Dear MMTA Members and colleagues, Welcome to your September and LME Week edition of the MMTA’s magazine, The Crucible. LME Week 2024 The LME Week 2024 kicks off on…
Polina Sparks
-
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September 2024Uncategorized
Welcome to new MMTA Members
by Polina Sparks September 30, 2024The Minor Metals Trade Association is pleased to welcome three new members who joined the MMTA in September. Tungsten Vietnam JSC is a tungsten producer situated in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam. It…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: September 2024
The Outlook for Battery Metals
by Polina Sparks September 30, 2024EVs drive demand Annual global lithium-ion battery demand is expected to sur-pass 1 TWh (1,000 GWh) for the first time this year. Demon-strating the scale of growth in this sector,…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September 2024
Cobalt sulfate: the state of play and what’s to come
by Polina Sparks September 30, 2024Battery chemical markets have faced a turbulent ride through 2024, with a downturn in lithium prices coupled with cobalt metal prices falling to and staying at eight-year lows. Slowing electric…
-
CrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: September 2024
Molymet launches Mo Re powders
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2024MMTA member Molymet, a major molybdenum processor and the world’s largest producer of rhenium, with headquarters in San Bernardo, Chile has launched production of highly spheroidised powders of rhenium, molybdenum…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September 2024The Crucible: September/October 2023
China’s export controls rock global antimony market
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2024Antimony prices have been on a rapid uptrend since Beijing announced the addition of antimony and some of its products to China’s export licensing scheme from 15 September, and with…
-
CrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: September 2024
Nuclear Propulsion in Space
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2024View from North America Dear MMTA Members, Good afternoon from Cleveland Heights, Ohio this Labor Day. And it is quite stunning weather here: sun shining, not too hot and…
-
CrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: September 2024
Time to take notice of niobium
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2024There has been a noticeable uptick in interest in niobium of late. In our view, this is worth pondering. Niobium is a rarely used metal, with annual consumption amounting to…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September 2024
Molybdenum market movements focus on China
by Polina Sparks September 30, 2024A robust Chinese domestic market is currently the only factor supporting molybdenum spot prices, with the European market failing to register any uptick in September since the return from the…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September 2024
Pricing Specialty Metals Based On Market Conditions Away From China
by Polina Sparks September 30, 2024There are many issues facing world markets for specialty metals. Most of these markets are relatively small in size. They are not sufficiently large and liquid enough to have price…
-
Uncategorized
The Importance of Metals and Minerals Inspection in Ensuring Safety and Quality
by Polina Sparks September 30, 2024Veritek Global Solutions, an MMTA member since 2022, is celebrating its 11th birthday this month. The privately-owned British company is headquartered in the UK and has its regional African head…
-
Thank you to all the US members who contributed to the MMTA consultation on the Office of US Trade Representative’s (USTR) consultation on Section 301 tariffs that included proposed 25%…
-
As we get closer to the century since the discovery of rhenium, speciality metals trader Anthony Lipmann introduces us to the extraordinary woman who identified this rare element in the…
-
CrucibleFriends of MufuliraThe Crucible: August 2024
Drought and electricity shortages – but Mufulira battles on
by Polina Sparks August 23, 2024Perhaps I should not alienate all our Crucible readers at once by suggesting that most of us are, shall we say, rather spoilt. While I would be the first to…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: August 2024
Tantalum smelters wary of DRC, Rwanda sourcing
by Polina Sparks August 30, 2024Conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and an ongoing dispute between two due diligence organisations has made global tantalum smelters more wary of sourcing material from DRC and…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: August 2024
The tungsten price rollercoaster: what is behind the ups and downs?
by Polina Sparks August 30, 2024Tungsten prices rose to their highest peak in a decade in May this year. In this article for The Crucible, Project Blue explores the factors driving this development. Tungsten concentrate…
-
View from North America Dear Members Good afternoon from Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Now back from St Andrews, Rome, London and Ipswich. Mongolia OK, surely someone must know. I am most…
-
Dear MMTA Members, Welcome to the June issue of the Crucible, the magazine of the Minor Metals Trade Association. Looking ahead to LME Week Before we dive into the news…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: June 2024
Supply constraints push antimony prices to record high
by Polina Sparks July 4, 2024An extreme supply shortage since April has led to the sharpest price rally ever recorded in the antimony market since Fastmarkets started pricing the metal back in the early 1980s. …
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: January 2020The Crucible: January 2023The Crucible: June 2024
Electric vehicle demand faces geopolitical turbulence
by Polina Sparks July 4, 2024New US and EU tariffs on Chinese EV supply chains look to further isolate China from its EV ambitions Against a backdrop of slowing electric vehicle (EV) demand growth, the…
-
Notes from the Other Side Retired metal merchant, Anthony Lipmann, illuminates trading for the young entering the world of metals. When I was young in the 1960s our schoolteacher…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: June 2024
The MMTA’s public consultation response to Request for Comments
by Polina Sparks July 4, 2024Proposed Modifications to the Section 301 Actions (Docket Number USTR-2024-0007) In June the US Trade Representative consulted on proposed additions to the USTR’s Section 301’s 25% import duties, including HTS…
-
Mongolia+ Dear Members, You may remember that, in my last missive, I indicated that I was off to Mongolia with my son (his graduation present). Well, 20,000 miles of international…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: June 2024
MMTA members receive King’s Award for Enterprise
by Polina Sparks July 4, 2024As we reported in the May Crucible, MMTA members ICD Europe and Advanced Alloy Services became proud recipients of the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. Now in their…
-
The MMTA was delighted in June to welcome AMG Chrome Limited as its member. Part of the AMG Critical Materials NV group, AMG Chrome is a world-renowned supplier of specialty…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: June 2023The Crucible: June 2024
Finders aren’t keepers in a salvaged silver case
by Polina Sparks July 4, 2024Amid the perilous egg-and-spoon race for seabed exploration, we don’t often get a chance to focus on a more traditional kind of hunting for precious metals on the seabed. Associated…
-
London calling Notice provisions should not become a “technical minefield to be navigated” Contracts often include provisions barring claims unless no-tice is given within a specified time limit, thereby…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: June 2024
EU Policy highlights from CRM Alliance
by Polina Sparks July 4, 2024The EU CRM Act entered into force on 23 May 2024 Following its entry into force on 23 May 2024, the European Commission has published an FAQ on the Critical…
-
Dear MMTA Members, Welcome to your May edition of the Crucible magazine, This is its first issue since the MMTA’s International Minor Metals Conference and AGM took place in Singapore…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: May 2024
Metal markets take stock of new US tariffs on China
by Polina Sparks May 31, 2024On 14th May 2024 the Office of the US Trade Representative announced a plan to introduce or increase duties on a range of Chinese imports as it looks to onshore…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: May 2024
International Minor Metals Conference 2024
by Polina Sparks May 31, 202417-19 April 2024, Singapore In 2024, the MMTA International Minor Metals Conference moved away from Europe and North America of recent years and headed to Singapore. Taking the main…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: May 2024
Strong indium buying in China and cuts to Western production stir up market
by Polina Sparks May 31, 2024In the last month the indium market has soared on a supply shortage caused by disruptions to production outside of Chi-na and increased buying in China bringing an end to…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: May 2024Trade Issues
The Nickel Market and Russia Sanctions — limited impact, turns focus to China
by Polina Sparks May 31, 2024S&P Global Commodity Insights dives into the impact of the recent US and UK government sanctions on Russian-origin metal in the nickel market. In April 2024, the US and UK…
-
CPM Group recently attended both the Minor Metals Trade Association (MMTA) and Metal Events Rare Earths (MERE) meetings in Singapore. Along with the valuable opportunity to reconnect with people sometimes…
-
CrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsResourcesThe Crucible: May 2024
View from North America — Beryllium in Space
by Polina Sparks May 31, 2024Dear Members, Before moving on, in my next piece, to such topics as space mining and ion propulsion drives, I thought it would be fun to take a brief…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: May 2024
Nickel and Stainless Steel assets — Key takeaways from CRU’s visit to Indonesia’s Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP)
by Polina Sparks May 31, 2024This insight summarises CRU’s key takeaways from a recent research trip to nickel and stainless steel assets in Indonesia. In late March, CRU was invited to visit the Indonesia Morowali…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: May 2024
ICD Europe gets new gong for International Trade
by Polina Sparks May 31, 2024MMTA member ICD Europe Ltd, a leading global expert in the procurement, processing and supply of specialised metals and alloys has been recognised for its exceptional achievements in international trade…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: May 2024
Advanced Alloy Services receives its first King’s Award
by Polina Sparks May 31, 2024Advanced Alloy Services Ltd , a proud Yorkshire company, recycling expert and MMTA member has been honoured for its achievements in global trade. In May the company received its…
-
In May, the Minor Metals Trade Association welcomed three new members. Several membership applications were also submitted to the MMTA board and membership for approval. We are pleased to announced…
-
The Minor Metals Trade Association held its Annual General Meeting on 18th April 2024 in Singapore. The following members were elected or re-elected to the board of the Association Chris…
-
András Szép (1957-2024), was one of a group of talented metal merchants who came to prominence – and survived – from the era of 1990s post-communism. I came to know…
-
The Minor Metals Trade Association is sorry to inform our members of the recent passing of Peter Dugdale, founder and managing director of MMTA member Veritek Global Solutions Nigeria Ltd.…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible: May 2024
EU Critical Raw Materials Act published
by Polina Sparks May 3, 2024The European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act was published today in the Official Journal of the European Commission and comes in to force on 23 May. Read the full text…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationResourcesThe Crucible: May 2024Trade Issues
TCG plenary session on 7 March 2024 – summary
by Polina Sparks May 31, 2024The European Commission’s Trade Contact Group (TCG) met on 7 March and : i) discussed potential scenarios that may occur under new EU customs rules (if adopted); ii)(ii) updated the…
-
CrucibleResourcesThe Crucible: May 2024Trade Issues
Sidley Update: EU Customs Reform
by Polina Sparks May 31, 2024Proposed EU Customs Reform Significantly Changes Approach to Customs Checks and Processes On May 17, 2023, the European Commission (Commission) presented a landmark proposal for the most ambitious reform…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: April 2024
Welcome to the Crucible Conference edition
by Polina Sparks April 18, 2024The MMTA International Minor Metals Conference 2024 In this issue you will find information about the MMTA’s International Minor Metals Conference, including programme and speakers and members standing for…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: April 2024
The global energy transition depends on mining – but are we going to make it in time?
by Polina Sparks April 18, 2024An excellent man, like precious metal, is in every way invariable (John Locke, philosopher 1632 – 1704) In this op-ed for The Crucible, Ingrid Putkonen, Managing Director and Founder of…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: April 2024
Less Common Metals — building a sustainable REE supply chain
by Polina Sparks April 18, 2024MMTA member Less Common Metals, a British producer of rare earth magnetic alloys, has had a busy year. The MMTA caught up with LCM general manager Aaron Riley to ask…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: April 2024
MMTA International Minor Metals Conference – Programme and Speakers
by Polina Sparks April 18, 2024Welcome to Singapore! Here are this week’s conference schedule and speakers: Conference Schedule Wednesday 17 April 2024 07.30hrs – 15:30hrs Golf Tournament kindly sponsored by ICD Group will take place at the…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: April 2024
Battery demand reshaping the manganese market
by Polina Sparks April 18, 2024Less than 1% of the 20 million-tonne manganese produced each year is used in batteries, but the battery industry is disrupting the manganese market as increases to demand from the…
-
In this opinion piece, Caroline Messecar, Strategic Markets Editor for technology metals, Fastmarkets, delves deeply into the complex, confusing and sometimes counter-intuitive world of rare earth commodity prices. And she…
-
Recent reporting on conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), based in part on the UN Security Council’s Group of Experts report of December 2023 and in part…
-
The DoE Delivers, Australia goes to the Middle East and Governments Look at Space Dear Members I’m just back from a monster (for me) European trip — nearly three weeks…
-
News spotlight In the last two weeks of March, representatives form 36 member countries of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the UN regulator tasked with protecting marine life in international…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: April 2024
EU magnesium prices fall below $3,000/t threshold
by Polina Sparks April 18, 2024European magnesium prices have been under acute pressure since the start of the year because of oversupply in China and weak demand in domestic and international markets, leading in-warehouse Rotterdam…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: April 2024
Metal Trading for the young in South West England
by Polina Sparks April 18, 2024Retired metal merchant, Anthony Lipmann, illuminates trading for the young entering the world of metals. It’s all very well giving unwanted advice to the young via this column (as…
-
CrucibleFriends of MufuliraThe Crucible: April 2024
Debt and drought threaten Zambia
by Polina Sparks April 18, 2024FOM work never so vital At the end of April our first elective of 2024, a medical student from the University of Edinburgh, travels to Mufulira in Zambia. She will…
-
The Minor Metals Trade Association’s Annual General Meeting is taking place on Thursday 18th April ahead of the first conference session. The following MMTA members are standing for election to…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: April 2024
Lithium: The Way Forward for Carbon Footprinting
by Polina Sparks April 18, 2024ILiA publishes the first guidance to determine the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) of lithium products In this article, first published in its magazine, The Lithium Voice, the International Lithium Association…
-
Dear MMTA Members, Welcome to your February-March edition of the MMTA magazine, the Crucible. After the Lunar New Year holidays in February, that are already feeling like a lifetime ago,…
-
View from North America Dear Members, I trust this missive finds everybody safe and well. Polina and I have been chatting over several weeks and have come up with a…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: February/March 2024
Iron phosphate redefines preferences in the battery raw materials
by Polina Sparks March 11, 2024Amid the global energy transition, battery-grade iron phosphate has captured increasing market interest as the precursor used to make lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. LFP demand is growing from electric…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: February/March 2024
To be, or not to be, an agent
by Polina Sparks March 11, 2024Notes from the other side Retired metal merchant, Anthony Lipmann, illuminates trading for the young entering the world of metals. His entire family from the east of Poland had been…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: February/March 2024
MMTA News: Join the MMTA Board
by Polina Sparks March 11, 2024Join the MMTA board At the forthcoming MMTA AGM on 18th April elections will be held for new members joining the MMTA board. The MMTA would greatly welcome applications from…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: February/March 2024
ICD Group to Launch Australia’s First Dedicated Superalloy Processing Facility
by Polina Sparks March 11, 2024ICD Group, global leaders in the recycling, manufacturing and distribution of speciality materials, has announced the formation of a new subsidiary, ICD Superalloys Australia Pty Ltd. ICD Superalloys Australia will…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: February/March 2024
Innovate UK partners with LCM and Xplore!
by Polina Sparks March 11, 2024Xplore! Science Discovery Centre to deliver educational workshops on rare earth metals for green technology The ‘Mine to Magnet’ School Workshop, the first of its kind, has received funding from…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible: February/March 2024Trade Issues
Russian Sanctions— EU 12th Package and UK updates
by Polina Sparks March 11, 2024What the shipping industry should be aware of The European Union’s 12th package of sanctions against Rus-sia has come into force on 19 February 2024, following adop-tion by the European…
-
Bluestone Metals & Chemicals joins the MMTA Bluestone Metals & Chemicals, part of the SMR – Specialty Metals Resources Group, has joined the MMTA. Established in 2014, Bluestone is a…
-
It is with deep sadness that we share with you the news of the sudden passing of Jim McCombie on 17th February 2024. Jim was a veteran of the minor…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: February/March 2024
Proceedings of the World Magnesium Conference 2023
by Polina Sparks March 11, 2024As the International Magnesium Association looks ahead to the 2024 World Conference, we’re sharing some highlights from the World Conference in 2023, held in Calgary. The conference provided a comprehensive…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: February/March 2024Waste and Recycling
European Union policy briefings – March 2024
by Polina Sparks March 11, 2024In this section we bring you the latest briefings from our partner association, the CRM Alliance on legislative developments in the European union that impact of critical raw material industries…
-
Happy New Year 2024 And welcome to this year’s first edition of the Crucible. As we look forward to 2024, new regulations are already coming into play that encompass…
-
CrucibleFriends of MufuliraThe Crucible: January 2024
Some positive signs for Mufulira in 2024
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2024What, you may ask, drives us at the MMTAs Charity, Friends of Mufulira, to plug away to support the community in Mufulira, Zambia? Perhaps anyone attending the MMTAs anniversary dinner…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: January 2024
Impact of graphite export restrictions in China
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2024China imposes graphite export restrictions Export restrictions on key anode materials highlight the dominance of China in the battery sector, and the case for localised supply chains In October 2023,…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: January 2024
Platinum Group Metals Face Generational Shifts
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2024The six Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) represent a diverse set of metals. They share many chemical and physical properties, including being noble metals resistant to being corrupted by common acids.…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: January 2024
The MMTA is hiring: Membership Administrative Assistant
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2024The Minor Metals Trade Association is looking for an Administration Assistant to support the Association’s activities. The Association is looking for an organised and pro-active Administrative Assistant to take on…
-
Notes from the other side Retired metal merchant Anthony Lipmann illuminates trading for the young entering the world of metals. So, you’ve been offered your first job – terrific!…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: January 2024
TuocaiTech high-purity Ga gets customer approval
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2024MMTA member TuocaiTech has started the new year with a great news that, their 6N+ gallium (Ga) has been officially qualified by a premier gallium arsenide (GaAs) wafer producer outside…
-
What about 2024? Dear Members, With 2024 upon us, I thought I would look quickly at a couple of areas I shall be keeping an eye on in the coming…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: January 2024
Can increased polysilicon and silane capacity outside China compete with the existing Chinese supply chain?
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2024China’s share of global polysilicon production is estimated to have reached 90% in 2023. However, some producers located outside China are restarting production to meet increased domestic demand. Notable examples…
-
MMTA News Dan Bowman steps down Dan Bowman is stepping down as MMTA board director and the Association’s Treasurer, due to leaving MMTA member Avon Metals. The MMTA would like…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: January 2024
Follow-up CBAM measurements – CBAM reference prices for aluminium
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2024Memorandum In brief At the end of 2023, the European Commission published the list of default values for the goods affected by CBAM. Aluminium, a critical raw material (CRM),…
-
Swiss companies Tesenso and StockScan provide raw materials supply chain management solutions. In this article, they outline the service they provide, how it can help ESG compliance in the metals…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: November 2023
EU gives the green light to the CRM Act
by Polina Sparks December 15, 2023After months of deliberations, the European Parliament voted in the second week of December 2023 to adopt the Critical Raw Materials Act. The key aim of this legislation, aside from…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: November 2023
Heneken expands in South Africa and North America
by Polina Sparks December 4, 2023Heneken Group, has had a busy year in 2023, and since becoming a member of the MMTA. The Slovakian company has grown from its roots as a trader and master…
-
Welcome to the November Crucible Dear MMTA members, Welcome to your November 2023 edition of the Minor Metal Trade Association’s magazine, the Crucible. Following on from the October webinar, Mastering…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: November 2023
Rare Earths: Heading for a hangover?
by Polina Sparks December 4, 2023On the heels of the Metals Events 19th Rare Earths Conference in San Antonio, Texas, USA, in October, Andrew Matheson and Patrick Stratton, analysts at CPM Group, delve into the…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: November 2023
Why the rare earths industry needs transparency now more than ever
by Polina Sparks December 4, 2023Fastmarkets has relaunched rare earth prices and coverage after a pause of several years. The Crucible asked Strategic Markets Editor for Technology Metals, Caroline Messecar, to talk about why a…
-
CrucibleSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: November 2023
Navigating carbon reporting
by Polina Sparks December 4, 2023A beginner’s guide for minor metals professionals In a recent CarbonChain-MMTA webinar, we dived deep into the world of carbon reporting for minor metals. Here, Julie Sandilands, Head of Carbon…
-
The US Government and Critical Materials Dear MMTA Members, Good afternoon, once again from Cleveland Heights, Ohio. And it is a stunning afternoon here: crisp, bright and with…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: November 2023
The Tantalum Industry — Change is afoot
by Polina Sparks December 4, 2023The tantalum industry is a very small place, so the news that one of the major tantalum processors, Global Advanced Metals (GAM) is for sale might strike one initially as…
-
Notes from the other side Retired metal merchant, Anthony Lipmann, illuminates trading for the young entering the world of metals. Early in my career I was reproached by a…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September/October 2023
Moly market dynamics calm following historic volatility, eyes on China
by Polina Sparks October 5, 2023The molybdenum market story in 2023 has been one of volatility and uncertain demand-supply outlook. With a less dramatic downside seen from September, S & P Global here unpicks the…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September/October 2023
What’s on where in LME Week
by Polina Sparks October 6, 2023Information and Networking Events in London Monday 9th October LME Metals Seminar 2023 07.50 – 15.20 Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Broad Sanctuary, London, SW1P 3EE and online. MMTA…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September/October 2023
Navigating the niobium pricing paradox
by Polina Sparks October 5, 2023Economics is a curious discipline, a social science under a veneer of scientific and mathematical rigour. A scientific sheep in wolf’s clothing, perhaps. A synthesis of art and science. That…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September/October 2023
A quiet technological revolution: Cadmium and Tellurium
by Polina Sparks October 5, 2023Silicon-based semiconductors have dominated the ongoing “semiconductor war” between China and the West. However, in their recent technological tit-for-tat, global attention has been diverted to non-silicon-based or compound semiconductors, especially…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September/October 2023
Battery recycling taking off but primary metal production still main source of metal supply for foreseeable future
by Polina Sparks October 5, 2023By 2033, 10% of metal supply to come from battery recycling The lithium-ion battery recycling market has experienced significant growth in the past 18 months, particularly in the US and…
-
EU votes to adopt the CRM Act On 14th September the European Parliament voted by an overwhelming majority to adopt the Critical Raw Materials Act. The amended act adds aluminium…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September/October 2023
Australia: Closing the geoscience education gap
by Polina Sparks October 5, 2023As Tom Butcher reports in this issue of The Crucible, by 2026, Australia is projected to need 24,400 more workers in its mining industry. But the numbers of graduates on …
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September/October 2023
VIEW FROM NORTH AMERICA
by Polina Sparks October 5, 2023Miners Face Talent Shortage—Part 2 Dear MMTA Members Good afternoon, once again Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Before continuing my look at the talent shortage facing the mining industry, here in…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September/October 2023
MPS starts ferro-titanium production in Poland
by Polina Sparks October 5, 2023In October, Ukrainian-owned company MPS Technology, is launching new ferro-titanium production in Poland. The factory in Częstochowa began operating in 2020 with two production lines dedicated to processing titanium turnings…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September/October 2023
Upcoming webinar: Mastering Carbon Accounting for Minor Metals
by Polina Sparks October 5, 2023CarbonChain Webinar, Thursday 19 October, 10-11am BST On 1 October, the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanist (CBAM) came into force in its trial phase in the European Union. Affected importers…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September/October 2023
The role of independent verification companies in supporting today’s evolving metal markets
by Polina Sparks October 5, 2023A long-standing member of the MMTA, Alfred H Knight (AHK) has enabled global trade for over 140 years. They instil trust and certainty in the global supply chain through the…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September/October 2023
China’s Ga, Ge export controls may deter EU trade
by Polina Sparks October 5, 2023In August this year, the Chinese government introduced export licencing on a range of gallium and germanium products, citing national security. Amid a lack of clarity about the impact, Argus…
-
CrucibleFriends of MufuliraThe Crucible: September/October 2023
What does the future hold for Mufulira?
by Polina Sparks October 5, 2023How medical and economic health go together The MMTAs twinned relationship with Mufulira in which we send NHS medical students to the Ronald Ross General Hospital in Zambia is multifunctional.…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September/October 2023
Thank goodness for arbitration!
by Polina Sparks October 5, 2023The history of human civilisation can be told through metal smelting, from the Copper to the Bronze to the Iron Age, and onwards. And, since civilisations are communities and economies,…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: August 2023
Australia’s ambition to supply the world’s critical minerals
by Polina Sparks September 11, 2023In June this year the Australian Government released its Critical Minerals Strategy for the period to 2030. In this guest article, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) sets out…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: August 2023
CarbonChain and MMTA partner to empower the minor metals industry in the low-carbon transition
by Polina Sparks September 11, 2023Dear Members, We are excited to announce the Minor Metals Trade Association has partnered with CarbonChain to help drive the metals industry towards a more sustainable future. CarbonChain is an…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: August 2023
What does H2 2023 look like for critical materials?
by Polina Sparks September 11, 2023As we enter the busiest trading season of the second half of 2023, Project Blue looks at what lies ahead for critical materials in the rest of 2023 The major…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: August 2023
The evolving black mass market
by Polina Sparks September 11, 2023In this article for The Crucible, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence looks at the market for the secondary battery material mix known as “black mass”, the fundamentals and forecasts that underpin its…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: August 2023
Mission Improbable: Reshaping DRC’s artisanal mining
by Polina Sparks September 11, 2023On May 1st of this year, according to press reports, soldiers of the army of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) descended on the east of the country to…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: August 2023
View from North America: Miners face talent shortage
by Polina Sparks September 11, 2023Dear Members Good Afternoon! Once again, a Sunday afternoon here in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. We have been so lucky. Maybe a few warm days (92°F or so), but nothing like…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: August 2023
Notes from the other side… The lost art of not going short
by Polina Sparks September 11, 2023Retired metal merchant, Anthony Lipmann, illuminates trading for the young entering the world of metals. Last night I dreamt I was short of …ium – a metal we…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: August 2023
MMTA 2024 Conference heads to Singapore
by Polina Sparks September 11, 2023The Minor Metals Trade Association is happy to announce that the MMTA’s International Minor Metals Conference 2024 will be held on 17-19th April 2024 at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Singapore.…
-
At the end of July, the MMTA welcomed VIMET AG as its member. Established in 2021 by traders with many years in commodity markets and logistics. VIMET AG is a…
-
The MMTA is pleased to announce out new member Corpay, a leading provider of global online payment solutions. Global businesses trust Corpay Cross-Border to power their international payments, execute plans…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: August 2023
MMTA welcomes Shuyan Peng to Asia Committee
by Polina Sparks September 11, 2023The MMTA is delighted to welcome Shuyan Peng, Supply Chain Manager, Indium Corp to its Asia Committee and looks forward to her valuable input as committee member. Ahead of the…
-
China brings in Ga, Ge export permitting From 1 August, the Chinese government announced that eight products related to gallium and six to germanium will require export permits, citing national…
-
Welcome to the May-June Crucible issue. With our premier annual event, the International Minor Metals Conference and the MMTA annual general meeting now behind us—see this issue for the conference…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: June 2023
MMTA International Minor Metals Conference 2023 Report
by Polina Sparks June 30, 202325-26 April 2023 Charlotte, NC, USA Day 1 – Tuesday, April 25 For delegates who had neither played golf at the Bermuda Run Country Club (kindly sponsored by ICD…
-
The Trade Journalist we deserved Trevor Tarring, who died at the end of April aged 90, was a towering figure in the metals industry, and a great friend of…
-
CrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsResourcesThe Crucible: June 2023
Niobium in batteries: When a downside can be an asset
by Polina Sparks June 30, 2023In many respects, niobium’s properties resemble those of its chemical cousin tantalum, but nearly always in a way that disappoints. Niobium is chemically resistant to mineral acids, it can…
-
CrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: June 2023
Critical materials underpinning energy transition: vanadium
by Polina Sparks June 30, 2023What makes vanadium critical? Vanadium ranks 10/40 in Project Blue’s Critical Materials Risk Index (CMRI) 2022. Concerns over vanadium supply availability are underpinned by its co-product nature. Vanadium feedstock…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: June 2023
China: Tungsten 2022 Market Review and 2023 Outlook
by Polina Sparks June 30, 2023Price and output analysis In 2022, China tightened rules on environmental protection and operational safety. Since Pan-Asia APT inventory was nearly exhausted, and the inventory of various Chinese enterprises was…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: June 2023
MMTA AGM 2023: Members elected to the MMTA Board
by Polina Sparks June 30, 2023The MMTA thanks Simon Boon and Chris Edler, who stepped down from the board at the 2023 AGM after both serving a nine-year term, for their invaluable service to the…
-
CrucibleFriends of MufuliraThe Crucible: June 2023
A medical month in Mufulira
by Polina Sparks June 30, 2023MMTA Charity Update Anthony Lipmann reports on the resumption of MMTAs Friends of Mufulira electives programme. We are, in the UK, acutely aware of criticism of our health system.…
-
Rachel Carnac pays tribute to Trevor Tarring I always remember being at Metal Bulletin for about three weeks and Trevor asking me for an update on the copper concentrates…
-
Polina Sparks recalls Trevor Tarring’s newsroom At the old Metal Bulletin offices in Lower Marsh, Trevor’s presence and guidance were always felt, even once he stepped back from the…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: April 2023
Hold the date for upcoming MMTA events
by Polina Sparks April 21, 2023Next week (24-2 April) we look forward to welcoming our members and guests at the MMTA International Minor Metals Conference in Charlotte, NC, USA. Join us for our Anniversary Reception…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: April 2023
News in Brief – End Markets Roundup
by Polina Sparks April 21, 2023Aerospace US aircraft manufacturer Boeing delivered 64 commercial jets to its customers in March, making it the second best month in the past two years after the end-of-year push in…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleResourcesThe Crucible: April 2023
A critical time for European lithium
by Polina Sparks April 21, 2023The European Union’s new Critical Raw Materials Act is a bold step forward in securing the region’s clean energy supply chains. Here, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence looks at how the Act’s…
-
Glencore woos Teck As this issue of the Crucible was heading to print, Swiss commodities giant Glencore sweetened its takeover approach to Canadian miner Teck Resources, which looked determined to…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleResourcesThe Crucible: April 2023
Critical materials underpinning energy transition: Lithium
by Polina Sparks April 21, 2023Project Blue looks at the evolving role of lithium in energy transition, and the opportunities and challenges that make lithium this decade’s key critical raw material This month we…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: April 2023
What’s in store for the next 50 years?
by Polina Sparks April 21, 2023Notes from the other side Retired metal merchant, Anthony Lipmann, illuminates trading for the young entering the world of metals. In the March issue of the Crucible, we delved…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: April 2023
LCM expands its REE offering with Terbium, Dysprosium iron
by Polina Sparks April 21, 2023Less Common Metals, based in the UK, is one of a handful of companies in the Western world commercially producing the highly specialised strip cast alloys and HD powders needed…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: April 2023
View from North America: Partners or Friends?
by Polina Sparks April 21, 2023Dear Members Good Morning! Once again, a Sunday morning here in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. The weather’s actually quite decent at the moment: a bit of a change. Although we still…
-
We are delighted that MMTA’s Friends of Mufulira charity has resumed bursaries this year to send four final year medical students for their overseas elective. The first two, Niamh Johnson…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: April 2023
Glencore in Li-ion Battery recycling partnership in Spain, Portugal
by Polina Sparks April 21, 2023Global natural resources Glencore, a major producer, recycler, and marketer of key battery metals, has announced an intention to partner, jointly with FCC Ámbito and Iberdrola, on establishing a lithium-ion…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: April 2023
Members standing for election to the MMTA board
by Polina Sparks April 21, 2023Stephen Hall, Advanced Alloy Services Ltd Standing for re election to the MMTA Board and for the position of Chair Stephen Hall graduated with Materials Science and Engineering Honours Degree…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: March 2023
The last 50 years – a short look into the minute book
by Polina Sparks March 31, 2023Notes from the other side: Retired metal merchant, Anthony Lipmann, illuminates trading for the young entering the world of metals. The inaugural meeting of The Minor Metals Traders* Association (now…
-
Welcome to the March issue of The Crucible. In the February issue you might have read Tom Butcher’s Letter from North America on the increasingly trendy concept of “friend-shoring”. This…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: March 2023
Energy transition and metal requirements — a realistic assessment
by Polina Sparks March 31, 2023In Part 2 of this series for The Crucible, analysts Andrew Matheson and Patrick Stratton of CPM Group examine what transport electrification means for minor metals CPM Group analysts…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: March 2023
Declining supply supports molybdenum prices
by Polina Sparks March 31, 2023Molybdenum is consumed in a broad array of chemical and metallurgical applications spanning the energy, transport, construction, chemical, medical and electronics industries. CRU’s Samuel Hayes discusses the ongoing supply deficit and…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: March 2023
Critical materials underpinning energy transition: dysprosium & terbium
by Polina Sparks March 31, 2023This month Project Blue is looking more closely at two of the rare earths underpinning energy transition: dysprosium and terbium. Dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb) are two elements that form…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: March 2023
China: Molybdenum prices hit 17-year high on tight supply
by Polina Sparks March 31, 2023Molybdenum is an important industrial raw material. Due to molybdenum’s high strength, high melting point, resistance to corrosion and abrasion and other characteristics, stainless steel’ corrosion resistance can be improved…
-
A “Pincer” Movement to Secure Supply Chains? Dear Members Good Morning! Once again, a Sunday morning here in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. The weather’s actually quite decent at the moment:…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationResourcesThe Crucible: March 2023
EU Trade Contact Group plenary session
by Polina Sparks March 31, 2023The TCG held its plenary session on 28 February. Julia Tiskowiec summarises the proceedings for the MMTA. EU Customs Reform Aim: The upcoming customs reform is described as a…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: March 2023
UK and Canada partner on critical minerals
by Polina Sparks March 6, 2023The UK and Canadian governments today unveiled a co-operation agreement on critical minerals such as cobalt and lithium, vital to modern and green technologies, from solar panels to electric vehicles.…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: February 2023
Celebrate MMTA’s 50th anniversary with us!
by Polina Sparks February 27, 2023Join us for the MMTA’s 50th anniversary reception with outdoor games on the terrace of Grand Bohemian Hotel in Charlotte, NC, at 6pm on Tuesday 24 April, at the opening…
-
In Part 1 of this series for The Crucible analysts Andrew Matheson and Patrick Stratton of CPM Group tackle the tension at the heart of Net Zero’s reliance on minor…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: February 2023
Five tips to become the perfect metal merchant
by Polina Sparks February 27, 2023Notes from the other side… Retired metal merchant, Anthony Lipmann, illuminates trading for the young entering the world of metals. I’m often asked what skills are required to be…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: February 2023
Cobalt and nickel supply chains reshaped by Indonesian investments
by Polina Sparks February 27, 2023Indonesia’s ascendance to the heart of the lithium-ion battery supply chain has been incredible; a rise that has fundamentally challenged many of the mining industry’s long-held beliefs. To…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: February 2023
Scandinavian Steel signs molybdenum MoU with Greenland Resources
by Polina Sparks February 27, 2023MMTA member Scandinavian Steel has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) for long-term molybdenum supply with Canadian-based Greenland Resources from the latter’s Malmbjerg project in Greenland. …
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: February 2023
Navigating supply constraints for high-temp metals
by Polina Sparks February 27, 2023Several high-temperature minor metal markets are emerging from a volatile few months, with hafnium and molybdenum prices surging as supply constraints bite, while niobium and tantalum navigate a more gradual…
-
Major moves in Michigan As mentioned in the January Crucible, lithium never sleeps. And neither does the rampant new trend of onshoring, and “friend-shoring”, heralded in particular by North America…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: February 2023
News in Brief — End Markets Roundup
by Polina Sparks February 27, 2023Aerospace A more than £2bn increase in turnover at Rolls-Royce, yielding higher operating profits in 2022, boosted its shares even as the new ceo. Ex-BP Tufan Erginbilgic, sounded a warning…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: February 2023
Sustainability and ESG Committee
by Polina Sparks February 27, 2023MMTA News In light of our work progress over the past year and current priorities, the MMTA board has decided to retire the News Spot-light Group and to reconvene…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: February 2023
Karolina Jackiewicz joins CCMA
by Polina Sparks February 27, 2023MMTA member CCMA is pleased to announce the hiring of Karolina Jackiewicz as Trader – Special Metals, Europe. Karolina will add to CCMA’s growing international presence in the area…
-
Friend-shoring? Yes, friend-shoring. Dear Members Good Morning! Another Sunday morning here in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Rather than looking out on a world covered in snow and nippy…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleLegislation and RegulationResourcesThe Crucible: February 2023
Public policy consultations – European Union
by Polina Sparks February 27, 20232023 Strategic Foresight Report—deadline 13 March The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to inform its 2023 Strategic Foresight Report. This report is published every year, and…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationResourcesThe Crucible: February 2023
London calling… Safety trumps instructions
by Polina Sparks February 27, 2023In a recent case, the High Court considered* whether a vessel owner could disregard a charterer’s voyage instruction without interrupting demurrage. The dispute centred around two instances where…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible: February 2023
London calling… When “reserving your rights” may not be enough
by Polina Sparks February 27, 2023Two relatively recent cases remind us of the possible limits of “reserving your rights” in certain situations. For Mr Justice Baker, in the 2018 case Phones 4u Ltd (In…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationResourcesThe Crucible: February 2023
London calling… Exclusion does not exclude wasted expenditure
by Polina Sparks February 27, 2023The Court of Appeal held that an exclusion of liability clause did not prohibit a claim for wasted expenditure. The clause in the spotlight was as follows: “… neither…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: December 2017The Crucible: January 2023
News in Brief
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2023In 2023 the MMTA celebrates its 50th anniversary Happy New Year! Dear MMTA members, We would like to start this 2023 issue of by wishing you a happy and…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: January 2023
For want of a nail…
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2023In this article for The Crucible, analysts Andrew Matheson and Patrick Stratton of CPM Group home in on Hafnium, that most minor of minor metals. Don’t judge a market…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleLegislation and RegulationResourcesSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: January 2023
Letter from North America
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2023Resources: Protect of Promote? Dear Members. Good Morning and a very Happy New Year! This Sunday morning, here in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, I am looking out on only a little…
-
CrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: January 2023
Critical materials underpinning energy transition – Scandium
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2023In this submission to the Crucible on the subject of critical materials underpinning energy transition, Project Blue focusses on scandium. What makes scandium critical? Scandium ranks 24/40 in Project…
-
Retired metal merchant, Anthony Lipmann, illuminates trading for the young entering the world of metals. Sheffield and Donetsk ̶ more in common than you think My godfather was…
-
CrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsResourcesThe Crucible: January 2023
Selenium industry developments in China
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2023Selenium is a non-metallic element, but it also belongs with minor metals. It can be used as a photosensitive material, decolourising agent in glass, electrolytic manganese industry catalyst,…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: January 2023
News in Brief – End Markets Roundup
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2023Aerospace Airbus overtook Boeing on aircraft deliveries in 2022 by 38%, despite falling short of its 700 planes target , which it gave up as unrealistic before the year end.…
-
In January, we are pleased to welcome our newest member, Heneken Group. Based in Bratislava, Slovakia, Heneken started as a trading company in 2007 trading aluminum and its alloys. Continuous…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: December 2017The Crucible: January 2023
Neveah Limited joins the MMTA
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2023In December, the MMTA welcomed Neveah Limited as a new member. Headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, Neveah Limited engages in the Export of both base and Minor metals. Its product offerings…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: January 2023
The China Strategic Metals Forum 2022
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2023Report by China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, CNIA The China Strategic Minor Metals Forum was hosted by China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association and co-organized by Zhuzhou Keneng New…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: January 2023
Karolina Jackiewicz is moving on
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2023Karolina Jackiewicz has informed us that she is leaving MMTA member Lipmann Walton. She is relocating from the UK to the Netherlands, and we very much look forward to hearing…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationResourcesThe Crucible: January 2023
Legal Insights: London calling…
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2023CA holds that express wording not required to release fraud in a settlement agreement Background MRL referred a case to the Court of Appeal in relation to the…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationResourcesThe Crucible: January 2023Trade Issues
London calling…. Pay now, argue later
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2023“Pay now, argue later” clause survives legal challenge Upholding the terms of a partial final award of an arbitration tribunal, the English High Court has found* that a…
-
CrucibleSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: January 2023
EU Raw Materials Week 2022
by Polina Sparks January 31, 2023Report from the Critical Raw Materials Association 15 November 2022 5th EU Critical Raw Materials Event Kamila Slupek, Sustainability Director, Eurometaux Ms. Slupek presented Eurometaux’ study with KU…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleLegislation and RegulationMinor Metals and ApplicationsSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: November 2022
News in Brief
by Polina Sparks November 30, 2022Go, Go, Gallium After several false starts, NASA’s Artemis I mission took off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on 16 November, the first in a series of complex missions…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: November 2022
REETec secures investment for first industrial rare earths plant
by Polina Sparks December 1, 2022Norwegian-based manufacturer rare earth elements (REE) manufacturer REETec, has raised € 115mln ($119mln) financing to build an industrial scale plant for separating rare earths in Herøya, near Porsgrunn in Norway.…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleThe Crucible: November 2022
Less Common Metals: A UK Magnet Plant to serve automotive and wind turbines could be established by 2025
by Polina Sparks November 30, 2022A feasibility study carried out by Less Common Metals (LCM) has confirmed that it is feasible to establish a rare earth per-manent magnet production facility in the UK to service…
-
CrucibleMMTA Member newsThe Crucible: November 2022
Member profile: London Chemicals and Resources
by Polina Sparks December 1, 2022MMTA member London Chemicals and Resources Ltd has been recognised by the latest Plimsoll industry analysis as one of the UK’s top 100 Chemical Distributors in terms of size,…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: November 2022
MMTA welcomes new Academic Affiliate members
by Polina Sparks December 1, 2022In October, we welcomed Coventry University as the MMTA’s first Academic Affiliate member. The university is committed to Education for Sustainable Development, and since 2015 has retained the Responsible Futures…
-
CrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: November 2022
Hafnium prices surge as concerns build
by Polina Sparks November 25, 2022Hafnium prices have surged since September as firm demand from the aerospace, industrial gas turbine (IGT) and semiconductor industries rapidly outpaces supply, and buyers attempt to navigate this notoriously illiquid…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: November 2022
Chris Brozowski joins the MMTA Board
by Polina Sparks November 30, 2022Chris Brzozowski, commercial director of ICD Europe Ltd has been approved to join the MMTA Board of Directors, subject to his board membership being ratified by the MMTA members at…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible: November 2022
CRM Alliance: Position paper on EU Critical Raw Materials Act
by Polina Sparks November 30, 2022Following the announcement of the proposed EU Critical Raw Materials Act (see The Crucible, September 2022), the European Commission invited views on the proposed legislation (see The Crucible, October 2022)…
-
Good Morning! This Sunday morning, here in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, I am looking out on around six inches of pristine snow. We have been hit by part of a large…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: November 2022
News in Brief – End Markets Roundup
by Polina Sparks December 1, 2022Aerospace Supply chain deliveries have plague both US aircraft manufacturer Boeing and its European rival Airbus this year, and deliveries continue to be running late as the end of year…
-
Part 10: Standing at the threshold Retired metal merchant, Anthony Lipmann, illuminates trading for the young entering the world of metals. As you pause at the threshold of your career,…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible: November 2022Trade Issues
MMTA Notice: UK Russian sanctions
by Polina Sparks December 1, 2022Following UK sanctions placed on Russian businessman Iskander Makhmudov on 26 September, the MMTA has sought clarification from the Department for International Trade on implications for trading with the businessman’s…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible: November 2022
London calling: Mind the swap
by Polina Sparks December 1, 2022In a recent judgment1, the English Court found that interest rate swap transactions (“IRS”) entered into by the Municipality of Venice (“Venice”) were void, in that Venice lacked capacity…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsResourcesThe Crucible: November 2022
Project Blue Forum 2022 slides
by Polina Sparks November 7, 2022On 25 October 2022 MMTA partnered with critical minerals consultancy Project Blue for a series of insights into minor metals critical to energy transition and other strategic sectors, Project Blue Forum.…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: November 2022
Carbon calling…
by Polina Sparks November 25, 2022BIMCO publishes its CMII clause The IMO’s new carbon intensity regulations are due to come into force on 1 January 2023. To assist owners and charterers, on 17 November…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible: November 2022Trade Issues
London calling… Exclusive remedy clause may prevent termination
by Polina Sparks December 1, 2022Background K Line agreed to supply a minimum amount of business to JKL, who managed the import/export of K Line’s containers in the UK. Following a restructuring by K Line…
-
MMTA 49th Anniversary Dinner The MMTA 49th anniversary dinner will be held at 7pm on Tuesday 25 October 2022 at the magnificent De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, London. The beautiful…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible: October 2022
View from North America
by Polina Sparks October 22, 2022Dear Members I’m back! And it is great to be writing to you again. Robust supply chains for, and an adequate supply of, strategic and critical materials are, once more,…
-
Forging ahead with titanium As US seeks to cut its dependence in titanium, critical for aviation and military industries, on imports, particularly from Russia, long overdue investments in domestic…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: October 2022
Critical materials underpinning energy transition: Cobalt
by Polina Sparks October 22, 2022In this submission to the Crucible on the subject of critical materials underpinning energy transition, Project Blue focusses on cobalt. While there are numerous challenges facing the cobalt supply chain,…
-
CrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: October 2022
Trading Places: Material and Technology Substitution in the Electronic Age
by Polina Sparks October 22, 2022As one who pays superficial attention to the booming battery industry, I’m struck by the frequency with which new technologies are touted that are “set to replace lithium-ion…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationResourcesThe Crucible: October 2022
UK: Energy support for business and industry
by Polina Sparks October 24, 2022The rising fuel and energy costs have created a crunch for UK businesses and energy intensive industries in particular. The MMTA asked the department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: October 2022Waste and Recycling
Battery recycling shifts up a gear
by Polina Sparks October 24, 2022Growing demand for batteries means that significant volumes of batteries deployed to transport, portable and energy storage system applications will reach their end-of-life in the coming decades, posing the question:…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: October 2022
News in Brief — End Markets Roundup
by Polina Sparks October 22, 2022Aerospace Airbus pushed ahead of Boeing on in Q3, delivering 140 passenger aircraft including 46 in July, 39 in August and 53 in September. This compared with 112 deliveries from…
-
CrucibleFriends of MufuliraThe Crucible: October 2022
FOM resumes bursaries for medical electives travel to Zambia in 2023
by Polina Sparks October 22, 2022Whether we’re talking about metal trading or the MMTA’s medical charity, Friends of Mufulira, perseverance can make all the difference. In the case of Friends of Mufulira (FOM), we…
-
CrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: October 2022
China’s growing role in the global ITO target material market
by Polina Sparks October 22, 2022This month’s feature analysis from China Non-Ferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA) and China’s leading mining and metal industry consultancy Bejing Antaike Information examines China’s growing presence in global ITO target…
-
Part 9: Weighing words (not metal) Retired metal merchant, Anthony Lipmann, illuminates trading for the young entering the world of metals. It’s a funny old thing – the metal trade.…
-
CrucibleMMTA Member newsThe Crucible: October 2022
Wuhan Xinrong rebrands as TuocaiTech
by Polina Sparks October 18, 2022MMTA member Wuhan Xinrong New Materials Co Ltd has rebranded as TuocaiTech. TuocaiTech’s new member page is here As the world transitions to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, TuocaiTech enables the…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: October 2022
MMTA News: Resignation of board chair
by Polina Sparks October 24, 2022We regret to inform you that the MMTA board has received the resignation of Donna Vareha-Walsh as chair of the MMTA, effective from 7th October 2022. Donna has moved to…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: October 2022
MMTA News: John Porter joins the MMTA Board of Directors
by Polina Sparks October 24, 2022We are pleased to announce that John E Porter has been approved to join the MMTA Board of Directors. His position is subject to being ratified at the MMTA’s next…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationResourcesThe Crucible: October 2022
London calling: can crypto be security
by Polina Sparks October 24, 2022Can crypto be security? In Tulip Trading v Bitcoin Association for BSV,[1] the High Court considered whether to order security in the form of digital assets such as Bitcoin. Background…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationResourcesThe Crucible: October 2022Trade Issues
MMTA notice: New UK Russia sanctions
by Polina Sparks October 24, 2022On 26 September, the UK government placed new sanctions in connection with the war in Ukraine on several Russian businessmen “for supporting or obtaining benefit from the Government of Russia…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationResourcesThe Crucible: October 2022
London calling…Commercial court enforces pro-arbitration position
by Polina Sparks October 24, 2022Background The case arose out of a JV for the operation of a Russian coalmine with 3 investors, including NDK, which held a 75% share in an SPV registered in…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September 2022
MMTA remembers HM Queen Elizabeth II
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2022The MMTA and its membership are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned as Monarch of the United Kingdom for almost 70 years. The…
-
The Crucible: September 2022
Umicore opens Europe’s first gigafactory
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2022On 21 September 2022, global materials technology and recycling company Umicore inaugurated Europe’s first gigafactory — its new plant producing cathode active materials for electric vehicles in Nysa, Poland. This…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible February/March 2018The Crucible: September 2022Trade Issues
News in Brief
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2022With high gas and electricity prices battering Europe, UK and EU governments announced winter support, including temporary caps on prices for domestic and business consumers. EU measures unveiled on…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleLegislation and RegulationResourcesThe Crucible: September 2022
Can the US meet critical mineral requirements of the Inflation Reduction Act?
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2022The passing of the US Inflation Reduction Act puts US automakers under pressure to localise their battery raw material supply in North America or secure supply from countries such as…
-
The Crucible: September 2022Uncategorized
Notes from the other side…
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2022Retired metal merchant, Anthony Lipmann, illuminates trading for the young entering the world of metals. Part 9: Making mistakes There’s a theory that making mistakes is great for…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September 2022
News in Brief – End Markets Roundup
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2022Aerospace After a two-year pause, Boeing resumed deliveries of its 787 Dreamliner after recertification. This helped take Boeing total aircraft deliveries to 35 in August from 26 in July and…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsMinor Metals and ApplicationsResourcesThe Crucible: September 2022
Critical materials underpinning energy transition: Antimony
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2022This month Project Blue takes a look at the previous poster child of critical materials: antimony. Antimony, mainly used in flame retardant and lead-acid batteries has lost its position as…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleLegislation and RegulationResourcesThe Crucible: September 2022Trade Issues
ITSCI and the Congo – a long look back
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2022CPM Group is an independent commodities research, consulting, and investment banking advisory company headquartered in New York. In this analysis, CPM’s tantalum market experts Andrew Matheson and Patrick Stratton dig…
-
CrucibleMMTA Member newsResourcesSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: September 2022
The importance of ESG in the Rare Earth industry
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2022A-level student Rachel Higgins recently spent two weeks on work experience at MMTA member company, UK rare earth processor Less Common Metals. There she divided her time between different departments…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationResourcesThe Crucible: September 2022Trade IssuesWaste and Recycling
MMTA Note: Italy – radiometric checks on metals
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2022It has come to the MMTA’s attention that some members have experienced delays this year in getting their metal shipments cleared through Italian customs as they required additional radiometric testing.…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationMMTA Member newsThe Crucible: September 2022Waste and Recycling
RWM & Letsrecyclelive exhibition roundup
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2022A collaboration between the two leading UK industry events, this years’ RWM & Letsrecycle Live joined up to form the UK’s single largest event for the recycling, resource and wider…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September 2022
DoD funds antimony production study in Idaho
by Polina Sparks September 20, 2022The US Department of Defense has awarded two grants worth $200,000 to Perpetua Resources to study the potential for military-grade antimony production from its Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho. If…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: September 2022
Pensana partners with Polestar on climate neutral car project
by Polina Sparks September 20, 2022UK-based prospective rare earth producer Pensana has partnered with Volvo’s electric vehicles spin-off Polestar on its project to create the first truly climate-neutral car by 2030. The scope of the…
-
CrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsResourcesSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: September 2022
Is ammonia the future of long-distance hydrogen transport?
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2022HFW Briefing The Paris Agreement 2015 established that, if the global increase in average temperatures is to be halted, nations would need to reduce their greenhouse emissions.1 As…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible: September 2022
London Calling… Privilege prevails
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2022The Court of Appeal has recently considered and upheld a previous High Court decision, finding that a firm of solicitors were not able to rely on privileged communications with…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationResourcesThe Crucible: September 2022Trade Issues
London calling… filling the interest gap
by Polina Sparks September 29, 2022The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 implies a term into certain business contracts for the supply of goods and services so to allow a creditor a right…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleLegislation and RegulationSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: July/August 2022Trade IssuesWaste and Recycling
The UK Critical Minerals Strategy
by Polina Sparks August 26, 2022The UK government’s new Critical Minerals Strategy aims to safeguard the UK’s supply security for critical raw materials. The strategy will be informed by the newly set up Critical Minerals…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleLegislation and RegulationSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: July/August 2022Trade Issues
News in Brief
by Polina Sparks August 26, 2022To the Moon and back Further to June’s space exploration highlights, August saw NASA readying its Artemis Moon mission for launch. The Space Launch System rocket pictured here will send…
-
CrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: July/August 2022
News in Brief — End Market Round-up
by Polina Sparks August 26, 2022Aerospace This year it was the turn of Farnborough in the UK to host the International Airshow, and Boeing was the clear winner on order numbers. During the show, Boeing…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleThe Crucible: July/August 2022
Critical materials underpinning energy transition: Rare Earths
by Polina Sparks August 26, 2022This month we are diving deep into one of the most politically topical critical materials underpinning energy transition: rare earths. While not gaining attention as a battery raw material, rare…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: July/August 2022
Lithium batteries and niobium supply
by Polina Sparks August 26, 2022The electric vehicle (EV) revolution has transformed the outlook for a host of minor metals, none more so than lithium. There are a wide range of opinions and projections as…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleThe Crucible: July/August 2022
Pensana ramps up rare earth plans
by Polina Sparks August 26, 2022The UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy was launched in July at the ground breaking ceremony for the $195m Pensana’s rare earth refinery at Saltend Chemicals Park near Hull. This will be the UK’s…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: July/August 2022
China gallium market analysis
by Polina Sparks August 26, 2022Gallium is widely used in photoelectric devices, semiconductors, permanent magnets, photovoltaics, and other fields, due to its good superconductivity, ductility, optical properties, and excellent thermal shrinkage and cold expansion properties.…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: July/August 2022
The cobalt time capsule of Alderley Edge
by Polina Sparks August 26, 2022If you think trade sanctions, the battle for critical metals and the race to secure a local supply chain is all a modern headache, read on. A recently discovered time…
-
Part 8: Bonus time Retired metal merchant, Anthony Lipmann, illuminates trading for the young about to enter the world of metals So, it’s bonus time and you have been…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible: July/August 2022
London calling… Provision for the unpredictable
by Polina Sparks August 26, 2022BIMCO’s Force Majeure Clause 20221 is a generic clause which can be modified for inclusion in a range of contracts. This may include sale agreements and charterparties. Highlights Where…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: July/August 2022
Benchmark Mineral Intelligence Lithium ESG Index
by Polina Sparks August 26, 2022Benchmark Mineral Intelligence brings clarity to the otherwise opaque markets of the lithium-ion battery (LiB) and electric vehicle (EV) supply chains. Through its services, ranging from PRA, Data, Forecasts and…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible: July/August 2022
London calling… Notices – do they achieve their purpose?
by Polina Sparks August 26, 2022Two recent court cases shed light on interpreting contractual notice requirements MUR v RTI* A notice given pursuant to a force majeure clause in a contract of affreightment was found… -
CrucibleMMTA Member newsThe Crucible: July/August 2022
Indium Corporation’s Donna Vareha-Walsh elected to ATTA board
by Polina Sparks August 26, 2022MMTA chair and Indium Corporation’s Director of Global Supply Chain and International Trade Compliance, Donna Vareha-Walsh, has been elected to the American Tin Trade Association board of directors. The American Tin…
-
CrucibleMMTA Member newsThe Crucible: July/August 2022
Less Common Metals appoints new joint Managing Director
by Polina Sparks July 26, 2022MMTA member and a leading manufacturer of rare earth metals and alloys, Less Common Metals Ltd (LCM) has appointed Albert Slot as its joint Managing Director. Previously Director of…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleLegislation and RegulationSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: June 2022Trade Issues
News in brief
by Polina Sparks June 30, 20223D printing, lithium power NASA’s Moon mission As this edition was going to press, NASA launched its CAPSTONE satellite to the Moon. This is the first step of…
-
CrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: June 2022
Critical materials underpinning energy transition: chromium
by Polina Sparks June 30, 2022Sticking to outliers in metal choices to kick off the topic of critical materials underpinning energy transition, Project Blue’s second submission to the Crucible is chromium. While most metals, including…
-
Aerospace As in April, aircraft deliveries by Boeing in May were more than double those of the same month last year, at 35 planes compared with 17. Deliveries up to…
-
Part 7: Trade metals and see the world! Retired metal merchant, Anthony Lipmann, illuminates metal trading for the young entering the world of metals. I had a metal friend…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible: June 2022Trade IssuesUncategorized
REACH in a post-Brexit United Kingdom
by Polina Sparks June 30, 2022by REACHReady Following the departure of Great Britain from the EU and with the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, EU chemicals regulations such as REACH, the…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleLegislation and RegulationResourcesSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: June 2022Trade Issues
Securing magnesium is an EU priority: EIT Summit
by Polina Sparks June 28, 2022Securing stable magnesium supply has become a priority for policymakers after an acute shortage of material in late 2021, panellists said at the EIT Raw Materials Summit in Berlin. “To…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: June 2022
Global rhenium industry development analysis
by Polina Sparks June 27, 2022Rhenium is a refractory metal with a melting point of 3180 °C. It has good plasticity, mechanical properties and creep resistance, as well as corrosion resistance. Rhenium is widely used…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible: June 2022
London Calling… Struck by Marex
by Polina Sparks June 27, 2022The reflective loss principle prevents a shareholder from seeking to recover a loss from a wrongdoer which merely reflects the loss suffered by the company it is interested in. Over…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: June 2022
Metal Movers: Velta on the future of Titanium and Ukraine
by Polina Sparks June 13, 2022Argus exclusive interview: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sent shockwaves through the global supply of titanium. What are the long-term geopolitical implications for future trade with the region? In an…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: May 2022
Critical materials underpinning energy transition: niobium
by Polina Sparks May 24, 2022Niobium might seem like a strange choice for Project Blue’s first submission to the Crucible on the subject of critical materials underpinning energy transition. After all, it’s mostly used in…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsSustainability and Resource ManagementThe Crucible: May 2022Trade IssuesWaste and Recycling
Minor metal supply chains – challenges and opportunities
by Polina Sparks May 24, 2022Global minor metal supply chains are currently grappling with a multitude of issues. Covid-19, war in Ukraine, climate change and net zero targets, and inflation, have all converged in 2022.…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: May 2022
Notes from the other side: Attention to detail!
by Polina Sparks May 24, 2022One of my many bosses (and some reading this will recognize who it is) appeared to enjoy scanning the torrent of uncontrollable contracts with a forensic eye. Occasionally, pipe in…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible: May 2022
London Calling… Be careful dipping your toe in privileged waters…
by Polina Sparks May 24, 2022The High Court held that an instruction to an expert auditor was not protected by litigation privilege, but that a solicitor’s witness statement did not waive privilege over several documents.…
-
US rig count numbers have now risen each month since August 2020, demonstrating strong US drilling activity, and robust demand for associated oilfield materials. Aerospace Boeing reported substantially stronger year-on-year…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: May 2022
Rapid development of China’s high purity indium industry
by Polina Sparks May 24, 2022Indium and its compounds are widely used in optoelectronics. The most well-known indium-based compounds are indium antimonide (InSb), indium phosphide (InP), indium arsenide (InAs), etc. Among these compounds, InSb is…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible: May 2022Trade Issues
London calling… Advance payment returnable on force majeure…
by Polina Sparks May 24, 2022New Stream entered into a contract to sell diesel to Nord Naphtha. New Stream later gave notification of a force majeure event and eventually Nord terminated the contract due to…
-
Hydrovolt JV begins battery recycling in Norway Hydrovolt, the battery recycling joint-venture between battery maker Northvolt and aluminium group Hydro, has commenced commercial recycling operations in Fredrikstad, southern Norway. Hydrovolt…
-
The MMTA is pleased to welcome its newest member, VERITEK NIGERIA. VERITEK is a privately-owned British company, with its Head Office in the UK and regional African head office in…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: April 2022
Paths to financing future minor metals production
by Polina Sparks April 28, 2022The world of minor metals can be a cruel and unforgiving place. As valuable as these metals are, global markets are small. Tantalum is essential in every computer logic chip.…
-
CrucibleMinor Metals and ApplicationsThe Crucible: April 2022
News in Brief — End Market Round-up
by Polina Sparks April 28, 2022Passenger traffic to return to 2019 levels in 2023-2024, and a return to long-term growth trends a few years thereafter — Boeing Aerospace The major commercial airframers, Boeing and Airbus,…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: April 2022
MMTA International Minor Metals Conference 2022 Round-Up
by Polina Sparks April 28, 2022After a pause of three years, since I provided my round-up of the MMTA’s Edinburgh conference back in 2019, it is a huge pleasure to be able to do the…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible: April 2022Trade Issues
Trade Contact Group on Ukraine/Russia measures
by Polina Sparks April 28, 2022Detailed minutes: Trade Contact Group – ad hoc meeting related to Ukraine/Russia The Commission and the EU Delegation to Russia announced the following points: The EU has put in…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleThe Crucible: April 2022
Minor Metals In Focus: Magnesium
by Polina Sparks April 28, 2022In our monthly column for the MMTA, we will be shining the spotlight on a different minor metal each edition, looking at current market conditions and themes for the year…
-
CRM - Critical Raw MaterialsCrucibleThe Crucible: April 2022
China’s tellurium industry development trend
by Polina Sparks April 28, 2022Tellurium is one of the scattered metalloids. It is mainly used in semiconductor devices, alloys, chemical raw materials production, or used as additives in cast iron, rubber, glass, and…
-
CrucibleLegislation and RegulationThe Crucible: April 2022
London calling… Clear words needed to exclude wasted expenditure…
by Polina Sparks April 28, 2022The Court of Appeal held that recovery of damages for wasted expenditure did not fall within a clause excluding damages for loss of profit. Background The case related to an…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: April 2022
Less Common Metals celebrates 30 years in business
by Polina Sparks April 28, 2022Over the last 30 years, Less Common Metals has regularly hit the headlines with its expertise in the rare earth industry. Today, LCM is the only company in the western…
-
Kymera buys AmeriTi Manufacturing In early April, speciality materials company Kymera announced it had closed its transaction to acquire AmeriTi Manufacturing. Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, AmeriTi is a leading manufacturer…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: March 2022
International Minor Metals Conference 2022: Preview
by Polina Sparks April 7, 2022In just a few days, the MMTA is delighted to be welcoming members and delegates in person to the historic UK city of Sheffield for the International Minor Metals Conference…
-
Scandium has long been considered an “if” metal. If only it were available in quantity, it could transform aircraft production and fuel consumption. If only it were available in quantity,…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: March 2022
Welcome to Polina Sparks at MMTA Member Services
by Polina Sparks April 5, 2022Dear MMTA Members, I am happy to be joining the MMTA in Member Services. My life in metals started in 1998 as a reporter at Metal Bulletin, where I eventually…
-
Geopolitical issues in Eastern Europe combined with rising inflationary pressures will negatively impact some market (IATA) Aerospace The major commercial airframe producers, Boeing and Airbus, reported mixed results for their…
-
DRC court puts administrator in charge of Tenke Fungurume mine At the end of February, the Tribunal of Commerce in the south-eastern city of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, announced…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: March 2022
Indium Corp is hiring: Field Engineer, North America
by Polina Sparks April 5, 2022Find out more at: indium.com/corporate/careers
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: March 2022Uncategorized
Minor Metals In Focus: Tellurium
by Polina Sparks April 5, 2022In our monthly column for the MMTA, we will be shining the spotlight on a different minor metal each edition, looking at current market conditions and themes for the year…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: March 2022Uncategorized
MMTA interview: Benchmark Intelligence on critical minerals
by Polina Sparks April 4, 2022“There needs to be more widespread investment in the development and exploration of all critical mineral resources” Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (Benchmark) is a world leading clean energy supply chain price…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: March 2022
Anthony Lipmann’s metal trading guide for the young
by Polina Sparks March 31, 2022Notes from the other side: Retired metal merchant, Anthony Lipmann, illuminates metal trading for the young about to enter the world of metals. Part 5: Embrace the chance to see…
-
CrucibleThe Crucible: March 2022
Chinese tungsten prices rise continuously
by Polina Sparks March 31, 2022Tungsten is a scarce strategic resource. After more than 100 years of mining, domestic consumption of Wolframite resources is relatively more. Currently, scheelite resources are mostly mined. To protect…