Aterian reports 20 tonnes of October mineral exports as Rwanda tantalum sales reach US$1.8 million

China Market: SMM's assessment on 3 November stands at US$240–245/lb, averaging US$242.50/lb, down US$1/lb from the previous assessment. This represents a modest decline in the Chinese import reference price for 30% tantalum ore, suggesting some easing in the assessed market level. African Market: Aterian plc reports that its Rwandan subsidiary, Eastinco Limited, exported 20 metric tonnes of mineral material during October 2026. Separately, the company agreed to sell 10 metric tonnes of tantalum-bearing concentrate to an investor based in a G7 country in a transaction valued at approximately US$1.8 million. Eastinco's new mineral handling and processing facility in Kigali is now operational, supporting its mineral sourcing, handling and trading activities. The company is also developing relationships with additional Rwandan mines to expand its supply of tantalum- and tungsten-bearing materials. The development is relevant to African tantalum trade because it demonstrates growing commercial activity and the development of mineral handling capacity in Rwanda. East Africa FOB Tantalum Ore: SMM's latest assessment, dated 29 October, remains at US$4.50–5.00/kg per degree, averaging US$4.75, unchanged from the previous assessment. The assessment covers tantalum ore grading 28–38% Ta₂O₅, with Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the larger great lakes regions identified as source locations. Market Outlook: The latest assessments show a slight weakening in China's CIF tantalum ore price, while the East Africa FOB reference remains unchanged. The US$1/lb decline in the Chinese assessment is modest and does not yet establish a sustained downward trend. Meanwhile, Aterian's reported October exports and US$1.8 million concentrate sale agreement provide evidence of continued commercial activity in Rwanda. Going forward, the key indicators will be whether African suppliers can maintain regular export volumes and whether Chinese buyers respond to the lower CIF assessment with increased purchasing activity.

[ADC12 Price Daily Review: Cast Aluminum Moves Downwards After a Higher Opening, ADC12 Consolidates on a Subdued Note Amid Tug-of-War Between Longs and Shorts] Today, the most-traded AD2701 cast aluminum alloy contract opened at 22,870 yuan/mt, with the opening price marking the day's high. It then drifted lower, dipping to 22,615 yuan/mt before a slight recovery. At midday, it closed at 22,645 yuan/mt, down 95 yuan/mt or 0.42% from yesterday's settlement price.

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.