SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust T.SRU.UN

RE: O ye fools not understanding SRU's Potential

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Cobalt shortages feared in next two years as demand surges Source: PMA See also Cobalt Board Cobalt CatalogCobalt production setbacks in Zambia and recent problems at Falconbridge's high grade refinery in Norway, against a backdrop of anticipated soaring demand, could result in severe shortages of cobalt over the next two years, according to producers, traders and consumers. In the same week that China agreed orders for 150 new Airbus airplanes – a deal set to generate further demand for cobalt for jet engines – it emerged that Zambia's largest producer, Chambishi Metals, was delaying deliveries to customers for up to three months, as it has experienced lower production than originally anticipated. Chambishi has not said what has caused the production difficulties at its Luanshya refinery, although traders have speculated the problem was due to the raw material feed. Prices have already responded to the threat of tighter supply generally, although the latest increases for high grade material have been fairly modest compared with recent weeks. The Platts assessment for US spot cathode 99.8% rose Thursday to $16.0-17.5/lb from $15.0-17.0/lb the previous week, with traders reporting limited fresh business.