New Caledonian miners seek to increase their exports of nickel ore to China.

　　Four informed sources said this week that nickel miners in New Caledonia have applied to increase their exports of nickel ore to China, following a sharp rise in prices triggered by the Philippines' reduction in nickel ore supplies due to environmental concerns.

　　The Philippines will announce the results of its mining sector overhaul on the 15th.

　　According to the Manila Times, the Philippine Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources recently stated that the results of the mining sector’s cleanup efforts will be officially announced to the public on December 15. It is expected that more mines will face closure.

　　Under the new resolution, North Korea's exports of zinc concentrate are restricted.

　　The new resolution is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2017. Zinc concentrates from North Korea have traditionally been transported to China via rail, a journey that typically takes about half a month. If the new resolution is implemented, the volume of zinc concentrates imported from North Korea will decline significantly. A trading company in Dandong City stated that they plan to wait for further details and specifics of the new resolution before making any decisions. Although there is still one month before the new resolution comes into effect, they will not rush to import large quantities of zinc concentrates from North Korea into China by the end of December.

　　Another positive development may be on the horizon for the nickel market! The Philippines says it may announce the closure of more mines.

　　According to a report from Manila on December 2, the Philippine Environment Secretary said last Friday (the 2nd) that, in order to protect the environment, the Philippine government may announce the closure of additional mines this week. Should supply from the world’s largest nickel exporter be disrupted, this could once again drive up nickel prices. Of the 41 nickel mines in the Philippines, 10 have already been shut down. Another 20 mines are facing potential production suspensions, and the agency responsible for inspections may issue regulations this week.

　　CME Group Raises Margin Requirements for COMEX Copper and Silver Contracts

　　According to foreign media reports on November 17, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME Group) announced on Thursday that it would raise the margin requirements for COMEX copper contracts for November and December 2016 by 19.6%, increasing them from $2,300 per contract to $2,750 per contract. At the same time, CME also raised the margin requirements for COMEX silver contracts for November and December 2016 by 12.1%, increasing them from $5,800 per contract to $6,500 per contract.

　　The Finnish Prime Minister says the Terraframe nickel mine will not be shut down.

　　Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipilä said on Monday that the nickel-zinc mine in Sotkamo, northeastern Finland, which is currently in crisis, will not be closed.

　　Fujian Strictly Prevents Soil Pollution from Mining of Mineral Resources Such as Lead, Zinc, and Copper.

　　On November 8, according to a report from the Land and Resources Daily, the Fujian Provincial Government recently released the Implementation Plan for the Fujian Province Soil Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan. The plan proposes that, starting in 2017, special emission limit implementation plans for key pollutants will be formulated and put into effect in areas across the province where mining activities involving lead, zinc, copper, and other minerals are concentrated. By the end of 2018, the special remediation campaign targeting lead-zinc mine pollution in Fujian Province will be completed. The implementation plan also sets targets that by 2020, the safe utilization rate of contaminated farmland will reach approximately 91%, and the safe utilization rate of contaminated land plots will exceed 90%. By 2030, the safe utilization rate of contaminated farmland will rise to over 95%, and the safe utilization rate of contaminated land plots will also exceed 95%.

　　The Paris Agreement’s official entry into force will have a lasting impact on the electrolytic aluminum industry.

　　On November 4, 2016, the Paris Agreement—the landmark accord in humanity’s efforts to tackle climate change—officially entered into force. On December 12, 2015, nearly 200 parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change unanimously adopted the Paris Agreement at the Paris Climate Conference. On April 22, 2016, the Paris Agreement was formally signed by 175 countries. According to data provided by France, the country that held the presidency of the Paris Climate Conference, as of November 1, a total of 92 parties had ratified the Paris Agreement, accounting for 65.82% of global greenhouse gas emissions—a figure that surpassed both thresholds required for the agreement to enter into force. This agreement sets the stage and lays out action plans for the global response to climate change beyond 2020; it is deeply significant because it balances immediate action with long-term vision, charting a course for both the present and the future.

　　Aurubis: Copper concentrate processing fees are expected to rise in 2017.

　　According to a report on November 1, Juergen Schachler, Chairman of the Executive Board of Aurubis—the largest copper smelter in Europe—said that copper concentrate processing fees (TC/RCs) for 2017 are expected to rise from about $97 per ton this year to between $105 and $110 per ton.

　　The Indonesian government is expected to allow the export of nickel ore and bauxite.

　　The Indonesian government recently completed the revision of the draft regulations governing coal and mineral resource extraction activities, with a key focus on modifying mining licenses and implementing a more flexible mineral export policy. Teguh Pamudji, Secretary-General of Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, stated that Indonesia’s Amendment No. 1/2014 aims to encourage mining companies to promptly convert their Mining Concession Contracts (CoW) into dedicated Mining Business Permits (IUPK).

　　The results of the Philippine Department of Environment’s mining review have been postponed until November.

　　The Department of Environment has once again postponed the release of the environmental review results for metal mining companies. “The review results may be announced during the first week of November,” Environment Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez said late Monday evening.

　　Indonesian mining officials said they are evaluating an application to export copper concentrate from Newmont Mining.

　　Jakarta, October 25 — An official from Indonesia’s Ministry of Mining said on Tuesday that the ministry is evaluating whether to extend Newmont Mining Corp’s export license for copper concentrate and gold concentrate.

　　The Philippine Environment Secretary unveils another bold move: to limit all new mines in the hope of protecting the environment.

　　According to reports from Manila on October 14, the Philippine Environment Secretary said on Friday that as the campaign to shut down mines damaging the mining industry deepens, she hopes to impose restrictions on new mines.

　　Indonesia: The government is not lifting the ban on nickel and bauxite exports.

　　Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and also the Permanent Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, stated that the government’s revision of Government Regulation No. 1 of 2014 concerning coal and mineral activities will almost certainly not lift the export ban on nickel and bauxite.

　　Indonesian Mining Minister: Indonesia is unlikely to lift the ban on exports of nickel ore and bauxite.

　　Jakarta, October 12—Indonesia’s Minister of Mining said on Wednesday that Indonesia “almost certainly” will not ease its ban on exports of nickel ore and bauxite, as the country is currently discussing revisions to its mining regulations.

　　The Philippines will revoke the environmental permit of a nickel miner.

　　Manila, October 10 — A Philippine minister said that the environmental permit of a nickel mining company, which began operations this year, will be revoked, as the government steps up penalties against mining companies that damage the natural environment.

　　India may set a minimum price for aluminum or raise tariffs on aluminum imports.

　　According to foreign reports on October 4, India’s Minister of Mines said last Tuesday that, in order to protect its domestic aluminum industry, India might set a minimum price for aluminum or raise tariffs on aluminum imports.

　　Senior official: The 20 mines that have not passed the review are not all required to halt operations.

　　According to foreign reports on September 30, a Philippine mining official said on Friday that the Philippine government might not completely shut down the 20 mines found to be in violation of environmental regulations, instead giving them time to rectify their shortcomings.

　　The Philippines recommends shutting down more mines; LME nickel futures hit a seven-week high.

　　Nickel futures on the London Metal Exchange (LME) rose to a seven-week high on Tuesday, as the Philippine government recommended shutting down more mines on grounds of violating environmental regulations, prompting investors to grow increasingly concerned about tightening supply.

　　Australian miner OceanaGold says it has not yet received any shutdown orders, and its copper-gold mine project is operating as usual.

　　Australian miner OceanaGoldCorp said on Tuesday that it has not yet received any notification from the Philippine government regarding a suspension of its projects in the country, and its copper-gold mine project continues to operate.

　　Thailand has launched an anti-dumping investigation into hot-dip galvanized products from China and other countries.

　　At the request of domestic companies such as Bangkok Steel Industry Co., Ltd., the Thai Ministry of Commerce initiated an anti-dumping investigation on hot-dip galvanized steel coil imported from China, Taiwan, China, and South Korea on September 15.

　　South Korea initiates an anti-dumping investigation into aluminum pre-coated photosensitive plates from China.

　　On September 8, 2016, the Korea Trade Commission issued a notice formally initiating an anti-dumping investigation into presensitized aluminum plates for offset printing originating in or imported from China. The Korean customs code for the products concerned is 3701309100. Interested parties must register their responses no later than September 29 and submit their questionnaires by October 18.

　　Antam supports the government’s plan to partially ease restrictions on mineral exports.

　　AnekaTambang (Antam) supports the government’s plan, proposed through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), to partially ease restrictions on mineral exports.

　　Poland May Lower Mining Tax for Polish Copper Group in 2017

　　The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources swiftly discussed amendments to Decree No. 4 of 2009 concerning minerals and coal. One of the key provisions is that, within five years after the promulgation of the new Minerals and Coal Decree, several commodities may be exported. In fact, the export of mineral raw materials was supposed to have been completely halted as of January 2014—or five years after the promulgation of the Minerals and Coal Decree. However, during President Susilo’s administration, the government continued to authorize the export of several commodities, notably copper concentrate, right up until 2017.

　　Malaysia extends the ban on bauxite mining, continuing to curb export volumes.

　　At a press conference on Wednesday, Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment announced that the enforcement period of the bauxite mining ban has been extended from September 14 to December 31. The minister also stated that if current high inventory levels are not cleared by December 31, the mining ban could be extended again for another six months. The extension of the ban will continue to weigh on the country’s bauxite export volume.

　　The Philippines will announce the closure of more mines next week.

　　Manila, September 5 — The Philippine Secretary of Mines said on Monday that the seven-week environmental enforcement campaign has concluded and more mining operations found to be in violation of environmental regulations will be ordered to shut down.

　　Australia initiates an interim review investigation into anti-dumping measures on galvanized steel sheets from China.

　　On August 30, 2016, the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission issued Notice No. 2016/86 announcing that, at the request of Synn Industrial Co., Ltd., Jiangyin Zongcheng Steel Co., Ltd., Yieh Phui Enterprise Co., Ltd., and Angang Steel Company Limited, it had initiated a mid-review investigation into anti-dumping measures on galvanized steel (Zinc-Coated/Galvanized Steel) imported from China and Taiwan. The review period covers the period from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016. The customs codes for the products concerned are 7210.49.0055, 7210.49.0056, 7210.49.0057, 7210.49.0058, 7212.30.0061, 7225.92.00*38*, and 7225.92.00*71*. Interested parties must submit written materials related to this mid-review investigation no later than October 6, 2016.

　　Indian producers are calling for an increase in aluminum import tariffs to 10%.

　　According to officials from India’s NALCO and Vedic, Indian aluminum producers are calling for further increases in import tariffs and the implementation of other measures. The proposed further increase in aluminum import tariffs is aimed at curbing cheap imports from China and other countries, thereby safeguarding the interests of domestic Indian metal producers.

　　The LME announced that it will halve the on-exchange trading fees for August.

　　According to foreign reports from London on August 22, the London Metal Exchange (LME) announced on Monday that it would cut its in-venue trading fees for August by half.

　　Indonesia Seeks “Solution” to 2017 Mining Export Regulations

　　Indonesia’s chief economic minister said on Tuesday that his team will seek a solution to the mining regulations. According to regulations issued in 2014, before January 2017, metal miners were permitted to export only semi-finished mineral products; starting from January next year, they will be allowed to export refined metals.

　　Indonesia’s Ministry of Mining recommends granting a copper export license to Freeport.

　　Jakarta, August 9 — An official from Indonesia’s Ministry of Mining said on Tuesday that the ministry has issued a letter of recommendation to Freeport McMoran Inc.’s Indonesian subsidiary, enabling it to obtain an export license for 1.4 million tons of copper concentrate by January 11 of next year.

　　Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources begins reviewing 40 metal mining companies.

　　The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) began reviewing 40 metal mining companies across the Philippines on August 4, and the review is expected to be completed within one month.

　　Philippine authorities intensify crackdown on irresponsible miners, sending the global nickel market into a panic.

　　According to foreign reports on August 5, as the Philippines' hardline new president intensifies efforts to crack down on irresponsible mining practices, a quarter of the country's nickel mines have already been shut down, and authorities plan to take further action, sending the global nickel market into a state of panic.

　　Australia Issues Final Ruling on Fast Review of Anti-Dumping and Anti-Subsidy Measures on Aluminum Profiles from China

　　On July 15, 2016, the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission issued a notice announcing the final ruling on the expedited review of anti-dumping measures imposed on aluminum extrusions imported from China: The Commission upheld the recommendations and reasoning set forth in its Report No. 347 (REP347), including the substantive determinations regarding the facts and law of the case. The Commission ruled to maintain the existing anti-dumping and countervailing measures in this case and to continue levying provisional anti-dumping and countervailing duties applicable to “non-cooperating companies and other exporters” against Goomax Metal Co., Ltd.—specifically, a fixed component of 48.5% in provisional anti-dumping and countervailing duties, plus a variable component equal to the difference between the actual export price and the verified export price of the products involved in the case.

　　Will Peru’s proposed relaxation of environmental standards alter the supply dynamics in the copper market?

　　Recently, reports indicated that Peru’s incoming president, Kuczynski, stated that Peru’s current air quality standards are “unrealistic” and proposed lowering these standards to stimulate investment in smelting, thereby boosting the added value of exported mineral products. Some market observers expressed concern that this move could trigger an explosive growth in copper smelting capacity in Peru—the world’s second-largest copper producer—potentially impacting the global copper market. However, analysts believe there is no need for excessive worry in the short term.

　　Peru Plans to Lower Environmental Standards to Boost Copper Smelting Capacity

　　Peruvian President-elect Kuczynski said on Wednesday that Peru’s current air quality standards are “unrealistic,” and proposed lowering these standards to stimulate investment in smelting facilities, thereby boosting the country’s exports of key mineral products. He stated that expanding smelting capacity could increase Peru’s mining exports by 25%. Unreasonable environmental standards have been restricting mining investment in Peru; Peru’s emission standards are even stricter than Finland’s, which is why there have been few new smelting plant projects. Therefore, Peru must make changes. Kuczynski proposed abandoning the current, completely unrealistic quality standards and suggested adopting emission standards from countries with the most reasonable regulations, such as Chile and Canada. Kuczynski will officially take office as Peru’s president on the 28th of this month.

　　Société Générale: A Brexit would benefit gold prices but harm metal and oil prices.

　　Mark Keenan, head of commodity research for Asia at Société Générale, said that if the UK leaves the EU, demand for gold as a safe-haven asset will rise, while a stronger U.S. dollar will put downward pressure on metal prices such as copper.

　　South Korea Plans to Launch an Anti-Dumping Investigation into Chinese Aluminum Precoated Photographic Plates.

　　On June 16, the Ministry of Commerce was informed that the Korea Trade Commission recently sent a letter to the Chinese side, stating that it had received an application from its domestic industry on May 31, intending to launch an anti-dumping investigation into Chinese pre-coated aluminum photoresist plates (Korea Customs Tariff No.: 3701.30.9100). The Korean side indicated that it would make a decision within two months on whether to initiate a formal investigation.

　　Indian aluminum companies continue to call on the government to introduce policies aimed at curbing imports.

　　To prevent the massive import of low-priced aluminum products from impacting the domestic market, Indian aluminum manufacturers continue to urge the government to introduce relevant policies. Representatives from domestic aluminum companies are calling on the government to set a minimum import price to curb the influx of cheap aluminum into the Indian market—particularly from China. The Indian government is currently re-examining its regulations on imposing safeguard or anti-dumping duties on various grades of aluminum products. In April, India’s Safeguard Measures Authority had proposed a temporary safeguard duty of 5% on unwrought aluminum; however, this proposal was rejected just one week later.

　　The ban on Malaysian bauxite is likely to be extended for a third time, making it increasingly difficult to avoid another extension.

　　It is reported that recently, government officials from Kuantan, Malaysia, indicated that if the requirements for lifting the ban are not met, the bauxite mining ban could be extended for a third time.

　　The NDRC is promoting electricity price reform and introducing tiered electricity pricing for electrolytic aluminum enterprises.

　　On May 3, the National Development and Reform Commission reported that the next key priorities for price reform include: deepening price reforms in sectors such as electricity, natural gas, medical services, and transportation; reforming the subsidy mechanism for environmentally friendly electricity prices; implementing a progressive pricing policy for water usage exceeding quotas; and accelerating the advancement of price informationization.

　　India Issues Preliminary Safeguard Measures on Imports of Unwrought Aluminum Products

　　On April 21, 2016, India issued a preliminary ruling on safeguard measures against imports of unwrought aluminum products. The preliminary ruling found that the increase in imports of the products in question had caused serious injury to, and posed a serious threat of serious injury to, India’s domestic industry. Consequently, India decided to impose a safeguard duty of 5% on imports of these products for a period of 200 days.

　　The initiation of revisions to the entry conditions for the secondary lead industry is beneficial to secondary lead enterprises.

　　On April 1, we learned from relevant sources that the “Technical Policy for the Prevention and Control of Pollution from Waste Batteries,” drafted by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, has now completed the public consultation process. The “Access Conditions for the Secondary Lead Industry,” jointly formulated by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Environmental Protection, will also soon be open for public comment. The introduction of these policy measures is expected to bring some relief to the currently struggling secondary lead industry.

　　The Metal Anti-Subsidy Agreement Has Limited Scope—Aluminum May Be Spared.

　　“We recently signed an agreement with China to eliminate export subsidies, as the United States opposes export subsidies and WTO rules prohibit such practices that undermine fair competition,” said U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman last week when announcing the agreement with China to phase out export subsidies.

　　The United States Launches an Anti-Dumping Investigation into Imports of Phosphor Bronze from South Korea.

　　On March 30, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce officially launched an anti-dumping investigation into phosphor bronze copper alloys imported from South Korea. The phosphorus content in phosphor bronze ranges from approximately 5% to 17%. After being melted, this material serves as a raw material for phosphor bronze welding rods, as well as for producing phosphor bronze strips and special-grade materials. Previously, Metallurgical Products Company, a metal enterprise based in Pennsylvania in the northeastern United States, filed a complaint against South Korean imports of phosphor bronze products, alleging that these imports were suspected of dumping at margins ranging from 12.55% to 66.54%.

　　The USITC Launches Investigation into the U.S. Aluminum Industry and Global Aluminum Trade

　　The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) said on Wednesday that it has launched an investigation into the U.S. aluminum industry and global aluminum trade.

　　New Caledonia Temporarily Suspends Decision to Export Nickel Ore to China

　　According to the latest reports, in order to ease concerns over road blockades by truck drivers in New Caledonia, the government has already approved the continued export of nickel ore to Japan. However, according to a report by Public Radio, the decision on whether to export low-grade nickel ore to China will be postponed for another week.

　　The U.S. aluminum industry is calling on the government to pressure China to reduce its aluminum exports.

　　The U.S. aluminum industry is stepping up its lobbying efforts to persuade the Obama administration to question China’s trade practices. Industry officials say these Chinese practices violate international rules and have led to a massive influx of low-priced Chinese aluminum products into the U.S. market.

　　Indonesian lawmakers hope to revise the mining law or ease copper and nickel export restrictions by September.

　　Jakarta, February 29 — Indonesia’s legislative body hopes to revise the country’s resource law by September, a revision that could include easing export restrictions on mineral resources such as nickel and copper. This move would give Freeport McMoRan Inc. and other mining companies more time and funding to build smelters.

　　Energy Minister: Indonesia May Ease Export Ban on Nickel Ore and Bauxite

　　Jakarta, February 19—Speaking on Friday about plans to complete the revision of the mining law this year, Indonesia’s Energy Minister said that Indonesia might revise its regulations on the export ban of unprocessed minerals, including nickel ore and bauxite.

　　Nigeria will this month review 33 tin smelters to curb illegal exports.

　　Jakarta, February 1 — According to a report by Bisnis Indonesia on Monday, citing remarks from General Mochtar Husein, an inspector at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia will begin reviewing plans for 33 smelters on Bangka Belitung Island this month. The move aims to curb illegal tin exports.