Market is generally a bit flat, especially the XSO.
Br and I aren't hot topics, most investors have a clue on some battery materials (Al, Ni, Co, Li, Mn) but not much else - Br demand is certainly set to soar as it's good contender for grid scale storage, it's a bit of a sleeper IMO.
Talks don't mean anything, and given the past year of volatility it appears to me the market is taking less risk. Given the pilot plant is expected to be producing something by EOY it may well be that we see an actual OT quickly.
Mostly it's all just a bit of bad timing, but I would expect it to all come good in time. By all reports there is likely to be a crunch and not an oversupply of ASN minerals. I only hope it doesn't become too apparent too soon.
Another looming issue for ASN is US/China trade talks. It could go either way, and it's not apparent which would be a bigger benefit. Currently there's exemptions for Li carbonates but that may not last forever and MCHC could come knocking if ASN can produce the goods!
