【SMM Steel】New Zealand is fast-tracking a 200,000 t/y EAF structural steel plant in Waikato by National Green Steel Ltd. to cut import reliance. The proposal includes a scrap shredder, EAF, and dedicated solar farm as part of the country's steel decarbonization plan. NZ Steel expects to start a new EAF at Glenbrook in Q2 2026. Australia's Sims Ltd. will supply scrap.

According to the latest release from the General Administration of Customs, SMM statistics showed that China’s SiMn exports were 2,539.52 mt in January 2026, down 50.55% MoM and down 31.84% YoY. China’s SiMn imports were 0 mt in January 2026, down 100% MoM and down 100% YoY. By import and export regional structure, SiMn exports were mainly destined for Indonesia.

According to the latest release from the General Administration of Customs, SMM statistics showed that China’s total manganese ore imports were 3.4426 million mt in January 2026, up 5.14% MoM and up 102.98% YoY. January imports by origin were Australia (601,700 mt, up 3.93% MoM), South Africa (1.963 million mt, up 12.1% MoM), Gabon (331,900 mt, down 11.61% MoM), Ghana (265,700 mt, down 21.39% MoM), Brazil (121,400 mt, up 80.69% MoM), and Myanmar (43,500 mt, down 4.56% MoM).

Sims Metal, an international leader in metal recycling, has invested in an electric car flattener at its Allens Avenue site, replacing the previous diesel model.

Norsk Hydro, a Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company, is eyeing to source processed aluminium scrap for its North American extrusion plants.

Right now the price of gold sits around $5,100 an ounce, which is double where it sat just over one year ago. And the war in Iran could propel the price upwards even further.