Tungsten Outside of China
Miners are looking to answer the call for tungsten supply from sources outside of China. Here is what equity investors should consider.
Miners are looking to answer the call for tungsten supply from sources outside of China. Here is what equity investors should consider.
The supply of tungsten in 2011 will be helped by the increases in production quotas in China. However the slight increase in the quota will only alleviate supply issues slightly. In the long run, the cap to minor metals production in China due to the new ‘five year plan’ will further supply side issues on the world market.
A lack of supply has been driving up the price of tungsten on the world market. The further reduction of exports from China is only exacerbating the problem. As new uses and the economic recovery take off new mining will have to make up the difference or severe shortages will be the reality. In an exclusive interview, Stephen Leahy, CEO of American Tungsten explains the factors driving the market.
The week has proven to be stable for tungsten had a firm quotation. Many factories feel positive toward the tungsten demand. The market has been steady until May 21 wherein the price was reduced to 126,000-129,000 (tax-inclusive) from 130,000-132,000 yuan/ton. Click here to access the entire news
Rwanda’s mining revenues are expected to fall by 40 percent to around $56 million this year, down from a record $94 million in 2008, as demand contracts for high-end minerals such as tin and tungsten and prices dip on the international market. For full story, click here
Ferro-tungsten slipped on Friday, with continuing low demand in a market that had been stagnant for two weeks putting downward pressure on prices. For full story, click here
The chairman and chief executive officer of North American Tungsten Corp. Ltd. expects that demand for tungsten will grow as tungsten’s use as an environmentally friendly alternative to lead gains in popularity. For full story, click here
Once the economy bottoms, which may happen in some countries in 2009, there is a chance demand will be a bit stronger than seen during the past few weeks and prices would be a bit more supported. For full story, click here
Base metals will continue to remain upbeat on positive outlook for investment in infrastructure and consumer durables, the two major users of base metals. For full story, click here
European Ferro tungsten prices crept up for the week as buyers drew down inventories in Rotterdam. For a second week in a row, the Lunar New Year Holiday in China meant lack of supplies were coming out of the country.
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