Manganese flake price goes stable

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 28 Dec 09 – Participants disclosed to Asian Metal that manganese flake price goes stable while demand from downstream consumers keeps weak and most consumers are waiting for the price to decrease with stocks on hand.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 7M6Z
A Guizhou-based manganese flake smelter, with an output of 2,000tpm, revealed to Asian Metal that current manganese flake price is RMB14,100-14,200/t (USD2,064-2,079/t) ex works and goes stable these days due to the high production cost. Demand from downstream consumers keeps weak and few inquiries are received. The source is fulfilling some orders with no stocks on hand.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 0EV5
According to the source, most smelters are in operation in local places and supply is not tight with low demand, although most smelters do not have stocks. The source claimed no inquiries from foreign overseas market are reported as the Christmas is coming, and just accept the export price of USD2,700/t FOB.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com Y523
A Chongqing-based manganese flake smelter, with an output of 2,000tpm, reported to Asian Metal that manganese flake price is RMB14,100-14,200/t (USD2,064-2,079/t) ex works, he is fulfilling some orders of 1,000t signed at RMB14,400-14,500/t (USD2,108-2,123/t) ex works two weeks ago. "I heard that some smelters sell at RMB14,000/t (USD2,050/t) ex works, but I think the price will go stable in the coming days for the high cost, although only few inquires are received," said the source.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 896F
The source made a deal of more than 200t at USD2,750/t FOB last week, and no inquires from foreign customers are reported while the Christmas is coming, so he is unwilling to give an offer for the moment with no demand.

Antimony market summary

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 28 Dec 09 - Antimony products market becomes quiet during the week although prices remain firm. Antimony ingot producers intend to raise offers further in view of the shortage of antimony ore while higher antimony ingot prices as well as tight supply of the material leave antimony trioxide uneasy, who have to increase offers accordingly to offset the rising cost.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com PKAF
Prevalent offers for antimony ingot 99.65%min in Hunan rise to RMB41,500-42,000/t (USD6,076-6,149/t) ex works while some major producers put their offers at as high as RMB42,500/t (USD6,223/t) ex works for the material, indicating that they have no intention of selling. Small smelters also increase their offers to RMB38,000-38,500/t (USD5,564-5,637/t) ex works VAT excluded for antimony ingot 99.65%min and some consumers reported that they have difficulty in getting antimony ingot 99.9%min at prices lower than RMB39,000/t (USD5,710/t) ex works VAT excluded.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com YCD7
Antimony ingot producers in Yunnan and Guangxi also keep their offers firm at RMB41,000-41,500/t (USD6,003-6,076/t) ex works and RMB40,500-41,000/t (USD5,930-6,003/t) ex works respectively, but they confirmed that not many deals have been concluded in the market partly because some smelters do not have many stocks on hand and partly because consumers think current price too high to accept.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 845Q
One of the key reasons that antimony ingot producers insist on high offers is the short supply of antimony ore and concentrate. Some antimony ingot producers reported that they are unable to run at full capacity due to lack of raw material, resulting in tight supply of antimony ingot as well.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com TX9M
In view of tight supply of antimony ingot and also the possible increase in the metal, antimony trioxide producers find themselves in dilemma. Some producers reported that they dare not accept new orders, for they cannot make sure the supply of antimony ingot at a reasonable price. Therefore, some producers raise offers of antimony trioxide 99.5%min and 99.8%min to RMB39,000/t (USD5,710/t) ex works to keep away risks. However, few deals have been reportedly concluded at prices higher than RMB38,000/t (USD5,564/t) ex works.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 6HJI
Export market for antimony ingot and antimony trioxide turns stagnant with most western buyers absent for Christmas and New Year holidays. In line with the increasing price domestically, export offers for antimony ingot and antimony trioxide rise to USD6,100-6,250/t FOB China and USD5,650-5,800/t FOB respectively. Although exporters reported to have received some inquiries from Asian buyers, few deals have been reported.

Magnesium ingot market summary

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 28 Dec 09 - Despite the slowdown in western demand, magnesium ingot price rises mildly in China because of the increased ferrosilicon price. As ferrosilicon market goes chaotic, some magnesium ingot producers raise their offers and some cease quoting.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com Y890
Some large-scale smelters in Shanxi's Taiyuan and Wenxi increase offers to RMB16,100-16,300/t (USD2,357-2,387/t) ex works from previous RMB15,800-16,000/t (USD2,313-2,343/t) ex works, but most domestic buyers are hesitant to place orders. Some smelters claimed deals at RMB16,000-16,200/t (USD2,343-2,372/t) ex works, but some major end users from magnesium powder and alloy sectors disclosed that they had managed to replenish stocks of magnesium ingot at RMB15,600-15,800/t (USD2,284-2,313/t) ex works from Shanxi suppliers. While some producers lift offers, some smelters in Shanxi hold back from quoting in view of the unstable ferrosilicon market. They prefer to resume offering when ferrosilicon prices stabilize.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com HP0R
Some producers in Northwest China increase offers for ferrosilicon 75% to RMB6,000-6,200/t (USD878-908/t) ex works, RMB500/t (USD73/t) higher than those before the electricity price rose in Gansu price. It is said that other provinces, where many ferrosilicon smelters are located, are also about to adjust the electricity price, so ferrosilicon producers are ready to raise offers at any time. As a result, magnesium producers, who cannot settle down the raw material price, are at a loss.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 1A45
Similar to some smelters in Shanxi, most Ningxia-based magnesium smelters also suspend offering on account of the chaotic ferrosilicon market. Some smelters claim that they would not consider selling magnesium ingot at below RMB16,000/t (USD2,343/t) ex works, while some are still fulfilling contracts signed at around RMB15,700-15,800/t (USD2,299-2,313/t) ex works.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com C4X3
Offering prices in Shaanxi also go up slightly. Some large-sized smelters start to quote RMB15,700-15,800/t (USD2,299-2,313/t) ex works or RMB100/t (USD14/t) less for materials without acid treatment and package. However, some magnesium powder producers and dealers reported that they succeeded in obtaining magnesium ingot without acid treatment and package at RMB15,400-15,500/t (USD2,255-2,269/t) ex works during the week.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 0UH1
Domestic price increase for magnesium ingot is merely led by higher ferrosilicon price but not out of demand. Now that most westerners have left for Christmas and New Year holidays, the export market is expected to keep dull at least until the second week of January and thus producers and traders are not pinning their hope on export deals. Although exporters lift offers to USD2,680-2,720/t FOB China in accord with domestic price increase, few deals are being concluded in the export market.

Antimony trioxide,Antimony ingot price holds high

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 28 Dec 09 – Antimony ingot price is still hovering at a comparatively high level because of the shortage of antimony ore. Most large producers would like to watch the market for the time A Hunan-based smelter, whose monthly output was 100-200tpm, told Asian Metal that they quote at RMB41,800/t (USD6,120/t) ex works for antimony ingot 99.65%min now. "It is really hard for us to purchase antimony ore at present, so we have no intention to sell our products at any lower prices," the source said, adding that they still hold some stocks on hand.
The source predicts that antimony ingot price will be stable in the first half of next month, but might decrease a little because of the increasing stocks in the market after mid-January. "The economy is recovering so slowly that we even can't feel any improvement," the source lamented.
A Hunan-based consumer, who usually purchases antimony ingot to produce antimony trioxide, confirmed that they have difficulties in finding antimony ingot now. "Large producers who have some stocks are unwilling to sell, claiming that they want to wait and see the market," the source said, adding that one producer quoted him as high as RMB42,500/t (USD6,223/t) ex works in mid-December.
The source anticipates that antimony ingot price will go up further in the first month of next year. "It is not favorable for us if antimony ingot price is too high, because our consumers will reduce their production to lower the consumption of antimony trioxide at that time," the source said.

Antimony trioxide price expected to rise

The price of antimony trioxide tended to stabilize early last week, and many producers and export suppliers plan to lift their offers this week.
A major producer in Yunan reported that inquiries have been increasing during the past one week, and they have concluded some deals at above RMB36,000/t (USD5,271/t) ex works, which is a little higher than the price in early December.
The source only sold a small quantity of antimony trioxide last month because the price was decreasing and most buyers preferred to watch the market at that time. "Buyers seem more active now," the source said, showing that they will adjust the price up according to the market situation.
A supplier from Hunan revealed to Asian Metal that they will raise their offer later. "More and more overseas buyers are busy inquiring, and we have already closed some contracts recently at prices around USD5,550/t FOB China," the source said.
The source did little business in late November and early December. "Buyers were expecting the price to decrease, and would like to wait for a while. However, they start to place their last orders before the Christmas holiday now," the source said.
The source expects the price of antimony trioxide will climb up with more deals concluded in the following ten days. "Since overseas buyers who have not purchased the material intend to replenish their stocks, the market might be a little active this week," the source said. Meanwhile, the source still believes that the supply of antimony ingot is tight which might push the price of antimony trioxide up.

Supply Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand in regular

We are able to offer the following Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand price from Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star
Origin: China
Quantity (MT): 40-100mt in regular
FOB Price: USD5670/MT
Loading Port: Huangpu,port,China.
Specifications:
SB2O3: 99.5% min,PB: 0.1% max,AS: 0.06% max,FE: 0.06% max,CU: 0.06% max,SE: 0.005%max
Size: 0,5-0.9um
Packing: 25kg bags of 1MT each
Date Posted: 17th,Nov, 2009.
Price and availability subject to confirmation. This price quoted supersedes all previous prices.
CNF prices also available,please email us for further details:samjiefu@gmai.com

Manganese production decreases further due to power restriction in South China

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 9 Dec 09 - Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of PRC has already announced the goal of elimination of backward ferroalloy production capacity in 2009 with electrolytic manganese metal included. Guizhou is on the top of the list with an eliminate of 370.4 thousand tons of ferroalloy capacity, Hunan the second with 269 thousand tons, and Guangxi will have to eliminate 166 thousand tons on the third.
Till the moment, Guizhou already has carried out restriction of power supply to manganese smelters while Hunan and Guixi are believed to follow soon. After the hit by higher power tariff, the decreasing supply would also result in lower production of manganese metal. Though purchasing from the downstream stainless steel mills has been stable which may not help to push up manganese price, the tightening supply of electrolytic manganese metal may push the suppliers to increase their offers further in some areas.

Supply Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand in regular

We are able to offer the following Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand price from Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star
Origin: China
Quantity (MT): 40-100mt in regular
FOB Price: USD5700/MT
Loading Port: Huangpu,port,China.
Specifications:
SB2O3: 99.5% min,PB: 0.1% max,AS: 0.06% max,FE: 0.06% max,CU: 0.06% max,SE: 0.005%max
Size: 0,5-0.9um
Packing: 25kg bags of 1MT each
Date Posted: 17th,Nov, 2009.
Price and availability subject to confirmation. This price quoted supersedes all previous prices.
CNF prices also available,please email us for further details:samjiefu@gmai.com

Manganese flake demand increases a bit

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 27 Nov 09 – Participants reported to Asian Metal that more inquiries from both domestic and foreign customers are reported and trading volume is larger than before. Meantime, domestic supply is sufficient and manganese price remains firm.
A Hunan-based manganese flake smelter, with an output of 4,500tpm, revealed that more inquiries from overseas consumers are received these days, but he does not make any deals this week with an offer of USD2,600/t FOB since last 300t deal concluded late last week at USD2,540/t FOB with a Japanese customer. "Demand from foreign markets increases a bit this month, and my export volume in November is 500t, but only 300t last month," said the source.
According to the source, manganese price is RMB13,700-13,800/t (USD2,006-2,020/t) ex works and profit of domestic market is higher than that of export deals. Providing the quantity and bids from overseas markets are not favorable, he would rather do domestic businesses. Meanwhile, most suppliers are unwilling to sell and believe the price will rise continuously, but supply is not tight.
Another Hunan-based manganese flake smelter, who has an output of 1,200 tons per month, disclosed to Asian Metal that she made some deals of more than 500t late last week at RMB13,600/t (USD1,991/t) ex works and now is fulfilling the orders with no inventories on hand. "Manganese price rebounds to RMB13,700-13,800/t (USD2,006-2,020/t) ex works for the moment, and more inquiries are received, but I have no materials on hand," shared the source.
According to source, most smelters don't have much stock on hand, but it is not difficult for consumers to replenish materials for the moment. She anticipates there is still a little room for manganese price to rise in the end of year.

To properly control exploitation of China’s superior mineral resources

As for China's superior mineral resources, Ministry of Land and Resources said that mining rights should be arranged orderly through an effective and rational planning, properly controlling the total exploitation to promote global market equilibrium and stable development.
Liu Lian, the minister of Mineral Exploitation Division, Ministry of Land and Resources, revealed in the "Mining Rights Management Symposium", that twelve departments including Ministry of Land and Resources jointly recently issued a document that the integration of mineral resource exploitation is being carried out across the country. This project is currently an important task for administrative management of mining, and will last for one year, with the target to further optimize the structure and layout of China's mineral resources exploitation.
Liu Lian plotted out three categories for the important mineral resources in China: lacking mineral resources, superior mineral resources, and primarily balanced mineral resources.
Liu Lian said that the exploitation of lacking mineral resources should be reinforced, namely to set down the incentive and supportive policies for China's lacking mineral resources, improve the protection level in domestic market, and reduce external dependence. Meanwhile, the exploitation of primarily balanced mineral resources that can be guaranteed a basic balance between supply and demand, such as coal, uranium, gold, etc. should be optimized.
Official statistics shows that external dependence of iron ore in China has been reduced to 51.7% in 2007, while it was 56.7% in 2005.
For chromium, nickel, manganese, potassium and other lacking mineral resources, Ministry of Land and Resources previously requested to strengthen the evaluation of domestic resource potential and tackle the problem of seeking mines; meanwhile to increase foreign share, encourage domestic enterprises to increase the intensity of shares of foreign mining companies, seek a stable the international market allocation environment, and to control the external dependence within 60%-95%.
For China's superior mineral resources, Liu Lian said that mining rights should be arranged orderly through an effective and rational planning, properly controlling the total exploitation to promote global market equilibrium and stable development.
"National Mineral Resource Planning (2008 ~ 2015)" has regulated that the output of China's minerals that has export superiority should be limited in order to maintain their value; besides to strictly control of mining rights, strengthen the export quota management, and prohibit excesses exploitation and export.
Tungsten, antimony, rare earth ore mineral resources is important superior mineral resources in China, and the reserves, production, exports of them are highest in the world over the years, holding an important position in the international market.
Land Department in May issued a notice this year, and the total exploitation volumes of tungsten ore, antimony, rare earth mining is clarified. It is said that this is the first time that China implements regulations to supervise the total exploitation volumes of antimony.
This notification regulated that the control target of total exploitation volumes of tungsten concentrates is 68555t, antimony 90180t and rare earth 82320t in 2009.

Manganese flake offers go up slightly in China

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 20 Nov 09 – Participants reported to Asian Metal that manganese offers go up slightly while the electricity price rises in winter and the ore resources will be tight in the near future. Inquiries from downstream market increase these two days, and most smelters feel a bit reluctant to sell.
A Guangxi-based manganese flake smelter, with an output of 1,000tpm, disclosed to Asian Metal that manganese flake price goes up to RMB13,400/t (USD1,962/t) ex works but no deals are concluded these two days at this price level. With the production cost rising, the electricity price has risen during the forth quarter in Guangxi province. The source believes the price will go up continuously in the end of year.
According to the source, the manganese flake production is reducing and about 60% of smelters are in operation. Meanwhile, inquiries increase slightly these two days. "I finalized three deals of 100t with Japan customers this month at USD2,500-2,550/t FOB," shared the source, forecasting the demand will increase in the future.
A Xiangxi-based manganese flake smelter, who has an output of 1,500tpm, revealed to Asian Metal that he made a deal of 60t at RMB13,300/t (USD1,947/t) ex works yesterday and the price goes up by RMB100-200/t (USD15-29/t) compared with that a few days ago. "The demand for manganese has not increase yet but more inquiries are received," said the source, holding an optimistic attitude towards the price to go up in the coming days.
According to the source, the production is reducing due to the high cost while the ore materials will be tight in winter. Some who depend on buying ore maintain the production with thin profit. The source claimed that most smelters have little stock and feel a bit reluctant to sell, with the production cost rising.

Supply Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand in regular

We are able to offer the following Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand price from Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star
Origin: China
Quantity (MT): 40-100mt in regular
FOB Price: USD5750/MT
Loading Port: Huangpu,port,China.
Specifications:
SB2O3: 99.5% min,PB: 0.1% max,AS: 0.06% max,FE: 0.06% max,CU: 0.06% max,SE: 0.005%max
Size: 0,5-0.9um
Packing: 25kg bags of 1MT each
Date Posted: 17th,Nov, 2009.
Price and availability subject to confirmation. This price quoted supersedes all previous prices.
CNF prices also available,please email us for further details:samjiefu@gmai.com

China's raw material industry reports increase in value added

China's raw material industry value added increased 13 percent year on year in July, two percentage points higher than the growth in June, according to statistics of the Ministry of Industry and Information.

In the first seven months of this year, the raw material industry's value added grew 7.8 percent year on year, compared to the 6.9 percent registered in the first half.

Among the industry's various sectors, metallurgy quickly fired back into shape with its value added rising 14 percent year on year in July. This marked a 5.6 percentage point improvement from that of June.

In terms of specific products, crude steel output amounted to 50.68 million tons, up 12.6 percent year on year. The daily output averaged at 1.64 million tons.

The output of steel products reached 60.91 million tons in July, up 19.4 percent year on year.

Within the year's first seven months, the output of crude steel and steel products recorded 317.31 million tons and 377.84 million tons, respectively, up 2.9 percent and 7.6 percent.

In terms of foreign trade, steel products had suffered declining exports, but were able to enjoy higher imports.

In July, China exported 1.81 million tons of steel, down 74.9 percent year on year in crude steel equivalence. It imported 1.74 million tons of steel and 570,000 tons of billet, up 57.2 percent year on year in crude steel equivalence.

In the first seven months of this year, China imported 11.16 million tons of steel and 10,000 tons of billet, down 67.6 percent year on year equivalent to 11.88 million tons of crude steel. The import volume of steel and billet stacked up to 9.88 million and 3.23 million tons, respectively, up 31.3 percent equivalent to 13.74 million tons of crude steel.

Steel inventories began rising in July after falling month on month since March, as statistics from China Iron and Steel Association show. At the end of July, the inventories of five key steel products in 26 major cities reached 9.44 million tons, up 480,000 tons, or 5.4 percent, month on month.

The inventories of steel wire accumulated the highest gain of 14.5 percent month on month, while that of hot rolling and deformed steel bars edged up 7.1 percent and 5.4 percent, respectively.

Steel prices on the domestic market rose rapidly. The steel aggregate price index hit 110.15 at the end of July, driving back up 15.14 points, or 15.9 percent, from the bottom of 2009. The prices of 6.5mm carbon steel wire rods, 10mm medium plates, 0.5mm hot rolled sheet and 0.5mm cold rolled sheet amounted to 4,073 yuan/ton, 4,073 yuan/ton, 4,419 yuan/ton and 5,373 yuan/ton, respectively, up 10.9 percent, 9.2 percent, 3.5 percent and 10.3 percent over the previous month.

In addition, imports of iron ore sand continued to soar. Customs statistics show that China imported 58.08 million tons of iron ore sand in July, up 46.8 percent year on year and 5 percent month on month. In the January to July period, the imported volume accumulated to 360 million tons, up 31.8 percent year on year. The bountiful importation led to an overstock in ports, casting a negative influence on the market's production and distribution orders.

Meanwhile, iron ore fines increased. On July 31, Indian iron ore fines at the Port of Qingdao increased 130 yuan/ton month on month to 780 yuan/ton.

China rejects U.S., EU, Mexican requests for WTO panel on raw materials

China on Thursday rejected requests made by the United States, the European Union and Mexico to establish a WTO expert panel to investigate and rule on so-called Chinese restrictions of raw materials exportation.

At a meeting of the WTO's dispute settlement body, the Chinese delegation reiterated that "its measures related to exportation are consistent with the principles and rules of the WTO," and the country "consistently respects and abides by the WTO rules and its own commitments."

China is disappointed that the three complainants choose to move forward with requests for panel establishment at this meeting ... and is not in a position to agree to the establishment of a panel at this time," the delegation said.

The United States has accused China of restricting exports of " numerous raw materials critical to U.S. manufactures and workers," thus violating WTO rules. The materials at issue include coke, bauxite, fluorspar, magnesium, silicon metal and zinc.

The EU joined the United States in filing WTO complaints on the matter in June, and they were later joined by Mexico.

Two rounds of consultations were held in July and September between China and the three complainants, but they failed to resolve the problem.

Requesting a panel is the next step in the WTO dispute settlement process after consultations fail. According to procedures, a panel request can only be blocked once, and if the three complainants choose to made a second request at a later date, a panel would be set up automatically.

Sell Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand

We are able to offer the following Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand price from Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star
Origin: China
Quantity (MT): 40-100mt
FOB Price: USD5750/MT
Loading Port: Huangpu,port,China.
Specifications:
SB2O3: 99.5% min,PB: 0.1% max,AS: 0.06% max,FE: 0.06% max,CU: 0.06% max,SE: 0.005%max
Size: 0,5-0.9um
Packing: 25kg bags of 1MT each
Date Posted: 17th,Nov, 2009.
Price and availability subject to confirmation. This price quoted supersedes all previous prices.
CNF prices also available,please email us for further details:samjiefu@gmai.com

Cobalt oxide market in thin trading though the price keeps rising

12 Nov 09 – With cobalt oxide price keeping increasing from 235-245/kg (USD34.41-35.87/kg) to about RMB240-250/kg (USD35.14-36.60/kg), there are not many deals concluded in the cobalt oxide market. Most producers believe that cobalt oxide price will probably not go up dramatically further.
A producer in Zhejiang, with an output of about 100tpm of cobalt oxide, told Asian Metal that cobalt oxide market gets quiet and the price has gone up to about RMB245/kg (USD35.87/kg), higher than RMB240/kg (USD35.14/kg) last week. "There are not many deals concluded right now," said the source.
For the reasons, the source believes that demand is not strong, especially from export market, cutting by about 50% than the previous years. On the other hand, when it becomes cold, demand from northern regions will be affected to some extent. Furthermore, the source pointed out that there is large stock held by downstream factories. "As I learn from downstream factories, most of them hold stock enough for the production for about one month," said the source.
Another producer in Guangdong, with an output of around 10tpm of cobalt oxide, reported to Asian Metal that their deals are concluded at the price of RMB240-250/kg (USD35.14-36.60/kg) at present. With the price getting higher, they receive few inquiries and make few deals. "Most consumers are watching the market and traders have held stock at hand," said the source.
Therefore, the source is not too optimistic about the future market and he believes the price will not go up drastically in the near future.

South Korean FeMo dealers appear considering low bids

12 Nov 09 – As the international ferromolybdenum prices appear softening, some of Korean dealers who have been holding back offers expecting higher prices are reportedly having a second thoughts and are beginning to consider bids at, and below, USD28.00/kg Mo delivered.
A dealer reportedly offered 20t to a Taiwanese steel mill at USD29.50/kg Mo but lost the deal to another dealer that accepted bids at USD28.00/kg delivered with payment terms and described current trend as not a good time to sell. "Price is dropping again yet end-users are not in the market with enquiries," said the source.
Another source dealer held a less optimistic view about the future market revealing that even though he expect some 50-80t tender from POSCO next week, if the bids fall below USD28.00/kg Mo delivered, he would not participate and would rather wait for the market to pick up, hopefully early next year. "We're going to wait for one week and see if it will change before we decide what next," said the source.
And for the molyoxide material, mainstream prices remain in the range of USD11.30-11.60/lb, but an official of a trading company disclosed to Asian Metal the company's floor price at this moment remains at USD13.00/lb and have couple of months' threshold to keep the material in the hope the market shore up by early next year.
The source reportedly received enquiries worth more than 100t from Chinese buyers with price indication at USD11.00/lb but could not consider giving out any offer on such a low price.

Phosphorus fire retardant --- Triethyl Phosphate

Phosphorus fire retardant --- Triethyl Phosphate
Simplename:	TEP	Synonyms:	Phosphoric acid triethyl ester; Ethyl Phosphate; TEP; Phosphoric
CAS#:	78-40-0	Molecular Weight:	182.16
Molecular:	(CH3CH2O)3PO
Quality:	Items Index Appearance Achromatic transparent liquid Assay % 99.5min Acid Value(mgKOH/g) 0.05max Acidity(as H3PO4%) 0.01max Refractive Index(nD20) 1.4050~1.4070 Water Content % 0.2max Density D2020 1.069~1.073
Chemical properties:	It is achromatic transparent liquid; melting point –56.5℃.; boiling point 215~216℃; flash point 115.5℃; relative density 1.0695(20℃); refractive index(20℃) 1.4055. Fully dissolving in water. Easily dissolving in organic solvent of etanol, ethyl ether, benzene etc.
Use:	Used as fire-retardant, strength agent of rubber and plastic and the material of pesticides, aging and steady agent of resin.
Productivity:	6000tons/year
Packing:	200kgs/iron drum, Measurement:560×890mm; 1000KGS/IBC; 20-23MTS/ISOTANK.

Phosphorus fire retardant --- TRI-ISOBUTYL PHOSPHATE

Phosphorus fire retardant --- TRI-ISOBUTYL PHOSPHATE
Simplename:	TIBP	Synonyms:	TIBP
CAS#:	126-71-6	Molecular Weight:	266.32
Molecular:	C12H27O4P
Quality:	Index name Index First grade Qualified product Appearance colorless clear colorless clear Assay % ≥99.5 ≥99 Acid value（mgKOH/g） ≤0.05 ≤0.1 Moisture % ≤0.1 ≤0.2 Refractive index 1.405~1.407 1.403~1.406
Chemical properties:	colorless clear liquid, relative density d2040.96, boiling point 278℃
Use:	used to produce defoamer and solvent
Productivity:	3000tons/year
Packing:	25kg plastic drum or 200kg galvanized metal pail

Phosphorus fire retardant --- Tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate

Phosphorus fire retardant --- Tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate
Simplename:	TCPP	Synonyms:	TCPP, tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate
CAS#:	13674-84-5	Molecular Weight:	327.56
Molecular:	C9H18Cl3O4P
Quality:	Index Specification Appearance Colorless or light-yellow transparent liquid Color(APHA) 80MAX Acidity(mgKOH/g) 0.10MAX Water Content分 0.10%MAX Flash Point ℃ 210 Viscosity(25°C) 67±2CPS Phosphorus Content 9.40% Refractive Index 1.4630-1.4645 Specific Gravite 1.280-1.290
Chemical properties:	It's light-yellow or oil liquid and is resolved in benzene, alcohol etc., is unresolved in water and fat hydrocarbon.
Use:	It's fire retardant of rubber and painting, and also used as the material of polyurethane foams, adhesives and other resins.
Productivity:	5000tons/year
Packing:	250kgs/iron drum, Measurement:560×890mm; 1000KGS/IBC; 20-23MTS/ISOTANK.

Phosphorus fire retardant --- Tributoxy Ethyl Phosphate

Phosphorus fire retardant --- Tributoxy Ethyl Phosphate
Simplename:	TBEP、TBXP	Synonyms:	TBEP, Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate
CAS#:	78-51-3	Molecular Weight:	398.48
Molecular:	C18H39O7P
Quality:	Items Index Appearance Colorless or light-yellow transparent liquid Refractive Index (25°C) 1.432-1.437 Fire Point °C 252 Flash Point °C 224 Boiling Point °C 222 Density(20/20°C) 1.017-1.023 Acid Value(mgKOH/g) 0.1max Color Index(APHA PT-CO) 80max Viscosity (20°C) 12 mPas Water Content % 0.2%max
Chemical properties:	The product is used as the flame retardant agent for polyurethane, cellulose, polyethylene alcohol etc. formed hard plastics. It is characterized by low temperature.
Use:	The product is used as the flame retardant agent for polyurethane, cellulose, polyethylene alcohol etc. formed hard plastics. It is characterized by low temperature.
Productivity:	3000tons/year
Packing:	200kgs/iron drum, Measurement:560×890mm; 1000KGS/IBC; 20-23MTS/ISOTANK.

Increased buying pushes silicon higher

London 06 November 2009 14:38

Silicon outside of China traded higher on Friday as buyers come to the market to cover for the rest of year with the expectation that prices will firm further.

The range rose to €1,680-1,730 per tonne ($2,496-2,571) from €1,650-1,700 per tonne previously on increased sales and bullish sentiment.

One trader reported selling around 500 tonnes of silicon metal this week and noted more consumer enquiries from the automotive sector.

"We sold 553 and 441 between €1,700 and €1,800 [per tonne fca]," the trader said.

"Business has picked up this week. I think it will be like this until December," he said, adding that the spot market would remain firm given the tightness in supply.

Both Chinese and Western prices are on the rise, a second trader told MB, confirming a sale of 50 tonnes of 441 material at €1,730 fob.

"There isn't too much material around. I could have done more but it's not easy to buy [replacement] material," he added.

A consumer from the automotive sector reported buying silicon this week at €1,700 per tonne, but did not provide further details of the purchase.

More enquiries have turned into business, a European producer source said, having completed transactions of 100-tonne lots at €1,740 fob for 553 metal and €1,775 for higher grades.

"It seems like things are on the move up," he said, also attributing the rise in prices to a tighter market.

There have been some aggressive offers in the market, a third trader noted.

"I haven't done any business this week but we have been offered at around €1,700," he confirmed.

Antimony ingot,Antimony Trioxide falls under pressure from lower offers

London 06 November 2009 12:44

Antimony prices fell for the first time since mid-September on Friday as some smelters lowered their offers to secure sales.

Trioxide-grade metal dipped to $6,250-6,450 per tonne from $6,275-6,475 per tonne previously, while standard grade II antimony fell to $6,200-6,400 per tonne from $6,250-6,450 per tonne.

Prices had been holding firm on tight supply from Chinese suppliers following an accident at Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star in October that resulted in the closure of its mines.

Producers raised their offers in the wake of the closure, but consumers' reluctance to buy metal above $6,000 has put pressure on spot prices this week, traders said.

"The market price is a bit softer – some of the smelters have reduced their offers in order to make some sales," one trader said, reporting business at the low end of the new MB quotes.

Hsikwangshan's production is still suspended, sources said, but they agreed that weak demand from end-users is offsetting the effect of the closure.

Both major antimony consumers in Europe, Sica and Campine, have not been active in the spot market for several weeks, market participants said.

Lower spot prices for antimony ore are adding to the weakness in the metal market, the trader said.

"The ore price has been coming down for a bit," he said.

While buying from Sica and Campine has been slack, consumers in Japan and Korea are buying steady volumes of metal, Asian sources said.

Chinese ferromolybdenum price falls 7% on weak buying interest

Shanghai 29 October 2009 02:41

Chinese molybdenum concentrate prices fell 150 yuan ($22) per tonne, extending weeks of declines caused by poor demand.

Prices dropped to 1,900-1,950 yuan ($278-286) per mtu, from 2,050-2,100 yuan per mtu last week.

"We haven't purchased any concentrate recently as prices dropped very quickly and we also have some inventory which will last until next month," said a ferro-molybdenum producer in Huludao, Liaoning province.

Domestic ferro-molybdenum prices also dropping rapidly these days as no buyers want to buy, the ferro-molybdenum producer added.

"Most stainless steel mills are unwilling to buy ferro-molybdenum because of poor sales for their own products. And the anti-dumping issue on Chinese stainless steel pipe is also making them hesitant to buy ferro-molybdenum," said a major ferro-molybdenum producer in Luoyang, Henan province.

Ferro-molybdenum is now trading at around 126,000-131,000 yuan per tonne, down as much as 6,000 yuan from last week, according to producers.

While demand is thin, supply is more than adequate, trader said.

"There is a lot of concentrate and ferro-molybdenum inventory in the market now, so some ferro-molybdenum producers have cut operating rates to reduce output," said a major molybdenum concentrater producer in Shanxi province. Many molybdenum miners are producing at loss now, he added.

Another ferro-molybdenum producer in Liaoning province told MB his company has cut production and is only supplying long-time customers in order to maintain relationships.

Market sentiment was also hit by lower European molybdic oxide prices, the Huludao producer said, adding that he has no intention of buying molybdic oxide for the time being. MB's prices for drummed molybdic oxide fell to $10.50-11.50 per lb on Wednesday.

China imported 5,067 tonnes molybdenum concentrate and molybdic oxide in September, down 17% month-on-month, taking nine-month imports totalled 51,350 tonnes, according to customs.

Most market players expect further price declines as there is no sign of buyers returning in any great number to make purchase in the near future.

"Concentrate prices may drop to 1,700-1,800 yuan or even to 1,500-1,600 yuan," the second Liaoning producer said.

"In the current market, I reckon that concentrate prices could drop to 1,700-1,800 yuan in the coming months," said the Luoyang producer.

U.S. molybdenum prices drift lower but bottom seen

NEW YORK 04 November 2009 16:29

U.S. molybdenum pricing remains volatile, but many in the trade believe that a floor has been established on the back of another market dip.

Spot prices for molybdic oxide are now in a range of $10.50 to $11 per pound, down from $12.30 to $12.70 two weeks ago, while ferromolybdenum is between $12.75 and $13 per pound, down from $13.90 to $14.10, traders said.

Moly prices have been on a roller coaster ride for the past six months. Molybdic oxide, which hit a low of $8.55 a pound in April, climbed to $18.25 in August but since then has given back about 40 percent.

"Have we fallen to the floor? Everybody is trying to figure that part out," a U.S.-based trader said. "The Chinese haven't shown too much interest in purchasing but they're not sellers either, so it's a little bit difficult to gauge what is going on."

A second trader said there's not really any spot activity to speak of as most buyers are safely covered for the fourth quarter. "But there is a growing sentiment that we've reached a bottom, but the problem is that we're entering a seasonably slow period," he said. "Things are going to be pretty sleepy here from Thanksgiving through the holidays."

Raw steel production in the United States fell last week for the first time since June, with the average capability utilization rate easing back to 62.7 percent from 63.2 percent a week earlier, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute, Washington.

"It feels like the demand for steel, looking at the utilization rates, is slacking off a small bit," the first trader said. "But that's not unexpected; we've been anticipating that November might be softer than October."

A third U.S.-based ferroalloy trader was significantly more bullish. "This ship is starting to turn around," the trader said, noting that he made a number of sales of moly oxide at $11.25 per pound. "The Chinese have come in and are buying, contrary to what other people are saying. There's a little more buying going around, just in general. Consumers are seeing a really cheap price and are being enticed to buy. I'm not seeing the lower numbers in the range anymore."

The first trader said that he hadn't seen any significant Chinese buying activity and their buying decisions would drive prices in the fourth quarter. "If the Chinese aren't buyers, then the market's going lower just based on the fundamentals and the fact that fourth-quarter (demand) is shaping up to be pretty soft. If they are buyers, depending on the extent, it could be a flat market."

However, he noted that prices won't actually go up until consumers return in bulk to the spot market. Currently, nearly all ferroalloy purchasing is being conducted through long-term contracts.

"The trade is getting a little bit ahead of this with the thought that it's bottoming. The feeling is that people are cautiously optimistic for what is going to happen in the first quarter," the trader said.

Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand

    Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand
    We have pleasure in giving you our present price as follow:

     1;Price: FOB HUANGPU 5950USD/MT
     2,Product: Antimony Trioxide 99.5%MIN,
     3,Specification:Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand
     4,Packing: Packed in 25kgs Kraft paper bags with the inner of PE bag, 1000kgs on wooden pallet with plastic-film protection.
     5,Minimum order quantity: 20MT in FCL
     6,payment terms: 30% advance payment within three working days after signed the contract, balance by T/T within Five working days after receive the copy of B/L.
    7,Shipment:Prompt shipment.the goods is ready for shipment in Huangpu port.China.
    8,Validity of quotation: for 3 days.   contact:    samjiefu@gmail.com

    If you have any question, please don't hesitate to ask.  Looking forward to hearing from you soon and establish Long-Term cooperative relationship with you.Thanks and Best regards.

Antimony market slow as consumers hold out for lower prices

London 27 October 2009 11:41

The antimony market has been slow so far this week, with major European buyers staying out of the market until prices fall.

Trioxide-grade antimony has been trading at $6,275-6,475 per tonne for the past two weeks, while standard grade II metal has been changing hands between $6,250 and $6,450 per tonne.

Prices are trading at their highest level this year amid tight Chinese supply following the fatal accident and subsequent mine suspension at Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star in China's Hunan province.

But the European spot market has been quiet this week with traders and consumers keen to avoid paying the higher prices ahead of the winter in the northern hemisphere, traditionally a period of lower consumption.

With so little buying in the spot market, some Chinese suppliers are being forced to lower their offers, sources told MB.

"We have done small lots around $6,350 or $6,400, but everything's within the range. Sica and Campine are staying out of the market and they're trying not to stimulate prices," one trader said.

Offers are around $6,300-6,400 per tonne, compared with highs of $6,500-6,700 per tonne two weeks ago, sources said.

"We are not buying, but we believe we will be able to buy lower soon," one consumer, who was unable to report booking any business so far this week, said.

"I think the game's up on antimony," a second trader said. "Some people were talking $7,000, but we're not going there yet."

The second trader is booking small parcels of metal within the MB ranges, he said, while the first trader agreed that volumes have been low in the market for the past week.

"I am not sure how long they're going to stay out of the market, but they don't want to encourage the prices to go up to $7,000," he said. "People don't seem to be that excited anymore, I can see prices coming back to more realistic levels."

Chinese ferromolybdenum traders eager to replenish

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 2 Nov 09 – As Chinese ferromolybdenum prices have been dropping for more than three weeks and steel mills remain placing orders on a need-only basis, participant believe that ferromolybdenum price will not rebound sharply in the rest of this year. Traders appeared more interested in replenishing their stocks more or less currently.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 332H
A trader from Hebei told Asian Metal that he will keep a wait-and-see attitude towards the ferromolybdenum market and will not sell the materials in a hurry this week, because he feels that dealers are ready to come back to the market for replenishing.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 7A38
"I think most traders have been watching and waiting for lowest prices for a long time, and the current price level has been more and more closing their interested level," said the source. "Though the price of ferromolybdenum has been continuously dropping for several weeks, I believe it is able to increase one day."
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com QL7S
The source still has 10t of the material in hand but does not hurry to sell the material to get cash, reporting that another trader has about 100t of ferromolybdenum in hand, which were bought at around RMB80,000/t (USD19.52/kg Mo) long time ago.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 58EN
A source from Beijing, with a production capacity of 350tpm of ferromolybdenum, confirmed that traders have been eager to purchase ferromolybdenum since the middle of last week. "We sold more than ten tons of ferromolybdenum 60% to traders at around RMB127,000/t (USD30.99/kg Mo) last week, and I think more and more traders will come back to the market in the coming days," said the source.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com LFPJ
Furthermore, the source stopped offering for ferromolybdenum and ferrovanadium last Friday, because they were not sure with the future market but expressed that ferromolybdenum market hasn't touched the bottom yet and the price may drop further this week.

European FeMo market set to stir again

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 2 Nov 09 – With around 100t of ferromolybdenum material concluded to Korea and Taiwan late last week, the market firmed as it was difficult, if not impossible to find offers below USD25.50/kg despite its seesaw trend earlier in the week.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com A943
Responding to the backward-and-forward motion the market witnessed last week, a European dealer with enquiries worth 15t on the table Friday decided to wait until wait until the trend becomes clear, hopefully at opening of trading session this morning, but indicated he might not offer material at below USD26.00/kg Mo d.p. and would expect a firm bid at a few cents lower. "It should curve up this week having been on the low side for long," said the source.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com JRQY
Another source offered 5t at USD26.50/kg Mo d.p. Friday with extended payment term but was still awaiting final bid as at the press time. The source defended his offer of extended payment term of forty-five days alluding to fear it could be that some traders are covering for short again and any stir in activity might be short-lived. "I would hope this is a real bottom-out," said the source. "We'd have to see."
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 2B07
In the same vein, molyoxide price have firmed and according to participants, it was difficult to get offers at below USD10.70/lb. A European dealer who had earlier dismissed an offer at USD10.90/lb by bidding the material at USD10.75/lb was caught unawares as the supplier had withdrawn it by close of business Friday.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com E446
Generally, however, an insider was of the view there have been more talks than action and it could still be possible to get firm bids at USD10.70/lb, especially from dealers who need cash to meet pressing commitments.

Re: Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand

Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand

We have pleasure in giving you our present price as follow:

    1;Price: FOB HUANGPU 5950USD/MT
     2,Product: Antimony Trioxide 99.5%MIN,
    3,Specification:Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand
    4,Packing: Packed in 25kgs Kraft paper bags with the inner of PE bag, 1000kgs on wooden pallet with plastic-film protection.
    5,Minimum order quantity: 20MT in FCL
    6,payment terms: 30% advance payment within three working days after signed the contract, balance by T/T within Five working days after receive the copy of B/L.
    7,Shipment:Prompt shipment.the goods is ready for shipment in Huangpu port.China.
    8,Validity of quotation: for 3 days.   contact:samjiefu@gmail.com

If you have any question, please don't hesitate to ask.  Looking forward to hearing from you soon and establish Long-Term cooperative relationship with you.Thanks and Best regards.

Cobalt, molybdenum seen on different paths as LME contracts near

Molybdenum and cobalt will soon emerge as the London Metal Exchange's first minor metal contracts, but that could stand as the only similarity shared by the two materials in upcoming years.

The global molybdenum and cobalt markets will face very different fundamental situations?and therefore, pricing environments?in the mid- to long term, according to analysts of the minor metals.

Molybdenum boasts the most favorable of the two outlooks, according to Catherine Virga, senior base metals analyst at CPM Group in New York.

Although molybdenum has faced its own set of challenges at the hands of the past year's global financial meltdown, specifically the weakening of the steel market, a number of persisting structural trends have helped keep the molybdenum market afloat, she said.

"With the steel market consuming roughly 70 percent of the molybdenum supply, it's really not much of a surprise that the molybdenum market is facing some of the cyclical problems that the steel market has been having in this downturn," Virga said this week at the LME's Minor Metal Breakfast Seminar in London.

Nonetheless, "there have been rather bullish structural trends for the past couple of years (for molybdenum). These structural trends have not been impeded by the recession and they continue to play out," she said pointing to recent and impending infrastructure builds throughout Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) nations and the urbanization and industrialization of emerging economies.

"China's seeing a tremendous surge in demand for molybdenum and steel," Virga said, noting that some 120 million tonnes of steel are forecast to be consumed worldwide during the next two years due to the various fiscal stimulus packages.

The supply side of the molybdenum equation is also strong. China, once a net exporter of the minor metal, has become a net importer partially due to a number of "significant" mine closures, she said.

Published by samjiefu@gmail.com

Additionally, many of the new copper deposits slated to come on-stream in the near-future are located in Africa, where cobalt?not molybdenum?is the prime byproduct.

"We're not going to have the same amount of supplies coming from byproduct production," Virga said, noting than some 60 percent of total molybdenum output today comes from copper-molybdenum mineralizations. As a result, the molybdenum market, which could face "a very narrow surplus" this year and in 2010, will move back into deficit by 2011, she added.

With demand on the rise and supply on the decline, the molybdenum market is slated for the upside. According to CPM's estimates, molybdenum will average $11.70 per pound in 2009 and $17.50 in 2010. In today's environment, canned molybdic oxide is in the $13.75- to $14-per-pound range, after having grazed April lows of $8.30 per pound.

While the forecast for molybdenum is sunny, cobalt could still have some stormy days ahead, according to Eric Taarland, senior consultant at CRU International Ltd.

Cobalt, at one time a strong minor metal in terms of price, is facing weakening fundamentals going forward as a growing number of mining operations are brought on-stream throughout Africa, specifically the Democratic Republic of Congo. Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.'s majority-owned Tenke Fungurume project alone, which began production this year, is initially expected to produce some 18 million pounds of cobalt annually.

Published by samjiefu@gmail.com

"As more supply comes on-stream, we expect (pricing) deterioration," Taarland said at the LME breakfast.

Cobalt demand is also on the decline, he said. Although the minor metal, which is primarily used in superalloys and batteries, will see a brief uptick as electric cars evolve, other uses of the minor metal are quickly "maturing," he added.

"We do not expect growth to continue at these same levels as the last decade," Taarland said, noting that CRU estimates a 2009 average price of $20 per pound for low-grade (99.3-percent) cobalt and a long-term price of $10 per pound.

Low-grade cobalt is currently in the $14.5- to $15.6-per-pound range, up from first-quarter lows of $9 but a far cry from the nearly $50-per-pound level seen in March 2008.

Yet despite the expected market divergence between cobalt and molybdenum in future years, the LME expects both contracts to thrive on their new trading platform, Martin Abbott, LME's chief executive officer, said. "These are two markets that have been historically extremely volatile and extremely difficult to price," he said, noting that both are "perfect" for LME contracts.

The exchange's new molybdic oxide and cobalt futures contracts will start trading on Feb. 22.

Moly oxide prices will be higher next year, Molymet’s Graell

The average molybdic oxide price in 2010 will be higher than in 2009, John Graell, ceo of Chile's molybdenum converter Molymet, told MB.

"I wouldn't risk estimating a price, but the 2010 average will be higher than 2009's, although I don't think the difference will be greatly significant," Graell said, responding to the recent forecast of an average price of $17.50 per lb in 2010 by Catherine Virga, senior base metals analyst at CPM Group (MB Oct 14).

Meanwhile, Graell still expects an average of around $11 per lb for the whole of 2009, a figure he forecast in June (MB Jun 8).

At that time, prices were around $9.80-10.50 per lb and recovering from levels as low as $7.70-8.30 per lb in mid-April. But Graell had warned that "highs and lows" could still affect the market.

His words proved prescient, as prices rose to $18.30-18.70 per lb by mid-August before dropping again, trading at $13-13.50 per lb in the last two weeks.

"I think volatility will accentuate in the long term, and not only in the molybdenum market but in other metals markets and in the industry in general," he said, adding that companies will have to prepare for this new scenario.

Still higher prices in the second half are driving Molymet's utilisation rate upwards.

During the first half, the company worked at around 80% of its installed capacity of roughly 150 million lb per year and, in the second half, the level will reach 90% on average, Graell said.
Published by samjiefu@gmail.com

At the start of January, the company will start-up its new roaster furnace in Mejillones, Chile, which will be able to produce 33 million lb per year.

"By the end of the first quarter we already plan to reach full output there," he said.

Molymet also plans to build another furnace in Mejillones, which would take total capacity to 67 million lb per year.

The company recently submitted a request to Chile's environmental authorities to construct the furnace and is now waiting for the permits to continue its studies.

In China, the company has been granted environmental approval to build a molybdenum processing plant in Inner Mongolia, which could be commissioned by the end of 2012 and have a capacity of around 18 million lb per year.

The plant would represent Molymet's debut in the Chinese market.

"We are now finalising technical studies in order to take them to our board in the first half of next year," Graell said.

Antimony ingots,antimony trioxide prices soar in China on Hunan supply concerns

Shanghai 23 October 2009 08:30 Published by samjiefu@gmail.com

China's domestic antimony prices are being driven up by rumours that Hunan province will force antimony miners to consolidate in the wake of the Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star accident in early October.

Grade II antimony in the Chinese free market was quoted at 42,000-43,700 yuan ($6,151-6,400) per tonne this week.

"The prices are going up these days, and most of the offers have settled above 43,000 yuan per tonne," said an analyst at Minmetals in Beijing.

Hunan's provincial government may try to restructure antimony mining in the area by reducing the number of companies in operation from 80 to just six through mergers and shutdowns of smaller producers, sources said.

Twenty-six miners died earlier this month when their transport cage plunged down a mineshaft, an accident that once again highlighted dangerous conditions in China's mining sector.

The provincial government wants fewer and bigger companies to ensure mine safety can be monitored more effectively, source said. 

"Once the government meddles with the accident [investigations], the nearby smaller miners may be asked to shut down for safety reasons," said an analyst from a Securities Company in Shanghai.

Market participants did not know when Twinkling Star would resume production, and the company could not be contacted.

"Definitely, the accident will cause output losses for Twinkling Star, but what's worse, it will spread supply concerns all over Hunan province and the country as a whole," he added.

Hsikwangshan is a subsidiary of Hunan Nonferrous and is also the top antimony producer in the world.

Published by samjiefu@gmail.com

"We have no idea when the mine will resume operation in Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star, but it will for sure take some time," said a Chinese trader, adding that prices would likely rise further.
Published by samjiefu@gmail.com

"Antimony prices were already in line with other non-ferrous metals and the strong performance of gold, which began to surge even before October," she said.

Cobalt prices jump higher as enquiries turn into business

21 October 2009 12:53  Published by samjiefu@gmail.com

Cobalt prices moved up again on Wednesday as traders and producers were able to turn some of the new enquiries they are fielding into business.

Low-grade cobalt rose to change hands at $16-17 per lb from $15.40-16 last week, while high-grade climbed to $17-18.50 from $16.50-17.50.

"Volumes last week began going up," one trader, who sold Russian material at $16.80 per lb, said.

"There has been a 10-20% uplift in prices, initially inspired by traders on the back of speculative Chinese enquiries," he added.

But he preached caution. Despite having sold high-grade metal at $18.80 per lb on a delivered works basis in China, he said: "It's all going on in the $16-18 range, but at the top end it's all very quiet."

A second trading source said that the move up in prices last week caught some consumers out.

"It's a classic situation. There is pent-up demand from consumers, but they always miss the boat. They wait for the market to bottom, but by the time it has, it's too late," he said.

There are many hundreds of tonnes of enquiries for metal in the market to cover the end of this year and 2010, he said.

"The reality is there's not much metal out there and the chemicals and battery sectors are going well," he said, predicting that prices will trade in an $18-20 range in November.

A producer source agreed. "Batteries are doing pretty well in Japan and Korea," he said. "But it's all really a question of supply."

To illustrate the problems traders and consumers face in obtaining material, many pointed to Kasese's continuing absence from the market; the fact that Chambishi has not yet restarted; BHP Billiton's withdrawal from the spot market; and to reports from other market participants that Sherritt is sold out of spot material till December.

But one consumer source was sceptical about what is driving the higher prices.

"The market still seems to be moving up but, to my feeling, for the wrong reasons," he told MB. "Demand for end products remains significantly depressed."

The bearish factor of overall supply rising on higher production from sources such as Freeport McMoRan's Tenke Fungurume mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo is also being ignored.

Antimony ingots,antimony trioxide stable in tight global market

London 21 October 2009 14:49

Antimony prices were stable on Wednesday as European consumers and traders mostly stayed out of the tight market.

Trioxide-grade antimony is trading at $6,275-6,475 per tonne and standard-grade II antimony is trading at $6,250-6,450 per tonne.

Little business was reported on Wednesday, with traders and consumers both reluctant to accept Chinese offers as high as $6,700 per tonne.

"In Europe, the prices are too high and people don't want to buy anything. At these levels, I think they are boycotting the market," one Chinese trader said.

"I don't have any transactions to report, they are not accepting offers even above $6,400 – I think they will only accept $6,350 or below," he said.

The only businesses reported on Wednesday were for small tonnages booked at the top end of the MB ranges.

Prices have soared since the fatal accident and subsequent suspension of mining activity at Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star, the world's largest antimony producer, on October 8.

Mining at Twinkling Star will not restart for another three weeks at the earliest and mine shutdowns have been reported across Hunan province's deep level antimony mines, sources said on Wednesday.

"I don't think Twinkling Star will be open for another month or so," one European trader said, reporting sales at $6,450 for standard grade II metal.

Despite the rising Chinese offers and the tightening domestic market, European traders and consumers are not desperate for material.

End-users are anticipating lower demand for antimony trioxide as the winter in the northern hemisphere draws in, and traders are limiting their shipments into Europe because of the limited consumer interest, they said.

"The whole situation is stupid – the Chinese are trying to create panic and the prices are ridiculous – the season [for strong buying] is over," one consumer said.

"There's no real demand and I am not going to buy for a while," he told MB, noting that offers have fallen to $6,450 per tonne in Europe already from highs of $7,000 per tonne a week ago.

A second consumer also maintained that the price rise is "artificial", and driven by trader speculation in Europe and China.

European traders disagreed, saying that they are also struggling with the high prices from China.

"That right, it's all manipulated. I am actually buying at $5,700," joked one trader.

"I wish I could buy at $5,700," he added, reporting small sales at $6,500 per tonne.

Antimony ingots,antimony trioxide holds firm on tight supply

Antimony prices held firm on Friday as supply in Europe remained tight and Chinese suppliers maintained their high offers.

Trioxide-grade metal is trading at $6,275-6,475 per tonne and standard grade II metal is trading at $6,250-6,450 per tonne.

Prices surged in the first half of the week following a fatal accident and the subsequent suspension of all mining activity at Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star, the world's largest producer of the minor metal.

"Since the [MB] prices went up on Wednesday, I have had a lot of demand. I have had calls from Chinese people, from consumers, from European traders," one trader said. "The consumers have not stopped bidding me all week."

Business was reported in the second half of the week between $4,300 and $4,500 per tonne, with traders reporting tight supply in Rotterdam.

Offers out of China have been as high as $7,000 per tonne this week, although most material is offered at around $6,500 per tonne.

No material is expected to arrive in warehouses from China for another three to four weeks, market participants said, adding that they are expecting the mine suspension at Twinkling Star to continue for the next month at least.

"The mine will not be reopening for a month, and it could be three months before they reopen fully," the first trader said.

A second trader agreed that demand has been good this week, but forecast little upside in antimony from this week's levels.

"I have heard some ridiculous numbers this week above $6,500, but fundamentally I still see the trade as comfortable at the highs… Yesterday, there was very heavy trading, there was a lot of volume sold," the second trader said.

With demand from cable manufacturers set to decline as the northern hemisphere winter draws in, prices are unlikely to gain more ground, consumers and traders said.

"I don't see us getting much beyond the 2008 high," the second trader said.

Trioxide-grade antimony peaked at $6,850 per tonne in September last year, an all-time high for the metal. Prices then fell back to $4,200-4,400 per tonne by the end of 2008 as slowing industrial activity hampered demand.

Antimony trioxide prices continue to increase in the US

19 Oct 09 – Prices for antimony continue on the rise this week as participants report purchases completed last week in the USD5,700-USD5,800/t for antimony trioxide 99.5%min of Chinese origin. Participants anticipate that the price for antimony trioxide will reach the USD6,000/t mark by the end of the month as the effect of the Twinkling Star production stand-still for safety inspections begins to affect product availability.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com FE4Q
A California-based trader, who moves about a container of antimony products a month, confirmed that the prices for antimony products are on the rise. The trader said that he purchased a container of antimony trioxide 99.5%min from a Chinese source late last week at USD5,800/t CIF California, for late November delivery. He stated that his previous purchase of a container of antimony trioxide 99.5%min was concluded at about USD5,200/t CIF California in early September.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 58P1
"The prices for antimony products have increased a lot since news of the mining accident two weeks ago. I expect prices to continue its upward trend well into November as the effects of the mine and smelter closures in Hunan begin to affect the availability of antimony products," said the source.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 55P5
A California-based consumer in the chemical industry, with a monthly consumption of one container of antimony trioxide a month, signed a contract for a container of antimony trioxide 99.5%min early last week at USD5,750/t CIF California also for November delivery. The buyer disclosed that the price for antimony has increased by about USD4,00/t since his last purchase was finalized in September. At this time, he does not expect the price to stabilize until the end of the year.

Magnesium ingot producers expect clear future

16 Oct 09 – The concluded price of magnesium ingot keeps comparatively stable. Producers, most of whom are running below their capacities, are fulfilling signed contracts without much material in stock. They expect the market to be clearer in the near future. Magnesium ingot price in Shaanxi and Shanxi still keeps on the level of RMB15,150-15,350/t (USD2,218-2,247/t) ex works and RMB15,400-15,600/t (USD2,254-2,284) ex works respectively.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com XZ3G
A Shanxi-based producer, who is operating at one third of its capacity of 1,500tpm, revealed that they have concluded some small deals and still keep a stock of 300-400t of magnesium ingot in hand. "We do hope the price can go up, so that we won't have to sell magnesium ingot with little profit," said the source.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com FRM7
The source reported to Asian Metal that consumers still have the intention of buying magnesium ingot, but the demand is not strong enough to push up the price. "Because of the comparatively low cost, the offers from Shaanxi-based smelters are generally RMB200-300/t less than those from Shanxi-based ones," added the source.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 108Q
A Ningxia-based producer, whose output is nearly 1,000tpm now, disclosed that they finalized some contracts at RMB15,600/t (USD2,284/t) ex works after the long holiday. "With no stock in hand, we raise our offer to RMB15,700/t (USD2,299/t) ex works, although the concluded price will be a little lower. I think the market will improve to some extent," the source said.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 042M
According to the source, some producers in Fugu also lift their offers of magnesium ingot to RMB15,400-15,500/t (USD2,254-2,269/t) ex works, and they do not accept prices below RMB15,200/t (USD2,225/t) ex works without acid treatment and package. "The magnesium ingot market seems to be a little better, but I am still not sure until now. We are looking forward to a clear trend as soon as possible," added the source.