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

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Thursday, March 31

• Three month nickel closed Wednesday’s trading session at $3.81/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.05/lb lower. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME licensed warehouses fell from our last update and started todays session just over the 431,650 tonne level. The first quarter for 2016 ends today and nickel has done very little over the last three months, except possibly stop the slide in the price. Our next update is Monday so we hope each of you have a safe and relaxing weekend.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $3.96/lb
• 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 – Copper drops for 5th session in a row as China worries linger – 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
• (DTT) A nickel plant in Kosovo owned by Swiss based corporation IMR through its subsidiary Cunico Resources Group in Netherlands is about to halt production as of next month, according to plant’s trade union.
• Euro-Area Prices Drop for 2nd Month Before ECB Beefs Up QE – more

    Kosovo ferro-nickel producer to halt production due to low prices – Kosovo ferro-nickel producer Ferronikeli said on Wednesday it will halt production from next month for at least 90 days because of low nickel prices. – more

     Strong global demand seen to boost investments in nickel exploration – The high global demand for nickel, particularly for the manufacturing of public transport vehicles, is expected to drive investments in exploration for more reserves in the Philippines, according to market research firm TechNavio. – more

    Philippines’ major nickel miner seals China supply deals – Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc FNI.PS , the Philippines’ second-biggest nickel ore miner, signed contracts with Chinese buyers, including Baosteel, equivalent to about 90 percent of its nickel ore output target for this year, it said on Monday. – more

     Glencore maintains New Caledonia stake – The Swiss-based mining conglomerate Glencore has confirmed its commitment to New Caledonia’s Koniambo nickel plant. – more

    Australian prospector goes Hollywood as mining bust bites – Movie making has joined pursuits such as egg farming, the growing of medical marijuana and beauty products as another way for struggling mining companies to weather one of the industry’s worst downturns in decades. – more

    Courtesy AISI – In the week ending March 26, 2016, domestic raw steel production was 1,675,000 net tons while the capability utilization rate was 71.6 percent. Production was 1,601,000 net tons in the week ending March 26, 2015 while the capability utilization then was 67.7 percent. The current week production represents a 4.6 percent increase from the same period in the previous year. Production for the week ending March 26, 2016 is up 0.4 percent from the previous week ending March 19, 2016 when production was 1,668,000 net tons and the rate of capability utilization was 71.3 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

Thursday, March 24

• Three month nickel closed Wednesday’s trading session at $3.97/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 on Wednesday and now total just over the 432,650 tonne level. Quiet news day. Our next update will be on Monday – have a safe and relaxing weekend.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $3.97/lb
• 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 set for biggest weekly fall in six weeks – 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
• Dollar rise hits commodities as Fed talks of tightening – more

    Solomon Islands apologises to Australian nickel miner after ‘misleading’ press release – As rival mining companies fight over a nickel deposit in the Solomon Islands, the Prime Minister’s office has been forced to retract a statement it issued earlier in the week, admitting quotes attributed to the Prime Minister had not been made by him. – more

• Axiom forced to reapply for nickel mining leases – more

    Queensland Nickel ammonia levels drop – Queensland Environment Minister Steven Miles says elevated ammonia levels in two creeks at Clive Palmer’s north Queensland nickel refinery have dropped back to within safe thresholds. – more

• Clive Palmer ‘running out of time’ for Queensland Nickel rescue – 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, March 23

• Three month nickel closed Tuesday’s trading session at $3.98/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.02/lb higher and back to the apparent traders mental barrier of $4/lb. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses rose on Tuesday and now total just over the 433,100 tonne level. Watch the strength of the Euro against the US Dollar, and you will understand much of nickel’s price movement. Stronger US Dollar puts negative pressure on commodities. Strength in the Euro adds positive momentum.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $3.98/lb
• 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 slips but signs of China housing recovery support – 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
• (SSY) Crude steel output for the 66 countries reporting to the World Steel Association continued to fall in February, dropping by 3.3% year-on-year to 120.4 Mt, the lowest level since December 2011.
• Europe recovers from Brussels-driven losses – more
• Resurgent Dollar Drives Down Commodities; European Shares Gain – more

    Clive Palmer’s bid to sue Chinese for QNI’s trouble thrown out – Clive Palmer’s attempts to drag Queensland Nickel into his long-running royalty dispute with the Chinese government-owned CITIC Pacific have been thrown out of the Supreme Court. – more

• Queensland Nickel administrators fail to sell Clive Palmer-owned cattle station – more
• Queensland Nickel facing millions in fines – more

    Axiom Mining’s nickel license revoked by Solomon Islands’ court – The development of a large nickel deposit in the Solomon Islands is back to square one this week, as the nation’s highest court ruled that neither of the two miners in Japan and Australia fighting over the discovery were entitled to the license. – more

• Solomons’ govt retracts release on Court’s nickel decision – more

    Australian mining company stripped of nickel prospecting licence in Solomon Islands – The small Australian company Axiom Mining has been stripped of its rights to one the Pacific’s biggest nickel deposits, after losing its legal battle with the Japanese giant, Sumitomo. – more

    (older report but interesting) INSG: Changes in nickel production capacity on the horizon – pdf here

  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, March 22

• Three month nickel closed Monday’s trading session at $3.98/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.04/lb . Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Monday and now total just under the 431,150 tonne level. AK Steel published April surcharges for stainless steel and 304 has risen from $.3192/lb to $.3313/lb and 316 has risen from $.4012/lb to $.4190/lb.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $3.98/lb
• 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 edges down on Fed rate hike concerns – more

  Reports

• Damstahl Stainless Steel Report – March 2016 – pdf here
• Oryx Stainless ‘Practical experience never harmed anyone’ – pdf 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
• (Tweet) Standard Chartered says sees average nickel price forecast at $9,875/t in 2016, $11,275/t in 2017
• Brussels Rocked by Deadly Attacks With Blasts at Airport, Subway – more

    February 2016 crude steel production – World crude steel production for the 66 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 120 million tonnes (Mt) in February 2016, a -3.3% decrease compared to February 2015. – more

    Major PH nickel ore miner may hike output as prices recover – The Philippines’ second-biggest nickel ore miner, Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. may boost its output if nickel prices sustain a rebound from decade-lows amid signs of a recovery in China’s economy, company officials said on Friday. – more

    Axiom Mining’s nickel license revoked by Solomon Islands’ court – The development of a large nickel deposit in the Solomon Islands is back to square one this week, as the nation’s highest court ruled that neither of the two firms in Japan and Australia fighting over the discovery were entitled to the license. – more

• Solomons nickel prospector confident despite court ruling – more

    Closure of Zambales mines affects local economy  – Economic losses mounted and crime rate rose in the mining town of Sta. Cruz, Zambales, as some 3,000 displaced workers and families failed to find decent jobs after the government suspended nickel mining operations last year. – more

    Early Warning Report on Nickel One: Drill Results Imminent – Two weeks ago on March 8, Nickel One Resources Inc. announced to have started a phase-1 drilling program on its recently acquired Tyko Project in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Hemlo in Ontario, Canada. – more

    Bcl Mine To Cut Costs, Sell Private Jet – Mine is still reviewing its operational procedures and is in the process of selling its private jet in a bid to cut costs. – more

    Coiurtesy AISI – In the week ending March 19, 2016, domestic raw steel production was 1,668,000 net tons while the capability utilization rate was 71.3 percent. Production was 1,601,000 net tons in the week ending March 19, 2015 while the capability utilization then was 67.7 percent. The current week production represents a 4.2 percent increase from the same period in the previous year. Production for the week ending March 19, 2016 is down 3.1 percent from the previous week ending March 12, 2016 when production was 1,722,000 net tons and the rate of capability utilization was 73.6 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, March 21

• Three month nickel closed Friday’s trading session at $3.93/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading unchanged and recoverying from earlier session lows. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on both Thursday and Friday and start the week just under the 432,250 tonne level. Sad news from Brazil this weekend as former Vale CEO Roger Agnelli perished in a plane crash. Roger was at the helm of Vale during the boom days and helped turn the company into a mining behemoth, and becoming a serious player it nickel production.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $3.99/lb
• 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 – Copper slips from near 4-mth high as dollar firms – more

  Reports

• American Recycler Feb 2016 – pdf 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
• China Has a $590 Billion Problem With Unpaid Bills – more

    Queensland Nickel: Dam at Clive Palmer’s refinery seeping millions of litres of contaminated water daily – Millions of litres of contaminated water is seeping from a massive dam at Clive Palmer’s north Queensland nickel refinery every day. – more

• Buyback group to compete with Clive Palmer over refinery control – more

    Sumitomo wins appeal in Solomons’ nickel case – SMM Solomon Ltd has won most of its appeal against Australia’s Axiom Mining over the rights to mine nickel deposits in Isabel Province in Solomon Islands. – more

    China Nickel Imports and Exports Data February 2016 – The General Administration of China Customs released data of China’s February 2016 imports and exports of nickel on Mar.21 (Unit: mt) – more

    1,120MT of nickel sinks in Palawan – A barge loaded with 1,120 metric tons of nickel ore sank off the pier of Berong Nickel Corp. (BNC) in Quezon town in Palawan province on Thursday, a report reaching the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) on Friday said. – more

    China’s Crude Steel Output in Jan-Feb Falls by 5.7% to 121,070 t/t – According to data released on 14th by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, its crude steel production in January-February was 121,070 thousand tons (abbreviated as t/t), down 5.7% from the same period last year. If this goes on, it is likely to show clear signs of a structural improvement in the steel industry, which the Chinese Government is going to undertake. – more

    Indonesia hopes four new smelters complete in 2016 -mining official – Indonesia hopes four new smelters will be completed in 2016, a mining ministry official said on Wednesday, as low commodity prices continue to create financial problems for the mining industry and shrink government returns. – more

    Roger Agnelli, ‘Iron Man’ Who Led a Global Mining Giant, Dies at 56 – Roger Agnelli, a former banking executive who helped turn the Brazilian company Vale into a global mining giant, died on Saturday when his private plane crashed in São Paulo, Brazil. He was 56. – 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, March 17

• Three month nickel closed Wednesday’s trading session at $3.93/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.03/lb higher. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Wednesday and now total just under the 434,85 tonne level. Nickel appears to be getting a slight bump from the fall in the US Dollar, after the US Fed sent a signal it is not as confident of 2016 growth as it was last year. Or the markets negative reaction to last years ‘ first increase’ in years has the Fed so worried, it is afraid to take another step. In the mean time, the market continues to play with free money..This is our last update for the week, so have a nice weekend and we will see you Monday.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $3.99/lb
• 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 – Copper recaptures $5,000 as Fed tones down rate hike plan – 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
• Global Risks Play Bigger Part in Fed’s Rate-Rise Outlook – more

    Shipments Decline Slows in February, Small Increase in Steel in Canada – The decline of shipments from 2015 levels slowed somewhat in February for both steel and aluminum in the United States and actual increased slightly for steel in Canada. – more

    Weak market fundamentals likely to check rise of iron, steel commodities – After years of sluggish performance, Chinese iron and steel futures surged in recent months thanks to a mismatch between supply and demand, expectations of policy support and speculation. – more

    Russian stainless steel imports in 2015 – According to experts of SpetsStal Association, in 2015, compared with 2014, Russian imports of major stainless steel products fell by 7.2% to 240,529 tons. – more

   Improve pipeline, mine told – Mining Minister Byron Chan has requested the operator of the Ramu Nickel mine in Madang to make further improvement on its pipeline integrity and monitoring systems. – 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, March 16

• Three month nickel closed Tuesday’s trading session at $3.89/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.02/lb lower. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehoues rose for a second connsecutive session on Tuesday and now total just over the 435,700 tonne level. Nickel looked like it was going to finally beat the $4/lb level last week, but this week makes it look less likely.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.00/lb
• 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 – Copper stabilises ahead of Fed, China pledges support – more

  Reports

• The March 2016 Casteel Reporter – pdf 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
• Queensland’s $100 million clean up bill a dirty warning for PNG – more
• (SSY) Crude steel output at Chinese mills fell by 5.7%, to 121.1 Mt, in January and February from the same period last year, according to National Bureau of Statistics data. This represents a slight acceleration in decline from December when output contracted by 5.2%.
• Fed to Signal Worst Is Over, Hikes Coming: Decision-Day Guide – more
• El Niño continues its steady decline – more

    Nickel in deficit in 2016, but more production cuts needed: Norilsk – Major production cuts and a substantial draw-down of exchange inventory are needed to trigger a sustained price recovery in nickel, despite a likely market deficit this year, Russia’s Norilsk Nickel said Tuesday. – more

• Norilsk’s profit drops to 2009 levels – more

    Nickel Fund pays stressed New Caledonians – The New Caledonian government says it will disburse 5.5 million US dollars of a special Nickel Fund this year to help exporters and contractors hit by the slump of the nickel price. – more

    As prices fall, so too do jobs at Australian resource companies – With flagging Chinese demand and oversupply weighing on commodity prices, Australian resource companies are slashing jobs to remain competitive. – 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, March 15

• Three month nickel closed Monday’s trading session at $3.93/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.06/lb lower. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouse rose by nearly 11,300 tonnes on Monday and now total just over the 434,000 tonne level. Huge inventory gain as Norilsk calls for production cutbacks from its competitors.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.02/lb
• 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 – Copper slips as dollar holds gains ahead of Fed meeting – 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
• Bank of Japan Holds Fire on Stimulus, Negative Rate Unchanged – more

    Russia’s Norilsk sees flat global nickel consumption in 2016 – Russia’s Norilsk Nickel reported a 24 percent decline in 2015 core earnings on Tuesday mainly due to lower prices for its metals and forecast global primary nickel consumption to remain flat this year. – more

    Clive Palmer nickel refinery collapse: Queensland’s new environment laws – The Queensland government has opened a new front in its war with Clive Palmer over his cash-strapped nickel refinery, introducing new laws into parliament to ensure collapsing companies don’t escape environmental liabilities. – more

• Qld treasurer takes more swipes at Palmer – more
• Palmer to ask Qld Nickel workers to continue – more

    Courtesy AISI – In the week ending March 12, 2016, domestic raw steel production was 1,722,000 net tons while the capability utilization rate was 73.6 percent. Production was 1,601,000 net tons in the week ending March 12, 2015 while the capability utilization then was 67.7 percent. The current week production represents a 7.6 percent increase from the same period in the previous year. Production for the week ending March 12, 2016 is up 2.9 percent from the previous week ending March 5, 2016 when production was 1,673,000 net tons and the rate of capability utilization was 71.5 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, March 14

• Three month nickel closed Friday’s trading session at $3.98/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.04/lb lower. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Thursday and Friday and now total just under the 422,750 tonne level. The $4/lb level is back as a psychological barrier to traders, with commodities following oil lower today.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.02/lb
• 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 near 4-mth top after China data, regulator assurances – 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’s Stocks Jump on Support Pledge as Deals Spur Developers – more

    Norilsk calls for nickel production to be reduced – The world’s biggest nickel producer, Norilsk Nickel, has warned that prices for the metal are unlikely to rise unless loss making producers start to shut mines and close production. – more

    Queensland Nickel Sales aims to reopen refinery end-July, but appeals for govt help – Clive Palmer’s Queensland Nickel Sales on Monday appealed to the Queensland government to intervene to allow the Yabulu refinery to reopen. – more

• Clive Palmer nickel plant closed for at least eight weeks – more
• Clive Palmer’s refinery: Sacked workers vote to buy Queensland Nickel – more

    Nickel shipments diverted as Palmer plant runs out of ore – A rescue plan for a nickel refinery owned by Australian mining magnate Clive Palmer has stalled, after ore shipments to the plant were diverted and government regulators raised concern that the plant lacked adequate resources to operate properly. – more

    New Caledonia to allow nickel exports to China, newspaper reports – New Caledonia will remove restrictions on the sale of nickel ore to China, according to a report in the Australian newspaper that cited no sources. – more

    Miners to cut nickel output; exports down 20% – Nickel ore producers have agreed to slash output and shipments this year by as much as 20 percent, responding to a slide in the price of the metal to its lowest in over a decade on weak Chinese demand. – more

    What will happen to China’s cement production, 30 times that of the US, and steel production, five times that of the EU, if demand turns sour? – Let’s allow the pictures to do the talking about excess capacity and then let’s see how much talk we need of curtailment rather than run and hide. – 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, March 10

• Three month nickel closed Wednesday’s trading session at $4.01/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.03/lb lower. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Wednesday and now total just under the 426,800 tonne level. After appearing to have finally beaten the $4/lb threshold late last week, nickel has slipped back below and now appears to be struggling with the physiologically important level again.  The Euro is lower today, which is adding negative pressure on commodities. Our next update will be Monday so we wish each of you a safe and enjoyable weekend.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.04/lb
• 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 – LME copper consolidates below four-month peak on China concerns – 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
• Is Nickel’s Rally Already Overdone? – more
• Draghi Marks a Year of QE With Suspense of ‘No Limits’ Stimulus – more
• Euro dips as ECB sets sights on deeper negative rates – more

    Stainless steel demand to grow 3% a year through 2019: Outokumpu – Global stainless steel demand is set to reach 38.0 million mt this year and 39.2 million mt in and 2017, with global consumption expected to increase at an annual average growth rate of around 3% from 2016 through 2019, – more

    Palmer’s nickel refinery workers sacked – Workers at Clive Palmer’s embattled Yabulu Refinery have been sacked and don’t know if they will be rehired, days after the federal MP took back control of operations. – more

• Queensland Nickel: Jobs of 550 workers terminated, administrators say; union says entitlements in doubt – more

     Boliden buys Finnish nickel, copper mine for $712 mln – Swedish mining and smelting group Boliden will buy Finnish mine Kevitsa from First Quantum Minerals for $712 million, Boliden said on Thursday, betting on prospects for higher metal prices in the longer term. – more

    Mincor unveils growth strategy as it waits for nickel price recovery – Nickel firm Mincor Resources on Thursday revealed a two-pronged growth strategy which would take advantage of the current high gold price and a future recovery in the nickel price. – more

    Tests in progress to analyse Ramu slurry – Tests are being carried out to ascertain if indeed the slurry that was released during last week’s pipeline spillage at Ramu nickel in Madang is non-toxic. – 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, March 9

• Three month nickel closed Tuesday’s trading session at $3.91/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.09/lb higher. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses rose on Tuesday and now total just over the 428,650 tonne level. After finally breaking thru the $4/lb level and closing above it for three consecutive sessions, it looked like nickel had room to run. But yesterday’s nose dive has taken the price back down into well worn pasture, so its anyone’s guess what the next few weeks will bring. Stay tuned..  
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.05/lb
• 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 – Metals steadies after biggest one-day drop since Nov on China woes – 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
• Surging iron ore price reflects a new market reality: Andy Home – more
• Laying off 1.8m workers challenges govt’s plans to cut industrial overcapacity – more
• S&P 500 Bull Market Turns Seven – more

    Philippine miners to cut nickel ore output, exports as price slides – Nickel ore producers in the Philippines have agreed to slash output and shipments this year by as much as 20 percent, responding to a slide in the price of the metal to its lowest in over a decade on weak Chinese demand. – more

    New Caledonia may allow nickel exports to China as price tumbles – New Caledonia is weighing lifting restrictions on the sale of nickel ore to China as world prices for the metal tumble and the future of a key Australian customer is in doubt. – more

• New Caledonia gets new nickel plan – more

    Queensland Nickel Sales: Clive Palmer makes nephew sole director of Townsville refinery – Clive Palmer has changed the management of the company overseeing his Townsville nickel refinery just days after stepping in to regain control of 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, March 8

• Three month nickel closed Monday’s trading session at $4.25/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.10/lb lower. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Monday and now total just under the 427,250 tonne level. Stocks around the world are getting hit with news that exports from China fell more than expected in February, and making it an eighth straight month of losses. Today’s news from China, while concerning, is not enough to de-horn the bull run, but it is a reality check to world markets.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $4.04/lb
• 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 falls, poor China trade data dents outlook – more

  Reports

• U.S. Exports of Stainless Steel Mill Products – more
• Steel – the Permanent Material in the Circular Economy – 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
• China Reality Check Dashes Stocks Rally as Commodities Decline – more

     Ni SUS Scrap Purchase Price in March JPY95,000 – JPY110,000 = Temperature difference exists among Kanto, Chubu and Kansai, and demand for export is weak = As to the purchase price of nickel-containing stainless steel scrap (SABOT) by stainless steel mills in the Kanto in March, the price cut in the latter half of February is prevailing and many of the stainless steel mills offer a buying price at JPY95,000 – JPY110,000. – more

    Queensland Nickel: Union calls on ASIC to keep close eye on Clive Palmer’s refinery deal – The Australian Workers Union (AWU) is urging the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to closely examine Clive Palmer’s moves to retake control of Queensland Nickel (QNI). – more

• ASIC urged to block Clive Palmer’s ‘cynical’ move on Qld Nickel – more
• Clive Palmer sacks administrators, resumes control of Queensland Nickel – more

    Dayton lays out opposition to proposed Twin Metals mine near BWCA – Gov. Mark Dayton is laying out his opposition to a proposed copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota. – more

     ‘World Class’ Chinese slurry pipe burst “unfortunate” – but no apology – MUD covered a section of the Usino Highway in Madang when a Ramu NiCo slurry pipe burst and sprayed its content 10 metres into the air. – more

    Courtesy AISI – In the week ending March 5, 2016, domestic raw steel production was 1,673,000 net tons while the capability utilization rate was 71.5 percent. Production was 1,631,000 net tons in the week ending March 5, 2015 while the capability utilization then was 68.9 percent. The current week production represents a 2.6 percent increase from the same period in the previous year. Production for the week ending March 5, 2016 is down 1.1 percent from the previous week ending February 27, 2016 when production was 1,692,000 net tons and the rate of capability utilization was 72.4 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, March 7

• Three month nickel closed Friday’s trading session at $4.23/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 Thursday and Friday and now total just over the 430,600 tonne level. Today’s stockpile numbers fell below the year over year level for the first time in years. On March 6th of last year, stockpiles numbers totaled 431,952 tonnes, 1,350 tonnes over today’s total. Nickel traders took nickel over $4/lb last week, and were not only successful in breaching and holding above that psychological level, but have pushed prices higher. This appears to be part of a larger bullish mood shift toward commodities in general.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $3.98/lb
• 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 slips from four-month high as traders take profit – 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
• Specter of $20 Oil Recedes as Speculators Flee Bearish Bets – more

    Unexpected headwinds keep commodity prices lower for longer – A faster-than-expected slowdown in demand for commodities in 2015 has placed a damper on broad-based commodity price recoveries in 2016, compounded by lacklustre global economic growth and record inventories, which will take time to work down as production cutbacks and mine closures take effect. – more

    Palmer wrests back management control of Qld nickel refinery – Australian mining magnate Clive Palmer has taken back management control of his Queensland Nickel refinery, securing a conditional loan of A$23 million ($17 million) to support the business, Palmer and QNI’s administrators said on Monday. – more

• No help for Qld Nickel from federal govt – The immediate future of Clive Palmer’s embattled Townsville refinery has been cast into further doubt after federal Treasurer Scott Morrison ruled out providing direct financial assistance. – more
• Palmer must go before any government bailout – more

    China opposes US trade probe into Chinese stainless steel – China is highly concerned about frequent trade investigations by the United States into Chinese high-end steel products, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Saturday in a statement. – more

    Slurry Spill Ramu Nickel Mine’s Responsibility – Following a slurry spill on Wednesday of last week, concerned locals around Usino Bundi are concerned the spill has seeped into the water they use for drinking and cooking. – more

    Huge Minnesota copper-nickel mine clears environmental hurdle – Annual production of 72 million pounds copper, 15.4 million pounds nickel, 720,000 pounds cobalt and 106,000 ounces of precious metals at stake – more

    Protesters demand closure of Zambales nickel mine for ‘polluting sea, rivers, farms’ – Some 50 members of the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (PNE) protested at the DM Consunji Inc. office in Makati City on Thursday morning and demanded the closure of the company’s nickel mine in Zambales. – 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, March 3

• Three month nickel closed Wednesday’s trading session at $3.95/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.05/lb higher. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses fell on Wednesday and now total just under the 438,150 tonne level. The $4/lb level continues to set up a psychological block on traders, but a stonger Euro is helping sentiment today. Industry news has been quiet this week. Our next update will be Monday – we wish you each a safe and relaxing weekend.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $3.92/lb
• 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 three-month high as risk appetite holds – 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 Stock Rally Runs Out of Steam; Oil Falls, Bonds Rise – more

    Snail’s pace to remedy riles critics – The livelihoods of 550 Townsville families hang in the balance, with State and Federal governments locked in a spat over Queensland Nickel. – more

    South Africa’s Exxaro may buy Anglo American coal mines: CEO – South African coal miner Exxaro Resources is considering buying assets from Anglo American, its chief executive said on Thursday. – more

    3rd Portland Company In Toxic Metal Pollution Spotlight – A third Portland company faces scrutiny for toxic metal pollution. At a meeting of the Milwaukie City Council Tuesday, state environmental regulators said they will delay issuing a new air quality permit for Precision Castparts due to concerns over metal emissions. – 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, March 2

• Three month nickel closed Tuesday’s trading session at $3.94/lb . Indicators at 6:00 am CST today show 3 month nickel trading around $.07/lb higher, and just over the $4/lb level. Stockpiles of nickel stored in LME approved warehouses rose on Tuesday and now total just over the 440,500 tonne level. Asian markets ended higher, and European markets are trading higher, although off earlier highs as oil turns negative. A close above $4/lb could be a big psychological boost for the market as Australia’s Queensland Nickel woes grow.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month – $3.87/lb
• 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 near 3-mth high as US factory data spurs risk appetite – 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 Green Shoots Surface; Bonds, Yen Slide – more

    Drilling dive highlights nickel woes – WA’s once-booming nickel industry is a shadow of its former self and explorers have put their cues in the rack.- more

    Qld Nickel refinery death may be imminent – A union says everything needs to be done to stop Clive Palmer’s nickel refinery being wound up by the end of the week. – more

• Clive Palmer’s Queensland Nickel begins closing temporarily over lack of ore – more

    Clive’s losses felt in New Caledonia – There are fears about 300 New Caledonian workers could lose their jobs if Clive Palmer’s flailing Queensland Nickel company is shut down. – more

• French PM puts off New Caledonia visit – more

    Sumitomo To Boost Production Of Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide As It Targets Supply Deal For Tesla Model 3 – With goals to supply Tesla with battery materials for the upcoming Model 3, Sumitomo Metal Mining (SMM), is boosting production – 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, March 1

• Three month nickel closed Monday’s trading session at $3.93/lb . Indicators at 6:00 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 just under the 439,950 tonne level. Glencore reported huge losses due to low commodity prices, much the same as Vale did last week. Media reports that Ambatovy has resumed shipping, after a spat with the Madagascar government has been resolved.
• Average price of cash nickel so far this month –
• 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 – Copper steady, looking for clues to demand direction – 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
• (SSY) January saw Japanese steel exports fall to the lowest monthly level since April 2012, at 3.2 Mt, down from 3.6 Mt in December 2015 and 3.4 Mt in January 2015, according to the Japan Iron and Steel Federation. This was largely due to a decline in shipments to Asian countries, down by 8% month-on-month to 2.4 Mt
• Norilsk Nickel: World’s Largest Nickel And Palladium Producer Significantly Undervalued – more
• Stocks Climb With Emerging Markets as China Calms Global Unease – more
• EU repeals anti-dumping duty imposed on imports of certain iron or steel fasteners originating in PRC – more
• El Niño continues to influence global climate as it weakens – more

    Glencore reveals $5 billion loss after commodities rout bites – Grim annual figures from Ivan Glasenberg’s Glencore mining and trading empire were dripping with red ink as the worst commodities rout in decades sent it tumbling to a $5 billion (£3.6 billion) loss. – more

    Sherritt to Resume Shipments from Ambatovy Mine – Mining Weekly reported that Sherritt International Ltd. will resume shipments from its Madagascar-based Ambatovy mine on Monday. – more

    Anti-mining barricade continues in Zambales; cops arrest 11 protesters – Residents in the towns of Candelaria and Sta. Cruz in Zambales province have been barricading a national road to prevent mining companies from hauling extracted nickel ore to a local port. – more

    New Mining Law Indonesia: Full Mineral Ore Export Ban Delayed Again? – By September 2016 the Indonesian government plans to have revised regulations regarding exports of mineral ore, part of Law No. 4/2009 on Mineral and Coal Mining (New Mining Law). – more

    Courtesy AISI – In the week ending February 27, 2016, domestic raw steel production was 1,692,000 net tons while the capability utilization rate was 72.4 percent. Production was 1,705,000 net tons in the week ending February 27, 2015 while the capability utilization then was 72.4 percent. The current week production represents a -0.8 percent decrease from the same period in the previous year. Production for the week ending February 27, 2016 is down 0.4 percent from the previous week ending February 20, 2016 when production was 1,699,000 net tons and the rate of capability utilization was 72.7 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

February Archives

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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.