EU Plans Broad Waste Export Ban to Non-OECD Countries, Raising Risks for Copper Scrap Trade

Chile's Caserones copper-molybdenum mine was previously affected by extreme winter weather, experiencing two winter storms that disrupted power supply and site access, causing an actual impact on mine production. The impact of this event has now carried over from a short-term operational disruption into full-year output expectations: Lundin Mining subsequently lowered its full-year copper production guidance for Caserones from the original 130,000–140,000 tonnes to 120,000–130,000 tonnes. By-product molybdenum output is expected to come under pressure in tandem, though a specific molybdenum production guidance figure has not yet been separately disclosed.

Guyana’s Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce has warned the domestic scrap-metal industry following a recent case involving stolen copper, illegal purchasing and attempted movement of the material. Licensed dealers found handling illegally obtained copper will face immediate licence cancellation and possible prosecution. More importantly, the government warned that if illegal practices persist, it could take steps to shut down the scrap-metal trade altogether. No blanket ban has been introduced yet, but the statement signals a notable regulatory risk for Guyana’s copper scrap trade.