【Flash | Centinela Molybdenum Output Rises Despite Lower Copper Output; Strike Impact Remains Unclear】

Los Pelambres produced 2,000 metric tonnes of contained molybdenum in the third quarter of 2026, down 13.0% from the preceding quarter. Nine-month output fell 23.9% year on year to 6,700 metric tonnes. Molybdenum grade declined to 0.018% from 0.019%, while recovery fell to 76.5% from 81.4%. Sales decreased 24.0% to 1,900 metric tonnes. Copper production rose 17.5% as inventories were released, but molybdenum did not recover, highlighting continuing grade and recovery constraints. The figures are on a 100% mine basis, not Antofagasta’s 60% attributable share or physical concentrate mass.

Antofagasta plc reported third-quarter contained-molybdenum production of 2,900 metric tonnes, down 6.5% from the preceding quarter. Output for the first nine months of 2026 fell 21.1% year on year to 9,000 metric tonnes, principally because of lower molybdenum grades at Los Pelambres. The average market price rose 11.5% quarter on quarter to 33.0 United States dollars per pound, while the realised price increased 3.8% to 35.7 United States dollars per pound. Production is reported on a 100% mine basis for Los Pelambres and Centinela, not Antofagasta’s attributable share or physical concentrate mass.

[Indonesia] Slab prices are stable at USD 480/metric ton FOB, after falling by USD 8/metric ton on Monday (October 12, 2026) and a further USD 2/metric ton on Tuesday. The market has turned sluggish again. Demand is absent, and mills lack the bargaining power to raise prices, so offers have stayed flat over the past two days. Prices are unlikely to hold at this level, since shipments are scheduled for January 2027. With buyers in no hurry to commit, the only way mills can stay competitive is to lower prices again, which could also bring in buyers. If demand does not return soon, further cuts are likely in the coming days.