U.S. MINT SEEKING OFFERS ON COPPER, NICKEL The U.S. Mint said it is seeking offers on 3,701,000 lbs of electrolytic copper and 629,000 lbs of electrolytic cut nickel cathodes or briquettes that it intends to purchase. It said both metals are for delivery in the week of May 11 to Olin Corp, East Alton, Ill. Offers for the copper are due by 1100 hrs EDT, April 21, while offers on the nickel are due at 1100 hrs EDT on April 14. The Mint said that firms, in submitting their offers, select to receive payment by standard check or be wire transfer. Awards are determined by whichever of the two methods is most cost advantageous, based on the cost of money at that time. The minimum acceptance periods for each solicitation is three calendar days for the copper and 10 calendar days for the nickel, the Mint said.