[SMM Chrome Daily Review: Ferrochrome Market Temporarily Stable, Chrome Ore Prices Unchanged] April 8, 2026: The ferrochrome and chrome ore markets saw limited fluctuations...

[Domestic Iron Ore Brief Review] Iron ore concentrates prices in west Liaoning declined slightly by 5-10 yuan/mt. The current ex-factory prices of 66-grade wet iron ore concentrates, tax exclusive, stood at 735-740 yuan/mt. Local safety and environmental protection inspections remained intensive, with production at some mines and beneficiation plants affected to some extent. Overall iron ore concentrates resources remained relatively

South Korean steelmaker POSCO has announced it will begin trial operations of a new pilot plant in July 2026 that utilizes molten phase processing to produce steel directly from iron ore. This revolutionary technology aims to bypass the traditional sintering and pelletizing stages, potentially reducing carbon emissions by 50% compared to traditional blast furnace routes. The success of this trial would allow POSCO to utilize a broader range of domestic and imported low-grade iron ores that were previously unsuitable for high-efficiency steelmaking, significantly impacting global raw material demand patterns.

Brazilian miner Vale announced on April 1, 2026, a series of strategic investments aimed at extending the operational lifespan of its Itabira iron ore complex in Minas Gerais. While specific duration figures were not disclosed, the company confirmed that the project involves upgrading processing facilities to handle lower-grade ores more efficiently. This expansion is critical for Vale’s strategy to maintain a stable output of high-grade products for the international seaborne market, especially as it navigates a transition toward "green briquette" production to support global low-carbon steelmaking.

Lloyds Metal and Energy Limited (LMEL) reported a massive 120% year-on-year increase in iron ore production for the fiscal year ending March 2026, reaching 21.96 million tonnes. The company also recorded a 529% surge in pellet production, totaling 9.1 million tonnes, as its new processing capacities came fully online. LMEL has set an aggressive target of 26 million tonnes of iron ore production for the 2026-27 fiscal year to meet the rising demand from India's rapidly expanding domestic steel manufacturing sector.

【SMM Steel】Volvo Korea and POSCO signed an MoU to develop high-performance materials and manufacturing tech for future construction machinery, focusing on carbon neutrality and electrification. POSCO provides advanced metals and processes; Volvo leads equipment design. A key goal is structural lightweighting via high-strength steel. The innovations will be used in excavators at Volvo's Changwon plant, securing the supply chain from raw materials to final assembly.