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Minor metals in January. (Mineral Markets).

Article Excerpt
The minor metals markets all made a very slow start to the New Year, but at least towards the end of the month activity increased, particularly in those metals traditionally affected by the onset of the Chinese New Year celebrations in February. There was considerable scepticism, however, as to whether or not the increased activity will last.

Antimony was weak at the turn of the year, but usually experiences an upturn prior to the Chinese holidays in February. This year was no exception, and by the middle of January, enquiries were increasing, and offers from China were becoming more difficult to obtain. Material for prompt delivery already outside China remained available at competitive levels in the range US$1,060-1,100/t in warehouse Rotterdam, reflecting moves by sellers to reduce their storage and financing costs, and take in funds before the holidays. Offers from China, however, were more difficult to come by, but those offers that were available were at levels in excess of US$1,100/t cif.

Arsenic prices weakened, and there were several parcels of material available outside China, for which sellers were prepared to...

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