Topic
mining
Technology Iconic Bitcoin mine pivots to AI as mining companies turn from crypto
The Ekibastuz Bitcoin mine in Kazakhstan, once a symbol of cryptocurrency's rise, is part of a wave of mining operations converting to AI computing as Bitcoin rewards fall. Companies including Riot Platforms, TerraWulf, and Enegix are repurposing infrastructure; Riot signed a $9bn deal with Anthropic. Refits are costly, and some firms have sold Bitcoin holdings to fund the switch.
Commodities Copper futures hover near ₹1,365 support as sideways trend persists
Copper futures hover at ₹1,370/kg near key support at ₹1,365, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. The August contract has ranged between ₹1,365 and ₹1,400 since August 5. Analysts see a likely rally to ₹1,430 if support holds, with downside targets at ₹1,350 and ₹1,325 on a breach.
Commodities Indian steel mills face margin squeeze as global coking coal prices rise
Rising global coking coal prices, driven by supply disruptions in Australia, China and the Iran war, are squeezing Indian steel mill margins. Premium hard coking coal averaged $236 per metric tonne FOB Australia in Jan-Jul 2026, up 25% year-on-year, according to CRU. Steelmakers face higher costs and limited pricing power amid cheap Chinese steel competition.
Commodities Hindustan Zinc raises green energy share to 22%, targets 70% by FY28
Hindustan Zinc has raised its green energy share to 22% of total power consumption, up from about 18% in FY2025-26. The Vedanta group firm targets 70% renewable power by FY2027-28 and expanded its Serentica Renewables agreement to 530 MW.
Commodities TEXMiN–MaxelS Nagpur Center of Excellence to Target Critical Mineral Value Chains in Maharashtra
TEXMiN and Nagpur-based MaxelS Tekventures inaugurated a Center of Excellence for Critical Minerals & Digital Mineralogy in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The state holds 41% of India's rare earth element resources, and the centre will bring exploration, digital mineralogy, AI-based analytics, testing and training under one roof. The initiative strengthens critical mineral value chains in the region.
Commodities Gold and Silver Prices Decline in Indian Bullion Market, Silver Down Over One Per Cent
According to Akashvani / News on AIR, 24-carat gold was marginally down at ₹1,54,080 per 10 grams in the Indian bullion market on August 18, 2026, while silver declined over one per cent to ₹2,33,164 per kilogram. The report provides no additional supply, demand, or inventory context, leaving the rupee-denominated price levels as the key data points.
Commodities Lithium prices likely to head lower this half as supplies improve
Lithium carbonate prices hit a six-month low of 140,000 yuan ($20,770) per tonne before recovering $1,000, as supply resurgence in China and Australian restarts loom. BMI forecasts 2026 average at $20,100/tonne for carbonate, while AOCE sees spodumene at $2,240/tonne. Strong energy storage demand is expected to cushion any sharp fall.
Logistics China's VLOC conveyor belt threatens to dilute Simandou cape upside
Broker SSY reports that VLOCs of more than 220,000 dwt carried nearly half of Simandou's iron ore shipments in H1 2026, while Chinese tonnage accounts for nearly 40% of the VLOC orderbook. According to Splash247, the emerging conveyor-belt structure — led by Winning International and China Merchants Energy Shipping — may keep Simandou hugely positive for overall tonne-miles but less spectacular for independent capesize owners.
Commodities Mining Revenue: States’ Share Rises From 65% to 88% in a Decade
States' share of mineral revenue in India jumped from 65% in 2014-15 to 88% in 2024-25, while the Centre's share fell to 12%, according to mines ministry data cited by PTI. The figures came as Parliament passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Coal revenue followed suit, with states' share rising from 55% to 96% over the decade.
Commodities India plans critical mineral processing parks in four states; lithium and nickel in focus
The Indian government will establish four critical mineral processing parks in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, prioritising lithium and nickel for the battery sector. The parks fall under the National Critical Mineral Mission with a total outlay of Rs 34,300 crore.
Commodities India’s planned coal mining capacity nearly doubles to 638 mtpa in 2025
India's proposed coal mining capacity nearly doubled to 638 mtpa in 2025, accounting for almost all growth in the global coal project pipeline, according to Global Energy Monitor. The expansion supports New Delhi's output targets but carries demand-side risks as the IEA forecasts coal demand will plateau by 2030.
Commodities US backs Australian scandium mine with $400 million loan to secure critical mineral supply
The US Department of War has committed a conditional USD 400 million loan to Sunrise Energy Metals for the world's first primary scandium mine in Australia. The project aims to satisfy global demand of 60 tonnes per year, but faces risks from potential Chinese export control removal and loan repayment obligations.
Commodities From infrastructure to energy storage: Zinc's expanding role in India's development journey
According to The Hindu BusinessLine, zinc is becoming a strategic industrial enabler for India, protecting infrastructure from corrosion that costs nearly 5% of GDP. The metal supports roads, transmission towers, EVs, renewable energy and zinc-based batteries, while ICAR surveys show over half of India's soils are zinc-deficient.
Commodities NMDC cuts iron ore prices from August 8; lump ore, fines down ₹200 per tonne
NMDC has reduced iron ore prices from August 8, with lump ore (65.5% Fe) cut to ₹5,250 per tonne and fines (64% Fe) to ₹4,500 per tonne, following a record July production of 4.06 MT, up 31% year-on-year. The Ministry of Steel-owned miner also reported cumulative output of 19.16 MT and sales of 15.15 MT in April-July 2026.
Commodities Gold Holds Above $4,200 as Fed Bets and West Asia Hopes Drive Rally
Gold prices held firm above $4,200 per ounce on Friday, heading for their strongest weekly performance since January, supported by diplomatic optimism in West Asia and cooling US rate-hike expectations. Spot gold traded at $4,262.39, up 0.60%, while MCX gold quoted around ₹1,31,850 per 10 grams. Investors now await the US Non-Farm Payrolls report, with consensus pointing to 80,000 jobs added.
Commodities Coal production stands at over 69 Million Tonnes during last month: Govt
The Ministry of Coal reported that overall coal production during the previous month stood at over 69 million tonnes, against more than 64 million tonnes a year earlier. Overall coal despatch rose to more than 86 million tonnes from over 73 million tonnes, marking robust growth of more than 18 percent. The ministry said coal supply for the power sector remains adequate.
Commodities August 6 Gold, Silver Price Outlook: MCX Gold Targets 152,000, Silver 238,000
MCX gold and silver show a bullish bias, with gold targeting 152,000 and silver 238,000, according to a Business Today report. Abhilash Koikkara of Nuvama Professional Clients Group sets key supports at 142,500 for gold and 220,000 for silver. The technical outlook remains positive until those supports break.
Commodities Gold touches seven-week high on Strait of Hormuz reopening hopes
Spot gold touched a seven-week high above $4,285 per ounce on growing hopes for a Strait of Hormuz reopening, with an Iran-Oman deal seen easing oil prices and rate pressures. Market expectations for a September U.S. rate hike fell to 55%, while traders awaited Friday's nonfarm payrolls report. Silver, platinum and palladium also gained.
Commodities Uzbekistan invites Indian firms for mining, minerals push ahead of PM Modi's visit
Uzbekistan invited Indian companies to invest in mining, critical minerals and rare earths during ministerial talks in India, according to The Economic Times. Bilateral trade rose 30 per cent last year to $1.3 billion, with targets of $2 billion next year.
Commodities Global bauxite trade triples in a decade as Guinea-China shipments hit record
Global seaborne bauxite trade rose from 81.3m tonnes in 2016 to a record 247.5m tonnes in 2025, and volumes in the first seven months of 2026 are up 9.5% year on year. Guinea now supplies nearly four-fifths of internationally traded bauxite, with China taking almost 92% of cargoes. The trade has become a key source of demand for capesize and other large bulk carriers.
Trade India, Uzbekistan could explore FTA, Piyush Goyal says; Uzbekistan invites mining, rare earths investment
India and Uzbekistan could explore a free trade agreement, according to Piyush Goyal at the India-Uzbekistan Business Forum. Uzbekistan's Investment Minister Laziz Kudratov invited Indian companies into mining, metallurgy and rare earths, citing top-10 global deposits of gold, copper and uranium. Bilateral trade currently stands at around $1.5 billion, with a $2 billion target for next year.
Commodities Gold price prediction today: Fed policy, US-Iran truce in focus for August 3 week
Gold began the August 3 week positively as the US-Iran pause and a softer dollar supported sentiment, but gains are capped ahead of the Fed decision. Business Today says gold has stabilised after a correction, with key technical levels at Rs 143,500 support and Rs 147,700 resistance. The outlook is neutral range-bound.
Commodities India's Coal Dispatch Surges 17.3% in July as Production Growth Stands at 7.5%
India's coal dispatch rose 17.34% year-on-year to 86.33 MT in July 2026, outpacing production growth of 7.51% to 69.75 MT, according to provisional Ministry of Coal data. Coal India Limited (CIL) dispatch was up 17.43%. Cumulative FY2026-27 dispatch reached 354.70 MT.
Commodities Global Gold Demand Flat at 1,269 Tonnes in April-June Quarter: WGC Report
Global gold demand was virtually flat at 1,269 tonnes in the April-June quarter of 2026, according to the World Gold Council. Investment demand eased due to lower prices, but central bank purchases jumped 62%. Jewellery demand fell 17% in volume terms.
Commodities Nickel Ore Trade Surges 22% Amid Safety Concerns for Bulk Carriers
Global seaborne nickel ore trade expanded by more than 22% year-on-year to 26.1m tonnes in Q2 2026, according to Signal Ocean data. China imported nearly 20m tonnes in H1 2026, while Indonesia's transformation from exporter to importer is reshaping Pacific bulk shipping. Safety concerns persist as high-moisture ore cargoes pose liquefaction risks to supramax and ultramax vessels.
Commodities Gold Price Prediction Today: Gold Rises but Upside May Be Limited Ahead of Fed Policy Decision
Gold prices started the week on a positive note as geopolitical tensions eased and the US dollar weakened, but gains are likely capped before the Federal Reserve's policy decision, according to Manav Modi of Motilal Oswal. Technical analysis shows gold trading between key Fibonacci levels, with immediate support at Rs 143,500 and resistance at Rs 147,700.
Commodities How Scrap Is at the Centre of India’s Changing Metals Growth Story
India's next metals growth cycle will be driven by recycling rather than mining, with scrap emerging as the industry's most strategic resource, according to a thematic report by Ashika Institutional Equities. The report highlights regulatory support, growing demand from electrification, and the shift from informal to organised recycling as key drivers.
Commodities Global Steel Output Rises 1.7% in June 2026 Driven by Strong Regional Gains
Global crude steel production increased 1.7% year-on-year to 155.7 million tonnes in June 2026, driven by gains in Asia, the EU, and North America, according to the World Steel Association. First-half output fell 0.7% to 931.5 mt. India led the top five producers with 7.1% growth in H1, while Vietnam surged 27.5% in June.
Commodities Copper Market Faces Volatility on West Asia Developments, US-Iran Tensions
Copper prices are expected to remain volatile in the coming months due to the US-Iran conflict and ongoing tariff uncertainty, according to analysts. The metal hit a 6-week high on supply tightness, with LME three-month contracts around $13,800/tonne. BMI raised its forecast to $12,700/tonne, citing supply-side pressures and AI-fuelled optimism.
Commodities India and Myanmar Signal Closer Rare Earth Mining Ties Amid China Dominance
India and Myanmar are strengthening cooperation in rare earth mining, with Indian delegations visiting and the Indian ambassador highlighting win-win opportunities. Nearly half the world's heavy rare earth supply originates from Myanmar's Kachin state, currently shipped to China for processing. Indian firms including IREL, NTPC Mining, and Himadri Specialty are involved.
Commodities India Establishes ₹40,000 Crore Corpus for Scientific Coal Mine Closure and Rehabilitation
Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy announced a ₹40,000 crore corpus for scientific mine closures, with 42 mines closed in the last year and a target of 147 more in 2-3 years. The fund includes a community development allocation, supported by frameworks like RECLAIM and SUVIKALP, and an Indo-German cooperation project.
Logistics Miner Paragon seals $50m move into Indonesian shipping with DPAL acquisition
Jakarta-listed mining and energy support company Paragon Karya Perkasa has completed a Rp890bn ($50m) takeover of PT Deli Pratama Angkutan Laut (DPAL), gaining a controlling stake in a domestic coal shipping platform with 34 vessels. The acquisition is part of a restructuring driven by changes to Indonesia's shipping laws, aimed at placing DPAL under an Indonesian operating platform without foreign ownership restrictions.
Logistics New Transhipment Vessel Wontanara Delivered to Speed Guinea-China Iron Ore Flows
CSSC Chengxi Shipyard has delivered the Wontanara, the first of five transhipment vessels designed to move iron ore from Rio Tinto's Simandou project in Guinea to China. The self-unloader can discharge 12,000 tonnes per hour and, once all five are operating, can load a 200,000 dwt bulk carrier within 24 hours, reducing anchorage waiting times.
Commodities Nickel's Fortunes Hinge on Indonesia's Mining Quota Policy as Prices Rebound
Nickel prices have rebounded from six-month lows to $16,950/tonne, but the direction for H2 2026 hinges on Indonesia's mining quota policy. Indonesia is considering raising its RKAB quota to 360 million tonnes, which could shift global supply dynamics. Forecasts from BMI, AOCE, and ING Think indicate potential price moderation, with market surplus or deficit depending on policy decisions.
Logistics China Merchants Energy Shipping Orders $728m VLOC Fleet, Its First in Over a Decade
China Merchants Energy Shipping has placed a $728m order for six 343,000 dwt very large ore carriers, its first VLOC newbuilding in over a decade. The vessels will be built by sister company China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry and are intended for long-term contracts with major commodity traders. Deliveries are scheduled across 2029 and 2030, subject to shareholder approval on July 28.
Commodities British Steel Nationalisation Bill Passed by Parliament, Securing Public Ownership of Scunthorpe Operations
Parliament has passed the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill, paving the way for nationalisation of Scunthorpe-based British Steel. The King signed the bill into law on Wednesday. Energy minister Chris McDonald said the government acted decisively in the national interest. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith criticised the move, linking it to high energy costs. Owner Jingye has begun seeking compensation.
De Beers halts diamond production at flagship South African mine for two years amid market slump
De Beers is suspending production at its flagship Venetia diamond mine in South Africa for two years, citing depressed market conditions and changing consumer habits. The mine accounts for over 40% of the country's diamond output and employs more than 4,000 workers. The International Diamond Consultants' rough diamond price index has almost halved since 2022, driven by falling demand in China and competition from lab-grown diamonds.
Commodities Gold Price Prediction Today: Will Gold Prices Continue to Fall Amid US-Iran Conflict?
Gold prices fell sharply on July 13, 2026, as renewed US-Iran hostilities over the Strait of Hormuz boosted safe-haven demand for the dollar and yields. Spot gold dropped 2.6% to $4013, with a weekly loss of 1.3%. Meanwhile, central banks continued buying, with China adding 15 tons in June. Fed officials signaled possible rate hikes, pressuring gold further.
Commodities Gold price prediction today: Any end to gold fall in sight? Check outlook for July 13, 2026 week
Gold prices trade with a bearish bias as escalating Middle East geopolitical tensions fuel inflation concerns and expectations of further Fed tightening. Technical indicators show gold below key moving averages, with crucial support at Rs 141,300. This week's US CPI, PPI, and Fed Chair Warsh's testimony could determine near-term direction.
Commodities Gold Silver Price Outlook: Middle East Conflict and Inflation Data to Drive Prices This Week
Precious metals are expected to remain under pressure this week as investors weigh the US-Iran conflict and upcoming inflation data from the US, India, and the euro area. MCX gold futures declined 2.65% to Rs 1.43 lakh per 10 grams, while silver tumbled 6.2%. Analysts note that a stronger US dollar and higher crude oil prices are weighing on sentiment.
Commodities Gold, Silver Rate Today: Yellow Metal Steadies but Remains on Track for Weekly Loss as Silver Tumbles
Gold prices in India slipped for the fourth consecutive session on Thursday, with 10 grams falling Rs 350 to Rs 1,48,100, amid a stronger rupee and subdued local demand. International spot gold steadied near $4,122 per ounce but remained on track for a weekly loss of over 1%. Meanwhile, silver prices tumbled Rs 7,800 to Rs 2,32,000 per kg in the domestic market. Market attention remains on US economic data and Federal Reserve policy signals.
Commodities Gold and Silver Prices Decline in Indian Bullion Market: 24 Carat Gold Down 1.7%
According to News on AIR, gold and silver prices declined in the Indian bullion market on June 24, 2026. 24 carat gold was trading 1.7 per cent lower at 144,330 rupees per 10 grams, while silver was 1.2 per cent down at 223,470 rupees per kilogram. The data reflects intraday movements in the domestic bullion market.
Business Alcoa Acquires South32's Aluminium Assets in $4.1 Billion Upfront Deal
Alcoa has agreed to acquire South32's bauxite, alumina, and aluminium assets in Australia, Brazil, and South Africa for $4.1bn upfront, with potential contingent payments of up to $750m. The deal, valued at up to $5.6bn enterprise value including assumed debt, will boost Alcoa's pro forma production and deliver $900m in synergies. South32 will reshape its portfolio toward base metals, with 85% of pro forma EBITDA coming from base and precious metals post-completion. The transaction is expected to close in H1 2027.
Logistics Polaris Shipping Orders Vale-Backed Newcastlemaxes at Hengli Shipbuilding
South Korea's Polaris Shipping has contracted two firm 210,000 dwt newcastlemax bulk carriers at China's Hengli Shipbuilding, with options for two more, at about $80m each for delivery in 2028. The newbuilds are linked to employment with Brazilian mining giant Vale, which is pushing an alternative-fuel dry bulk renewal programme covering up to 30 ore carriers. Polaris is one of three Asian owners selected by Vale for a package of up to 20 triple-fuel newcastlemaxes.
Commodities Gold price prediction today: Limited upside amid US inflation, key levels to watch July 6, 2026 week
Gold prices are expected to see limited upside due to persistently high inflation in the US, according to Manav Modi of Motilal Oswal Financial Services. The metal edged higher last week on a weaker dollar and soft labour data, but remains range-bound. Key technical levels include resistance at 151,800 and support at 144,650 on MCX. The Fed's June meeting minutes and US inflation data will be the main drivers this week.
Commodities Rise in dollar inflows via FCNR(B) deposits may add pressure on gold prices
Domestic gold prices fell 6% in the past month to ₹146,344 per 10g on July 3, driven by global weakness and expectations of substantial dollar inflows through RBI's FCNR(B) deposit scheme. The scheme, which offers higher rates and forex hedging support, has already attracted $7 billion in June, with inflows projected to reach $50 billion by October, strengthening the rupee and adding downside pressure on gold.
Commodities India needs 500,000 tonnes refined copper capacity every 5 years to meet demand: ICA
India will require roughly 500,000 tonnes of additional refined copper capacity every five years to keep pace with rising demand, according to International Copper Association India (ICA India) Managing Director Mayur Karmarkar. Copper demand grew 9.3% to 1,878 kilo tonnes in FY25, driven by strong growth in building construction (11% yoy) and infrastructure (17% yoy). Despite planned capacity additions from Hindustan Copper, Hindalco, and Kutch Copper, domestic production remains insufficient to meet long-term demand.
Commodities Adani and IHC form $11.5 billion joint venture for integrated aluminium project in Odisha
Adani Group and International Holding Company (IHC) of Abu Dhabi have formed an equal joint venture to build an $11.5 billion integrated aluminium complex in Odisha, India. The project includes a 4-million-tonne alumina refinery, a 2-million-tonne aluminium smelter, a 1-million-tonne downstream facility, and a 4,000-MW captive power plant. Adani Enterprises also launched a $1 billion QIP to support the venture.
Commodities Downside Limited for Aluminium and Copper Declines Fundamentally, Analysts Say
Aluminium and copper prices have fallen 17.5% and 6% respectively in the past month, but analysts from BMI, ING Think, and Sunsirs see limited downside due to supply deficits, Middle Eastern supply disruptions, and resilient demand. Aluminium is at $3,100/t (up 3% YTD) and copper at $13,300/t (up 7.5% YTD) on the LME.
Commodities Gold Price Slides to $3,975/oz After Worst Quarterly Drop Since 2013; Bearish Outlook Persists
Gold posted its worst quarterly performance since 2013 in Q2 2026, falling nearly 14% as expectations of higher US interest rates, a stronger dollar, and easing US-Iran tensions eroded safe-haven demand. The metal extended losses into July, slipping below $3,980/oz for the first time since November. Analysts at Anand Rathi see near-term outlook negative amid hawkish Fed commentary and a Death Cross on the charts, though physical demand in India has improved at lower price levels.
Commodities Global crude steel output slips marginally in May 2026, India maintains growth
Global crude steel output edged down 0.3% year-on-year in May 2026 to 157.9 million tonnes, according to World Steel Association data. India maintained its position as the second-largest producer with a 1.9% output gain, while China's production fell 2.7%. North America and Africa saw robust growth, but the Middle East recorded a sharp 19.4% decline.
Commodities Centre auctions 56 critical mineral blocks; exploration licence blocks rise to 11
The Ministry of Mines completed the auction of 56 critical and strategic mineral blocks under the Seventh Tranche, with a 63% success rate. First-ever auctions in Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Telangana included minerals like graphite, REE, and vanadium. Additionally, the second tranche of Exploration Licence auctions expanded to Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha, bringing total EL blocks to 11.
Commodities Gold Price Prediction Today: Why Is Gold Not Rising Much Despite Lower Oil Prices? June 23, 2026 Outlook
Gold prices showed mild gains on June 22-23, 2026, but the rally is capped by hawkish central bank signals of possible rate hikes, according to Praveen Singh of Mirae Asset ShareKhan. Oil prices continued to fall, with Brent down 3% and 38% from cycle highs, yet precious metals are not benefiting fully. Geopolitical developments—including US-Iran talks and a potential sanctions waiver for Iranian oil—add complexity to the outlook.
Commodities Hindustan Zinc partners with Advantek, Aero Eagle for green hydrogen mining solutions
Hindustan Zinc has signed an MoU with Advantek Associates LLP and Aero Eagle Automobiles Pvt Ltd to explore green hydrogen and alternative clean-energy solutions for its mining operations. The collaboration aims to pioneer hydrogen fuel use in underground mining, aligning with the company's net-zero by 2050 commitment.
Logistics Fenix Resources Moves into Shipping with Mira Bulk Partnership to Cut Freight Costs
Australian iron ore producer Fenix Resources has formed a shipping joint venture with dry bulk operator Mira Bulk to cut freight costs and support its production ramp-up. The partnership has already delivered results, with a vessel loading a record 69,125 tonnes at Geraldton Port.
Commodities West Asia Outages to Keep Aluminium Market Tight Near-Term, Says Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs forecasts elevated aluminium prices near-term due to prolonged West Asia outages, but expects a surplus in 2027 as Indonesian and Chinese output ramp up. The bank downgraded West Asia output by 660kt in 2026 and 1Mt in 2027, and raised LME price forecasts to $3,300/t for Q3 2026 and $2,950/t for 2027.
Trade The Easy Era of Critical Mineral Trade Is Over as Governments Reshape Supply Chains
A UNCTAD report cited by Splash247 warns that the era of predictable critical mineral trade is over. Governments now treat minerals as strategic assets, China controls over 80% of rare earth refining, and countries like Indonesia ban raw ore exports to force domestic processing. These shifts create new logistics challenges for importers and exporters.
Commodities India's Golden Treasure: Andhra Pradesh to Become Country's Largest Top Gold Producer
A Times of India article by the TOI Business Desk, dated June 19, 2026, announces that Andhra Pradesh is poised to become the country's largest top gold producer. The article provides no additional details on production volumes, mining operations, or timeline.
Commodities Gold Prices Dip, Head for Third Weekly Loss on Hawkish Fed, Strong Dollar
Gold prices declined on Friday and are headed for a third straight weekly loss, pressured by a strengthening US dollar and the Federal Reserve's increasingly hawkish stance. Spot gold fell 0.6% to $4,184.33 an ounce, while US gold futures for August delivery dropped 1% to $4,202.10. Silver, platinum, and palladium also declined. The Fed's firmer tone and expectations of a rate hike in December have reduced the appeal of non-interest-bearing gold.
Commodities Tin Prices Poised to Rule Elevated in 2026 on Semiconductor Demand and Supply Disruptions
Tin prices remain elevated at $55,301/tonne, driven by surging demand from the semiconductor industry amid AI capital expenditure, while supply constraints from Indonesia, Myanmar, and other regions persist. BMI has revised its 2026 price forecast to $49,000/tonne, and market experts expect prices to stay high despite potential moderation in H2.