Strategic Mineral Prices Today – 13 March 2026

Key Takeaways

• Chrome prices rise to $300‑315 per ton.
• Lithium prices fall amid weaker EV demand.
• Copper climbs above $9,750 per ton.
• Nickel declines despite stainless steel demand.
• Coal and platinum see price increases.

Summary

The March 13 strategic mineral price bulletin shows a mixed market landscape. Chrome concentrate climbs to $300‑315 per tonne, while lithium carbonate and hydroxide slump to $10,200‑$14,800 and $9,800‑$14,200 respectively. Copper rebounds above $9,750 per tonne, nickel retreats to $14,600‑$17,200, and both thermal coal and platinum post gains. These movements reflect divergent pressures across the stainless‑steel, battery, construction and auto‑catalyst sectors.

Pulse Analysis

Lithium’s price slide this week mirrors a short‑term dip in electric‑vehicle demand and elevated inventory levels at Chinese refineries. Battery manufacturers may benefit from lower input costs, but the broader market remains cautious as automakers balance aggressive rollout targets against supply chain constraints. Analysts view the $10,200‑$14,800 range for carbonate and $9,800‑$14,200 for hydroxide as a potential floor, pending policy incentives and raw‑material sourcing strategies.

Base metals present a contrasting picture. Copper’s upward trajectory, now hovering near $10,600 per tonne, is driven by robust construction activity and power‑grid upgrades, reinforcing its status as a bellwether for global growth. Conversely, nickel’s decline, despite steady stainless‑steel demand, reflects oversupply from Indonesian smelters and muted battery‑cathode demand. Chrome’s modest rise supports the stainless‑steel sector, especially as Chinese manufacturers absorb higher raw‑material costs. These dynamics underscore the importance of regional production balances and the evolving role of recycled metals in mitigating price volatility.

Energy‑related commodities also shift the narrative. Thermal coal’s climb to $152 per tonne signals renewed demand from power generators facing tighter emissions regulations and supply bottlenecks. Meanwhile, platinum’s advance toward $1,030 per ounce, alongside stable palladium, highlights persistent demand for automotive catalytic converters as emission standards tighten worldwide. Together, these trends suggest a market where commodity-specific fundamentals outweigh broad macro‑economic swings, prompting investors to fine‑tune exposure across the strategic mineral spectrum.