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.
While steel production has remained strong in China and North America, the price of molybdenum has remained weak. China became a net importer of molybdenum in 2010, however, on the year the country is a net exporter of the metal. This trend however may be reversing.
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.
After low prices enticed China to become a net importer of molybdenum, surpluses built up may cause price stagnation in 2011. Steel demand is slated to grow in 2011, just at a slower rate than seen in the past few years.
Projected growth for steel combined with Chinese firms investing in foreign molybdenum producers could provide investors with unique opportunities at a good value.
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