Recent strength may work to zinc’s disadvantage
Like producers of most base metals, zinc producers have enjoyed three years of strong markets and exceptionally high prices. Based on past experience, however, recent high prices may turn out to have …
1991
Pro-active approach attracts Placer Dome
Mineral exploration is a highly competitive business, yet the key to success may be to combine the knowledge of the competition with that of your own. If you avail yourself in some way of all the peop…
Steel output down
World crude steel production in 1990, at 769.6 million tonnes, was 2% below the record high of 785.1 million tonnes posted in 1989, preliminary estimates of the International Iron and Steel Institute …
Prices of metals affected by war
Outbreak of war in the Persian Gulf near the start of the year, pitting a global alliance of nations under the auspices of the United Nations against Iraq, made an already volatile market even more sk…
INSIDE Papua output
A major factor in the near- term growth of international gold producer Placer Dome is an interest in two large mines, Porgera and Misima, in Papua New Guinea. Total production at Porgera is expected t…
Demand should help sustain nickel
Caught between the opposing forces of slowing demand and tight supply conditions, this year’s nickel markets are likely to be turbulent. But, after spending the past decade eliminating excess capacity…
Mining industry addresses environmental concerns
The mining industry in Ontario continues to demonstrate its leadership in the area of environmental protection, the Ontario Mining Association (OMA) says. While providing the products demanded by soci…
Platinum’s prospects tied to world economic activity
Platinum, which characteristically has the attributes of both a precious metal and an industrial metal, ended 1990 on a subdued note. In many ways, last year can be thought of as two distinct halves. …
SPECIAL – OUTLOOK 1991; Companies learn to cope withall of the
When mining executives look ahead to 1991 they do so having experienced one of the most tumultuous decades in recent history. Uncertainty is now a basic assumption. Increasing volatility — of commodi…
Lead stands to benefit from supply setbacks
Lead had a good start but a poor finish in 1990. The record shows that from year- end 1989 to the end of 1990, lead was the worst performing metal in terms of London Metal Exchange (LME) prices. This …
Global copper market can lend itself to surprises
Copper was the only major base metal that closed 1990 up in price over its 1989 year-end quote. It was only a penny or two but still impressive compared with other metals. For 1990 as a whole, however…
U.S. REPORT Metall interests extend around globe
To call Metall Mining (TSE) a North American copper producer would be correct but only a part of the corporate story. The growing Toronto-based mining company, controlled by Metallgesellschaft AG of G…