Prices for ferro molybdenum and molybdenum concentrate in China declined slightly in the week ended on Friday February 21, 2020 due to effected controlled of coronavirus. 

The total control targets of rare earth and tungsten ore mining will continue to be implemented in 2020, per the relevant regulations on the protection of specific mining types, to protect and rationally develop advantageous mineral resources. In order to serve the production of enterprises, the total control indicators for total mining of rare earth and tungsten mining in 2020 will be issued in two batches. The first batch of indicators will be calculated at 50% of the 2019 annual targets. The annual (second batch) total production control index will be released in a timely manner in the second quarter following relevant national policies and market conditions. According to news from the Ministry of Natural Resources on February 19.

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have developed an ultrasound device that takes lithium metal batteries or LMBs to a commercially viable step. Although the research team focuses on LMB, the device can be used in any battery regardless of chemical composition.

Analysis of latest tungsten market from Chinatungsten Online

The ferro tungsten and tungsten powder prices in the Chinese market show signs of rise in the late February. Affected by the measures to prevent and control the coronavirus, the operating rate of factories and logistics have not completely returned to the normal situation, resulting in an imbalance in the supply and demand sides. In the short term, the situation is expected to continue. 

China terbium oxide, neodymium oxide and dysprosium oxide prices edged higher because market inquiry is active but actual transactions need to be improved. 

The ferro molybdenum, sodium molybdate and molybdenum oxide prices are in the downward trend due to bad mentality of traders and sluggish market demand. In the molybdenum concentrate market, the demand does not increase while the supply is sufficient, further weakening confidence of keeping firm offers of suppliers. 

For months, Tesla has been rumored to be working on making its battery cells for its electric vehicles. A recent report from the electrek seems to confirm the news. The electric car maker is building a pilot battery cell manufacturing line in Fremont and designing its equipment to produce the cells.

To invest in smelting plants for rare earths, the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) will revise the "Independent Administrative Corporation's Petroleum, Natural Gas, Metal Mineral Resources Agency Act", and develop the plants in the US and Australia and other countries, according to "Nihon Keizai Shimbun" reported on February 19.

Analysis of latest tungsten market from Chinatungsten Online

The ferro tungsten and ammonium metatungstate (APT) prices in China maintain stability but show signs of rise in the middle of February but market deals are rarely concluded when the operating rate of the industry is low due to the epidemic. The market outlook remains unclear with heavy wait-and-see atmosphere. 

Rare earth market quotation in China: the DyFe, terbium oxide and dysprosium oxide prices edged higher despite of low market inquiry and cautious sentiment of traders.