Electroplaters Fear Shortage Of Nickel

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32099, 22 September 1969, Page 16

Electroplaters Fear Shortage Of Nickel

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, September 21. An acute shortage of nickel in New Zealand is gradually bringing the electroplating trade to a halt, according to the Electroplaters and Metal Polishers Group of the Auckland Manufactures’ Association. The group numbers about 65 companies.

Industrial problems in Canada, the major producer of nickel, have caused a world shortage, says the report. As 90 per cent of all metal finishing is in nickel-plated lines, electroplaters are either starting to slow down

production—thereby jeopardising substantial export orders, the report adds—or ire submitting to exporbitant prices being charged for “grey market” supplies from unknown origins and in erratic and limited quantity. The group says that prices for nickel are fluctuating as high as $5 per lb, compared with the normal price of $1.20. Some electroplaters say their prices will have to rise by as much as 20 per cent to cushion the effect of “grey market” stock. Even scrap nickel is fetching up to $3.50 per lb. “The ludicrous situation exists that the next period’s stock, although limited, is already held in bond in New Zealand, but cannot be released under the international marketing system,” said a spokesman for the group. Perhaps it is an appropriate time for New Zealand to pursue investigations into claimed nickel deposits in this country,” he said.