Metals price rally could hamper switch to green energy — IEA

It's probably not what U.S. President Donald Trump had in mind when imposing tariffs on aluminium imports, but it looks likely that some of the big winners from the 10% import tax will be China's producers.

The need to store electricity, generated by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, will also help demand to grow, the Metal Bulletin says.

Fitch Solutions Macro Research states that bauxite production growth will remain high over the coming years, as new projects come online in Australia, Indonesia expands exports, India’s production ramps up, and existing projects in Guinea drive growth.

Rio Tinto, the world's second largest listed mining company, is exploring a public listing of its Iron Ore Company of Canada business.

The two companies have just signed a non-biding letter of intent.

New spending by some of the world's largest iron ore miners is tightening the market for jobs and support services in Australia's biggest mining region.

Privately held Dundas Mining is restarting its Avebury nickel mine in Tasmania early next year and Swiss trading house Transamine has secured the offtake.

Miners and investors are poring over satellite images, tracking drilling rigs and quizzing company executives for clues.

The Nickel West operation in Western Australia, aiming to sell 90 percent of its output to the battery sector by the end of next year, has had success with lab tests.