.. I read this also . The $8000 / t part is more extreme though .
I don’t know about this
Greater rumour - Chinese - began to ? stockpile nickel ore - after huge nickel price spikes - late 2000s - and always unknown how much they have held , which is not in the global picture . “Cagey “.
Typically .
Rumour -
That they could - ‘flood the market ‘ by way of bringing nickel out of their reserves to “keep the nickel price lower ., for longer “.
Hold the nickel price to ‘ what they perceive as a fair price ‘; “where they believe it should be more ‘ etcetera .
I believe market expects nickel price to be held down . For longer . I only go on - $12000 Aust as average in my head .
Longterm - the Nickel base price for sulphide must increase - to allow the needed supply to be developed - & deep high grade sulphide nickel ore mines to be developed.
Eg. St George , MA .
Higher prices are also needed , much higher sulphide prices before Laterite soil nickel sources will potentially be converted to pure high grade sulphide for EV battery end- use .
* Either way - will not occur unless nickel base prices much higher,
Historically in real terms - nickel prices been held down for decades and decades .
In the end - all bets will be Off - as true emerging demand is way more compelling than any manipulation of base ore price will be able to be divined to be . ( ‘manipulated’)
World is so complicated .
The ‘Big man ‘ or largest economic country market makers - ‘elbow’ , posture and command using the money clout they wield .
Even the accelerated uptake in EVs - has caused greater demand for nickel rich steel and contruction, notably stainless steel now .
** EVs batteries - is a multi-decade new trend .
Nickel - is needed . This is undeniable I think - no matter what Chinese whispers like to dampen.
Roughly ~ 5.5% increased demand perannum - (ongoing ) for Nickel now exists - apologies figure likely not true recognised ‘Fact ‘ .
But fairly close - Nickel increasing demand in a growing world anyway certainly -
** for each and every year out beyond the foreseeable next 15 + years .
I love St George prospects . ( of course )
I also am a huge believer , focused supporter of Axiom - no apologies .
*Standing up for Laterite operations also .
Isabel Nickel prospects - due to the shallow reasonably consistent ? ( Resource estimates need to be steadily determined )
Are world class resources they are steadily gaining in the SI!
* Indonesia still has the largest Laterite reserves and resources . ( this nickel mostly controlled or already in Chinese hands )
)
(20min delay)
