Baosteel to purchase 800 mt manganese metal at 14,200 yuan/mt

Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) reported mine-metallurgical molybdenum output of 1,329 tonnes in July 2026, down 2.6% MoM and 6.3% YoY, marking a second consecutive monthly decline. Jan–Jul production totaled 9,281 tonnes, 835 tonnes lower than the 10,116 tonnes recorded a year earlier, representing an 8.3% YoY decrease. The renewed July contraction indicates that Mexico’s cumulative molybdenum supply remains below 2025 levels. The 2026 figures are preliminary, while the 2025 data are final.

Could indium phosphide become a minor-metal issue with major implications at today’s U.S.-China summit? China introduced export controls and licensing requirements for indium-related items in February 2025, while expanding AI datacenter optical connectivity continues to lift demand for Indium Phosphide (InP) wafers, epiwafers and lasers. Following the leaders’ May summit, the White House listed indium among the critical-mineral shortages China would address, without announcing removal of existing controls. Whether today’s meeting will produce further clarity on InP export licensing remains uncertain. SMM believes an improved licensing process could ease overseas supply uncertainty; without progress, tension between rising AI optical demand and constrained material flows may persist.

Attacks linked to extractive operations in Pakistan's resource-rich Balochistan province are increasing, with the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) recording 38 incidents connected with extractive activities between January and September 2026, taking the three-year total above 130. Chromite is among the minerals extracted in the province, and ACLED data show that nearly 90% of attacks linked to mineral projects occur along roads, where militants target vehicles transporting minerals and supplies rather than directly attacking heavily secured mine sites. The security situation could add pressure to Pakistan's chromite supply and logistics chain, particularly as Balochistan's limited road and rail infrastructure leaves mineral producers dependent on key transport corridors. Earlier this year, the Balochistan Goods Truck Owners Association also announced a strike over attacks on trucks carrying chromite and other minerals, highlighting the direct logistics risk to the sector. With Pakistan seeking to develop its mineral resources and attract international investment, continued disruption along mining routes could increase transportation costs and complicate the movement of chromite from producing areas to processing and export hubs.