Interview with O’Neal Industries’ Holman Head; Outlook for base metals, aluminium, steel and EU rail in 2021; Q&A with Rusal CEO Evgenii Nikitin; Growing use of automotive aluminium extrusions; Industrial minerals - Chromite, magnesia and graphite flake markets; Debate around trade in Indian iron ore; Technologies for high-quality steel output as the shift towards EAF-based production continues; Additive manufacturing trends; Fastmarkets expert base metal, steel and steelmaking raw material market analysis, news reviews, innovations and end-user regulars
Features
Page 16
Cover story
O’Neal Industries’ Holman Head recalls big growth in the business and identifies trends
Outlook for 2021
Page 24
Boom or bust for base metals in 2021?
While the US presidential election provided some certainty, the Covid-19 pandemic still creates volatility
Page 27
Demand growth looks set to support SHFE aluminium
The Shanghai Futures Exchange aluminium price looks set to maintain its upward momentum
Page 30
Green aluminium is now a focal point of the market Aluminium production that generates less carbon emissions and demonstrates sustainable supply has become a focus
Page 31
China’s raw material policies loom over global steel markets
China’s raw material policies have international repercussions
Page 32
Will EU rail investments be able to stay on track?
Stimulated by regional development, many rail infrastructure projects are being funded in the EU
Page 38
Severstal enhances client services and experience
Russia’s major steelmaker Severstal is bringing B2C levels of service to its business
Aluminium
Page 40
Rusal strategy and outlook
Rusal CEO Evgenii Nikitin outlines the company’s responses to the challenges and opportunities arising last year and for the future
Page 44
Extrusions’ key roles in the automotive sector Senior Hydro executives discuss the car industry’s transition to electric vehicle production and the key roles for extrusions
Industrial minerals
Page 48
Curbs to ease magnesia oversupply in China Tighter controls on mining activity and strict environmental regulations have eased oversupply of magnesia in China
Page 51
Chromite market’s uncertain footing Multiple push and pull factors continue to affect supply and demand
Page 53
Freight rate hikes squeeze traders
The recent surge in container freight costs and limited cargo space are disrupting trade flows
Page 54
The perils and merits of “fake flake” graphite
“Fake flake” graphite sold as genuine material has increasingly been reported, but what are its risks and benefits?
Iron ore
Page 56
India’s iron ore debate continues
Arguments made by India’s steelmakers and miners about the best policies for the country’s iron ore have become vigorous
Spotlights
Page 59
Technology spotlight: EAF vs. BOF for high-quality steel production
As EAF-based steelmaking grows in use, by what means can the highest steel qualities be achieved?
Page 64
End-user spotlight: Additive manufacturing
Metal components made by using additive manufacturing technologies are taking market share from traditional methods
Page 66
ICD Group creates new 3D printing business Strategic metals company ICD Group has launched ICD Applied Technologies in the UK
News and analysis
Page 8
Non-ferrous news review
A summary of recent key developments in the international non-ferrous industries
Page 10
Steel news review
A round-up of important recent developments in the global iron and steel sectors
Page 14
Base metals and steel analysis
Fastmarkets research analysts study the drivers of the base metals, steel and steel raw materials markets
Regulars
Page 7
Comment
Reassessing the outlook
Page 69
Innovations
New developments in steel and metals technology, processes and products
Page 70
End-user
Advances and market developments in applications