Copper’s $149 Billion Mine Pipeline Stalls as Deficit Nears
- Lack of financing to scarcity of water delaying mine projects
- Prolonged low price remains top risk to keeping supply ample
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The $149 billion pipeline to expand the world’s copper supply is running into trouble.
Producers are counting on expansions and the development of new operations to meet supply shortages they forecast arriving toward the end of the decade. The plans are fraying as reluctant lenders, political wrangling, technical obstacles and a lack of water and electricity push back project deadlines from Papua New Guinea to Peru.