Spot TC/RCs expected to rise if strike hits Altonorte

Dec 12, 2006 | 08:38 AM | Sean Barry

A potential strike at Xstrata Plc's Altonorte copper smelter in Chile could release more copper concentrates onto the market and raise spot treatment and refining charges (TC/RCs), according to traders.

Spot TC/RCs have increased steadily in recent weeks as miners run down inventory ahead of the end of the year in order to balance their books.

"If production at Altonorte is hit then it will release even more units onto the market and give prices a boost," one concentrates trader said. "There's been a lot of nearby material coming out over the last two months because of the year-end and the stock run down. Smelters are already well covered for concentrates."....





Latest Pricing Trends

Poll

Do you think steel mills will succeed in their efforts to stop selling at a discount to the CRU index?

Yes
No
It’s too early to tell


View previous results

AMM Events


Quote

This whole thing is becoming a game of smoke.

Midwest service center