Magnesia's mettle on the line

摘要

The dominating factors impacting the magnesia market of late have been a mix of the influence of the Chinese market, energy costs, currency fluctuations, and a weakening of global economic growth affecting end markets for magnesia, primarily a sluggish steel performance.Other important issues shaping the industry are recent and planned capacity expansions, new source development, the pursuit of vertical integration by refractory leaders, and some recent corporate ownership changes.The year began with the acquisition ofTurkey's leading magnesia and refractories producer Ktimas Kiitahya Manyezit Hetmeleri AS by Kobin Mining Construction & Trading Co.This was followed by the surprise purchase of Queensland Magnesia Pry Ltd by SCR-Sibelco NV of Belgium, in March.