Think back to just months ago, when the biggest news in the mining and metals sector was whether BHP Billiton
All that's changed now -- dramatically, rapidly, and possibly for years to come. Rio Tinto, for instance, is cutting production and has taken it on its proverbial chin, as copper and aluminum prices have fallen sharply. The company has already announced an 18% chop in iron ore production -- as its steelmaker customers trim their output. I wouldn't be surprised by further reductions by the company in the output of its other metals.
This week will bring us continued news -- probably unpleasant -- of the metals companies' quarterly earnings. Last week, Alcoa
On Wednesday, we'll hear from Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold
And as if expanding supply-demand imbalances weren't enough in both copper and aluminum, BHP last week agreed to increase the amount it pays in processing fees to Japan's Pan Pacific Copper. That's great for smelting companies, but it'll come at the expense of miners. BHP's agreement corresponds to a similar pact between Freeport and Mitsubishi Materials.
What does all this mean for Foolish investors? Ordinarily, I'd be all over buying shares of Rio Tinto, Freeport, or Brazil's big miner Vale
Of the companies mentioned, BHP, Freeport, and Vale have been accorded five stars by Motley Fool CAPS players. Why not weigh in with your thoughts on the companies?
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