Metallurgical grade fluorspar (metspar) prices are firming in China as improving domestic markets fuel demand.
The renminbi’s rise against the dollar has also put upwards pressure on dollar-based prices. Prices for 80% CaF2 metspar are now $190-200/tonne, FOB China.
Chinese refractory bauxite prices are steady this month, despite the fact that ore quality is reportedly deteriorating and non-met bauxite supply has been tighter, as some material has been diverted for alumina production. However, in North America and Europe demand is still slow, as refractory producers recover...