| In line with all other mineral commodities, base (or industrial) metals, like lead, zinc, nickel and copper, were beset by poor prices in 2014, as well as in previous years. They tend to require levels of refinement, which render them energy intensive, especially aluminium, and are sensitive to energy prices.
Australian base metal producers are also coming under pressure from a slowdown in economic activity in China, the largest consumer of industrial minerals. The stronger US dollar has also exerted downward pressure on prices...............................................Full Article: Source
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