Exceptionally cold weather and low nuclear availability are likely to have lifted Japanese coal-fired generation to at least a four-year high in December.

Turkish coal-fired power output is likely to remain firm in the first quarter as coal units have extended their price advantage against gas-fired plants.

Posco on 16 December secured only about 1,000t of the material, while it planned purchase 5,244t for January delivery.

A slew of ministry-level departments, including those responsible for the environment, earthquake warnings, coal mines and industries, have responded recently to matters of public concern.

China's benchmark power coal price rose slightly during the past week.

The global 1.8bn t/yr seaborne iron ore market is expected to remain in a supply deficit in early 2021.

US hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices continued their upward march with mills securing higher sales and aiming for even higher levels.

Thr production of magnesium in 2021 was expected to be around 955 thousand tons, and domestic consumption was expected to be around 503.5 thousand tons.