InIInfo
RARE EARTH WEEKLY
REVIEW OCT 20-24,2014
Oct.24,2014 ｜Published by Info-RE｜www.info-re.com
A Weekly Highlight of the Rare Earth Market
Table of Contents
Market Summary……………………………………………P2
China Highlights……………………………………………..P3
Global Highlights…………………………………………….P5
Contact us
Author: Margaret Xue
End user Highlights…………………………………………P6
Email: margaret@info-re.com
Pricing Highlights……………………………………………P9
Tel: +86 -10-5649-0177
Rare Earth Outlook for Next Week…………………P12
Fax: +86 -10-5649-0377
Mobile: +86-136-9132-5401
2 Rare Earth Weekly Review Oct 20-24,2014
Market Summary
Chinese government has been promoting the rare earth
integration and consolidation and a report from a local
media said that China’s Ministry of Industry and
Information Technology will argue the plans for the
establishments of three large rare earth groups next
week, with Guangdong Rare Earth Group, Ganzhou Rare
Earth Group and China Minmetals Rare Earth Group
involved.
Meanwhile, rare earth projects outside of China have
been accelerating their pace recently.
Northern Minerals Ltd. announced that the government
of Western Australia has given environmental approval
for the proposed mine and ore processing facility at the
company’s heavy rare earths project, Browns Range.
And Lynas obtains green light from the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as related experts have
recently concluded that the Lynas rare earth processing
facility near Kuantan generates very low level radioactive
waste.
China’s Rare Earth Prices over Oct 20-24, 2014
Product Price on Oct 20
Price on Oct 24
Unit
Change
Pr/Nd
Pr/Nd metal
99% min 366,000-371,000 366,000-371,000
Pr/Nd metal
99% min FOB 80-85
80-85
Pr/Nd oxide
99% min
285,000-288,00 283,000-286,000
Pr/Nd oxide
99% min FOB 58-63
58-63
RMB/t
0
$/kg
=
RMB/t
-2,000
$/kg
0
Dy
Dy metal
99% min
1,850-2,050
Dy metal
99% min FOB 400-440
Dy oxide
99% min
1,380-1,400
Dy oxide
99% min FOB
300-320
Fe-Dy
Dy 80% min 1,400-1,430
Fe-Dy
Dy 80% min FOB 310-330
1,850-2,050
400-440
1,390-1,410
300-320
1,410-1,430
310-330
RMB/kg
=
$/kg
=
RMB/kg
+10
$/kg
=
RMB/kg
+5
$/kg
=
RMB/t
=
$/kg
=
La
In the rare earth market, terbium and dysprosium are
undoubtedly the outstanding elements across the rare
earth complex during the past week with prices seen
signs of bottoming out, some actual business reported
and suppliers being reluctant to accept low selling prices.
The expected launch of sales of oxides of terbium and
dysprosium on October 31 on Fanya Metal Exchange is
cited as the main reason behind the relatively active
markets for dysprosium and terbium over the past week
and some investors are keen to build up stocks and wait
for prices to rebound from the current relatively low
basis.
Downstream consumer buying for the two oxides,
however, is still reported flat because most buyers remain
staying on the sidelines and only restocking material
depending on their orders from customers.
Praseodymium/neodymium prices have been holding
generally steady this week as suppliers are not motivated
to further lower prices, though lower prices have been
seen in the market from suppliers who are very keen to
sell from stocks.
Given the stability in terbium and dysprosium prices, as
well as some small activities expected in the days to come
from NdFeB manufacturers, praseodymium/neodymium
prices are predicted to have little room to fall again.
Oct 20-24, 2014
A weekly highlight of the rare earth market
La metal
99% min
35,000-37,000
La metal
99% min FOB 9-9.5
La oxide
99.9% min
14,000-15,000
La oxide
99.9% min FOB 4.3-4.8
La oxide
99.999% min 38,000-40,000
La oxide
99.999% min FOB 8-9
35,000-37,000
9-9.5
13,500-14,500
4.3-4.8
38,000-40,000
8-9
RMB/t
-550
$/kg
=
RMB/t
=
$/kg
=
Ce
Ce carbonate
45% REO
6,000-6,500
5,800-6,300
RMB/t
Ce carbonate
45% REO FOB
2.5-2.8
2.5-2.8
$/kg
Ce metal
99% min
38,000-40,000 38,000-40,000 RMB/t
Ce metal
99% min FOB
10-12
10-12
$/kg
Ce oxide
99.9% min
13,000-14,000 12,500-13,500 RMB/t
Ce oxide
99.9% min FOB
4.2-4.5
4.2-4.5
$/kg
-200
=
=
=
-500
=
Nd
Nd metal
99% min
360,000-365,000
Nd metal
99% min FOB
79-83
355,000-360,000 RMB/t
78-83
$/kg
Copyright©Beijing Easy Information Technology Co., Ltd
-5,000
-0.5
3 Rare Earth Weekly Review Oct 20-24,2014
China Highlights
Plans for the establishments of three rare earth groups to
be argued next week
China’s Rare Earth Prices over Oct20-24, 2014
Product
Price on Oct 20 Price on Oct 24
Unit
Change
Nd oxide
99% min 270,000-275,000 270,000-275,000 RMB/t
=
Nd oxide
99% min FOB
57-60
57-60
$/kg
=
Tb
Tb metal
99% min
3,450-3,650
Tb metal
99% min FOB
780-830
Tb oxide
99.99% min 2,400-2,600
Tb oxide
99.99% min FOB 570-620
China’s Ministry of
Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) will argue the
plans for the establishments of three rare earth groups
next week.
The three large rare earth groups are Gaungdong Rare
Earth Group, Ganzhou Rare Earth Group and Minmetals
Rare Earth Group.
An official source from MIIT commented that the
establishment of large rare earth groups has been actively
promoted and will be completed in the near future.
And the establishments of the other three large rare earth
groups with Baotou Steel Rare Earth, Ximen Tungsten and
Chalco involved have been reported approved.
China’s ion-absorption rare earth concentrate to be
exhausted within 20 years
The reserves of ionabsorption medium and heavy rare earth concentrate in
southern China have been exaggerated as some
concentrate without industrial value has also been
included. If the resources could not be effectively
protected, China’s ion-absorption rare earth concentrate in
southern China might be exhausted in the coming ten to
twenty years, said Wang Jionghui, the Assistant of
President at China Minmetals Corporation.
He said that illegal mining for ion-absorption rare earth
concentrate is still rife in southern China. Coupled with the
low recycling rate, many resources have been wasted.
3,400-3,500
RMB/kg
-100
780-830
$/kg
=
RMB/kg
+50
$/kg
=
2,500-2,600
570-620
Pr
Pr metal
99% min
600,000-630,000 580,000-620,000 RMB/t -15,000
Pr metal
99% min FOB
145-155
145-155
$/kg
=
Pr oxide
99% min
470,000-480,000 460,000-470,000 RMB/t -10,000
Pr oxide
99% min FOB
110-115
110-115
$/kg
=
Eu
Eu oxide
99.99% min
2,100-2,300
Eu oxide
99.99% min FOB
620-670
2,000-2,200
620-670
RMB/kg -100
$/kg
=
Gd
Fe-Gd
Gd 73% min 101,000-104,000 95,000-98,000
Gd oxide
99% min
88,000-91,000
82,000-84,000
Gd oxide
99% min FOB
21-26
21-26
Gd oxide
99.99% min 165,000-175,000 150,000-160,000
Gd oxide
99.99% min FOB 37-42
37-42
RMB/t -6,000
RMB/t -6,500
$/kg
=
RMB/t -15,000
$/kg
=
RMB/t
=
Y
Y metal
99.9% min 230,000-260,000 230,000-260,000
Y oxide
99.999% min 33,000-35,000 33,000-35,000
Y oxide
99.999% min FOB 11.7-12.7
11.7-12.7
RMB/t
=
$/kg
=
Er
Er oxide
99% min
260,000-270,000 260,000-270,000
Er oxide
99% min FOB
55-60
53-58
La/Ce mischmetal
RMB/t
$/kg
La/Ce mischmetal
Wang believes that a reduction in production capacity,
(La 35%, Ce 65%) 33,000-36,000 33,000-36,000
RMB/t
together with cracking down on illegal rare earth
production is the key factor to support rare earth prices.
Oct 20-24, 2014 A weekly highlight of the rare earth market Copyright©Beijing Easy Information Technology Co., Ltd
=
-2
=
4 Rare Earth Weekly Review Oct 20-24,2014
Fanya Metal Exchange to list oxides of
dysprosiumand terbium on October 31
Fanya Metal Exchange
(Fanya) announced on
October 21 that it will
sell 15 tonnes
dysprosium oxide and 3
tonnes terbium oxide on
October 31.
China’s Rare Earth Prices over Oct20-24, 2014
Product
Price on Oct 20 Price on Oct 24 Unit Change
La/Ce mischmetal
(La 35%, Ce 65%) FOB 8.5-9
8.5-9
$/kg
=
Sm
Sm metal
99% min
90,000-95,000 90,000-95,000 RMB/t
Sm metal
99% min FOB
21-24
21-24
$/kg
Sm oxide
99% min
14,500-15,500 14,500-15,500 RMB/t
Sm oxide
The selling prices will
99% min FOB
4-5
4-5
$/kg
depend on spot prices and is determined by sellers’
Mischmetal(Battery Grade)
listed prices. Purchasers can buy the oxides according
with low Zn& low Mg
to sellers’ listed prices and the maximum single
Mischmetal 120,000-130,000 120,000-130,000 RMB/t
with low Zn & Mg
buying amount is 50 kg.
Mischmetal
24-27
24-27
$/kg
So far three suppliers are qualified by the exchange,
with low Zn & Mg FOB
including Shenzhen Qianhai Kaishun Investment, Shenzhen Yuehai Huaxin Science & Technology Material and Shenzhen
Qianhai Benji Rare Precious Metal.
=
=
=
=
=
=
There are a few exchanges which have already listed rare earths contracts while with little effect seen on rare earth market
during the past months.
The Kunming city, Yunnan province-based exchange started indium trading in April 2011, and bismuth and gallium trading in
February 2013. In addition, germanium, cobalt metal and APT, vanadium pentoxide and antimony are also listed on
Fanya.Fanya has succeeded in building a leading position in indium and bismuth electronic markets.
Jinchuan Group to restructure Gansu Rare Earth
Jinchuan Group, a large state-owned mining group in Gansu, is to restructure
Gansu Rare Earth Advanced Materials (Gansu Rare Earth for short).
As Info-RE reported, Baotou Steel Rare Earth has been engaging in rare earth
integration in northern China with Gansu Rare Earth involved. However, the
local government authority in Gansu is not very interested in the consolidation
and at last the largest nonferrous group in Gansu Jinchuan Group controls
Gansu Rare Earth.
Nonetheless, the Gansu-based rare earth producer has not its own rare earth
mine with most rare earth raw material of Gansu Rare Earth coming from Baotou Steel Rare Earth.
Grinm Advanced Materials obtained RMB27.07 million government subsidy
Grinm Advanced Materials announced on October 20 that the company obtained RMB27.07 million government subsidy.
According to the announcement, Grinm Advanced Materials and its subsidiaries of Grirem Advanced Materials Co., Ltd
(Grirem) and Grikin Advanced Materials Co., Ltd got access to the sum of government subsidy yesterday issued by China’s
Ministry of Finance.
Minmetals Rare Earth plunged into loss in the first three quarters of 2014
China Minmetals Rare Earth issued its report for the first three quarters of 2014 with a
loss of RMB3.6815 million seen, down 107.79% from the corresponding months of
2013.
The report said that its operating revenue in January-September was RMB499 million, slightly up 4% year on year.
Oct 20-24, 2014
A weekly highlight of the rare earth market
Copyright©Beijing Easy Information Technology Co., Ltd
5 Rare Earth Weekly Review Oct 20-24,2014
The company cited that the persistently weak rare earth market resulted by a lack of downstream demand and falling prices
is the main reason behind the loss of its profits. It has eased sales and production over the past months, which have seen
marked reduction compared to the same months in 2013.
Meanwhile, according to the company’s interim report, its loss for the first half of 2014 was RMB42 million, in comparison
with its net profit of RMB10 million over the first six months of 2013.
Global Highlights
Northern Minerals’ Browns Range project granted environmental approval
Northern Minerals Ltd. announced that the government of Western Australia has
given environmental approval for the proposed mine and ore processing facility at
the company’s heavy rare earths project, Browns Range.
The company’s announcement said thatthe Project was referred to the WA
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in May 2013. In August 2014, the EPA
recommended approval of the Project to the WA Minister for Environment, stating it
considers the Project can be managed to meet the EPA’s environmental objectives subject to its recommended conditions
being adopted.
George Bauk, the managing director at Northern Minerals said that receiving the primary environmental approval is a
significant step forward in the Project’s development and clears the path for Browns Range to become the first significant
dysprosium producer outside of China.
The focus is now on finalising the Project’s Feasibility Study and securing offtake and financing to progress the Project
through construction in 2015 and commissioning in 2016.
IAEA: Lynas facility generates low radioactive waste
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts have concluded that the Lynas
rare earth processing facility near Kuantan generates very low level radioactive waste,
according to a report on the website of www.investorintel.com.
The conclusion was made by the IAEA expert team following a follow-up mission to
conduct an independent review of radiation safety at the rare earth processing facility.
“The radiological risks of the Lynas plant are low because of the low level of
radioactivity of the materials handled,” team leader and director of the Nuclear Fuel
Cycle and Waste Technology Division in the IAEA’s Department of Nuclear Energy, Juan
Carlos Lentijo, said in a statement.
He said in the preliminary observations, the follow-up mission found that good progress had been made in implementing the
11 recommendations made by the international body during its review mission in 2011.
“Malaysia was actively updating its regulations in accordance with the most recent IAEA safety standards,” he said.
Lynas welcomes China’s crackdown on illegal rare earths
Oct 20-24, 2014
A weekly highlight of the rare earth market
Copyright©Beijing Easy Information Technology Co., Ltd
6 Rare Earth Weekly Review Oct 20-24,2014
Lynas Corporation Limited CEO Amanda Lacaze has welcomed Chinese media
reports of further government initiatives to improve environmental practices and
to reduce illegal rare earths mining in China.
She commented that these initiatives are further evidence that China is serious
about improving rare earths supply chains, for the benefit of all market
participants. These new initiatives will support the emergence of sustainable
pricing and sustainable environmental practices in rare earths supply chains. In
turn, this should provide downstream industries with greater supply reliability.
As Info-RE reported early this month, China’s eight government authorities with
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology(MIIT) and Ministry of Land and Resources involved, jointly announced that
China will launch a special campaign to crack down on illegal rare earth mining, trading and production between October 10,
2014 to March 31,2015.
End User Highlights
Rare earth substitute found for LEDs
An abundant copper compound could replace rare-earth metals in household LEDs, making
them more environmentally friendly.
Most commercially available white LEDS are phosphor-based but incorporate rare earth metals
like cerium. Researchers from Rutgers University developed another approach to white LEDs
based on I-VII binary semiconductors, in particular copper iodide.
The hybrid phosphor materials are free of rare-earths and can be synthesized by a low-cost, scalable solution process, the
researchers said. Introduction of ligands allows the LEDs to be tuned to emit a warm white glow or other colors.
A sharp rise seen in China’s NEV output and sales in the first three quarters
According to figures from China Auto Industry Association, China’s new energy
vehicle (NEV) output in the first nine months was 38,533 unit and 38,163 unit for
sales, sharply rising 290% and 280% respectively from the corresponding months
of 2013.
The rising speed has been accelerating in the past few quarters. The statistic data
shew that the increases for NEV production and sales in the first quarter of 2014
were 180% and 160% respectively year on year, 270% and 290% for the second
quarter and 390% and 380% seen respectively for the third quarter.
In September, China’s NEV output reached 8,047 unit, up 833% from September 2013.
Albemarle’s net sales up in Q3 2014 driven by Catalyst Solution
Albemarle Corporation reported net sales of $642.4 million in the third quarter of 2014, up
from net sales of $591.2 million in the third quarter of 2013, driven mainly by higher volumes
across Catalyst Solutions and bromine products due to strong market demand and favorable
pricing in Catalyst Solutions.
Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $1.85 billion, up from $1.75 billion for the same period in
2013, driven mainly by favorable Catalyst Solutions pricing and volumes on strong demand, and the favorable impact of a
stronger European Union Euro, partly offset by lower pricing in Performance Chemicals.
Oct 20-24, 2014
A weekly highlight of the rare earth market
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7 Rare Earth Weekly Review Oct 20-24,2014
The company reported third quarter 2014 earnings of $72.8 million, or $0.93 per share, compared to third quarter 2013
earnings of $90.5 million, or $1.11 per share. Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $151.8 million,
or $1.91 per share, compared to $257.2 million, or $3.02 per share, for the same period in 2013.
"We delivered better than forecast growth in net sales, earnings and cash flow this quarter driven by continued strength in
Catalyst Solutions, and our full year will be well within the range of our guidance," said Albemarle president and CEO Luke
Kissam. "We are also making excellent progress on the plan for integrating Rockwood and delivering the synergies of the
combination once the transaction closes."
Catalyst Solutions generated net sales of $277.9 million in the third quarter of 2014, a 23 percent increase from net sales in
the third quarter of 2013 of $226.0 million, primarily on favorable Clean Fuels Technology and Performance Catalyst
Solutions volumes and overall favorable Refinery Catalyst Solutions pricing, partly offset by unfavorable Heavy Oil Upgrading
volumes.
Catalyst Solutions segment income was $59.9 million in the third quarter of 2014, up 18 percent from third quarter 2013
results of $50.8 million, due primarily to favorable pricing (partly driven by higher metals surcharges), higher equity in income
from unconsolidated investments and strong Clean Fuels Technology and Performance Catalyst Solutions volumes on market
demand, partly offset by lower Heavy Oil Upgrading volumes due to our capacity expansion startup in Bayport, TX.
Zhmag to acquire Dajun Tech to step into EV motor sector
Yantai Zhenghai Magnetic Material Co., Ltd. (Zhmag) is set to buy 81.53% equity of Shanghai
Dajun Technologies to step into electric vehicle motor field.
Zhmag announced that before the acquisition, it holds 7.14% of Dajun Tech’s equity and after
the purchase, it will hold 88.67% of Dajun Tech’s equity.
Established in 2005, Shanghai Dajun Technologies, Inc. (Dajun Tech) is a hi-tech industry that
specializes in the R&D and production of motors and control systems for hybrid-electric and electric vehicles (HEV/EV).
Zhmag notes that given the fast development of new energy vehicle market, the motor driving system is set to become one
of the companies’ major operating businesses in the future.
Changshu exported 4.688 tonnes LED phosphor powder in Q3 2014
Changshu, Jiangsu province exported 4.688 tonnes LED phosphor powder in the third
quarter of 2014, with the export value of $3.15 million, according to Changshu Entry-Exit
Inspection and Quarantine Bureau.
Changshu exported two kinds of LED phosphor powders last quarter, including the green
powder and the yellow powder, accounting for 48.3% and 51.7% respectively.
The main export destinations are Hong Kong and the US, with around 51.8% of the total
amount exported to Hong Kong in the third quarter and about 46.1% exported to the US market.
The price for the green LED phosphor powder is over three-time higher than the yellow powder.
Compared to export prices in the second quarter, export prices for the green powder in Q3 2014 have slightly decreased by
about 1.4%. However, the export prices for yellow LED phosphor powder have seen a 80% sharp increase from the previous
quarter.
Zhineng Rare Earth’s 2,000 tpy rare earth polishing powder project
officially put into production
The 2,000 tpy high-precision rare earth polishing powder project of
Zhineng Rare Earth has been officially put into production recently.
Oct 20-24, 2014
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8 Rare Earth Weekly Review Oct 20-24,2014
The project, with the investment of RMB460 million, commenced trial production in June and it includes the production of
rare earth polishing powders, the research and development of single separated rare earth products and rare earth
compounds.
The annual output for high-precision rare earth polishing powder is 2,000 tonnes, with the annual output value of RMB550
million expected.
Zhineng Rare Earth locates in Dechang, Sichuan province. Sichuan owns the second largest rare earth reserves in China. And
most of rare earth resources in Sichuan concentrate around the ore-forming belt of Liangshan Mianning – Dechang.
Rare earth nanocrystals and infrared light can reveal small cancerous tumors and cardiovascular lesions
A new medical imaging method being developed at Rutgers University could help physicians detect cancer and other diseases
earlier than before, speeding treatment and reducing the need for invasive, time-consuming biopsies, according to a report
on the website of www.investorintel.com.
The potentially lifesaving technique uses nanotechnology to reveal small cancerous tumors and cardiovascular lesions deep
inside the body. It is showing promise in early tests by Rutgers researchers in the schools of engineering and pharmacy.
The Rutgers technology, co-developed by Richard Riman, distinguished professor of Materials Science and Engineering, uses
a different type of infrared light than is used for imaging today. Called shortwave infrared, it penetrates skin and other tissue
more deeply than visible light or the near-infrared light used in current imaging methods. This light stimulates dyes made
with nanocrystals of rare earth elements – a family of 17 similar metals that are not scarce but are difficult to mine. Rare
earths are in growing demand for electronic products such as smart phones, video screens and electric car motors and
batteries.
While scientists and physicians have long recognized the potential value of shortwave infrared light, fluorescent dyes that
react to this light have either been too toxic to use safely or could not deliver sharp images. The dyes that Moghe and his
team are developing encapsulate rare-earth nanocrystals in a shell of human serum albumin. They are well tolerated,
distribute quickly through the body and accumulate at the disease sites.
The researchers can employ different types rare-earth elements, which glow under slightly different colors of
shortwave infrared light, to create a family of probes that are sensitive to a variety of cancers. “In this way, we can get a
precise picture of the makeup and stage of the disease,” he said.
The researchers have demonstrated positive results in laboratory mice, and have shown that the spread of cancer even on a
very small scale can be detected earlier than with traditional techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging or nearinfrared imaging. This may open up new avenues for early intervention.
21 cities to eliminate incandescent lamp before 2017
China’s 21 cities have jointly signed a proposal recently to eliminate the use of incandescent
lamps in their own cities before 2017.
Meanwhile, China issued an announcement on the gradual forbidden on import and sales of
common incandescent lamp in 2011 and from October 2014, Chinese market is not allowed
to import and sell 60 W and more efficient common incandescent lamps.
The green lighting project has brought obviously energy saving results, and energy-saving
light output has seen marked increase during the past few years.
An official source from a related government agency said that China is a major lighting
producer and consumer in the world. China’s production for incandescent lamps in 2013 was
3.89 billion units, accounting for about one third of the total world output. And China’s
energy-saving light’s output was 4.16 billion, around 80% of theglobal output.
Jiangmen Kanhoo plunged into loss in Jan-Sep
Oct 20-24, 2014
A weekly highlight of the rare earth market
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9 Rare Earth Weekly Review Oct 20-24,2014
Jiangmen Kanhoo Industry Co., Ltd announced on October 22 that the
company suffered a loss of RMB16.331 million in the first three
quarters of 2014.
Its operating revenue in the first nine months were RMB290 million,
slightly down 0.02% from the corresponding period of 2013. The company explained that the drop in rare earth prices has
resulted in the its falling prices for rare earth phosphor materials, leading to sharp decline of its gross profits and also the loss
in its profits.
Pricing Highlights
Pr/Nd steady, small business expected
Praseodymium/neodymium prices have been generally stable in the past week with RMB366,000-371,000/tonne for 99%
praseodymium/neodymium metal and a further slight decrease of RMB2,000/tonne for 99% praseodymium/neodymium
oxide, currently holding around RMB283,000-286,000/tonne.
450,000
400,000
350,000
300,000
250,000
200,000
Pr/Nd oxide(RMB/t)
150,000
Pr/Nd metal(RMB/t)
100,000
50,000
0
Dysprosium prices appear firmer on restocking from investors
This week dysprosium prices have seen signs of firming with some bullish investors tending to restock material and wait for
prices to head up and suppliers not keen to sell material at relatively low prices. 99% dysprosium oxide prices are holding
around RMB1,390-1,410/kg, compared to RMB1,380-1,400/kg early this week.
Oct 20-24, 2014
A weekly highlight of the rare earth market
Copyright©Beijing Easy Information Technology Co., Ltd
10 Rare Earth Weekly Review Oct 20-24,2014
2500
2000
1500
Dy oxide(RMB/kg)
1000
Dy metal(RMB/kg)
FeDy(RMB/kg)
500
0
Praseodymium oxide continues falling on relatively ample supply
Some 99% praseodymium oxide is currently available at about RMB460,000/tonne, compared to RMB470,000480,000/tonne seen a few days ago and prices have still been depressed by relatively ample domestic supply.
In the meantime, lower prices of RMB580,000-600,000/tonne for 99% praseodymium metal are reported in the market even
though some suppliers have been holding prices above RMB600,000/tonne.
800,000
700,000
600,000
500,000
400,000
Pr oxide(RMB/t)
300,000
Pr metal(RMB/t)
200,000
100,000
0
Europium oxide prices stable as little business done
Europium oxide prices head further down to RMB2,000-2,100/kg this week from RMB2,100-2,300/kg amid so slack
downstream demand.
Oct 20-24, 2014
A weekly highlight of the rare earth market
Copyright©Beijing Easy Information Technology Co., Ltd
11 Rare Earth Weekly Review Oct 20-24,2014
Eu oxide(RMB/kg)
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
Eu oxide(RMB/kg)
1000
500
0
Gadolinium prices slide again, market expectation cautious
Much lower prices of about RMB82,000/tonne for 99% gadolinium oxide are reported in the market now, compared to about
RMB86,000-88,000/tonne seen last week from motivated suppliers.
Meanwhile, ferro-gadolinium (Gd 73%) prices have dropped to about RMB95,000-96,000/tonne recently, in comparison with
about RMB102,000-103,000/tonne last week.
140,000
120,000
100,000
80,000
Gd oxide(RMB/t)
60,000
FeGd(RMB/t)
40,000
20,000
0
Terbium oxide price range widens
It is difficult for buyers to obtain 4N terbium oxide at about RMB2,400-2,500/kg and prices move up to RMB2,500-2,600/kg
from the wider range of RMB2,400-2,600/kg earlier this week.
99% terbium metal prices maintain at about RMB3,400-3,500/kg, similar to prices seen last week.
Oct 20-24, 2014
A weekly highlight of the rare earth market
Copyright©Beijing Easy Information Technology Co., Ltd
12 Rare Earth Weekly Review Oct 20-24,2014
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
Tb oxide(RMB/kg)
1500
Tb metal(RMB/kg)
1000
500
0
Rare Earth Outlook for Next Week
Investors’ restocking of oxides of terbium and dysprosium and the purchases from national stockpile buying of rare earths, as
well as the expected launch of the two oxides on Oct 31 on Fanya Metal Exchange, have supported domestic prices for
dysprosium and terbium this week and some bullish market players predict that prices are likely to bottom out next week.
Nonetheless, prices are not likely to sharply rise due to a lack of restocking from consumers.
Praseodymium/neodymium prices are expected to keep relatively steady next week as suppliers are not keen to further
lower prices to drive business and some small activities might be seen from NdFeB makers. However, given the ample stocks
and generally quiet downstream consumer buying, it is hard to see prices to head north in the short term.
Lanthanum and cerium prices are also predicted relatively stable in the coming week even though some cautious market
players warn that prices might move further down depressed by so heavy domestic stocks.
Prices for oxides of praseodymium and gadolinium, which have seen marked reductions this week, are likely to continue
down in the near future because of the absence of motivated buyers as well as relatively large supply.
The export market is also expected to be quiet in the short term as overseas buyers still have little buying interest in view of
sluggish orders from their customers and relatively healthy stocks. Many of them have been postponing their restocking for
rare earth materials due to the expected change of China’s rare earth export restrictions in 2015 caused by the WTO ruling.
Oct 20-24, 2014
A weekly highlight of the rare earth market
Copyright©Beijing Easy Information Technology Co., Ltd