[SMM data] China's electrolytic copper production fell sharply in May compared with the previous month, but it recovered in June but is still down from the same period last year.

Published: Jun 10, 2019 09:00

SMM6, 10 May-SMM China's electrolytic copper production in May 2019 was 633500 tons, down 10.33 percent from the previous month and 15.23 percent from the same period last year. From January to May, the cumulative output was 3.5469 million tons, down 1.57 percent from the same period last year. The output in May was lower than expected, mainly due to the sudden failure of the Chifeng Jinfeng acid system and the local security inspection of Wuxin in Xinjiang, and the copper industry in eastern Shandong was damaged by the joint guarantee incident.

The increase in maintenance and the release of new expansion capacity are the main reasons for limiting production growth this year. According to SMM statistics, the output affected by maintenance from January to May is close to 192000 tons for the whole of last year. Up to now, the capacity utilization rate of Chinalco Ningde is less than 80%. The refeeding time of Guangxi Nanguo Copper Industry has been moved back to late June, and the Chifeng Jinfeng Phase I project will not be officially fed until around 18 May. The whole new expansion project has been put into production and the time to reach production has shifted backward. The reclaimed copper smelter in operation has also experienced a decline in capacity utilization because of the narrowing of the price difference between scrap copper and refined copper.

In June, the output of copper industry in eastern Shandong is still difficult to recover, Zhongyuan gold smelter, Qingyuanjiang copper, rich metallurgy group, purple gold copper and other smelters have maintenance arrangements; In addition, some smelters said that due to the shortage of scrap copper and copper concentrate, due consideration will be given to extending maintenance time and reducing production. According to production schedules, production will return to 704900 tons in June due to the end of centralized maintenance in May, still down 2.43 per cent from the same period last year, and 4.2518 million tons in the first half of 2019, a cumulative decrease of 1.72 per cent.

"[investment must see] Trade friction news flying all over the metal how to win in chaos?

"Click to enter the registration page

Scan QR code and apply to join SMM metal exchange group, please indicate company + name + main business

 

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
Anglo Asian Reports Q2 Production Surge, Maintains Full-Year Guidance
5 hours ago
Anglo Asian Reports Q2 Production Surge, Maintains Full-Year Guidance
Read More
Anglo Asian Reports Q2 Production Surge, Maintains Full-Year Guidance
Anglo Asian Reports Q2 Production Surge, Maintains Full-Year Guidance
Data released on Wednesday by Anglo Asian, a producer of copper, gold and silver, showed that its copper production in Q2 this year increased 27% QoQ to 5,129 mt, a sharp 87% YoY increase.In the quarter, its gold production rose 3.4% QoQ to 6,272 ounces, up 2.9% YoY; silver production was 50,059 ounces, up 36% YoY.All of the company’s operations are located in Azerbaijan.Anglo Asian stated that it maintains its full-year production guidance, targeting copper production of 20,000-25,000 mt, gold production in the range of 28,000-33,000 ounces, and silver production between 170,000-210,000 ounces.
5 hours ago
First Quantum Considers Selling Stake in Taca Taca Copper Mine Amid Global Supply Rush
5 hours ago
First Quantum Considers Selling Stake in Taca Taca Copper Mine Amid Global Supply Rush
Read More
First Quantum Considers Selling Stake in Taca Taca Copper Mine Amid Global Supply Rush
First Quantum Considers Selling Stake in Taca Taca Copper Mine Amid Global Supply Rush
First Quantum Minerals is considering selling a minority stake in its Taca Taca copper mine project in Argentina. The move comes as major global mining companies and strategic investors race to secure future copper supply.According to US media reports, the company has initiated this potential sale process.Potential bidders include Japan's Mitsubishi Corp. and Mitsui & Co., among others.
5 hours ago
Oyu Tolgoi Boosts H1 2026 CuEq Output, Rio Tinto Lowers Cost Guidance Amid Mixed Q2 Production
5 hours ago
Oyu Tolgoi Boosts H1 2026 CuEq Output, Rio Tinto Lowers Cost Guidance Amid Mixed Q2 Production
Read More
Oyu Tolgoi Boosts H1 2026 CuEq Output, Rio Tinto Lowers Cost Guidance Amid Mixed Q2 Production
Oyu Tolgoi Boosts H1 2026 CuEq Output, Rio Tinto Lowers Cost Guidance Amid Mixed Q2 Production
H1 2026 copper equivalent (CuEq) production was up 3% YoY. The Oyu Tolgoi ramp-up plan progressed steadily, with H1 output up 31% YoY.Overall copper production in Q2 was 213,000 mt, down 7% both QoQ and YoY, mainly due to lower output from Rio Tinto’s Kennecott and Escondida mines.Additionally, the 2026 copper C1 net unit cost guidance was lowered to 30-50¢/lb (previously 65-75¢/lb).Aluminum business, the supply chain performed steadily, and bauxite recovered strongly. Q2 aluminum production rose 1% QoQ to 840,000 mt; bauxite production rose 14% QoQ to 15.2 million mt.
5 hours ago
[SMM data] China's electrolytic copper production fell sharply in May compared with the previous month, but it recovered in June but is still down from the same period last year. - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)