Top stories for China's metals market on November 19, as follows:

1. Gold Association of the World published Thursday that China's third-quarter gold consumption hit new high of 102.2 tonnes, up 12 percent on a year ago; meanwhile, its gold jewelry consumption surged 8 percent to 93.5 tonnes. However, the world's overall demand for gold dropped by 34 percent on year in Q3.

2. The benchmark June gold contract on SHFE has been rising for four days consecutively to settle at a record high of 250.26 yuan/tonne on Thursday.

3. China Ministry of Land and Resources official emphasized again to restrict on the exploitation volume of China's advantaged minerals such as tungsten , antimony and rare earth , whose reserves, output and exports rank front in the world.

Earlier in May, the ministry announced a stipulation to exert a reasonable limit on the exploration of China's uniquely rich minerals, the first time for China to limit the exploitation of antimony.

Comment: It implies that China will try to reduce the supply of such minerals as tungsten , antimony and rare earth .

4. China Minmetals and Vale officials met Thursday to talk on bilateral cooperation issues. Comment: It is regarded as warm-up of the 2010 international iron ore talks.

5. China Iron and Steel Association official said Thursday that the suggestions for promoting the healthy development of China's steel industry have been submitted to the State Council.