Australian mining magnate Andrew Forrest launched an AUD$760 million takeover bid for Mincor Resources, 35 per cent above Mincor’s closing price on Monday. The Mincor share price has fallen 49 per cent over the past 12 months. Forrest is using his privately owned Wyloo Metals, which already owns 19.99 per cent of Mincor. Mincor is a key supplier to BHP’s reborn Nickel West division. The lower impurity Mincor ore seen as an important part of the BHP nickel blend. Forrest … Continue reading “Forrest’s Nickel Battle with BHP Heats Up with Mincor Resources Bid”
China Removes Remaining Barriers from Unofficial Trade War on Australian Coal
China, desperate to kick start their economy and improve civil harmony has quietly removed trade restrictions imposed in late 2020 on Australian coal imports. Earlier this year Chinese authorities gave four major importers permission to resume purchases of Australian coal, which began shipping in January. Bloomberg reports that China’s ports and customs offices have been told to allow all domestic companies to import Australian coal, according to people familiar with the decision, who asked not to be identified because the … Continue reading “China Removes Remaining Barriers from Unofficial Trade War on Australian Coal”
Resilient Australian Stock Market Outperformed in 2022, Supported by Mining and Energy Stocks
Australia’s blue-chip stock index, S&P/ASX 200 ended down 5.45% to 7,038.7 in 2022. On the last day of the trading year the ASX was up +0.3% and -0.9% for the week. This compares to 2021 being up over 13% for the year. Australian shares ended 2022 as one of the region’s more resilient markets with mining firms supporting as globally stocks were pummeled. The end to an era of low interest rates that made borrowing cheap and encouraged investors to … Continue reading “Resilient Australian Stock Market Outperformed in 2022, Supported by Mining and Energy Stocks”
Iron Ore Prices Hit Four Month High on Zero Covid Easing & China’s Property Curve
Benchmark iron ore futures in China gained for a fourth straight week. Iron ore prices have taken a hammering since the Chinese zero Covid policy however it has steadily risen since November lows. Prices for the most actively traded iron ore futures on the Dalian Commodity Exchange for iron ore cargoes with a 63.5% iron ore content for delivery into Tianjin rose to $110 Friday, the highest since mid-August. Analysts were anticipating demand for iron ore to collapse as China … Continue reading “Iron Ore Prices Hit Four Month High on Zero Covid Easing & China’s Property Curve”
China to Boost Domestic Coal Production to Ensure Energy Security
China, the world’s largest coal consumer and producer, announced that it would boost domestic production to ensure its energy security. Newcastle thermal coal futures fell more than $US70 a tonne to $US335 a tonne on Friday night for the October ICE contract. China has been hard by its ill-thought-out trade war with Australia which put them behind the queue as record prices for top quality Australian hard coking coal were set regularly in June the price hit $US430 (AUD$595) a … Continue reading “China to Boost Domestic Coal Production to Ensure Energy Security”
Australian Coking Coal Record High with Strong Demand in Korea and Japan
Record prices for top quality Australian hard coking coal were set three times in the past week. The price hit $US430 ($595) a tonne Wednesday, almost four times the price in May. Coal prices have risen unabated with supply chain disruptions. Strong demand in Korea and Japan has fueled the rally over the past seven weeks. The prices were already pressured with Indonesia’s decision to ban coal exports. Further pressure on coal prices came from BHP, the world’s biggest coking … Continue reading “Australian Coking Coal Record High with Strong Demand in Korea and Japan”
Iron Ore Prices Rise Pre-emptively on Easing Along China’s Property Curve
Iron ore had the bears out in full force just a month or so ago, with the China attempt to “destroy Australia”, the shipping crisis and more. Analysts were anticipating demand for iron ore to collapse as China reduced its steel production. Targets were lowered to US$65 to $85 a tonne by many of the larger groups. Here we are the most actively traded iron ore futures on the Dalian Commodity Exchange for May delivery closed 3.9% higher at 714 … Continue reading “Iron Ore Prices Rise Pre-emptively on Easing Along China’s Property Curve”