China’s metals body has urged Beijing to curb new Copper, Zinc, and Lead smelting projects, warning that record-low processing fees and industry overcapacity threaten market stability.
"China’s main metals association has called on policymakers to impose limits on new Copper, Zinc, and Lead smelting capacity as the country grapples with mounting domestic competition and historically low processing fees."
"The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association submitted proposals to the central government recommending strict controls on new Copper projects, as treatment and refining charges fall to record lows amid overcapacity. If carried out, this would mark China’s most substantial intervention in the base metals markets since capping aluminium production in 2017."