Industry News

Supply glut from ‘Pilbara killer’ Simandou to test iron ore’s $US100/t barrier

Views : 71
Update time : 2024-07-11 16:29:26

But that could change from next year as a wave of cheap supply starts to build in West Africa, lowering the industry’s average costs and forcing prices to better reflect the long-term decline of China’s steel industry, the biggest consumer of iron ore.

The world’s largest untapped ore reserve in Guinea’s Simandou — once dubbed a “Pilbara killer” — is intensifying preparations for production. The project could deliver 5 million tonnes starting in 2025 before ramping up steadily to 90mt a year in 2028, according to Macquarie Group.

Nameplate capacity is 120mt, a level that could be reached in five to seven years, said Liz Gao, a senior analyst at consultancy CRU Group. By that time, “the market will rebalance, with high-cost producers leaving the market to make room for these new volumes from Simandou”, she said.

Digging up iron ore, the key ingredient to make steel, has been a fantastic business for some of the world’s biggest miners. China’s rapid growth, and a laserlike focus on lowering costs, has delivered bumper profits year-in, year-out for producers like Rio Tinto and BHP. But a combination of fading demand in China and swelling supply now threatens to upset the outlook for their main profit driver.

Related News
Read More >>
India’s Bansal Wire Industries expends stainless steel wire capacity at Uttar Pradesh facility India’s Bansal Wire Industries expends stainless steel wire capacity at Uttar Pradesh facility
Apr .24.2025
India’s Bansal Wire Industries expends stainless steel wire capacity at Uttar Pradesh facility
China’s alumina exports surge in Mar due to domestic oversupply China’s alumina exports surge in Mar due to domestic oversupply
Apr .24.2025
China’s alumina exports surge in Mar due to domestic oversupply
Ferromolybdenum prices rise sharply in China, raising stainless steel costs Ferromolybdenum prices rise sharply in China, raising stainless steel costs
Apr .24.2025
Ferromolybdenum prices rise sharply in China, raising stainless steel costs
Fagersta Stainless upgrades with Danieli’s new stainless steel blooming mill for high-quality products Fagersta Stainless upgrades with Danieli’s new stainless steel blooming mill for high-quality products
Apr .24.2025
Fagersta Stainless upgrades with Danieli’s new stainless steel blooming mill for high-quality products