Copper Rookie Looks to Glencore and Chinese for Downstream Dream
- Ecuador intends to choose refinery developer by year-end
- Japanese companies are also among would-be plant developers
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Ecuadorian officials have held talks with several foreign companies about the possibility of building a copper refinery as the smallest OPEC member looks to reduce its dependence on oil, the mining minister said.
Chinese and Japanese companies and Glencore Plc “could be among those interested in the project,” Rebeca Illescas said Thursday. The government intends to choose companies in the coming months and sign contracts by year-end. A Glencore spokesman declined to comment.