RE: $1 billion worth of tungsten25 Jan 2018 12:30
THR is sitting on 2 of the hottest commodities right now, amongst other key REE (rare earth elements).
"The prices of cobalt and tungsten have skyrocketed in recent months because of worries that supply of the vital metals may not be able to keep pace with demand."
Tungsten -
Its price has spiked 27% since January because of supply constraints, according to data from Metal Bulletin and the metals research firm, Roskill.
Beijing has cracked down on miners in recent months to ensure they are following environmental regulations, knocking out a significant amount of tungsten production.
David Merriman, a senior analyst at Roskill, said that authorities may have another motive: Reduced production could boost prices and help large producers in the country.
China has in the past been accused of restricting the export of tungsten and other minerals that are crucial for the manufacture of high-tech devices.
The country is the largest producer of so-called rare earth minerals, which are used to make products including flat-screen televisions, smartphones, car batteries and wind turbines.
http://money.cnn.com/2017/09/12/investing/cobalt-tungsten-rare-earths-metals-commodities/index.html