With the annual Minor Metals Trade Association conference kicking off on Wednesday April 11 in Montreal, Canada, Metal Bulletin looks at some of the key topics that are influencing the minor metals markets.

Copper mining’s lack of investment in new projects is nothing new, but with executives gathering for the annual Cesco Copper Week in Santiago, Chile, the industry is beginning to scope out capital expenditure (capex) opportunities and could be on the verge of a boom in acquisitions.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange are for the most part stronger this morning, Monday April 9. Zinc is the exception with a 0.6% decline, while the rest are up between 2.8% for aluminium ($2,113 per tonne) and 0.2% for tin. Copper prices are up by 1.1% at $6,831 per tonne.

Base metals traded on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were broadly lower during Asian morning trading on Monday April 9, with risk-off sentiment in the market pressuring prices lower.

An environment of improved copper prices is unlikely to lead to the irrational exuberance of the previous commodities bull run, with harsh lessons learned and still at the forefront of minds, the head of Anglo American’s copper business said.

Chilean copper producer Codelco has reached an agreement with unionized workers at its Radomiro Tomic division for a new labor contract, thereby avoiding the risk of a strike action.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange are for the most part weaker this morning, Friday April 6, following further announcements from the White House of increased tariffs against China.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were mostly lower during Asian morning trading on Friday April 6 after United States President Donald Trump said he has instructed his administration to consider $100 billion in additional tariffs against China.

The latest news and price moves to start the Asian day on Friday April 6.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange are mixed this morning, Thursday April 5. The main movers are nickel, with prices up by 0.6% at $13,230 per tonne, and zinc where prices are down by 0.5% at $3,237 per tonne. Copper prices are up by 0.1% at $6,721 per tonne.