Become a customer

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 5 key stories from October 17

Here are five Fastmarkets MB stories you might have missed on Thursday October 17 that are worth another look.

October 18, 2019
By Generic people page
Base metals Copper

Alcoa has launched a multi-year review of its aluminium portfolio, placing roughly half of its global smelting capacity under scrutiny for potential curtailment or closure, the company said in an earnings call with investors on Wednesday October 16.

Stronger demand from the energy sector and additional government spending on infrastructure will provide a boost to steel plate prices in Asia next year, a source close to a leading Japanese steelmaker told Fastmarkets this week.

China’s top copper smelters have agreed to raise the price floor for fourth-quarter treatment and refining charges (TC/RCs) by 20% from the prior quarter, sources familiar with the matter told Fastmarkets on October 17.

The nickel 4×4 cathode premium in the Dutch port of Rotterdam softened on Tuesday October 15, while other rates around the world were steady.

South32 increased manganese ore production by 10% quarter on quarter in the three months to September 30, the miner announced on October 17.

What to read next
Proposal to amend specifications of Fastmarkets US copper cathode premium and all-in price
Following an initial consultation with the market, Fastmarkets is proposing to:  The new specifications would be as follows, with amendments in italics: MB-CU-0002 Copper grade 1 cathode premium, ddp Midwest US, US cents/lb Quality: Grade A 99.9935% min copper cathode conforming to LME specifications BS EN 1978:2022 – Cu-CATH-1 or Grade 1 Electrolytic Copper Cathode ATSM B1115-10 Quantity: Min […]
June 13, 2025
 · 
By Rae Boyadjis
Box, Indoors, Interior Design
Key raw materials and the cost of fast-moving consumer goods
Fastmarkets’ 2025 outlook for key raw materials and ingredients used in the production and distribution of fast-moving consumer goods.
June 13, 2025
 · 
By the Fastmarkets team
copper production growth strategy
Vale Base Metals aiming to join top-five in copper, nickel production – CEO Shaun Usmar says
Vale Base Metals plans to boost annual copper production to 700,000 tonnes by 2035, aiming to become a top-five global producer of nickel and copper. CEO Shaun Usmar highlights a focus on productivity, cost optimization and sustainable growth. With strong assets in Canada and Brazil, Vale is well-positioned to meet rising global demand.
June 12, 2025
 · 
By James McKeigue
Correction to alumina index, fob Australia, plus derived prices, on June 2/3: pricing notice
Fastmarkets has corrected its fob Australia alumina index, which was published incorrectly on Monday June 2 and Tuesday June 3 due to a back-end calculation error. Fastmarkets has also corrected all the related inferred indices. On June 2 the following prices were published incorrectly: Fastmarkets’ MB-ALU-0002 Alumina index, fob Australia, was published in error as $375.59 per […]
June 4, 2025
 · 
By James McKeigue
Steel, Aluminium, Blade
Ambitious investment in scrap-intensive sectors a boon for Mexican non-ferrous secondary markets
Mexico’s strategic role in automotive nearshoring is fueling demand for recycled aluminium, with investment in scrap-intensive sectors boosting its non-ferrous secondary markets. Despite tariff uncertainties, USMCA compliance and EV production growth continue to attract global manufacturers.
June 3, 2025
 · 
By Amy Hinton
copper mine
Goldcorp founder Rob McEwen bets big on Argentine copper
Goldcorp founder Rob McEwen is back in the spotlight with a bold bet on copper in Argentina. The $2.5 billion Los Azules project, set to become Argentina’s first major copper mine in over 30 years, is reshaping the country’s mining industry while raising sustainability standards. Positioned as a key player in addressing a global copper shortage, the project highlights innovation, persistence and a commitment to meeting the growing demand from global electrification.
June 3, 2025
 · 
By James McKeigue