Aluminum moves downwards after a higher opening; ADC12 consolidates on a subdued note amid a tug-of-war between longs and shorts [ADC12 Price Daily Review]

Kazchrome is progressing with the construction of an 80 MW ferroalloy gas utilization power plant at its Aktobe Ferroalloys Plant in Kazakhstan. The facility will use gas generated during ferrochrome production as fuel to generate electricity for the plant, converting a secondary production resource into an additional source of energy. Construction activities include the installation of two high-pressure steam boilers, development of the turbine hall and supporting infrastructure, and reconstruction of the plant’s main step-down substation. The power plant is designed to have an installed capacity of 80 MW, with a maximum capacity of 87 MW, and is expected to generate up to 532 million kWh of electricity annually. It will consume more than 80,000 cubic metres of ferroalloy gas per hour. Construction began in late 2025, with completion and commissioning scheduled for 2027. The project is expected to improve the Aktobe plant’s energy efficiency by utilizing gas generated during ferrochrome smelting.

Zimbabwe recorded US$286.54 million in high-carbon ferrochrome sales between January 1 and October 27, 2026, according to an update from the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ). The figure highlights the contribution of value-added mineral products to the country's mineral trade, as total mineral sales facilitated by MMCZ reached US$5.013 billion over the same period, up 107.9% year on year. The reported figure reflects sales value rather than physical production or export volume. Therefore, it does not independently indicate an increase in ferrochrome output or shipments. Nevertheless, it provides an updated measure of the commercial contribution of Zimbabwe's ferrochrome industry to the country's mineral revenues.

Tantalum: SMM’s assessment for 30% tantalum ore CIF China is US$241–246/lb, averaging US$243.50/lb, unchanged from the preceding assessment. FOB tantalum pentoxide assessments are also unchanged: 99.5% material is US$640–650/kg, averaging US$645/kg, while 99.99% material is US$670–680/kg, averaging US$675/kg. The CIF assessment covers ore delivered to China, whereas the FOB quotations cover refined oxide; their prices are not directly comparable. African Market: SMM’s Tantalum Ore FOB (East Africa) latest assessment at 2nd December stood at US$4.50–5.00/kg per degree, averaging US$4.75, unchanged from 22 October. DRC-origin supplier indications of US$4.50 and US$5.00/kg per degree. A Singapore-based buyer reported purchases at US$4.60–4.70/kg per degree for Rwanda- and DRC-origin material. These are among the market contributions reported by SMM. No separate new first-hand African offer or trade was supplied for this review. Niobium: SMM’s 2 November FOB niobium pentoxide assessments are unchanged. The assessment for 99.5% material is US$55–60/kg, averaging US$57.50/kg, while 99.99% material is US$66–68/kg, averaging US$67/kg. These assessments concern refined oxide rather than niobium-bearing ore or concentrate. African Metals News: Five consortia submitted bids this October to develop Kenya’s Mrima Hill niobium and rare-earth deposit. The expected preferred bidder is to be selected within two to three weeks. The bids indicate investor interest but do not establish a project award, financing or additional mineral supply. Development would depend on technical studies, approvals and a viable processing route.