Prices of high-grade NPI against stainless steel scrap declined, but still enjoyed cost-effectiveness

On the supply side: Due to large import losses, NORNICKEL nickel, Sumitomo, NIKKELVERK nickel and Nickel briquette could not pass customs clearance, the market was in shortage of pure nickel.

China’s copper cathode output increased month on month in October, as there was basically no maintenance at smelters and as large-scale smelters maintained high production in Q4. Although domestic copper scrap was in short supply in October, smelters kept relatively ample stocks of blister copper. Furthermore, as the new secondary copper policy took effect from November 1, concerns over copper scrap supply were eased.

Mining and smelting firms will be particularly targeted in this round of inspections

March's purchasing prices of high-grade NPI at a northern stainless steel mill increased 55 yuan/mtu from Feb, to 1,020 yuan/mtu

This is a roundup of China’s base metals output in Sep, researched by SMM

PT Sulawesi Mining Investment, PT Virtue Dragon in Indonesia plan to expand their high-grade NPI capacity within this year

China’s nickel pig iron (NPI) output in December dropped slightly to 40,400 mt in December, down 1.8% on a monthly basis and up 10.9% on ayearly basis, according to SMM data. 

China has seen more higher-grade production of nickel pig iron (NPI) as the country imported more nickel ore from Indonesia in 2017.

SMM expects the electricity rationing in Inner Mongolia would see its monthly high-grade nickel pig iron production hit by 10-15%, translating to 380-570 mt of nickel metal.

Xinxing Ductile Iron Pipes Co. started construction of the No.4 RKEF production line for its NPI project in Indonesia April 5, according to MCC website.