Global Copper Smelting Activity Increases in July Following Maintenance Restarts

Global copper smelting activity saw a boost in July as several smelters resumed operations following maintenance, according to data from satellite surveillance firm Earth-i. The company, which tracks up to 90% of global smelting capacity through its SAVANT service, reported that an average of 17.1% of global copper smelter capacity was inactive in July, down from nearly 20% in June.

The decline in inactivity was primarily driven by China, where several smelters restarted after maintenance closures. By the end of July, smelter inactivity in China had decreased to 9.9%, down from 12.4% earlier in the month.

Specific facilities that resumed output in China include the Chifeng Jintong and Fubang plants. Additionally, in Germany, the Hamburg smelter owned by Aurubis, one of the largest in the country, also returned to production after completing maintenance.