Anglo American (LON: AAL) and Chile’s state-owned copper miner Codelco have sealed a landmark deal to jointly operate their neighbouring mines in central Chile, unlocking at least $5 billion in value.

Anglo American (LON: AAL) and Teck Resources’ (TSX: TECK.A, TECK.B)(NYSE: TECK) planned $53 billion merger could create the world’s largest copper mine by the early 2030s, surpassing BHP’s Escondida in Chile, according to analysts.

Analyzing Market Strategies to Position for and Drive Up September Copper Prices

[SMM Analysis:The upward trend in smelting acid prices has persisted for over half a year, with further room for growth expected in the fourth quarter.] Will the upward trend continue into the fourth quarter? The answer is yes. On the supply side, ten smelters are scheduled for maintenance in the fourth quarter, affecting 2.7 million tons of crude smelting capacity, which will significantly limit smelting acid supply. Additionally, recent shutdowns of small acid plants in southwestern China have tightened acid sources.On the demand side, winter fertilizer preparation needs will gradually emerge in the fourth quarter, stimulating demand for smelting acid. Moreover, recent renewed increases in sulfur prices have bolstered demand for smelting acid as a substitute for sulfur-based acid. Finally, at the end of August, the EU revoked the carcinogenic label for titanium dioxide, which is expected to benefit China's titanium dioxide export demand.

Data released by Chilean Customs showed that Chile's copper exports totaled 176,430 mt in August, with 44,803 mt shipped to China during the same month.