Globally, the major markets for refractories are iron and steel (~70%) and cement (~10%). The annual production of steel and cement, by the World and China, since 2000, as a general indication of the market trend for refractories. For both steel and cement production worlwide, and in China, it is seen thar the upward trend …

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During its meeting in spring 2016 in Völklingen/DE, VDEh Technical Committee (TC) Refractory Materials made 10 high ranking speakers from refractories industry address the most important product groups of refractory materials. Starting fron definition, composition and characterisation the focus was laid on the applications and latest refractory developments …

Chinese bauxite spot prices increased again in May as the ongoing anti-pollution related production shutdowns caused severe shortages in the market. Refractory-grade bauxite spot prices jumped 18 May, as the ongoing massive production shut downs in China led trades to be concluded at higher values higher for the second time in May. The anti-pollution controls …

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Brown fused alumina (BFA) prices were unchanged over the fortnight, but market sources warned that new bauxite mining restrictions in China could impact BFA production in the near-term. BFA operations remained intermittent due to the ongoing environmental inspections. The new spate of environmental crackdowns on bauxite mining in China is set to reduce raw material …

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China-origin refractory-grade bauxite prices have increased for the second time this year as the government ramped up efforts to reduce pollution. Only a tiny minority of plants is still allowed to operate following the environmental inspections, and traders are struggling to find material to fulfil contracts. Near-complete shutdown of Chinese refractory-grade bauxite production has lifted …

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