Новости за 22.01.2024

Uranium prices have hit their highest in more than 16 years on a buying frenzy triggered after the world's largest miner of the nuclear fuel highlighted production risks, but the price surge is likely to mean the restart of mothballed capacity. Kazakhstan's Kazatomprom earlier this month said it may cut its 2024 production plan due to difficulties with the availability of sulphuric acid needed to produce uranium.

A prolonged slump in nickel prices is stress-testing producers worldwide, raising the prospect of sweeping mine closures that will deepen Indonesia’s dominance of global supply. The metal used in stainless steel and electric-vehicle batteries is down more than 40% from a year ago amid a growing global glut. That’s piling pressure on higher-cost operations and could pose the greatest risk to new projects outside Indonesia.

International gold miner Barrick Gold Corporation has concluded an eight-month partnership with the Tanzania Airport Authority (TAA) by handing over a new airport terminal built at the closed Buzwagi gold mine’s Kahama airstrip. The $384 000 terminal, of which Barrick contributed 70% and TAA the balance, has paved the way for a scheduled airline service in and out of Kahama.

Political lobbying as much as boardroom maneuvering could determine who wins the race to become the next boss of Vale, the world’s No. 2 iron-ore producer. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wants the top job for his staunch ally — and former finance minister — Guido Mantega when CEO Eduardo Bartolomeo’s term expires in May, according to people familiar with the matter. Lula might also back Bartolomeo for another shorter stint, if that smooths the way for Mantega to be appointed to Vale’s board... Читать дальше...

Diversified mining company South32 on Monday reported a sharp drop in coal production, with metallurgical coal output slumping by 50% in the December quarter. The Illawarra mine, in Australia, produced 744 000 t in the three months ended December, compared with 1.48-million tonnes in comparative quarter.

Canadian miner First Quantum Minerals is exploring a rights issue as it seeks to strengthen its balance sheet, following the closure of a key mine in Panama last month that accounted for about 40% of its revenue, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The company has not finalized the terms or timing of the potential rights issue - an invitation to existing shareholders to purchase additional new shares in the company - but it has discussed the option with some shareholders, the people added.

The Cerro Matoso mine, in Colombia, a major ferronickel producer, is undergoing a strategic review in response to ongoing nickel market shifts that are putting pressure on prices. South32, the mine’s owner, announced on Monday that the review aims to “evaluate options to enhance its competitive position”.