The effect of the fatal rock burst at Codelco’s flagship El Teniente mine will be greater than initially expected, with copper production losses now forecast to reach 48,000 tonnes in 2025, the Chilean producer’s chairman has said.

Abu Dhabi’s IRH Trading is accelerating its copper trading expansion, targeting 1 million tonnes per year by 2030. Backed by strategic mining assets in Africa and sovereign capital, the company aims to strengthen its global presence in metals trading while fostering long-term partnerships.

The International Trade Centre and Global Battery Alliance have partnered to advance digital infrastructure and develop frameworks for battery passport certification. The initiative supports global standards for sustainability, transparency and traceability across the battery value chain.

Geology not ideology: Why collaboration is key in the critical minerals supply chain

LME zinc stocks have fallen to their lowest levels since April 2023 but traders suggest the withdrawals are driven more by warehouse activity and speculation than genuine demand. Meanwhile, Europe’s sluggish consumption contrasts with swelling inventories in China.

Freeport-McMoRan has declared force majeure at its Grasberg mine in Indonesia following a fatal incident, with copper and gold output expected to fall 35% in 2026. The company projects a gradual recovery, with operations potentially returning to pre-incident levels in 2027.

The European Union is expected to delay the implementation of its Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) law for a second time, following a statement made by the environment commissioner, Jessica Roswall, on Tuesday September 23.

Steel imports into Brazil are expected to decline further as Chinese tax changes and weak domestic demand weigh on the market. With interest rates at two-decade highs, both imports and local production are under pressure, though 2026 could bring short-term recovery tied to election-year stimulus.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has introduced cobalt export quotas following the suspension period, setting limits on shipments while outlining future allocations. The policy is designed to balance global supply and demand while supporting the country’s ambition to develop domestic processing capacity.

Mexico will impose tariffs on around 1,400 imported products from countries with which it does not have a trade agreement, according to Mexican government officials, in a move that industry sources say signals alignment with the US but could have “mixed effects” for the steel industry.