Copper Prices Weaken, Transactions Recover, Spot Discounts Continue to Narrow [SMM North China Spot Copper]

Barrick Mining said it has safely evacuated workers who had been stranded at its Barriales camp in northern Chile after severe storms blocked road access. The company said all evacuated personnel are in good health. Rescue operations began on Friday and resumed on Saturday after weather conditions improved enough to allow helicopter flights. Chile’s Economy and Mining Minister Daniel Mas also confirmed the successful evacuation. Barrick said it will keep a helicopter available to local authorities until July 29 to support further rescue and logistics operations. Three workers remain at the Potrerillos camp while access roads are being cleared. Barrick said they have adequate electricity, water and food and remain safe and in good health. The severe storms have killed more than a dozen people and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. Earlier rescue efforts had been delayed by poor weather and blocked roads.

American Mineral Resources (AMR) is expanding a geographically diversified portfolio of mining projects as it prepares for a planned Nasdaq listing, arguing that access to financing has become one of the biggest challenges facing junior mining companies. The company currently holds polymetallic, placer gold and silver projects across seven jurisdictions, including Quebec, British Columbia, Yukon, Chile, New Zealand, Western Australia and Tanzania. AMR said the diversified portfolio helps reduce permitting and development risks while balancing projects at different stages of advancement. AMR also highlighted Canada's flow-through share financing system as a key advantage for junior miners. The company noted that while U.S. capital markets remain heavily focused on artificial intelligence and technology investments, many mining companies continue to raise exploration funding in Canada before pursuing a Nasdaq listing

[SMM Analysis: High-end Copper Foil Import Demand Remains Firm in June, Export Substitution Dividend Continues] According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China's imports of copper foil (HS codes: 74101100, 74102190) in June 2026 stood at 8,509.40 mt, up 37.79% YoY and up 19.26% MoM......