Bismuth and indium prices across North America have softened further in the fourth quarter as spot demand for the minor metals continues to slow.

Bismuth, which was fetching as much as $10 per pound at the start of the month, is currently trading in the $7.90- to $8.25-per-pound range as fears of China-induced supply constraints are still waning.

The run-up in bismuth prices posted earlier in the quarter could be attributed to reports that China's state-owned Hunan Nonferrous Metals Holding Group Co. Ltd. was buying as much as 2,000 tonnes of the metal for fourth-quarter delivery, according to market participants. Additionally, a wave of lead smelter shutdowns across China heightened concerns...