Of particular interest this week:
Zinc: shortage of concentrate is now biting.
Copper: disruption to supply under way.
SUMMARY
Copper Mine workers representing ~12% of global output are due to renegotiate contracts in Chile in 2017.
Nickel Broker’s positive outlook on Ni for the next few years.
Zinc & Lead Mine-supply(shortage) of Zn concentrate is beginning to bite at the smelter level.
Tin China removed its 10% export tax on Sn (after 10 yrs), a significant supply shift in the market.
Aluminium Protests in Chinese town against proposed smelter, for environmental reasons (fears).
Gold Gold price increased widely. EVN expands the resource life at Cowal.
Platinum & Palladium First Pt surplus in seven years forecast for 2017.
Oil Prices stabilising between USD 50-55/bbl. Producers increasing output (as feared).
Coal China reverting to shorter (276 day) working year for coal mines (with exceptions).
Iron Ore Analysts say prices look over-valued but nothing seen that will drag prices back.
Shipping Cape rates continue to decline. Panamax rates continue to increase.
General
Port of Singapore: traffic growth continues to improve (except bulks).