World crude steel production for the 66 countries reporting to the World Steel Association in November 2015 was 127Mt – a decrease of 4.1% when compared to the same period in 2014.

The deadlock between iron ore transporters and mining companies is likely to be resolved by this week, as chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar has decided to offer a reasonable rate acceptable to both the parties.

Early this week, Zimasco lifted a trading ban on chrome ore producers on its claims paving way for the miners to sell the mineral to a buyer of their choice.

It's reported India considers the implementation a minimum price policy on steel imports, and has been submitted to the relevant departments of the Government of India.

The iron ore sector has had some respite today with the price being paid for the commodity rising to more than $US42 a tonne overnight.

ZIMASCO, a unit of China’s Sinosteel Corporation has completely stopped operations at its ferrochrome refinery in Kwekwe after switching off furnace number five and six.

Rohit Ferro-Tech (RFTL) on Monday announced the company has extended the validity of Business Transfer Agreement (BTA) with Balasore Alloys for sale of its Jajpur manufacturing unit, upto Mar. 31, 2016.

It has been a tough year for iron ore producers, but BHP Billiton (NYSE:BHP) has been holding up well. However, as we move deeper into the downturn, the world's biggest miner will also be forced to take drastic steps.