Minor metals in September.(prices for various metals)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

September proved to be a varied month for minor metals. The expected return to the markets by many consumers after the summer holidays in the northern hemisphere failed to materialise, and where improvements were seen, these resulted not from increased demand but more as a result of trader speculation and fears about supplies.

Antimony in particular came back to earth with a bang after several months of sharp price increases from around US$1,100/t up to US$1,900/t. Much of this rise, however, had been caused by trader-buying leaving the market very long, despite restric