MINEX Forum

Tag: metal prices

  • European Mining and Utilities Stocks Hit Record Highs, Surpassing 2008 Peaks

    European Mining and Utilities Stocks Hit Record Highs, Surpassing 2008 Peaks

    European mining and utilities stocks reached fresh all-time highs on Wednesday, surpassing their previous peaks set in 2008, in the latest indication that last year’s rally in regional equities is broadening across sectors.

    The  basic resources sector has climbed 25 percent since the start of the year, driven by steadily rising prices for precious and industrial metals. The strong performance nearly matches the sector’s total gain recorded in 2025, reflecting renewed investor appetite for commodity-linked equities.

    At the same time, the  has advanced around 15 percent year to date. Utilities stocks have attracted increased interest as beneficiaries of artificial intelligence-driven demand growth, particularly due to the rising power requirements of data centres. The sector is also seen as part of a broader investor rotation into hard assets.

    Mining and utilities are the second and third European industry groups to break longstanding records this week. Earlier, the regional oil and gas index exceeded its previous high from 2007, underscoring the strength of the current sectoral momentum.

  • Aurubis Reports Strong Q1 Earnings Driven by High Metal Prices and Copper Demand

    Aurubis Reports Strong Q1 Earnings Driven by High Metal Prices and Copper Demand

    Aurubis, Europe’s largest copper producer, posted stronger-than-expected first-quarter earnings, fueled by rising metal prices, strong copper product sales, and increased revenue from sulphuric acid. The company also benefited from lower costs, contributing to a 17% year-on-year rise in pre-tax earnings to €130 million ($135 million), surpassing analyst estimates of €126 million.

    CFO Steffen Hoffmann highlighted the growing demand for sulphuric acid, widely used in fertilizers and the chemical industry, which is helping offset declining refining fees for copper concentrate. Analysts predict a sharp drop in benchmark refining fees from $80 per tonne to around $20–$25 in 2025, posing a challenge for smelters like Aurubis.

    Despite concerns over potential U.S. tariffs, Hoffmann reaffirmed the company’s strategic focus on local production. Aurubis is expanding its recycling plant in Georgia, adding a second module that will increase blister copper output from 35 to 75 kilotonnes.

    The Hamburg-based company, which recycles raw materials into copper anodes, cathodes, and wire rods, expects the artificial intelligence (AI) boom to drive further demand for its wire rod products, a crucial component in data centers.

    Aurubis confirmed its full-year outlook, maintaining confidence in sustained demand and strategic expansion.

  • Aluminum Prices Rise as EU Considers Russian Import Curbs

    Aluminum Prices Rise as EU Considers Russian Import Curbs

    Aluminum prices increased by up to 1.4% amid reports that the European Union may introduce restrictions on imports from Russia. While the scope of these curbs remains undecided, the move aligns with global supply chain reconfigurations since the invasion of Ukraine, which has already reduced Russian aluminum shipments to Europe. Many manufacturers have self-sanctioned, rerouting significant volumes to China, where imports have doubled since 2022.

    China, the world’s largest aluminum producer, is expected to see slowed production growth this year due to capacity limits, tightening exports and supporting higher prices. Futures for aluminum closed at $2,595 per ton in London, while other metals like zinc and copper remained steady, and lead dropped 1.1% following increased inventories. Analysts note that the market has largely adjusted to changes, minimizing the potential impact of further trade rerouting.