preview

Analysis Of The Article ' Vale Expansion Puts Australia 's Global Mining Market Share At Risk '

Better Essays

The article “Vale expansion puts Australia 's global mining market share at risk, Roy Hill head warns” is a rather simple business news piece communicating Vale’s decision to increase production with third party commentary responding to the announcement. At high level it focuses on the actions of firms in the iron ore production market and in doing so reveals a range of drivers influencing decision making by firms. These decisions can be described and understood through economic theory. Vale is not the only iron ore producer in the market so consideration of the market structure is important to understand firm decision making. In determining the market structure it is important to first clarify which market is being analysed. The market …show more content…

The chart provides information by four firms, Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), Vale, Rio Tinto, BHP (WAIO) and the rest of the world. According to this data set these four producers accounts for approximately 65% - 70% of iron ore produced for the export market. This suggests the market has medium level of concentration reflecting a scenario of monopolistic competition. Another aspect to consider when examining the iron ore export market is the degree of ‘product differentiation’ between iron ore producing firms. Product differentiation impacts the ability or preference of buyers to substitute products, in this case iron ore, produced by different firms. Iron ore is mined in a variety of different types; hematite, goethite, limonite and magnetite which contain different concentrations of iron. If the iron ore of a firm is considered to be of higher quality than other firms, then lower quality iron ore from other firms may be considered an ‘imperfect substitute’. Firms may undertake at additional cost beneficiation processes cost to improve their product. The article notes Vale will offer a 63 per cent blended product to the market which would compete directly with Australian producers. This implies consumers could easily substitute the iron ore from other produces in favor of Vale’s product. Over the last 15 years the demand of iron ore has steadily increased and then fallen. Figures 3.3 and 3.11 below outline the movements in the price consumers have

Get Access