, and now total just over the 371,150 tonne level. The Philippines government has turned its attention away from its nickel mines and has now ordered all small scale gold mines closed and its lone iron ore mine to stop production.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.84/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – London copper sinks to four week low on dollar, China – more

  Reports

• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• Bonds Climb as Central Banks Stoke Demand, Commodities Decline – more

    Chinese production drives global stainless steel output rise – Global production of stainless steel was 0.4 percent higher in the first quarter than in the same period of 2015 as Chinese mills ramped up their output, despite pledges to reduce over-capacity, industry data showed on Monday. – more

• ISSF Press Release – more

    London Metal Exchange cuts fees, but is it too little too late? Andy Home – The London Metal Exchange (LME) has just unveiled a package of measures designed to “strengthen its role as the global liquidity centre for metals trading”. – more

    Import of Stainless Steel Scrap in June 2016 – According to the import statistics prepared by the Ministry of Finance, the import volume of stainless steel scrap in June 2016 was 9,933 tons, up by 11.3% from the prior month. The import by country is as shown in Table 1 and the same by discharge port in Table 2 respectively. – more

    QNI bosses, legal reps a no show in court – A trial involving alleged environmental breaches by Queensland Nickel is expected to go ahead despite the company refusing to appear in court. – more

    DENR asks all small-scale miners to stop operating – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered to stop all small-scale mining operations, the source of 60 percent of gold production in the country. – more

• Gov’t suspends lone iron ore miner – more

    Courtesy AISI – In the week ending August 6, 2016, domestic raw steel production was 1,697,000 net tons while the capability utilization rate was 72.6 percent. Production was 1,726,000 net tons in the week ending August 6, 2015 while the capability utilization then was 72.2 percent. The current week production represents a 1.7 percent decrease from the same period in the previous year. Production for the week ending August 6, 2016 is up 1.0 percent from the previous week ending July 30, 2016 when production was 1,681,000 net tons and the rate of capability utilization was 71.9 percent. – source

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Monday, August 8

• Three month nickel closed Friday’s trading session at $4.86/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.05/lb higher. Stockpiles of nickle stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Friday and start the week just over the 369,200 tonne level. The new Philippine administration continues to express its hostility toward its mining industry as the new President openly calls for investigations into the lifestyle of government officials who might have, or be benefitting from the industry. This rhetoric invites suspicion and continues to make traders nervous. This nervousness is being reflected with nickel trading at 2016 highs.  
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.82/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 – 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – Copper up, but China demand worry keeps it near 4-wk low – more

  Reports

• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• Stocks Gain With Commodities on Growth Optimism as Pound Falls – more

     LME Ni Average Price in July Up by 15% from Prior Month = Inventory level is 373,074 tons, which repeats ups and downs = LME monthly average nickel price in July 2016 was Cash seller: US$10,251.90 per ton (US$4.650 per lb) and 3-month seller: US$10,295.47 per ton (US$4.670 per lb). – more

    Philippine “shock and awe” mine crackdown rattles nickel markets – As the Philippines’ tough-talking new president ratchets up a campaign against irresponsible mining, the suspension of a quarter of the country’s nickel mines and the risk of more action to come is spooking global nickel markets. – more

• Lifestyle check on officials linked to mining pushed – more

    EU Stainless Steel Market Roundup From MEPS – According to MEPS, purchasing activity for hot rolled stainless steel slowed, in Germany, as the summer holiday period approached. – more

    Sherritt, Sumitomo Defer Payments on Ambatovy Nickel Project – The owners of the Ambatovy nickel mine in Madagascar said they had agreed to defer project financing payments to lenders of $565 million as they wait for prices to improve. – more

    Successful separation of nickel and cobalt – Innovation Metals Corp. (IMC or the company) is pleased to report on the successful separation of nickel and cobalt from nickel-laterite ores at the pilot scale, using its proprietary RapidSX™ process for the low cost separation of technology metals. – more

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Thursday, August 4

• Three month nickel closed Wednesday’s trading session at $4.87/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.09/lb lower. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Wednesday and now total just under the 371,750 tonne level. Market got a boost yesterday on news that another nickel mine had been shut down for environmental violations. The count now stands at seven. Nickel is down with the market today, as investors take profits and await a rate announcement from the Bank of England and the US jobs report tomorrow. This is our final update for the week so we hope each of you have a safe and relaxing weekend.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.86/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – London copper slips in summer trade ahead of jobs data – more

  Reports

• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• What to Watch as Carney Kicks Off Defense Against Brexit Fallout – more

    Philippines suspends seventh nickel miner in environmental crackdown – The Philippine government has suspended the operations of a seventh nickel miner, Claver Mineral Development Corp, a minister said on Thursday, deepening an environmental crackdown that has caused jitters in global nickel markets. – more

• Background article – Philippines flips the pig nickel finger at China – more

    Japan to Offer Prices of CR Austenitic Stainless Sheets at $2,100 CFR = For October shipment = The Japanese mills are expected to commence negotiations on cold-rolled (CR) austenitic stainless steel sheets for Asia from the latter half of the next week for October shipment and intend to raise their offer prices by $100 from those for September shipment to $2,100 CFR. – more

    New workers are seeking to the Nickel Sales, Queensland – Palmer is looking for the new working force to the Queensland’s Nickel plant. Clive reveals his new plans to rebrand and give a second chance to his nickel’s refinery in the Townsville. – more

    Small Australian miners are the canaries of commodity prices: Russell – Are the strong gains this year in small Australian resource companies a harbinger of sustainable rallies for both bigger miners and commodity prices in general? Past evidence suggests yes. – more

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Wednesday, August 3

• Three month nickel closed Tuesday’s trading session at $4.86/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.02/lb lower. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Tuesday and now total just under the 372,400 tonne level. The pause in the bullish run continues, but nickel shows no sign of giving back the profits it gained in July. Considering the strength in the US Dollar against the Euro since the Brexit vote, nickel’s gain is even more impressive. The psychologically important $5/lb level continues to sit just on the horizon.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.88/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – London copper slips as summer doldrums persist – more

  Reports

• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• (SMM) Jinchuan Group will start its annual unit maintenance from mid August, market insider said.
• Global Stocks Drop as Oil Stokes World Growth Angst; Yen Climbs – more

    Nickel price rally not expected to tempt producers – Nickel has found some strong bidding interest in the last few months for the first time since late 2015. – more

• Nickel Prices See Continued Upside on Philippine Mining Crackdown – more

    Stainless steel makers want level playing field – Healthy demand growth over the past several years and a forecast by the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association that the country will need 5.6 million tonnes of stainless steel by 2022 encouraged the likes of Jindal Stainless and Salem Steel to make large investments in new capacity. – more

    Horizonte completes acquisition of Glencore project to create one of largest nickel saprolite projects globally – Horizonte Minerals Plc, the nickel development company focused in Brazil, is pleased to announce the transfer to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company of the remaining two licences that make up the Glencore Araguaia nickel project (‘GAP’) in north central Brazil. – more

    Mood upbeat at Diggers & Dealers – Gold has been the rock star of this year’s Diggers & Dealers, Evolution Mining’s Jake Klein has said, but nickel and lithium are the surprise winners of 2016. – more

    Federal Court serves summons on Clive Palmer and key lieutenants – The Federal Court has issued fresh summonses to be served on Clive Palmer, a handful of his key lieutenants and major accounting firms over the collapse of the ­tycoon’s Queensland Nickel. – more

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Tuesday, August 2

• Three month nickel closed Monday’s trading session at $4.87/lb . Indicators at 5:30 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.03/lb higher. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Monday and now total 372,750 tonnes. Manila President Duterte is talking tough to Philippine miners, and the market bulls are rejunevated. Nickel is once again teasing it may make it to the $5/lb level, last seen a year ago.  
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.86/lb
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2015 – $5.37/lb / 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – London copper hemmed in on fitful global factory growth – more
• Zinc, Nickel Driving Metals Gains as China Factory Gauge Expands – more

  Reports

• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• Stocks Slide as Banks Drop With Energy Companies; Yen Advances – more
• La Niña WATCH remains, while strong negative Indian Ocean Dipole continues – more

     Duterte Warns Philippine Miners: We Can Survive Without You – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ratcheted up pressure on the country’s miners, the world’s biggest suppliers of nickel ore, telling them either to comply with international environmental standards or shutter. – more

• Responsible mining is not an oxymoron – more

    Diggers & Dealers: ‘Worst over for nickel miners’ – Local nickel miners have seen through the worst of the commodity price crunch, according to Western Areas managing director Dan Lougher. – more

    Courtesy AISI – In the week ending July 30, 2016, domestic raw steel production was 1,681,000 net tons while the capability utilization rate was 71.9 percent. Production was 1,750,000 net tons in the week ending July 30, 2015 while the capability utilization then was 73.2 percent. The current week production represents a 3.9 percent decrease from the same period in the previous year. Production for the week ending July 30, 2016 is down 1.3 percent from the previous week ending July 23, 2016 when production was 1,703,000 net tons and the rate of capability utilization was 72.8 percent. – source

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

Monday, August 1

• Three month nickel closed Friday’s trading session at $4.82/lb . Indicators at 5:45 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.03/lb higher. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Friday and start the week just over the 372,950 tonne level. Stockpiles began July at 379,338 tonnes and ended the month at 373,074 tonnes. On the other hand, the official cash price rose $1000/tonne over the same period. August is typically a slower month for stainless steel production, especially in Europe, so it will be interesting to see if speculators will drive nickel higher on September production hopes.  
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – N/A
• Average price of LME traded nickel in 2014 – $7.65/lb / 2013 – $6.80/lb / avg 2012 – $7.95/lb /
• (USGS) Metal Prices in the United States Through 2010 – pdf here
• Baltic Dry Index – (current) (chart)
• Dollar trading graph – (chart of dollar index) (live java chart)
• Reuters metals morning – London copper hits over one-week high on brighter China data – more

  Reports

• Reuters Metals Insider – pdf here
• KBC Commodity Report – here
• Angel Metals Fundamental Report – here

  Commodity/Economic Comments

• China Stainless Steel Scrap Market News / Price – more
• Yieh Daily Asian Stainless Steel News – more
• Gerdau Steel Market Update – more
• European Debt Crisis Live – more
• Alloyed for Lasting Value video – here
• Self Repairing for Lasting Value video – here
• Bond World Sees ‘Live’ September for Fed, But It’s September ’17 – more

    Sherritt International Corp says more than 60% of global nickel output underwater despite recent price rally – Nickel prices have jumped almost 40 per cent since bottoming out in January, yet most miners of the steelmaking metal are still bleeding cash at a rapid rate. – more

    Question mark hangs over nickel quotation – Global: Stainless steel scrap prices have made significant gains since Recycling International’s previous market report in early June, with the 304 quality climbing from US$ 1030-1080 per tonne to US$ 1070-1120 and the 316 grade advancing from US$ 1330-1380 to US$ 1410-1460. – more

    BHP revives Nickel West hope as it restarts Venus project – BHP Billiton has given the broader Kalgoorlie region a boost by revealing that its Nickel West unit is restarting development work at its 2012 Venus nickel discovery. – more

    Ni SUS Scrap Purchase Price in Late July in Kanto Remains Flat = No movement in price even though Ni price rises and yen becomes weak = In late July, multiple stainless steel mills in the Kanto area offer the purchase price (delivered at plant) of nickel-containing stainless steel scrap (SABOT) at JPY105,000 – JPY110,000 per ton, unchanged from the former half of July. (Hereinafter, the price is per ton) – more

    Sumitomo cuts 2016 Ambatovy nickel mine forecast to 42,000-45,000 T – Japanese trading house Sumitomo Corp cut its nickel production estimate at the Ambatovy mine in Madagascar to 42,000 to 45,000 tonnes, from an earlier estimate of 48,000 to 50,000 tonnes, due to some glitches, executives said on Monday. – more

  Morning Nickel Price Statistics & Figures

• Today’s almost official prices here  /  Yesterday’s actual LME official prices here or here
• Shanghai Jinchuan nickel price – available here or here (updated)
• India MCX Nickel Price – more  more
• 100 Years of Stainless Steel Video – online here
• Please let us know if any of these links stop working, stop carrying info, or become available to subscriber’s only. We encourage our readers to use the services of those companies who supply news and information free of charge. Contact us

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“A Guide To LME Trading”…pdf here (all ton listings are metric tons = 2204.622 pounds ) Updated Monday thru Thursday before 8 am CST – Disclaimer Original content and opinions copyright www.estainlesssteel.com. All prices shown on this page are indications only. Note – For real time and official LME prices, LME requires a user subscribe to an authorized LME vendor.