Fastmarkets proposes to increase the frequency of two copper concentrates index coefficients - MB-CU-0422 copper concentrates counterparty spread and MB-CU-0423 copper concentrates Co-VIU - from a monthly basis to fortnightly.

Fastmarkets invited feedback from the industry on the pricing methodology for its International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO)-audited non-ferrous metals, via an open consultation process between October 8 and November 7, 2024. This consultation was done as part of our published annual methodology review process.

Unprecedented supply tightness and record low treatment and refining charges (TC/RCs) are likely to challenge copper smelters in 2025 – even more than in 2024, sources told Fastmarkets.

Copper concentrate treatment charges (TCs) are expected to remain low in 2025, with the market likely to remain tight, sources from across the industry told Fastmarkets.

Fastmarkets is inviting feedback from the industry on the methodology for its audited non-ferrous price assessments and indices, as part of its announced annual methodology review process.

Freeport-McMoRan is in the process of ramping up its new copper smelter in Gresik, Indonesia, in a move that has seen the company switch away from being a marketer of concentrates as it becomes a fully integrated producer in the country, the company's chief executive officer Kathleen Quirk told Fastmarkets in an interview during the London Metal Exchange (LME) Week 2024.

The copper concentrates market was suffering from a dislocation that would probably lead to smelting cuts, the chairman of Chilean state-owned producer Codelco has said.

New mining frontiers were emerging but, ahead of the London Metal Exchange’s LME Week event, industry executives have warned of a supply squeeze, with regulatory hurdles and the costs of being ‘green’ hindering the production of copper and other critical minerals

As copper prices reach record highs and analysts warn of 'unsustainable deficits', we explore the key trends shaping the copper market

As copper prices reach record highs and analysts warn of 'unsustainable deficits', we explore the key trends shaping the copper market