2006 stainless steel production to reach 26.4 million tonnes

The International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF) today released its 2006 forecast for crude stainless steel production.. This is expected to reach 26.4 million tonnes, an 8 percent increase over 2005. Further strong growth is expected in Asia, mainly driven by China

For original article including world regional breakdowns, visit ISSF.

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2006 iron ore contract set for prices increases of 19 percent

So, the initial news seems to be that iron ore prices are to rise by 19 per cent. This at least was the latest deal on iron ore fines between Thyssen Krupp Stahl and CVRD. The rest of the world now waits to see what BHP and Rio Tinto can agree.

For more on this story, see http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6335562.html?industryid=2151

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2006 global steel production to rise 4.1 percent [MEPS]

MEPS, the UK-based consultancy, is forecasting that world steel output will rise by 4.1 per cent in 2006 to 1176 million tonnes. For the consultants' original report, see: http://www.meps.co.uk/article-key-out-q1-06.htm

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Sago mine explosion caused by lightning strike, it seems

A report in the North West Herald today suggests that is was a lightning strike that caused the Sage mine explosion. A lightning strike a mile from the mouth of the Sago Mine probably sent an electrical pulse along a power line, ultimately igniting methane gas and causing the explosion that killed 12 miners. The electrical charge apparently flowed from a tree to a power line 300 feet away and thus into the mine. For full story, see
http://www.nwherald.com/MainSection/other/288951824003865.php

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