Global Copper mine production advances on higher output in Chile

Global copper mine production is estimated to have increased by around 3.5% in January 2018, with concentrate production rising by 3.7% and solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX-EW) by 3%, according to International Copper Study Group (ICSG).

The increase in world copper mine production, which amounted to 60,000 t copper, was mainly due to a 6% rise in Chile, the world’s biggest copper mine producing country, where concentrate output increased by 9% with SX-EW production remaining essentially



unchanged.

A recovery in SX-EW production in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia. Higher production in Indonesia and China.

Although no major supply disruptions occurred in January, overallgrowth was partially offset by lower output at some mines inCanada (-11%), Peru (-4%) and the United States (-12%).

On a regional basis, mine production is estimated to have increased by around 15% in both Africa and Asia, in Europe by 3%while remaining essentially unchanged in the Americas and Oceania.