Europe’s Energy Crisis Is Hurting Metal Producers In A Big Way

It was only a matter of time, as a fourfold increase in power costs for some heavy consumers, on top of environmental carbon emissions levies, have finally proved too much for some European metals producers. European power costs squeeze metals producers Nyrstar, the huge Belgium-based zinc producer, is the first major smelter — but it likely won’t be the last — to announce cutbacks. According to Reuters, the group will reduce output by up to 50% from Oct. 13 at its three smelters:  Budel in the Netherlands, Balen in Belgium…