However, there are always ups and downs. In the 2013 “winter”, Yunnan’s titanium ore prices have fell from 2,500 yuan/mt to current 900 yuan/mt, and 92% high-titanium slag from 12,000 yuan/mt to 5,500 yuan/mt. Most of the domestic manufacturers are now facing weak earnings or even small loss.

 

The main reasons for the price slump are depressing titanium product markets, but Yunnan Province’s titanium industry development patterns are also to blame.

 

Despite the rich natural resources, the manufacturing companies there have yet shaped an industrial chain, which means only 50% of the resources are utilized. Besides, the local manufacturers, rank low among the nationwide counterparts in both production technology and scale, bring severe water and soil erosion along with profits to the area.