Chinese Copper Smelters Call for Blending Copper Concentrates at Ports

SHANGHAI, Mar. 11 (SMM) – It was reported that China’s copper industry proposed that government allow the blending of copper concentrate imports in special administrative areas at ports. 

SMM expects it will be a matter of time for such approval.  

“Demand for imports of blended ore is strong in China, especially after production cuts or closures at domestic copper mines, and falling grade of imported ore at overseas mines,” SMM copper analyst says. 

At present, Chinese smelters choose to import more concentrates that are mixed with higher arsenic ores and standard ones from overseas ore blending plants, SMM learns, since they are not allowed to import concentrates with arsenic content above 0.5 percent. 

TC/RCs for blended ores are typically higher than those for standard-grade ones.

The prohibition of concentrate imports for high levels of arsenic is an environmental concern of the government, but it will be more direct and effective by restricting arsenic emissions at domestic copper smelters, SMM observes. 

Moreover, several ore blending projects are reported in China. One private smelter in Shandong built one blending plant, but the plant was closed for some reason. But, another one in Fujian is now under construction. 

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