Dec. 21 (Bloomberg) -- Copper processing fee talks between Chinese smelter operators and overseas miners are stalled amid diverging price expectations, 21st Century Business Herald reported, citing Jiangxi Copper Co.

Overseas miners insisted on $43 a metric ton to have ore smelted whereas Chinese producers asked for $60, the Chinese language newspaper said, citing Jiangxi Chief Financial Officer Gan Chengjiu. Chinese smelters need a fee of $66 to break even, 21st Century cited Gan as saying.

Jiangxi is leading a team of Chinese smelter operators in talks with miners including BHP Billiton Ltd. for annual fees for next year, it said.