SHANGHAI Apr. 27 (CBI China)--Jiangxi Copper, one of China's top producers, announced on April 19th that it will increase copper production by 25% YoY, from 440,000mt in 2006 to 550,000mt in 2007.

    The rapid growth in production is mainly attributed to the 300,000mt p.a. copper expansion project begun in December 2005. The new copper plant is scheduled to come online in mid-2007.  Production should continue to increase in 2H07, reaching an annual output level of  550,000mt.

    The majority of other domestic green-field expansion projects that were expected to come online in 2H07 will likely be delayed due to declining treatment and refining charges (TC/RC).