With bearish headlines flashing across screens in May it would be logical to come to the conclusion that all markets, minerals ones included, were failing.
As IM went to press it was still unsure if Greece was to stay in the Euro or leave. While Greece is home to many industrial mineral deposits and companies - S&B, the bentonite, bauxite and perlite producer is based there - its exit from the Euro could have far-reaching consequences for other economies and markets.
The vote on 17 June will be closely monitored around the world - that goes without saying - although many industrial minerals companies articulated their concern in May.
“Europe remains a concern,” Rio Tinto Minerals’ chief commercial officer, Bob Katsiouleris, confided to IM. “Especially southern Europe - notably Italy and Spain. Countries which have been traditionally excellent markets for borates in ceramics and frits are seeing very, very low...