Yesterday
Inside China’s six-decade campaign to dominate rare earths
It was April 1964 and Chinese geologists had discovered that an iron ore mine, near Mongolia, also held the world’s largest deposit of 17 critical metals.
CME lifts precious-metal margins again after price swings
The decision is an effort by the exchange to calm trading after an historic year-end surge in volatility across precious metals markets.
December 2025
Silver rises after biggest one-day drop in more than five years
A lingering supply shortage is helping to keep the metal on track for a 33 per cent monthly gain even after exchanges lifted margin requirements.
Rio, Fortescue change benchmark used for China iron ore pricing
Both Rio and Fortescue will stop using S&P Global Energy Platts Iron Ore Index for term contracts, according to people familiar with the matter.
Gold, silver and platinum prices hit record amid buying frenzy
Retail investors who recently queued up to buy physical gold in Sydney’s Market Place are now profitable following a stunning burst in prices.
Copper hits $US12,000 for first time as tariff trade upends market
The impact on global trade flows of Trump’s moves has been so extreme that prices have rallied even though underlying usage has deteriorated rapidly in China.
Lithium markets hit fever pitch as China revokes more permits
Spodumene prices have rocketed from their June lows, but analysts are tipping even more explosive gains in the new year.
Iron ore tipped to plunge into a bear market in 2026
Westpac expects prices of Australia’s key export to collapse by 20 per cent as China slashes its steel output. The federal government is even more bearish.
November 2025
Direct supply chains delivering local farmers competitive advantages
When geopolitical tensions and fragmented logistics led to significant supply chain disruptions for a Vietnamese timber mill, it sought solutions from a relatively young Australian start-up.
Sponsored
by MZ Commodities
Lithium prices slump as Chinese giant eyes restart
Reports that battery giant CATL is preparing to reopen its Jianxiawo mine next month has triggered a sudden shake-up in the market for the commodity.
Lithium giant’s $43,000 price forecast gets local mining stocks racing
The comments from Ganfeng chairman Li Liangbin reported overnight, predicting a boom in demand for the battery material, pushed up lithium prices.
Insatiable US demand to buoy Australian beef as tariff edge narrows
A Trump administration’s decision to cut the impost on red meat will help Brazilian producers, but analysts expect a persistent appetite from American consumers.
Gas demand to keep rising for 25 years in climate fight failure: IEA
The international energy watchdog has set out a new pessimistic scenario in its latest global outlook report to reflect fading commitment to climate change.
Booming battery demand to send ASX lithium stocks soaring
Spodumene prices closed above $US1000 a tonne for the first time in more than a year as investors turn increasingly bullish on the sector.
Iron ore above $US100 has traders scratching their heads
Fresh off its worst week since February, the steel-making ingredient fell again on Monday ahead of the inauguration of Rio Tinto’s giant mine in Guinea.
Gold surge triggers hiring spree in hedge funds, banks and dealers
Long a relatively neglected corner of many trading floors, the precious metal’s price surge has recruiters scouring Asia to find specialists.
Rio Tinto’s Simandou mine could blow $10b hole in the federal budget
What economists consider the “dagger in the heart” of Australia’s iron ore mining industry could ruin the government’s hopes of restoring its coffers.
Ignore the lull, gold traders say this rally will run until next year
The price of the precious metal has come off its record as trade tensions have cooled. But bulls say the underlying reasons for a surge are still there.
UBS warns against ‘overplaying’ the rare earths sector
Arafura and Lynas Rare Earths have been some of the most heavily traded on the ASX in the last month. But analysts warn that the stocks are also capable of big losses.
October 2025
ASX lithium stocks rip on broker upgrades
JPMorgan has raised its long-term lithium price forecasts sending Australia’s largest pure-play lithium stock Pilbara Minerals and Mineral Resources soaring.
Uranium stocks surge as Trump’s nuclear deal hits short sellers
A huge rally in uranium stocks has mounted further pressure on hedge funds who have been forced to cover short positions in the sector.
Gold heading towards a bear market? Strategists tip deeper pullback
Brokers are urging clients to “buy the rip after the dip” as retail investors flee gold markets, triggering wild swings in prices.
Oil prices surge 5pc as US hits two Russian firms
Crude leapt to a two-week high after the America imposed sanctions on major fuel suppliers Rosneft and Lukoil over the war in Ukraine.
Traders pounce on gold as correction ‘cleans out’ hot money
Brokers are urging clients to stick with the world’s hottest asset after strategists said a ‘much-needed’ pullback removed some of the speculative money from the market.
Gold price slumps as retail investors pour record $1b into ETFs
Investors who lined up for hours at Sydney’s Martin Place to buy the precious metal are licking their wounds from the worst price collapse in years.
