"[Rail operator] Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) is cancelling many trains," said one supplier.

In one of the most challenging engineering projects ever undertaken, Chile is building a unique steel-built suspension bridge near the site of the strongest earthquake ever recorded.

Brazilian mining firm Vale said it expects to achieve iron ore production capacity of 350mn t/yr this year, up by 8.7pc from a year earlier.

The tungsten market runs smoothly;

The molybdenum market rise slightly;

The vanadium market appears cold slightly;

As for the trend after the festival, many of the industry participants is optimistic, waiting for the market to further clarify.

Japanese steel mill Nippon Steel expects its crude steel output in this year's January-March quarter to recover above 10mn t for the first time since January-March 2020.