三氧化二锑,东莞市杰夫阻燃材料有限公司

Antimony trioxide export market sees few deals

2011-04-05T04:09:00.001-07:00

Antimony trioxide exporters reported to Asian Metal that antimony trioxide export market sees few deals as demand from overseas market becomes weak owing to the high price and some customers decreased their purchasing volume.

A Guangdong-based exporter who produces around 100tpm of antimony trioxide revealed that they offer USD15,100/t FOB China for antimony trioxide 99.8%min at this moment, and has not concluded any deals for almost three weeks. The source just exported 50t of antimony trioxide in February and said :" The antimony trioxide market moved slowly in the past month,"

According to the source, he got several inquiries in the past weeks, but no buyers placed orders after he quoted to them. "Overseas buyers are waiting for the price decrease," said the source. "Unless that they are eager to buy."

A Hunan-based exporter claimed that he offers USD14,900-15,200/t FOB China for antimony trioxide 99.8%min this week, unchanged compared to that late last week. "Demand from overseas market was weak as some antimony trioxide price hiked in the past month," said the source, revealing that he is selling small amount to regular customers.

The source revealed that he sells better in domestic market than in export market, and the closing price in domestic market is around RMB97,000-100,000/t (USD14,800-15,267/t).

Antimony trioxide market moves slowly

2011-04-05T04:08:00.003-07:00

Producers reported to Asian Metal that antimony trioxide market moves slowly. Buyers are not active to make purchases owing to price increase of antimony trioxide, while sellers are reluctant to sell at lower price.

A producer in Guangdong claimed that she kept her offer at around RMB98,500/t (USD15,038/t) ex works for antimony trioxide 99.8%min, and the same as that in last week. While she just sold around 30t in the past ten days.

The source produces around 300t of antimony trioxide every month and holds around 200t in stock now. She predicts that antimony trioxide price will continue to increase slightly in the following week. "I can't see any motivations which will drive antimony trioxide price to decrease in early April," said the source.

A major producer in Hunan with an output of around 400tpm revealed that he sold less than 10t of antimony trioxide 99.8%min at RMB98,000/t (USD14,961/t) ex works on Monday. Currently, he has 260t of antimony trioxide in stock, and he isn't ready to purchase antimony ingot to continue production as he thinks antimony trioxide price cannot hold firm for a long time.

The source stated that it is hard to conclude deals because buyers are not willing to make purchases due to the increasing price in antimony trioxide market. "I am not eager to sell as I don't have much antimony trioxide inventory," he said.

Indonesian antimony trioxide market holds firm

2011-04-05T04:08:00.001-07:00

BEIJING (Asian metal) 30 Mar 11 – Indonesia antimony trioxide price keeps going up owing to the price hike in international antimony market, especially in Chinese antimony market.

A consumer in Indonesia remarked that offers he got in the range of USD14,800-15,400/t CIF Jakarta for 20t of flame retardant antimony trioxide 99.5%min in previous days, but he has adequate stock for three weeks' production now, so he did not prepare to make purchase at this moment.

The source consumers around 20 tons of antimony trioxide every month and has bought 30t in late February. "I heard that smelters in Lengshuijiang area are going to resume production in April," said the source, doubting if the price will go down by then.

A trader based in Indonesia confirmed that antimony trioxide price goes up. "Chinese suppliers offered me in a wide range of USD14,900-15,500/t CIF Jakarta," said the source. "I sold 1t at USD20,000/t in local market in previous day."

The source deals about 7-8t of antimony trioxide in the past months and holds 10t in stock. According to the source, he watches the market and is not eager to make replacement or sales.

Antimony ingot supply continues to be tight

2010-11-26T01:37:00.002-08:00

Supply of antimony ingot tightens in domestic market after smelters in Guangxi stopped production for environmental inspection. More and more purchasers reported to Asian Metal that they can not get the material in spot market.

A Shanghai-based trader, who sells around 30-40t of antimony ingot to alloy producers every month, reported that he bought 60t of antimony ingot 99.65%min at RMB73,500/t (USD11,069/t) delivered to Shanghai when the price just rose in early November, and has only 10t in stock at present.

"Producers in Hunan claimed that they are carrying out long-term contracts with December or January shipment, and do not have spot materials to sell," remarked the source, adding that antimony ingot supply is short in Yunnan.

A Guangdong-based antimony ingot trader, with a trading volume of around 120tpm when the market is stable and 80ptm this year, told Asian Metal that he sold around 20t of antimony ingot 99.65%min at RMB80,000/t (USD12,048/t) delivered early this week. "Supply tightens in domestic market, so we sell small amount every time," remarked the source.

According to the source, most of producers do not have spot m

Antimony trioxide producers keep raising offers

2010-11-26T01:37:00.001-08:00

Antimony trioxide price is reportedly increasing by RMB1,000/t (USD150/t) compared to that in late last week, however, part of the producers revealed that they are cautious of raising prices due to thin trading activities in spot market.

A Hunan-based antimony trioxide producer, whose output of 220tpm has decreased to around 100tpm owing to low availability of antimony ingot, claimed that he was shopping around for antimony ingot in Hunan in the past week, but many producers told him no spot materials. The source claimed that he quoted around RMB73,000-74,000/t (USD10,994-11,144/t) ex works for antimony trioxide 99.8%min, RMB1,000/t (USD150/t) higher than that in late last week.

The source sold around 10t of antimony trioxide 99.8%min at RMB72,000/t (USD10,843/t) ex works late last week to his long-term customers, and added that most of his customers are glasses fiber and modified plastics manufacturers, in those areas antimony trioxide are used to fire retardant and can not be replaced by other substitutes, because the substitutes will change the conformance of glasses fiber and modified plastics. "Therefore, we receive orders normally, but the trading volume reduces," said the source.

Another Hunan-based antimony trioxide producer, with an output of around 100tpm, reported that they lifted their offer to RMB74,000/t (USD11,144/t) from RMB72,000-72,500/t (USD10,843-10,919/t) ex works in last week. "Tight supply of antimony ingot becomes much severer at present after antimony ingot producers in Guangxi gradually stopped production for energy saving and emission reduction plan," said the source.

The source is short of antimony ingot, and holds 20t of antimony trioxide 99.5%min and 60t of antimony trioxide 99.8%min in stock at present.

bismuth ingot price keeps increasing

2010-08-24T00:52:00.001-07:00

Chinese bismuth market continued the up-moving trend from the previous week with the price of bismuth 99.99%min getting higher to RMB125,000/t (USD8.37/lb), around RMB500/t (USD0.033/lb) higher than that of last week.

A major bismuth consumer in China reported that they totally bought around 20t of bismuth 99.Asian Metal Copyright99%min at RMB123,000/t (USD8.Asian Metal Copyright24/lb) last Thursday, while they purchased 10t of the material at RMB121,500/t (USD8.Asian Metal Copyright12/lb) last Monday.Asian Metal Copyright37-8.Asian Metal Copyright "I heard that the offers for bismuth ingot increase to RMB125,000-126,000/t (USD8.Asian Metal Copyright37-8.Asian Metal Copyright44/lb) this week, and I think deals will be concluded at the level soon," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright

A bismuth producer in China told Asian Metal that their selling price for bismuth 99.Asian Metal Copyright99%min increased from RMB123,000/t (USD8.Asian Metal Copyright24/lb) of early last week to RMB124,500/t (USD8.Asian Metal Copyright34/lb) on last Friday and the offers in the market keep rising to RMB125,000-126,000/t (USD8.Asian Metal Copyright37-8.Asian Metal Copyright44/lb) this week.Asian Metal Copyright "We received several inquiries this Monday and could conclude deals of bismuth 99.Asian Metal Copyright99%min at RMB125,000/t (USD8.Asian Metal Copyright37/lb) ex works," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright "But we only have few stocks and the market is moving upwards, so we do not intend to watch the market to late this week.Asian Metal Copyright"

With an output of around 60tpm for bismuth 99.Asian Metal Copyright12lb last Monday.Asian Metal Copyright99%min, the factory now has less than ten tons of stock.Asian Metal Copyright "Many suppliers are holding back from selling materials at the moment," added the source.Asian Metal Copyright

Another bismuth producer in China confirmed that Chinese bismuth price keeps increasing slightly this week and their concluded price for bismuth 99.99%min was around RMB123,500-125,000/t (USD8.27-8.37/lb) in the recent days. Meanwhile, the source noted that crude bismuth price also increased to RMB110,000/t (USD7.36/lb), around RMB4,000/t (USD0.27/lb) higher than that of late last month.

Electrolytic calcium market sees little improvement

2010-08-24T00:51:00.002-07:00

Electrolytic calcium prices in China keeps stable, and the trading remains thin, since the demand from domestic and overseas buyers does not recover, Asian Metal reported.

A producer in Inner Mongolia with the output of 200tpm reported that electrolytic calcium demand keeps shrinking after China cancels the export rebate of some kinds of steel products. "Consumers only purchase the material from hand to mouth," said the source, adding that they keep offers of electrolytic calcium granule 99%min 0-2mm at around RMB35,000-36,000/t (USD5,162-5,310/t) delivered currently, the same with those last month.

The source revealed that electrolytic calcium export market remains flat, since some buyers in Europe are on holiday. "In fact, we suffer a loss at the current price level, and I think the price may not go down in the following weeks," said the source, adding that they hold around 100t of electrolytic calcium on hand.

A Shanghai-based trader with the sales volume of 30-40tpm confirmed that electrolytic calcium market sees few deals concluded in China, and the consumption remains at a low level. "Electrolytic calcium granule prices have been stable for several months, and buyers are not eager to make purchase," said the source, revealing that the mainstream prices stay at around RMB34,000-36,000/t (USD5,015-5,310/t) delivered currently.

The source analyzed that steel plants are enduring hardship, and they try their best to lower production cost. "However, as the current price of electrolytic calcium is on a par with the production cost, I think the market may not go down," said the source, adding that they hold few stocks on hand.

Antimony ingot prices firm with slow activity

2010-08-24T00:51:00.001-07:00

Antimony ingot prices keep firm supported by tight material availability, but slow activity is seen in the market as many buyers are not ready to accept higher-than-expected price.

A Hunan-based producer ceased offering since he sold around 20t of antimony ingot 99.65%min at RMB65,000/t (USD9.573/t) ex works at the beginning of this week. The source has not planed to release more materials from stock in view of higher offers in the market. According to the source, some producers in Hunan have lifted offers to RMB67,000-68,000/t (USD9,867-10,015/t) ex works and expect the price to touch RMB70,000/t (USD10,309/t) ex works in the short run.

"I'm sure the antimony market will keep largely strong in the following one month with price possible hitting new highs, but the price is likely to drop immediately after major producers in Lengshuijiang resume production," said the source.

The source revealed that they are also out of production for anti-environment performance and when will be able to restart is still unknown. "Perhaps in October," the source added.

With less than 50t of antimony ingot in stock, the source intends not to make any sales except that long-term customers require earnestly for replacement.

A Yunnan-based producer has just completed a sale of one truckload at RMB63,000/t (USD9,278/t) ex works contracted one week ago and plans to watch the market for a few days before making new sales. "In view of current situation, we would not sell antimony ingot at below RMB68,000/t (USD10,015/t) ex works," said the source.

The source revealed that supply for both antimony ingot and antimony concentrate tightens, which is considered the primary reason for the price jump of antimony products. Smelter closures in Lengshuijiang continue, and some of those based in other producing areas also reduced or stopped production for maintenance recently. Therefore, antimony ingot supply turns tighter. Besides, the market is still seeing a shortage of antimony concentrate, leaving some antimony ingot producers in trouble with production.

With its own mine, the source maintains an output of around 300tpm of antimony ingot. He acknowledged that many buyers are hesitant to make purchases as the price rises too fast, and thus the market seems a little quiet, but he is confident of firming price in the rest of August.

Manganese flake price keeps firm in Guangxi

2010-08-24T00:50:00.001-07:00

While manganese flake smelters are holding back from selling materials, the manganese flake price keeps firm at about RMB15,800/t (USD2,313/t) ex works. Even some smelters are unwilling to offer for no stocks on hand.

A source from a manganese flake smelter in Guangxi with a monthly output of about 1,500t, reported to Asian Metal that manganese flake price keeps firm at around RMB15,800/t (USD2,313/t) ex works and some smelters offer about RMB16,000/t (USD2,343/t) ex works for manganese flake in Guangxi.Asian Metal Copyright "However, I am unwilling to offer for no stocks and think that the price will continue to climb up with the tight supply," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright

Offering around USD2,900/t FOB China for manganese flake, the source claimed that European customers have not come back to the market due to the summer holiday with few inquiries received, and only few deals are concluded.Asian Metal Copyright

With an output of about 500tpm, another source from a manganese flake smelter in Guangxi claimed that he made a deal of about 80t at RMB15,800/t (USD2,313/t) ex works last Friday, and the price will keep firm for the tight supply.Asian Metal Copyright "I don't hold stocks on hand, and the main reason that supports the manganese flake is the tight supply," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright

Many manganese smelters have been out of production in Guangxi, and some major smelters reduce the production. Moreover, the supply of manganese ore remains tight, so the price will not decrease in the coming days.

Manganese flake supply keeps tight

2010-08-24T00:49:00.001-07:00

Participants reported to Asian Metal that as many manganese smelters halt production, and the material available in spot market is decreasing, the supply of manganese flake remains tight, and most suppliers are reluctant to sell.

Holding an output of about 2,000tpm, a source from a manganese flake smelter in Hunan province revealed to Asian Metal that he has decreased the output to about 1,000tpm.Asian Metal Copyright The mainstream manganese flake price is about 15,700-15,800/t (USD2,299-2,313/t) ex works, but the source is unwilling to offer because of no stocks on hand.Asian Metal Copyright "I received an inquiry of 60t on Thursday, but failed to supply the buyer for no materials available.Asian Metal Copyright The supply of manganese flake goes tight," shared the source.Asian Metal Copyright

Offering USD2,930/t FOB China for manganese flake, the source claimed the export market remains quiet with few inquiries received.Asian Metal Copyright However, the source thinks the export market will see improvement in the near future when the European customers come back to the market.Asian Metal Copyright

With an output of about 1,500tpm, another source from a manganese flake smelters in Hunan confirmed to Asian Metal that the operating rate of manganese flake smelters in Hunan, Guangxi remains low, and manganese flake price is about RMB15,700/t (USD2,299/t) ex works.Asian Metal Copyright "The price increased sharply due to the tight supply, but the demand from stainless steel mills remains weak," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright

Currently, the manganese flake export price is around USD2,900/t FOB China, but the manganese flake price is just about USD2,800/t in Rotterdam warehouse, said the source. The export market is still in thin trading.

Manganese flake market slows down

2010-08-03T23:39:00.001-07:00

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 4 Aug 10 – Market participants revealed to Asian Metal that manganese flake price drops continuously, so manganese flake buyers are more reluctant to replenish stocks, and the market slows down obviously.Asian Metal Copyright

A source from a manganese flake smelter in Hunan province, with an output of about 2,000tpm, disclosed to Asian Metal that manganese flake price drops further, with the price of about RMB14,800/t (USD2,167/t) ex works compared to RMB 14,900/t (USD2,182/t) ex works of early this week, and the manganese market goes quiet.Asian Metal Copyright "I received an inquiry early this week, but the consumer does not want to order now," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright

Meanwhile, offering USD2,750-2,800/t FOB China for manganese flake, the source prefers to do domestic business, for foreign customers do not accept the offer.Asian Metal Copyright According to the custom data, the export volume of manganese flake is decreasing, and the Chinese export market keeps quiet.Asian Metal Copyright

Another source from a manganese flake smelter in Guangxi, with an output of about 1,200tpm, told Asian Metal that he is just fulfilling some orders signed before and other traders are more reluctant to buy, for the manganese flake price dips further to RMB15,000/t (USD2,196/t) ex works, down by about RMB100/t (USD15/t) compared to that of early this week.Asian Metal Copyright "The demand from steel mills has not recovered, and the end customers still hold large stocks on hand.Asian Metal Copyright So the market is still inactive in general," shared the source.Asian Metal Copyright

Talking of the supply of manganese flake, many manganese smelters have not resumed production for the weak demand and the low profit. The source claimed that manganese flake supply keeps tight which does not prevent the manganese price from dropping continuously.

Antimony trioxide market keeps quiet

2010-08-03T23:35:00.003-07:00

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 3 Aug 10 – Market participants reported to Asian Metal that antimony trioxide market keeps stable as end-users expect lower price and grudge making purchase when price is dipping.Asian Metal Copyright

A producer from Hunan, with an output of 100tpm, reported that the market runs quietly as antimony trioxide price is dipping with few deals concluded.Asian Metal Copyright".Asian Metal Copyright The source disclosed that they hold around 10t of antimony trioxide in stock, without antimony ingot inventory.Asian Metal Copyright".Asian Metal Copyright "Hope antimony ingot price to go down further, then we will buy in the material to produce antimony trioxide," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright "The acceptable price for antimony ingot is RMB57,000-58,000/t ex works for us.Asian Metal Copyright"

According to the source, antimony trioxide price will not decrease fast like it happened in June as antimony ingot supply remains tight.Asian Metal Copyright "Due to the weak demand in summer season, antimony trioxide producers and traders decrease their prices to stimulate the market and increase sales volume," stated the source.Asian Metal Copyright

An end user, with a purchase quantity of 30tpy of antimony trioxide, revealed that they mainly purchase antimony trioxide 99.Asian Metal Copyright5% as fire retardant when they produce plastic.Asian Metal Copyright "Global economy was weak in the first half of year, so it dose not have motivation for plastic price to increase.Asian Metal Copyright".Asian Metal Copyright Antimony trioxide price is twice of that early this year, and our cost rises fast, so we reduce our usage," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright".Asian Metal Copyright

"The market keeps inactive for the moment, but antimony trioxide price will rebound late August as many market participants in Europe come back to the market from their holiday," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright "The price should not drop in the second half of this year, for the demand increases in line with recovery of global economy.Asian Metal Copyright"

antimony trioxide market inactive

2010-08-03T23:35:00.001-07:00

BEIJING (Asian Metal) 4 Aug 10 –According to participants in Japan, low trading activity in antimony trioxide market is essentially caused by resistance to high price and low demand, with the offer in the range of USD8,500/t CIF Japanese main ports.Asian Metal Copyright

A Japanese trader, who operates around 40tpm of antimony trioxide every month, claimed that demand is weak in Japan.Asian Metal Copyright The source reported that some Japanese end users reduce their usage at present market situation.Asian Metal Copyright "Some companies are researching substitutes of antimony trioxide in order to decrease cost," stated the source, adding that the price of antimony trioxide reached historic high record in previous days in Japan.Asian Metal Copyright .Asian Metal Copyright

The source thinks that antimony trioxide price dips as demand is weak in summer season and customers can not accept the price.Asian Metal Copyright

A dealer, who deals around 60t of antimony trioxide every year, claimed that antimony trioxide price has declined by around USD100-200/t in Japan market.Asian Metal Copyright "Current price is around USD8,500-8,600/t," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright .Asian Metal Copyright "Although antimony ingot price remains high, the price of flame retardant grade antimony trioxide has been USD100-200/t lower.Asian Metal Copyright"

According to the source, consumers in Japan will leave for one to two weeks for summer holiday, and part of the customers decide not to replenish stocks before the holiday as the price is dipping in spot market, so the market is inactive in Japan at the moment.

Russian participants watching ferroniobium market

2010-07-09T01:38:00.003-07:00

1 Jul 10 – As prices of tantalite and columbite go up, Russian participants are watching ferroniobium market with nearly no deal made. However, the price in spot markets is steady at RUB1,250-1,300/kg Nb (USD40-42/kg Nb). Sources commented that some consumers are still using their inventories purchased before, ferroniobium market will continue to be quiet in a short term.

A Russian trader revealed to Asian Metal that consumers from steel-making industry have already entered into the summer recess, thus the ferroniobium market is not likely to rise until September.Asian Metal Copyright .Asian Metal Copyright "Some end-users are still operating at low capacity and prefer to watch the market," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright

According to the source, in spite of the rising price of raw materials, downstream steel-making industry is still fairly sluggish, and market demand for ferroniobium sees no big improvement.Asian Metal Copyright The source confirmed the mainstream price of ferroniobium is steady at about RUB1,250/kg Nb (USD40/kg Nb).Asian Metal Copyright

Another Russian trader agreed participants are watching the market.Asian Metal Copyright He disclosed they have no interest in entering the market to buy material in the following days except that they receive new orders.Asian Metal Copyright "I think some end-users are still consuming inventories bought before.Asian Metal Copyright They enter the market only to ask prices with no intention of buying," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright

The trader indicated because of the increased price of raw materials, there are some offers above RUB1,300/kg Nb (USD42/kg Nb), but the mainstream price is below this level. He reported to Asian Metal that it is difficult for the market demand to go up in a short-run, but the price is expected to remain steady at this level.

Brazilian ferroniobium market remains quiet in China

2010-07-09T01:38:00.001-07:00

4 May 10 – Demand for Brazilian ferroniobium from steel mills remains low in China. Most suppliers still keep offers stable at around RMB220,000-225,000/t (USD41.3-42.2/kg Nb), while only few deals are concluded at around RMB210,000/t (39.4) in spot market. Large steel mills can get ferroniobium at lower prices around RMB200,000/t from the sole agent in China, some active participants reported to Asian Metal.

A ferroniobium trader in China, who trades around 10-15tpm, quotes RMB220,000-225,000/t(USD41.Asian Metal Copyright3-42.Asian Metal Copyright2/kg Nb) this week, the same as that of last week.Asian Metal Copyright However, downstream consumers stated the price is too high to accept as their products can hardly sell at preferential prices due to low demand.Asian Metal Copyright The source has little intention of lowering prices to empty stocks.Asian Metal Copyright

"We have not made any deals in the past month," said the source, claiming, demand from steel mills does not recover at the beginning of the second quarter, but he will not sell cheap in the coming days as ferroniobium price in Brazilian market remains stable.Asian Metal Copyright With economy recovering stably, construction industry will see an improvement in the coming months, and the source believes demand will improve soon in China accordingly.Asian Metal Copyright

"Demand for Brazilian ferroniobium is not strong for the moment," said another trader, who has a regular trading volume to around eight to ten ton.Asian Metal Copyright With no deals having been made for almost one month, the source starts to lower offers to around RMB210,000-220,000/t (USD39.Asian Metal Copyright4-42.Asian Metal Copyright2/kg Nb), lower than the first source.Asian Metal Copyright3-42.Asian Metal Copyright Owing to weak demand, there are few consumers send inquiries, not to mention orders, the source reported to Asian Metal.Asian Metal Copyright

Ferroniobium market has kept quiet for a long term, and most suppliers expect the market to improve in the near future. However, it is unclear to state where the market will go until steel market recovers.

Ferromolybdenum market still dull in China

2010-07-09T01:37:00.001-07:00

8 Jul 10 – Most producers are offering RMB127,000-128,000/t (USD31.13-31.37/kg Mo) for ferromolybdenum 60% at present, and the buying activities have not recovered yet with a few deals concluded.

A Liaoning-based producer, with a production capacity of 270tpm, is offering RMB127,000-128,000/t (USD31.13-31.37/kg Mo) for ferromolybdenum 60% for the moment, and there were some dealers from South China bought several small tonnages of the materials in the past three days.

"All the deals were small-sized and less than 10t," said the source, confirming that demand from downstream buyers is still slow and dull.

Another Liaoning-based producer is offering RMB128,000/t for ferromolybdenum 60% at the present and refuse to accept RMB126,000/t (USD30.88/kg Mo) for the time being, while another official from this company disclosed to Asian Metal that most staffs are on holiday because of the slow situation of molybdenum market.

"We have stopped production for about one month and are selling the stockpiles," said the source. "When will we come to work depends on the market trend." The official revealed that the summer season used to be dull in the past years, and he predicted the ferromolybdenum price may go down further in the coming two weeks.

Asian Metal learnt that Baosteel opened a tender early this week, with the concluded price at RMB124,500/t (USD30.51/kg Mo) for 100t of ferromolybdenum 60%, while the last tender was concluded at RMB127,000/t (USD31.13/kg Mo) late June.

Manganese flake price slides down further

2010-07-09T01:36:00.001-07:00

7 Jul 10 – Participants reported to Asian Metal that manganese flake price dips further in China, and more and more manganese flake smelters intend to stop producing. The policy of the increasing power price has not been settled yet in Hunan and Guangxi etc.

A source from a manganese flake smelter in Hunan province revealed to Asian Metal that he has been out of production so far, and the manganese flake market continued the down-moving trend from early this week with the price dropping by about RMB 100/t (USD15/t) to RMB14,600-14,700/t (USD2,138-2,152/t) ex works.Asian Metal Copyright "I still hold large stock on hand, but don't want to sell at current price," shared the source, with a monthly output of 1,000t of manganese flake.Asian Metal Copyright

Putting export offer for manganese flake at about USD2,780/t FOB China at the moment, the source claimed that the demand from overseas market is still weak.Asian Metal Copyright Although the operating rate of manganese smelters in China is low, foreign customers are still not eager to place orders.Asian Metal Copyright

With an output of about 2,000tpm of manganese flake, another source from a manganese smelter in Hunan disclosed to Asian Metal that manganese flake price slides down to about RMB14,600/t (USD2,138/t) ex works from RMB14,800/t (USD2,167/t) ex works early this week.Asian Metal Copyright "It is difficult for buyers to accept the price of RMB14,700/t (USD2,152/t) ex works, and it will continue to take the down-moving trend," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright

The source is just fulfilling some long-term orders with steel mills signed before, but claimed that the trading volume is decreasing constantly. At the same time, he is about to decrease production for the low demand. It is expected that the domestic manganese market will remain quiet in the rest of the month.

Manganese flake market quiet with the low operating rate

2010-07-09T01:35:00.000-07:00

9 Jul 10 – More and more manganese flake smelters intend to stop producing, and the Chinese manganese market is still in thin trading. There is no signal for the demand to recover, and the manganese flake price is on the decline.

A source from a manganese flake smelter in Hunan, with an output of about 2,000tpm, revealed to Asian Metal that manganese flake price is about RMB14,600/t (USD2,138/t) ex works in China, and the smelter has been out of production so far.Asian Metal Copyright "Most steel mills consumers don't want to buy any more, expecting the price to dip further, and only few deals are concluded," shared the source.Asian Metal Copyright

Putting the export offer at about USD2,780/t FOB China for manganese flake, the source has no order these two weeks.Asian Metal Copyright Holding manganese flake and manganese briquette about 1,000t respectively in Rotterdam warehouse, he quotes around USD2,800/t and USD2,500/t for manganese flake and manganese briquette in local place.Asian Metal Copyright

Another Hubei-based source from a manganese flake smelter, with an output of about 5,400tpm, disclosed to Asian Metal that he has decreased the production to about 3,000tpm for the low demand, and the current manganese flake price is about 14,700/t (USD2,152/t) ex works.Asian Metal Copyright "I have some long-term orders signed with steel mills to fulfill, but generally speaking, the domestic market remains quiet with the low operating rate," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright

The source does not sign any export order of manganese flake this week with the price of about USD2,750/t FOB China, but he is negotiating with a foreign customer about a long-term order of manganese lump 95%min, and wants to make the deal at about USD2,900/t FOB China main port.

Antimony ingot supply tight

2010-07-09T01:33:00.001-07:00

7 Jul 10 – Sources revealed that antimony ingot supply is very tight in Chinese spot market. Some antimony ingot exporters stopped offering and antimony trioxide producers are reluctant to accept new orders as they can not get antimony ingot.

An antimony trioxide producer based in Guangxi, with an output of around 1,000tpm, reported that they sold tens of tons of antimony trioxide 99.8%min at RMB52,000-52,500/t ex works late last week. They raised their price to RMB53,000/t ex works for antimony trioxide 99.8%min as antimony ingot price is rising.

"We mainly purchase high grade antimony ingot from Hunan to produce antimony trioxide 99.8%min. This week, our suppliers in Hunan raised their prices to RMB58,500-59,000/t ex works for antimony ingot, and they only sell limited amount to their long-term customers" said the source. The source turned down some orders from new consumers as they do not have much of antimony ingot at hand and can not get the material from their suppliers.

Another antimony trioxide producer based in Guangxi, who has an output of around 200tpm, confirmed that antimony ingot supply is very tight in domestic market, and told Asian Metal that their long-term suppliers in Hunan offered them RMB58,500-59,000/t ex works for antimony ingot this week. "We sold antimony trioxide 99.8%min at RMB53,000-54,000/t ex works," remarked the source.

According to the source, two of the major antimony products producers in Hunan sold around 1,800t of antimony ingot to ease the pressure of capital turnover when the price was decreasing from RMB58,000/t to RMB53,000/t ex works in June. "Many antimony ingot producers in Hunan do not have much of the material at hand, so they raise the prices crazily," said the source. Additionally, Guangxi was hit by rainstorm during last month, and the output of antimony concentrate in Guangxi was affected to some extend. Therefore, antimony ingot supply is tight in domestic market.

Close sources reported to Asian Metal that some antimony ingot exporters suspend offering as they can not get the material in domestic market.

Antimony ingot producer eager to buy antimony concentrate

2010-07-09T01:32:00.003-07:00

8 Jul 10 – Antimony ingot producers reported that they are eager to buy in antimony concentrate as they received many orders, but do not have antimony concentrate in stock..

A Yunnan-based antimony ingot producer told Asian Metal that they sold around 220t of antimony ingot 99.85%min at RMB56,000-58,000/t ex works early this week, and have around 200t of the material at hand at present. "We receive many orders this week, but do not have much of antimony concentrate to produce more antimony ingot, so we are eager to purchase antimony concentrate," said the source.

According to the source, they mainly purchase antimony concentrate with more than 30%min antimony, and accept cash payment if only the supplier supplies spot goods with good quality and large quantity.

An antimony ingot producer based in Guangxi revealed that they offer RMB56,000-57,000/t ex works for antimony ingot 99.65%min at present, and sold around 200t of the material at RMB55,000/t ex works early this week. Now the source holds around 2,000t of the material at hand. "We sell around 100t or 200t of antimony ingot at a time," said the source, they seldom accept small orders.

The source thinks antimony ingot price will increase in the near future, and they hold not much of antimony concentrate, so they are eager to purchase antimony concentrate and accept RMB300-310/mtu for antimony concentrate with 30%min antimony.

Antimony trioxide exporters suspend quoting

2010-07-09T01:32:00.001-07:00

9 Jul 10 – Antimony trioxide exporters reported to Asian Metal that they suspend offering as they do not have the material at hand.

A Guangdong-based antimony trioxide producer, with an output of around 400tpm, stated that they stopped offering as they do not have antimony trioxide in stock, and it is difficult to get antimony ingot in domestic market as many antimony ingot producers do not hold spot goods. "We just got 30t of antimony ingot 99.85%min at RMB58,000/t ex works from a long-term supplier in Yunnan," said the source, revealing that antimony ingot price jumps this week.

According to the source, they exported around 100t of antimony trioxide during the last week of June, and the price was around USD7,500-7,600/t FOB China at that moment. However, antimony ingot price is so high now, if we hold antimony trioxide, then our offer will be above USD8,000/t FOB China.

Another source from a Guizhou-based antimony trioxide producer, with an export volume of more than 2,000tpy, revealed that they ceased offering as they do not have antimony trioxide at hand. "We had consumed our stock two weeks ago, but the price went up when we planned to buy in some antimony trioxide. Meanwhile, we used up our export quota for the first half of year, so did not replenish stock," said the source.

The source also claimed that they came to a supplier in Hunan for antimony ingot on Wednesday, but the supplier revealed that they did not have much spot material and just gave them 30t at RMB59,000/t ex works.

Some ferromolybdenum producers still out of production

2010-06-21T15:34:00.001-07:00

Though the ferromolybdenum price didn't go down further and the molybdenum market seems to be bottom out, many Chinese ferromolybdenum producers are still hesitant to resume production, preferring to watch for the market to become clear and stable.

With a production capacity of 6,000tpy, a Liaoning-based producer told Asian Metal that they have been out of production of ferromolybdenum for about two months and still have no intension to resume at the present.Asian Metal Copyright

Holding more than 2 containers of molyoxide from a long contract in China ports, the source lamented that the cost of the materials is as high as USD17.Asian Metal Copyright" .Asian Metal Copyright00/lb.Asian Metal Copyright "The domestic market remains rough," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright" .Asian Metal Copyright

Another Shandong-based producer, with a production capacity of 200tpm, stopped the production of ferromolybdenum last month and still has no plan to resume in the near term.Asian Metal Copyright The source confirmed the stable price of ferromolybdenum 60% at RMB130,000/t (USD31.Asian Metal Copyright72/kg Mo) but added that there was still no profit margin left for them.Asian Metal Copyright

"Many Chinese ferromolybdenum producers are still out of production," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright "The ferromolybdenum price may go up along with the raw material increasing, but it is still likely that the selling price of ferromolybdenum is lower than the real cost.Asian Metal Copyright"

Chinese ferromolybdenum producers still watching

2010-06-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

As the molybdenum price is moving up in overseas market, Chinese ferromolybdenum producers stopped lowering offers these days. While some Chinese producers are still out of production, watching and waiting for a workable price, and the mainstream price is indicating at RMB130,000/t (USD31.72/kg Mo) for ferromolybdenum 60% for the moment.

A Liaoning-based producers with a production capacity of 400-500tpm told Asian Metal that they didn't make offers for ferromolybdenum in the past weeks on account of low concluded prices.Asian Metal Copyright

"Though we import molyoxide by long-term contract for production, the profit of selling ferromolybdenum at RMB130,000/t (USD31.Asian Metal Copyright72/kg Mo) remains thin," said the source, who prefers to watch for another week.Asian Metal Copyright

Another Henan-based producer with a production capacity of 8,000tpy didn't make offers for ferromolybdenum in spot market these days either.Asian Metal Copyright The source always participates in the tenders held by major Chinese steel mills, disclosing that they are producing the materials booked by Baosteel last week.Asian Metal Copyright

Moreover, many Chinese special steel mills, who usually buy 20-50t of ferromolybdenum every month, claims that they still have enough inventories of the material in stock as they are overhauling, so the latest purchase should happen next week or later.Asian Metal Copyright .

Manganese flake market still in thin trading

2010-06-21T15:32:00.003-07:00

It is reported that manganese flake market is still pretty thin, though manganese flake price increased a little before the Dragon Boat Festival in China. Many stainless steel mills have been out of production and most manganese flake consumers do not want to buy any more at the moment.

A source from a Hunan-based manganese flake smelter, who decreased the monthly output to 3,000t from 4,500t, revealed to Asian Metal that manganese flake price is in the range of RMB14,500-14,600/t (USD2,123-2,138/t) ex works, and the domestic market still does not see more deals.Asian Metal Copyright "The powder price rising can push up the manganese flake price a bit, and it is expected that the market may see more deals after the festival," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright

Offering USD2,700-2,750/t FOB China for manganese flake now, the source complained that there are still lots of materials available in Rotterdam warehouse, and only few inquiries from overseas market are received.Asian Metal Copyright

With an output of about 2,000tpm of manganese lump and ferromanganese, another source in Hunan province disclosed to Asian Metal that he will decrease the output when he concludes the orders signed before.Asian Metal Copyright "Many steel mills halted production, and I don't want to replenish stocks any more in the coming days for no new order on hand," shared the source, claiming that the manganese flake price is about RMB14,500/t (USD2,123/t) ex works.Asian Metal Copyright

According to the source, though powder price increasing in Hunan pushed up the manganese flake price a bit, downstream consumers are still watching the market instead of replenishing stocks. Putting about RMB15,400/t (USD2,255/t) ex works for manganese lump, he does not sign any order this week.

Manganese flake price rebounds in China

2010-06-21T15:32:00.001-07:00

It is reported that as the powder price rises in Hunan, Sichuan, and Guangxi province, and most smelters have been out of production, manganese flake price rebounds slowly in Chinese market. Some smelters who still hold stocks at hand are holding back from selling and waiting for the market to be clear.

With a monthly output of 600t in Hunan and Guangxi respectively, a source from manganese smelter revealed that currently, the manganese flake price rebounds to about RMB14,600/t (USD2,138/t) ex works, from RMB14,400/t (USD2,108/t) ex works of early this week, and he has been out of production for the environment protection.Asian Metal Copyright "I only have one factory operating in Guangxi now with an output of around 600tpm, and am unwilling to sign any order at current price for the high production cost," shared the source, still holding stocks on hand.Asian Metal Copyright

Since he last made an export deal of 204t with a Japanese customer at USD2,820/t FOB China on May 25, the source has not signed any new order yet so far, offering USD2,750-2,780/t FOB China for manganese flake.Asian Metal Copyright

Another source from manganese flake smelter in Chongqing, who has decreased the output to 800tpm from 1,500tpm, told Asian Metal that the manganese flake price climbs up slowly to RMB14,500-14,600/t (USD2,123-2,138/t) ex works, up by about RMB200/t (USD29/t) against that of early this week, but the consumers are still inactive to buy now.Asian Metal Copyright "The powder price rising is the main reason that pushes up the manganese flake price, and the stainless steel consumers still have little intention of replenishing stocks now," said the source, predicting the manganese price will continue to rebound in the coming week.Asian Metal Copyright05kWh in Guangxi.Asian Metal Copyright

According to the source, the powder price rose to RMB0.63/kWh up by RMB0.12/kWh in Hunan, and it also increased up by RMB0.05/kWh in Guangxi. Many smelters in Guangxi halted production, and some major smelters decreased production with the weak demand. In addition, he does not give an export offer, for no inquiries from overseas market are received.

Manganese flake price goes steady in China

2010-06-21T15:31:00.001-07:00

After moving down constantly in the past weeks, the manganese flake price goes steady since early week. Meanwhile, before the rising powder price will be settled in the near future, many manganese smelters halted production, and few smelters are about to raise the offer a little, but stainless steel purchasers are still inactive to buy for the pressure of the real estate.

A source from a manganese flake smelter in Hunan province, with an output of about 500tpm, confirmed to Asian Metal that the manganese flake price goes stable at about RMB14,300/t (USD2,094/t) ex works after moving down greatly in the past weeks.Asian Metal Copyright He has been out of production by now for the environment protection and the low demand from domestic and foreign markets.Asian Metal Copyright

Since the last export deals of 25t of manganese flake at USD2,800/t CIF Rotterdam last May, the source does not offer, for no inquiries from overseas market are received.Asian Metal Copyright However, he is negotiating with some foreign customers about an order of manganese briquette, offering about USD2,350/t CIF Rotterdam.Asian Metal Copyright

Putting the manganese flake offer at RMB14,300-14,400/t (USD2,094-2,108/t) ex works at the moment, another manganese trader in Hunan province revealed to Asian Metal that the powder price will be raised by about RMB0.Asian Metal Copyright1/kWh in the near future.Asian Metal Copyright "The manganese price goes stable these two days, but if the final powder price will be settled, smelters are about to increase the manganese offer," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright

The source still holds an order of manganese flake which be delivered in the near future, offering USD2,750/t FOB China, USD2,850/t FOB China and USD 2,900/t FOB China for manganese flake 99.7%min, manganese lump 95%min and 97%min respectively.

Report forecasts shortages of 14 critical mineral raw materials including Antimony, Beryllium, Cobalt, Fluorspar, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Indium, Magnesium, Niobium, PGMs (Platinum Group Metals), Rare earths, Tantalum and Tungsten.

2010-06-21T02:33:00.001-07:00

Raw materials are an essential part of both high tech products and every-day consumer products, such as mobile phones, thin layer photovoltaics, Lithium-ion batteries, fibre optic cable, synthetic fuels, among others. But their availability is increasingly under pressure according to a report published today by an expert group chaired by the European Commission. In this first ever overview on the state of access to raw materials in the EU, the experts label a selection of 14 raw materials as "critical" out of 41 minerals and metals analysed. The growing demand for raw materials is driven by the growth of developing economies and new emerging technologies. The list was established in the framework of the 2008 EU Raw Materials Initiative¹ in close cooperation with Member States and stakeholders. The results of the report will be used for the drafting of a forthcoming communication on strategies to ensure access to raw materials which the Commission will publish in autumn 2010.

European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani, in charge of Industry and Entrepreneurship, said: "Today's report provides very valuable input for our efforts to ensure that access to raw materials for enterprises will not be hampered. We need fair play on external markets, a good framework to foster sustainable raw materials supply from EU sources as well as improved resource efficiency and more use of recycling. It is our aim to make sure that Europe's industry will be able to continue to play a leading role in new technologies and innovation and we have to ensure that we have the necessary elements to do so.''

The expert group considers that 14 raw mineral materials are critical for the European Union: Antimony, Beryllium, Cobalt, Fluorspar, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Indium, Magnesium, Niobium, PGMs (Platinum Group Metals), Rare earths, Tantalum and Tungsten. Forecasts indicate that demand might more than triple for a series of critical raw materials by 2030 compared with the 2006 level.

For the critical raw materials, their high supply risk is mainly due to the fact that a high share of the worldwide production mainly comes from a handful of countries: China (antimony, fluorspar, gallium, germanium, graphite, indium, magnesium, rare earths, tungsten), Russia (PGM), the Democratic Republic of Congo (cobalt, tantalum) and Brazil (niobium and tantalum). This production concentration, in many cases, is compounded by low substitutability and low recycling rates.

Antimony ingot producers hold price firm

2010-06-04T00:08:00.001-07:00

Antimony ingot producers hold price firm in spot market with the expectation of further rise in the coming two weeks.

A source from an antimony ingot smelter in Hunan, with an annual capacity of around 7,000t, reported that they turned down any bids at below RMB57,000/t (USD8,346/t) ex works. "Although antimony trioxide producers are grudging in making purchase for the dipping price in spot market, we maintained the offer of RMB57,000/t (USD8,346/t) ex works for antimony ingot since last week," the source said.

Furthermore, the source confirmed that some large antimony ingot producers in Hunan are operating their long term contracts at present and also hold their prices firm in spot market. "We has an order of 200t of antimony ingot signed at RMB62,000/t (USD9,076/t) ex works in May, which has not been finished."

According to the source, the smelter just resumed production after the environmental check in May, and will finish the order in mid-June. "I don't have much antimony ingot inventory, and only hold around 800 metal ton of antimony concentrate in stock," the source said, believing that antimony ingot price will rise a little soon for the coming summer holiday in Europe.

Manganese smelters more reluctant to sell in China

2010-06-04T00:07:00.001-07:00

Although manganese ore price keeps high, and the supply of manganese ore is tight, manganese flake price continues to go down, and most manganese smelters are more hesitant to sell with the thin profit. Some of smelters halted production and decided to leave the market for the time being. At the same time, the export price of manganese flake moves down accordingly, and the market is very quiet.

A manganese flake smelter in Guizou, with an output of around 2,500tpm, revealed to Asian Metal that he is fulfilling some long-term orders signed with some regular steel mills, and current manganese flake price goes down to about RMB14,400/t (USD2,108/t) ex works. "Few smelters start to sell at about RMB14,300/t (USD2,094/t) ex works in Jishou, and I still hold some orders to fulfill and does not want to sign any orders with the low price," said the source.

Few inquiries from overseas market are received, and the source does not sign any export orders these two weeks, offering USD2,750-2,800/t FOB for manganese flake. He claimed that the export volume is decreasing with the manganese price dropping.

Another manganese flake smelter in Chongqing, with an output of around 1,200tpm, revealed to Asian Metal that current manganese flake price is around RMB14,400/t (USD2,108/t) ex works, and there is still a room for it to move down continuously in the coming days, while the demand from consumers does not increase. Owning manganese ore resources, the source confirmed is reluctant to sell for the thin profit, and no deald are concluded these days.

Some small sized manganese smelters who depand on buying manganese ore start to halt producion with the negative profit, and there are not many materials available in spot market. On the other side, consumers are still not eager to buy, and the manganese market is still in thin trading in China.

Battery manufacturers purchase lead ingot inactively

2010-06-04T00:05:00.001-07:00

Lead ingot price fell by a small margin on Thursday to RMB14,500-14,600/t (USD2,123-2,382/t). The current macroeconomics situation is gloomy, and in the wake of the slack season of lead ingot, lead market is confronted with more pressure. Battery manufacturers keep watching the lead ingot market.

A source from a Guangdong-based battery company reported, "Along with the summer's coming, our demand of lead ingot in May decreased by about 100t from last month." This battery producer consumed 500t of lead ingot in May. They usually purchase 300t of lead ingot every half a month.

"The recent offers are around RMB14,500-14,800/t (USD2,123-2,167/t), which are much lower than the smelters' production cost," said the source: "The low price is beneficial to us to cut the cost, but many smelters are reluctant to sell at the current price." According to the source they still hold 700t of lead ingot on hand.

A source from a Henan-based smelter told us, "We decreased the offer again from RMB14,600/t (USD2,382/t) to RMB14,500/t (USD2,123/t) on Thursday." The production of the smelter is about 5,000tpm. "Some downstream manufacturers are not in a hurry to return to the market and keep watching the market, as they still have inventories on hand. "

The influence factor of the lead price is complicated. Due to the slack economy and summer's come, most market participants predict the price might fall unceasingly.

Chinese manganese flake market goes sluggish

2010-05-21T00:36:00.001-07:00

Participants reported that while domestic manganese flake price is still on the decrease, and consumers are more hesitant to replenish stock, manganese flake market goes sluggish these days. At the same time, the demand from stainless steel market decreases, and selenium dioxide price drops a bit continuously.

A manganese flake smelter in Chongqing, with an output of about 600tpm, disclosed to Asian Metal that he made a deal of 20t with a trader at RMB15,000/t (USD2,196/t) ex works on Wednesday, and the trading volume is very small.Asian Metal Copyright "Manganese flake price moves down continuously by RMB100/t (USD15/t) compared with that early this week, and it will continue to go down in the coming days for the weak demand from downstream consumers," shared the source.Asian Metal Copyright

Talking of the demand for manganese flake, the source complained that only few inquiries are received these days, and the trading volume is decreasing.Asian Metal Copyright Very few consumers are active to replenish stock for now, and most of them are more hesitant to buy for the moment.Asian Metal Copyright

Another Hunan-based manganese smelter, with an output of about 1,500tpm, shared with Asian Metal that he is only fulfilling some orders signed early this month, and does not make any deals this week, offering RMB15,100/t (USD2,211/t) ex works for manganese flake for now. "Consumers are unwilling to accept the offer for now, and few smelters start to sell at about RMB15,000/t (USD2,196/t) ex works, which does not stimulate buyers to purchase actively," said the source.

According to the source, there are not many materials available in spot market now, while the manganese ore supply keeps tight with the rainy season coming, and he only holds little stock on hand. Offering USD2,850-2,900/t FOB for manganese flake, he claimed it is difficult for foreign consumers to accept the price to buy at the moment.

Medium carbon ferromanganese prices expected to go down

2010-05-19T02:46:00.001-07:00

Medium carbon ferromanganese market remains soft at present, and not many buying activities reported from some active market participants, but medium carbon ferromanganese prices temporarily keep at current level.

With an output of 3,000tpm of medium carbon ferromanganese 75%, C 2.0%max, a smelter in Yunnan sold 1,000t of the material to steel mills in South China at RMB11,250/t(USD1,648/t) ex works on Monday. The price kept stable at this level for two weeks. With about 1,500t of the material in stock now, the smelter expressed the soft demand with few enquires from the dealers.

"Although medium carbon ferromanganese prices remain firm at present, I think the price will go down a little in view of soft demand from end-users," said the source.

With a trading volume of 2,000tpm of medium carbon ferromanganese 78%, C 1.5%max, a trader in Hunan purchased 600t of the material from some suppliers at RMB12,300/t(USD1,802/t) ex works last Friday, and the price has kept stable at this level for one week. Actually the dealer still has 800t of the material in stock. The trader exposed that the medium carbon manganese prices still stand at high level, so they have already decreased purchase volume due to the sluggish demand.

"We will stop replenishing the material, and take a wait-and-see attitude towards the future market. As there is no indication that this situation will become better, so I think medium carbon ferromanganese prices will fall down," said the source.

Magnesium ingot price continues falling

2010-05-19T02:45:00.001-07:00

Magnesium ingot market continued softening in past couple of days with prices keeping falling. Other than the fact that some smelters liquidate stocks, the price drop of some steel products as well as nonferrous metals is also considered as the key reason for the decrease of magnesium ingot price.

A Shanxi-based magnesium ingot producer reported no business in recent one week. Although the source has decreased the offer to RMB16,250/t (USD2,379/t) ex works from RMB16,400/t (USD2,401/t) ex works seen one week ago, buyers are still not interested in placing orders. "We heard that some smelters in Shanxi sold magnesium ingot at RMB16,200/t ex works during the weekend. We're willing to sell at the same price if there are orders, but what makes us depressed is that there are not buyers at all," said the source.

The source said that most buyers are sitting out of the market watching the future trend when the price is going down and thus demand both domestically and overseas is very weak.

The smelter owns a production capacity of 10,000tpy but is only running at half of the capacity owing to weak demand. Considering that the market is unlikely to improve in a short time, the source plans to conduct sales according to the market price but not store up materials.

A magnesium alloy producer located in Shanxi bought around 30t of magnesium ingot without acid treatment and package at RMB16,000/t (USD2,343/t) ex works from a producer in Fugu, Shaanxi. "The Fugu producer has a certain amount of magnesium ingot in stock so they are eager to sell the material," said the magnesium alloy producer.

The source who reported that magnesium alloy market is also sluggish is cautious in purchasing magnesium ingot. He said, "We heard that some magnesium ingot producers in Fugu started selling the material at RMB15,900/t ex works from Sunday, so we decide to wait for a few days before we replenish stocks."

A Shaanxi-based trader confirmed that that the magnesium ingot price experienced a great decrease over the past three days. Some small to medium-sized producers in Shaanxi began selling magnesium ingot at RMB15,850-15,900/t (USD2,321-2,328/t) ex works, which leave those large-sized producers who put their offers at RMB16,000-16,100/t (USD2,343-2,357/t) ex works more diffcult to conduct sales.

Besides liquidation, the price decrease of steel and nonferrous metals also casts shadows on magnesium market. Euro hits record low on fears that debt crisis will spread in the west; further strengthening of the dollar, triggered by sell-offs of the euro, might possibly push oil prices lower. According to Asian Metal's latest news, aluminium ingot price drops by as much as RMB360/t (USD53/t) to RMB14,950-15,000/t (USD2,189-2,196/t) today.

Although the National Development and Reform Commission announced to remove preferential electricity prices for energy intensive industries such as electrolytic aluminum and ferroalloy. However, the news has done little help to stop ferrosilicon price from going down further. The magnesium ingot price is expected to slide down further in the rest of this week with markdown limited restricted by production cost.

Chinese ferromolybdenum market still quiet

2010-05-19T02:44:00.001-07:00

The mainstream price of ferromolybdenum 60% keeps stable at RMB146,000-148,000/t (USD35.63-36.12/kg Mo) at present, unchanged compared with it was on Monday, while the buying activities remain quiet in China due to the slow demand from traders and end-users.

A Liaoning-based producer confirmed the slow situation and added that Baosteel opened a tender of 200t of ferromolybdenum last Tuesday with the concluded price at RMB146,000/t (USD35.Asian Metal Copyright63/kg Mo), payment term within six months.Asian Metal Copyright

With a production capacity of 6,000tpy, the producer reported that they have not stopped production yet and reached a few deals recently, offering RMB148,000/t (USD36.Asian Metal Copyright12/kg Mo) for ferromolybdenum 60% at present.Asian Metal Copyright

An Inner Mongolia producer claimed that they stopped the production temporarily, keeping a stockpile of 20-30t of ferromolybdenum in the recent days.Asian Metal Copyright "We dare not produce too many materials, since the production cost is high but the sell price is low," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright

With a production capacity of 250tpm of ferromolybdenum, they producer has to buy molybdenum concentrate from Chinese suppliers.Asian Metal Copyright The mainstream price of molybdenum concentrate 42% remains around RMB2,250/mtu (USD14.Asian Metal Copyright95/lb), confirmed the source.Asian Metal Copyright The source is offering RMB148,000/t (USD36.Asian Metal Copyright12/kg Mo) for ferromolybdenum 60% at present, revealing that they reached a deal of 2-3t with an end-users at this price level yesterday.

The demand for manganese flake decreases in China

2010-05-19T02:43:00.001-07:00

With the manganese flake price decreasing, sources reported to Asian Metal that most consumers are more hesitant to replenish stock, and the demand for manganese flake decreases in China. At the same time, most participants think the manganese price will continue to move down, and feel pessimistic about the market.

A Hubei-based manganese flake smelter, with an output of about 5,400tpm, revealed to Asian Metal that current manganese flake price is about RMB15,300/t (USD2,240/t) ex works, and he does not make any deals this week and is fulfilling some orders signed late last month.Asian Metal Copyright "The demand from downstream consumers is decreasing, and I think the price will drop to about RMB15,000/t (USD2,196/t) ex works in the coming days," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright

Meantime, the source is fulfilling some orders of over 1,000t of manganese briquette singed early this month, offering USD2,450/t FOB for now.Asian Metal Copyright He also made a deal of about 200t of manganese flake at USD2,900/t FOB last week, and added that foreign customer are unwilling to accept the current price for now with the Chinese manganese price decreasing.Asian Metal Copyright

A manganese flake buyer in Hunan province, with an output of about 1,000tpm of manganese briquette, told Asian Metal that manganese flake price is about RMB15,300/t (USD2,240/t) ex works, and for she does not sign any orders these days, she has no intention of replenishing stock for now.Asian Metal Copyright Although the rainy season is coming and the supply of manganese ore remains tight for now, there is still room for the manganese flake price to drop in the coming days, claimed the source.Asian Metal Copyright

The source is just fulfilling some orders of manganese briquette signed before, offering USD2,450/t FOB, and no new deals are concluded. With the offer of about USD3,050/t FOB for manganese ingot 97%min, the source said just few inquiries are received.

Antimony trioxide price overhangs

2010-05-19T02:42:00.001-07:00

Antimony producers shared with Asian Metal that inquiries are decreasing as many downstream consumers are reluctant to buy in at present price level, and they just purchase small amount when they need.

A Guangxi-based producer, with a monthly output of around 1,000t of antimony trioxide, sold 15t of the material at RMB57,000-58,000/t (USD8,346-8,492/t) ex works at the end of April. However, after the May Day, he received few inquiries. Currently he offered RMB58,000/t (USD8,492/t) ex works for antimony trioxide, but no deal is concluded at this rate.

The source predicts that the price will decrease slightly in the short term in May as few deals can be concluded at current price level. Additionally, the flood season is coming in Guangxi and Hunan Provinces, and then it will be hard to deliver goods. However, antimony ingot diminished quickly after smelters stopped production in Lengshuijiang area. Now antimony ingot supply is tight, so antimony trioxide price won't decrease dramatically.

Another Guangxi-based producer sold a total of around 100t of antimony trioxide 99.95%min at RMB60,000/t (USD8,785/t) ex works respectively last Wednesday and on Monday. Now he offered RMB61,000-62,000/t (USD8,931-9,078/t) ex works, but no deal is conclude at this price.

The source also predicts that antimony trioxide price will decrease slightly in the short term as many downstream consumers are reluctant to purchase at present price level.

Bolivian antimony producers to increase prices

2010-04-27T06:08:00.001-07:00

27 Apr 10 – Producers of antimony concentrate and trioxide in Bolivia report that as a result of the international increase in antimony prices, they too, are starting to increasing their offering price for material this month. Antimony concentrate 65%min producers are currently quoting material at USD7,000/t FOB Arica and at about USD8,000/t FOB for antimony trioxide.

A producer of antimony concentrate based in La Paz, disclosed with Asian Metal, that the demand for antimony material from international consumers has certainly increased over the past month as "every market participant tries to find the better deal available currently." The trader added that he shipped a container full of antimony concentrate 65%min to a client in London last Thursday and that the sale was finalized at USD7, 000/t FOB Arica.

Another producer of antimony concentrate based in Oruro, agreed that the international demand for antimony in general has seen a steady increase over the past month. The sources said that currently "We are in the process of adjusting our prices in accordance to the latest international trends," and added that it is very likely that major producers in the Bolivian market will follow suit in increasing offering prices.

Currently, the source is negotiating a 20t tender with a buyer in the US, and speculates that the deal will close at about USD7, 050/t CIF California by the end of the week.

A producer of antimony trioxide, agreed with the general view that prices are increasing and that he will be increasing offers for his May production closer to USD8, 000/t from its previous USD7, 200-7,500/t FOB Arica.

Supply Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand in regular

2010-04-27T06:07:00.001-07:00

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: USD8700/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: 27th,April,2010
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

Re: Supply Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand in regular

2010-04-20T00:56:00.001-07:00

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: USD7700/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: 20th,April, 2010
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

Antimony trioxide price hikes

2010-04-18T18:12:00.001-07:00

16 Apr 10 – Antimony trioxide price is still increasing in spot market, but few deals can be concluded owing to tight supply. Market participants predict antimony trioxide price won't break through RMB65,000/t (USD9,517/t) ex works.

A Guangxi-based antimony trioxide producer disclosed that he sold 20t of antimony trioxide at RMB55,000/t (USD8,053/t) ex works to his regular clients on Tuesday. Then in order to fulfill those signed contracts, he bought 50t of antimony ingot at RMB58,000/t (USD8,492/t) delivered to replenish stock on Thursday.

He said the profit is deceasing due to antimony ingot price rising. Deals concluded are fewer than last week, so he predicts antimony trioxide price won't keep going up for a long time.

An experienced Guangdong-based antimony trioxide producer booked 50t of antimony ingot last Wednesday from a long-term supplier in Hunan province. He said, "The closing price for antimony ingot is around RMB58,000-59,000/t (USD8,492-8,638/t) ex works now. We offer RMB55,000/t (USD8,053/t) ex works for antimony trioxide. Profit is very limited."

He predicts the smelters will start production in around mid-May in Lengshuijiang area, and anticipates the highest price will be around RMB62,000-63,000/t (USD9,078-9,224/t) ex works for antimony trioxide.

"After the environmental checkup some small smelters will be integrated into big one, and begin production. In other words, the amount of smelters will decease, but the total output in Lengshuijiang area won't change, so the price of antimony trioxide won't break through RMB65,000/t (USD9,517/t) ex works," He said.

manganese flake market keeps soft

2010-04-18T18:10:00.001-07:00

16 Apr 10 - It is reported that while manganese flake price moved up quickly past days, most consumers are still watching the market instead of buying for the moment, and the softening manganese flake market will go on in the coming days. Meanwhile, the smelters in Huayuan County have not resumed yet, but the supply is not tight with the weak demand.

A Hunan-based manganese flake smelter, with an output of 4,500tpm, revealed to Asian Metal that manganese flake price rose to RMB16,000/t (USD2,343/t) ex works, and he is just fulfilling some orders signed early this month, and does not make any deals at current price, for there is no stocks on hand.Asian Metal Copyright "Meanwhile, although smelters are reluctant to sell at below RMB16,000/t (USD2,343/t) ex works, consumers are unwilling to accept the price to replenish stock for now," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright

Offering USD2,900/t FOB for manganese flake now, the source does not receive any inquiries from overseas market these days, and no deals are finalized.Asian Metal Copyright The weak demand from overseas market has not recovered, and for the firm production cost and the thin profit, manganese smelters don't want to sell at a lower price.Asian Metal Copyright

A manganese flake smelter in Hubei province, with an output of about1,600tpm, reported to Asian Metal that manganese flake price is in the range of RMB15,800-16,000/t (USD2,313-2,343/t) ex works, and the Chinese market keeps soft with only few deals finalized.Asian Metal Copyright "I signed an order of over 1,000t with a steel mill three weeks ago, and am out of stock.Asian Metal Copyright Though smelters in Huayuan County halted production, the supply in Chinese market is not tight," said the source.Asian Metal Copyright

According to the source, the inquiries from consumers increased obviously early this week when manganese flake price started to move up quickly, but the market becomes quiet now. Meantime, the demand from overseas market is still weak, and no export deals are finalized with the offer of USD2,900/t FOB of manganese flake.

Antimony trioxide,antimony ingot products prices keep rising on tight supply

2010-04-18T18:09:00.001-07:00

15 Apr 10 – Though many consumers said that antimony products prices are unacceptably high in spot market, the offering prices are still keeping rising owing to tight supply.

A Chongqing-based trader reported that he booked 5t of antimony trioxide from a Yunnan producer at RMB48,500/t (USD7,101/t) ex works at the end of last week, but he hasn't got the products until now, because the producer doesn't have enough antimony trioxide in stock. He said, "The products will be delivered at the end of this week"

Seeing that supply of antimony products are so tight in the spot market, he predicts the price of antimony ingot will rise to RMB70,000/t (USD10,249/t) ex works.

A Guangxi-based producer disclosed that he quoted RMB50,000/t (USD7,321/t) ex works for antimony trioxide on Wednesday, higher than that on Tuesday, but no deal has been concluded at that price so far.

He learned that the government has introduced some new policies to regulate antimony market in Guangxi province. Then some small smelters will be forced to stop production. The supply of antimony products will be tighter, so he predicts antimony products prices will keep rising.

Chinese Iron Ore Imports May Rise 47%, Kumba Says (Update2)

2010-04-16T05:45:00.001-07:00

JOHANNESBURG, Apr. 16 -- Chinese imports of iron ore by sea may rise 47 percent this year compared with 2008 levels as steel production increases and domestic output of the raw material falls, Johannesburg-based Kumba Iron Ore Ltd. said.

"There is strong demand in China, Japan and Korea," Chief Executive Officer Chris Griffith said today at the Sishen mine in South Africa. That may counter weaker demand in the "next couple of quarters" in Europe, where consumers have built up stockpiles on expectations of rising iron ore prices, he said.

Production of ore in China, the world's largest buyer of the steelmaking ingredient, may drop 5 percent this year from 2008, according to Kumba. Rio Tinto Group, the second-largest iron-ore exporter, said it's boosting output of the material to take advantage of higher prices and increased Chinese demand, today forecasting an 8 percent gain in 2010 production.

Kumba, Africa's largest iron ore producer, plans exports of about 47 million metric tons a year by 2013 and production of 70 million tons by 2019, from about 42 million tons in 2009, the company said in a presentation posted on parent company Anglo American Plc's Web site. Unit costs may increase 15 percent in 2010 as wages and fuel prices rise, Griffith said.

Kumba rose 4.10 rand, or 1.1 percent, to 380 rand by the close of Johannesburg trading, valuing the company at 122.2 billion rand ($16.7 billion).

antimony trioxide,antimony ingot prices remain high with no relief in sight

2010-04-08T15:49:00.001-07:00

8 Apr 10 – Antimony traders disclose that domestic prices for antimony metal grade II remain high and that offers are being quoted at about USD7,300-7,500/t delivered domestically. Market participants expect to see prices increasing further as the domestic demand remains strong and the volume of material available for immediate release dwindles.

A trader based in New York reported that demand is "very strong" and that the current prices will remain at the higher end of the pricing scheme at least through the end of April. "I do not anticipate a price softening trend at least through the beginning of the summer."

The source disclosed that prices for antimony metal 99.65%min remain strong at about USD7, 400/t domestically, and there are some deals being concluded currently as high as USD7, 900/t for immediate release.

Another trader based in Houston, who caters to consumers in the Latin American market, said that the prices for antimony metal are "soaring" and that he does not expect to a short-term depreciation "The demand for the material remains strong, and the current closure of major smelters for environmental checkups is certainly driving prices up as anxious traders and consumers seek to secure material."

The source disclosed that he is currently procuring a 20t tender of high-grade antimony metal 99.85%min and that he has received "exorbitant" quotations from Chinese traders in the USD8,800-9,000/t CIF Callao, Perú.

The source said that his last concluded purchase of 20t of antimony metal 99.85%min was finalized in early February at USD7,500/t CIF Callao.

Supply Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand in regular

2010-04-08T15:48:00.001-07:00

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: USD7400/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: April,08,2010
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

Antimony trioxide prices soaring

2010-04-05T04:48:00.001-07:00

Following the soaring antimony ingot price in China, antimony trioxide price has also been skyrocketing over the past couple of days. Producers and traders who concluded deals at RMB41,000-41,500/t (USD6,003-6,076/t) ex works one week ago refuse to sell any material at below RMB43,000/t ex works.

A Hunan-based producer raised offer to RMB43,500/t (USD6,369/t) ex works on Thursday from previous RMB43,000/t (USD6,296/t) ex works seen on Tuesday while his offer was only at around RMB41,500/t ex works at the beginning of last week. "Many buyers came to us for materials but we could not serve all the orders," said the source. The source only sold less than 30t in total to some regular customers at prices ranging RMB43,000-43,500/t (USD6,296-6,369/t) ex works. Considering the fact that there is almost no antimony ingot in the spot market, the source decides to stop offering.

According to the source, almost all antimony ingot producers hold back from selling the material, and thus antimony trioxide producers will have no raw material for production. The smelter, with a production capacity of 300tpm, has only produced around 200t of antimony trioxide since it resumed production in late February. "Our stocks of antimony ingot are running out, but we failed to replenish stocks, so we might have to stop production soon," said the source.

A Guangdong-based trader retailed some antimony trioxide at RMB43,500-44,000/t (USD6,396-6,442/t) delivered on Thursday and plans to raise offer to RMB45,000/t (USD6,589/t) delivered today.

"Like many other traders, our inventories are running low but we it's rather hard to replenish stocks now, so we're unwilling to sell the material on hand," said the source. However, the source reported that consumers are making panic purchase, for fear that the price might rise further. Not only Chinese end users but also overseas buyers are scrambling for materials. "The antimony price is bound to go up further, and no one knows when the price will touch the ceiling," said the source.

Manganese flake production cost keeps firm

2010-03-22T19:38:00.003-07:00

Participants reported to Asian Metal that manganese flake price went down to about RMB14,800-15,000/t (USD2,167-2,196/t) ex works last week, and however manganese production cost keeps firm these days. As manganese ore price and vitriol price keeps high, smelters are reluctant to sell.

A manganese flake smelter in Hubei, with an output of about 1,600tpm, revealed to Asian Metal that manganese flake price went down to about RMB14,800-14,900/t (USD2,167-2,182/t) ex works, and if the price continues to decrease to below RMB14,800/t (USD2,167/t) ex works, some smelters who depend on buying manganese ore have to halt production for negative profit, with the firm production cost.

"I singed an order of about 300t of manganese flake at RMB14,900/t (USD2,182/t) ex works last Friday, and most consumers are still holding a hesitant attitude about the future market. I think there is not much room for the price to decrease," said the source. Putting the export offer at RMB2,850/t FOB, he does not make any export deals these days.

Another manganese flake smelter in Chongqing, with an output of 900tpm, reported to Asian Metal that he sold about 300t manganese flake at RMB14,900/t (USD2,182/t) ex works to both steel mills and a trader last Thursday, and current manganese price is about RMB14,800-15,000/t (USD2,167-2,196/t) ex works. "Some smelters sell at RMB14,800/t (USD2,167/t) ex works to return the capital quickly, but most smelters are reluctant to sell at this price," said the source.

While manganese ore and vitriol price keeps high, and selenium dioxide price is about RMB500/kg (USD73.21/kg), manganese production cost still keeps firm, reported the source, thinking the price does not decrease continuously.

Electrolytic manganese flakes suppliers optimistic about the market

2010-03-22T19:38:00.001-07:00

Participants reported to Asian Metal that electrolytic manganese dioxide producers hold an optimistic attitude about the future market, while the production cost increased, and producers think electrolytic manganese dioxide price will rise a bit. Some producers want to raise the price in April.

A Hunan-based electrolytic manganese dioxide producer, with a capacity of about 12,000tpy, revealed to Asian Metal that price of electrolytic manganese dioxide used in alkaline battery grade is about RMB10,500-11,000/t (USD1,537-1,611/t) ex works and he made some deals at RMB10,500/t (USD1,537/t) ex works these two days. The source wants to raise the price to about RMB11,200/t (USD1,640/t) ex works early next month.

According to the source, manganese ore and vitriol price goes up these days, and the production cost of electrolytic manganese dioxide increases. The source thinks electrolytic manganese dioxide price will go up in the near future.

Another Hunan-based electrolytic manganese dioxide producer, with a capacity of about 12,000tpy, revealed to Asian Metal that the price of electrolytic manganese dioxide used in alkaline battery grade is about RMB11,000/t (USD1,611/t) ex works. He will expand a new project with a capacity of about 15,000tpy and it will be in operation late this year.

The source supplies regular volume of electrolytic manganese dioxide for battery consumers in domestic market, and the demand is relatively stable. However, the demand from foreign market is weak and no deals are concluded these days.

Antimony price sees slight increase in the US market

2010-03-22T19:36:00.001-07:00

Antimony traders in the US market state that antimony prices are on the rising gradually as the tight-availability of material continues pestering would-be buyers. Market participants have received increased offers in the range of USD7,200-7,300/t CIF US ports this week for antimony metal grade II. They expect to see a gradual increase in prices over the next few days.

A large trader based in New York shared with Asian Metal that he finalized a purchase for a container of antimony metal 99.65%min early on Monday at USD7,300/t CIF Baltimore for delivery in mid-April.

"It took a while to finalize this deal as prices are very likely to increase for the rest of the year as a result of the limit on [antimony] mining quota recently imposed by the Chinese government."

Another trader based also in New York agreed that the offers for antimony metal are increasing in the international market "I am making inquiries for a couple of 10t purchases this week for potential April and have so far received offers close to USD7,300/t CIF US."

Both traders mentioned the tight-availability of material available for April as major setback in concluding deals at this time.

Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star Co., Ltd

2010-03-14T07:27:00.001-07:00

Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star Co., Ltd.(HTS)is a large
comprehensive enterprise integrated with mining, dressing, smelting,
chemical industry production and scientific research, the biggest factory for producing antimony products, the cradle of the country antimony industry, and the major exporting base area of antimony products. The company owns two mines, four smelters, one technology center and one inspection and measure center. Its annual production capacity is 55,000 metric tons of ores, 40,000 metric tons of antimony products and 40,000 metric tons of zinc ingots. It is famous all over the world for its rich anti-mony reserves and antimony products, and has been titled beautiful name "World Antimony Capital" for a long time.
    Since the commencement of the mining in 1897, Hiskwangshan has had
antimony industry for more than one hundred years of history, and
accumulated abundant antimony production experience. The antimony
products have good quality and various specifications, of which over 90%
are exported far away to more than 50 countries and regions such as Japan,America, Europe, and are famous domestic and overseas. The products have won the National Silver Medal for many times. The product trademark "Twinkling Star" brand has been appraised as famous trademark for many times. The quality management system has obtained ISO9002 series quality Certification.
    At present, of its over 7000 employees, more than 800 are the
different kinds of specialized technical personnel. So HTS can keep ahead in the production and scientific research field of antimony industry in the country. The related standards of antimony quality and chemical analysis methods were drawn up by the company under the government s accreditation.With antimony uses incercreasingly extending, other than keeping on producing antimony ingots, antimony trioxide, antimony sulfide, etc., traditional products with high grade, the company has been researched and developed wide antimony series such as sodium antimonate, dust-free antimony trioxide, antimony pentoxide,
golden yellow antimony, antimony series flame-retardant masterbatch.
Especially the antimony oxide line with high technology that was put into production in 2002 and listed as one of the national "Double High & One Top"items introduced computer control, and practiced lots of scientific payoffs developed in donkey's years, therefore, all kinds of chemical indexes and physical characters of the products are more stable and the outside package improved visibly. Now they could completely meet the requirements of all kinds of customers.
    In order to keep up with the market changes and enhance economic benefit, while focusing on producing antimony products, the company has been actively developing other products. Presently, it has established several product lines with the annual production capacity of 10,000 metric tons of chlor-alkali, 5000 metric tons of hydrogen peroxide, 40,000 metric tons of zinc ingots, and 70,000 metric tons of sulfuric acid, zinc sulfate, indium metal, cadmium metal, etc.. A new pattern, of which antimony production is the major but coexisting with other production, has taken shape and sufficiently shows the obvious advantages and large potential of "World Antimony Capital."
    There is only one "Antimony Capital"around the world, and "Antimony Capital" will be worthy of its name. "Twinkling Star" is a symbol of high quality, and satisfying all reasonable requirements of the customers is Hsikwangshan' s aim.We will provide favorable service and cooperate sincerely with the domestic and overseas customers with reciprocity.

Manganese metals flakes offers rise quickly in Europe

2010-03-10T00:11:00.001-08:00

Manganese market gradually improves while buyers return to the market to replenish some stocks or place some orders. Sources reported that many suppliers raise their offers very quickly but buyers are unwilling to accept a price above USD2,900/t in warehouse Rotterdam.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com DB58
A European trader reported to Asian Metal that manganese price follows after the price in China goes up and the current offer is above USD2,900/t CIF Rotterdam while suppliers have raised their prices to about USD3,000/t for prompt delivery, up from about USD2,850/t late last month. The source feels suppliers are optimistic about the future market as they think manganese supply stays low and more buyers would start to replenish stocks.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com M773
"However, there is not much good news from the demand side for the moment while consumers only purchase in small quantities and feel not ready to accept the current high price," said the source. Meanwhile, the supply expects manganese supply to improve and this would hinder the price from going up further in both Chinese and European market.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 3112
A supplier who holds some stocks of manganese flake and briquette in warehouse Rotterdam told Asian Metal that as manganese price goes up in China, the price in Europe also rises. The source increases their offer to about USD3,000/t for manganese flakes for prompt delivery and USD2,600/t for manganese briquette while one week ago, the offer is about USD2,900/t and USD2,550/t respectively.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com HON0
"There was a deal made at USD2,550/t for manganese briquette last week and more buyers would start to replenish some stocks for the coming months," believed the source, who feels optimistic about manganese market this month.

Antimony price firm in Asian market

2010-03-10T00:10:00.003-08:00

Antimony ingot and antimony trioxide prices remain firm in Asian market. Participants believe that antimony products prices will continue to hold steady or climb up slightly in the following few weeks owing to tight supply and expected warming demand.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 5JR4
A South Korean trader reported to Asian Metal that prices of both antimony ingot and antimony trioxide remain firm on tight supply. Although demand is still not strong, it is much better than it was in the same period of last year. Additionally, not much material is coming from China because many producers are just back from the Chinese New Year holiday.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 9CVA
The source usually trade one container of antimony ingot every month and also deals in antimony trioxide on request. "We were buying one container of antimony ingot 99.65%min for a consumer in alloy industry late February and received an offer of USD6,400/t CIF Busan for the material at that time, but unfortunately, we lost the deal. It is still not easy to get an offer of antimony ingot now because we were told that supply in China is still very tight," said the source, adding that offers he learnt in the market are USD30-50/t higher than those two weeks ago. "We know it very well that this cheap material is coming from some Hong Kong or Vietnam who trade smuggled material, because some other Chinese traders claimed that they would suffer a loss if they sell at below USD6,900/t FOB China," said the source.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com V4F8
A Japanese trader confirmed the wide-ranged offers of antimony ingot. Some major Chinese suppliers offered as high as USD7,000/t FOB China while deals are being reported at USD6,500-6,600/t CIF Japan for the material. Due to the difficulty in dealing in antimony ingot business, the source is concentrating in antimony trioxide sales. According to the source, offers for antimony trioxide 99.5%min are in a range of USD6,000-6,300/t CIF Japan. "The demand is not good now because it is the end of the financial year, but I think we will see more buying from April," said the source, predicting that antimony ingot and antimony trioxide price will keep firm in the short term.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 7X67
An Indonesia buyer who uses 10tpm of antimony trioxide for chemicals production reported an increase in offer. The source revealed that the last purchase was concluded at around USD6,200/t CIF Jakarta for February shipment but offers for April shipmen are around USD200/t higher. The source is confused about the price increase because demand has not changed. "It is a seller's market, anyway," said the source.

Supply Antimony Trioxide Twinkling Star Brand in regular

2010-03-10T00:10:00.001-08:00

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: USD6150/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,500kg,1000kg bags of 1MT each
Date Posted: 11th,March,2010
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

Magnesium ingot price rises slightly in Russia

2010-03-01T23:24:00.000-08:00

More magnesium ingot buyers enter the market in Russia to make purchases, so suppliers raise offers accordingly. The price of magnesium ingot slightly rises to RUB110-115/kg (USD3,666-3,833/t) in the spot market, up by around RUB5/kg (USD166/t) compared with that of two weeks ago.

A trader in Russia purchased 20t of magnesium ingot last weekend at around RUB110/kg (USD3,666/t), which is RUB5/kg (USD166/t) higher that that of last month. "Most traders do not have many stocks in hand, and with more consumers back to the market, suppliers increase offers," said the source.

The source plans to purchase another 20t of magnesium ingot this week. "We received more inquiries from cosumers recently, and our trading volume is expected to increase to some extent compared to last year," said the source. According to the source, Russian magnesium ingot producers usually export the material to Europe and other countries by long-term contracts, and only a small portion of the output is sold in the spot market. As demand increases mildly in Russia, many suppliers have raised offers. The source said that the mainstream ingot price is at around RUB110/kg (USD3,666/t) in the spot market at the moment, up by around RUB5/kg (USD166/t) compared to two weeks ago.

Another trader in Russia confirmed that the local magnesium ingot market becomes more active, and some suppliers raised offers recently. "The mainstream offers we received late last week were at around RUB115/kg (USD3,833/t), RUB5/kg (USD166/t) higher than what we got early last week," said the source.

The source revealed that although most buyers are cautious about purchasing, the price is likely to go up in the short term.

Ferromolybdenum traders waiting for price up

2010-03-01T23:23:00.000-08:00

Russian ferromolybdenum market is stable, and some traders with stocks in hand waiting for the price rising further.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com WL70
A trader in Russia who has 20t of ferromolybdenum 60% in hand, reported to Asian Metal that supported by the rising price in Europea, some suppliers increase offers, and now the price of ferromolybdenum 60% has risen to around USD38/kg in the spot market.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 118P
The source does not offer, nor does he sells. "I heard that there are some deals of ferromolybdenum 60% concluded at more than USD40/kg in European market, and Russian market is usually slower than European market, so we think that the price of ferromolybdenum 60% may rise in the near future. Therefore, we are not eager to sell," said the source.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 052L
The source believes supported by rising price in Europe, some local consumers may enter the market to replenish stocks actively, and suppliers who do not have many stocks raise offers, so the price is rising. "I think the price may rise to USD40-42/kg ," said the source.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com ZYR2
Another trader in Russia also revealed that the price may increase. "I heard that most deals of ferromolybdenum 60% concluded at around USD35/kg two weeks ago, but it has risen to USD37-38/kg recently," said the source, who believes that the future market is promising, and the price may keep rising.

Manganese flake price continues to rise

2010-03-01T23:22:00.000-08:00

Participants disclosed to Asian Metal that manganese flake price continues to rise a bit to about RMB14,900-15,000/t (USD2,182-2,196/t) ex works in domestic market, after the price went up a bit late last week. There are no export deals of manganese flake after the holiday, though inquiries from overseas market increased a bit.

EGYD21

A manganese flake smelter in Hubei, with an output of about 4,800tpm, confirmed to Asian Metal that domestic manganese flake price continues to rise a bit to about RMB14,900-15,000/t (USD2,167-2,182/t) ex works, from RMB14,800-14,900/t (USD2,167-2,182/t) ex works late last week. "I don't sell at below RMB14,900/t (USD2,182/t) ex works, and big sized steel mills will start the tenders early this month," said the source.

R5C6L3

With the world economy improving, inquiries for manganese flake from overseas market increases a bit, reported the source, putting the export offer at about USD2,820/t FOB. However, foreign customers are still hesitant to buy for now, and no new export deals are concluded after the holiday.

HT8KRO

Another manganese flake smelter in Guizhou province, with an output of 2,000tpm, told Asian Metal that mainstream manganese flake price increased to RMB14,900-15,000/t (USD2,167-2,182/t) ex works, from RMB14,800-14,900/t (USD2,167-2,182/t) ex works late last week, but he managed to make a deal of 100t at RMB15,100/t (USD2,211/t) ex works last Friday, although the domestic market has not been active yet.

0T3H87

According to the source, no export deals are concluded, with the export offer of about USD2,835/t FOB for manganese flake. For the moment, the demand from overseas market has not recovered yet, and it is impossible to concluded a deal at USD2,850/t FOB.

Chile Restarts Top Copper Mines Hit by Quake

2010-03-01T23:19:00.001-08:00

SANTIAGO, Feb 28 (Reuters) - Chile's biggest copper mines hit by a massive earthquake slowly resumed operations on Sunday despite limited power supplies, which analysts fear could curtail exports from the world's No. 1 producer.

Ricardo Alvarez, manager at Chile's fourth largest mine, El Teniente, which accounts for more than 7 percent of national output, told Reuters the recovery pace of output would depend on the supply of electricity, which was partial.

"As they (the regional grid) allow us to use more power we will resume other operations," he said, adding that those operations included the concentrator and Caletones smelter.

Alvarez said the mine could slow the extraction of minerals if power supply lags.

Copper prices surged in early trading on Monday due to supply worries caused by the earthquake in Chile, jumping 5.6 percent on the London Metal Exchange CMCU3.

The quake killed more than 700 people and had forced Codelco to shut the El Teniente complex as well as its Andina copper mine.

Production resumed at the Anglo-American (AAL.L) Los Bronces copper mine, union leader Eduardo Rocco told Reuters. He said he did not know whether the company's El Soldado mine had resumed operations.

An Anglo American spokesman said on Saturday there were no initial reports of major damage at the two mines, which together produce some 280,000 tonnes a year.

Alvarez said earlier facilities were undamaged in the 8.8 magnitude quake on Saturday and that roads to the exporting port of San Antonio were in good condition.

The century-old, 400,000 tonne per year El Teniente is the world's biggest underground copper mine.

Another Codelco official said the nearby 210,000 tonne Andina mine was likely to resume operations by day's end.

The biggest mines in Chile, which produces a third of the world's copper, are about 1,000 km (600 miles) to the north and were spared any damage, but analysts feared that supply disruptions from the mid-sized deposits nearer the capital, Santiago, would be enough to stoke prices.

"While it appears that a modest proportion of production has been halted, the major impact may come from the disruption on deliveries from the mines and from the disruption of power supplies to the mines," said Citi analyst David Thurtell.

A Codelco spokeswoman downplayed the impact on infrastructure, saying most of the road destruction was south of both mines and that she drove from a beach near the San Antonio port to near El Teniente.

Both of Chile's main oil refineries were shut after sustaining damage in the quake, state oil company ENAP said, adding that it would import diesel to meet demand. Prolonged power outages could significantly increase demand for liquid fuel to help keep the mines operating.

The central copper-exporting port of San Antonio was shut down, but the major northern ports of Antofagasta and Mejillones were unaffected.

Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc (FCX.N) said the quake did not damage its two mines, but it is facing a power outage at its Candelaria mine, which will result in a temporary shutdown.

Chinese ferromolybdenum market stable temporarily

2010-02-02T23:42:00.001-08:00

3 Feb 10- According to producers, there are no cheap molybdenum concentrate and molyoxide in China now, and raw material suppliers refuse to low their offers before New Year holiday, with the mainstream prices in the range of RMB2,100-2,150/mtu (USD13.95-14.28/lb) for molybdenum concentrate 45% now. In view of the stable situation of raw material, Chinese ferromolybdenum producers hold their offers recently, and the mainstream prices of ferromolybdenum 60% kept stable in the range of RMB140,000-145,000/t (USD34.16-35.40/kg Mo) this week though some reduced their offers from RMB145,000/t (USD35.40/kg Mo) to RMB142,000-143,000/t (USD34.65-34.90/kg Mo) early this week.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com IV42
With a production capacity of 250tpm of ferromolybdenum, a producer from Liaoning insisted on offering RMB145,000/t (USD35.40/kg Mo) for ferromolybdenum 60% these two days. Though there are few enquiries from traders these two weeks, he is unwilling to reduce the quotations in the near term.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com QNP8
"I think ferromolybdenum market will keep stable before the New Year, and it seems to be bottom out," said the source, with 100t of spot inventories in hand for the moment. Furthermore, the source bought 50t of molybdenum concentrate 43% at RMB2,100/mtu (USD13.95/lb) yesterday. This batch of raw material will not be used before the holiday, added the source.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 5997
Another Liaoning-based producer with a production capacity of 100tpm offers RMB145,000/t (USD35.40/kg Mo) for ferromolybdenum 60% for the moment, unchanged these two days. "The cost should be at RMB144,000/t (USD35.14/kg Mo) for ferromolybdenum 60% according to the prices of molybdenum raw materials," said the source.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com LI35
The source confirmed that some producers are selling ferromolybdenum 60% at RMB140,000/t (USD34.16/kg Mo) now, but most have molybdenum mine themselves or enough cheap raw materials. Predicting that ferromolybdenum market will keep stable in the coming days, he refuses to reduce offers.

Chinese ferromolybdenum traders refuse to refill inventories as steel mills maintain

2010-02-02T23:40:00.000-08:00

2 Feb 10- According to traders, some local steel mills are overhauling now and may resume production after Spring Festival, so they will not refill their inventories in the near term.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com FPBN
A Henan-based trader with 30t of ferromolybdenum in hand shared with Asian Metal that Anyang Iron & Steel has been overhauling since the beginning of February. "An official of this steel mill told me that they will resume production after Lantern Festival (February 28, 2010)," said the source.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 53F0
As a result, the source refuses to refill inventories in the near term since he is not sure when his customers will purchase raw material during the Spring Festival holiday. The purchase cost of the stocks is around RMB125,000/t (USD30.50/kg Mo), and he is not under pressure to sell out now. Moreover, he received offers of ferromolybdenum 60% at RMB145,000/t (USD35.38/kg Mo) from a Liaoning-based producer yesterday, adding that the concluded prices should be below RMB145,000/t (USD35.38/kg Mo) currently.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 47PY
With a monthly trading volume of 5t of ferromolybdenum, a Fujian-based trader reported that he didn't purchase the material these two weeks and will not enter the market before Chinese New Year holiday.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com JC0T
"I have no financial pressure now and am going to prepare my holiday," said the source, confirming that some of their customers stopped production at the end of last month and may resume production in March.

Magnesium ingot price slides down in Shanxi and Ningxia

2010-02-02T23:39:00.001-08:00

1 Feb 10 – Except some smelters in Wenxi who still hold their price at around RMB16,300/t (USD2,387/t) ex works, many others from Shanxi and Ningxia have sold small batches of magnesium ingot at RMB16,050-16,200/t (USD2,350-2,372/t) ex works. According to sources, some have agreed to sell at RMB16,000/t (USD2,343/t) ex works since late last week.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com E17E
A Ningxia-based producer, whose monthly output is around 400t at present, revealed to Asian Metal that they started to ink deals at RMB16,000/t (USD2,343/t) ex works with the offer at RMB16,100/t (USD2,357/t) ex works in the past one week. The concluded price has decreased by nearly RMB400/t (USD59/t) compared with that in the middle of last month.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com N88S
The source, who has no stocks on hand now, anticipates that magnesium ingot price might dip further in the following one week. "As the price is on the decline, the transactions slow down. I think the price will drop to RMB15,800/t (USD2,313/t) ex works before the Spring Festival," the source said.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 4G2O
A Shanxi-based producer, who is operating with an output of 1,000tpm, confirmed that the price in local market is around RMB16,000-16,100/t (USD2,343-2,357/t) ex works at the moment. "We are unwilling to sell our magnesium ingot at such low prices for the time being, for we even can get little profit. We hold back from offering," the source explained. Most of their deals were closed at around RMB16,400/t (USD2,401/t) ex works in early January.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com IQQK
The source, who is not in urgent need of cash, is watching the market and expects the price might decrease by another RMB200/t (USD29/t) in the following days. Meanwhile, the source disclosed that the price of ferrosilicon is RMB6,400/t (USD937/t) ex works, which is RMB100/t (USD15/t) lower than that of their last purchase in early last month. "The small decline in ferrosilicon price has not reduced our production cost a lot," the source lamented.

Manganese Metals Flakes supply tight in Europe

2010-02-02T23:38:00.001-08:00

3 Feb 10 - Manganese supply is a bit tight due to less import from China last year. The price in European spot market rises gradually and though the price drops much from Chinese suppliers, the market stays firm in Rotterdam for low availability of the material.
A European trader about to purchase 100 tons of manganese flakes and briquette told Asian Metal that the offer rises to above USD2,900/t in the spot market, from about USD2,800-2,850/t last month. "There are very few materials in the spot market, which pushes the price up," said the source, claiming the offer from China is decreasing as manganese market is in low performance in Chinese domestic market.
But as the supply is also not very sufficient in Chinese spot market, some suppliers are not ready to sell and expect manganese price to rebound again after the Spring Festival. The source placed an order for about 200 tons of manganese briquette from China at about USD2,400/t CIF Rotterdam.
Another European trader sold out their stocks of about 100 tons of manganese flakes at USD2,950/t d.d.u to a local buyer before the price decreases in China. "While the supply is very tight in the spot market, we do not expect manganese price to follow suit in the near term," said the source, reporting that buyers mostly purchase from hand to mouth but have to accept the higher price for lack of materials.
As some buyers have placed some orders in advance, manganese supply may improve gradually in the coming weeks, which may hinder the price from increasing further, and make buyers more reluctant to buy unless the demand is urgent.
A third European trader reported to Asian Metal that they made a deal of only 10 tons at USD3,000/t d.d.p for prompt delivery. There are some small deals made in European spot market at relatively much higher prices while the offer last month stayed about USD2,900/t in Rotterdam warehouse.

Antimony trioxide,Antimony ingot export price stays high

2010-02-02T23:37:00.001-08:00

3 Feb 10 – Antimony trioxide export price remains stable at a comparatively high level. Most suppliers are quoting at USD6,100/t FOB China, but some others would like to hold their prices a little higher than this popular offer.
A Hunan-based supplier, whose monthly trading volume is about 100-200t, revealed to Asian Metal that they are offering at USD6,100/t FOB China. Despite they can accept the price a bit lower than the offer, there still have not been any deals concluded yet. "Overseas buyers are reluctant to purchase in view of such a high price," the source explained, adding that some foreign customers are active in checking the price.
The source believes that antimony trioxide price will keep on this level in February due to the high price of antimony ingot, the raw material. "I guess it is unlikely for the price to slide down before the Spring Festival, and it might also stay firm for several days when we return after the holiday," the source said.
Another supplier also from Hunan, who sells about 200t of antimony trioxide every month to overseas market, claimed they insist on holding at USD6,150/t FOB China at present. "We have sold a little antimony trioxide at this price. Meanwhile, we are fulfilling some contracts signed in the middle of last month at around USD5,850/t FOB China," the source said.
"Because of the high replacement cost, we have to keep our price firm. I think some buyers who really need antimony trioxide will purchase although the price is high, for they have to maintain their production," the source said, expecting the price to be stable at least this month.

Manganese flakes market still firm in China

2010-01-25T02:55:00.001-08:00

21 Jan 10 – It is reported that manganese market remains firm in China, and many inquiries are received and most smelters are fulfilling some orders singed before, however, consumers start to be cautious to buy more this week.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 254R
A Hunan-based manganese flake buyer, with an output of manganese briquette of 700-800tpm, reported to Asian Metal that manganese flake price is RMB15,600-15,700/t (USD2,284-2,299/t) ex works, and he does not want to replenish stocks for the moment at current price. "I heard that few smelters start to sell at RMB15,500/t (USD2,269/t) ex works on Tuesday. Although smelters received some inquiries, it is difficult for manganese flake price to go up," said the source.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 52P2
According to the source, even if some inquiries from overseas market are received, foreign consumers do not accept the price and no export deals are concluded. The source gave an offer for manganese flake USD2,850-2,900/t FOB and offers for manganese briquette USD2,400/t FOB.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com MQ00
A Hunan-based manganese flake smelter, who has an output of 600tpm and usually buys 300t to process manganese ingot, reported to Asian Metal that he sold 100t manganese flake at RMB15,800/t (USD2,313/t) ex works, and many inquiries from consumers are received. He added that the trading volume is larger than before. "However, some smelters in Jishou start to sell at about RMB15,600/t (USD2,284/t) ex works, I think it is difficult for the price to rise further," said the source.
Asianmetal(English) http://www.asianmetal.com 4A4Y
According to the source, he still holds 400-500t stocks to maintain the process of manganese ingot, and is fulfilling some orders of manganese ingot with steel mills signed at RMB16,900/t (USD2,474/t) ex works.

Antimony trioxide,Antimony ingot prices jumping

2010-01-25T02:54:00.001-08:00

Along with the antimony ingot price skyrocketing, the price of antimony trioxide has jumped rapidly in recent one week. Some producers reported that they have sold small batches of antimony trioxide at around RMB40,500-41,000/t (USD5,930-6,003/t) ex works late this week. Meanwhile, the export offer for the material has increased to USD6,100/t FOB China.
A major producer from South China, whose monthly output is around 300-400t at present, confirmed that they just concluded a small deal at RMB41,500/t (USD6,076/t) delivered to Shanghai, which is RMB500-1,000/t (USD73-146/t) higher than the price early this week. "I may not accept current price this week. The price of antimony trioxide is changing every day," the source added.
The source is also fulfilling some contracts signed in December at around RMB38,000/t (USD5,564/t) ex works. "I think the price will keep rocketing in the coming days, because the supply constraints have not alleviated at all," the source said, showing his confidence in the short-term market of antimony trioxide.
A supplier based in South China, who usually exports through trading companies, claimed that they are offering at USD6,100/t FOB China, and have sold some of the material at USD6,050/t FOB China this week, which is nearly USD200/t up compared with that early this month. "The price of antimony ingot is still on the rise which increase our production cost, so we have to lift our price accordingly," the source explained.
The source complained the spot availability of antimony ingot is rather limited, and they can not purchase enough material at one time. "I think the price of antimony trioxide will go on rising in the next few days before the holiday due to current market situation," the source said.

supply ammonium perrhenate

2010-01-05T21:04:00.001-08:00

We can supply ammonium perrhenate in good quality.

Our Ammonium Perrhenate is a result of recycling process, which we make with Rhenium products. Our 10 years of experience in this business let us make Basic Grade Ammonium Perrhenate with quality and purity of Catalyst Grade, which makes our product more wanted in marked, but lower in price than Catalyst Grade.

We are always ready to start new partnership with companies who are willing to start long term work.
We can provide final material as Ammonium Perrhenate or recycle your material and provide you with product and Oxides of other metals.
Product Description

AMMONIUM PERRHENATE
1. Appearance: White crystalline powder
2. Common uses: Manufacture of bimetallic PT/Re reforming catalyst, production of rhenium metal and production of perrhenic acid.
3. Chemical specifications:
NH4ReO4 99.99%min
Re 69.4%min
Otal metallic impurities: 100ppm max.
Metallic impurities content: (%, max)
K 0.0005 Na 0.0005 Ca 0.0005 Fe 0.0005
W 0.0005 Pb 0.0001 Cu 0.0001 Sn 0.0001
Ba 0.0001 Mn 0.0001 Be 0.0001 PT 0.0001
Co 0.0001 CD 0.0002 Cr 0.0001 Mg 0.0002
Zn 0.0002 Sb 0.0002 Al 0.0001 Mo 0.0005
Ni 0.0001 Ti 0.0001
4. Packing: Plastic bag inside, net each 1.0kg; Steel drum outside, net each 20-30kg.

AMMONIUM PERRHENATE

2010-01-05T21:02:00.001-08:00

METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF AMMONIUM PERRHENATE

2010-01-05T20:59:00.001-08:00

A method of manufacturing ammonium perrhenate which comprises carrying out the process of electrodialysis in a two-chamber electrodialysis apparatus furnished with a liquid diaphragm consisting of amyl, hexyl or heptyl alcohol, wherein the starting catholyte is a perrhenate ion-containing acidic solution and the starting anolyte consists of a IO-30 percent solution of ammonia, while the liquid diaphragm contains 0.05-0.1 percent by weight of 8-mercaptoquinoline.

Description:

This invention relates to methods for the production of ammonium perrhenate, which finds application for the manufacture of powdered rhenium in a high state of purity.

There are known processes of manufacturing ammonium perrhenate by the ion exchange technique, or by extraction with tributyl phosphate and subsequent reextraction by ammonia, or by dissolving rhenium metal in nitric acid, followed by neutralizing the resultant solution with ammonia.

It is also known to manufacture ammonium perrhenate from molybdenum concentrate processing wastes by a method comprising recovering perrhenate ions from said wastes by sorption on an ion exchange resin at pH of 5-6, followed by desorbing said ions by means of ammonia solutions.

These prior art methods are disadvantageous in that they are multistage and laborious processes, and do not make it possible to obtain high-purity ammonium perrhenate, other disadvantages being the consumption of significant quantities of organic solvents for extraction of perrhenate ions, and the necessity of carrying out the preliminary step of molybdenum separation from molybdenum concentrate processing wastes in order to effectively extract perrhenate ions from said wastes by sorption on ion exchange resins.

It is the principal object of the present invention to provide a single-stage method for the production of high-purity ammonium perrhenate from a perrhenate ion-containing solution and ammonia.

In accordance with this and other objects, the present invention consists of a method comprising carrying out the process of electrodialysis in ...

A two-chamber electrodialysis apparatus incorporating a liquid diaphragm made from amyl, hexyl or heptyl alcohol, wherein the process of electrodialysis is preceded by placing a perrhenate ion-containing acidic solution into the cathode compartment, a 10-30percent ammonia solution into the anode chamber, and by incorporating 0.05-0.1 percent by weight of 8-mercaptoquinoline into the liquid diaphragm.

The present method for the production of high-purity ammonium perrhenate is illustrated by the accompanying diagram of the electrodialysis apparatus and realized in the following manner.

A perrhenate ion-containing acidic solution is charged into cathode compartment 1 of the electrodialysis apparatus, provision being made in said apparatus for partitions 2. A 10-30percent solution of ammonia is placed in anode compartment 3, followed by introducing into the apparatus a normal or branched aliphatic alcohol, selected from the group of alcohols specified hereinabove so as to form liquid diaphragm 4. Next, 0.05-0.1 percent by weight of a complexing agent, viz, 8-mercaptoquinoline, is incorporated into diaphragm viz., and electrodes 5 and 6 are connected to a power source, the electrodes being selected so that the area of cathode 5 will be significantly larger (by a factor of 5 to 10 ) than that of anode 6, whereby the reduction of perrhenate ions in the cathode compartment is avoided. The cathode may be fabricated from any metal, while the anode should be made of platinum.

The liquid diaphragm selectively extracts in the cathode compartment the perrhenate ions in the form of perrhenic acid, which undergoes partial dissociation in the organic phase (alcohol), and the resultant perrhenate ions diffuse, under the effect of the electric field applied, through the liquid diaphragm to the alcohol-ammonia solution interface in the anode compartment and form in the anode chamber ammonium perrhenate which accumulates in the ammonia solution.

8-Mercaptoquinoline contained in the liquid diaphragm forms complex compounds with heavy metal admixtures that penetrate into the diaphragm from the cathode compartment solution, said complexes being insoluble in water, but readily soluble in aliphatic alcohols. It is to be noted that perrhenate ions form under these conditions no complexes wutg 8-mercaptoquinoline and, therefore, travel from the cathode compartment to the anode compartment via the liquid diaphragm, while the admixtures of heavy metals are trapped by the diaphragm or deposited on the cathode. In the cathode compartment, the solution will ultimately contain the admixtures of alkali and alkaline earth metals (potassium, sodium, calcium, etc.).

The unification of such processes as the extraction of perrhenate ions, removal of impurities by 8-mercaptoquinoline and electrodialysis makes it possible to obtain a solution of high-purity ammonium perrhenate by a single-step procedure.

The ammonium perrhenate solution thus obtained is directed to the crystallization step in order to obtain the sought-for ammonium perrhenate or subjected, after an appropriate adjustment of the composition, to electrolysis with a view to producing rhenium metal.

For a better understanding of the present invention, the following examples of preparing ammonium perrhenate are given by way of illustration.

Manganese flake price goes stable

2009-12-28T04:38:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-28T04:37:00.003-08:00

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

2009-12-28T04:37:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-28T04:36:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-15T05:23:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-09T04:31:00.002-08:00

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

2009-12-09T04:31:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-29T22:53:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-29T22:52:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-23T04:04:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-23T04:02:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-19T18:15:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-19T18:11:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-19T18:10:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-17T06:09:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-12T02:27:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-12T02:26:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-09T17:06:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-09T17:06:00.000-08:00

Phosphorus fire retardant --- TRI-ISOBUTYL PHOSPHATE

Simplename:

TIBP

Synonyms:

TIBP

CAS#:

126-71-6

Molecular Weight:

266.32

Molecular:

C₁₂H₂₇O₄P

Quality:

Index name	Index
Index name	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 --- Tributoxy Ethyl Phosphate

2009-11-09T17:05:00.003-08:00

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.

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

2009-11-09T17:05:00.001-08:00

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.

Increased buying pushes silicon higher

2009-11-08T01:17:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-08T01:16:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-05T03:40:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-05T03:38:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-03T01:13:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-03T01:10:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-02T05:24:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-02T05:23:00.001-08:00

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

2009-10-27T02:17:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-25T18:42:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-25T18:41:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-25T18:40:00.001-07:00

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.