Citigroup sees demand in China, the top consumer, jumping 2.6% after barely rising in 2019.

Suppliers are expected to have a hard time keeping up with the demand, as EV production and sales ramp up.

It was a year to forget for many of the base metals with copper, aluminium, zinc and lead closing out 2019 little changed from year-start levels.

Most analysts are looking for something better this year but the early indications are that bulls will have to be patient.

Gold miners storm the ranking as the value of the 50 biggest mining companies approaches $1 trillion after a stellar year.