CAPITAL MARKETS

Markets, copper miners upbeat

Demand pushed average price up 27% in 2017

Staff reporter

This article is 7 years old. Images might not display.

The copper cash price was US$6,937.50 per tonne, about $1,100/t higher than at this point last year.

On the S&P500, copper producer Freeport-McMoRan closed up 3.13% and in London, Antofagasta (LN:ANTO) gained 2.8%.

Continuing the theme, Nevsun Resources (CN:NSU) and First Quantum Minerals (CN:FM) were up 3.07% and 2.17% respectively in Toronto.

In Australian trade, copper-gold company Sandfire Resources (AU:SFR) closed almost 3.3% higher today and BHP (AU:BHP) rose more than 2%.

The rate of copper mines under construction in China might accelerate if metal prices continue to climb on rising demand, Bloomberg Intelligence reported.

It said the average copper price in 2017 was 27% higher than a year earlier, mainly due to rising demand from China's growing power grid and electric vehicles.

Consensus estimates the average 2018 copper price would be $6,832/t, Bloomberg said.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Journal Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Journal Intelligence team.

editions

Mining Journal Intelligence: Investor Sentiment Report 2025

Exclusive insights into the plans, priorities and preferences of 130+ mining investors and top factors influencing investment decisions in 2025.

editions

Mining Journal Intelligence World Risk Report 2024 (feat. MineHutte ratings)

A detailed analysis of mining investment risks across 117 jurisdictions globally, assessed across six risk categories and an industrywide survey.

editions

ESG Mining Company Index: Benchmarking the Future of Sustainable Mining

The ESG Mining Company Index report provides an in-depth evaluation of ESG performance of 61 of the world's largest mining companies. Using a robust framework, it assesses each company across 9 meticulously weighted indicators within 6 essential pillars.

editions

Mining Journal Intelligence Global Leadership Report 2024: Net Zero

Gain insights into decarbonisation trends and strategies from interviews with 20+ top mining executives and experts plus an industrywide survey.