Copper concentrate TCs remain at low levels

Published: Apr 17, 2018 15:04 (GMT+8)

Save

Trading in the imported copper concentrate market was thin during the week ended April 13 as smelters held back purchasing on the relatively low treatment charges (TCs).

SHANGHAI, Apr 17 (SMM) – Trading in the imported copper concentrate market was thin during the week ended April 13 as smelters held back purchasing on the relatively low treatment charges (TCs).

SMM assessed clean copper concentrate TCs at $70-76/mt as of Friday April 13, down $0.5/mt from a week ago.

The copper concentrate market remains in a tight balance even though impact of strikes at overseas mines eased. Antofagasta’s Los Pelambres copper mine and Codelco’s two copper mines reached an agreement with their workers in March and April. The labour negotiation at Escondida also progressed positively.

However, domestic mines to be commissioned in the second quarter including Jinchang, Jincheng Mining and Western Mining in Qinghai province may give some pressure to the market.

For editorial queries, please contact Daisy Tseng at daisy@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please email service.en@smm.cn

copper concentrate TCs

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

Sep 26, 2026 01:38 (GMT+8)

Peru sees 1 million t/y copper output boost within five to six years

Peru's Energy and Mines Minister Guillermo Shinno said the country expects to add about 1 million tonnes of annual copper production within five to six years through new mining projects. The world's third-largest copper producer anticipates 2026 output of 2.5 to 2.7 million tonnes, roughly unchanged from 2023 as declining ore grades and recurring social conflicts weigh on supply. The newly elected government is seeking to reverse that stagnation by cutting red tape; in the two months since taking office, mining companies have stepped up engagement with the ministry. Shinno said officials have identified 27 permits that could be eliminated from roughly 100 mining-sector requirements, without lowering environmenta

Sep 26, 2026 01:38 (GMT+8)

Sep 25, 2026 20:26 (GMT+8)

India copper producers seek GST cut as record prices raise working-capital burden

Indian copper producers are seeking a GST cut to 5% from 18%, citing rising working-capital requirements amid record-high copper prices.

Sep 25, 2026 20:26 (GMT+8)

Sep 25, 2026 16:43 (GMT+8)

Sulphuric Acid Shortage Emerges as a Constraint on Zambia’s Copper Growth

Zambia’s sulphuric acid shortage is becoming a growing constraint on copper production and refining. Jubilee Metals reported acid costs rising by more than 200% in Q4 FY2026, while Sable cathode output fell to 250 t from 361 t in Q3. Government data also showed small-scale copper production down 35.2% YoY in H1 2026, highlighting the sector’s exposure to tight acid availability and higher processing costs.

Sep 25, 2026 16:43 (GMT+8)