Investors looking to capitalize on the build-up of nuclear power don’t have to rely on uranium projects alone, as massive amounts of molybdenum will be needed for nuclear power reactors to strengthen the steel alloys used in their construction.
The volatility of world markets over the last week has some commodites on a downward trend. Molybdenum, however, is bucking the trend with some impressive gains over the last week.
Ken MacDonald Vice President of Business Strategy and CFO Erdene Resource Development discussed the factors controlling the current molybdenum market.
Japan will need massive amounts of steel to rebuild what the tsunami washed away. Infrastructure and new automobiles will pave the way for steel demand in the country. While the events in Japan are horrific and depressing, and may affect global markets for quite some time, the need for steel will likely use up a large portion of the surplus that is currently holding down the price of moly.
The use of molybdenum in energy projects from nuclear energy to renewable will add new demand pressures on moly over the course of the year. Prices on the LME have been steadily gaining already this year, increased demand will only add to these dynamics.
Recent surge in the number of oil rigs in use around the world should have positive implications for molybdenum demand in the near term. For full story, click here
Any surge in the number of crude oil and natural gas drilling rigs in use around the world should increase molybdenum demand in the near term. For full story, click here
U.S. miner General Moly Inc declared that it has seen the molybdenum market poised for a rebound with a pick up in demand growth and limited new supply sending prices to a peak in 2012. For full story, click here
The molybdenum price will need to surge significantly from the current level around $10/lb, if the industry is to invest in new output that will be needed to meet future demand. For full story, click here
Thompson Creek Metals Co. has seen demand for molybdenum improving slightly in the remainder of 2009, after having plummeted earlier in the year. Chief Executive Kevin Loughrey stated: The market has rebounded slightly and we think we will do a little better than earlier indicated. For full story, click here
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