Copper concentrate treatment and refining charges (TC/RCs) dropped in the first half of February after traders purchased nearby tonnages from mines at increasingly competitive levels and smelters eased off buying ahead of New Year holidays in Asia.

Metals prices on the London Metal Exchange are generally firmer this morning, Thursday February 15, with the complex up by an average of 0.5%.

Good morning from Metal Bulletin’s office in Singapore as we bring you the latest news and pricing stories on Thursday February 15.

Base metals traded on the London Metal Exchange were broadly higher during Asian morning trading on Thursday February 15, though trading remained subdued with Chinese participants out for the week-long Lunar New Year break.

The latest news and price moves to start the Asian day on Thursday February 15.

Chinese cobalt powder producer Hanrui Cobalt recorded a surge in net profit in 2017, with the company benefitting from the higher prices for cobalt witnessed during the year.

Growing liquidity in the CME Group’s No. 1 busheling ferrous scrap futures contract is encouraging, and indicates some maturity in metals risk management, a CME executive said in an interview.

Base metals on the London Metal Exchange are recovering again this morning, Tuesday February 13, with prices up by an average of 0.7%. Copper ($6,924 per tonne) and nickel lead the way with gains of 0.9%, while lead is the laggard with a 0.3% increase.

Good morning from Metal Bulletin’s offices in Shanghai as we bring you the latest news and pricing stories on Tuesday February 13.

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were broadly stronger during Asian morning trading on Tuesday February 13, with nickel prices leading on the upside with a gain of 0.8%, while lead (-0.3%) was the only metal to lose ground.