Fastmarkets rounds up the latest logistical issues affecting supplies of metal, ores and alloys from African countries, in the period from January 18 to Monday March 8.
March 8
South African manganese ore supply reductions are starting to become more obvious to the market after severe rains between December 2020 and February 2021 caused serious flooding, which halted some production and damaged rail infrastructure.
Tshipi, South Africa's largest manganese miner by volume, confirmed that it has been trying to pump water out of its pit to meet March deadlines and added that April shipments will also be affected. At least two other major manganese mines in the country are understood to have experienced production issues and the state transport provider has suffered a number of derailments in recent weeks.
Miners cited production and logistical issues among the reasons for their recent,
higher offer prices.
Fastmarkets'
37% cif Tianjin, manganese ore index rose by 17 cents to $4.94 per dmtu on Friday, from $4.77 per dmtu a week earlier.
February 26
South African manganese...